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Power Financial Corp

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FY2010 Annual Report · Power Financial Corp
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ANNUAL REPORT 2010

GREAT-WEST LIFECO 

GREAT-WEST LIFE  +  LONDON LIFE  +  CANADA LIFE

GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY  +  PUTNAM 

IGM FINANCIAL 

INVESTORS GROUP  +  MACKENZIE

PARGESA

THE PHOTOGRAPHS IN THIS ANNUAL REPORT 

ON THE COVER

HIGHLIGHT EXAMPLES OF ARCHITECTURE IN SEVERAL 

OF THE COUNTRIES IN WHICH POWER FINANCIAL 

GROUP COMPANIES ARE PRESENT.

This Annual Report is designed to provide 
interested shareholders and other interested 
persons with selected information concerning 
Power Financial Corporation. For further 
information concerning the Corporation, 
share holders and other interested persons 
should consult the Corporation’s disclosure 
documents such as its Annual Information 
Form and Management’s Discussion and 
Analysis of Operating Results. Copies of 
the Corporation’s continuous disclosure 
documents can be obtained at www.sedar.com, 
on the Corporation’s Web site at  
www.powerfinancial.com or from the 
Office of the Secretary at the addresses 
shown at the end of this report.

Readers should also review the note further 
in this report, in the Review of Financial 
Performance section, concerning the use of 
Forward-Looking Statements, which applies 
to the entirety of this Annual Report.

In addition, selected information concerning 
the business, operations, financial condition, 
priorities, ongoing objectives, strategies 
and outlook of Power Financial Corporation’s 
subsidiaries and investment at equity is derived 
from public information published by such 
subsidiaries and investment at equity and 
is provided here for the convenience of the 
shareholders of Power Financial Corporation. 
For further information concerning such 
subsidiaries and investment at equity, 
shareholders and other interested persons 
should consult the Web sites of, and other 
publicly available information published by, 
such subsidiaries and investment at equity.

The selected performance measures shown on 
pages 2, 3, 5, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 22, 24, 
25 and 26 are as of December 31, 2010 unless 
otherwise noted.

MONTREAL MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS,  

JEAN-NOËL DESMARAIS PAVILION

MONTRÉAL, QUÉBEC, CANADA

PHOTOGRAPHY © ANDRÉ RIDER / 2M2 AGENCY

PAGE 7

GRANDE BIBLIOTHÈQUE

MONTRÉAL, QUÉBEC, CANADA

PHOTOGRAPHY © ANDRÉ RIDER / 2M2 AGENCY

PAGE 15

DENVER ART MUSEUM,  

FREDERIC C. HAMILTON BUILDING

DENVER, COLORADO, UNITED STATES

PHOTOGRAPHY © ERNIE SANTELLA

PAGE 19

THE GREAT COURT, BRITISH MUSEUM

LONDON, ENGLAND

© THE TRUSTEES OF THE BRITISH MUSEUM

PAGE 23

UNION STATION
WINNIPEG, MANITOBA, CANADA

PHOTOGRAPHY © DEZENE HUBER

PAGE 27

LA GRANDE ARCHE

PARIS, FRANCE

© JOHAN OTTO VON SPRECKELSEN

PHOTOGRAPHY © MASTERFILE

The following abbreviations are 
used throughout this report: Power 
Financial Corporation (Power Financial 
or the Corporation); Great-West 
Life & Annuity Insurance Company 
(Great-West Life & Annuity or GWL&A); 
Great-West Lifeco Inc. (Great-West Lifeco 
or Lifeco); Groupe Bruxelles Lambert (GBL); 
IGM Financial Inc. (IGM Financial or IGM); 
Imerys S.A. (Imerys); Investment Planning 
Counsel Inc. (Investment Planning Counsel); 
Investors Group Inc. (Investors Group); 
Lafarge S.A. (Lafarge); London Life Insurance 
Company (London Life); Mackenzie Financial 
Corporation (Mackenzie Financial or 
Mackenzie); Pargesa Holding SA (Pargesa); 
Parjointco N.V. (Parjointco); Pernod Ricard S.A. 
(Pernod Ricard); Power Corporation of 
Canada (Power Corporation); Putnam 
Investments, LLC (Putnam Investments 
or Putnam); Suez Environnement Company 
(Suez Environnement); The Canada 
Life Assurance Company (Canada Life); 
The Great-West Life Assurance Company 
(Great-West Life); Total S.A. (Total). In addition, 
Canadian GAAP or GAAP refers to Canadian 
generally accepted accounting principles, while 
EBITDA is the abbreviation used herein for 
earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation 
and amortization. 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
[in millions of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts]

Revenues 

Operating earnings 
Operating earnings per common share 
Net earnings 
Net earnings per common share
Dividends declared per common share 

Total assets 
Total assets and assets under management 

Shareholders’ equity 
Book value per common share 
Common shares outstanding (in millions)

2010 

32,427

1,733
2.31
1,584
2.10
1.40

143,255
490,839

13,184
15.79
708.0

2009

32,697

1,533
2.05
1,439
1.92
1.40

140,231
471,775

13,207
16.27
705.7

The  Corporation  uses  operating  earnings  as  a  performance  measure  in  analysing  its  financial  performance.  For  a  discussion  of  the 
Corporation’s use of non-GAAP financial measures, please refer to the Review of Financial Performance section in this Annual Report.

TA B L E   O F   CO N T EN T S

F I N A N C I A L   H I G H L I G H T S 

G R O U P   O R G A N I Z AT I O N   C H A R T 

B U S I N E S S   S U M M A R Y 

D I R E C T O R S ’   R E P O R T   T O   S H A R E H O L D E R S 

G R E AT- W E S T   L I F E C O

G R E AT- W E S T   L I F E ,   L O N D O N   L I F E ,   C A N A D A   L I F E 

C A N A D A   L I F E — E U R O P E

G R E AT- W E S T   L I F E   &   A N N U I T Y 

P U T N A M   I N V E S T M E N T S 

1

2

4

6

14

16

18

2 0

2 1

I G M   F I N A N C I A L 

I N V E S T O R S   G R O U P 

M A C K E N Z I E   F I N A N C I A L 

P A R G E S A   G R O U P 

R E V I E W   O F   F I N A N C I A L   P E R F O R M A N C E 

F I N A N C I A L   S TAT E M E N T S   A N D   N O T E S 

F I V E - Y E A R   F I N A N C I A L   S U M M A R Y 

B O A R D   O F   D I R E C T O R S 

O F F I C E R S 

C O R P O R AT E   I N F O R M AT I O N 

2 2

24

2 5

26

29

47

89

9 0

91

92

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

1

GROUP ORGANIZATION CHART

POWER FINANCIAL

< 4.0%

68.3%

GREAT‑WEST 
LIFECO

2010 OPERATING 
EARNINGS  
ATTRIBUTABLE 
TO COMMON 
SHAREHOLDERS
$1,861 MILLION

2010 RETURN ON 
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
16.0%

TOTAL ASSETS UNDER 
ADMINISTRATION
$483.9 BILLION

PUTNAM 
INVESTMENTS

GREAT‑WEST 
LIFE & ANNUITY

LONDON LIFE

CANADA LIFE

GREAT‑WEST LIFE

Power Financial Corporation is a diversified management and holding 
company that has interests, directly or indirectly, in companies in the 
financial services sector in Canada, the United States and Europe. It also 
has substantial holdings in a diversified industrial group based in Europe.

2

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

CORPORATION

57.0%

IGM  
FINANCIAL

2010 OPERATING 
EARNINGS AVAILABLE 
TO COMMON 
SHAREHOLDERS
$734 MILLION

2010 RETURN ON 
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY 
17.0%

TOTAL ASSETS  
UNDER MANAGEMENT
$129.5 BILLION

3.5% >

50.0%

PARJOINTCO

54.1%

PARGESA

2010 OPERATING 
EARNINGS
SF464.8 MILLION

NET ASSET VALUE
SF8.4 BILLION

INVESTORS 
GROUP

MACKENZIE 
FINANCIAL

94.2%

INVESTMENT  
PLANNING 
COUNSEL

50.0% >

GROUPE 
BRUXELLES 
LAMBERT

GDF SUEZ

< 5.2%

TOTAL

< 4.0%

LAFARGE

< 21.1%

25.6% >

IMERYS

< 30.7%

PERNOD RICARD

< 9.9%

SUEZ 
ENVIRONNEMENT

< 7.1%

Companies are wholly owned unless otherwise noted. 

Percentages denote participating equity interest as at December 31, 2010.

Operating earnings is a non‑GAAP financial measure.

Return on shareholders’ equity is calculated using operating earnings.

2010 
OPERATING  
EARNINGS

$1,733
MILLION

2010 RETURN ON  
SHAREHOLDERS’  
EQUITY

TOTAL ASSETS  
AND ASSETS UNDER  
MANAGEMENT

TOTAL ASSETS  
UNDER  
ADMINISTRATION

14.6%

$490.8
BILLION

$613.4
BILLION

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

3

BUSINESS SUMMARY

GREAT‑WEST 
LIFECO 

GREAT‑WEST LIFE

LONDON LIFE

FREEDOM 55 FINANCIAL™

CANADA LIFE

GREAT‑WEST LIFE & 
ANNUITY

PUTNAM  
INVESTMENTS

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

CANADA >  Life, disability and critical illness insurance for individuals,  

business owners and families

>  Retirement savings and income plans for individuals and groups
>  Fund management, investment and advisory services
>  Comprehensive benefit solutions for small, medium and large employer groups
>  Creditor insurance, including life, disability, job loss and critical illness coverage
>  Life, health, accident and critical illness insurance for members of affinity groups

UNITED 
STATES

>  Employer‑sponsored defined contribution plans
>  Administrative and record‑keeping services for  
financial institutions and retirement plans

>  Fund management, investment and advisory services
>  Individual and business‑owned life insurance, annuities and  

executive benefits products

>  Global asset management in mutual funds and institutional portfolios
>  401(k)s, IRAs, other retirement plans and variable annuities

EUROPE

>  Protection and wealth management products and related services  

in the United Kingdom, the Isle of Man, Ireland and Germany

>  Reinsurance and retrocession business, primarily  

in the United States and European markets

IGM FINANCIAL

INVESTORS GROUP 

MACKENZIE FINANCIAL

INVESTMENT PLANNING COUNSEL

PARGESA 

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

>  Financial advice and planning for individual Canadians
>  Family of exclusive mutual funds with multiple sub‑brands
>  Institutional asset management mandates
>  Insurance, Solutions Banking, mortgage and  

trust company products and services 

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

>  Core shareholder investing in Europe
>  Concentrated positions in a limited number of large  

industrial companies based in Europe

>  Seeking to exercise significant influence or  

control over its investments

4

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

DISTRIBUTION CHANNELS

MARKET POSITION

>  Gold Key financial security advisors associated 

>  Serves the financial security needs of more than 12 million Canadians

with Great‑West Life 

>  26% market share of individual life insurance measured by premium [ 1 ]

>  Freedom 55 Financial™ and Wealth & Estate 

>  26% market share of individual living benefits measured by premium [ 1 ]

Planning Group financial security advisors 

>  26% market share of individual segregated funds [2]

associated with London Life

>  22% market share of group insurance [3] 

>  Independent advisors associated with  

>  20% market share of group capital accumulation plans,  

managing general agencies 

serving 1.2 million member accounts [4]

>  National accounts, including Investors Group

>  Leading market share for creditor insurance revenue premium

>  Great‑West Life group insurance and retirement 

sales and service staff in offices across Canada that 

support independent advisors, brokers and benefit 

consultants distributing its group products

[ 1 ]  As at September 30, 2010 

[ 2 ]  As at December 31, 2010 

[ 3 ]  As at December 31, 2009  

[ 4 ]  As at June 30, 2010; Benefits Canada 2010 CAP report data

>  Brokers, consultants, advisors and 

>  10.9 million U.S. customers 

third‑party administrators

>  Financial institutions 

>  4.4 million U.S. participant accounts in defined contribution plans

>  Putnam earned the No. 1 ranking in the 2009 Lipper/Barron’s Fund Families Survey 

>  Sales and service staff and specialized consultants

based on dramatic gains by individual funds and advancements across the entire 

>  Services institutional and retail clients and 

fund complex, and was again ranked among the top 15 U.S. mutual fund families 

consultants worldwide through joint ventures, 

by Lipper/Barron’s in their 2010 Fund Families report. 

dedicated account management teams and 

>  Over 165,000 advisors distribute Putnam funds

intermediary relationships

>  Independent financial advisors and employee 

U.K. and Isle of Man [ 1 ] 

 33% share of group life market

benefit consultants in the U.K. and Isle of Man

>  Independent brokers and direct sales force in Ireland

>  Independent brokers and multi‑tied agents 

in Germany

>  Independent reinsurance brokers

>  Direct placements

> 

> 

> 

 20% share of group income protection market

 16% share of offshore single premium investment 

> 

 Among the top insurers in payout annuities,  

product market

with 7% market share

Ireland [ 1 ] 

>  Among top six insurers by new business market share

Germany [ 1 ] 

>  Among the top eight in the overall unit‑linked market

>  5% of life assurance market

> 

 Among top ten life reinsurers in the U.S. by assumed business

[ 1 ]  Market shares for Europe as at September 30, 2010

DISTRIBUTION CHANNELS 

MARKET POSITION

>  Investors Group network of 4,686 consultants

>  $129.5 billion in assets under management

>  Mackenzie sales and service for financial advisors 

>  Market‑share leader in long‑term mutual fund assets under management

across all wealth management channels 

>  $24.9 billion in institutional, sub‑advised and other mandates with Mackenzie

(over 30,000 financial advisors)

>  Investment Planning Counsel has over 

900 independent financial planners  

>  Institutional asset management sales force

>  Relationship with Canadian Medical Association

GROUP HOLDINGS

PERFORMANCE RECORD

Lafarge 

> 

 One of the world leaders in cement, aggregates, 

>  Strong and consistent dividend payout;  

concrete and gypsum

  A world leader in industrial minerals

  An international integrated oil and  gas company

$2.5 billion over 15 years

>  Consistent outperformance of relevant  

equity market indices over the long term

  A leading energy provider in electricity and natural gas

>  Fifteen‑year total return to shareholders of 10.2% (SF), 

Suez Environnement 

  An international water and waste management company

compared with 6.9% (SF) for the Swiss SPI index and 

Pernod Ricard 

  The world co‑leader in wines and spirits

7.7% (€) for the French CAC 40 index

Imerys 

Total 

GDF Suez 

> 

> 

> 

> 

> 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GREAT‑WEST 

LIFECO 

GREAT‑WEST LIFE

LONDON LIFE

FREEDOM 55 FINANCIAL™

CANADA LIFE

GREAT‑WEST LIFE & 

ANNUITY

PUTNAM  

INVESTMENTS

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

CANADA >  Life, disability and critical illness insurance for individuals,  

business owners and families

>  Retirement savings and income plans for individuals and groups

>  Fund management, investment and advisory services

>  Comprehensive benefit solutions for small, medium and large employer groups

>  Creditor insurance, including life, disability, job loss and critical illness coverage

>  Life, health, accident and critical illness insurance for members of affinity groups

UNITED 

STATES

>  Employer‑sponsored defined contribution plans

>  Administrative and record‑keeping services for  

financial institutions and retirement plans

>  Fund management, investment and advisory services

>  Individual and business‑owned life insurance, annuities and  

executive benefits products

>  Global asset management in mutual funds and institutional portfolios

>  401(k)s, IRAs, other retirement plans and variable annuities

EUROPE

>  Protection and wealth management products and related services  

in the United Kingdom, the Isle of Man, Ireland and Germany

>  Reinsurance and retrocession business, primarily  

in the United States and European markets

IGM FINANCIAL

INVESTORS GROUP 

MACKENZIE FINANCIAL

INVESTMENT PLANNING COUNSEL

PARGESA 

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

>  Financial advice and planning for individual Canadians

>  Family of exclusive mutual funds with multiple sub‑brands

>  Institutional asset management mandates

>  Insurance, Solutions Banking, mortgage and  

trust company products and services 

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

>  Core shareholder investing in Europe

>  Concentrated positions in a limited number of large  

industrial companies based in Europe

>  Seeking to exercise significant influence or  

control over its investments

DISTRIBUTION CHANNELS

MARKET POSITION

>  Gold Key financial security advisors associated 

with Great‑West Life 

>  Freedom 55 Financial™ and Wealth & Estate 
Planning Group financial security advisors 
associated with London Life

>  Independent advisors associated with  

>  Serves the financial security needs of more than 12 million Canadians
>  26% market share of individual life insurance measured by premium [ 1 ]
>  26% market share of individual living benefits measured by premium [ 1 ]
>  26% market share of individual segregated funds [2]
>  22% market share of group insurance [3] 
>  20% market share of group capital accumulation plans,  

managing general agencies 

serving 1.2 million member accounts [4]

>  National accounts, including Investors Group
>  Great‑West Life group insurance and retirement 

sales and service staff in offices across Canada that 
support independent advisors, brokers and benefit 
consultants distributing its group products

>  Leading market share for creditor insurance revenue premium

[ 1 ]  As at September 30, 2010 
[ 2 ]  As at December 31, 2010 
[ 3 ]  As at December 31, 2009  
[ 4 ]  As at June 30, 2010; Benefits Canada 2010 CAP report data

>  Brokers, consultants, advisors and 

third‑party administrators

>  Financial institutions 
>  Sales and service staff and specialized consultants
>  Services institutional and retail clients and 

consultants worldwide through joint ventures, 
dedicated account management teams and 
intermediary relationships

>  10.9 million U.S. customers 
>  4.4 million U.S. participant accounts in defined contribution plans
>  Putnam earned the No. 1 ranking in the 2009 Lipper/Barron’s Fund Families Survey 
based on dramatic gains by individual funds and advancements across the entire 
fund complex, and was again ranked among the top 15 U.S. mutual fund families 
by Lipper/Barron’s in their 2010 Fund Families report. 

>  Over 165,000 advisors distribute Putnam funds

>  Independent financial advisors and employee 
benefit consultants in the U.K. and Isle of Man

>  Independent brokers and direct sales force in Ireland
>  Independent brokers and multi‑tied agents 

in Germany

>  Independent reinsurance brokers
>  Direct placements

U.K. and Isle of Man [ 1 ] 

> 
> 
> 

> 

 33% share of group life market
 20% share of group income protection market
 16% share of offshore single premium investment 
product market
 Among the top insurers in payout annuities,  
with 7% market share

Ireland [ 1 ] 

Germany [ 1 ] 

>  Among top six insurers by new business market share
>  5% of life assurance market
>  Among the top eight in the overall unit‑linked market

> 

 Among top ten life reinsurers in the U.S. by assumed business

[ 1 ]  Market shares for Europe as at September 30, 2010

DISTRIBUTION CHANNELS 

MARKET POSITION

>  Investors Group network of 4,686 consultants
>  Mackenzie sales and service for financial advisors 

across all wealth management channels 
(over 30,000 financial advisors)

>  Investment Planning Counsel has over 
900 independent financial planners  

>  Institutional asset management sales force
>  Relationship with Canadian Medical Association

>  $129.5 billion in assets under management
>  Market‑share leader in long‑term mutual fund assets under management
>  $24.9 billion in institutional, sub‑advised and other mandates with Mackenzie

GROUP HOLDINGS

Lafarge 

Imerys 
Total 
GDF Suez 
Suez Environnement 
Pernod Ricard 

> 

> 
> 
> 
> 
> 

 One of the world leaders in cement, aggregates, 
concrete and gypsum
  A world leader in industrial minerals
  An international integrated oil and  gas company
  A leading energy provider in electricity and natural gas
  An international water and waste management company
  The world co‑leader in wines and spirits

PERFORMANCE RECORD
>  Strong and consistent dividend payout;  

$2.5 billion over 15 years

>  Consistent outperformance of relevant  
equity market indices over the long term

>  Fifteen‑year total return to shareholders of 10.2% (SF), 
compared with 6.9% (SF) for the Swiss SPI index and 
7.7% (€) for the French CAC 40 index

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DIRECTORS’ REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS

During 2010, Power Financial and its subsidiaries experienced higher sales, gains in market share 

and increased levels of profitability. The companies in the group benefited by having continued 

to invest in their distribution and product capabilities throughout the financial crisis and by the 

financial strength and stability they have demonstrated during these past several years.

Strengthening economic activity and stronger financial market levels helped drive higher revenues 

in 2010, which, coupled with the group’s long-standing focus on cost containment and good 

investment quality, resulted in the increase in profitability.

The improvements in profitability and sales were experienced 

across  most  business  units  of  Great-West  Lifeco  and  IGM 

Financial. The companies in the Pargesa group also experienced 

improvements in their operating results following the difficult 

economic environment of the previous year.

While economic recovery and confidence continue to progress, 

a number of structural challenges remain for the global economy.

Initiatives by financial regulators in developed nations to avoid 

future financial crises, although well intentioned and in many 

cases welcomed, have created their own uncertainty for financial 

services  companies  with  respect  to  a  number  of  issues  such 

as required levels of capital in the future.

In this environment, the companies in the Power Financial group 

have been focused on growing sales and profitability within 

their given markets, while maintaining financial strength at all 

times. In this regard, a number of capital market issues were 

R. JEFFREY ORR

President and 

Chief Executive Officer, 

Power Financial Corporation

undertaken in 2010 to extend and diversify debt maturities and ensure healthy liquidity levels across 

the group. Dividends paid in 2010 were also kept at the levels paid in 2009.

F I N A N C I A L   R E S U LT S
Power Financial’s operating earnings for the year ended December 31, 2010 were $1,733 million 

or $2.31 per share, compared with $1,533 million or $2.05 per share in the corresponding period 

in 2009. This represents an increase of 12.8 per cent on a per share basis.

The increase in operating earnings reflects primarily the increase in the contribution from the 

Corporation’s subsidiaries, Great-West Lifeco and IGM Financial.

Other items for 2010 were a charge of $149 million and consisted mainly of Power Financial’s share 

of a litigation provision established by Lifeco in the third quarter. In 2009, other items were a charge 

of $94 million and consisted essentially of the Corporation’s share of non-recurring amounts 

recorded by IGM and Pargesa.

Net earnings including other items were $1,584 million or $2.10 per share for the year ended 

December 31, 2010, compared with $1,439 million or $1.92 per share in 2009.

Dividends paid by Power Financial Corporation totalled $1.40 per common share in 2010, unchanged 

from 2009.

6

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

During 2010, Power Financial and its subsidiaries experienced higher sales, 
gains in market share and increased levels of profitability.

G RO U P   C O M PA N I E S ’   R E S U LT S

G R E AT- W E S T   L IF E CO

Great-West Lifeco experienced strong earnings and sales results in 2010 from all business segments 

despite the continued currency headwinds due to the strengthening of the Canadian dollar against 

the U.S. dollar, British pound and euro during the year. Great-West Lifeco’s capital base and liquidity 

position are strong, and the company is well positioned for continued growth.

Great-West  Lifeco  reported  operating  earnings  attributable  to  common  shareholders  of 

$1,861 million for 2010, compared with $1,627 million for 2009, an increase of 14.4 per cent. This 

represents $1.964 per common share for 2010, compared with $1.722 per common share in 2009.

Operating  earnings,  a  non-GAAP  financial  measure,  exclude  the  impact  of  an  incremental 

litigation provision established in the third quarter of 2010 in the amount of $225 million after tax  

($204 million attributable to the common shareholders of Great-West Lifeco and $21 million to its 

non-controlling interests).

Return on common shareholders’ equity was 16.0 per cent based on operating earnings and 

14.4 per cent on net earnings.

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

7

DIRECTORS’ REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS  CONTINUED

Premiums and deposits were $59.1 billion, compared with $56.7 billion in 2009. General fund assets 

increased from $128.4 billion to $131.6 billion in 2010.

 Total  assets  under  administration  at  December  31,  2010  were  $483.9  billion,  compared  with 

$458.6 billion a year ago.

The dividend on Great-West Lifeco’s common shares remained unchanged in 2010.

Great-West  Lifeco’s  capital  position  remains  very  strong.  Its  Canadian  operating  subsidiary,  

Great-West  Life,  reported  a  Minimum  Continuing  Capital 

and  Surplus  Requirements  (MCCSR)  ratio  of  203  per  cent  at 

December 31, 2010. At December 31, 2010 Great-West Lifeco held, 

at the holding company level, approximately $800 million in 

liquid assets derived from capital-raising initiatives since the 

fourth quarter of 2008, which is not reflected in the Great-West 

Life MCCSR ratio.

In Canada, Great-West Lifeco’s companies maintained leading 

market positions in their individual and group businesses. The 

Canadian  operations  continue  to  experience  strong  organic 

growth  by  focusing  on  diversified  distribution,  product  and 

R AYMOND L. MCFEETORS

service enhancements and expense management.

Vice‑Chairman, 

Power Financial Corporation 

and Chairman of the Board, 

Great‑West Lifeco

In  Canada,  net  earnings  attributable  to  Great-West  Lifeco’s 

common shareholders for 2010 were $940 million, compared 

with $883 million in 2009. Total sales in Canada for 2010 were 

up 23 per cent to $9.5 billion, compared with $7.7 billion after 

adjusting the 2009 twelve-month period for the impact of the 

group retirement assets acquired from Fidelity Investments Canada. This growth was driven by 

strong sales of proprietary retail investment funds which were up 31 per cent, payout annuity 

products which were up 11 per cent, and individual life product sales which increased 26 per cent, 

compared to the twelve-month period in 2009.

Total  assets  under  administration  at  December  31,  2010  were  $125.5  billion,  compared  with 

$114.6 billion at December 31, 2009.

In the United States, Great-West Lifeco’s Financial Services businesses continued to grow, with a 

34 per cent increase in sales over 2009 on a constant currency basis. Strong sales across defined 

contribution markets and of single-premium life and business-owned life insurance led to record 

sales in both business segments. Net earnings attributable to common shareholders for 2010 were 

$343 million, compared with $228 million in 2009. Total sales for 2010 were $38.1 billion, compared 

with $32.4 billion in 2009. As a result of currency movement, net earnings were negatively impacted 

by $32 million compared to 2009.

8

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

Total  assets  under  administration  at  December  31,  2010  were  $293.7  billion,  compared  with 

$277.8 billion at December 31, 2009. 

In  2010,  Putnam  Investments  and  its  clients  enjoyed  another  year  of  excellent  investment 

performance which, together with innovative product launches, resulted in very strong market 

share gains in U.S. mutual fund sales. Putnam’s assets under management, including PanAgora, 

increased to US$121 billion at year-end from US$115 billion a year earlier.  Putnam’s suite of absolute 

return funds, first offered in 2009, reached US$2.7 billion at the end of 2010. Putnam continued to 

introduce new products and services across its offering in 2010.  A key area of focus and investment 

is the defined contribution marketplace, and in particular 401(k) plans, where Putnam’s award-

winning offering is experiencing strong momentum with U.S. employers.

In Europe, net earnings attributable to common shareholders increased to $578 million, compared 

with $529 million in 2009, in spite of currency movements which negatively impacted results by 

$71 million compared to 2009.

In 2010, Great-West Lifeco’s European Operations continued to face challenging credit markets 

as well as a general loss of consumer confidence in investments, due to a sharp decline in equity 

markets in late 2008 and early 2009. Although conditions continued to generally improve in 2010, 

these pressures affected sales volumes in a number of areas. Earnings were impacted by the 

required strengthening of reserves for future asset default risk and asset impairments.

Total sales for 2010 were $4.5 billion, compared with $4.0 billion in 2009. Sales increased by 27 per cent 

in local currency; however, this was partly offset by the negative effect of currency movement.

Total assets under administration in Europe at December 31, 2010 were $64.7 billion, compared with 

$66.2 billion at December 31, 2009.

I G M   F IN A N C I A L 

IGM  Financial  and  its  operating  companies  experienced  an  increase  in  total  assets  under 

management during 2010. Net earnings for the company grew substantially compared with 2009.

Investors Group and Mackenzie Financial, IGM’s principal businesses, generated business growth 

through  product  innovation,  investment  management  success,  resource  management  and 

distribution expansion throughout the year.

Operating  earnings  available  to  common  shareholders  of  IGM  for  2010  were  $734  million  or 

$2.79 per share, compared with $622 million or $2.35 per share in 2009. This represents an increase 

of 18.7 per cent on a per share basis.

Net earnings available to common shareholders were $726 million or $2.76 per share in 2010, 

compared with $559 million or $2.12 per share in 2009.

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

9

DIRECTORS’ REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS  CONTINUED

Total assets under management at December 31, 2010 were $129.5 billion, an increase of 7.4 per cent.

Return  on  average  common  equity  based  on  operating  earnings  for  2010  was  17.0  per  cent, 

compared with 14.8 per cent in 2009. Dividends declared remained unchanged in 2010.

The Investors Group consultant network expanded to 4,686 consultants at December 31, 2010, up 

from 4,633 at December 31, 2009. 

Investors Group’s mutual fund sales for the year were $5.7 billion, compared with $5.0 billion in 

the  prior  year,  and  mutual  fund  net  sales  were  $253  million, 

compared with $404 million a year ago. Mutual fund assets under 

management at December 31, 2010 were $61.8 billion, compared 

with $57.7 billion at December 31, 2009, an increase of 7.2 per cent.

Mackenzie’s total sales for 2010 were $12.2 billion, compared 

with $11.6 billion in the prior year. Total net redemptions were 

$1.5 billion, compared with total net redemptions of $1.4 billion 

a year ago.

Investment performance of Mackenzie’s mutual fund family 

remained strong, with 60 per cent of its fund assets ranked in 

the first or second quartile of their respective asset categories 

PAUL  

over the last three years.

DESMAR AIS, JR., o.c., o.q.

Co‑Chairman of the Board, 

Power Financial Corporation

Mackenzie’s total assets under management at December 31, 

2010  were  $68.3  billion,  compared  with  $63.6  billion  at 

December  31,  2009,  an  increase  of  7.5  per  cent.  Mutual  fund 

assets under management at the 2010 year-end were $43.5 billion, 

compared  with  $40.6  billion  a  year  earlier,  an  increase  of 

7.0 per cent.

PA RG E S A

The Pargesa group holds significant positions directly and through the Belgian holding company 

Groupe Bruxelles Lambert (GBL) in six large companies based in Europe: Lafarge, which produces 

cement and building materials; Imerys, a producer of industrial minerals; Total, in the oil and gas 

industry; GDF Suez, in electricity and gas; Suez Environnement, in water and waste management; 

and Pernod Ricard, a leading producer of wines and spirits.

The Pargesa group’s strategy is to establish a limited number of substantial interests in which it 

can acquire a position of control or significant influence. In 2010, there were no major changes 

in Pargesa’s investment portfolio. Overall, the companies in the group experienced improvements 

in operating performance, following the very difficult economic conditions of 2009.

17.7%

ANNUAL COMPOUND 
TOTAL RETURN 
TO SHAREHOLDERS 
OVER FIFTEEN YEARS

$2.9
TO $21.8
BILLION
FIFTEEN‑YEAR 
GROWTH IN MARKET 
 CAPITALIZATION

$7.3
BILLION
AGGREGATE  
DIVIDENDS  
PAID TO  
SHAREHOLDERS 
OVER FIFTEEN YEARS

10

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

During 2010, Pargesa and GBL carried out several transactions designed to extend their debt 

maturity profile and reduce borrowing costs. In June, GBL issued a €350 million 7.5-year 3.7 per cent 

bond  and,  during  the  course  of  the  year,  repurchased  convertible  bonds  for  €126  million.  In 

October, Pargesa issued bonds bearing interest at 2.5 per cent per annum with a six-year term for 

SF150 million, and repurchased convertible bonds for SF6 million due in 2013 and SF132 million due 

in 2014. Also in 2010, GBL purchased €122 million of Pernod Ricard shares in the marketplace, raising 

its equity interest to 9.9 per cent as at December 31, 2010. 

Pargesa’s net operating earnings declined 9.2 per cent in 2010 to 

€465 million, mainly due to an 8.5 per cent decrease in the euro 

against the Swiss franc, the reporting currency used in Pargesa’s 

financial statements. The 2009 results also reflected a number 

of non-recurring items, including an exceptional dividend from 

GDF Suez.

At the end of December 2010, Pargesa’s adjusted net asset value 

was SF8.4 billion. This represents a value of SF99.8 per Pargesa 

share, compared with SF127.1 at the end of 2009, a decrease of 

21.5 per cent expressed in Swiss francs.

At the annual meeting of shareholders of Pargesa, scheduled for 

May 5, 2011, its board of directors will propose maintaining the 

dividend  at  SF2.72  per  bearer  share,  for  a  total  distribution 

of SF230 million.

G RO U P   D E V E LO P M E N T S
The companies in the Power Financial group were active in the 

capital markets in 2010, with the goal of improving the quality 

of capital or extending debt maturities.

ANDRÉ  

DESMAR AIS, o.c., o.q.

Co‑Chairman of the Board, 

Power Financial Corporation

In June, Power Financial issued $280 million of 4.40% non-cumulative rate reset First Preferred 

Shares, Series P. In July, the Corporation redeemed all $150 million of its outstanding 4.70% Series J 

First Preferred Shares, and in October it redeemed all $150 million of its outstanding 5.20% Series C 

First Preferred Shares.

Great-West Lifeco issued 4.65% debentures in the amount of $500 million due in 2020, and redeemed 

$200 million of outstanding 6.75% debentures due 2015. It also issued $250 million of First Preferred 

Shares, Series M, and $150 million of First Preferred Shares, Series N, and redeemed $198 million 

of First Preferred Shares, Series D. During 2010, IGM issued $200 million of 6.0% 30-year debentures.

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

11

DIRECTORS’ REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS  CONTINUED

I N D U S T RY  M ATT E R S
Power Financial and its subsidiaries are engaged in dialogue throughout Canada with regard to a 

number of important topics which impact the well-being of Canadians and the financial services 

industry. These topics include the public debate regarding the retirement readiness of Canadians 

and a number of related matters.

Canada’s retirement system is among the strongest in the OECD, both in terms of income adequacy 

and system sustainability.  One of its key strengths is that it is well balanced between government-

provided programs, employer-sponsored plans and individual savings. Notwithstanding the 

system’s relative strength, research suggests that a number of Canadians across different age 

and income brackets may still not be adequately prepared for retirement. The public debate about 

retirement is therefore required and welcome. Enhancements to the system can and should be 

made, but should be based upon well-founded research and should seek to build upon the many 

elements of the current system which are already working well.

$1,733
MILLION
OPERATING  
EARNINGS IN 2010

Canadians’ use of financial advisors is an important factor in enabling them to plan for and live 

comfortably in retirement. Research by the Investment Funds Institute of Canada demonstrates 

that people who use a financial advisor have substantially higher investment assets than non-

advised  households,  in  each  income  range  and  age  bracket.  Advised  households  also  have 

approximately double the participation rate in tax-advantaged programs such as RRSPs and are 

more confident they will have enough money to retire comfortably. 

$13,184
MILLION
SHAREHOLDERS’  
EQUITY

$490.8
BILLION
TOTAL ASSETS AND  
ASSETS UNDER  
MANAGEMENT

Mutual  funds  are  one  of  the  principal  investment  vehicles  used  by  Canadians  to  save. 

A comprehensive research study commissioned by Mackenzie Financial and conducted by Bain 

Consulting demonstrates that for mutual funds purchased with financial advice, the cost of 

mutual fund ownership for the vast majority of investors in Canada is comparable with their 

counterparts in the United States. A number of other published studies have failed to account for 

the significant differences in the way in which mutual fund fees are reported in the two countries 

and for differences in the manner in which mutual funds are distributed. The company believes 

that mutual funds, together with the advice of a professional financial advisor, will remain a very 

effective way for millions of Canadians to provide for their financial futures.

Power Financial and its subsidiaries believe the current public debate about the retirement readiness 

of Canadians is important and beneficial. A combination of public and private initiatives can build 

upon an already successful system to increase the number of Canadians who are financially 

prepared for the future.

12

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

B OA R D   O F   D I R E C TO R S
At the May 2011 Annual Meeting, shareholders will be asked to elect Mr. Timothy Ryan to the 

Board.  Mr.  Ryan  is  President  and  Chief  Executive  Officer  of  SIFMA,  the  Securities  Industry 

and Financial Markets Association, the leading trade association representing global financial 

market participants. He is also a director of Great-West Lifeco and several of its major subsidiaries, 

and has had broad international involvement in the financial services industry.

T H E   P OW E R   F I N A N C I A L   G RO U P
Power Financial is focused on the economic drivers underlying demand for protection products, 

retirement savings, asset management and core shareholder investing. Our governance model 

involves a high degree of engagement in all of our companies through their boards of directors. 

And as we emerge from challenging times, your Directors believe that Power Financial’s business 

model will continue to serve our shareholders well. Our companies have strong balance sheets, 

strategic distribution channels, competitive products and effective growth strategies.

Your Directors and Management team seek to provide attractive long-term shareholder returns. 

We believe that the results of this effort are reflected in the improvement in profitability, the 

maintenance of our dividend throughout the crisis and our strong and very stable credit ratings. 

Our companies have strong balance sheets, strategic distribution channels, 
competitive products and effective growth strategies.

Significant effort is being directed by the management teams throughout the group at pursuing 

growth opportunities in their markets, while continuing to position their balance sheets and 

liquidity positions prudently.

Your  Directors  wish  to  express  gratitude  on  behalf  of  the  shareholders  for  the  important 

contribution of the management and employees of our Corporation and its associated companies 

to the successful results achieved in 2010 in an improving but challenging operating environment.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS,

Signed 

R. Jeffrey Orr 
President and  

Chief Executive Officer

March 10, 2011

Signed  

Signed  

Paul Desmarais, Jr., O.C., O.q. 

André Desmarais, O.C., o.q. 

Co-Chairman of the Board

Co-Chairman of the Board

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

13

GREAT WEST LIFECO

Great-West Lifeco is a financial services holding company with interests in the life insurance, health 

insurance, retirement savings, investment management and reinsurance businesses. Lifeco has 

operations in Canada, the United States, Europe and Asia through Great-West Life, London Life, 

Canada Life, Great-West Life & Annuity and Putnam Investments. Lifeco and its companies have 

approximately $484 billion in assets under administration. 

Great-West Lifeco experienced strong earnings and sales results in 2010 from all business segments 

despite the continued currency headwinds caused by the strengthening of the Canadian dollar 

against the U.S. dollar, British pound and euro during the year. 

Lifeco’s capital base and liquidity position remain strong, and the 

company is well positioned for continued growth.

Operating earnings attributable to common shareholders were 

$1.9 billion, or $1.964 per share, compared with $1.6 billion or $1.722 

per share in 2009. Operating earnings, a non-GAAP financial 

measure, exclude the impact of an incremental litigation provision.

Great-West Lifeco’s return on equity (ROE) of 16.0 per cent on 

operating earnings and 14.4 per cent on net earnings for the 

twelve  months  ended  December  31,  2010  continued  to  rank 

among the strongest in the financial services sector.

The quarterly dividend on Lifeco’s common shares remained 

unchanged in 2010. 

D. ALLEN LONEY

President and 

Chief Executive Officer, 

Great‑West Lifeco

Other measures of Lifeco’s performance in 2010 include:

>  Premiums and deposits were $59.1 billion, compared with $56.7 billion in 2009.

>  General fund assets increased from $128.4 billion to $131.6 billion in 2010.

> 

 Total assets under administration at December 31, 2010 were $483.9 billion,  

compared with $458.6 billion a year ago.

Great-West Lifeco’s companies have benefited from their prudent and conservative investment 

policies and practices with respect to the management of their consolidated assets. In addition, 

conservative product underwriting standards and a disciplined approach to introducing new products 

have proven beneficial for Lifeco and its companies over the long term. In Canada, Lifeco’s companies 

continue to offer segregated fund guarantees in a prudent and disciplined manner, thereby limiting risk 

exposure. As a result of these disciplines, Lifeco’s balance sheet is one of the strongest in the industry.

The Minimum Continuing Capital and Surplus Requirements (MCCSR) ratio for Great-West Life 

was 203 per cent on a consolidated basis at December 31, 2010. This measure of capital strength 

remains at the upper end of the company’s target operating range.

17.7%

ANNUAL COMPOUND 
TOTAL RETURN 
TO SHAREHOLDERS 
OVER FIFTEEN YEARS

$2.3
TO $25.0
BILLION
FIFTEEN‑YEAR 
GROWTH IN MARKET 
 CAPITALIZATION

$8.4
BILLION
AGGREGATE  
DIVIDENDS  
PAID TO  
SHAREHOLDERS 
OVER FIFTEEN YEARS

14

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

Great-West Lifeco experienced strong earnings and sales results in 2010 
from all business segments despite the currency headwinds caused by 
the strengthening of the Canadian dollar.

At  December  31,  2010,  Great-West  Lifeco  held  cash  and  cash  equivalents  of  approximately 

$800 million, the net result of capital transactions since the third quarter of 2008. As this cash is 

held at the holding company, it is not reflected in the regulatory capital ratios of Lifeco’s operating 

subsidiaries. It augments Great-West Lifeco’s capital and liquidity position, thereby enhancing its 

capability to take advantage of market opportunities.

The companies have a high-quality bond portfolio, with 98 per cent rated investment grade at 

December 31, 2010. 

Credit ratings are another important indicator of Great-West Lifeco’s financial strength. Relative 

to its peer group in North America, Great-West Lifeco and its major operating subsidiaries enjoy 

strong ratings from five major rating agencies.

GEOGRAPHICAL  
DISTRIBUTION 

CANADA
GREAT‑WEST LIFE
LONDON LIFE
CANADA LIFE

UNITED STATES
GREAT‑WEST LIFE &  
ANNUITY
PUTNAM INVESTMENTS

EUROPE
CANADA LIFE
PUTNAM INVESTMENTS

ASIA
PUTNAM INVESTMENTS

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

15

C ANADA

GREAT‑WEST LIFE | LONDON LIFE |  
CANADA LIFE

$125.5
BILLION
IN ASSETS UNDER  
ADMINISTRATION  
IN CANADA

3.3
MILLION
INDIVIDUAL  
POLICYHOLDERS  
IN CANADA

G R E AT-W E S T   L I F E

Great-West Life is a leading Canadian insurer, with interests in the life and health insurance, 

investment, savings and retirement income and reinsurance businesses, primarily in Canada 

and Europe. 

In  Canada,  Great-West  Life  and  its  subsidiaries,  London  Life  and  Canada  Life,  offer  a  broad 

portfolio of financial and benefit plan solutions and serve the financial security needs of more 

than 12 million people.

Great-West Life’s products include a wide range of investment, 

savings and retirement income plans, and payout annuities, as well 

as life, disability, critical illness and health insurance for individuals 

and families. These products and services are distributed through 

a  diverse  network  of  financial  security  advisors  and  brokers 

associated  with  Great-West  Life;  financial  security  advisors 

associated with London Life’s Freedom 55 Financial™ division 

and  the  Wealth  &  Estate  Planning  Group;  and  the  channels 

Canada Life supports, including independent advisors associated 

with managing general agencies, as well as national accounts, 

including Investors Group.

For large and small businesses and organizations, Great-West 

Life offers a variety of group benefit plan solutions featuring 

options  such  as  life,  healthcare,  dental  care,  critical  illness, 

disability and wellness, and international benefit plans, plus 

PAUL A. MAHON

President and 

Chief Operating Officer, 

Canada

convenient online services. Great-West Life also offers group retirement and savings plans that 

are tailored to the unique needs of businesses and organizations. These products and services are 

distributed through financial security advisors associated with Great-West Life and its subsidiaries, 

as well as independent advisors, brokers and consultants.

In 2010, Great-West Life and its subsidiaries continued to see strong sustained performance in 

their Canadian businesses. Their individual life insurance business grew significantly faster than 

the market; the group retirement services business recorded strong growth; the group insurance 

business continued to experience strong persistency; and the individual segregated fund and 

mutual fund businesses maintained positive net deposits.

The  Canadian  operations  continued  to  focus  on  enhancing  their  distribution  capabilities 

throughout 2010 with refinement of their multi-channel strategy, including enhanced support for 

advisors in the exclusive and independent distribution channels. 

16

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

LO N D O N   L I F E 

London Life offers financial security advice and planning through its more than 3,300-member 

Freedom 55 Financial division. Freedom 55 Financial offers London Life’s own brand of investment, 

savings and retirement income, annuity, life insurance and mortgage products. Within Freedom 

55 Financial, the Wealth & Estate Planning Group is a specialized segment of advisors focused on 

meeting the complex needs of affluent Canadians.

In addition, financial security advisors associated with London Life offer a broad range of financial 

products from other financial institutions. These include individual disability insurance and critical 

illness insurance underwritten by Great-West Life. A London Life subsidiary, Quadrus Investment 

Services Ltd., offers 43 exclusive mutual funds under the Quadrus Group of Funds™ brand and over 

3,500 third-party mutual funds. 

Recruiting and retention of financial security advisors continued to be a significant focus in 2010, 

with Freedom 55 Financial showing consistent growth in the number of advisors year over year. 

In 2010, London Life’s strong growth in individual life insurance sales significantly outpaced that 

of the industry. Together, London Life, Great-West Life and Canada Life remain Canada’s number 

one provider of individual life insurance. London Life has the largest number of participating life 

insurance policies in Canada. 

In addition to its domestic operations, London Life participates in international reinsurance 

markets through London Reinsurance Group.

C A N A DA   L I F E

In Canada, Canada Life offers a broad range of insurance and wealth management products 

and services for individuals, families and business owners from coast to coast. These include 

investments, savings and retirement income, and annuities, as well as life, disability and critical 

illness insurance. Canada Life’s products are distributed through independent advisors associated 

with managing general agencies, as well as national accounts, including Investors Group. 

In 2010, Canada Life continued to see strong sustained performance in all lines of business. The 

company’s individual life insurance and living benefits businesses grew faster than the market, while 

its individual retirement and investment services businesses maintained positive net cash flows. 

Together, Canada Life, Great-West Life and London Life remain Canada’s number one provider of 

individual life insurance and a leading provider of individual segregated funds. Canada Life, together 

with Great-West Life, is a leading provider of individual disability insurance and critical illness 

insurance for Canadians. Canada Life is the leading provider of creditor insurance in Canada for 

mortgages, loans, credit cards, lines of credit and leases through leading financial institutions, 

automobile  dealerships  and  other  lending  institutions.  Canada  Life  is  a  leading  provider  of 

traditional mortality, structured and annuity reinsurance solutions for life insurers in the U.S. and 

in international markets through its Canada Life Reinsurance Division. 

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

17

EUROPE

CANADA LIFE

Canada Life, with roots in Europe dating back to 1903, provides individuals and their families with 

a broad range of insurance and wealth management products. These include: payout annuities, 

investments and group insurance in the United Kingdom, distributed through independent 

financial advisors and employee benefit consultants; savings and individual insurance in the Isle of 

Man, distributed through independent financial advisors in the United Kingdom and other selected 

territories; individual insurance and savings, and pension products in Ireland, distributed through 

independent brokers and a direct sales force; and fund-based pensions, critical illness and essential 

ability insurance in Germany, distributed through independent 

brokers and multi-tied agents. 

In 2010, Canada Life continued to face challenging credit markets 

as well as a general loss of consumer confidence in investments, 

due to a sharp decline in equity markets in late 2008 and early 

2009. Although conditions continued to generally improve in 

2010, these pressures continued to affect sales volumes. As well, 

earnings were again impacted by the required strengthening 

of reserves for future asset default risk and asset impairments.

As a result of Canada Life’s continued focus on credit and expense 

controls, Canada Life’s European operations were in a strong 

position  coming  into  2010,  and  this  focus  was  maintained 

WILLIAM L. AC TON

President and  

Chief Executive Officer,  

Canada Life Capital Corporation

throughout the year. Additionally, there was a renewed focus 

on risk and risk management as the company prepared for the 

advent of Solvency II in Europe.

In Germany, Canada Life operates in the independent broker market and is one of the leading 

insurers for guaranteed unit-linked products in the broker segment. In 2010, Canada Life launched 

a series of new pension products which improved the company’s market competitiveness, and 

increased sales towards the end of the year. Canada Life’s industry-leading guaranteed withdrawal 

benefit product, launched in 2009, continued to gain support and became the leading product in 

its category, as reported in a recent poll of insurance intermediaries.

In the U.K., Canada Life continued to grow premium volumes, especially in the Isle of Man product 

range, despite economic challenges which adversely affected Canada Life’s Group insurance 

business. Sales of payout annuities were very strong in the early part of 2010, though competitive 

pressures and a lack of quality investment opportunities resulted in slower sales throughout the 

rest of the year.

$64.7
BILLION
IN ASSETS UNDER 
ADMINISTRATION 
IN EUROPE  

$9.3
BILLION 
IN ANNUAL 
PREMIUMS AND 
DEPOSITS IN EUROPE 
IN 2010

4.2
MILLION
INDIVIDUALS  
COVERED  
IN EUROPE 

18

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

Great-West Lifeco’s companies have benefited from their prudent 
and conservative investment policies and practices.

Canada Life is a leading provider of traditional mortality, financial and annuity reinsurance solutions 

to life insurers in the U.S. and in international markets through its Canada Life Reinsurance 

division. In 2010, reinsurance demand remained strong, although growth rates moderated in 

light of improving economic and capital conditions. Canada Life continued to leverage its financial 

strength, disciplined risk management practices and excellent client relationships to achieve strong 

business results.

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

19

UNITED STATES

GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY 

In the United States, Great-West Life & Annuity is a leading provider of employer-sponsored 

retirement savings plans. It also provides annuities and life insurance for individuals and businesses, 

as well as fund management, investment and advisory services. Its products and services are 

marketed  nationwide  through  its  sales  force,  brokers,  consultants,  advisors,  third-party 

administrators and financial institutions.

In its Retirement Services segment, GWL&A offers retirement savings products and services for 

public, non-profit and corporate employers, as well as private label record-keeping, administrative 

and asset management services for other providers of defined 

contribution  plans.  GWL& A  also  provides  business-owned 

life  insurance,  executive  benefits  products,  and  individual 

life  insurance  and  annuity  products  through  its  Individual 

Markets segment.

In 2010, strong sales across defined contribution markets and 

of single-premium life and business-owned life insurance led 

to record sales results in both of GWL&A’s business segments. 

Higher account balances resulting from an overall rise in the 

U.S. equities market contributed to increased fee income. 

Robust sales in the corporate 401(k) and large-case public/non-

profit markets helped increase GWL&A’s number of retirement 

participant  accounts  to  4.4  million.  Contracts  with  three 

additional states resulted in an industry-leading total of 18 state 

governmental 457 plans.

MITCHELL T.G. GR AYE

President and  

Chief Executive Officer,  

Great-West Life & Annuity

The introduction of Maxim® SecureFoundationSM funds, a guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefit 

product, builds upon a strategy to enhance GWL&A’s retirement product array and increase assets 

under management. The Maxim Lifetime Asset Allocation Series®, a suite of target date funds 

(TDFs) introduced in 2009, exceeded $1 billion in assets. Combined assets in those funds and the 

Maxim SecureFoundation target date portfolios propelled GWL&A subsidiary Maxim Series Fund, 

Inc. into the top 10 U.S. fund families by TDF net asset flow in 2010, according to Morningstar 

Direct data.

GWL&A also completed a comprehensive planning process which identified a number of key 

initiatives across the organization to accelerate the growth of the business.

Its asset portfolio continued to perform well, following a two-year period during which investment 

losses from bonds and mortgages were among the lowest of U.S. life insurance companies 

as a percentage of invested assets, according to Moody’s Investors Service.

US$172
BILLION
IN ASSETS UNDER  
ADMINISTRATION 

4.9
MILLION
U.S. CUSTOMERS

NO. 1

RANKING IN  
STATE 457 PLANS

20

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

PUTNAM INVESTMENTS UNITED STATES 
EUROPE I A SIA

Putnam Investments is a global asset manager and retirement plan record keeper serving individual 

and institutional investors worldwide through its offices and strategic alliances in North America, 

Europe and Asia. Since 1937, the firm has practised an active approach to pursuing client mandates. 

Today, Putnam provides investment services across a range of fixed income, equity, absolute 

return and alternative strategies, and distributes those services primarily through intermediaries, 

including pension consultants and financial advisors. 

Putnam was recognized by a number of industry observers for excellent performance in 2010. 

The  firm  was  named  “Mutual  Fund  Manager  of  the  Year”  by 

Institutional Investor magazine, and—based on its asset-weighted 

performance—was again ranked among the top 15 U.S. mutual 

fund families by Barron’s in their “Best Fund Families in 2010” report.

Putnam enhanced its equity product line during the year with 

the introduction of Putnam Global Sector Fund, a fund of funds 

employing the full breadth of Putnam’s global sector expertise. 

The firm also launched a suite of multi-cap equity funds that 

provides  investors  with  exposure  to  a  dynamic  array  of  U.S. 

stocks within the value, core/blend and growth styles. 

Building on its strategic alliances, Putnam signed an exclusive 

agreement with the state of Nevada to manage its 529 college 

savings  plan,  Putnam  529  for  AmericaSM,  on  an  advisor-sold 

platform.  Outside  the  United  States,  Putnam  extended  its 

agreement to distribute funds in Japan through Nissay Asset 

Management,  and  was  awarded  several  new  institutional 

mandates by sovereign wealth managers. 

ROBERT L. REYNOLDS

President and  

Chief Executive Officer,  

Putnam Investments

US$121
BILLION
TOTAL ASSETS UNDER  
MANAGEMENT

APPROXIMATELY

6 MILLION

SHAREHOLDERS AND  
RETIREMENT PLAN  
PARTICIPANTS

Putnam strengthened its commitment to the retirement market in 2010 through new products 

and services for 401(k)s and other defined contribution plans, earning 25 “Best-in-Class” awards 

in PLANSPONSOR magazine’s 2010 survey of defined contribution plan sponsors. Putnam also 

130 
INSTITUTIONAL
MANDATES

led the industry by announcing prior to a U.S. Department of Labor mandate that it will offer 

comprehensive disclosure of fees and expenses to participants in the 401(k) plans it administers. 

Upholding  a  heritage  of  service  excellence,  Putnam  won  a  DALBAR  Service  Award  for  the 

21st consecutive year for providing the highest levels of investor service to mutual fund shareholders. 

OVER

165,000
ADVISORS
DISTRIBUTE 
PUTNAM PRODUCTS

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

21

IGM FINANCIAL

IGM  Financial  and  its  operating  companies  experienced  an  increase  in  total  assets  under 

management during 2010. Net earnings for the company grew substantially compared with 2009. 

Investors Group and Mackenzie Financial, IGM Financial’s principal businesses, continued to 

generate business growth through product innovation, investment management, resource 

management and distribution expansion throughout the year. 

The  company  is  well  diversified  through  its  multiple  distribution  channels,  product  types, 

investment management units and fund brands. Assets under management are diversified by 

country of investment, industry sector, security type and management style. 

A primary theme in IGM Financial’s business approach is to support financial advisors as they work 

with clients to plan for and achieve their financial goals. The importance of financial advice became 

clearer throughout the financial industry in 2010 based on emerging research and continued public 

interest in enhanced financial literacy. 

The scope of its business and association with other members of the Power Financial Corporation 

group of companies have placed the company in a position of leadership and strength in the 

financial services industry. Together, these elements will enable IGM Financial to create long-term 

value for its clients, consultants, advisors, employees and shareholders over time.  

Market fluctuations since 2008 have left investors with many questions on how best to manage 

their resources for the future. In this context, a strong relationship with an advisor to keep focused 

on long-term financial goals is important. 

The significant role of an advisor in helping with financial planning is appreciated by the vast 

majority of investing Canadians. The Investment Funds Institute of Canada (IFIC) has now published 

five annual surveys since 2006 indicating that approximately 85 per cent of mutual fund investors 

preferred to invest through an advisor and they highly rated the support and advice provided by 

their advisors. 

The positive impact that financial advisors have on Canadians’ preparations for retirement and 

the lives of Canadians in retirement is particularly noteworthy. The Organization for Economic 

Co-operation and Development (OECD) recently revealed that Canada is among the world leaders 

in income replacement after retirement. 

The Investors Group consultant network continued to expand to its highest level on record of 

4,686 consultants at December 31, 2010. Since June 30, 2004, there has been 26 consecutive calendar 

quarters of net growth in the consultant network. With a further six region office openings 

announced in 2010, it has 101 region offices across Canada. Investors Group continued to respond 

to the complex financial needs of its clients by delivering a diverse range of products and services 

in the context of personalized financial advice. 

15.3%

ANNUAL COMPOUND 
TOTAL RETURN 
TO SHAREHOLDERS 
OVER FIFTEEN YEARS

$1.8  
TO $11.3
BILLION
FIFTEEN-YEAR 
GROWTH IN MARKET 
CAPITALIZATION

$4.1
BILLION
AGGREGATE 
DIVIDENDS  
PAID TO 
 SHAREHOLDERS 
OVER FIFTEEN YEARS

22

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

A primary theme in IGM Financial’s business approach is to support  
financial advisors as they work with clients to plan for and achieve  
their financial goals. 

Mackenzie  Financial  maintained  its  focus  on  delivering  consistent  long-term  investment 

performance true to the multiple styles deployed in the investment process, while emphasizing 

product innovation and communication with advisors and investors. Its focus is evidenced by 

the strength of Mackenzie’s relationships with financial advisors, the work undertaken with 

investor and advisor education programs and its commitment to focusing on active investment 

management strategies. During 2010, Mackenzie broadened its investment choices for Canadians 

by adding several new funds and more options, including tax-deferred solutions.

IGM Financial continues to build its business through a strategic focus on multiple distribution 

opportunities  delivering  high-quality  advice,  innovative  investment  and  service  solutions 

for investors.

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

23

INVESTORS GROUP

Investors Group is committed to comprehensive planning delivered through long-term client 

and consultant relationships. The company provides advice and services through a network of 

approximately 4,700 consultants to nearly one million Canadians.

In 2010, Investors Group continued to make progress in a number of key areas. Growth in the 

consultant network, combined with industry-low redemption rates, is strong evidence of client 

and consultant satisfaction with the calm and steady approach being taken to their long-term 

financial planning needs.  

The company’s commitment to training and support is integral 

to its consultants’ ability to deliver effective financial advice 

in an increasingly complex and volatile market. The Investors 

Group culture provides consultants with an entrepreneurial 

environment and unique support structure to deliver person-

alized service and knowledgeable advice to their clients, who 

enhance their financial literacy and gain financial confidence as 

the company’s consultants assist them with the development 

and deployment of their financial plans.

Investors Group is committed to the ongoing evolution and 

expansion of its product and service offering. In November 2009, 

working jointly with Great-West Life, Investors Group introduced 

a  new  line  of  segregated  fund  policies  known  as  Investors 

Group Guaranteed Investment Funds which provide long-term 

investment growth potential with protective guarantee features 

to help minimize risk. In July two new equity mandates sub-

MURR AY J. TAYLOR

President and  

Chief Executive Officer,  

Investors Group and  

Co-President and  

Chief Executive Officer,  

IGM Financial

advised by Fidelity Investments Canada ULC, through its affiliate Pyramis Global Advisors, LLC, 

were introduced. In December the company announced a new fixed income mandate—Investors 

Fixed Income Flex Portfolio—which provides current income by investing in a diversified set of 

underlying funds that invest primarily in fixed income securities with the flexibility to adapt to a 

changing environment by adjusting the underlying type of investments as the interest rate and 

credit environment evolves. 

Investors Group continues to focus on its strengths as building blocks for the future. In 2010, 

the consultant network growth, the active engagement of over 1,600 employees, increased 

communication  in  response  to  the  global  financial  situation,  the  continual  refinement  of 

financial planning, and the expanding product and service offerings demonstrate the company’s 

commitment to meet the evolving financial needs of Canadians.

$61.8
BILLION
MUTUAL FUND 
ASSETS UNDER 
MANAGEMENT 

PROVIDING 
PERSONAL  
FINANCIAL  
SERVICES TO 
CLOSE TO  

1 MILLION

CANADIANS

4,686 

INVESTORS GROUP 
CONSULTANTS

24

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

MACKENZIE FINANCIAL

Mackenzie Financial provides investment advisory services utilizing proprietary investment 

research and experienced investment professionals. The company distributes its services through 

multiple distribution channels focused on the provision of independent financial planning through a 

wide range of investment solutions to meet investor needs. In 2010, Mackenzie and its subsidiaries 

continued to focus on business growth, product innovation, client service effectiveness and 

strategic partnerships.

Mackenzie’s product lineup continued to evolve with a number of fund launches during the 

year, including the Mackenzie Universal Gold Bullion Class, the 

Mackenzie All-Sector Canadian Balanced Fund and three Saxon 

corporate funds: Mackenzie Saxon Balanced Class, Mackenzie 

Saxon  Stock  Class  and  Mackenzie  Saxon  Small  Cap  Class. 

Specifically designed for taxable investors, the corporate funds 

are designed to maximize after-tax returns by minimizing taxable 

distributions and investors have the flexibility to switch between 

more  than  50  Mackenzie  corporate  funds  on  a  tax-deferred 

basis. The Mackenzie Founders Global Equity Class was added 

to Mackenzie’s product shelf in November. Mackenzie expanded 

$68.3
BILLION
TOTAL ASSETS UNDER 
MANAGEMENT

its relationship with existing strategic partners by offering a 

CHARLES R. SIMS

segregated fund offering in partnership with Canada Life. 

President and  

OVER

The strength of Mackenzie’s retail distribution network is built on 

long-standing and expanding relationships with financial advisors 

and representatives across the breadth of distribution channels. 

These relationships allow the company’s products to be efficiently 

distributed through retail brokers, financial advisors, insurance 

Chief Executive Officer, 

Mackenzie Financial  

and Co-President and  

Chief Executive Officer, 

IGM Financial

30,000

INDEPENDENT 
FINANCIAL ADVISORS

agents, banks, and financial institutions, giving Mackenzie one of the broadest retail distribution 

platforms of any investment company in Canada. With the adjustments to the distribution model, 

Mackenzie now has dedicated sales teams focused in the traditional retail wholesale channel 

working with financial advisors; the platform, sub-advisory and strategic partnership group; and 

its institutional team, focused on the needs of pension plan sponsors, foundations, trusts and other 

institutional investors.

PROVIDING 
INVESTMENT 
ADVISORY SERVICES 
TO MORE THAN 

1.4
MILLION
CANADIANS

Mackenzie products are distributed widely through the financial advice channel and the company 

is proud of the partnership it has established with financial advisors over its history. Through the 

dedicated efforts of employees, these relationships continue to grow as Mackenzie now reaches 

more than 30,000 advisors and 1.4 million investors across Canada. 

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

25

PARGESA GROUP

The Pargesa group holds significant positions in six large companies based in Europe: Lafarge 

(cement  and  building  materials),  Imerys  (industrial  minerals),  Total  (oil  and  gas),  GDF  Suez 

(electricity and gas), Suez Environnement (water and waste management) and Pernod Ricard 

(wines and spirits).

Power Financial, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Power Financial Europe B.V., and the 

Frère family group of Belgium each hold a 50 per cent interest in Parjointco, a Netherlands-based 

company. Parjointco’s principal holding is a 54.1 per cent equity interest (62.9 per cent of the 

voting rights) in Pargesa Holding SA, the Pargesa group’s parent 

company based in Geneva, Switzerland.

The Pargesa group’s strategy is to establish a limited number of 

substantial interests in which it can acquire a position of control 

or significant influence. In 2010, there were no major changes 

in Pargesa’s investment portfolio. Overall, the companies in 

the  Pargesa  group  experienced  improvements  in  operating 

performance, following the very difficult economic conditions 

of 2009.

According  to  the  economic  presentation  of  the  group’s 

results, net operating earnings declined 9.2 per cent in 2010 to 

€465 million, impacted by an 8.5 per cent decrease in the euro 

against the Swiss franc, the reporting currency used in Pargesa’s 

JACQUES DRIJARD

Managing Director,  

Pargesa

financial statements. The 2009 results also included a number of non-recurring items, including 

an exceptional dividend from GDF Suez.

IM ERY S

A  world  leader  in  mineral  processing,  Imerys  holds  leading  positions  in  each  of  its  sectors: 

Performance and Filtration Minerals; Materials and Monolithics; Pigments for Papers; Ceramics, 

Refractaries, Abrasives and Foundry.

Imerys’ markets improved in 2010 even though, overall, 2010 volumes remained about 15 per cent 

lower than pre-crisis levels. In these circumstances, sales grew by 20.7 per cent to €3.3 billion, 

current operating income rose 68.4 per cent to €419 million and net income, after non-recurring 

items, stood at €241 million, compared with €41 million in 2009.

L A FA RG E

With operations in more than 78 countries, Lafarge holds leading positions in each of its markets: 

it is the world’s largest producer of cement, second largest producer of aggregates and third largest 

producer of ready-mix concrete and gypsum.

10.2%

ANNUAL COMPOUND 
TOTAL RETURN TO 
SHAREHOLDERS OVER 
FIFTEEN YEARS (SF)

$7.2
BILLION
MARKET 
CAPITALIZATION

$2.5
BILLION
AGGREGATE 
DIVIDENDS  
PAID TO 
SHAREHOLDERS  
OVER FIFTEEN YEARS

26

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

The companies in the Pargesa group experienced improvements in operating 
performance following the very difficult economic conditions of 2009.

In 2010, sales edged up by 1.8 per cent to €16.2 billion, sustained by upward trending volumes for 

the cement and aggregates branches, favourable exchange rates and new capacities in Brazil. 

Current operating income slipped 1.5 per cent to €2.4 billion. Net income, after non-recurring items, 

was €827 million, compared with €736 million in 2009. 

TO TA L

Created from the successive mergers of Total, PetroFina and Elf Aquitaine, Total is one of the largest 

international oil and gas groups and a major player in chemicals.   

Conditions were more favorable to the oil business in 2010. The price of crude oil shot up 29 per cent 

from the previous year to reach an average of $79.5/barrel, the European Refinery Margin Indicator 

moved up to $27.4/tonne from $17.8/tonne in 2009 and the average gas selling price was stable. 

Also fuelled by 4.3 per cent growth in hydrocarbon production, net income stood at €10.6 billion, 

compared with €8.4 billion in 2009. 

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

27

PARGESA GROUP  CONTINUED

G D F   SU E Z

GDF Suez, created from the 2008 merger of Suez and Gaz de France, is an international industrial 

and services group active across the entire energy value chain, in electricity and natural gas, 

upstream to downstream. GDF Suez develops its core business in electricity and heat generation, 

trading, transmission and distribution of electricity and gas (natural and liquified), and energy and 

industrial services. 

The company reported growth in results in 2010, despite the impact of the decorrelation of gas and 

oil prices on the Global Gas and LNG business line. Sales grew by 5.7 per cent to €84.5 billion, EBITDA 

reached €15.1 billion, a 7.7 per cent increase, and net income was up 3.1 per cent to €4.6 billion. With 

key positions on domestic markets, GDF Suez stepped up its international development in 2010 

and announced that it was combining its international operations with International Power plc, 

a leading independent power generation company.

SU E Z   EN V IRO N N EM EN T

Suez Environnement integrates water and waste management operations that were formerly 

within the scope of Suez before it merged with Gaz de France. In the Water sector, the group 

designs  and  manages  drinking  water  production  and  distribution  systems  and  wastewater 

treatment systems, carries out engineering work and supplies a wide range of services to industry. 

In the Waste sector, Suez Environnement is active in managing (collecting, sorting, recycling, 

treating, recovering and storing) industrial and household waste. 

In 2010, in a gradually reviving economy, the group’s sales stood at €13.9 billion, up 12.8 per cent 

from the previous year. Net operating income totalled €2.3 billion, an increase of 13.6 per cent. 

Net income, after non-recurring items, stood at €565 million, compared with €403 million in 2009.  

P ER N O D   R I C A R D

Since the creation of Pernod Ricard in 1975, significant organic growth and a series of acquisitions, 

particularly Seagram in 2001, Allied Domecq in 2005 and Vin & Sprit in 2008, have made the company 

the world co-leader in wines and spirits.

In 2009–2010, Pernod Ricard’s sales declined 1.7 per cent to €7.1 billion, up 1.8 per cent at constant 

exchange rates and scope of consolidation. The gross margin after logistics costs was stable 

at €4.2 billion. Net income stood at €951 million, compared with €945 million the previous year. 

28

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

REVIEW OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
All tabular amounts are in millions of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise noted.

M A RC H  10,  2011

This Annual Report is designed to provide interested shareholders and others with selected information concerning Power Financial Corporation. For further 

information concerning the Corporation, shareholders and other interested persons should consult the Corporation’s disclosure documents such as its Annual 

Information Form and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Operating Results (MD&A). Copies of the Corporation’s continuous disclosure documents can 

be obtained at www.sedar.com, on the Corpo ration’s Web site at www.powerfinancial.com, or from the office of the Secretary at the addresses shown at the 

end of this report.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS  >  Certain statements in this document, other than 
statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements based on certain assumptions 

rates,  global  equity  and  capital  markets,  management  of  market  liquidity  and  funding 

risks,  changes  in  accounting  policies  and  methods  used  to  report  financial  condition 

and  reflect  the  Corporation’s  and  its  subsidiaries’  current  expectations.  Forward-looking 

(including uncertainties associated with critical accounting assumptions and estimates), 

statements  are  provided  for  the  purposes  of  assisting  the  reader  in  understanding  the 

the  effect  of  applying  future  accounting  changes  (including  adoption  of  International 

Corporation’s financial position and results of operations as at and for the periods ended 

Financial Reporting Standards), business competition, operational and reputational risks, 

on  certain  dates  and  to  present  information  about  management’s  current  expectations 

technological change, changes in government regulation and legislation, changes in tax 

and  plans  relating  to  the  future  and  the  reader  is  cautioned  that  such  statements  may 

laws, unexpected judicial or regulatory proceedings, catastrophic events, the Corporation’s 

not be appropriate for other purposes. These statements may include, without limitation, 

and its subsidiaries’ ability to complete strategic transactions, integrate acquisitions and 

statements  regarding  the  operations,  business,  financial  condition,  expected  financial 

implement  other  growth  strategies,  and  the  Corporation’s  and  its  subsidiaries’  success 

results, performance, prospects, opportunities, priorities, targets, goals, ongoing objectives, 

in  anticipating  and  managing  the  foregoing  factors. The  reader  is  cautioned  to  consider 

strategies and outlook of the Corporation and its subsidiaries, as well as the outlook for 

North American and international economies for the current fiscal year and subsequent 

periods.  Forward-looking  statements  include  statements  that  are  predictive  in  nature, 

depend  upon  or  refer  to  future  events  or  conditions,  or  include  words  such  as “expects”, 

“anticipates”, “plans”, “believes”, “estimates”, “seeks”, “intends”, “targets”, “projects”, “forecasts” 

or negative versions thereof and other similar expressions, or future or conditional verbs 

such as “may”, “will”, “should”, “would” and “could”.

By  its  nature,  this  information  is  subject  to  inherent  risks  and  uncertainties  that  may 

these  and  other  factors,  uncertainties  and  potential  events  carefully  and  not  to  put 

undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Information contained in forward-looking 

statements  is  based  upon  certain  material  assumptions  that  were  applied  in  drawing  a 

conclusion  or  making  a  forecast  or  projection,  including  management’s  perceptions  of 

historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other 

considerations  that  are  believed  to  be  appropriate  in  the  circumstances,  including  that 

the  foregoing  list  of  factors,  collectively,  are  not  expected  to  have  a  material  impact  on 

the Corporation and its subsidiaries. While the Corporation considers these assumptions 

to  be  reasonable  based  on  information  currently  available  to  management,  they  may 

be  general  or  specific  and  which  give  rise  to  the  possibility  that  expectations,  forecasts, 

prove to be incorrect.

predictions,  projections  or  conclusions  will  not  prove  to  be  accurate,  that  assumptions 

may not be correct and that objectives, strategic goals and priorities will not be achieved. A 

variety of factors, many of which are beyond the Corporation’s and its subsidiaries’ control, 

affect  the  operations,  performance  and  results  of  the  Corporation  and  its  subsidiaries 

and  their  businesses,  and  could  cause  actual  results  to  differ  materially  from  current 

Other  than  as  specifically  required  by  law,  the  Corporation  undertakes  no  obligation 

to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date 

on  which  such  statement  is  made,  or  to  reflect  the  occurrence  of  unanticipated  events, 

whether as a result of new information, future events or results, or otherwise.

expectations  of  estimated  or  anticipated  events  or  results. These  factors  include,  but 

Additional information about the risks and uncertainties of the Corporation’s business is 

are  not  limited  to:  the  impact  or  unanticipated  impact  of  general  economic,  political 

provided in its disclosure materials, including its MD&A and its Annual Information Form, 

and  market  factors  in  North America  and  internationally,  interest  and  foreign  exchange 

filed  with  the  securities  regulatory  authorities  in  Canada,  available  at  www.sedar.com.

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

29

REVIEW OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

OV E RV I E W 

Power Financial, a subsidiary of Power Corporation of Canada, is a holding 

The Pargesa group has holdings in major companies based in Europe. These 

company with substantial interests in the financial services industry through 

investments are held by Pargesa directly or through its affiliated Belgian holding 

its controlling interests in Great-West Lifeco Inc. (Lifeco) and IGM Financial Inc. 

company, Groupe Bruxelles Lambert (GBL). As at December 31, 2010, Pargesa 

(IGM). Power Financial also holds, together with the Frère group of Belgium, 

held a 50.0% equity interest in GBL, representing 52.0% of the voting rights. 

an interest in Pargesa Holding SA (Pargesa).

As  at  December  31,  2010,  Pargesa’s  portfolio  was  composed  of  interests 

As  at  December  31,  2010,  Power  Financial  and  IGM  held  68.3%  and  4.0%, 

in  various  sectors,  including  primarily  oil,  gas  and  chemicals  through Total 

respectively,  of  Lifeco’s  common  shares,  representing  approximately  65% 

S.A. (Total); energy and energy services through GDF Suez; water and waste 

of  the  voting  rights  attached  to  all  outstanding  Lifeco  voting  shares. 

services  through  Suez  Environnement  Company  (Suez  Environnement); 

As at December 31, 2010, Power Financial and The Great-West Life Assurance 

industrial minerals through Imerys S.A. (Imerys); cement and building materials 

Company  (Great-West  Life),  a  subsidiary  of  Lifeco,  held  57.0%  and  3.5%, 

through Lafarge S.A. (Lafarge); and wines and spirits through Pernod Ricard S.A. 

respectively, of IGM’s common shares.

(Pernod Ricard). In addition, Pargesa and GBL have also invested, or committed 

Power Financial Europe B.V., a wholly owned subsidiary of Power Financial, and 

the Frère group each hold a 50% interest in Parjointco N.V. (Parjointco), which, 

as at December 31, 2010, held a 54.1% equity interest in Pargesa, representing 62.9% 

of the voting rights of that company. These numbers do not reflect the dilution 

which could result from the potential conversion of outstanding debentures 

convertible into new bearer shares issued by Pargesa in 2006 and 2007.

to invest, in the area of private equity, including in the French private equity 

funds  Sagard  1  and  Sagard  2,  whose  management  company  is  a  subsidiary 

of Power Corporation of Canada. 

B A S I S OF PR E S E N TAT IO N A N D  S U M M A R Y  OF AC C OU N T I N G P OL IC I E S

The Consolidated Financial Statements of the Corporation have been prepared 

NON - G A A P FIN A NCIA L ME A SURE S

in  accordance  with  generally  accepted  accounting  principles  in  Canada 

In analysing the financial results of the Corporation and consistent with the 

(Canadian GAAP or GAAP herein) and are presented in Canadian dollars.

presentation  in  previous  years,  net  earnings  are  subdivided  in  the  section 

CHA NGE S IN ACCOUN T ING P OL ICIE S

There  were  no  changes  in  accounting  policies  adopted  by  the  Corporation 

in 2010. See also “Future Accounting Changes” section below.

INCLUSION OF PA RGE S A’ S RE SULT S

The  investment  in  Pargesa  is  accounted  for  by  Power  Financial  under  the 

equity method. As described above, the Pargesa portfolio currently consists 

primarily  of  investments  in  Imerys, Total,  GDF  Suez,  Suez  Environnement, 

Lafarge  and  Pernod  Ricard,  which  are  held  by  Pargesa  directly  or  through 

GBL. Imerys’ results are consolidated in the financial statements of Pargesa, 

while the contribution from Total, GDF Suez, Suez Environnement and Pernod 

“Results of Power Financial Corporation” below into the following components:

>  operating earnings; and

>  other  items,  which  include  the  after-tax  impact  of  any  item  that 

management  considers  to  be  of  a  non-recurring  nature  or  that  could 

make the period-over-period comparison of results from operations less 

meaningful,  and  also  include  the  Corporation’s  share  of  any  such  item 

presented  in  a  comparable  manner  by  Lifeco  or  IGM.  Please  also  refer 

to the comments above related to the inclusion of Pargesa’s results.

Management  has  used  these  financial  measures  for  many  years  in  its 

presentation  and  analysis  of  the  financial  performance  of  Power  Financial, 

and believes that they provide additional meaningful information to readers 

Ricard  to  GBL’s  operating  earnings  consists  of  the  dividends  received  from 

in their analysis of the results of the Corporation.

these companies. GBL accounts for its investment in Lafarge under the equity 

method, and consequently, the contribution from Lafarge to GBL’s earnings 

consists of GBL’s share of Lafarge’s net earnings.

The contribution from Pargesa to Power Financial’s earnings is based on the 

economic  (flow-through)  presentation  of  results  as  published  by  Pargesa. 

Operating earnings and operating earnings per share are non-GAAP financial 

measures that do not have a standard meaning and may not be comparable 

to  similar  measures  used  by  other  entities.  For  a  reconciliation  of  these 

non-GAAP  measures  to  results  reported  in  accordance  with  GAAP,  see 

“Results  of  Power  Financial  Corporation  –  Earnings  Summary  –  Condensed 

Pursuant to this presentation, operating income and non-operating income 

Supplementary Statements of Earnings” section below.

are presented separately by Pargesa. Power Financial’s share of non-operating 

income  of  Pargesa,  after  adjustments  or  reclassifications  if  necessary, 

is included as part of other items in the Corporation’s financial statements.

30

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

R E S U LT S OF P OW E R  F I N A NC I A L  C OR P OR AT IO N 

This section is an overview of the results of Power Financial. In this section, 

the  equity  method  in  order  to  facilitate  the  discussion  and  analysis.  This 

consistent with past practice, the contributions from Lifeco and IGM, which 

presentation has no impact on Power Financial’s net earnings and is intended 

represent most of the earnings of Power Financial, are accounted for using 

to assist readers in their analysis of the results of the Corporation.

E A RNING S SUMM A RY – CONDENSED SUPPL EMEN TA RY S TAT EMEN T S OF E A RNING S

The following table shows a reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures used herein for the periods indicated, with the reported results in accordance with 

GAAP for net earnings and earnings per share.

TWELVE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31

Contribution to operating earnings 

from subsidiaries and investment at equity

Lifeco
IGM
Pargesa

Results from corporate activities

Operating earnings [ 1 ] [ 2 ]
Other items [ 3 ]

Net earnings [ 1 ] [ 2 ]

TOTAL

1,276
416
120

1,812
(79)

1,733
(149)

1,584

2010
PER 
SHARE 

2.31
(0.21)

2.10

TOTAL

1,120
347
141

1,608
(75)

1,533
(94)

1,439

2009
PER 
SHARE 

2.05
(0.13)

1.92

[ 1 ] 

 Operating earnings and net earnings represent earnings before dividends on perpetual preferred shares issued by the Corporation, which amounted to $99 million and $88 million 

in the twelve-month periods ended December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively.

[ 2 ]  Operating earnings per share and net earnings per share are calculated after deducting dividends on perpetual preferred shares issued by the Corporation.

[ 3 ]  See “Other Items” section below for additional information.

OPER AT ING E A RNING S

>  Lifeco continued to experience solid operating results throughout the year 

Operating earnings for the year ended December 31, 2010 were $1,733 million 

in all business segments despite the strengthening of the Canadian dollar 

or  $2.31  per  share,  compared  with  $1,533  million  or  $2.05  per  share  in  the 

against the U.S. dollar, British pound and euro in 2010.

corresponding  period  in  2009. This  represents  an  increase  of  12.8%  on  a  per 

share basis.

IGM’s contribution to Power Financial’s operating earnings was $416 million for 

the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2010, compared with $347 million 

For  the  year  ended  December  31,  2010,  the  strengthening  of  the  Canadian 

for the corresponding period in 2009. Details are as follows:

dollar against the U.S. dollar, the British pound and the euro had a negative 

currency  impact  on  Lifeco’s  net  earnings  of  $103  million.  Power  Financial’s 

share of this currency effect is $73 million or $0.10 per share for the year ended 

December 31, 2010.

> 

IGM reported operating earnings available to common shareholders for 

the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2010 of $734 million or $2.79 

per share on a diluted basis, compared with $622 million or $2.35 per share 

in the same period in 2009, an increase of 18.7% on a per share basis. 

SHA RE OF OPER AT ING E A RNING S FROM 
SUBSIDIA RIE S A ND IN V E S T MEN T AT EQUI T Y

>  Other  items  for  the  twelve-month  period  ended  December  31,  2010 

(recorded in the third quarter) represent a charge of $8 million representing 

Power  Financial’s  share  of  operating  earnings  from  its  subsidiaries  and 

IGM’s share of Lifeco’s after-tax charge related to a decision released by the 

investment at equity increased by 12.7% in the year ended December 31, 2010, 

Ontario Superior Court of Justice as discussed in the “Contingent Liabilities” 

compared with the same period in 2009, from $1,608 million to $1,812 million.

section below.

Lifeco’s contribution to Power Financial’s operating earnings was $1,276 million 

>  Other items for the year ended December 31, 2009 were recorded in the 

for  the  twelve-month  period  ended  December  31,  2010,  compared  with 

fourth quarter and consisted of:

$1,120 million for the corresponding period in 2009. Details are as follows:

 – A non-cash charge of $77 million ($66 million after tax) on available-for-

>  Lifeco reported operating earnings attributable to common shareholders 

sale equity securities related to the market environment.

of  $1,861  million  or  $1.964  per  share  for  the  twelve-month  period  ended 

December 31, 2010, compared with $1,627 million or $1.722 per share in the 

corresponding  period  of  2009. This  represents  a  14.4%  increase  on  a  per 

share basis. 

>  Operating earnings of Lifeco exclude the impact of an incremental litigation 

provision,  as  noted  in  the “Contingent  Liabilities”  section  below,  in  the 

amount  of  $225  million  after  tax  ($204  million  attributable  to  Lifeco’s 

common  shareholders  or  $0.216  per  common  share,  and  $21  million 

to Lifeco’s non-controlling interests) established in the third quarter. Lifeco 

now  holds  $310  million  in  after-tax  provisions  for  this  matter  discussed 

in Note 25 to the Corporation’s 2010 Consolidated Financial Statements.

 – A non-cash income tax benefit of $18 million resulting from decreases 

in  Ontario  corporate  income  tax  rates  and  their  effect  on  the  future 

income tax liability related to indefinite life intangible assets arising from 

the acquisition of Mackenzie Financial Corporation in 2001.

 – A premium of $14 million paid on the redemption of the Series A preferred 

shares on December 31, 2009.

> 

IGM’s quarterly earnings are primarily dependent on the level of mutual 

fund assets under management. Improving market conditions, particularly 

in the fourth quarter of 2010, have resulted in increased levels of average 

assets under management and increased quarterly earnings as compared 

to 2009.

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

31

REVIEW OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

The contribution from Pargesa to Power Financial’s operating earnings was 

>  Operating earnings of Pargesa exclude non-recurring earnings of SF280 

$120 million in the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2010, compared 

million for the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2009, consisting 

with $141 million in the corresponding period of 2009. Details are as follows:

principally of the partial reversal of an impairment charge taken by GBL on 

>  Pargesa’s  operating  earnings  for  the  twelve-month  period  ended 

December  31,  2010  were  SF465  million,  compared  with  SF512  million 

in the corresponding period in 2009. 

its investment in Lafarge for an amount of SF510 million and of impairment 

charges recorded by GBL.

RE SULT S FROM CORP OR AT E AC T I V I T IE S

>  The results for Pargesa for the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2010 

reflect increased earnings from Imerys, which is consolidated by Pargesa. 

This increase is offset by the fact that GDF Suez had paid, in addition to its 

Results from corporate activities include income from investments, operating 

expenses,  financing  charges  (which  include  dividends  on  the  Corporation’s 

Preferred  Shares  Series  C  and  J  as  these  were  classified  as  liabilities), 

normal dividend, a special one-time dividend in the second quarter of 2009, 

depreciation and income taxes.

which represented an amount of SF73 million for Pargesa, and to a lesser 

extent a decrease in the contribution from Lafarge.

Corporate  activities  were  a  net  charge  of  $79  million  in  the  twelve-month 

period ended December 31, 2010, compared with a net charge of $75 million in 

>  Operating  earnings  of  Pargesa  exclude  net  non-recurring  charges 

the corresponding period of 2009. 

of  SF1  million  for  the  twelve-month  period  ended  December  31,  2010, 

consisting  principally  of  (i)  Pargesa’s  share  of  non-operating  earnings 

of Imerys and Lafarge of SF24 million less (ii) non-operating charges at the 

holding company level consisting of impairment charges of SF16 million 

principally on GBL’s investment in Iberdrola S.A. (SF15 million) as a result 

of a decline in the market value of the investment. Included in the non-

operating  earnings  of  Imerys  is  a  gain  recorded  under  International 

Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) of SF25 million representing negative 

goodwill  which  under  Canadian  GAAP  is  not  recognized. This  gain  will 

be reflected in the Corporation’s 2010 IFRS financial statements.

For 2010, the change in corporate activities largely results from an increase 

in operating expenses in the twelve month period ended December 31, 2010, 

when compared to the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2009.

OT HER I T EMS

For the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2010, other items represent a charge of $149 million, compared with a charge of $94 million in the corresponding 

period of 2009.

TWELVE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31

LIFECO

Litigation provision

IGM

Non-cash charge on available-for-sale securities
Non-cash income tax benefit
Premium paid on redemption of preferred shares

PARGESA

Impairment charge
Other

CORPORATE

Dilution gain related to issue of common shares by IGM

2010 

2009

(144)

(4)
(1)

(149)

(38)
10
(8)

(53)
(17)

12

(94)

NE T E A RNING S

Net earnings for the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2010 were $1,584 million or $2.10 per share, compared with $1,439 million or $1.92 per share in the 

corresponding period in 2009. 

32

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

F I N A N C I A L P O S I T IO N , L IQ U I DI T Y  A N D  C A PI TA L R E S OU RC E S 

CONDENSED SUPPL EMEN TA RY BA L A NCE SHEE T S

AS AT DECEMBER 31

ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents [2]
Investment at equity
Investments
Goodwill
Intangible assets
Other assets

Total

LIABILITIES
Policy liabilities

Actuarial liabilities
Other
Other liabilities
Preferred shares of the Corporation
Preferred shares of subsidiaries
Capital trust securities and debentures
Debentures and other borrowings

Non-controlling interests

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Perpetual preferred shares
Common shareholders’ equity

140,231

13,826

14,147

CONSOLIDATED BASIS
2009

2010

3,656
2,279
100,061
8,726
4,238
24,295

143,255

100,394
4,723
9,015

535
6,348

121,015
9,056

2,005
11,179

13,184

4,855
2,675
94,237
8,655
4,366
25,443

98,059
4,592
8,485
300
203
540
5,967

118,146
8,878

1,725
11,482

13,207

2010

713
13,019

EQUIT Y BASIS [1]
2009

756
13,306

94

85

392

250

642

2,005
11,179

13,184

13,826

390
300

250

940

1,725
11,482

13,207

14,147

Total

143,255

140,231

[ 1 ]  Condensed supplementary balance sheets of the Corporation using the equity method to account for Lifeco and IGM.

[ 2 ] 

 Under the equity basis presentation, cash equivalents include $470 million ($273 million at December 31, 2009) of fixed income securities with maturities of more than 90 days. 

In the 2010 Consolidated Financial Statements, this amount of cash equivalents is classified in investments.

CONSOL IDAT ED BA SIS

Non-controlling interests include the Corporation’s non-controlling interests 

The consolidated balance sheets include Lifeco’s and IGM’s assets and liabilities.   

in the common equity of Lifeco and IGM as well as the participating account 

Total assets of the Corporation increased to $143.3 billion at December 31, 2010, 

surplus in Lifeco’s insurance subsidiaries and perpetual preferred shares issued 

compared with $140.2 billion at December 31, 2009.

by subsidiaries to third parties.

The investment at equity of $2.3 billion represents the Corporation’s carrying 

value in Parjointco. The decrease in the carrying value is mainly due to foreign 

currency changes and a decrease in the market value of Pargesa’s investments 

accounted for as available-for-sale assets.

Assets  under  administration,  which  are  excluded  from  the  Corporation’s 

balance sheet, include segregated funds of Lifeco, proprietary mutual funds and 

institutional net assets of Lifeco as well as other assets under administration 

of Lifeco, and IGM’s assets under management, at market value: 

Investments at December 31, 2010 were $100.1 billion, a $5.8 billion increase 

>  Assets  under  administration  of  Lifeco,  excluding  those  included  on  the 

from December 31, 2009.

Liabilities  increased  from  $118.1  billion  at  December  31,  2009  to  $121.0  billion 

at December 31, 2010. Lifeco’s actuarial liabilities increased from $98.1 billion 

to $100.4 billion over the same period.

balance  sheet,  increased  from  $330.2  billion  at  December  31,  2009 

to $352.4 billion at December 31, 2010. Segregated funds and proprietary 

mutual  funds  and  institutional  net  assets  increased  by  approximately 

$7.1 billion from December 31, 2009, primarily as a result of improved equity 

market  levels.  Other  assets  under  administration  by  Lifeco  increased 

Debentures and other borrowings increased by $381 million during the twelve-

by  $15.1  billion  as  a  result  of  improved  equity  market  levels  and  lower 

month  period  ended  December  31,  2010,  while  subsidiaries  repurchased 

interest rates.

preferred shares classified as liabilities for an amount of $203 million and the 

Corporation repurchased $300 million of similar preferred shares. Details are 

included in the “Cash Flows – Consolidated” section below.

The increase in perpetual preferred shares presented in the “Shareholders’ equity” 

section below results from the issue of the Series P First Preferred Shares for 

an amount of $280 million during the second quarter of 2010.

> 

IGM’s  assets  under  management,  at  market  value,  were  $129.5  billion 

at December 31, 2010, compared with $120.5 billion at December 31, 2009. 

The increase is principally due to market and income appreciation.

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

33

REVIEW OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

EQUI T Y BA SIS

SHA REHOL DER S’ EQUI T Y

Under the equity basis presentation, Lifeco and IGM are accounted for using 

Common  shareholders’  equity  was  $11,179  million  at  December  31,  2010, 

the  equity  method. This  presentation  has  no  impact  on  Power  Financial’s 

compared  with  $11,482  million  at  December  31,  2009.  The  decrease 

shareholders’  equity  and  is  intended  to  assist  readers  in  isolating  the 

of $303 million is mainly due to:

contribution of Power Financial, as the parent company, to consolidated assets 

and liabilities.

Cash and cash equivalents held by Power Financial amounted to $713 million 

at December 31, 2010, compared with $756 million at the end of December 2009. 

The amount of quarterly dividends declared by the Corporation but not yet paid 

was $274 million at December 31, 2010. The amount of dividends declared by IGM 

but not yet received by the Corporation was $76 million at December 31, 2010. 

In  managing  its  own  cash  and  cash  equivalents,  Power  Financial  may  hold 

cash balances or invest in short-term paper or equivalents, as well as deposits, 

denominated  in  foreign  currencies  and  thus  be  exposed  to  fluctuations 

>  A $476 million increase in retained earnings, reflecting primarily net earnings 

of $1,584 million, less dividends declared of $1,090 million.

>  Changes  to  accumulated  other  comprehensive  income  in  the  negative 

amount of $813 million.

In 2010, 2,287,000 Common Shares were issued by the Corporation pursuant 

to the Corporation’s Employee Stock Option Plan for an aggregate amount 

of $31 million.

As a result of the above, book value per common share of the Corporation was 

$15.79 at December 31, 2010, compared with $16.27 at the end of 2009.

in exchange rates. In order to protect against such fluctuations, Power Financial 

On  June  29,  2010  the  Corporation  issued  11,200,000  4.40%  Non-Cumulative 

may, from time to time, enter into currency-hedging transactions with financial 

5-Year  Rate  Reset  First  Preferred  Shares,  Series  P  for  gross  proceeds 

institutions with high credit ratings. As at December 31, 2010, essentially all 

of $280 million. On July 30, 2010, the Corporation redeemed all of its $150 million 

of the $713 million of cash and cash equivalents was denominated in Canadian 

First Preferred Shares, Series J at a redemption price of $25.50 for each such 

dollars or in foreign currencies with currency hedges in place. 

share, for an aggregate redemption amount of $153 million. On October 31, 2010, 

The carrying value at equity of Power Financial’s investments in Lifeco, IGM and 

Parjointco decreased to $13,019 million at December 31, 2010, compared with 

$13,306 million at December 31, 2009. This decrease is mainly due to:

>  Power Financial’s share of net earnings from its subsidiaries and investment 

at  equity  for  the  twelve-month  period  ended  December  31,  2010,  net 

of dividends received, amounting to $505 million.

>  Power  Financial’s  share  of  other  comprehensive  income  from  its 

subsidiaries and investment at equity for the twelve-month period ended 

December  31,  2010  in  the  negative  amount  of  $813  million. This  amount 

includes a net $832 million negative variation in foreign currency translation 

the Corporation redeemed all of its $150 million First Preferred Shares Series C 

at  a  redemption  price  of  $25.40  for  each  such  share,  for  an  aggregate 

redemption amount of $152 million. These two series of preferred shares were 

classified as liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

The  Corporation  filed  a  shor t-form  base  shelf  prospectus  dated 

November 23, 2010, pursuant to which, for a period of 25 months thereafter, 

the Corporation may issue up to an aggregate of $1.5 billion of First Preferred 

Shares, Common Shares and debt securities, or any combination thereof. This 

filing provides the Corporation with the flexibility to access debt and equity 

markets  on  a  timely  basis  to  make  changes  to  the  Corporation’s  capital 

structure in response to changes in economic conditions and changes in its 

adjustments, related to the Corporation’s indirect investments in Lifeco’s 

and  Pargesa’s  foreign  operations,  a  negative  variation  in  the  value 

financial condition.

of investments classified as available for sale in the amount of $17 million, 

and a $36 million positive variation for cash flow hedges.

OU T S TA NDING NUMBER OF COMMON SH A RE S

As  of  the  date  hereof,  there  were  708,013,680  Common  Shares  of  the 

Corporation outstanding, compared with 705,726,680 at December 31, 2009. 

The increase in the number of outstanding Common Shares reflects the exercise 

of  options  under  the  Corporation’s  Employee  Stock  Option  Plan. As  of  the 

date  hereof,  options  were  outstanding  to  purchase  up  to  an  aggregate 

of  8,480,115  Common  Shares  of  the  Corporation  under  the  Corporation’s 

Employee Stock Option Plan.

C A S H F L OW S

C A SH FLOW S — CONSOL IDAT ED

TWELVE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31

Cash flow from operating activities
Cash flow from financing activities
Cash flow from investing activities
Effect of changes in exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

2010 

6,572
(1,530)
(6,026)
(215)

(1,199)
4,855

3,656

2009

4,553
(1,245)
(2,850)
(292)

166
4,689

4,855

On a consolidated basis, cash and cash equivalents decreased by $1,199 million 

Operating activities produced a net inflow of $6,572 million in the twelve-month 

in  the  twelve-month  period  ended  December  31,  2010,  compared  with 

period ended December 31, 2010, compared with a net inflow of $4,553 million 

an increase of $166 million in the corresponding period in 2009. 

in the corresponding period in 2009. 

34

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

Operating activities during the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2010, 

>  Repurchase  by  the  Corporation  of  preferred  shares  for  an  amount 

compared to the same period in 2009, included:

of  $305  million,  compared  with  nil  in  the  corresponding  period  of  2009.

>  For the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2010, Lifeco’s cash flow 

>  Redemption  of  preferred  shares  by  subsidiaries  of  the  Corporation 

from operations was a net inflow of $5,797 million, compared with a net 

for  an  amount  of  $507  million,  compared  with  $948  million  in  the 

inflow of $3,958 million in the corresponding period in 2009. Cash provided 

corresponding period in 2009.

by operating activities is used primarily to pay policy benefits, policyholder 

dividends  and  claims,  as  well  as  operating  expenses  and  commissions. 

Cash flows generated by operations are mainly invested to support future 

liability cash requirements. 

>  Operating  activities  of  IGM,  after  payment  of  commissions,  generated 

$863  million  in  the  twelve-month  period  ended  December  31,  2010, 

compared with $700 million in the corresponding period in 2009. 

Cash flows from financing activities resulted in a net outflow of $1,530 million 

in the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2010, compared with a net 

outflow of $1,245 million in the corresponding period in 2009. 

Financing activities during the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2010 

and December 31, 2009, included:

>  Repurchases for cancellation by subsidiaries of the Corporation of their 

common  shares  amounted  to  $157  million,  compared  with  $70  million 

in the corresponding period in 2009.

> 

Issuance of debentures by Lifeco for an amount of $500 million, compared 

with $200 million in the corresponding period of 2009.

> 

Issuance of debentures by IGM for an amount of $200 million, compared 

with $375 million in the corresponding period of 2009.

>  Net repayment of other borrowings at Lifeco for an amount of $253 million, 

compared with net other borrowings of $169 million in the corresponding 

period of 2009.

>  Repayment in 2009 by IGM of $287 million of bankers’ acceptances related 

to the acquisition of Saxon Financial Inc. and of short-term borrowings 

>  Dividends paid by the Corporation and its subsidiaries were $1,718 million, 

compared with $1,679 million in the corresponding period in 2009.

in the amount of $100 million.

> 

Issuance of common shares of the Corporation for an amount of $31 million 

pursuant  to  the  Corporation’s  Employee  Stock  Option  Plan,  compared  

with $10 million in the corresponding period in 2009.

> 

Issuance  of  preferred  shares  by  the  Corporation  for  an  amount 

of $280 million, compared with $150 million in the corresponding period 

in 2009.

> 

Issuance  of  common  shares  by  subsidiaries  of  the  Corporation  for 

an amount of $84 million, compared with $49 million in the corresponding 

period in 2009.

> 

Issuance  of  preferred  shares  by  subsidiaries  of  the  Corporation  for  an 

amount of $400 million, compared with $320 million in the corresponding 

Cash flows from investing activities resulted in a net outflow of $6,026 million 

in the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2010, compared with a net 

outflow of $2,850 million in the corresponding period in 2009. 

Investing activities during the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2010, 

compared to the same period in 2009, included:

> 

Investing activities at Lifeco in the twelve-month period ended December 31, 

2010  resulted  in  a  net  outflow  of  $6,099  million,  compared  with  a  net 

outflow of $1,831 million in the corresponding period in 2009. 

> 

Investing  activities  at  IGM  in  the  twelve-month  period  ended 

December 31, 2010 resulted in a net inflow of $302 million, compared with 

a net outflow of $750 million in the corresponding period in 2009.

period in 2009.

C A SH FLOW S — CORP OR AT E

TWELVE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31

CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Net earnings
Earnings from subsidiaries not received in cash
Dilution gain and reversal of provisions
Other

CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Dividends paid on common and preferred shares
Issuance of preferred shares
Issuance of common shares
Repurchase of preferred shares
Other

CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Advance to an affiliate
Other

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

2010

1,584
(505)

(2)

1,077

(1,086)
280
31
(305)
(8)

(1,088)

(32)

(32)

(43) 
756

713

2009

1,439
(370)
(12)
3

1,060

(1,070)
150
10

(5)

(915)

4

4

149
607

756

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

35

REVIEW OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

Power  Financial  is  a  holding  company. As  such,  corporate  cash  flows  from 

which  require  that  solvency  standards  be  maintained.  In  addition,  certain 

operations, before payment of dividends, are principally made up of dividends 

subsidiaries of IGM must also comply with capital and liquidity requirements 

received  from  its  subsidiaries  and  investment  at  equity  and  income  from 

established by regulatory authorities.

investments, less operating expenses, financing charges, and income taxes. 

The  ability  of  Lifeco  and  IGM,  which  are  also  holding  companies,  to  meet 

their  obligations  generally  and  pay  dividends  depends  in  particular  upon 

receipt  of  sufficient  funds  from  their  subsidiaries. The  payment  of  interest 

and  dividends  by  Lifeco’s  principal  subsidiaries  is  subject  to  restrictions  set 

out in relevant corporate and insurance laws and regulations, which require 

that solvency and capital standards be maintained. As well, the capitalization 

Dividends  declared  by  Lifeco  and  IGM  in  the  twelve-month  period  ended 

December 31, 2010 on their common shares amounted to $1.23 and $2.05 per 

share, respectively, unchanged from the corresponding period in 2009.

Pargesa  pays  its  annual  dividends  in  the  second  quarter. The  dividend  paid 

in  2010  amounted  to  SF2.72  per  bearer  share,  an  increase  of  3.8%  when 

compared to the dividend paid in 2009.

of Lifeco’s principal subsidiaries takes into account the views expressed by the 

In the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2010, dividends declared on the 

various credit rating agencies that provide ratings related to financial strength 

Corporation’s Common Shares amounted to $1.40 per share, unchanged from 

and other measures relating to those companies. The payment of dividends 

the corresponding period in 2009.

by  IGM’s  principal  subsidiaries  is  subject  to  corporate  laws  and  regulations 

F U T U R E AC C OU N T I NG C H A NGE S

IN T ERN AT IONA L FINA NCIA L REP ORT ING S TA NDA RDS

The impact of certain of the foregoing items will be reflected in the financial 

In  February  2008,  the  Canadian  Institute  of  Chartered Accountants  (CICA) 

statements  of  the  Corporation.  Consequently,  the  Corporation  seeks 

announced  that  Canadian  GAAP  for  publicly  accountable  enterprises  will 

harmonization among group companies with respect to such items.

be replaced by IFRS for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2011. The 

Corporation  will  be  required  to  begin  reporting  under  IFRS  for  the  quarter 

ending  March  31,  2011  and  will  be  required  to  prepare  an  opening  balance 

sheet  at  January  1,  2010  and  provide  information  that  conforms  to  IFRS  for 

the comparative periods presented. The Corporation will include in the March 

31, 2011 interim consolidated financial statements disclosures and explanation 

of  transition  to  IFRS  in  accordance  with  IFRS  1,  First-Time  Adoption  of 

International Financial Reporting Standards.

IFRS  will  require  increased  financial  statement  disclosure  as  compared 

to Canadian GAAP and the Corporation’s accounting policies will be affected 

by the change from Canadian GAAP to IFRS, which will impact the presentation 

of the Corporation’s financial position and results of operations. On adoption 

of IFRS, the financial position and results of operations reported in accordance 

Information below regarding the publicly traded subsidiaries’ IFRS changeover 

plans has been derived from their public disclosure. 

The Corporation is in the final stages of aggregating and analysing potential 

adjustments required to its opening balance sheet at January 1, 2010 for changes 

to  accounting  policies  resulting  from  identified  differences  noted  between 

Canadian  GAAP  and  IFRS  in  the  changeover  project.  The  Corporation  also 

continues to analyse differences to net earnings and retained earnings under IFRS.

Adoption of IFRS requires that the IFRS standards be applied on a retroactive 

basis with the exception of those specifically exempted under IFRS 1 for first-

time adopters. Absent an exemption, any changes to existing standards must 

be  applied  retroactively  and  reflected  in  the  opening  balance  sheet  of  the 

comparative period.

with IFRS may differ as compared to Canadian GAAP and these differences may 

Key  adjustments  to  the  Corporation’s  opening  balance  sheet  have  been 

be material. Implementing IFRS will have an impact on accounting, financial 

identified  and  analysed,  with  estimates  of  the  impact  to  the  opening 

reporting  and  supporting  information  technology  systems  and  processes. 

balance sheet and shareholders’ equity at transition to IFRS presented in the 

Additionally, the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) currently 

Reconciliations of the pro forma Consolidated Balance Sheet and the pro forma 

has projects underway that are expected to result in new pronouncements 

Statement  of  Retained  Earnings  and Accumulated  Other  Comprehensive 

and, accordingly, the development of IFRS continues to evolve.

Income below.

The Corporation’s IFRS changeover plan includes the modification of financial 

These  estimated  adjustments  represent  management’s  best  estimates  and 

reporting processes, disclosure controls and procedures, and internal controls 

may  be  subject  to  change,  though  not  materially,  prior  to  the  issuance  of 

over  financial  reporting,  as  well  as  the  education  of  key  stakeholders, 

financial  statements  prepared  in  accordance  with  IFRS. These  accounting 

including  the  Board  of  Directors,  management  and  employees. The  impact 

differences have been separated in the balance sheet, between items impacting 

on  the  Corporation’s  information  technology,  data  systems  and  processes 

shareholders’ equity at transition and other items that represent a difference 

will be dependent upon the magnitude of change resulting from these and 

between IFRS and Canadian GAAP with certain of these items resulting in a 

other  items.  At  this  time,  no  significant  impact  on  information  or  data 

change in financial statement presentation or reclassification. This discussion 

systems has been identified and the Corporation and its subsidiaries do not 

has been prepared using the standards and interpretations currently issued 

expect  to  make  changes  which  will  materially  affect  internal  controls  over 

and expected to be effective at the end of the Corporation’s first annual IFRS 

financial reporting.

The  Corporation  is  monitoring  the  potential  impact  of  other  IFRS-related 

changes to financial reporting processes, disclosure controls and procedures, 

and internal controls over financial reporting, though the Corporation does not 

expect the initial adoption of IFRS will have a material impact on the disclosure 

controls and procedures for financial reporting.

reporting period, December 31, 2011. The amounts have not been audited or 

subject to review by our external audit.

36

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

CON V ER SION A DJUS T MEN T S

INVESTMENT PROPERTIES

The  following  represents  key  changes  identified  in  accounting  policies  that 

Real estate not classified as owner-occupied properties will be accounted for as 

will  impact  shareholders’  equity  upon  the  transition  to  IFRS. The  identified 

investment properties and measured at fair value. The resulting net decrease 

differences represent management’s best estimate and these estimates and 

to  investment  properties  at  transition  is  expected  to  be  $85  million.  Under 

decisions may be revised before the Corporation issues financial statements 

Canadian GAAP, these properties were carried at cost net of write-downs and 

prepared in accordance with IFRS.

allowances for loss, plus a moving average market value adjustment which is 

INVESTMENT CONTR ACTS
The majority of Canadian GAAP policyholder and reinsurance contract liabilities 

will be classified as insurance contracts under IFRS. Contracts where significant 

insurance risk does not exist will be classified as investment contracts under 

expected to total $133 million at transition to IFRS.

The  change  in  measurement,  including  the  derecognition  of  deferred  net 

realized gains on investment properties at January 1, 2010 will increase opening 

retained earnings by approximately $100 million after tax.

IFRS and accounted for either at fair value or at amortized cost. If significant 

OWNER-OCCUPIED PROPERTIES

insurance risk exists, the contract is classified as an insurance contract and will 

For all owner-occupied properties, the Corporation has elected to measure 

be measured under the Canadian Asset Liability Method.

IFRS allows for the recognition of both deferred acquisition costs and deferred 

income reserves related to investment contracts. Certain deferred acquisition 

the fair value as its deemed cost at transition, resulting in a fair value increase 

of  $40  million. After  transition,  the  cost  model  will  be  used  to  value  such 

properties,  with  depreciation  expensed  in  the  consolidated  statements  of 

costs  that  were  not  incremental  to  the  contract  and  were  deferred  and 

earnings.

amortized into consolidated net earnings over the anticipated period of benefit 

The  fair  value  election  at  transition  is  expected  to  result  in  an  increase  in 

under Canadian GAAP will now be recognized as an expense under IFRS in the 

opening retained earnings of approximately $15 million after tax.

period incurred. Deferred acquisition costs that are incremental in nature will 

continue to be deferred and amortized. On the balance sheet, the deferred 

acquisition  costs  will  be  presented  in  other  assets.  Under  Canadian  GAAP, 

actuarial liabilities were presented net of deferred acquisition costs.

The adjustment to decrease opening retained earnings for the adjustments 

related  to  deferred  acquisition  costs  and  deferred  income  reserves 

on investment contracts is expected to be approximately $327 million after tax.

INVESTMENT AT EQUITY
The Corporation will increase the carrying value of its investment at equity and 

its opening retained earnings by an amount of $154 million to reflect amounts 

DERECOGNITION OF FINANCIAL A SSETS
The IFRS determination of whether a financial asset should be derecognized 

is based to a greater extent on the transfer of risks and rewards of ownership; 

whereas  under  Canadian  GAAP,  the  focus  is  on  the  surrendering  of  control 

over the transferred assets. IGM has disclosed that its analysis indicates most 

of its securitization transactions will be accounted for as secured borrowings 

under IFRS rather than sales, which will result in an increase in total assets and 

liabilities recorded on its consolidated balance sheets. As these transactions 

are  to  be  treated  as  financing  transactions  rather  than  sale  transactions, 

a transitional adjustment to opening retained earnings is required to reflect 

previously recognized under IFRS by Pargesa which were not recognized under 

this change in accounting treatment.

Canadian  GAAP. The  largest  component  of  this  adjustment  consists  of  the 

IGM has disclosed that it has completed its analysis based on assumptions 

Corporation’s share of the reversal in 2009 of an impairment charge recorded 

that: (i) the mortgages are carried at amortized cost, (ii) mortgage origination 

by GBL for an amount of $139 million.

DEFERRED SELLING COMMISSIONS
Under IFRS, commissions paid on the sale of certain mutual fund units will 

be considered as definite life intangible assets and amortized over their useful 

life  under  Canadian  GAAP.  The  IFRS  standard  for  intangible  assets  more 

specifically  addresses  the  approach  to  record  amortization  and  disposals  of 

costs  are  capitalized  and  amortized,  and  (iii)  the  transactions  are  restated 

on  a  retroactive  basis. The  estimated  increase  in  the  mortgage  balances  is 

$3.3 billion with a corresponding increase in liabilities. Certain other mortgage-

related assets and liabilities, including retained interests, certain derivative 

instruments and servicing liabilities, will be adjusted. The estimated decrease 

in the Corporation’s opening retained earnings is approximately $45 million.

intangible assets. When a mutual fund client redeems units in certain mutual 

funds,  a  redemption  fee  is  paid  by  the  client  that  is  recorded  as  revenue  by 

IGM.  IFRS  requires  that  the  remaining  deferred  selling  commission  asset 

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS 
– CUMUL ATIVE UNAMORTIZED ACTUARIAL GAINS AND LOSSES 
The  Corporation  has  elected  to  apply  the  exemption  available  to  recognize 

related  to  those  units  be  recorded  as  a  disposal. The  current  estimate  of 

all  cumulative  unamortized  actuarial  gains  and  losses  of  the  Corporation’s 

this difference is expected to be a decrease of $1 million in the Corporation’s 

defined benefit plans of $308 million in shareholders’ equity upon transition. 

opening retained earnings.

Subsequent  to  transition,  the  Corporation  intends  to  apply  the “corridor” 

approach  for  deferring  recognition  of  actuarial  gains  and  losses  that  reside 

RE AL ESTATE PROPERTIES
Under IFRS, real estate properties have been classified as either investment 

within the corridor.

properties or owner-occupied properties.

This  adjustment,  referred  to  as  the “fresh  start”  adjustment,  is  expected  to 

decrease  opening  retained  earnings  by  approximately  $132  million  after  tax.

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

37

REVIEW OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS   
– PA ST SERVICE COSTS AND OTHER
Differences exist between IFRS and Canadian GAAP in determining employee 

benefits,  including  the  requirement  to  recognize  unamortized  past  service 

CUMUL ATIVE TR ANSL ATION LOSSES OF FOREIGN OPER ATIONS
The Corporation will reset the unrealized cumulative translation differences 

of  foreign  operations  to  zero  upon  adoption  of  IFRS.  The  balance  of  the 

cumulative loss to be reclassified from other comprehensive income to retained 

costs  and  certain  service  awards. The  adjustment  for  recognition  of  these 

earnings at January 1, 2010 is approximately $1,188 million. 

unamortized vested past service costs and other employee benefits under IFRS 

are estimated to total $92 million.

These  differences  are  expected  to  increase  opening  retained  earnings 

by approximately $41 million after tax. 

UNCERTAIN INCOME TAX PROVISIONS
The difference in the recognition and measurement of uncertain tax provisions 

between Canadian GAAP and IFRS is expected to decrease opening retained 

earnings by approximately $170 million.

OTHER ADJUSTMENTS
Several  additional  items  have  been  identified  where  the  transition  from 

Canadian GAAP to IFRS will result in recognition changes. These adjustments, 

which include (i) the capitalization of transaction costs on other than held-for-

REDESIGNATION OF FINANCIAL A SSETS
Lifeco  has  disclosed  it  will  redesignate  certain  non-participating  available-

for-sale  financial  assets  to  fair  value  through  profit  and  loss. Also,  certain 

financial  assets  classified  as  held  for  trading  under  Canadian  GAAP  will  be 

redesignated as available for sale under IFRS. The redesignation will have no 

overall impact on the Corporation’s opening shareholders’ equity at transition 

but  is  expected  to  result  in  a  reclassification  within  shareholders’  equity  of 

approximately $67 million between retained earnings and accumulated other 

comprehensive income.

NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS
Under  Canadian  GAAP  non-controlling  interests  were  presented  between 

liabilities and equity. IFRS requires presentation of non-controlling interests 

trading financial liabilities netted against the corresponding financial liability, 

within the equity section of the balance sheet.

(ii) the adoption of the graded vesting method to account for all stock options, 

and (iii) the measurement of Lifeco preferred shares previously recorded at fair 

value  will  be  recorded  at  amortized  cost  under  IFRS,  are  expected  to  result 

in  an  adjustment  to  increase  opening  retained  earnings  by  approximately 

$3 million after tax.

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
The  Corporation  does  not  plan  to  restate  business  combinations  prior  to 

January 1, 2010, and therefore there is no expected impact on opening figures. 

The  Corporation  will  apply  the  IFRS  3  standard  prospectively  for  business 

combinations occurring after January 1, 2010.

PRE SEN TAT ION A ND RECL A SSIFIC AT ION A DJUS T MEN T S

The  following  represents  changes  in  key  accounting  policies  that  do  not 

impact  shareholders’  equity  upon  the  adoption  of  IFRS. The  items  below 

include  accounting  policy  differences  under  IFRS,  certain  of  which  require 

financial statement presentation and reclassification changes upon transition. 

The  possible  impact  of  the  identified  differences  represents  management’s 

best estimates and these estimates and decisions may be revised before the 

Corporation  issues  financial  statements  prepared  in  accordance  with  IFRS.

SEGREGATED FUNDS
The assets and liabilities of segregated funds, totalling $87.5 billion at January 1, 

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE A SSETS
Goodwill  and  intangible  assets  under  IFRS  will  be  measured  using  the  cost 

model, based on the recoverable amount, which is the greater of value in use 

or fair value less cost to sell. The recoverable amount calculated under IFRS 

approximates the Canadian GAAP carrying value at December 31, 2009 and 

therefore no adjustment is required at transition. 

The above accounting policy differences (totalling a decrease of $1,616 million in 

the opening retained earnings) have been reconciled from Canadian GAAP to 

IFRS on the following page. It should be noted that the numbers provided in 

this section are subject to change pending the completion of an audit. Numbers 

2010, will be included at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as a 

are also subject to change in the event that newly issued international financial 

single line within assets and liabilities under IFRS. There will be no impact on 

reporting standards become effective prior to the completion of the audit.

the amount disclosed for shareholders’ equity.

PRESENTATION OF REINSUR ANCE ACCOUNTS
Reinsurance accounts will be presented on a gross basis on the Consolidated 

Balance  Sheets,  totalling  approximately  $2.8  billion  of  reinsurance  assets 

and corresponding liabilities, with no impact on shareholders’ equity. Gross 

presentation of the reinsurance revenues and expenses will also be required 

within the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. 

38

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

RECONCIL IAT ION OF T HE PRO F ORM A CONSOL IDAT ED BA L A NCE SHEE T FROM C A N A DIA N G A A P TO IFR S

CANADIAN GA AP
DECEMBER 31,
2009

CONVERSION
ADJUSTMENTS

PRESENTATION
AND
RECLASSIFICATION
ADJUSTMENTS

ESTIMATED IFRS
JANUARY 1, 2010

ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents
Investment at equity
Other investments
Intangible assets
Goodwill
Other assets
Segregated funds for the risk of unitholders

LIABILITIES
Insurance and investment contract liabilities
Other liabilities
Preferred shares of the Corporation
Preferred shares of subsidiaries
Obligations to securitization entities
Capital trust securities and debentures
Debentures and other borrowings
Insurance and investment contracts on account of unitholders
Non-controlling interests

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Perpetual preferred shares
Common shares
Non-controlling interests
Contributed surplus
Retained earnings
Accumulated other comprehensive income

4,855
2,675
94,237
4,366
8,655
25,443

154
3,192
(10)

(95)

140,231

3,241

102,651
8,485
300
203

540
5,967

8,878

(69)
534

(4)
3,310

(36)

127,024

3,735

1,725
605

102
11,165
(390)

13,207

140,231

(157)
24
(1,616)
1,255

(494)

3,241

RECONCIL IAT ION OF PRO F ORM A RE TA INED E A RNING S A ND   
ACCUMUL AT ED OT HER COMPREHENSI V E INCOME FROM C A NA DIA N G A A P TO IFR S

AT JANUARY 1, 2010

CANADIAN GAAP EQUITY
IFRS ADJUSTMENTS (NET OF TAX)

Investment contracts – Deferred acquisition costs
Investment contracts – Deferred income reserves
Equity accounting for Pargesa
Investment properties/owner-occupied properties
Derecognition of financial assets
Employee benefits – Cumulative unamortized actuarial gains and losses
Employee benefits – Past service costs and other
Uncertain income tax provisions
Other adjustments
Reset of cumulative translation losses of foreign operations
Redesignation of financial assets

IFRS EQUITY

4,855
2,829
97,016
5,206
8,655
28,301
87,495

234,357

105,827
9,164
300
199
3,310
540
5,931
87,495
–

212,766

1,725
605
8,721
126
9,549
865

21,591

234,357

(413)
850

2,953
87,495

90,885

3,245
145

87,495
(8,878)

82,007

8,878

8,878

90,885

RETAINED
EARNINGS

11,165

OTHER
COMPREHENSIVE
INCOME

(390)

(84)
(243)
154
115
(45)
(132)
41
(170)
3
(1,188)
(67)

(1,616)

9,549

1,188
67

1,255

865

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

39

REVIEW OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

The foregoing anticipated changes in accounting policies are not an exhaustive 

On July 30, 2010, the IASB published for comment an exposure draft proposing 

list of all possible significant items that will occur upon the transition to IFRS. 

changes to the accounting standard for insurance contracts. A final standard 

The Corporation will continue to monitor developments in and interpretations 

is not expected to be implemented for several years. Lifeco has disclosed that 

of  standards  as  well  as  industry  practices  and  may  change  the  accounting 

it  will  continue  to  measure  insurance  liabilities  using  the  Canadian Asset 

Liability  Method  until  such  time  when  a  new  IFRS  standard  for  insurance 

contract measurement is issued. The exposure draft proposes that an insurer 

would measure insurance liabilities using a model focusing on the amount, 

timing,  and  uncertainty  of  future  cash  flows  associated  with  fulfilling  its 

insurance contracts. This is significantly different from the connection between 

insurance assets and liabilities considered under the Canadian Asset Liability 

Method and may cause significant volatility in the results of Lifeco. Lifeco has 

disclosed that on November 30, 2010, it submitted a comment letter urging 

the IASB to amend the exposure draft, particularly in the area of discounting.

On August 17, 2010, the IASB published for comment an exposure draft with 

changes  proposed  to  the  accounting  standards  for  leases. A  final  standard 

is  expected  to  be  released  in  June  2011. The  exposure  draft  proposes  a  new 

accounting  model  where  both  lessees  and  lessors  would  record  the  assets 

and liabilities on the balance sheet at the present value of the lease payments 

arising from all lease contracts.

policies described above.

The Corporation continues to monitor the potential changes proposed by the 

IASB and consider the impact changes in the standards would have on the 

Corporation’s operations. In November 2009, the IASB issued IFRS 9 to amend 

how financial instruments are classified and measured. The standard is effective 

for  annual  periods  beginning  on  or  after  January  1,  2013.  The  Corporation 

is  analysing  the  impact  the  new  standard  will  have  on  its  financial  assets 

and liabilities.

In April  2010,  the  IASB  published  for  comment  an  exposure  draft  proposing 

amendments to the accounting standard for post-employment benefits. The 

exposure draft was open for comment until September 6, 2010, with a final 

standard  anticipated  for  release  by  the  IASB  at  the  end  of  the  first  quarter 

of  2011. The  exposure  draft  proposes  to  eliminate  the  corridor  approach  for 

actuarial gains and losses, which would result in those gains and losses being 

recognized  immediately  through  other  comprehensive  income  or  earnings, 

while  the  net  pension  asset  or  liability  would  reflect  the  full  over-  or  under-

funded  status  of  the  plan  on  the  Consolidated  Balance  Sheet. As  well,  the 

exposure draft proposes changes to how the defined benefit obligation and the 

fair value of the plan assets would be presented within the financial statements 

of an entity. The Corporation is monitoring the proposed amendments to post-

employment benefits.

R I S K FAC T OR S

There  are  certain  risks  inherent  in  an  investment  in  the  securities  of  the 

have experienced increased volatility and resulted in the tightening of credit 

Corporation and in the activities of the Corporation, including the following 

that has reduced available liquidity and overall economic activity. There can 

and  others  disclosed  in  the  Corporation’s  Management’s  Discussion  and 

be no assurance that debt or equity financing will be available, or, together 

Analysis, which investors should carefully consider before investing in securities 

with  internally  generated  funds,  will  be  sufficient  to  meet  or  satisfy  Power 

of the Corporation. This description of risks does not include all possible risks, 

Financial’s  objectives  or  requirements  or,  if  the  foregoing  are  available 

and there may be other risks of which the Corporation is not currently aware.

to Power Financial, that they will be on terms acceptable to Power Financial. 

Power Financial is a holding company that holds substantial interests in the 

financial  services  industry  through  its  controlling  interest  in  each  of  Lifeco 

and  IGM. As  a  result,  investors  in  Power  Financial  are  subject  to  the  risks 

attributable to its subsidiaries, including those that Power Financial has as the 

The inability of Power Financial to access sufficient capital on acceptable terms 

could have a material adverse effect on Power Financial’s business, prospects, 

dividend paying capability and financial condition, and further enhancement 

opportunities or acquisitions. 

principal shareholder of each of Lifeco and IGM. 

The market price for Power Financial’s securities may be volatile and subject 

As  a  holding  company,  Power  Financial’s  ability  to  pay  interest  and  other 

operating expenses and dividends, to meet its obligations and to complete 

current  or  desirable  future  enhancement  opportunities  or  acquisitions 

generally  depends  upon  receipt  of  sufficient  dividends  from  its  principal 

subsidiaries and other investments and its ability to raise additional capital. 

The likelihood that shareholders of Power Financial will receive dividends will 

be dependent upon the operating performance, profitability, financial position 

and creditworthiness of the principal subsidiaries of Power Financial and on 

their ability to pay dividends to Power Financial. The payment of interest and 

dividends by certain of these principal subsidiaries to Power Financial is also 

subject to restrictions set forth in insurance, securities and corporate laws and 

regulations which require that solvency and capital standards be maintained 

by  such  companies.  If  required,  the  ability  of  Power  Financial  to  arrange 

additional financing in the future will depend in part upon prevailing market 

conditions  as  well  as  the  business  performance  of  Power  Financial  and  its 

subsidiaries.  In  recent  years,  global  financial  conditions  and  market  events 

to  wide  fluctuations  in  response  to  numerous  factors,  many  of  which  are 

beyond Power Financial’s control. Economic conditions may adversely affect 

Power  Financial,  including  fluctuations  in  foreign  exchange,  inflation  and 

interest  rates,  as  well  as  monetary  policies,  business  investment  and  the 

health of capital markets in Canada, the United States and Europe. In recent 

years,  financial  markets  have  experienced  significant  price  and  volume 

fluctuations  that  have  affected  the  market  prices  of  equity  securities  held 

by the Corporation and its subsidiaries, and that have often been unrelated 

to the operating performance, underlying asset values or prospects of such 

companies. Additionally, these factors, as well as other related factors, may 

cause decreases in asset values that are deemed to be other than temporary, 

which may result in impairment losses. In periods of increased levels of volatility 

and related market turmoil, Power Financial’s subsidiaries’ operations could 

be  adversely  impacted  and  the  trading  price  of  Power  Financial’s  securities 

may be adversely affected.

40

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

S U M M A RY OF C R I T IC A L  AC C OU N T I NG E S T I M AT E S

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with Canadian GAAP 

Fair  values  for  public  stocks  are  generally  determined  by  the  last  bid  price 

requires management to adopt accounting policies and to make estimates 

for the security from the exchange where it is principally traded. Fair values 

and  assumptions  that  affect  amounts  reported  in  the  Corporation’s  2010 

for stocks for which there is no active market are determined by discounting 

Consolidated Financial Statements. The major accounting policies and related 

expected future cash flows based on expected dividends and where market 

critical accounting estimates underlying the Corporation’s 2010 Consolidated 

value cannot be measured reliably, fair value is estimated to be equal to cost. 

Financial  Statements  are  summarized  below.  In  applying  these  policies, 

Market  values  for  real  estate  are  determined  using  independent  appraisal 

management makes subjective and complex judgments that frequently require 

services and include management adjustments for material changes in property 

estimates about matters that are inherently uncertain. Many of these policies 

cash flows, capital expenditures or general market conditions in the interim 

are common in the insurance and other financial services industries; others 

period between appraisals.

are  specific  to  the  Corporation’s  businesses  and  operations. The  significant 

accounting estimates are as follows:

FA IR VA LUE ME A SUREMEN T

Financial and other instruments held by the Corporation and its subsidiaries 

include portfolio investments, various derivative financial instruments, and 

debentures and other debt instruments.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with Canadian GAAP 

requires  management  to  make  estimates  and  assumptions  that  affect  the 

reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets 

and liabilities at the balance sheet date and the reported amounts of revenues 

and expenses during the reporting period. The results of the Corporation reflect 

management’s  judgments  regarding  the  impact  of  prevailing  global  credit, 

equity and foreign exchange market conditions.

Financial instrument carrying values reflect the liquidity of the markets and the 

liquidity premiums embedded in the market pricing methods the Corporation 

IMPA IRMEN T

relies upon.

In  accordance  with  CICA  Handbook  Section  3862,  Financial  Instruments  

– Disclosures, the Corporation’s assets and liabilities recorded at fair value have 

been categorized based upon the following fair value hierarchy: 

>  Level  1  inputs  utilize  observable,  quoted  prices  (unadjusted)  in  active 

markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Corporation has the ability 

to access.

Investments  are  reviewed  regularly  on  an  individual  basis  to  determine 

impairment status. The Corporation considers various factors in the impairment 

evaluation process, including, but not limited to, the financial condition of the 

issuer, specific adverse conditions affecting an industry or region, decline in fair 

value  not  related  to  interest  rates,  bankruptcy  or  defaults  and  delinquency 

in payments of interest or principal. Investments are deemed to be impaired 

when there is no longer reasonable assurance of timely collection of the full 

amount of the principal and interest due or the Corporation does not have the 

>  Level 2 inputs utilize other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are 

intent to hold the investment until the value has recovered. The market value 

observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.

of an investment is not by itself a definitive indicator of impairment, as it may 

>  Level 3 inputs are unobservable and include situations where there is little, 

if any, market activity for the asset or liability.

In  certain  cases,  the  inputs  used  to  measure  fair  value  may  fall  into  differ-

ent levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, the level in the fair value 

hierarchy  within  which  the  fair  value  measurement  in  its  entirety  falls  has 

been determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair 

value measurement in its entirety. The Corporation’s assessment of the signifi-

cance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires 

judgment and considers factors specific to the asset or liability.

Please  refer  to  Note  22  to  the  Corporation’s  2010  Consolidated  Financial 

Statements for disclosure of the Corporation’s financial instruments fair value 

measurement as at December 31, 2010.

Fair  values  for  bonds  classified  as  held  for  trading  or  available  for  sale  are 

be  significantly  influenced  by  other  factors,  including  the  remaining  term 

to maturity and liquidity of the asset. However, market price must be taken 

into consideration when evaluating impairment.

For  impaired  mortgages  and  bonds  classified  as  loans  and  receivables, 

provisions  are  established  or  write-offs  are  recorded  to  adjust  the  carrying 

value to the estimated realizable amount. Wherever possible, the fair value 

of collateral underlying the loans or observable market price is used to establish 

the estimated realizable value. For impaired available-for-sale loans, recorded at 

fair value, the accumulated loss recorded in accumulated other comprehensive 

income is  reclassified to  net investment income. Impairments on available-

for-sale  debt  instruments  are  reversed  if  there  is  objective  evidence  that 

a permanent recovery has occurred. All gains and losses on bonds classified 

or  designated  as  held  for  trading  are  recorded  in  income.  As  well,  when 

determined to be impaired, interest is no longer accrued and previous interest 

determined  using  quoted  market  prices.  Where  prices  are  not  quoted 

accruals are reversed.

in a normally active market, fair values are determined by valuation models 

primarily using observable market data inputs. Market values for bonds and 

mortgages classified as loans and receivables are determined by discounting 

Current market conditions have resulted in an increase in the inherent risks 

of future impairment of invested assets. The Corporation monitors economic 

conditions closely in its assessment of impairment of individual loans.

expected future cash flows using current market rates.

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

41

REVIEW OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

G O ODW IL L A ND IN TA NGIBL E S IMPA IRMEN T T E S T ING

P OL IC Y L IA BIL I T IE S

Under  GAAP,  goodwill  is  not  amortized,  but  is  instead  assessed  for  impair-

Policy liabilities represent the amounts required, in addition to future premiums 

ment at the reporting unit level by applying a two-step fair value-based test 

and investment income, to provide for future benefit payments, policyholder 

annually, or more frequently, if an event or change in circumstances indicates 

dividends, commissions and policy administrative expenses for all insurance 

that  the  asset  might  be  impaired.  In  the  first  test,  goodwill  is  assessed  for 

and annuity policies in force with the Corporation’s subsidiaries. The Appointed 

impairment  by  determining  whether  the  fair  value  of  the  reporting  unit 

Actuaries  of  the  Corporation’s  subsidiary  companies  are  responsible  for 

to which the goodwill is associated is less than its carrying value. When the 

determining the amount of the policy liabilities to make appropriate provisions 

fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, the second test 

for the Corporation’s subsidiaries’ obligations to policyholders. The Appointed 

compares  the  fair  value  of  the  goodwill  in  that  reporting  unit  (determined 

Actuaries  determine  the  policy  liabilities  using  generally  accepted  actuarial 

as a residual value after determining the fair value of the assets and liabilities 

practices, according to the standards established by the Canadian Institute 

of the reporting unit) to its carrying value. If the fair value of goodwill is less 

of  Actuaries. The  valuation  uses  the  Canadian Asset  Liability  Method. This 

than its carrying value, goodwill is considered to be impaired and a charge for 

method  involves  the  projection  of  future  events  in  order  to  determine  the 

impairment is recognized immediately.

amount  of  assets  that  must  be  set  aside  currently  to  provide  for  all  future 

For purposes of impairment testing, the fair values of the reporting units are 

obligations and involves a significant amount of judgment.

derived from internally developed valuation models using a market or income 

In the computation of Lifeco’s policy liabilities, valuation assumptions have 

approach consistent with models used when the business was acquired. 

been made by Lifeco and its subsidiaries regarding rates of mortality/morbidity, 

Acquired  intangible  assets  are  separately  recognized  if  the  benefits  of  the 

intangible assets are obtained through contractual or other legal rights, or if the 

intangible assets can be sold, transferred, licensed, rented or exchanged.

Intangible assets can have a finite life or an indefinite life. Determining the 

useful  lives  of  intangible  assets  requires  judgment  and  fact-based  analysis.

investment returns, levels of operating expenses, rates of policy termination 

and rates of utilization of elective policy options or provisions. The valuation 

assumptions use best estimates of future experience together with a margin 

for adverse deviation. These margins are necessary to provide for possibilities 

of misestimation and/or future deterioration in the best estimate assumptions 

and provide reasonable assurance that policy liabilities cover a range of possible 

Intangible assets with an indefinite life are not amortized and are assessed for 

outcomes. Margins are reviewed periodically for continued appropriateness.

impairment annually or more frequently if an event or change in circumstances 

indicates that the asset might be impaired. Similar to goodwill impairment 

testing, the fair value of the indefinite life intangible asset is compared to its 

Additional detail regarding these estimates can be found in Note 9 to the Corpo-

ra tion’s 2010 Consolidated Financial Statements.

carrying value to determine impairment, if any.

INCOME TA XE S

Intangible assets with a finite life are amortized over their estimated useful lives. 

These assets are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circum-

stances indicate that the carrying value of the asset may not be recoverable. 

In  performing  the  review  for  recoverability,  the  future  cash  flows  expected 

to result from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition are estimated. 

If the sum of the expected future undiscounted cash flows is less than the carry-

ing value of the asset, an impairment loss is recognized to the extent that fair 

value is less than the carrying value. Amortization estimates and methods are 

also reviewed. Indicators of impairment include such things as a significant 

adverse change in legal factors or in the general business climate, a decline 

in  operating  performance  indicators,  a  significant  change  in  competition, 

or an expectation that significant assets will be sold or otherwise disposed of.

The  fair  value  of  intangible  assets  for  customer  contracts,  the  shareholder 

portion of acquired future participating account profits and certain property 

leases  are  estimated  using  an  income  approach,  as  described  for  goodwill 

above. The fair value of brands and trademarks are estimated using a relief-

from-royalty approach using the present value of expected after-tax royalty cash 

flows through licensing agreements. The key assumptions under this valuation 

approach  are  royalty  rates,  expected  future  revenues  and  discount  rates. 

The  fair value of intangible assets for distribution channels and technology 

are estimated using the replacement cost approach. Management estimates 

the time and cost of personnel required to duplicate the asset acquired.

The  Corporation  is  subject  to  income  tax  laws  in  various  jurisdictions. 

The  Corporation’s  operations  are  complex  and  related  tax  interpretations, 

regulations  and  legislation  that  pertain  to  its  activities  are  subject  to  con-

tinual change. As multinational life insurance companies, the Corporation’s 

primary Canadian operating subsidiaries are subject to a regime of specialized 

rules prescribed under the Income Tax Act (Canada) for purposes of determining 

the amount of the companies’ income that will be subject to tax in Canada. 

Accordingly, the provision for income taxes represents the applicable company’s 

management’s interpretation of the relevant tax laws and its estimate of cur-

rent and future income tax implications of the transactions and events during 

the  period.  Future  tax  assets  and  liabilities  are  recorded  based  on  expected 

future tax rates and management’s assumptions regarding the expected timing 

of the reversal of temporary differences. The Corporation has substantial future 

income tax assets. The recognition of future tax assets depends on manage-

ment’s assumption that future earnings will be sufficient to realize the deferred 

benefit. The  amount  of  the  asset  recorded  is  based  on  management’s  best 

estimate of the timing of the reversal of the asset.

The  audit  and  review  activities  of  the  Canada  Revenue Agency  and  other 

jurisdictions’ tax authorities affect the ultimate determination of the amounts 

of income taxes payable or receivable, future income tax assets or liabilities 

and income tax expense. Therefore, there can be no assurance that taxes will 

be payable as anticipated and/or the amount and timing of receipt or use of the 

tax-related  assets  will  be  as  currently  expected.  Management’s  experience 

indicates the taxation authorities are more aggressively pursuing perceived tax 

issues and have increased the resources they put to these efforts.

42

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

EMPLOY EE FU T URE BENEFI T S

DEFERRED SEL L ING COMMISSIONS

The  Corporation  and  its  subsidiaries  maintain  contributory  and  non-

Commissions paid on the sale of certain mutual fund products are deferred 

contributory defined benefit and defined contribution pension plans for certain 

and amortized over a maximum period of seven years. IGM regularly reviews 

employees and advisors. The defined benefit pension plans provide pensions 

the carrying value of deferred selling commissions with respect to any events 

based on length of service and final average pay. Certain pension payments 

or  circumstances  that  indicate  impairment.  Among  the  tests  performed 

are  indexed  either  on  an  ad  hoc  basis  or  a  guaranteed  basis.  The  defined 

by  IGM  to  assess  recoverability  is  the  comparison  of  the  future  economic 

contribution pension plans provide pension benefits based on accumulated 

benefits derived from the deferred selling commission asset in relation to its 

employee and Corporation contributions. The Corporation and its subsidiaries 

carrying value. At December 31, 2010, there were no indications of impairment 

also  provide  post-retirement  health,  dental  and  life  insurance  benefits 

to deferred selling commissions.

to eligible employees, advisors and their dependents. For further information 

on the Corporation’s pension plans and other post-retirement benefits refer 

to Note 21 to the Corporation’s 2010 Consolidated Financial Statements.

Accounting for pension and other post-retirement benefits requires estimates 

of future returns on plan assets, expected increases in compensation levels, 

trends in healthcare costs, the period of time over which benefits will be paid, 

as well as the appropriate discount rate for accrued benefit obligations. These 

assumptions are determined by management using actuarial methods and 

are reviewed and approved annually. Emerging experience, different from the 

assumptions, will be revealed in future valuations and will affect the future 

financial position of the plans and net periodic benefit costs.

OF F -B A L A N C E S H E E T  A R R A NGE M E N T S

SECURI T IZ AT IONS

GUA R A N T EE S

Through IGM’s mortgage banking operations, residential mortgages originated 

In the normal course of their businesses, the Corporation and its subsidiaries 

by Investors Group mortgage planning specialists are sold to securitization 

may  enter  into  certain  agreements,  the  nature  of  which  precludes  the 

trusts  sponsored  by  third  parties  that  in  turn  issue  securities  to  investors. 

possibility of making a reasonable estimate of the maximum potential amount 

IGM  retains  servicing  responsibilities  and,  in  some  cases,  certain  elements 

the Corporation or subsidiary could be required to pay third parties, as some 

of  recourse  with  respect  to  credit  losses  on  transferred  loans.  During  2010, 

of  these  agreements  do  not  specify  a  maximum  amount  and  the  amounts 

IGM entered into securitization transactions with Canadian bank-sponsored 

are dependent on the outcome of future contingent events, the nature and 

securitization  trusts  and  the  Canada  Mortgage  Bond  Program  through  its 

likelihood of which cannot be determined. 

mortgage  banking  operations  with  proceeds  of  $1.2  billion  compared  with 

$1.3 billion in 2009 as discussed in Note 4 to the 2010 Consolidated Financial 

L E T T ER S OF CREDI T

Statements. Securitized loans serviced at December 31, 2010 totalled $3.5 billion 

In the normal course of their reinsurance business, Lifeco’s subsidiaries provide 

compared with $3.3 billion at December 31, 2009. The fair value of IGM’s retained 

letters of credit to other parties or beneficiaries. A beneficiary will typically hold 

interest  was  $107  million  at  December  31,  2010  compared  with  $174  million 

a letter of credit as collateral in order to secure statutory credit for reserves 

at December 31, 2009. Additional information related to IGM’s securitization 

ceded to or amounts due from Lifeco’s subsidiaries. A letter of credit may be 

activities  can  be  found  in  the “Financial  Instruments”  section  below  and 

drawn upon demand. If an amount is drawn on a letter of credit by a beneficiary, 

in Notes 1 and 4 of the 2010 Consolidated Financial Statements.

the bank issuing the letter of credit will make a payment to the beneficiary for 

the amount drawn, and Lifeco’s subsidiaries will become obligated to repay 

this amount to the bank.

Lifeco,  through  certain  of  its  operating  subsidiaries,  has  provided  letters 

of credit to both external and internal parties, which are described in Note 26 to 

the Corporation’s 2010 Consolidated Financial Statements.

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

43

REVIEW OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

C ON T I NGE N T L I A B I L I T I E S

The Corporation’s subsidiaries are from time to time subject to legal actions, 

$310  million  in  after-tax  provisions  for  these  proceedings.  Regardless  of  the 

including  arbitrations  and  class  actions,  arising  in  the  normal  course 

ultimate outcome of this case, all of the participating policy contract terms 

of  business.  It  is  inherently  difficult  to  predict  the  outcome  of  any  of  these 

and conditions will continue to be honoured. Based on information presently 

proceedings  with  certainty,  and  it  is  possible  that  an  adverse  resolution 

known, the original decision, if sustained on appeal, is not expected to have 

could  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  the  consolidated  financial  position 

a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position of Lifeco.

of the Corporation. However, based on information presently known, it is not 

expected  that  any  of  the  existing  legal  actions,  either  individually  or  in  the 

aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial 

position of the Corporation.

Lifeco has entered into an agreement to settle a class action relating to the 

provision  of  notice  of  the  acquisition  of  Canada  Life  Financial  Corporation 

to certain shareholders of Canada Life Financial Corporation. The settlement 

received Court approval on January 27, 2010 and is being implemented. Based 

Subsidiaries of Lifeco have declared partial windups in respect of certain Ontario 

on information presently known, Lifeco does not expect this matter to have 

defined benefit pension plans which will not likely be completed for some time. 

a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position.

The partial windups could involve the distribution of the amount of actuarial 

surplus, if any, attributable to the wound-up portion of the plans. However, 

many  issues  remain  unclear,  including  the  basis  of  surplus  measurement 

and  entitlement,  and  the  method  by  which  any  surplus  distribution  would 

be  implemented.  In  addition  to  the  regulatory  proceedings  involving  these 

partial  windups,  related  proposed  class  action  proceedings  have  been 

commenced in Ontario related to certain of the partial windups. The provisions 

for certain Canadian retirement plans in the amounts of $97 million after tax 

established by Lifeco’s subsidiaries in the third quarter 2007 have been reduced 

to $68 million. Actual results could differ from these estimates. 

The Ontario Superior Court of Justice released a decision on October 1, 2010 

in regard to the involvement of the participating accounts of Lifeco subsidiaries 

London Life and Great-West Life in the financing of the acquisition of London 

Insurance Group Inc. (LIG) in 1997. Lifeco believes there are significant aspects 

of the lower court judgment that are in error and Notice of Appeal has been 

filed. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Lifeco has established an incremental 

provision in the third quarter of 2010 in the amount of $225 million after tax 

($204  million  and  $21  million  attributable  to  Lifeco’s  common  shareholder 

and  to  Lifeco’s  non-controlling  interests,  respectively).  Lifeco  now  holds 

Subsidiaries of Lifeco have an ownership interest in a U.S.-based private equity 

partnership wherein a dispute has arisen over the terms of the partnership 

agreement.  Lifeco  acquired  the  ownership  interest  in  2007  for  purchase 

consideration  of  US$350  million.  Legal  proceedings  have  been  commenced 

and are in their early stages. Legal proceedings have also commenced against 

the private equity partnership by third parties in unrelated matters. Another 

subsidiary of Lifeco has established a provision related to the latter proceedings. 

While it is difficult to predict the final outcome of these proceedings, based 

on  information  presently  known,  Lifeco  does  not  expect  these  proceedings 

to have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position.

In  connection  with  the  acquisition  of  its  subsidiary  Putnam,  Lifeco  has 

an indemnity from a third party against liabilities arising from certain litigation 

and regulatory actions involving Putnam. Putnam continues to have potential 

liability for these matters in the event the indemnity is not honoured. Lifeco 

expects  the  indemnity  will  continue  to  be  honoured  and  that  any  liability 

of  Putnam  would  not  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  its  consolidated 

financial position.

R E L AT E D PA R T Y T R A N S AC T IO N S

In the normal course of business, Great-West Life provides insurance benefits to other companies within the Power Financial Corporation group of companies. 

In all cases, transactions were at market terms and conditions.

C OM M I T M E N T S/C ON T R AC T UA L OB L IG AT IO N S

The following table provides a summary of future consolidated contractual obligations.

Long-term debt [ 1 ]
Operating leases [ 2 ]
Purchase obligations [ 3 ]
Contractual commitments [ 4 ]

Total
Letters of credit [ 5 ]

PAYMENTS DUE BY PERIOD

LESS THAN 
1 YEAR

1–5 YEARS

MORE THAN 
5 YEARS

451
146
55
414

1,066

304
393
84

781

5,289
216
4

5,509

TOTAL

6,044
755
143
414

7,356

[ 1 ]  Please refer to Note 10 to the Corporation’s 2010 Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.

[ 2 ] 

Includes office space and certain equipment used in the normal course of business. Lease payments are charged to operations in the period of use.

[ 3 ]  Purchase obligations are commitments of Lifeco to acquire goods and services, essentially related to information services.

[ 4 ] 

 Represents commitments by Lifeco. These contractual commitments are essentially commitments of investment transactions made in the normal course of operations, 

in accordance with its policies and guidelines, which are to be disbursed upon fulfilment of certain contract conditions.

[ 5 ] 

 Please refer to Note 26 to the Corporation’s 2010 Consolidated Financial Statements.

44

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

F I N A N C I A L  I N S T RU M E N T S

FA IR VA LUE OF FINA NCIA L INS T RUMEN T S

and  are  generally  calculated  using  market  conditions  at  a  specific  point 

The  following  table  presents  the  fair  value  of  the  Corporation’s  financial 

in time and may not reflect future fair values. The calculations are subjective 

instruments.  Fair  value  represents  the  amount  that  would  be  exchanged 

in nature, involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment (please 

in an arm’s-length transaction between willing parties and is best evidenced 

refer to Note 22 to the Corporation’s 2010 Consolidated Financial Statements).

by a quoted market price, if one exists. Fair values are management’s estimates 

AS AT DECEMBER 31

ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents
Investments (excluding real estate)
Loans to policyholders
Funds held by ceding insurers
Receivables and other
Derivative financial instruments

Total financial assets

LIABILITIES
Deposits and certificates
Debentures and other borrowings
Capital trust securities and debentures
Preferred shares of the Corporation
Preferred shares of subsidiaries
Other financial liabilities
Derivative financial instruments

Total financial liabilities

CARRYING
VALUE

3,656
96,786
6,827
9,860
2,599
1,067

2010 
FAIR
VALUE

3,656
98,205
6,827
9,860
2,599
1,067

CARRYING
VALUE

4,855
91,136
6,957
10,839
2,601
837

2009
FAIR
VALUE

4,855
91,602
6,957
10,839
2,601
837

120,795

122,214

117,225

117,691

835
6,348
535
–
–
5,976
258

840
6,821
596
–
–
5,976
258

907
5,967
540
300
203
5,321
364

916
6,180
601
318
203
5,321
364

13,952

14,491

13,602

13,903

DERI VAT I V E FINA NCIA L INS T RUMEN T S

There were no major changes to the Corporation’s and its subsidiaries’ policies 

In  the  course  of  their  activities,  the  Corporation  and  its  subsidiaries  use 

and procedures with respect to the use of derivative instruments in 2010. There 

derivative financial instruments. When using such derivatives, they only act 

has  been  an  increase  in  the  notional  amount  outstanding  ($18,337  million 

as limited end-users and not as market-makers in such derivatives. 

at December 31, 2010, compared with $17,393 million at December 31, 2009) and 

The use of derivatives is monitored and reviewed on a regular basis by senior 

management of the companies. The Corporation and its subsidiaries have each 

established operating policies and processes relating to the use of derivative 

financial instruments, which in particular aim at:

>  prohibiting the use of derivative instruments for speculative purposes;

>  documenting  transactions  and  ensuring  their  consistency  with  risk 

management policies;

>  demonstrating the effectiveness of the hedging relationships; and

>  monitoring the hedging relationship.

in the exposure to credit risk ($1,067 million at December 31, 2010, compared with 

$837 million at December 31, 2009) that represents the market value of those 

instruments, which are in a gain position. See Note 24 to the Corporation’s 2010 

Consolidated  Financial  Statements  for  more  information  on  the  type  of 

derivative financial instruments used by the Corporation and its subsidiaries. 

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

45

 
REVIEW OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

DI S C L O S U R E C O N T ROL S A N D PRO C E DU R E S

Based on their evaluations as of December 31, 2010, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Corporation’s disclosure 

controls and procedures were effective as at December 31, 2010.

I N T E R N A L C ON T ROL  OV E R  F I N A N C I A L  R E P OR T I NG

Based on their evaluations as of December 31, 2010, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Corporation’s internal 

controls over financial reporting were effective as at December 31, 2010. During the fourth quarter of 2010, there have been no changes in the Corporation’s internal 

control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting.

S E L E C T E D A N N UA L I N F OR M AT ION

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31

Revenues from continuing operations [ 1 ]
Operating earnings before other items [ 2 ]

per share — basic

Net earnings

per share — basic
per share — diluted

Earnings from discontinued operations

per share — basic
per share — diluted

Earnings from continuing operations [ 3 ]

per share — basic
per share — diluted

Consolidated assets

Consolidated financial liabilities
Debentures and other borrowings
Shareholders' equity
Book value per share
Number of common shares outstanding [millions]

Dividends per share [declared]

Common shares
First preferred shares

Series A
Series C [ 4 ]
Series D
Series E
Series F
Series H
Series I
Series J [ 5 ]
Series K
Series L
Series M [ 6 ]
Series O [ 7 ]
Series P [ 8 ]

2010

32,427
1,733
2.31
1,584
2.10
2.10

1,584
2.10
2.10

2009

32,697
1,533
2.05
1,439
1.92
1.91

1,439
1.92
1.91

2008

36,500
1,974
2.69
1,337
1.79
1.78

503
0.71
0.71
834
1.08
1.07

143,255

140,231

141,546

13,952
6,348
13,184
15.79
708.0

13,602
5,967
13,207
16.27
705.7

15,316
5,658
13,419
16.80
705.0

1.4000

1.4000

1.3325

0.45238
0.9750
1.3750
1.3125
1.4750
1.4375
1.5000
0.5875
1.2375
1.2750
1.5000
1.4500
0.6487

0.42744
1.3000
1.3750
1.3125
1.4750
1.4375
1.5000
1.1750
1.2375
1.2750
1.7538
0.45288

0.8431
1.3000
1.3750
1.3125
1.4750
1.4375
1.5000
1.1750
1.2375
1.2750

[ 1 ]  Revenues from continuing operations represent consolidated revenues, excluding revenues of Lifeco’s U.S. healthcare business.

[ 2 ]  Operating earnings and operating earnings per share are non-GAAP financial measures. Operating earnings include Power Financial’s share of Lifeco’s U.S. healthcare business of 

$31 million in 2008.

[ 3 ]  Earnings from continuing operations represent net earnings, excluding Power Financial’s share of Lifeco’s U.S. healthcare business.

[ 4 ]  Redeemed in October 2010.

[ 5 ]  Redeemed in July 2010.

[ 6 ] 

Issued in November 2008.

[ 7 ] 

Issued in October 2009.

[ 8 ] 

Issued in June 2010.

46

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

C ON S OL I DAT E D B A L A NC E S H E E T S 

AS AT DECEMBER 31
[in millions of Canadian dollars]

ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents

Investments [ Note 3 ]

Shares
Bonds
Mortgages and other loans
Real estate

Loans to policyholders
Funds held by ceding insurers
Investment at equity [ Note 5 ]
Intangible assets [ Note 6 ]
Goodwill [ Note 6 ]
Future income taxes [ Note 7 ]
Other assets [ Note 8 ]

LIABILITIES
Policy liabilities [ Note 9 ]
Actuarial liabilities
Other

Deposits and certificates
Funds held under reinsurance contracts 
Debentures and other borrowings [ Note 10 ]
Capital trust securities and debentures [ Note 11 ]
Preferred shares of the Corporation [ Note 14 ]
Preferred shares of subsidiaries 
Future income taxes [ Note 7 ]
Other liabilities [ Note 12 ]

Non-controlling interests [ Note 13 ]

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Stated capital [ Note 14 ]

Perpetual preferred shares
Common shares
Contributed surplus
Retained earnings
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [ Note 18 ]

2010

2009

3,656

4,855

6,415
73,635
16,736
3,275

100,061
6,827
9,860
2,279
4,238
8,726
1,174
6,434

143,255

100,394
4,723
835
152
6,348
535
–
–
1,167
6,861

121,015

6,392
67,388
17,356
3,101

94,237
6,957
10,839
2,675
4,366
8,655
1,268
6,379

140,231

98,059
4,592
907
186
5,967
540
300
203
1,098
6,294

118,146

9,056

8,878

2,005
636
105
11,641
(1,203)

13,184

1,725
605
102
11,165
(390)

13,207

143,255

140,231

Approved by the Board of Directors

Signed 

Raymond Royer 

Director 

Signed 

  R. Jeffrey Orr 

  Director

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

47

 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

C ON S OL I DAT E D  S TAT E M E N T S  OF E A R N I N G S 

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
[in millions of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts]

REVENUES
Premium income 
Net investment income

Regular net investment income
Change in fair value on held-for-trading assets

Fee income

EXPENSES
Policyholder benefits, dividends and experience refunds, and change in actuarial liabilities
Commissions
Operating expenses
Financing charges [ Note 19 ]

Share of earnings of investment at equity [ Note 5 ]
Other income (charges), net [ Note 20 ]

Earnings before income taxes and non-controlling interests
Income taxes [ Note 7 ]
Non-controlling interests [ Note 13 ]

Net earnings 

Earnings per common share [ Note 23 ]

— Basic

— Diluted

C ON S OL I DAT E D  S TAT E M E N T S  OF C O M PR E H E N S I V E I NC O M E

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
[in millions of Canadian dollars]

Net earnings

Other comprehensive income (loss)

Net unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale assets

Unrealized gains (losses)
Income tax (expense) benefit
Realized (gains) losses to net earnings
Income tax expense (benefit)

Net unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges

Unrealized gains (losses)
Income tax (expense) benefit
Realized (gains) losses to net earnings
Income tax expense (benefit)

2010

2009

17,748

18,033

5,783
3,646

9,429
5,250

6,203
3,463

9,666
4,998

32,427

32,697

23,063
2,277
3,834
427

29,601

2,826
120
(5)

2,941
497
860

1,584

2.10

2.10

23,809
2,088
3,607
494

29,998

2,699
141
(58)

2,782
565
778

1,439

1.92

1.91

2010

2009

1,584

1,439

129
(55)
(88)
18

4

77
(27)
2
(1)

51

246
(47)
11
3

213

223
(78)
1
–

146

Net unrealized foreign exchange gains (losses) on translation of foreign operations

(1,014)

(1,328)

Other comprehensive income (loss) before non-controlling interests
Non-controlling interests

Other comprehensive income (loss)

Comprehensive income

(959)
146

(813)

771

(969)
232

(737)

702

48

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

 
C ON S OL I DAT E D  S TAT E M E N T S  OF C H A N GE S I N S H A R E HOL DE R S ’  E Q U I T Y 

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
[in millions of Canadian dollars]

STATED CAPITAL — PERPETUAL PREFERRED SHARES

Perpetual preferred shares, beginning of year
Issue of perpetual preferred shares [ Note 14 ]

Perpetual preferred shares, end of year

STATED CAPITAL — COMMON SHARES 
Common shares, beginning of year
Issue of common shares under the Corporation’s Employee Stock Option Plan [Note 14]

Common shares, end of year

CONTRIBUTED SURPLUS
Contributed surplus, beginning of year
Stock options expense [ Note 15 ]
Stock options exercised
Non-controlling interests

Contributed surplus, end of year

RETAINED EARNINGS
Retained earnings, beginning of year
Net earnings 
Dividends to shareholders

Perpetual preferred shares
Common shares

Other, including share issue cost

Retained earnings, end of year

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) [Note 18]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), beginning of year
Other comprehensive income (loss)

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), end of year

TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

2010

2009

1,725
280

2,005

1,575
150

1,725

605
31

636

102
9
(5)
(1)

105

11,165
1,584

(99)
(991)
(18)

595
10

605

91
16
(2)
(3)

102

10,811
1,439

(88)
(988)
(9)

11,641

11,165

(390)
(813)

(1,203)

347
(737)

(390)

13,184

13,207

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

49

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

C ON S OL I DAT E D  S TAT E M E N T S  OF C A S H  F L OW S 

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
[in millions of Canadian dollars]

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Net earnings
Non-cash charges (credits)

Change in policy liabilities
Change in funds held by ceding insurers
Change in funds held under reinsurance contracts
Amortization and depreciation
Future income taxes 
Change in fair value of financial instruments
Non-controlling interests
Other

Change in non-cash working capital items

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Dividends paid

By subsidiaries to non-controlling interests
Perpetual preferred shares
Common shares

Issue of common shares by the Corporation
Issue of perpetual preferred shares by the Corporation
Issue of common shares by subsidiaries
Issue of preferred shares by subsidiaries
Repurchase of preferred shares by the Corporation
Repurchase of common shares by subsidiaries
Redemption of preferred shares by subsidiaries
Issue of debentures 
Repayment of debentures and other debt instruments
Change in other borrowings
Change in obligations related to assets sold under repurchase agreements
Change in deposits and certificates
Other

INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES

Bond sales and maturities
Mortgage loan repayments
Sale of shares
Real estate sales
Proceeds from securitizations
Change in loans to policyholders
Change in repurchase agreements
Investment in bonds
Investment in mortgage loans
Investment in shares
Investment in real estate
Net cash used in business acquisitions and additions to intangible assets 
Loan to an affiliate  
Other

Effect of changes in exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION

Income taxes paid
Interest paid 

50

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

2010

2009

1,584

1,439

6,636
619
(94)
96
41
(3,648)
860
426
52

6,572

(632)
(96)
(990)

(1,718)
31
280
84
400
(305)
(157)
(507)
700
(207)
(46)
5
(72)
(18)

(1,530)

20,218
2,102
2,653
16
1,203
(135)
559
(26,937)
(3,122)
(2,116)
(376)
(44)
(32)
(15)

(6,026)

(215)

(1,199)
4,855

3,656

196
442

5,612
436
32
97
386
(3,434)
778
813
(1,606)

4,553

(609)
(82)
(988)

(1,679)
10
150
49
320
–
(70)
(948)
575
(2)
(216)
630
(52)
(12)

(1,245)

20,305
1,901
2,764
11
1,325
(78)
330
(23,378)
(3,126)
(2,757)
(100)
(31)
–
(16)

(2,850)

(292)

166
4,689

4,855

626
506

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
ALL TABULAR AMOUNTS ARE IN millionS OF CANADIAN DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED.

NO T E 1  S IG N I F IC A N T  AC C OU N T I NG  P OL IC I E S 

The Consolidated Financial Statements of Power Financial Corporation (the 

For IGM, management fees are based on the net asset value of mutual fund 

Corporation)  have  been  prepared  in  accordance  with  Canadian  generally 

assets under management and are recognized on an accrual basis as the service 

accepted accounting principles and include the accounts of the Corporation 

is performed. Administration fees are also recognized on an accrual basis as 

and its subsidiaries.

The principal subsidiaries of the Corporation are:

the  service  is  performed.  Distribution  revenues  derived  from  mutual  fund 

and securities transactions are recognized on a trade-date basis. Distribution 

revenues derived from insurance and other financial services transactions are 

>  Great-West  Lifeco  Inc.  (Lifeco)  (direct  interest  of  68.3%  (2009 — 68.6%)), 

recognized on an accrual basis.

whose major operating subsidiary companies are Great-West Life & Annuity 

Insurance  Company  (GWL&A),  London  Life  Insurance  Company 

(London  Life),  The  Canada  Life  Assurance  Company  (Canada  Life), 

The  Great-West  Life  Assurance  Company  (Great-West  Life)  and 

Putnam Investments, LLC (Putnam).

> 

IGM  Financial  Inc.  (IGM)  (direct  interest  of  57.0%  (2009 — 56.3%)), 

whose  major  operating  subsidiary  companies  are  Investors  Group  Inc. 

(Investors Group) and Mackenzie Financial Corporation (Mackenzie).

Investment income is recognized on an accrual basis.

C A SH A ND C A SH EQUI VA L EN T S

Cash and cash equivalents include cash, current operating accounts, overnight 

bank and term deposits with original maturity of three months or less, fixed 

income securities with an original term to maturity of three months or less, 

as well as other highly liquid investments with short-term maturities that are 

readily convertible to known amounts of cash. Cash and cash equivalents are 

> 

IGM  holds  4.0%  (2009 — 4.0%)  of  the  common  shares  of  Lifeco,  and 

recorded at fair value.

Great-West Life holds 3.5% (2009 — 3.5%) of the common shares of IGM. 

The  Corporation  also  holds  a  50%  (2009 — 50%)  interest  in  Parjointco  N.V. 

(Parjointco). Parjointco holds a 54.1% (2009 — 54.1%) equity interest in Pargesa 

Holding SA (Pargesa). The Corporation accounts for its investment in Parjointco 

using the equity method.

USE OF E S T IM AT E S A ND ME A SUREMEN T UNCERTA IN T Y

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with Canadian generally 

accepted  accounting  principles  (Canadian  GAAP)  requires  management  to 

make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in those 

financial  statements  and  accompanying  notes.  In  particular,  the  valuation 

of  goodwill  and  intangible  assets,  policy  liabilities,  income  taxes,  deferred 

selling commissions, certain financial assets and liabilities, pension plans and 

other post-retirement benefits are key components of the financial statements 

requiring management to make estimates. The reported amounts and note 

disclosures are determined using management’s best estimates.

The  results  of  the  Corporation  reflect  management’s  judgments  regarding 

the  impact  of  prevailing  global  credit,  equity  and  foreign  exchange  market 

conditions. 

The estimation of policy liabilities relies upon investment credit ratings. Lifeco’s 

practice is to use third-party independent credit ratings where available. Credit 

rating changes may lag developments in the current environment. Subsequent 

credit rating adjustments will impact policy liabilities. 

RE V ENUE RECO GNI T ION

IN V E S T MEN T S

Investments are classified as held for trading, available for sale, held to maturity, 

loans and receivables or as non-financial instruments based on management’s 

intention or the investment’s characteristics.

Investments in bonds and shares normally actively traded on a public market 

are either designated or classified as held for trading or classified as available for 

sale, based on management’s intention. Fixed income securities are included 

in bonds on the balance sheet. Held-for-trading investments are recognized 

at  fair  value  on  the  balance  sheet  with  realized  and  unrealized  gains  and 

losses reported in the statements of earnings. Available-for-sale investments 

are recognized at fair value on the balance sheet with unrealized gains and 

losses recorded in other comprehensive income. Realized gains and losses are 

reclassified from other comprehensive income and recorded in the statements 

of earnings when the available-for-sale investment is sold. Interest income 

earned on both held-for-trading and available-for-sale bonds is recorded as 

investment income in the statements of earnings. 

Investments in equity instruments where a market value cannot be measured 

reliably that are classified as available for sale are carried at cost. Investments in 

shares for which the Corporation exerts significant influence over but does not 

control are accounted for using the equity method of accounting (see Note 5). 

Investments in mortgages and bonds not normally actively traded on a public 

market and other loans are classified as loans and receivables and are carried 

at  amortized  cost  net  of  any  allowance  for  credit  losses.  Interest  income 

earned and realized gains and losses on the sale of investments classified as 

For Lifeco, premiums for all types of insurance contracts and contracts with 

loans and receivables are recorded in net investment income in the statements 

limited mortality or morbidity risk are generally recognized as revenue when 

of earnings.

due  and  collection  is  reasonably  assured. When  premiums  are  recognized, 

policy liabilities are computed with the result that benefits and expenses are 

matched with such revenue.

With respect to Lifeco, investments in real estate are carried at cost net of write-

downs and allowances for losses, plus an unrealized moving average market 

value  adjustment  of  $162  million  ($164  million  in  2009)  in  the  consolidated 

Lifeco’s premium revenues, total paid or credited to policyholders and policy 

balance sheets. The carrying value is adjusted towards market value at a rate of 

liabilities  are  all  shown  net  of  reinsurance  amounts  ceded  to,  or  including 

3% per quarter. Net realized gains and losses of $115 million ($133 million in 2009) 

amounts assumed from, other insurers.

For Lifeco, fee income is recognized when the service is performed, the amount 

is collectible and can be reasonably estimated. Fee income primarily includes 

are included in deferred net realized gains classified in other liabilities on the 

balance sheets and are deferred and amortized to income at a rate of 3% per 

quarter on a declining balance basis. 

fees  earned  from  the  management  of  segregated  fund  assets,  proprietary 

Investments classified as available for sale and held for trading are recorded 

mutual fund assets, fees earned on the administration of administrative services 

on a trade-date basis.

only (ASO) Group health contracts and fees earned from management services.

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

51

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NO T E 1  S U M M A RY OF S IG N I F IC A N T AC C OU N T I N G P OL IC I E S   (C O N T I N U E D)

FAIR VALUE ME A SUREMENT
Financial instrument carrying values necessarily reflect the prevailing market 

For impaired mortgages and other loans, and bonds classified as loans and 

receivables,  provisions  are  established  or  write-downs  made  to  adjust  the 

liquidity and the liquidity premiums embedded in the market pricing methods 

carrying value to the net realizable amount. Wherever possible the fair value 

the Corporation relies upon.

The following is a description of the methodologies used to value instruments 

carried at fair value: 

of collateral underlying the loans or observable market price is used to establish 

net realizable value. For impaired available-for-sale loans, recorded at fair value, 

the accumulated loss recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income 

is  reclassified  to  net  investment  income.  Impairment  on  available-for-sale 

BONDS – HELD FOR TRADING AND AVAILABLE FOR SALE

debt instruments is reversed if there is objective evidence that a permanent 

Fair  values  for  bonds  classified  as  held  for  trading  or  available  for  sale  are 

recovery has occurred. All gains and losses on bonds classified or designated 

determined  with  reference  to  quoted  market  bid  prices  primarily  provided 

as held for trading are already recorded in earnings. As well, when determined 

by third-party independent pricing sources. Where prices are not quoted in 

to be impaired, interest is no longer accrued and previous interest accruals 

a  normally  active  market,  fair  values  are  determined  by  valuation  models. 

are reversed.

The Corporation maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the 

use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The Corporation obtains 

T R A NS AC T ION COS T S

quoted  prices  in  active  markets,  when  available,  for  identical  assets  at  the 

Transaction costs are expensed as incurred for financial instruments classified or 

balance sheet date to measure bonds at fair value in its held-for-trading and 

designated as held for trading. Transaction costs for financial assets classified 

available-for-sale portfolios.

The  Corporation  estimates  the  fair  value  of  bonds  not  traded  in  active 

markets  by  referring  to  actively  traded  securities  with  similar  attributes, 

dealer  quotations,  matrix  pricing  methodology,  discounted  cash  flow 

analyses and/or internal valuation models. This methodology considers such 

factors as the issuer’s industry, the security’s rating, term, coupon rate and 

position  in  the  capital  structure  of  the  issuer,  as  well  as  yield  curves,  credit 

curves, prepayment rates and other relevant factors. For bonds that are not 

traded in active markets, valuations are adjusted to reflect illiquidity, and such 

adjustments are generally based on available market evidence. In the absence 

of such evidence, management’s best estimate is used. 

SHARES – HELD FOR TRADING AND AVAILABLE FOR SALE

as  available  for  sale  or  loans  and  receivables  are  added  to  the  value  of  the 

instrument  at  acquisition  and  taken  into  net  earnings  using  the  effective 

interest  rate  method. Transaction  costs  for  financial  liabilities  classified  as 

other than held for trading are recognized immediately in net earnings.

LOA NS TO P OL IC Y HOL DER S

Loans to policyholders are shown at their unpaid balance and are fully secured 

by  the  cash  surrender  values  of  the  policies. The  carrying  value  of  loans  to 

policyholders approximates fair value.

SECURI T IZ AT IONS

IGM periodically sells residential mortgages through Canada Mortgage and 

Housing Corporation (CMHC), utilizing the National Housing Act Mortgage-

Fair  values  for  publicly  traded  shares  are  generally  determined  by  the  last 

Backed Securities program (NHA MBS), or through Canadian bank-sponsored 

bid  price  for  the  security  from  the  exchange  where  it  is  principally  traded. 

securitization trusts that in turn issue securities to investors. NHA MBS are 

Fair values for shares for which there is no active market are determined by 

sold to a trust that issues securities to investors through the Canada Mortgage 

discounting expected future cash flows. The Corporation maximizes the use 

Bond  Program  (CMB  Program),  which  is  sponsored  by  CMHC.  IGM  retains 

of  observable  inputs  and  minimizes  the  use  of  unobservable  inputs  when 

servicing responsibilities and certain elements of recourse with respect to credit 

measuring fair value. The Corporation obtains quoted prices in active markets, 

losses on transferred loans. IGM also sells NHA-insured mortgages through the 

when available, for identical assets at the balance sheet date to measure stocks 

issuance of mortgage-backed securities.

at fair value in its held-for-trading and available-for-sale portfolios.

MORTGAGES AND OTHER LOANS, BONDS CLASSIFIED   
AS LOANS AND RECEIVABLES, AND REAL ESTATE

Transfers of loans are accounted for as sales provided that control over the 

transferred loans has been surrendered and consideration other than beneficial 

interests in the transferred loans has been received in exchange. The loans are 

Market values for bonds, and mortgages and other loans, classified as loans 

removed from the balance sheets and a gain or loss is recognized in earnings 

and  receivables  are  determined  by  discounting  expected  future  cash  flows 

immediately based on the carrying value of the loans transferred. The carrying 

using current market rates. Market values for real estate are determined using 

value is allocated between the assets transferred and the retained interests in 

independent  appraisal  services  and  include  management  adjustments  for 

proportion to their fair values at the date of transfer. To obtain the fair value of 

material changes in property cash flows, capital expenditures or general market 

IGM’s retained interests, quoted market prices are used, if available. However, 

conditions in the interim period between appraisals. 

since quotes are generally not available for retained interests, the estimated 

IMPAIRMENT
Investments  are  reviewed  regularly  on  an  individual  basis  to  determine 

impairment status. The Corporation considers various factors in the impairment 

evaluation process, including, but not limited to, the financial condition of the 

issuer, specific adverse conditions affecting an industry or region, decline in fair 

value not related to interest rates, bankruptcy or defaults, and delinquency in 

payments of interest or principal. Investments are deemed to have an other 

than temporary impairment when there is no longer reasonable assurance 

of timely collection of the full amount of the principal and interest due. The 

market value of an investment is not a definitive indicator of impairment, as 

it may be significantly influenced by other factors, including the remaining 

term to maturity and liquidity of the asset. However, market price must be 

taken into consideration when evaluating other than temporary impairment. 

fair value is based on the present value of future expected cash flows using 

management’s best estimates of key assumptions such as prepayment rates, 

excess spread, expected credit losses and discount rates commensurate with 

the risks involved. Retained interests are classified as held for trading and any 

realized or unrealized gains and losses are recorded in net investment income 

in the statements of earnings. IGM continues to service the loans transferred. 

As a result, a servicing liability is recognized and amortized over the expected 

term of the transferred loans as servicing fees.

For  all  sales  of  loans,  the  gains  or  losses  and  the  servicing  fee  revenue  are 

reported in net investment income in the statements of earnings. The retained 

interests in the securitized loans are recorded in other assets and the servicing 

liability is recorded in other liabilities on the balance sheets.

52

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

NO T E 1  S U M M A R Y OF S IG N I F IC A N T AC C OU N T I N G P OL IC I E S   (C O N T I N U E D)

FI XED A SSE T S

policyholders. The Appointed Actuaries determine the policy liabilities using 

Fixed  assets,  which  are  included  in  other  assets,  are  recorded  at  cost  less 

generally accepted actuarial practices, according to standards established by 

accumulated  amortization  computed  on  a  straight-line  basis  over  their 

the  Canadian  Institute  of Actuaries. The valuation  uses  the  Canadian Asset 

estimated  useful  lives,  which  vary  from  three  to  50  years. Amortization  of 

Liability Method. This method involves the projection of future events in order 

fixed assets included in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings amounted 

to determine the amount of assets that must be set aside currently to provide 

to $45 million ($52 million in 2009). Fixed assets are tested for recoverability 

for all future obligations and involves a significant amount of judgment.

whenever  events  or  changes  in  circumstances  indicate  that  the  carrying 

amount may not be recoverable.

FIN A NCIA L L IA BIL I T IE S

DEFERRED SEL L ING COMMISSIONS

Financial liabilities, other than policy liabilities and certain preferred shares, 

are classified as other liabilities. Other liabilities are initially recorded on the 

Commissions  paid by IGM on the sale of certain mutual funds are  deferred 

balance sheets at fair value and subsequently carried at amortized cost using 

and amortized over a maximum period of seven years. Commissions paid on 

the effective interest rate method with amortization expense recorded in the 

the sale of deposits are deferred and amortized over a maximum amortization 

statements of earnings. 

period of five years. IGM regularly reviews the carrying value of deferred selling 

commissions  with  respect  to  any  events  or  circumstances  that  indicate 

impairment. Among the tests performed by IGM to assess recoverability is the 

comparison of the future economic benefits derived from the deferred selling 

commission asset in relation to its carrying value. At December 31, 2010, there 

were no indications of impairment to deferred selling commissions.

G O ODW IL L A ND IN TA NGIBL E A SSE T S

Goodwill represents the excess of purchase consideration over the fair value 

of  net  assets  acquired.  Intangible  assets  represent  finite  life  and  indefinite 

life intangible assets acquired and software acquired or internally developed. 

Lifeco had designated certain preferred shares as held for trading with changes 

in fair value reported in the statements of earnings. These preferred shares 

were redeemed in 2009 and 2010.

S TO CK- BA SED COMPENS AT ION PL A NS

The  fair  value-based  method  of  accounting  is  used  for  the  valuation  of 

compensation  expense  for  options  granted  to  employees.  Compensation 

expense  is  recognized  over  the  period  that  the  stock  options  vest,  with  a 

corresponding  increase  in  contributed  surplus.  When  the  stock  options 

are  exercised,  the  proceeds,  together  with  the  amount  recorded  in 

contributed surplus, are added to the stated capital of the entity issuing the 

Intangible  assets  with  finite  lives  are  amortized  on  a  straight-line  basis 

over  their  estimated  useful  lives,  for  a  period  not  exceeding  30  years. The 

corresponding shares.

Corporation tests goodwill and indefinite life intangible assets for impairment 

using a two-step fair value-based test annually, and when an event or change 

in circumstances indicates that the asset might be impaired. Goodwill and 

intangible  assets  are  written  down  when  impaired  to  the  extent  that  the 

REP URCH A SE AGREEMEN T S

Lifeco enters into repurchase agreements with third-party broker-dealers in 

which  Lifeco  sells  securities  and  agrees  to  repurchase  substantially  similar 

securities at a specified date and price. Such agreements are accounted for as 

carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value.

investment financings.

IMPAIRMENT TESTING – GOODWILL
In the first test, goodwill is assessed for impairment by determining whether 

the fair value of the reporting unit to which the goodwill is associated is less 

than its carrying value. When the fair value of the reporting unit is less than 

its carrying value, the second test compares the fair value of the goodwill in 

that  reporting  unit  to  its  carrying  value.  If  the  fair  value  of  goodwill  is  less 

than its carrying value, goodwill is considered to be impaired and a charge for 

impairment is recognized immediately. The fair value of the reporting units 

is derived from internally developed valuation models consistent with those 

used when the Corporation is acquiring businesses, using a market or income 

approach. The  discount  rates  used  are  based  on  an  industry  weighted  cost 

of  capital  and  consider  the  risk-free  rate,  market  equity  risk  premium,  size 

premium and operational risk premium for possible variations from projections. 

IMPAIRMENT TESTING – INDEFINITE LIFE INTANGIBLES
The  fair  value  of  intangible  assets  for  customer  contracts,  the  shareholder 

DERI VAT I V E FIN A NCIA L INS T RUMEN T S

The Corporation and its subsidiaries use derivative products as risk management 

instruments to hedge or manage asset, liability and capital positions, including 

revenues. The  Corporation’s  policy  guidelines  prohibit  the  use  of  derivative 

instruments for speculative trading purposes.

All derivatives, including those that are embedded in financial and non-financial 

contracts that are not closely related to the host contracts, are recorded at fair 

value on the balance sheets in other assets and other liabilities. The method 

of recognizing unrealized and realized fair value gains and losses depends on 

whether the derivatives are designated as hedging instruments. For derivatives 

that  are  not  designated  as  hedging  instruments,  unrealized  and  realized 

gains and losses are recorded in net investment income on the statements of 

earnings. Non-qualifying derivatives or derivatives not designated as hedges 

continue to be utilized on a basis consistent with the risk management policies 

of the Corporation and are monitored by the Corporation for effectiveness as 

portion  of  acquired  future  participating  account  profits,  certain  property 

economic hedges even if specific hedge accounting requirements are not met. 

leases,  and  mutual  fund  management  contracts,  is  estimated  using  an 

For derivatives designated as hedging instruments, unrealized and realized 

income approach as described for goodwill above. The fair value of brands and 

gains and losses are recognized according to the nature of the hedged item.

trademarks is estimated using a relief-from-royalty approach using the present 

value of expected after-tax royalty cash flows through licensing agreements. 

P OL IC Y L IA BIL I T IE S

Policy  liabilities  represent  the  amounts  required,  in  addition  to  future 

premiums  and  investment  income,  to  provide  for  future  benefit  payments, 

policyholder dividends, commissions, and policy administrative expenses for 

all insurance and annuity policies in force with Lifeco. The Appointed Actuaries 

of Lifeco’s subsidiary companies are responsible for determining the amount 

of the policy liabilities to make appropriate provision for Lifeco’s obligations to 

Derivatives are valued using market transactions and other market evidence 

whenever possible, including market-based inputs to models, broker or dealer 

quotations  or  alternative  pricing  sources  with  reasonable  levels  of  price 

transparency. When  models  are  used,  the  selection  of  a  particular  model 

to value a derivative depends on the contractual terms of, and specific risks 

inherent in the instrument, as well as the availability of pricing information 

in the market. The Corporation generally uses similar models to value similar 

instruments. Valuation models require a variety of inputs, including contractual 

terms, market prices and rates, yield curves, credit curves, measures of volatility, 

prepayment rates and correlations of such inputs.

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

53

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NO T E 1  S U M M A RY OF S IG N I F IC A N T AC C OU N T I N G P OL IC I E S   (C O N T I N U E D)

To qualify for hedge accounting, the relationship between the hedged item and 

PENSION  PL A NS  A ND  OT HER  P OS T- RE T IREMEN T  BENEFI T S

the hedging instrument must meet several strict conditions on documentation, 

The Corporation and its subsidiaries maintain defined benefit pension plans as 

probability of occurrence, hedge effectiveness and reliability of measurement. If 

well as defined contribution pension plans for certain employees and advisors. 

these conditions are not met, then the relationship does not qualify for hedge 

accounting treatment and both the hedged item and the hedging instrument 

are reported independently, as if there was no hedging relationship. 

The plans provide pension based on length of service and final average earnings. 

The benefit obligation is actuarially determined and accrued using the projected 

benefit method pro-rated on service. Pension expense consists of the aggregate 

Where  a  hedging  relationship  exists,  the  Corporation  documents  all 

of  the  actuarially  computed  cost  of  pension  benefits  provided  in  respect  of 

relationships  between  hedging  instruments  and  hedged  items,  as  well  as 

the current year’s service, imputed interest on the accrued benefit obligation 

its risk management objectives and strategy for undertaking various hedge 

less expected returns on plan assets which are valued at market value. Past 

transactions. This process includes linking derivatives that are used in hedging 

service costs, transitional assets and transitional obligations are amortized 

transactions to specific assets and liabilities on the balance sheet or to specific 

over the expected average remaining service life of the employee/advisor group. 

firm commitments or forecasted transactions. The Corporation also assesses, 

For the most part, actuarial gains or losses in excess of the greater of 10% of 

both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, whether derivatives 

the beginning-of-year plan assets or accrued benefit obligation are amortized 

that are used in hedging transactions are effective in offsetting changes in fair 

over the expected average remaining service life of the employee/advisor group. 

values or cash flows of hedged items. Hedge effectiveness is reviewed quarterly 

The cost of pension benefits is charged to earnings using the projected benefit 

through a combination of critical terms matching and correlation testing.

method pro-rated on services.

For fair value hedges, changes in fair value of both the hedging instrument 

The Corporation and its subsidiaries also have unfunded supplementary pension 

and  the  hedged  item  are  recorded  in  net  investment  income  and  con-

plans  for  certain  employees.  Pension  expense  related  to  current  services  is 

sequently any ineffective portion of the hedge is recorded immediately in net 

charged to earnings in the period during which the services are rendered.

investment income.

In addition, the Corporation and its subsidiaries provide certain post-retirement 

For cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the changes in fair value of the 

healthcare, dental, and life insurance benefits to eligible retirees, employees, 

hedging instrument is recorded in the same manner as the hedged item in 

advisors  and  their  dependents. The  current  cost  of  post-retirement  health, 

either  net  investment  income  or  other  comprehensive  income,  while  the 

dental  and  life  benefits  is  charged  to  earnings  using  the  projected  benefit 

ineffective portion is recognized immediately in net investment income. Gains 

method pro-rated on services.

and losses that accumulate in other comprehensive income are recorded in net 

investment income in the same period the hedged item affects net earnings. 

Gains and losses on cash flow hedges are immediately reclassified from other 

FUNDS HEL D BY CEDING INSURER S/   
FUNDS HEL D UNDER REINSUR A NCE CON T R AC T S

comprehensive income to net investment income if and when it is probable 

Under certain forms of reinsurance contracts, it is customary for the ceding 

that a forecasted transaction is no longer expected to occur.

Foreign  exchange  forward  contracts  are  used  to  hedge  net  investment  in 

foreign  operations.  Changes  in  the  fair  value  of  these  hedges  are  recorded 

in other comprehensive income. Hedge accounting is discontinued when the 

hedging no longer qualifies for hedge accounting.

insurer  to  retain  possession  of  the  assets  supporting  the  liabilities  ceded. 

Lifeco records an amount receivable from the ceding insurer or payable to the 

reinsurer representing the premium due. Investment revenue on these funds 

withheld is credited by the ceding insurer.

INCOME TA XE S

IGM also enters into total return swaps to manage its exposure to fluctuations 

The Corporation follows the liability method in accounting for income taxes, 

in  the  total  return  of  its  common  shares  related  to  deferred  compensation 

whereby future income tax assets and liabilities reflect the expected future 

arrangements.  These  total  return  swap  agreements  require  the  periodic 

tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of 

exchange of net contractual payments without the exchange of the notional 

assets and liabilities and their tax bases. Future income tax assets and liabilities 

principal amounts on which the payments are based. These instruments are 

are measured based on the enacted or substantively enacted tax rates which 

not  designated  as  hedges.  Changes  in  fair  value  are  recorded  in  operating 

are anticipated to be in effect when the temporary differences are expected 

expenses in the statements of earnings.

to reverse.

F OREIGN CURRENC Y T R A NSL AT ION

E A RNING S PER SHA RE

The Corporation follows the current rate method of foreign currency translation 

Basic earnings per share is determined by dividing net earnings available to 

for its net investments in self-sustaining foreign operations. Under this method, 

common shareholders by the average number of common shares outstanding 

assets and liabilities are translated into Canadian dollars at the rate of exchange 

for the year. Diluted earnings per share is determined using the same method 

prevailing at the balance sheet date and all income and expenses are translated 

as basic earnings per share, except that the average number of common shares 

at  an  average  of  daily  rates. Unrealized  foreign  currency  translation  gains 

outstanding includes the potential dilutive effect of outstanding stock options 

and losses on the Corporation’s net investment in its self-sustaining foreign 

granted by the Corporation, as determined by the treasury stock method.

operations are presented separately as a component of other comprehensive 

income. Unrealized gains and losses are recognized proportionately in earnings 

COMPA R AT I V E FIGURE S

when there has been a net permanent disinvestment in the foreign operations.

Certain of the 2009 amounts presented for comparative purposes have been 

reclassified to conform with the presentation adopted in the current year.

All other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency are translated 

into Canadian dollars at exchange rates prevailing at the balance sheet date 

for monetary items and at exchange rates prevailing at the transaction dates 

for non-monetary items. Realized and unrealized exchange gains and losses 

are included in net investment income and are not material to the financial 

statements of the Corporation.

54

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

NO T E 1  S U M M A R Y OF S IG N I F IC A N T AC C OU N T I N G P OL IC I E S   (C O N T I N U E D)

FU T URE ACCOUN T ING CHA NGE S

INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL REPORTING STANDARDS
The  Canadian Accounting  Standards  Board  has  announced  that  Canadian 

Canadian GAAP and IFRS. The impact of adopting IFRS and the related effects 

on the Corporation’s consolidated financial statements will be reported in the 

Corporation’s 2011 interim and annual financial statements.

GAAP will be replaced by International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), 

The IFRS standard that deals with the measurement of insurance contracts, 

as published by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). Publicly 

also referred to as Phase II Insurance Contracts, is currently being developed 

accountable  enterprises  will  be  required  to  adopt  IFRS  for  the  fiscal  year 

and a final accounting standard is not expected to be implemented for several 

beginning  on  or  after  January  1,  2011.  The  Corporation  will  issue  its  initial 

years. As a result, Lifeco will continue to measure insurance liabilities using the 

interim Consolidated Financial Statements under IFRS, including comparative 

Canadian Asset Liability Method until such time when a new IFRS standard for 

information, for the quarter ended March 31, 2011.

insurance contract measurement is issued. Consequently, the evolving nature 

The Corporation is in the final stages of aggregating and analysing potential 

adjustments required to the opening balance sheet as at January 1, 2010 for 

changes to accounting policies resulting from identified differences between 

of IFRS will likely result in additional accounting changes, some of which may 

be significant, in the years following the Corporation’s initial transition to IFRS.

NO T E 2  AC Q U I S I T IO N S  A N D  DI S P O S A L S

[ a ]  During the fourth quarter of 2010, Investment Planning Counsel Inc., a 

[ c ]  On January 19, 2009, PanAgora, a subsidiary of Putnam, sold its equity 

subsidiary of IGM, acquired Partners in Planning Group Ltd. and related 

investment in Union PanAgora Asset Management GmbH to Union Asset 

entities. The  purchase  price  was  allocated  to  indefinite  life  intangible 

Management. Gross proceeds received of approximately US$75 million 

assets and goodwill. 

[ b ]  During  the  second  quarter  of  2009,  IGM  acquired  the  27.6%  non-

controlling interest in Investment Planning Counsel Inc. IGM accounted 

for the transaction as a step acquisition and the aggregate purchase price, 

after elimination of non-controlling interest, was allocated to indefinite 

life intangible assets and goodwill. 

NO T E 3  I N V E S T M E N T S

recorded  in  net  investment  income  resulted  in  a  gain  to  Putnam  of 

approximately US$33 million after taxes and non-controlling interests.

C A RRY ING VA LUE S A ND E S T IM AT ED M A RK E T VA LUE S OF IN V E S T MEN T S

SHARES

Designated as held for trading
Available for sale 

BONDS

Designated as held for trading
Classified as held for trading
Available for sale
Loans and receivables

MORTGAGES AND OTHER LOANS

Loans and receivables
Designated as held for trading

REAL ESTATE

CARRYING 
VALUE

5,364
1,051

6,415

55,266
1,748
7,331
9,290

73,635

16,512
224

16,736

2010
MARKET 
VALUE

5,364
1,051

6,415

55,266
1,748
7,331
9,942

74,287

17,279
224

17,503

3,275

3,385

100,061

101,590

CARRYING 
VALUE

4,928
1,464

6,392

51,529
1,759
4,935
9,165

67,388

17,116
240

17,356

3,101

94,237

2009
MARKET 
VALUE

4,928
1,464

6,392

51,529
1,759
4,935
9,421

67,644

17,326
240

17,566

3,055

94,657

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

55

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NO T E 3  I N V E S T M E N T S  (C O N T I N U E D)

Included in investments are the following:

IMPA IRED IN V E S T MEN T S F OR L IFECO

Impaired amounts by type [ 1 ]

Held for trading 
Available for sale
Loans and receivables

Total

GROSS 
AMOUNT

IMPAIRMENT

572
58
114

744

(270)
(32)
(64)

(366)

2010
CARRYING
AMOUNT

302
26
50

378

GROSS 
AMOUNT

IMPAIRMENT

517
55
151

723

(278)
(36)
(81)

(395)

2009
CARRYING 
AMOUNT

239
19
70

328

[ 1 ]  Excludes amounts in funds held by ceding insurers of $28 million and impairment of ($17) million at December 31, 2010 and $10 million and ($4) million at December 31, 2009.

Gross amount represents the amortized cost or the principal balance of the 

With  respect  to  Lifeco,  the  impairment  charges,  net  of  release  of  actuarial 

impaired investments.

default  provision  and  other,  amounted  to  $14  million  in  2010  ($74  million 

Impaired investments include $30 million gross amount of capital securities 

in 2009).

that have deferred coupons on a non-cumulative basis. 

With respect to IGM, shares which have had an unrealized loss for a prolonged 

period  of  time  are  considered  to  be  other  than  temporarily  impaired.

No  impairment  charge  related  to  shares  was  recorded  by  IGM  for  the  year 

2010 ($77 million in 2009).

The allowance for credit losses and changes in the allowance for credit losses related to investments classified as loans and receivables are as follows:

Balance, beginning of year
Net provision (recovery) for credit losses 
Write-offs, net of recoveries
Other (including foreign exchange rate change)

Balance, end of year

2010

2009

88
(5)
(8)
(7)

68

68
38
(8)
(10)

88

Lifeco holds bonds and mortgages with restructured terms or which have been exchanged for securities with amended terms. These investments are performing 

according to their new terms. As at December 31, 2010, their carrying value is $191 million ($206 million in 2009).

NO T E 4  S E C U R I T I Z AT ION S

IGM securitizes residential mortgages through CMHC utilizing the NHA MBS program or through Canadian bank-sponsored securitization trusts. NHA MBS are 

sold to a trust that issues securities to investors through the CMHC-sponsored CMB Program. Pre-tax gains (losses) on the sale of mortgages are reported in net 

investment income in the statements of earnings. Securitization activities for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 were as follows: 

Residential mortgages securitized
Net cash proceeds
Fair value of retained interest
Pre-tax gain on sales

2010

1,211
1,203
44
24

2009

1,332
1,325
65
49

IGM’s retained interest in the securitized loans includes cash reserve accounts and rights to future excess spread. This retained interest is subordinated to the 

interests of the related CMHC or Canadian bank-sponsored securitization trusts (CP conduits) and NHA MBS holders (the purchasers). The purchasers do not 

have recourse to IGM’s other assets for any failure of the borrowers to pay when due. 

56

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

NO T E 4  S E C U R I T I Z AT IO N S   (C O N T I N U E D)

The present value of future expected cash flows are used to fair value the retained interests. The key economic assumptions at the date of securitization issuances 

for CMHC or Canadian bank-sponsored securitization trusts transactions completed during 2010 and 2009 were as follows:

Weighted-average

Remaining service life (in years)
Excess spread
Prepayment rate
Discount rate
Servicing fees
Expected credit losses

2010

2009

4.5
0.80%
15.00%
1.82%
0.15%
–

4.4
1.16%
15.00%
1.66%
0.15%
–

At December 31, 2010, the fair value of the total retained interests was $107 million ($174 million in 2009). The sensitivity to immediate 10% or 20% adverse changes 

to key assumptions was not considered material.

The total loans reported by IGM, the securitized loans serviced by IGM, as well as cash flows related to securitization arrangements are as follows:

Mortages
Investment loans

Less: securitized loans serviced

Total on-balance sheet loans

Net cash proceeds
Cash flows received on retained interests

NO T E 5  I N V E S T M E N T AT E Q U I T Y

Carrying value, beginning of year
Share of operating earnings
Share of Pargesa’s non-operating earnings [ Note 20 ]
Share of other comprehensive income (loss)
Dividends

Carrying value, end of year

Share of equity, end of year

At December 31, 2010, Parjointco, 50% held by the Corporation, held a 54.1% equity interest in Pargesa (2009 – 54.1%).

NO T E 6  G O ODW I L L A N D I N TA NGI B L E A S S E T S

G O ODW IL L

The carrying value of goodwill and changes in the carrying value of goodwill are as follows:

Balance, beginning of year
Acquisition[1]
Other, including the effect of foreign exchange

Balance, end of year

[  1 ]  There is no tax-deductible goodwill in 2010 and 2009. 

2010

3,819
280

4,099
3,478

621

1,203
88

2010

2,675
120
(5)
(454)
(57)

2,279

2,278

2010

8,655
37
34

8,726

2009

3,641
302

3,943
3,271

672

1,325
90

2009

2,814
141
(70)
(179)
(31)

2,675

2,674

2009

8,613
32
10

8,655

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

57

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NO T E 6  G O ODW I L L A N D I N TA NGI B L E A S S E T S  (C O N T I N U E D)

IN TA NGIBL E A SSE T S

The carrying value of intangible assets and changes in the carrying value of intangible assets are as follows:

COST

ACCUMULATED
AMORTIZATION

CHANGE IN 
FOREIGN
EXCHANGE 
RATES

CARRYING
VALUE,
END OF YEAR

662
1,400

354
285
741

3,442

595
126
112
13
14
484

1,344

4,786

–
–

–
–
–

–

(169)
(28)
(29)
(6)
(7)
(274)

(513)

(513)

(39)
63

–
–
–

24

(31)
(22)
–
(3)
(3)
–

(59)

(35)

623
1,463

354
285
741

3,466

395
76
83
4
4
210

772

4,238

COST

ACCUMULATED
AMORTIZATION

CHANGE IN
FOREIGN
EXCHANGE
RATES

CARRYING 
VALUE,
END OF YEAR

662
1,400

354
285
737

3,438

595
126
105
13
14
433

1,286

4,724

–
–

–
–
–

–

(142)
(24)
(22)
(6)
(7)
(245)

(446)

(446)

(13)
129

–
–
–

649
1,529

354
285
737

116

3,554

(12)
(16)
–
–
–
–

(28)

88

441
86
83
7
7
188

812

4,366

2010

Indefinite life intangible assets
Brands and trademarks
Customer contract-related
Shareholder portion of acquired

future participating account profits 

Trade names
Mutual fund management contracts

Finite life intangible assets

Customer contract-related
Distribution channels
Distribution contracts
Technology
Property lease
Software

Total

2009

Indefinite life intangible assets
Brands and trademarks
Customer contract-related
Shareholder portion of acquired

future participating accounts profits 

Trade names
Mutual fund management contracts

Finite life intangible assets

Customer contract-related
Distribution channels
Distribution contracts
Technology
Property lease
Software

Total

58

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

NO T E 7  I NC OM E TA X E S

The Corporation’s effective income tax rate is derived as follows:

Combined basic Canadian federal and provincial tax rates
Increase (decrease) in the income tax rate resulting from:

Non-taxable investment income
Lower effective tax rates on income not subject to tax in Canada
Resolution of uncertain tax positions 
Adjustment for overstated prior tax items 
Earnings of investment at equity 
Miscellaneous

Effective income tax rate

Components of income tax expense are:

Current income taxes
Future income taxes

Future income taxes consist of the following taxable temporary differences on:

Policy liabilities
Loss carry forwards
Investments
Deferred selling commissions
Intangible assets and goodwill
Other assets

Future income taxes 

Classified in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as:

Future income tax assets
Future income tax liabilities

2010

%
30.4

(3.8)
(2.8)
(2.3)
(1.2)
(1.2)
(2.2)

16.9

456
41

497

2010

(961)
1,102
(378)
(211)
468
(13)

7

1,174
(1,167)

7

2009

%
31.9

(2.6)
(5.1)
(4.3)
–
(0.8)
1.2

20.3

179
386

565

2009

(724)
1,266
(425)
(240)
459
(166)

170

1,268
(1,098)

170

As  at  December  31,  2010,  the  Corporation  and  its  subsidiaries  have  non-

The  future  tax  benefit  of  loss  carried  forwards  has  been  recognized,  to  the 

capital losses of $471 million ($485 million in 2009) available to reduce future 

extent  that  they  are  more  likely  than  not  to  be  realized,  in  the  amount  of 

taxable income for which the benefits have not been recognized. These losses 

$1,102  million  ($1,266  million  in  2009). The  Corporation  and  its  subsidiaries 

expire at various dates to 2030. In addition, the Corporation has capital loss 

will realize this benefit in future years through a reduction in current income 

carry forwards that can be used indefinitely to offset future capital gains of 

taxes payable.

approximately $61 million ($61 million in 2009).

NO T E 8  O T H E R A S S E T S

Dividends, interest and other receivables
Premiums in course of collection
Deferred selling commissions
Fixed assets
Accrued benefit asset [ Note 21 ]
Derivative financial instruments
Income taxes receivable
Other

2010

2,206
393
784
243
437
1,067
580
724

6,434

2009

2,198
403
850
223
384
837
793
691

6,379

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

59

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NO T E 9  P OL IC Y  L I A B I L I T I E S

COMP OSI T ION OF P OL IC Y L IA BIL I T IE S A ND REL AT ED SUPP ORT ING A SSE T S

The composition of policy liabilities of Lifeco is as follows:

Canada
United States
Europe

Total

2010

25,055
8,108
1,189

34,352

PARTICIPATING
2009

23,097
8,250
1,428

32,775

NON-PARTICIPATING
2009

22,460
13,790
33,626

69,876

2010

24,155
14,555
32,055

70,765

2010

49,210
22,663
33,244

TOTAL
2009

45,557
22,040
35,054

105,117

102,651

The composition of the assets supporting liabilities and surplus of Lifeco is as follows:

2010

Carrying value 
Participating 
Non-participating 

Canada
United States
Europe

Other 
Capital and surplus 

Total carrying value 

Market value

2009

Carrying value 
Participating 
Non-participating 

Canada
United States
Europe

Other 
Capital and surplus 

Total carrying value 

Market value

BONDS 

MORTGAGE
LOANS 

SHARES

15,595

16,066
12,632
17,162
4,664
6,084

72,203

72,855

6,393

5,069
1,479
2,039
874
261

16,115

16,880

3,882

1,432
–
195
435
756

6,700

6,769

BONDS 

MORTGAGE
LOANS 

SHARES

14,884

14,299
11,843
16,839
3,880
4,402

66,147

66,403

6,316

5,327
1,456
2,314
970
301

16,684

16,891

3,747

991
–
130
1,041
533

6,442

6,503

REAL
ESTATE

370

10
–
1,880
220
793

3,273

3,383

REAL
ESTATE 

286

14
–
1,770
217
812

3,099

3,053

OTHER 

TOTAL 

8,112

34,352

1,578
444
10,779
6,784
5,526

33,223

33,223

24,155
14,555
32,055
12,977
13,420

131,514

133,110

OTHER 

TOTAL 

7,542

32,775

1,829
491
12,573
6,607
6,955

35,997

35,997

22,460
13,790
33,626
12,715
13,003

128,369

128,847

Cash flows of assets supporting policy liabilities are matched within reasonable 

Changes in the fair values of assets backing capital and surplus, less related 

limits.  Changes  in  the  fair  values  of  these  assets  are  essentially  offset  by 

income taxes, would result in a corresponding change in surplus over time in 

changes in the fair value of policy liabilities.

accordance with investment accounting policies.

CHA NGE S IN P OL IC Y L IA BIL I T IE S

The change in policy liabilities during the year was the result of the following business activities and changes in actuarial estimates:

Balance, beginning of year
Impact of new business
Normal change in force
Management action and changes in assumptions
Business movement from/to external parties
Impact of foreign exchange rate changes

Balance, end of year

2010

102,651
5,095
2,025
(432)
(1)
(4,221)

2009

102,627
4,198
1,899
(268)
(9)
(5,796)

105,117

102,651

Under fair value accounting, movement in the market value of the supporting 

liabilities. The change in the value of the policy liabilities associated with the 

assets is a major factor in the movement of policy liabilities. Changes in the fair 

change in the value of the supporting assets is included in the normal change 

value of assets are largely offset by corresponding changes in the fair value of 

in force above.

60

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

NO T E 9  P OL IC Y  L I A B I L I T I E S   (C O N T I N U E D)

In  2010,  the  major  contributors  to  the  increase  in  policy  liabilities  was  the 

Lifeco’s  participating  policy  liabilities  decreased  by  $74  million  in  2009 

impact  of  new  business  and  the  normal  change  in  the  in-force  business 

due  to  management  actions  and  assumption  changes. This  decrease  was 

partially offset by the impact of foreign exchange rates.

primarily due to a decrease in the provision for future policyholder dividends 

Lifeco’s non participating policy liabilities decreased by $427 million in 2010 due 

to  management  actions  and  assumption  changes  including  a  $246  million 

decrease  in  Canada,  a  $126  million  decrease  in  Europe  and  a  $55  million 

decrease in the United States. The decrease in Canada was primarily due to 

updated  expenses  and  taxes  in  individual  insurance  ($86  million  decrease), 

improved  individual  life  mortality  ($64  million  decrease),  improved  group 

insurance morbidity ($62 million decrease), modelling refinements across the 

Canadian  segment  ($56  million  decrease)  and  reduced  provisions  for  asset 

liability matching ($49 million decrease), partially offset by increased provisions 

for policyholder behaviour in individual insurance ($69 million increase). The 

decrease in Europe was primarily due to reduced provisions for asset liability 

matching ($127 million decrease), modelling refinements across the division 

($97 million decrease) and updated expenses ($23 million decrease), partially 

($1,495 million decrease) and improved life mortality ($168 million decrease), 

partially offset by lowered investment returns ($1,588 million increase). 

AC T UA RIA L A SSUMP T IONS

In  the  computation  of  policy  liabilities,  valuation  assumptions  have  been 

made  regarding  rates  of  mortality/morbidity,  investment  returns,  levels  of 

operating  expenses,  rates  of  policy  termination  and  rates  of  utilization  of 

elective  policy  options  or  provisions.  The  valuation  assumptions  use  best 

estimates of future experience together with a margin for adverse deviation. 

These margins are necessary to provide for possibilities of misestimation and/or 

future deterioration in the best estimate assumptions and provide reasonable 

assurance that policy liabilities cover a range of possible outcomes. Margins 

are reviewed periodically for continued appropriateness.

offset  by  strengthened  reinsurance  life  mortality  ($71  million  increase), 

The methods for arriving at these valuation assumptions are outlined below:

strengthened longevity ($16 million increase), strengthened group insurance 

morbidity ($13 million increase), increased provisions for policyholder behaviour 

($10 million increase) and asset default ($8 million increase). The decrease in 

the  United  States  was  primarily  due  to  improved  life  mortality  ($52  million 

decrease), improved longevity ($6 million decrease), modelling refinements 

($4 million decrease), partially offset by increased provisions for policyholder 

behaviour ($8 million increase).

Lifeco’s participating policy liabilities decreased by $5 million in 2010 due to 

management actions and assumption changes. The decrease was primarily 

due to updated expenses ($261 million decrease), improved investment returns 

($20  million  decrease),  and  improved  individual  life  mortality  ($13  million 

decrease),  partially  offset  by  modelling  refinements  ($213  million  increase), 

MORTALITY
A life insurance mortality study is carried out annually for each major block 

of insurance business. The results of each study are used to update Lifeco’s 

experience  valuation  mortality  tables  for  that  business.  When  there  is 

insufficient data, use is made of the latest industry experience to derive an 

appropriate valuation mortality assumption. Although mortality improvements 

have been observed for many years, for life insurance valuation the mortality 

provisions (including margin) do not allow for future improvements. In addition, 

appropriate provisions have been made for future mortality deterioration on 

term insurance. A 2% increase in the best estimate assumption would increase 

non-participating  policy  liabilities  by  approximately  $216  million,  causing  a 

decrease  in  net  earnings  of  Lifeco  of  approximately  $159  million  (Power 

increases in the provision for future policyholder dividends ($66 million increase) 

Financial’s share – $112 million).

and increased provisions for policyholder behaviour ($10 million increase).

In 2009, the major contributors to the increase in policy liabilities were the 

impact of new business and the normal change in the in-force business, almost 

totally offset by the impact of foreign exchange rates.

Annuitant mortality is also studied regularly and the results used to modify 

established  industry  experience  annuitant  mortality  tables.  Mortality 

improvement  has  been  projected  to  occur  throughout  future  years  for 

annuitants. A 2% decrease in the best estimate assumption would increase non-

Lifeco’s non-participating  policy  liabilities decreased by  $194 million  in  2009 

participating policy liabilities by approximately $217 million, causing a decrease 

due to management actions and assumption changes, including a $135 million 

in  net  earnings  of  Lifeco  of  approximately  $172  million  (Power  Financial’s 

decrease in Canada, a $58 million decrease in Europe and a $1 million decrease 

share – $121 million).

in the United States. The decrease in Canada was primarily due to improved 

individual life mortality ($115 million decrease) updated expenses ($48 million 

decrease) and modelling refinements in individual life and annuities ($32 million 

decrease), partially offset by the future tax impact of a change in asset mix 

targets for long-tail liabilities ($52 million increase). The decrease in Europe was 

primarily due to reduced provisions for asset liability matching ($199 million 

decrease),  modelling  refinements  in  annuities  ($97  million  decrease)  and 

improved life mortality ($47 million decrease), partially offset by strengthening 

of asset default and expense ($158 million increase), modelling refinements 

in reinsurance ($77 million increase), strengthened administration expenses 

in  Europe  ($30  million  increase)  and  strengthened  longevity  ($20  million 

increase). The  decrease  in  the  United  States  was  primarily  due  to  reduced 

provisions  for  asset  liability  matching  ($32  million  decrease)  and  improved 

life mortality ($18 million decrease), partially offset by strengthening of asset 

default ($32 million increase) and strengthened longevity ($13 million increase).

MORBIDITY
Lifeco uses industry-developed experience tables modified to reflect emerging 

Lifeco experience. Both claim incidence and termination are monitored regularly 

and emerging experience is factored into the current valuation. For products 

for which morbidity is a significant assumption, a 5% decrease in best estimate 

termination assumptions for claim liabilities and a 5% increase in best estimate 

incidence assumptions for active life liabilities would increase non-participating 

policy liabilities by approximately $213 million, causing a decrease in net earnings 

of Lifeco of approximately $151 million (Power Financial’s share – $107 million). 

PROPERTY AND C A SUALTY REINSUR ANCE
Policy  liabilities  for  property  and  casualty  reinsurance  written  by  London 

Reinsurance  Group  Inc.  (LRG),  a  subsidiary  of  London  Life,  are  determined 

using accepted actuarial practices for property and casualty insurers in Canada. 

Reflecting the long-term nature of the business, policy liabilities have been 

established  using  cash  flow  valuation  techniques,  including  discounting. 

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

61

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NO T E 9  P OL IC Y  L I A B I L I T I E S  (C O N T I N U E D)

The  policy  liabilities  are  based  on  cession  statements  provided  by  ceding 

in  the  best  estimate  policy  termination  assumption  would  increase  non-

companies. In certain instances, LRG management adjusts cession statement 

participating policy liabilities by approximately $452 million, causing a decrease 

amounts  to  reflect  management’s  interpretation  of  the  treaty.  Differences 

in net earnings of Lifeco of approximately $320 million (Power Financial’s share 

will  be  resolved  via  audits  and  other  loss  mitigation  activities.  In  addition, 

– $226 million).

policy liabilities also include an amount for incurred but not reported losses 

which  may  differ  significantly  from  the  ultimate  loss  development.  The 

estimates and underlying methodology are continually reviewed and updated, 

and  adjustments  to  estimates  are  reflected  in  earnings.  LRG  analyses  the 

emergence  of  claims  experience  against  expected  assumptions  for  each 

reinsurance contract separately and at the portfolio level. If necessary, a more 

in-depth analysis is undertaken of the cedant experience.

INVESTMENT RETURNS
The assets which correspond to the different liability categories are segmented. 

For each segment, projected cash flows from the current assets and liabilities 

are used in the Canadian Asset Liability Method to determine policy liabilities. 

Cash flows from assets are reduced to provide for asset default losses. Testing 

under  several  interest  rate  and  equity  scenarios  (including  increasing  and 

decreasing rates) is done to provide for reinvestment risk (refer to Note 17).

EXPENSES
Contractual policy expenses (e.g., sales commissions) and tax expenses are 

reflected  on  a  best  estimate  basis.  Expense  studies  for  indirect  operating 

expenses are updated regularly to determine an appropriate estimate of future 

operating expenses for the liability type being valued. Improvements in unit 

operating expenses are not projected. An inflation assumption is incorporated 

in the estimate of future operating expenses consistent with the interest rate 

scenarios  projected  under  the  Canadian Asset  Liability  Method  as  inflation 

is  assumed  to  be  correlated  with  new  money  interest  rates. A  5%  increase 

in the best estimate maintenance unit expense assumption would increase 

the non-participating policy liabilities by approximately $71 million, causing a 

decrease in net earnings of Lifeco of approximately $51 million (Power Financial’s 

share – $36 million).

POLIC Y TERMINATION
Studies  to  determine  rates  of  policy  termination  are  updated  regularly  to 

form the basis of this estimate. Industry data is also available and is useful 

where Lifeco has no experience with specific types of policies or its exposure is 

UTILIZATION OF ELECTIVE POLIC Y OPTIONS
There are a wide range of elective options embedded in the policies issued by 

Lifeco. Examples include term renewals, conversion to whole life insurance 

(term insurance), settlement annuity purchase at guaranteed rates (deposit 

annuities) and guarantee resets (segregated fund maturity guarantees). The 

assumed rates of utilization are based on Lifeco or industry experience when it 

exists and, when not, on judgment considering incentives to utilize the option. 

Generally speaking, whenever it is clearly in the best interests of an informed 

policyholder to utilize an option, then it is assumed to be elected.

POLIC YHOLDER DIVIDENDS AND   
ADJUSTABLE POLIC Y FE ATURES
Future policy holder dividends and other adjustable policy features are included 

in the determination of policy liabilities with the assumption that policyholder 

dividends or adjustable benefits will change in the future in response to the 

relevant  experience. The  dividend  and  policy  adjustments  are  determined 

consistent  with  policyholders’  reasonable  expectations,  such  expectations 

being  influenced  by  the  participating  policyholder  dividend  policies  and/or 

policyholder  communications,  marketing  material  and  past  practice.  It  is 

Lifeco’s  expectation  that  changes  will  occur  in  policyholder  dividend  scales 

or  adjustable  benefits  for  participating  or  adjustable  business  respectively, 

corresponding  to  changes  in  the  best  estimate  assumptions,  resulting  in 

an immaterial net change in policy liabilities. Where underlying guarantees 

may  limit  the  ability  to  pass  all  of  this  experience  back  to  the  policyholder, 

the impact of this non-adjustability impacting shareholder earnings is reflected 

in the impacts of changes in best estimate assumptions above. 

CEDED REINSUR ANCE
Maximum limits per insured life benefit amount (which vary by line of business) 

are established for life and health insurance, and reinsurance is purchased for 

amounts in excess of those limits.

Reinsurance costs and recoveries as defined by the reinsurance agreement are 

reflected in the valuation with these costs and recoveries being appropriately 

limited. Lifeco has significant exposures in respect of the T-100 and Level Cost 

calibrated to the direct assumptions.

of Insurance Universal Life products in Canada and policy termination rates at 

the renewal period for renewable term policies in Canada and Reinsurance. 

Industry  experience  has  guided  Lifeco’s  persistency  assumption  for  these 

products  as  Lifeco’s  own  experience  is  very  limited. A  10%  adverse  change 

Reinsurance contracts do not relieve Lifeco from its obligations to policyholders. 

Failure of reinsurers to honour their obligations could result in losses to Lifeco. 

Lifeco evaluates the financial condition of its reinsurers to minimize its exposure 

to significant losses from reinsurer insolvencies.

As a result of reinsurance, policy liabilities have been reduced by the following amounts:

Participating
Non-participating

2010

23
2,508

2,531

2009

17
2,768

2,785

Certain of the reinsurance contracts are on a funds-withheld basis where Lifeco retains the assets supporting the reinsured policy liabilities, thus minimizing the 

exposure to significant losses from reinsurer insolvency on those contracts.

62

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

NO T E 10  DE B E N T U R E S  A N D O T H E R  B OR ROW I NG S

2010

2009

OTHER BORROWINGS
GREAT-WEST LIFECO INC.

Commercial paper and other short-term debt instruments with interest rates from 

0.36% to 0.44% (0.28% to 0.38% in 2009)

Revolving credit facility with interest equal to LIBOR rate plus 1% or U.S. prime rate loan  

(US$215 million in 2010, US$260 million in 2009)

Total other borrowings

DEBENTURES
POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION

6.90% debentures, due March 11, 2033, unsecured

IGM FINANCIAL INC.

6.75% debentures 2001 Series, due May 9, 2011, unsecured
6.58% debentures 2003 Series, due March 7, 2018, unsecured
7.35% debentures 2009 Series, due April 8, 2019, unsecured
6.65% debentures 1997 Series, due December 13, 2027, unsecured
7.45% debentures 2001 Series, due May 9, 2031, unsecured
7.00% debentures 2002 Series, due December 31, 2032, unsecured
7.11% debentures 2003 Series, due March 7, 2033, unsecured
6.00% debentures 2010 Series, due December 10, 2040, unsecured

GREAT-WEST LIFECO INC.

Term note due October 18, 2012, bearing an interest rate of LIBOR plus 0.30% (US$304 million), unsecured
6.75% debentures due August 10, 2015, unsecured
6.14% debentures due March 21, 2018, unsecured
4.65% debentures due August 13, 2020, unsecured
6.40% subordinated debentures due December 11, 2028, unsecured
6.74% debentures due November 24, 2031, unsecured
6.67% debentures due March 21, 2033, unsecured
6.625% deferrable debentures due November 15, 2034, unsecured (US$175 million)
5.998% debentures due November 16, 2039, unsecured 
Subordinated debentures due May 16, 2046, bearing an interest rate of 7.153% until May 16, 2016 and,  

thereafter, a rate of 2.538% plus the 3-month LIBOR rate, unsecured (US$300 million) 

Subordinated debentures due June 21, 2067, bearing an interest rate of 5.691% until 2017 and,  

thereafter, a rate equal to the Canadian 90-day bankers’ acceptance rate plus 1.49%, unsecured

Subordinated debentures due June 26, 2068, bearing an interest rate of 7.127% until 2018 and,  

thereafter, a rate equal to the Canadian 90-day bankers’ acceptance rate plus 3.78%, unsecured 

Notes payable with interest rate of 8.0% due May 6, 2014, unsecured

Total debentures

91

213

304

250

450
150
375
125
150
175
150
200

301
–
200
500
100
200
400
172
345

297

1,000

500
4

6,044

6,348

102

273

375

250

450
150
375
125
150
175
150
–

319
200
200
–
100
200
400
183
345

315

1,000

500
5

5,592

5,967

On December 9, 2010, IGM issued $200 million of 6.00% debentures maturing 

and bear an interest rate of 5.998% until they are due. The debentures may 

on December 10, 2040. The debentures are redeemable by IGM, in whole or in 

be redeemed by Lifeco at the greater of the Canadian Yield Price or par plus 

part, at any time, at the greater of par or a formula price based upon yields at 

any  unpaid  and  accrued  interest  on  not  less  than  30  and  no  more  than 

the time of redemption.

60 days notice.

On August 13, 2010, Lifeco issued $500 million principal amount debentures at 

On June 22, 2009, Putnam executed a new revolving credit facility agreement 

par that will mature on August 13, 2020. Interest on the debentures at the rate 

with a syndicate of banks for US$500 million, an increase of US$300 million 

of 4.65% per annum will be payable semi-annually in arrears on February 13 and 

from the previous agreement. At December 31, 2009, a subsidiary of Putnam 

August 13 of each year, commencing February 13, 2011, until the date on which 

had drawn US$260 million on this credit facility. This agreement expired on 

the debentures are repaid. The debentures are redeemable at any time in whole 

June 21, 2010. On June 17, 2010, the revolving credit agreement for US$500 million 

or in part at the greater of the Canada Yield Price or par, together in each case 

was amended and is due June 17, 2013. At December 31, 2010, a subsidiary of 

with accrued and unpaid interest.

Putnam had drawn US$215 million on this credit facility.

On August 10, 2010, Lifeco redeemed the $200 million principal amount 6.75% 

On April 7, 2009, IGM issued $375 million of 7.35% debentures maturing April 8, 

debentures at par that had a maturity date of August 10, 2015.

2019.  The  debentures  are  redeemable  by  IGM,  in  whole  or  in  part,  at  any 

On  November  16,  2009,  Lifeco  issued  $200  million  principal  amount  of 

5.998%  debentures  and  an  additional  principal  amount  of  $144  million  on 

December 18, 2009 (refer to Note 11). The debentures are due November 16, 2039 

time, at the greater of par or a formula price based upon yields at the time 

of redemption.

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

63

 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NO T E 10  DE B E N T U R E S A N D O T H E R  B OR ROW I NG S   (C O N T I N U E D)

The principal payments on debentures and notes payable in each of the next five years is as follows:

2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016 and thereafter

NO T E 1 1  C A PI TA L T RU S T  S E C U R I T I E S A N D  DE B E N T U R E S

CAPITAL TRUST DEBENTURES
5.995% senior debentures due December 31, 2052, unsecured (GWLCT)
6.679% senior debentures due June 30, 2052, unsecured (CLCT)
7.529% senior debentures due June 30, 2052, unsecured (CLCT)

Acquisition-related fair market value adjustment
Trust securities held by Lifeco as temporary investments
Trust securities held by Lifeco as long-term investments

451
302
1
1
–
5,289

2010

2009

350
300
150

800
17
(44)
(238)

535

350
300
150

800
19
(41)
(238)

540

Great-West Life Capital Trust (GWLCT), a trust established by Great-West Life, 

Pursuant  to  the  Canada  Life  Financial  Corporation  acquisition  in  2003,  the 

had issued $350 million of capital trust securities, the proceeds of which were 

Canadian  regulated  subsidiaries  had  purchased  certain  of  these  capital 

used by GWLCT to purchase Great-West Life senior debentures in the amount 

trust  debentures.  During  2009,  Lifeco  disposed  of  $138  million  principal 

of $350 million, and Canada Life Capital Trust (CLCT), a trust established by 

amount  of  capital  trust  securities  held  by  the  consolidated  group  as 

Canada Life, had issued $450 million of capital trust securities, the proceeds 

temporary investments.

of which were used by CLCT to purchase Canada Life senior debentures in the 

amount of $450 million. Distributions and interest on the capital trust securities 

are classified as financing charges on the Consolidated Statements of Earnings 

(refer to Note 19).

On November 11, 2009 Lifeco launched an issuer bid whereby it offered to acquire 

up  to  170,000  of  the  outstanding  Great West  Life Trust  Securities  –  Series A 

(GREATs) of GWLCT and up to 180,000 of the outstanding Canada Life Capital 

Securities – Series A (CLiCS) of CLCT. On December 18, 2009, pursuant to this offer, 

Lifeco acquired 116,547 GREATs and 121,788 CLiCS for $261 million, plus accrued and 

unpaid interest. In connection with this transaction Lifeco issued $144 million 

aggregate principal amount of 5.998% debentures due November 16, 2039 and 

paid cash of $122 million. 

NO T E 1 2  O T H E R L I A B I L I T I E S

Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other
Deferred net realized gains
Income taxes payable
Repurchase agreements
Accrued benefit liability [ Note 21 ]
Derivative financial instruments
Dividends and interest payable

2010

3,596
115
217
1,676
665
258
334

6,861

2009

3,413
133
226
1,162
662
364
334

6,294

64

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

NO T E 1 3  NON - C O N T ROL L I NG I N T E R E S T S

Non-controlling interests include
Participating policyholders
Preferred shareholders of subsidiaries
Common shareholders of subsidiaries

Earnings attributable to non-controlling interests include
Earnings attributable to participating policyholders
Dividends to preferred shareholders of subsidiaries
Earnings attributable to common shareholders of subsidiaries

2010

2,013
2,159
4,884

9,056

2
110
748

860

NO T E 14  S TAT E D C A PI TA L

AU T HORIZED

Unlimited number of first preferred shares, issuable in series, of second preferred shares, issuable in series and of common shares.

ISSUED A ND OU T S TA NDING

PREFERRED SHARES (CLASSIFIED AS LIABILITIES)
Series C   First Preferred Shares   [  i  ]
Series J    First Preferred Shares   [  ii  ]

PREFERRED SHARES (PERPETUAL)
Series A   First Preferred Shares   [  iii  ]
Series D   First Preferred Shares   [  iv  ]
Series E   First Preferred Shares   [  v  ]
Series F   First Preferred Shares   [  vi  ]
Series H   First Preferred Shares   [ vii ]
Series I   First Preferred Shares   [ viii ]
Series K   First Preferred Shares   [  ix  ]
Series L   First Preferred Shares   [  x  ]
Series M   First Preferred Shares   [  xi  ]
Series O   First Preferred Shares   [ xii ]
Series P   First Preferred Shares   [ xiii ]

NUMBER OF
SHARES

–
–

4,000,000
6,000,000
8,000,000
6,000,000
6,000,000
8,000,000
10,000,000
8,000,000
7,000,000
6,000,000
11,200,000

2010
STATED 
CAPITAL

–
–

–

100
150
200
150
150
200
250
200
175
150
280

2,005

NUMBER OF
SHARES

6,000,000
6,000,000

4,000,000
6,000,000
8,000,000
6,000,000
6,000,000
8,000,000
10,000,000
8,000,000
7,000,000
6,000,000
–

Common Shares  [ xiv ]

708,013,680

636

705,726,680

2009

2,004
2,014
4,860

8,878

15
87
676

778

2009
STATED
CAPITAL

150
150

300

100
150
200
150
150
200
250
200
175
150
–

1,725

605

[  i  ]  On October 31, 2010, the Corporation redeemed all its outstanding 5.20% 

[ iv ]  The 5.50% Non-Cumulative First Preferred Shares, Series D are entitled 

Non-Cumulative, Series C First Preferred Shares at a redemption price of 

to fixed non-cumulative preferential cash dividends at a rate equal to 

$25.40 per share, for a total consideration of $152 million.

$1.375 per share per annum. On and after January 31, 2013, the Corporation 

[  ii  ]  On  July  30,  2010,  the  Corporation  redeemed  all  its  outstanding  4.70% 

Non-Cumulative, Series J First Preferred Shares at a redemption price of 

$25.50 per share, for a total consideration of $153 million.

[ iii ]  The Series A First Preferred Shares are entitled to an annual cumulative 

dividend at a floating rate equal to 70% of the prime rate of two major 

Canadian  chartered  banks  and  are  redeemable,  at  the  Corporation’s 

option, at $25.00 per share.

may redeem for cash the Series D First Preferred Shares in whole or in 

part, at the Corporation’s option, at $25.00 per share together with all 

declared and unpaid dividends to, but excluding, the date of redemption.

[  v  ]  The 5.25% Non-Cumulative First Preferred Shares, Series E are entitled 

to fixed non-cumulative preferential cash dividends at a rate equal to 

$1.3125 per share per annum. The Corporation may redeem for cash the 

Series E First Preferred Shares in whole or in part, at the Corporation’s 

option,  at  $25.00  per  share  together  with  all  declared  and  unpaid 

dividends to, but excluding, the date of redemption.

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

65

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NO T E 14  S TAT E D  C A PI TA L  (C O N T I N U E D)

[ vi ]  The 5.90% Non-Cumulative First Preferred Shares, Series F are entitled to 

[ xi ]  The 6.00% Non-Cumulative First Preferred Shares, Series M are entitled 

fixed non-cumulative preferential cash dividends at a rate equal to $1.475 

to  fixed  non-cumulative  preferential  cash  dividends  at  a  rate  equal  to 

per share per annum. The Corporation may redeem for cash the Series F 

$1.50 per share per annum. On January 31, 2014 and on January 31 every 

First Preferred Shares in whole or in part, at the Corporation’s option, at 

five years thereafter, the Corporation may redeem for cash the Series M 

$25.25 per share if redeemed prior to July 17, 2011 and $25.00 if redeemed 

First Preferred shares in whole or in part, at the Corporation’s option, at 

thereafter, in each case together with all declared and unpaid dividends 

$25.00 per share plus all declared and unpaid dividends to the date fixed 

to, but excluding, the date of redemption.

for redemption, or the Series M First Preferred Shares are convertible to 

[ vii ]  The 5.75% Non-Cumulative First Preferred Shares, Series H are entitled to 

fixed non-cumulative preferential cash dividends at a rate equal to $1.4375 

per share per annum. The Corporation may redeem for cash the Series 

Non-Cumulative  Floating  Rate  First  Preferred  Shares,  Series  N,  at  the 

option of the holders on January 31, 2014 or on January 31 every five years 

thereafter. 

H First Preferred Shares in whole or in part, at the Corporation’s option, 

[ xii ]  The 5.80% Non-Cumulative First Preferred Shares, Series O are entitled to 

at $25.25 per share if redeemed prior to December 10, 2011 and $25.00 if 

fixed non-cumulative preferential cash dividends at a rate equal to $1.45 

redeemed thereafter, in each case together with all declared and unpaid 

per  share  per  annum.  On  and  after  October  31,  2014,  the  Corporation 

dividends to, but excluding, the date of redemption.

may redeem for cash the Series O First Preferred Shares in whole or in 

[ viii ]  The 6.00% Non-Cumulative First Preferred Shares, Series I are entitled 

to  fixed  non-cumulative  preferential  cash  dividends  at  a  rate  equal  to 

$1.50 per share per annum. The Corporation may redeem for cash the 

Series I First Preferred Shares in whole or in part, at the Corporation’s 

option, at $25.50 per share if redeemed prior to April 30, 2011, $25.25 if 

redeemed thereafter and prior to April 30, 2012 and $25.00 if redeemed 

thereafter, in each case together with all declared and unpaid dividends 

part, at the Corporation’s option, at $26.00 per share if redeemed prior to 

October 31, 2015, $25.75 if redeemed on or after October 31, 2015 and prior 

to October 31, 2016, $25.50 if redeemed on or after October 31, 2016 and 

prior to October 31, 2017, $25.25 if redeemed on or after October 31, 2017 

and prior to October 31, 2018 and $25.00 if redeemed on or after October 

31, 2018, in each case together with all declared and unpaid dividends to, 

but excluding, the date of redemption. 

to, but excluding, the date of redemption.

[ xiii ]  In the second quarter of 2010, the Corporation issued 11,200,000 4.40% 

[ ix ]  The 4.95% Non-Cumulative First Preferred Shares, Series K are entitled 

to  fixed  non-cumulative  preferential  cash  dividends  at  a  rate  equal  to 

$1.2375 per share per annum. The Corporation may redeem for cash the 

Series K First Preferred Shares in whole or in part, at the Corporation’s 

option, at $26.00 per share if redeemed prior to October 31, 2011, $25.75 

if redeemed thereafter and prior to October 31, 2012, $25.50 if redeemed 

thereafter and prior to October 31, 2013, $25.25 if redeemed thereafter and 

prior to October 31, 2014 and $25.00 if redeemed thereafter, in each case 

together with all declared and unpaid dividends to, but excluding, the 

date of redemption.

[  x  ]  The 5.10% Non-Cumulative First Preferred Shares, Series L are entitled to 

fixed non-cumulative preferential cash dividends at a rate equal to $1.2750 

per share per annum. On and after October 31, 2011, the Corporation may 

redeem for cash the Series L First Preferred Shares in whole or in part, at 

the Corporation’s option, at $26.00 per share if redeemed prior to October 

31, 2012, $25.75 if redeemed thereafter and prior to October 31, 2013, $25.50 

if redeemed thereafter and prior to October 31, 2014, $25.25 if redeemed 

thereafter and prior to October 31, 2015, $25.00 if redeemed thereafter, 

in  each  case  together  with  all  declared  and  unpaid  dividends  to,  but 

excluding, the date of redemption.

Non-Cumulative  5-Year  Rate  Reset  First  Preferred  Shares,  Series  P  for 

cash proceeds of $280 million. The 4.40% Non-Cumulative First Preferred 

Shares,  Series  P  are  entitled  to  fixed  non-cumulative  preferential  cash 

dividends  at  a  rate  equal  to  $1.10  per  share  per  annum.  On  January  31, 

2016 and on January 31 every five years thereafter, the Corporation may 

redeem for cash the Series P First Preferred Shares in whole or in part, 

at  the  Corporation’s  option,  at  $25.00  per  share  plus  all  declared  and 

unpaid dividends to the date fixed for redemption, or the Series P First 

Preferred Shares are convertible to Non-Cumulative Floating Rate First 

Preferred Shares, Series Q, at the option of the holders on January 31, 2016 

or on January 31 every five years thereafter. Transaction costs incurred in 

connection  with  the  Series  P  First  Preferred  Shares  of  $8  million  were 

charged to retained earnings. 

[ xiv ]  During the year, 2,287,000 common shares (713,000 in 2009) were issued 

under the Corporation’s Employee Stock Option Plan for a consideration 

of $31 million ($10 million in 2009).

NO T E 1 5  S T O C K-B A S E D C O M PE N S AT IO N

[  i  ]  On October 1, 2000, the Corporation established a deferred share unit plan 

shall be redeemable, at the time a Director’s membership on the Board 

for the Directors of the Corporation to promote a greater alignment of 

is terminated or in the event of the death of a Director, by a lump sum 

interests between Directors and shareholders of the Corporation. Under 

cash payment, based on the value of a deferred share unit at that time. 

this plan, each Director may elect to receive his or her annual retainer and 

At December 31, 2010, the value of the deferred share units outstanding 

attendance fees entirely in the form of deferred share units, entirely in 

was $9.8 million ($8.8 million in 2009). In addition, Directors may also 

cash, or equally in cash and deferred share units. The number of deferred 

participate in the Directors Share Purchase Plan.

share units granted is determined by dividing the amount of remuneration 

payable  by  the  five-day-average  closing  price  on  the  Toronto  Stock 

Exchange of the Common Shares of the Corporation on the last five days 

of the fiscal quarter (the value of a deferred share unit). A Director who 

has elected to receive deferred share units will receive additional deferred 

share units in respect of dividends payable on Common Shares, based 

on the value of a deferred share unit at that time. A deferred share unit 

[ ii ]  Effective  May  1,  2000,  an  Employee  Share  Purchase  Program  was 

implemented, giving employees the opportunity to subscribe for up to 

6% of their gross salary to purchase Subordinate Voting Shares of Power 

Corporation of Canada on the open market and to have the Corporation 

invest, on the employee’s behalf, up to an equal amount. The amount 

paid on behalf of employees was $0.2 million in 2010 ($0.2 million in 2009).

66

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

NO T E 1 5  S T O C K-B A S E D C OM PE N S AT IO N  (C O N T I N U E D)

[ iii ]  Compensation  expense  is  recorded  for  options  granted  under  the 

During the year ended December 31, 2010, 717,818 options (136,182 options 

Corporation’s and its subsidiaries’ stock option plans based on the fair 

in 2009) were granted under the Corporation’s Employee Stock Option 

value of the options at the grant date, amortized over the vesting period. 

Plan. The fair value of these options was estimated using the Black-Scholes 

option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions:

Dividend yield
Expected volatility
Risk-free interest rate
Expected life (years)
Fair value per stock option ($/option)
Weighted-average exercise price ($/option)

2010

4.5%
20.4%
2.8%
9
$3.61
$28.36

2009

3.7%
16.7%
3.3%
9
$3.46
$26.22

For the year ended December 31, 2010, compensation expense relating 

of grant and no later than five years from date of grant. Options recently 

to  the  stock  options  granted  by  the  Corporation  and  its  subsidiaries 

granted have the following vesting conditions: grants of 972,395 options 

amounted to $9 million ($16 million in 2009).

in 2008 which vest equally over a period of five years beginning in 2009; 

[ iv ]  Under the Corporation’s Employee Stock Option Plan, 17,581,600 additional 

shares are reserved for issuance. The plan requires that the exercise price 

under the option must not be less than the market value of a share on 

the date of the grant of the option. Generally, options granted vest on a 

delayed basis over periods beginning no earlier than one year from date 

a grant of 136,182 options in 2009 which vest equally over a period of five 

years beginning in 2010; grants of 38,293 options in 2010 which vest as 

follows: the first 50% three years from the date of grant and the remaining 

50% four years from the date of grant; a grant of 679,525 options in 2010 

which vest equally over a period of five years beginning in 2011.

A summary of the status of the Corporation’s Employee Stock Option Plan as at December 31, 2010 and 2009, and changes during the years ended on those dates 

is as follows:

Outstanding at beginning of year
Granted
Exercised

Outstanding at end of year

Options exercisable at end of year

2010
WEIGHTED-
AVER AGE
EXERCISE PRICE

$
24.48
28.36
13.50

27.77

27.49

2009
WEIGHTED-
AVERAGE
EXERCISE PRICE

$
23.72
26.22
13.50

24.48

23.14

OPTIONS

10,626,115
136,182
(713,000)

10,049,297

8,427,393

OPTIONS

10,049,297
717,818
(2,287,000)

8,480,115

7,069,914

The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 2010:

RANGE OF EXERCISE PRICES

$
16.87
21.65 
26.22 – 28.13
29.05 – 29.63
31.59 – 32.46
34.46 – 37.13

OPTIONS OUTSTANDING

OPTIONS EXERCISABLE

WEIGHTED-
AVERAGE
REMAINING
LIFE

WEIGHTED-
AVERAGE
EXERCISE PRICE

(yrs)
0.8
2.6
9.1
7.5
5.1
7.2

5.0

$
16.87
21.65
27.76
29.60
32.11
34.81

27.77

OPTIONS

160,000
3,000,000
77,236
332,392
2,529,484
970,802

7,069,914

WEIGHTED- 
AVERAGE 
EXERCISE PRICE

$
16.87
21.65
26.70
29.60
32.10
34.61

27.49

OPTIONS

160,000
3,000,000
865,707
830,980
2,567,777
1,055,651

8,480,115

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

67

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NO T E 16  C A PI TA L M A N AGE M E N T

As an investment holding company, Power Financial’s objectives in managing 

The Corporation’s major operating subsidiaries are subject to regulatory capital 

its capital are:

requirements along with capital standards set by peers or rating agencies. 

>  To provide sufficient financial flexibility to pursue its growth strategy and 

Lifeco’s  subsidiaries  Great-West  Life  and  GWL&A  are  subject  to  minimum 

support its group companies and other investments.

regulatory  capital  requirements.  Lifeco’s  practice  is  to  maintain  the 

>  To maintain an appropriate credit rating to achieve access to the capital 

markets at the lowest overall cost of capital.

>  To provide attractive long-term returns to shareholders of the Corporation

The  Corporation  manages  its  capital  taking  into  consideration  the  risk 

characteristics and liquidity of its holdings. In order to maintain or adjust its 

capital structure, the Corporation may adjust the amount of dividends paid 

to shareholders, return capital to shareholders or issue new forms of capital.

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:

> 

In  Canada,  the  Office  of  the  Superintendent  of  Financial  Institutions 

has  established  a  capital  adequacy  measurement  for  life  insurance 

companies incorporated under the Insurance Companies Act (Canada) and 

their subsidiaries, known as the Minimum Continuing Capital and Surplus 

Requirements  (MCCSR). As  at  December  31,  2010,  the  MCCSR  ratio  for 

The capital structure of the Corporation consists of preferred shares, debentures 

Great-West Life was 203%.

and shareholders’ equity composed of stated capital, retained earnings and 

non-controlling interest in the equity of subsidiaries of the Corporation. The 

Corporation  utilizes  perpetual  preferred  shares  as  a  permanent  and  cost-

effective source of capital. The Corporation considers itself to be a long-term 

investor and as such holds positions in long-term investments as well as cash 

and short-term investments for liquidity purposes. As such, the Corporation 

makes minimal use of leverage at the holding company level.

The  Corporation  is  not  subject  to  externally  imposed  regulatory  capital 

requirements.

>  At December 31, 2010, the Risk Based Capital ratio (RBC) of GWL&A, Lifeco’s 

regulated U.S. operating company, is estimated to be 393% of the Company 

Action Level set by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. 

GWL&A reports its RBC ratio annually to U.S. insurance regulators.

>  As at December 31, 2010 and 2009, Lifeco maintained capital levels above the 

minimum local requirements in its other foreign operations.

IGM  subsidiaries  subject  to  regulatory  capital  requirements  include  trust 

companies, securities dealers and mutual fund dealers. These subsidiaries are 

in compliance with all regulatory capital requirements.

NO T E 17  R I S K M A N AGE M E N T

Power Financial and its subsidiaries have policies relating to the identification, 

Power  Financial  is  a  holding  company.  As  such,  corporate  cash  flows 

measurement,  monitoring,  mitigating  and  controlling  of  risks  associated 

from  operations,  before  payment  of  dividends,  are  principally  made  up 

with financial instruments. The key risks related to financial instruments are 

of  dividends  received  from  its  subsidiaries  and  investment  at  equity,  and 

liquidity risk, credit risk and market risk (currency, interest rate and equity). 

income  from  investments,  less  operating  expenses,  financing  charges 

The following sections describe how each segment manages these risks.

and  income  taxes.  The  ability  of  Lifeco  and  IGM,  which  are  also  holding 

L IQUIDI T Y RISK

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Corporation and its subsidiaries will not be able 

to meet all cash outflow obligations as they come due. 

companies,  to  meet  their  obligations  and  pay  dividends  depends  in 

particular  upon  receipt  of  sufficient  funds  from  their  own  subsidiaries.

Power Financial seeks to maintain a sufficient level of liquidity to meet all its 

cash flow requirements. In addition, Power Financial and its parent, Power 

Corporation of Canada, jointly have a $100 million uncommitted line of credit 

with a Canadian chartered bank.

Principal  payments  on  debentures  (other  than  those  of  Lifeco  and  IGM  discussed  below)  represent  the  only  significant  contractual  liquidity  requirement 

of Power Financial.

AS AT DECEMBER 31, 2010

Debentures

LESS THAN 1
YEAR

–

1–5 
YEARS

–

AFTER
5 YEARS

250

TOTAL

250

Power Financial’s liquidity position and its management of liquidity risk have 

>  Management of Lifeco monitors the use of lines of credit on a regular basis, 

not changed materially since December 31, 2009.

and  assesses  the  ongoing  availability  of  these  and  alternative  forms  of 

For  Lifeco,  the  following  policies  and  procedures  are  in  place  to  manage 

operating credit.

liquidity risk:

>  Lifeco closely manages operating liquidity through cash flow matching of 

assets and liabilities and forecasting earned and required yields, to ensure 

consistency  between  policyholder  requirements  and  the  yield  of  assets. 

Approximately 70% of policy liabilities are non-cashable prior to maturity 

or subject to market value adjustments.

>  Management of Lifeco closely monitors the solvency and capital positions 

of its principal subsidiaries opposite liquidity requirements at the holding 

company. Additional liquidity is available through established lines of credit 

or the capital markets. Lifeco maintains a $200 million committed line of 

credit with a Canadian chartered bank. 

68

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

NO T E 17  R I S K M A N AGE M E N T   (C O N T I N U E D)

In the normal course of business, Lifeco enters into contracts that give rise to commitments of future minimum payments that impact short-term and long-term 

liquidity. The following table summarizes the principal repayment schedule of certain of Lifeco’s financial liabilities.

AS AT DECEMBER 31, 2010

1 YEAR

2 YEARS

3 YEARS

4 YEARS

5 YEARS

Debentures and other  
debt instruments

Capital trust debentures [ 1 ] 
Purchase obligations
Pension contributions

305
–
55
130

490

302
–
26
–

328

1
–
27
–

28

1
–
15
–

16

–
–
16
–

16

AFTER
5 YEARS

3,714
800
4
–

4,518

TOTAL

4,323
800
143
130

5,396

PAYMENTS DUE BY PERIOD

[ 1 ]  Payments due have not been reduced to reflect that Lifeco held capital trust securities of $275 million principal amount ($282 million carrying value).

IGM’s  liquidity  management  practices  include:  controls  over  liquidity 

> 

Institutional investors through private placements. 

management  processes;  stress  testing  of  various  operating  scenarios;  and 

oversight over liquidity management by committees of the board of directors 

of IGM.

Investors  Group  is  an  approved  issuer  of  National  Housing Act  Mortgage-

Backed Securities (NHA MBS) and an approved seller into the Canada Mortgage 

Bond Program (CMB Program). This issuer and seller status provides IGM with 

For IGM, a key liquidity requirement is the funding of commissions paid on the 

additional funding sources for residential mortgages. IGM’s continued ability to 

sale of mutual funds. Commissions on the sale of mutual funds continue to be 

fund residential mortgages through Canadian bank-sponsored securitization 

paid from operating cash flows. 

trusts and NHA MBS is dependent on securitization market conditions that 

IGM also maintains sufficient liquidity to fund and temporarily hold mortgages. 

are subject to change.

Through its mortgage banking operations, residential mortgages are sold to:

Liquidity  requirements  for  trust  subsidiaries  which  engage  in  financial 

> 

Investors Mortgage and Short Term Income Fund;

intermediary activities are based on policies approved by committees of their 

respective boards of directors. As at December 31, 2010, the trust subsidiaries’ 

>  Third  parties,  including  Canada  Mortgage  and  Housing  Corporation 

liquidity was in compliance with these policies.

(CMHC) or Canadian bank-sponsored securitization trusts; or

IGM’s contractual maturities were as follows:

AS AT DECEMBER 31, 2010

Deposits and certificates
Other liabilities
Long-term debt
Operation leases

Total contractual obligations

DEMAND

LESS THAN
1 YEAR

604
–
–
–

604

91
50
450
45

636

1–5
YEARS

135
43
–
129

307

AFTER
5 YEARS

5
–
1,325
93

1,423

TOTAL

835
93
1,775
267

2,970

In  addition  to  IGM’s  current  balance  of  cash  and  cash  equivalents,  other 

Cash  and  cash  equivalents  amounting  to  $242  million  and  fixed  income 

potential  sources  of  liquidity  include  IGM’s  lines  of  credit  and  portfolio  of 

securities amounting to $470 million consist primarily of highly liquid temporary 

securities. During the third quarter of 2010, IGM decreased its operating lines 

deposits  with  Canadian  chartered  banks  as  well  as  bankers’  acceptances 

of  credit  with  various  Schedule  I  Canadian  chartered  banks  to  $325  million 

and  short-term  securities  guaranteed  by  the  Canadian  government.  The 

from $675 million as at December 31, 2009. The operating lines of credit as at 

Corporation  regularly  reviews  the  credit  ratings  of  its  counterparties. 

December 31, 2010 consist of committed lines of credit of $150 million (2009 – 

The maximum exposure to credit risk on these financial instruments is their 

$500 million) and uncommitted lines of $175 million (2009 – $175 million). As at 

carrying  value.  The  Corporation  mitigates  credit  risk  on  these  financial 

December 31, 2010 and 2009, IGM was not utilizing its committed lines of credit 

instruments  by  adhering  to  its  Investment  Policy  which  outlines  credit  risk 

or its uncommitted operating lines of credit.

parameters and concentration limits.

In the fourth quarter of 2010, IGM accessed the domestic debt markets to raise 

The  Corporation  regularly  reviews  the  credit  ratings  of  derivative  financial 

capital through the issue of $200 million in 30-year 6.0% debentures. IGM’s ability 

instrument counterparties. Derivative contracts are over-the-counter traded 

to access capital markets to raise funds is dependent on market conditions.

with counterparties that are highly rated financial institutions. The exposure 

IGM’s liquidity position and its management of liquidity risk have not changed 

materially since December 31, 2009.

CREDI T RISK

Credit  risk  is  the  potential  for  financial  loss  to  the  Corporation  and  its 

subsidiaries if a counterparty in a transaction fails to meet its obligations.

For Power Financial, cash and cash equivalents, fixed income securities, and 

derivatives are subject to credit risk. The Corporation monitors its credit risk 

management policies continuously to evaluate their effectiveness.

to credit risk is limited to the fair value of those instruments, which were in a 

gain position, and which was $4 million at December 31, 2010.

For Lifeco, the following policies and procedures are in place to manage credit risk:

> 

Investment  guidelines  are  in  place  that  require  only  the  purchase  of 

investment-grade assets and minimize undue concentration of assets in 

any single geographic area, industry and company.

> 

Investment guidelines specify minimum and maximum limits for each asset 

class. Credit ratings are determined by recognized external credit rating 

agencies and/or internal credit review.

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

69

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NO T E 17  R I S K M A N AGE M E N T  (C O N T I N U E D)

> 

Investment guidelines also specify collateral requirements.

>  Lifeco is exposed to credit risk relating to premiums due from policyholders 

>  Portfolios  are  monitored  continuously,  and  reviewed  regularly  with  the 

board of directors of Lifeco or the investment committee of the board of 

directors of Lifeco.

>  Credit risk associated with derivative instruments is evaluated quarterly 

based on conditions that existed at the balance sheet date, using practices 

that are at least as conservative as those recommended by regulators.

during the grace period specified by the insurance policy or until the policy 

is  paid  up  or  terminated.  Commissions  paid  to  agents  and  brokers  are 

netted against amounts receivable, if any.

>  Reinsurance is placed with counterparties that have a good credit rating 

and concentration of credit risk is managed by following policy guidelines 

set each year by the board of directors of Lifeco. Management of Lifeco 

continuously monitors and performs an assessment of creditworthiness 

of reinsurers.

MAXIMUM EXPOSURE TO CREDIT RISK FOR LIFECO
The following table summarizes Lifeco’s maximum exposure to credit risk related to financial instruments. The maximum credit exposure is the carrying value of 

the asset net of any allowances for losses.

AS AT DECEMBER 31

Cash and cash equivalents
Bonds

Held for trading
Available for sale
Loans and receivables

Mortgage loans
Loans to policyholders
Other financial assets [ 1 ]
Derivative assets

2010

1,840

56,296
6,617
9,290
16,115
6,827
13,317
984

2009

3,427

52,362
4,620
9,165
16,684
6,957
14,385
717

Total balance sheet maximum credit exposure

111,286

108,317

[ 1 ]  Other financial assets include $9,097 million of funds held by ceding insurers in 2010 ($10,146 million in 2009) where Lifeco retains the credit risk of the assets supporting the  

liabilities ceded.

Credit risk is also mitigated by entering into collateral agreements. The amount 

and type of collateral required depends on an assessment of the credit risk of the 

CONCENTR ATION OF CREDIT RISK FOR LIFECO
Concentrations of credit risk arise from exposures to a single debtor, a group of 

counterparty. Guidelines are implemented regarding the acceptability of types 

related debtors or groups of debtors that have similar credit risk characteristics 

of collateral and the valuation parameters. Management of Lifeco monitors the 

in that they operate in the same geographic region or in similar industries. The 

value of the collateral, requests additional collateral when needed and performs an 

characteristics are similar in that changes in economic or political environments 

impairment valuation when applicable. Lifeco has $24 million of collateral received 

may impact their ability to meet obligations as they come due.

in 2010 ($35 million of collateral received in 2009) relating to derivative assets.

The following table provides details of the carrying value of bonds of Lifeco by industry sector and geographic distribution: 

AS AT DECEMBER 31, 2010

Bonds issued or guaranteed by:

Canadian federal government
Provincial, state and municipal governments
U.S. Treasury and other U.S. agencies
Other foreign governments
Government-related
Sovereign
Asset-backed securities
Residential mortgage-backed securities
Banks
Other financial institutions
Basic materials
Communications
Consumer products
Industrial products/services 
Natural resources
Real estate
Transportation 
Utilities
Miscellaneous

Total long-term bonds
Short-term bonds

Total bonds

70

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

CANADA

UNITED
 STATES

EUROPE

TOTAL

3,548
5,619
335
121
882
651
2,728
25
2,183
1,057
201
589
1,608
544
997
422
1,557
3,266
1,728

28,061
2,822

30,883

–
1,815
2,851
–
–
22
3,450
745
442
1,359
587
246
1,419
726
561
–
563
2,433
628

17,847
816

18,663

31
57
976
6,372
1,502
770
842
111
1,993
1,470
182
477
1,495
181
422
1,400
584
2,821
232

21,918
739

22,657

3,579
7,491
4,162
6,493
2,384
1,443
7,020
881
4,618
3,886
970
1,312
4,522
1,451
1,980
1,822
2,704
8,520
2,588

67,826
4,377

72,203

NO T E 17  R I S K M A N AG E M E N T  (C O N T I N U E D)

CANADA

UNITED
 STATES

EUROPE

TOTAL

AS AT DECEMBER 31, 2009

Bonds issued or guaranteed by:

Canadian federal government
Provincial, state and municipal governments
U.S. Treasury and other U.S. agencies
Other foreign governments
Government-related
Sovereign
Asset-backed securities
Residential mortgage-backed securities
Banks
Other financial institutions
Basic materials
Communications
Consumer products
Industrial products/services 
Natural resources
Real estate
Transportation 
Utilities
Miscellaneous

Total long-term bonds
Short-term bonds

Total bonds

2,264
4,917
240
104
778
783
2,636
46
2,201
1,021
151
598
1,384
516
1,000
559
1,414
3,008
1,489

25,109
2,406

27,515

1
1,333
2,620
–
–
4
3,306
842
453
1,336
571
276
1,351
651
710
–
585
2,172
562

16,773
455

17,228

14
55
758
5,773
1,372
762
851
60
2,299
1,507
198
473
1,664
206
581
1,216
594
2,702
182

21,267
137

21,404

The following table provides details of the carrying value of mortgage loans of Lifeco by geographic location: 

AS AT DECEMBER 31, 2010

Canada
United States
Europe

Total mortgage loans

AS AT DECEMBER 31, 2009

Canada
United States
Europe

Total mortgage loans

A SSET QUALITY

BOND PORTFOLIO QUALITY

AS AT DECEMBER 31

AAA
AA
A
BBB
BB and lower

Total bonds

SINGLE-FAMILY
RESIDENTIAL

MULTI-FAMILY
RESIDENTIAL

COMMERCIAL

1,622
–
–

1,622

3,528
464
26

4,018

6,691
1,517
2,267

10,475

SINGLE-FAMILY
RESIDENTIAL

MULTI-FAMILY
RESIDENTIAL

COMMERCIAL

1,695
–
–

1,695

3,965
485
29

4,479

6,371
1,509
2,630

10,510

2010

28,925
11,436
19,968
10,649
1,225

72,203

2,279
6,305
3,618
5,877
2,150
1,549
6,793
948
4,953
3,864
920
1,347
4,399
1,373
2,291
1,775
2,593
7,882
2,233

63,149
2,998

66,147

TOTAL

11,841
1,981
2,293

16,115

TOTAL

12,031
1,994
2,659

16,684

2009

24,653
10,684
19,332
10,113
1,365

66,147

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

71

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NO T E 17  R I S K M A N AGE M E N T  (C O N T I N U E D)

DERIVATIVE PORTFOLIO QUALITY

AS AT DECEMBER 31 

Over-the-counter contracts (counterparty ratings):
AAA
AA
A

Total

2010

2009

5
491
488

984

5
338
374

717

LOANS OF LIFECO PA ST DUE , BUT NOT IMPAIRED
Loans that are past due but not considered impaired are loans for which scheduled payments have not been received, but management of Lifeco has reasonable 

assurance of collection of the full amount of principal and interest due. The following table provides carrying values of the loans past due, but not impaired:

Less than 30 days
30 — 90 days
Greater than 90 days

Total

PERFORMING SECURITIES SUBJECT TO DEFERRED COUPONS 

Coupon payment receivable

2010

2009

7
2
2

11

45
6
9

60

PAYMENT RESUMPTION DATE

LESS THAN
1 YEAR

1–2 
YEARS

GREATER THAN 
2 YEARS

–

2

–

For  IGM,  cash  and  cash  equivalents,  securities  holdings,  mortgage  and 

Held-for-trading securities include Canada Mortgage Bonds with a fair value 

investment  loan  portfolios,  and  derivatives  are  subject  to  credit  risk.  IGM 

of  $638  million,  NHA  MBS  with  a  fair  value  of  $53  million,  as  well  as  fixed 

monitors  its  credit  risk  management  practices  continuously  to  evaluate 

income securities that comprise non-bank-sponsored ABCP with a fair value 

their effectiveness.

of  $28  million. These  fair  values  represent  the  maximum  exposure  to  credit 

With  respect  to  IGM,  at  December  31,  2010,  cash  and  cash  equivalents 

risk at December 31, 2010. 

of  $1,574  million  consisted  of  cash  balances  of  $114  million  on  deposit  with 

IGM regularly reviews the credit quality of the mortgage and investment loan 

Canadian  chartered  banks  and  cash  equivalents  of  $1,460  million.  Cash 

portfolios and the adequacy of the general allowance. As at December 31, 2010, 

equivalents are composed primarily of Government of Canada treasury bills 

mortgages and investment loans totalled $342 million and $284 million, respect-

totalling  $656  million,  provincial  government  and  government-guaranteed 

ively, compared with $373 million and $305 million as at December 31, 2009. 

commercial paper of $355 million and bankers’ acceptances issued by Canadian 

The allowance for credit losses was $4 million at December 31, 2010, compared 

chartered  banks  of  $427  million.  IGM  regularly  reviews  the  credit  ratings  of 

to $7 million in 2009, a decrease of $3 million. The decrease reflects changes 

its  counterparties. The  maximum  exposure  to  credit  risk  on  these  financial 

in  the  size  and  composition  of  the  mortgage  loan  portfolio  and  continued 

instruments is their carrying value.  

With  respect  to  IGM,  available-for-sale  fixed  income  securities  at 

December  31,  2010  are  composed  of  bankers’  acceptances  of  $35  million, 

Canadian  chartered  bank  senior  deposit  notes  and  floating  rate  notes 

of $82 million and $35 million, respectively, and corporate bonds and other of 

$92  million. The  maximum  exposure  to  credit  risk  on  these  financial  instru-

ments is their carrying value. 

IGM manages credit risk related to cash and cash equivalents and available-for-

low default and loss trends. As at December 31, 2010, the mortgage portfolios 

were geographically diverse, 100% residential (2009 – 100%) and 60% insured 

(2009  –  74%). The  credit  risk  on  the  investment  loan  portfolio  is  mitigated 

through the use of collateral, primarily in the form of mutual fund investments. 

As  at  December  31,  2010,  impaired  mortgages  and  investment  loans  were 

$0.3 million, compared to $0.8 million in 2009. Uninsured non-performing loans 

over 90 days in the mortgage and investment loan portfolios were $0.2 million 

at December 31, 2010, unchanged from  December 31, 2009. The characteristics 

of the mortgage and investment loan portfolios have not changed significantly 

sale fixed income securities by adhering to its Investment Policy, which outlines 

during 2010. 

credit risk parameters and concentration limits.

IGM’s  exposure  to  and  management  of  credit  risk  related  to  cash  and  cash 

equivalents,  fixed  income  securities  and  mortgage  and  investment  loan 

portfolios have not changed materially since December 31, 2009.

72

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

NO T E 17  R I S K M A N AG E M E N T  (C O N T I N U E D)

IGM  regularly  reviews  the  credit  quality  of  the  mortgage  loans  securitized 

rate swaps totalled $1 million at December 31, 2010. The outstanding notional 

through  CMHC  or  Canadian  bank-sponsored  (Schedule  I  chartered  banks) 

amount of these derivative contracts was $118 million at December 31, 2010, 

securitization trusts. The fair value of the retained interests in the securitized 

compared  to  $75  million  at  December  31,  2009. The  exposure  to  credit  risk, 

loans  was  $107  million  at  December  31,  2010,  compared  to  $174  million  at 

which  is  limited  to  the  fair  value  of  those  instruments  which  are  in  a  gain 

December 31, 2009. Retained interests include:

position,  was  $1  million  at  December  31,  2010,  compared  to  $3  million  at 

>  Cash reserve accounts and rights to future excess spread (securitization 

December 31, 2009. 

receivables) which totalled $109 million at December 31, 2010. 

The  aggregate  credit  risk  exposure  related  to  derivatives  that  are  in  a  gain 

The  portion  of  this  amount  pertaining  to  Canadian  bank-sponsored 

securitization trusts of $23 million is subordinated to the interests of the 

trust and represents the maximum exposure to credit risk for any failure of 

the borrowers to pay when due. Credit risk on these mortgages is mitigated 

by any insurance on these mortgages, as discussed below, and IGM’s credit 

risk on insured loans is to the insurer. At December 31, 2010, 92.4% of the 

$1.4 billion in outstanding mortgages securitized under these programs 

was insured. 

position  of  $79  million  does  not  give  effect  to  any  netting  agreements  or 

collateral  arrangements.  The  exposure  to  credit  risk,  considering  netting 

agreements and collateral arrangements, was $40 million at December 31, 2010. 

Counterparties  are  all  bank-sponsored  securitization  trusts  and  Canadian 

Schedule  I  chartered  banks  and,  as  a  result,  management  has  determined 

that  IGM’s  overall  credit  risk  related  to  derivatives  was  not  significant  at 

December  31,  2010.  Management  of  credit  risk  has  not  changed  materially 

since December 31, 2009.

Rights to the future excess spread under the NHA MBS and CMB Program 

M A RK E T RISK

totalled  $87  million.  Under  the  NHA  MBS  and  CMB  Program,  IGM  has 

an obligation to make timely payments to security holders regardless of 

whether amounts are received by mortgagors. All mortgages securitized 

Market  risk  is  the  risk  that  the  fair  value  or  future  cash  flows  of  a  financial 

instrument  will  fluctuate  as  a  result  of  changes  in  market  factors.  Market 

factors include three types of risks: currency risk, interest rate risk and equity 

under the NHA MBS and CMB Program are insured by CMHC or another 

price risk.

approved insurer under the program, and IGM’s credit exposure is to the 

insurer.  Outstanding  mortgages  securitized  under  these  programs  are 

$2.1 billion.

Since 2008, IGM has purchased portfolio insurance from CMHC on newly 

funded  qualifying  conventional  mortgage  loans. At  December  31,  2010, 

94.2%  of  the  total  mortgage  portfolio  serviced  by  IGM  related  to  its 

CURRENC Y RISK
Currency risk relates to the Corporation, its subsidiaries and its investment at 

equity operating in different currencies and converting non-Canadian earnings 

at different points in time at different foreign exchange levels when adverse 

changes in foreign currency exchange rates occur. 

mortgage  banking  operations  was  insured.  Uninsured  non-performing 

Power  Financial’s  financial  assets  are  essentially  cash  and  cash  equivalents 

loans  over  90  days  in  the  securitized  portfolio  were  $0.1  million  at 

and fixed income securities. In managing its own cash and cash equivalents, 

December 31, 2010, compared to nil at December 31, 2009. IGM’s expected 

Power Financial may hold cash balances denominated in foreign currencies 

exposure to credit risk related to cash reserve accounts and rights to future 

and  thus  be  exposed  to  fluctuations  in  exchange  rates.  In  order  to  protect 

excess spread was not significant at December 31, 2010.

>  Fair value of interest rate swaps which IGM enters into as a requirement of 

the securitization programs that it participates in, had a negative fair value 

of $2 million at December 31, 2010. The outstanding notional amount of 

these interest rate swaps was $3.9 billion at December 31, 2010, compared 

against such fluctuations, Power Financial may from time to time enter into 

currency-hedging transactions with highly rated financial institutions. As at 

December 31, 2010, essentially all of Power Financial’s cash and cash equivalents 

were denominated in Canadian dollars or in foreign currencies with currency 

hedges in place.

to $3.4 billion at December 31, 2009. The exposure to credit risk, which is 

For Lifeco, if the assets backing policy liabilities are not matched by currency, 

limited to the fair value of the interest rate swaps which were in a gain 

changes  in  foreign  exchange  rates  can  expose  Lifeco  to  the  risk  of  foreign 

position, totalled $40 million at December 31, 2010, compared to $76 million 

exchange losses not offset by liability decreases. The following policies and 

at December 31, 2009.

procedures are in place to mitigate exposure to currency risk:

IGM  utilizes  interest  rate  swaps  to  hedge  interest  rate  risk  related  to  the 

>  Lifeco uses financial measures such as constant currency calculations to 

securitization  activities  discussed  above.  The  negative  fair  value  of  these 

monitor the effect of currency translation fluctuations.

interest rate swaps totalled $27 million at December 31, 2010. The outstanding 

notional amount was $2.5 billion at December 31, 2010, compared to $2.8 billion 

at December 31, 2009. The exposure to credit risk, which is limited to the fair 

value of the interest rate swaps which are in a gain position, totalled $23 million 

at December 31, 2010, compared to $5 million at December 31, 2009.

IGM  also  utilizes  interest  rate  swaps  to  hedge  interest  rate  risk  associated 

with  its  investments  in  Canada  Mortgage  Bonds.  The  fair  value  of  these 

interest rate swaps totalled $15 million at December 31, 2010. The outstanding 

notional  amount  was  $0.5  billion  at  December  31,  2010  unchanged  from 

December 31, 2009. The exposure to credit risk, which is limited to the fair value 

of the interest rate swaps which are in a gain position, totalled $15 million at 

December 31, 2010, compared to $37 million at December 31, 2009.

In addition, IGM enters into other derivative contracts which consist primarily 

of interest rate swaps utilized to hedge interest rate risk related to mortgages 

held pending sale, or committed to, by IGM. The fair value of these interest 

> 

Investments  are  normally  made  in  the  same  currency  as  the  liabilities 

supported by those investments. Segmented Investment Guidelines include 

maximum tolerances for unhedged currency mismatch exposures.

>  Foreign currency assets acquired to back liabilities are normally converted 

back to the currency of the liability using foreign exchange contracts.

>  A 10% weakening of the Canadian dollar against foreign currencies would be 

expected to increase non-participating policy liabilities and their supporting 

assets  by  approximately  the  same  amount,  resulting  in  an  immaterial 

change to net earnings. A 10% strengthening of the Canadian dollar against 

foreign currencies would be expected to decrease non-participating policy 

liabilities and their supporting assets by approximately the same amount, 

resulting in an immaterial change in net earnings.

IGM’s financial instruments are generally denominated in Canadian dollars, 

and do not have significant exposure to  changes in foreign exchange rates.

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

73

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NO T E 17  R I S K M A N AGE M E N T  (C O N T I N U E D)

INTEREST R ATE RISK
Interest rate risk is the risk that the fair value of future cash flows of a financial 

Hedging instruments are employed where necessary when there is a lack of 

suitable permanent investments to minimize loss exposure to interest rate 

instrument will fluctuate because of changes in the market interest rates. 

changes. To the extent these cash flows are matched, protection against 

Power  Financial’s  financial  instruments  are  essentially  cash  and  cash 

equivalents,  fixed  income  securities,  and  long-term  debt  that  do  not  have 

interest rate change is achieved and any change in the fair value of the 

assets will be offset by a similar change in the fair value of the liabilities.

significant exposure to interest rate risk.

>  For products with less predictable timing of benefit payments, investments 

For  Lifeco,  the  following  policies  and  procedures  are  in  place  to  mitigate 

exposure to interest rate risk:

>  Lifeco utilizes a formal process for managing the matching of assets and 

liabilities. This  involves  grouping  general  fund  assets  and  liabilities  into 

segments. Assets in each segment are managed in relation to the liabilities 

in the segment. 

> 

Interest  rate  risk is  managed  by investing  in  assets  that  are  suitable  for 

the products sold.

>  Where  these  products  have  benefit  or  expense  payments  that  are 

dependent on inflation (inflation-indexed annuities, pensions and disability 

claims), Lifeco generally invests in real return instruments to hedge its real 

dollar liability cash flows. Some protection against changes in the inflation 

index is achieved as any related change in the fair value of the assets will be 

largely offset by a similar change in the fair value of the liabilities.

are made in fixed income assets with cash flows of a shorter duration than 

the anticipated timing of benefit payments or equities, as described below.

>  The risks associated with the mismatch in portfolio duration and cash flow, 

asset prepayment exposure and the pace of asset acquisition are quantified 

and reviewed regularly.

Projected  cash  flows  from  the  current  assets  and  liabilities  are  used  in  the 

Canadian Asset  Liability  Method  to  determine  policy  liabilities. Valuation 

assumptions  have  been  made  regarding  rates  of  returns  on  supporting 

assets,  fixed  income,  equity  and  inflation. The  valuation  assumptions  use 

best estimates of future reinvestment rates and inflation assumptions with 

an  assumed  correlation  together  with  margins  for  adverse  deviation  set  in 

accordance  with  professional  standards.  These  margins  are  necessary  to 

provide for possibilities of misestimation and/or future deterioration in the best 

estimate assumptions and provide reasonable assurance that policy liabilities 

cover  a  range  of  possible  outcomes.  Margins  are  reviewed  periodically  for 

>  For  products  with  fixed  and  highly  predictable  benefit  payments, 

continued appropriateness. 

investments are made in fixed income assets or real estate whose cash 

flows  closely  match  the  liability  product  cash  flows. Where  assets  are 

not available to match certain cash flows, such as long-tail cash flows, a 

portion of these are invested in equities and the rest are duration matched. 

Projected cash flows from fixed income assets used in actuarial calculations 

are reduced to provide for potential asset default losses. The net effective yield 

rate reduction averaged 0.21% (0.23% in 2009). The calculation for future credit 

losses on assets is based on the credit quality of the underlying asset portfolio. 

The following outlines the future asset credit losses provided for in policy liabilities. These amounts are in addition to the allowance for asset losses included 

with assets:

Participating
Non-participating

2010

802
1,516

2,318

2009

755
1,712

2,467

Testing  under  several  interest  rate  scenarios  (including  increasing  and 

In  addition  to  the  above,  if  this  change  in  the  yield  curve  persisted  for  an 

decreasing rates) is done to assess reinvestment risk.

extended period the range of the tested scenarios might change. The effect 

One way of measuring the interest rate risk associated with this assumption 

is to determine the effect on the policy liabilities impacting the shareholder 

of an immediate 1% parallel decrease or increase in the yield curve persisting for 

a year would have immaterial additional effects on the reported policy liability.

earnings  of  Lifeco  of  a  1%  immediate  parallel  shift  in  the  yield  curve. These 

IGM is exposed to interest rate risk on its loan portfolio, fixed income securities, 

interest rate changes will impact the projected cash flows.

Canada Mortgage Bonds and on certain of the derivative financial instruments 

>  The effect of an immediate 1% parallel increase in the yield curve would be 

used in IGM’s mortgage banking and intermediary operations. 

to increase these policy liabilities by approximately $29 million, causing 

The objective of IGM’s asset and liability management is to control interest rate 

a decrease in net earnings of Lifeco of approximately $25 million. (Power 

risk related to its intermediary operations by actively managing its interest rate 

Financial’s share – $18 million).

>  The effect of an immediate 1% parallel decrease in the yield curve would be 

to increase these policy liabilities by approximately $410 million, causing 

a decrease in net earnings of Lifeco of approximately $279 million. (Power 

Financial’s share – $197 million).

exposure. As at December 31, 2010, the total gap between one-year deposit 

assets  and  liabilities  was  within  IGM’s  trust  subsidiaries’  stated  guidelines.

74

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

NO T E 17  R I S K M A N AG E M E N T  (C O N T I N U E D)

IGM  utilizes  interest  rate  swaps  with  Canadian  Schedule  I  chartered  bank 

For Lifeco, the risks associated with segregated fund guarantees have been 

counterparties in order to reduce the impact of fluctuating interest rates on 

mitigated  through  a  hedging  program  for  lifetime  Guaranteed  Minimum 

its mortgage banking operations, as follows:  

Withdrawal  Benefit  guarantees  consisting  of  purchasing  equity  futures, 

>  As  part  of  the  securitization  transactions  with  bank-sponsored  secu-

ritization trusts, IGM enters into interest rate swaps with the trusts, which 

transfers the interest rate risk to IGM. IGM enters into offsetting interest 

currency forwards, and interest rate derivatives. For policies with segregated 

fund  guarantees,  Lifeco  generally  determines  policy  liabilities  at  a  CTE75 

(conditional tail expectation of 75) level.

rate  swaps  with  Schedule  I  chartered  banks  to  hedge  this  risk.  Under 

Some  policy  liabilities  are  supported  by  real  estate,  common  stocks  and 

these  securitization  transactions  with  bank-sponsored  securitization 

private  equities,  for  example,  segregated  fund  products  and  products  with 

trusts, IGM is exposed to asset-backed commercial paper rates and, after 

long-tail cash flows. Generally these liabilities will fluctuate in line with equity 

effecting its interest rate hedging activities, remains exposed to the basis 

market values. There will be additional impacts on these liabilities as equity 

risk that asset-backed commercial paper rates are greater than bankers’ 

market values fluctuate. A 10% increase in equity markets would be expected 

acceptance rates. 

>  As  part  of  the  securitization  transactions  under  the  CMB  Program, 

IGM  enters  into  interest  rate  swaps  with  Schedule  I  chartered  bank 

counterparties  that  transfer  the  interest  rate  risk  associated  with  the 

program, including reinvestment risk, to IGM. To manage these interest 

rate and reinvestment risks, IGM enters into offsetting interest rate swaps 

to additionally decrease non-participating policy liabilities by approximately 

$32  million,  causing  an  increase  in  net  earnings  of  Lifeco  of  approximately 

$25  million  (Power  Financial’s  share  –  $18  million). A  10%  decrease  in  equity 

markets would be expected to additionally increase non-participating policy 

liabilities  by  approximately  $72  million,  causing  a  decrease  in  net  earnings 

of Lifeco of approximately $54 million (Power Financial’s share – $38 million).

with  Schedule  I  chartered  bank  counterparties  to  reduce  the  impact  of 

The best estimate return assumptions for equities are primarily based on long-

fluctuating interest rates. 

> 

IGM is exposed to the impact that changes in interest rates may have on 

the value of its investments in Canada Mortgage Bonds. IGM enters into 

interest rate swaps with Schedule I chartered bank counterparties to hedge 

interest rate risk on these bonds. 

> 

IGM is also exposed to the impact that changes in interest rates may have 

on the value of mortgages held, or committed to, by IGM. IGM may enter 

into interest rate swaps to hedge this risk. 

As at December 31, 2010, the impact to net earnings of IGM of a 100-basis-point 

change in interest rates would have been approximately $2.5 million (Power 

Financial’s share – $1.5 million). IGM’s exposure to and management of interest 

rate risk has not changed materially since December 31, 2009.

EQUITY PRICE RISK
Equity  price  risk  is  the  uncertainty  associated  with  the  valuation  of  assets 

term historical averages. Changes in the current market could result in changes 

to these assumptions and will impact both asset and liability cash flows. A 1% 

increase in the best estimate assumption would be expected to decrease non-

participating policy liabilities by approximately $333 million, causing an increase 

in net earnings of Lifeco of approximately $242 million (Power Financial’s share 

– $171 million). A 1% decrease in the best estimate assumption would be expected 

to increase non-participating policy liabilities by approximately $386 million, 

causing  a  decrease  in  net  earnings  of  Lifeco  of  approximately  $279  million 

(Power Financial’s share – $197 million).

IGM  is  exposed  to  equity  price  risk  on  its  investments  in  common  shares 

and  proprietary  investment  funds  which  are  classified  as  available-for-sale 

securities. Unrealized gains and losses on these securities are recorded in other 

comprehensive income until they are realized or until management of IGM 

determines  there  is  objective  evidence  of  impairment  in  value  that  is  other 

than temporary, at which time they are recorded in the statements of earnings. 

arising  from  changes  in  equity  markets. To  mitigate  equity  price  risk,  the 

As at December 31, 2010, the impact of a 10% decrease in equity prices would 

Corporation and its subsidiaries have investment policy guidelines in place that 

have  been  a  $3.3  million  unrealized  loss  recorded  in  other  comprehensive 

provide for prudent investment in equity markets within clearly defined limits.

income (Power Financial’s share – $2 million). IGM’s management of equity 

Power  Financial’s  financial  instruments  are  essentially  cash  and  cash 

equivalents,  fixed  income  securities,  and  long-term  debt  that  do  not  have 

exposure to equity price risk.

price risk has not changed materially since December 31, 2009. However, IGM’s 

exposure to equity price risk has declined materially since December 31, 2009 as 

a result of the reduction in its common share holdings during 2010.

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

75

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NO T E 18  AC C U M U L AT E D  O T H E R   C O M PR E H E N S I V E I NC O M E ( L O S S)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010

UNREALIZED GAINS (LOSSES) ON

AVAILABLE-FOR-
SALE ASSETS

CASH FLOW
HEDGES

FOREIGN
CURRENCY
TRANSL ATION

Balance, beginning of year

Other comprehensive income (loss)

Income taxes

Non-controlling interests

Balance, end of year

834

41

(37)

4

(21)

(17)

817

(36)

79

(28)

51

(15)

36

–

(1,188)

(1,014)

–

(1,014)

182

(832)

TOTAL

(390)

(894)

(65)

(959)

146

(813)

(2,020)

(1,203)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009

UNREALIZED GAINS (LOSSES) ON

AVAILABLE-FOR-
SALE ASSETS

CASH FLOW
HEDGES

FOREIGN
CURRENCY
TRANSL ATION

Balance, beginning of year

Other comprehensive income (loss) 

Income taxes

Non-controlling interests

Balance, end of year

676

257

(44)

213

(55)

158

834

(140)

224

(78)

146

(42)

104

(36)

NO T E 19  F I N A N C I NG C H A RGE S

Interest on debentures and other borrowings

Preferred share dividends

Net interest on capital trust debentures and securities

Unrealized gain on preferred shares classified as held for trading

Other

(189)

(1,328)

–

(1,328)

329

(999)

(1,188)

2010

363

12

32

(2)

22

427

TOTAL

347

(847)

(122)

(969)

232

(737)

(390)

2009

337

72

42

29

14

494

76

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

 
 
NO T E 2 0  O T H E R I N C O M E (C H A RGE S), N E T

Share of Pargesa’s non-operating earnings [ Note 5 ]
Gain resulting from dilution of the Corporation’s interest in IGM

2010

2009

(5)
–

(5)

(70)
12

(58)

NO T E 2 1  PE N S ION  PL A N S  A N D  O T H E R  P O S T-R E T I R E M E N T B E N E F I T S 

The Corporation and its subsidiaries maintain funded defined benefit pension plans for certain employees and advisors as well as unfunded supplementary 

employee  retirement  plans  (SERP)  for  certain  employees. The  Corporation’s  subsidiaries  also  maintain  defined  contribution  pension  plans  for  certain 

employees  and  advisors. The  Corporation  and  its  subsidiaries  also  provide  post-retirement  health,  dental  and  life  insurance  benefits  to  eligible  retirees, 

advisors and their dependents.

CHA NGE S IN FA IR VA LUE OF PL A N A SSE T S A ND IN T HE ACCRUED BENEFI T OBL IG AT ION

2010
OTHER POST-
RETIREMENT
BENEFITS

PENSION 
PL ANS

2009
OTHER POST-
RETIREMENT
B ENEFITS

PENSION
PL ANS

FAIR VALUE OF PLAN ASSETS
Balance, beginning of year

Employee contributions
Employer contributions
Benefits paid
Actual return on plan assets
Other, including foreign exchange

Balance, end of year

ACCRUED BENEFIT OBLIGATION
Balance, beginning of year

Benefits paid
Current service cost
Employee contributions
Interest cost
Actuarial (gains) losses
Settlement and curtailment
Past service cost
Other, including foreign exchange

Balance, end of year

FUNDED STATUS

Fund surplus (deficit) [  i  ]
Unamortized past service costs
Valuation allowance
Unamortized transitional obligation and other
Unamortized net actuarial losses (gains)

Accrued benefit asset (liability)  [  ii  ]

3,155
20
95
(159)
304
(52)

3,363

3,106
(159)
59
20
189
376
(2)
27
(68)

3,548

(185)
(77)
(63)
1
541

217

2,802
19
121
(175)
457
(69)

3,155

2,808
(175)
47
19
184
324
(2)
(3)
(96)

3,106

49
(115)
(75)
1
313

173

382
(18)
3
–
23
51
–
2
(1)

442

(442)
(50)
–
–
47

(445)

359
(19)
3
–
23
34
–
(15)
(3)

382

(382)
(64)
–
–
(5)

(451)

[  i  ]  The aggregate accrued benefit obligations and aggregate fair value of plan 

($622  million  in  2009),  respectively.  In  addition,  the  Corporation  and 

assets of individual pension plans that had accrued benefit obligations in 

its subsidiaries maintain unfunded supplementary retirement plans for 

excess of the fair value of their related plan assets at December 31, 2010 

certain  employees. The  obligation  for  these  plans,  which  is  included 

amounted  to  $1,317  million  ($811  million  in  2009)  and  $1,097  million 

above,  was  $315  million  at  December  31,  2010  ($286  million  in  2009).

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

77

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NO T E 2 1  PE N S ION PL A N S A N D O T H E R P O S T-R E T I R E M E N T  B E N E F I T S  (C O N T I N U E D)

[ ii ]  The net accrued benefit asset (liability) shown above is presented in these financial statements as follows:

PENSION
PL ANS

437
(220)

217

OTHER POST-
RETIREMENT
BENEFITS

–
(445)

(445)

2010

TOTAL

437
(665)

(228)

PENSION 
PL ANS

384
(211)

173

OTHER POST-
RETIREMENT
BENEFITS

–
(451)

(451)

2009

TOTAL

384
(662)

(278)

Accrued benefit asset [ Note 8 ]
Accrued benefit liability [ Note 12 ]

Accrued benefit asset (liability)

COS T S RECO GNIZED

Amounts arising from events in the period

Current service cost
Interest cost
Actual return on plan assets
Past service cost
Actuarial (gains) losses on accrued benefit obligation

Adjustments to reflect costs recognized

Difference between actual and expected return on assets
Difference between actuarial gains and losses arising during the period 

and actuarial gains and losses amortized
Difference between past service costs arising 
in period and past service costs amortized

Amortization of transitional obligation
Increase (decrease) in valuation allowance 
Defined contribution service cost

Net cost recognized for the year

2010
OTHER POST-
RETIREMENT
BENEFITS

PENSION 
PL ANS

2009
OTHER POST-
RETIREMENT
BENEFITS

PENSION 
PL ANS

59
189
(304)
27
376

347

108

(350)

(38)
1
(12)
29

85

3
23
–
2
51

79

–

(51)

(12)
–
–
–

16

47
184
(457)
(3)
324

95

268

(319)

(8)
1
1
33

71

3
23
–
(15)
34

45

–

(36)

4
–
–
–

13

Subsidiaries of Lifeco have declared partial windups in respect of certain defined benefit pension plans which will not likely be completed for some time. Amounts 

relating to the partial windups may be recognized by Lifeco as the partial windups are completed. 

ME A SUREMEN T A ND VA LUAT ION

The measurement dates, weighted by accrued benefit obligation, are November 30 for 90% of the plans and December 31 for 10% of the plans. The dates of actuarial 

valuations for funding purposes for the funded defined benefit pension plans (weighted by accrued benefit obligation) are:

MOST RECENT VALUATION

% OF PLANS

NEXT REQUIRED VALUATION

% OF PLANS

December 31, 2007

December 31, 2008

December 31, 2009

April 1, 2010

C A SH PAY MEN T S

28

19

49

4

December 31, 2010

  December 31, 2011

December 31, 2012

  April 1, 2013

44

19

33

4

Benefit payments for unfunded plans
Company contributions (defined benefit and contribution plans)

ALL PENSION PL ANS

2010

18
107

125

2009

18
115

133

OTHER POST-RETIREMENT
BENEFITS

2010

2009

18
–

18

19
–

19

78

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

 
 
NO T E 2 1  PE N S ION  PL A N S  A N D  O T H E R  P O S T-R E T I R E M E N T B E N E F I T S  (C O N T I N U E D) 

A SSE T A L LO C AT ION BY M A JOR C AT EG ORY W EIGH T ED BY PL A N A SSE T S

Equity securities
Debt securities
All other assets

DEFINED BENEFIT 
PENSION PL ANS

2010

2009

%
51
41
8

100

%
51
41
8

100

No plan assets are directly invested in the Corporation’s or subsidiaries’ securities. Nominal amounts may be invested in the Corporation’s or subsidiaries’ securities 

through investments in pooled funds.

SIGNIFIC A N T A SSUMP T IONS

WEIGHTED AVERAGE ASSUMPTIONS USED TO DETERMINE BENEFIT COST

Discount rate
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets
Rate of compensation increase

WEIGHTED AVERAGE ASSUMPTIONS USED TO DETERMINE ACCRUED  
BENEFIT OBLIGATION

Discount rate
Rate of compensation increase

WEIGHTED AVERAGE HEALTHCARE TREND RATES

Initial healthcare trend rate
Ultimate healthcare trend rate
Year ultimate trend rate is reached

DEFINED BENEFIT 
PENSION PL ANS

OTHER POST-RETIREMENT
BENEFITS

2010

2009

2010

2009

%

6.2
6.3
3.9

5.5
3.6

%

6.8
6.8
4.2

6.2
3.9

%

6.3
–
–

5.5
–

7.0
4.5
2024

%

7.1
–
–

6.3
–

7.1
4.5
2024

IMPAC T OF CHA NGE S TO A SSUMED HE A LT HC A RE R AT E S – OT HER P OS T- RE T IREMEN T BENEFI T S

1% increase in assumed healthcare cost trend rate
1% decrease in assumed healthcare cost trend rate

IMPAC T ON END-OF-YEAR
ACCRUED POST-RETIREMENT
BENEFIT OBLIGATION

IMPAC T ON POST-RETIREMENT
BENEFIT SERVICE AND
INTEREST COST

2010

44
(37)

2009

34
(30)

2010

2
(2)

2009

2
(2)

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

79

  
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NO T E 2 2  FA I R VA L U E OF  F I N A NC I A L  I N S T RU M E N T S

The  following  table  presents  the  fair  value  of  the  Corporation’s  financial 

evidenced by a quoted market price, if one exists. Fair values are management’s 

instruments using the valuation methods and assumptions described below. 

estimates and are generally calculated using market conditions at a specific 

Fair value represents the amount that would be exchanged in an arm’s-length 

point  in  time  and  may  not  reflect  future  fair  values.  The  calculations  are 

transaction  between  willing  parties  under  no  compulsion  to  act,  and  best 

subjective in nature, involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment.

ASSETS

Cash and cash equivalents
Investments (excluding real estate)
Loans to policyholders
Funds held by ceding insurers
Receivables and other
Derivative financial instruments 

Total financial assets

LIABILITIES

Deposits and certificates
Debentures and other borrowings
Capital trust securities and debentures
Preferred shares of the Corporation
Preferred shares of subsidiaries
Other financial liabilities
Derivative financial instruments 

CARRYING
VALUE

3,656
96,786
6,827
9,860
2,599
1,067

2010
FAIR 
VALUE

3,656
98,205
6,827
9,860
2,599
1,067

CARRYING
 VALUE

4,855
91,136
6,957
10,839
2,601
837

2009
FAIR 
VALUE

4,855
91,602
6,957
10,839
2,601
837

120,795

122,214

117,225

117,691

835
6,348
535
–
–
5,976
258

840
6,821
596
–
–
5,976
258

907
5,967
540
300
203
5,321
364

916
6,180
601
318
203
5,321
364

Total financial liabilities

13,952

14,491

13,602

13,903

Fair value is determined using the following methods and assumptions:

actively  exchange-traded  equity  securities  and  mutual  and  segregated 

>  The fair value of short-term financial instruments approximates carrying 

value  due  to  their  short-term  maturities. These  include  cash  and  cash 

equivalents, dividends, interest and other receivables, premiums in course 

of  collection,  accounts  payable,  repurchase  agreements,  dividends  and 

funds which have available prices in an active market with no redemption 

restrictions, liquid open-end investment fund units, and investments in 

Government of Canada Bonds and Canada Mortgage Bonds in instances 

where there are quoted prices available from active markets.

interest payable, and income tax payable.

>  Level 2 inputs utilize other-than-quoted prices included in Level 1 that are 

>  Shares  and  bonds  are  valued  at  quoted  market  prices,  when  available. 

When a quoted market price is not readily available, alternative valuation 

methods may be used. Mortgage loans are determined by discounting the 

expected future cash flows at market interest rates for loans with similar 

credit risks and maturities (refer to Note 1).

>  Deposits and certificates are valued by discounting the contractual cash 

flows using market interest rates currently offered for deposits with similar 

terms and credit risks and maturities.

observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs 

include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and 

inputs other-than-quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, 

such as interest rates and yield curves that are observable at commonly 

quoted intervals. The fair values for some Level 2 securities were obtained 

from a pricing service. The pricing service inputs include, but are not limited 

to, benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, 

two-sided markets, benchmark securities, offers and reference data. Level 

2 securities include those priced using a matrix which is based on credit 

>  Debentures and other borrowings are determined by reference to current 

quality  and  average  life,  government  and  agency  securities,  restricted 

market prices for debt with similar terms, risks and maturities.

stock, some private bonds and equities, most investment-grade and high-

>  Preferred shares are valued using quoted prices from active markets.

>  Derivative financial instruments’ fair values are based on quoted market 

prices, where available, prevailing market rates for instruments with similar 

characteristics and maturities, or discounted cash flow analysis.

In accordance with adopted amendments to Canadian Institute of Chartered 

Accountants Handbook Section 3862, Financial Instruments – Disclosures, the 

Corporation’s assets and liabilities recorded at fair value have been categorized 

based upon the following fair value hierarchy:

yield corporate bonds, certain asset-backed securities and some over the 

counter derivatives. 

>  Level 3 inputs are unobservable and include situations where there is little, 

if any, market activity for the asset or liability. The prices of the majority 

of Level 3 securities were obtained from single-broker quotes and internal 

pricing models. Financial assets and liabilities utilizing Level 3 inputs include 

certain  bonds,  some  private  equities  and  investments  in  mutual  and 

segregated funds where there are redemption restrictions and certain over-

the-counter derivatives, non-bank-sponsored asset-backed commercial 

>  Level  1  inputs  utilize  observable,  quoted  prices  (unadjusted)  in  active 

paper, securitization receivables and derivative instruments.

markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Corporation has the ability 

to  access.  Financial  assets  and  liabilities  utilizing  Level  1  inputs  include 

80

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

NO T E 2 2  FA I R VA L U E OF  F I N A NC I A L I N S T RU M E N T S   (C O N T I N U E D)

The following table presents information about the Corporation’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2010 

and 2009 and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized by the Corporation to determine such fair value:

DECEMBER 31, 2010

ASSETS

Shares

Available for sale
Held for trading

Bonds

Available for sale
Held for trading

Mortgage and other loans

Held for trading

Derivatives
Other assets

LIABILITIES

Derivatives

DECEMBER 31, 2009

ASSETS

Shares

Available for sale
Held for trading

Bonds

Available for sale
Held for trading

Mortgage and other loans

Held for trading

Derivatives
Other assets

LIABILITIES

Derivatives
Preferred shares of subsidiaries

LEVEL 1

LEVEL 2

LEVEL 3

TOTAL

238
4,947

–
638

–
–
–

9
–

7,289
55,984

224
1,027
–

1
417

42
392

–
40
109

248
5,364

7,331
57,014

224
1,067
109

5,823

64,533

1,001

71,357

–

216

42

258

LEVEL 1

LEVEL 2

LEVEL 3

TOTAL

564
4,783

–
625

–
–
10

1
–

4,868
52,021

240
744
7

1
145

67
642

–
93
105

566
4,928

4,935
53,288

240
837
122

5,982

57,881

1,053

64,916

–
203

203

353
–

353

11
–

11

364
203

567

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

81

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NO T E 2 2  FA I R VA L U E OF  F I N A NC I A L I N S T RU M E N T S   (C O N T I N U E D)

The following table presents additional information about assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis for which the Corporation has utilized 

Level 3 inputs to determine fair value for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009.

TOTAL

1,042

(27)

2
398
(106)
(184)
5
(171)

959

TOTAL

1,318

4

24
202
(62)
(264)
68
(248)

1,042

2009

1,439
(88)

1,351

705.6
6.5
(4.8)

DECEMBER 31, 2010

SHARES

BONDS

AVAIL ABLE
FOR SALE 

HELD
FOR TRADING

AVAIL ABLE
FOR SALE

HELD
FOR TRADING

DERIVATIVES,
NET

Balance, beginning of year
Total gains (losses)
In net earnings
In other comprehensive 

income

Purchases
Sales
Settlements
Transfers in to Level 3
Transfers out of Level 3

Balance, end of year

1

–

–
–
–
–
–
–

1

145

16

–
288
(30)
–
–
(2)

417

67

(2)

2
–
–
(5)

(20)

42

642

16

–
64
(76)
(107)
5
(152)

392

82

(50)

–
(6)
–
(31)
–
3

(2)

OTHER
ASSETS

105

(7)

–
52
–
(41)
–
–

109

DECEMBER 31, 2009

SHARES

BONDS

AVAIL ABLE
FOR SALE 

HELD
FOR TRADING

AVAIL ABLE
FOR SALE

HELD
FOR TRADING

DERIVATIVES,
NET

OTHER
ASSETS

Balance, beginning of year
Total gains (losses)
In net earnings
In other comprehensive 

income

Purchases
Sales
Settlements
Transfers in to Level 3
Transfers out of Level 3

Balance, end of year

1

–

–
–
–
–
–
–

1

20

(2)

–
127
–
–
–
–

145

68

(17)

24
–
–
(13)
25
(20)

67

1,014

135

25

–
9
(62)
(159)
43
(228)

642

(2)

–
3
–
(54)
–
–

82

80

–

–
63
–
(38)
–
–

105

NO T E 2 3  E A R N I NG S PE R  S H A R E

The following is a reconciliation of the numerators and the denominators of the basic and diluted earnings per common share computations:

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31

Net earnings
Dividends on perpetual preferred shares

Net earnings available to common shareholders

Weighted number of common shares outstanding (millions)

– Basic
Exercise of stock options
Shares assumed to be repurchased with proceeds from exercise of stock options

Weighted number of common shares outstanding (millions)

– Diluted

2010

1,584
(99)

1,485

707.0
4.9
(3.9)

708.0

707.3

For 2010, 3,623,428 stock options (3,585,135 in 2009) have been excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share as the exercise price was higher than 

the market price.

Basic earnings per common share ($) 

– Basic
– Diluted

2.10
2.10

1.92
1.91

82

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

 
 
NO T E 24  DE R I VAT I V E F I N A N C I A L I N S T RU M E N T S

In  the  normal  course  of  managing  exposure  to  fluctuations  in  interest 

are either exchange traded or over-the-counter traded with counterparties that 

rates,  foreign  exchange  rates,  and  to  market  risks,  the  Corporation  and  its 

are credit-worthy financial intermediaries.

subsidiaries are end users of various derivative financial instruments. Contracts 

The following table summarizes the portfolio of derivative financial instruments of the Corporation and its subsidiaries at December 31:

2010

Interest rate contracts
Futures — long
Futures — short
Swaps
Options purchased

Foreign exchange contracts
Forward contracts
Cross-currency swaps

Other derivative contracts

Equity contracts
Futures – long
Futures – short

2009

Interest rate contracts
Futures — long
Futures — short
Swaps
Options purchased

Foreign exchange contracts
Forward contracts
Cross-currency swaps

Other derivative contracts

Equity contracts
Futures – long
Futures – short

1 YEAR 
OR LESS

1–5 
YEARS

OVER 
5 YEARS

TOTAL

MA XIMUM
CREDIT
RISK

TOTAL
ESTIMATED
FAIR VALUE

NOTIONAL AMOUNT

57
220
1,655
226

2,158

221
70

291

43
8
38

89

1
–
5,900
846

6,747

–
1,284

1,284

21
–
–

21

–
–
1,572
221

1,793

–
5,954

5,954

–
–
–

–

58
220
9,127
1,293

10,698

221
7,308

7,529

64
8
38

110

–
–
300
31

331

5
731

736

–
–
–

–

2,538

8,052

7,747

18,337

1,067

–
–
189
31

220

5
604

609

(20)
–
–

(20)

809

1 YEAR 
OR LESS

1–5 
YEARS

OVER 
5 YEARS

TOTAL

MA XIMUM
CREDIT
RISK

TOTAL
ESTIMATED
FAIR VALUE

NOTIONAL AMOUNT

108
181
1,231
60

1,580

236
108

344

49
12
5

66

–
–
5,907
957

6,864

–
987

987

26
–
–

26

–
–
1,349
444

1,793

–
5,733

5,733

–
–
–

–

108
181
8,487
1,461

10,237

236
6,828

7,064

75
12
5

92

–
–
309
36

345

1
491

492

–
–
–

–

1,990

7,877

7,526

17,393

837

–
–
183
35

218

1
277

278

(23)
–
–

(23)

473

The  amount  subject  to  credit  risk  is  limited  to  the  current  fair  value  of  the 

(or  pay)  to  terminate  all  agreements  at  year-end.  However,  this  would  not 

instruments which are in a gain position. The credit risk is presented without 

result in a gain or loss to the Corporation and its subsidiaries as the derivative 

giving effect to any netting agreements or collateral arrangements and does 

instruments which correlate to certain assets and liabilities provide offsetting 

not reflect actual or expected losses. The total estimated fair value represents 

gains or losses. 

the  total  amount  that  the  Corporation  and  its  subsidiaries  would  receive 

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

83

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NO T E 24  DE R I VAT I V E F I N A NC I A L  I N S T RU M E N T S  (C O N T I N U E D)

SWAPS
Interest  rate  swaps,  futures  and  options  are  used  as  part  of  a  portfolio  of 

FOREIGN EXCHANGE CONTR ACTS
Cross-currency  swaps  are  used  in  combination  with  other  investments 

assets  to  manage  interest  rate  risk  associated  with  investment  activities 

to  manage  foreign  currency  risk  associated  with  investment  activities 

and actuarial liabilities and to reduce the impact of fluctuating interest rates 

and  actuarial  liabilities.  Under  these  swaps,  principal  amounts  and  fixed 

on the mortgage banking operations and intermediary operations. Interest 

and  floating  interest  payments  may  be  exchanged  in  different  currencies. 

rate  swap  agreements  require  the  periodic  exchange  of  payments  without 

The Corporation and its subsidiaries also enter into certain foreign exchange 

the exchange of the notional principal amount on which payments are based. 

forward contracts to hedge certain product liabilities.  

Changes in fair value are recorded in net investment income in the Consolidated 

Statements of Earnings.

Call options grant the Corporation and its subsidiaries the right to enter into 

a swap with predetermined fixed-rate payments over a predetermined time 

period on the exercise date. Call options are used to manage the variability 

in future interest payments due to a change in credited interest rates and the 

related potential change in cash flows due to surrenders. Call options are also 

used to hedge minimum rate guarantees.

OTHER DERIVATIVE CONTR ACTS
Equity  index  swaps,  futures  and  options  are  used  to  hedge  certain  product 

liabilities. Equity index swaps are also used as substitutes for cash instruments 

and  are  used  to  periodically  hedge  the  market  risk  associated  with  certain 

fee income. 

Lifeco  may  use  credit  derivatives  to  manage  its  credit  exposure  and  for  risk 

diversification in its investment portfolio.

IGM manages its exposure to market risk on its securities by either entering 

into  forward  sale  contracts,  purchasing  a  put  option  or  by  simultaneously 

purchasing a put option and writing a call option on the same security. 

NO T E 2 5  C ON T I NGE N T L I A B I L I T I E S 

The Corporation’s subsidiaries are from time to time subject to legal actions, 

provisions for these proceedings. Regardless of the ultimate outcome of this 

including arbitrations and class actions, arising in the normal course of business. 

case, all of the participating policy contract terms and conditions will continue 

It is inherently difficult to predict the outcome of any of these proceedings with 

to be honoured. Based on information presently known, the original decision, 

certainty, and it is possible that an adverse resolution could have a material 

if sustained on appeal, is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the 

adverse  effect  on  the  consolidated  financial  position  of  the  Corporation. 

consolidated financial position of Lifeco.

However, based on information presently known, it is not expected that any 

of the existing legal actions, either individually or in the aggregate, will have a 

material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position of the Corporation.

Lifeco has entered into an agreement to settle a class action relating to the 

provision  of  notice  of  the  acquisition  of  Canada  Life  Financial  Corporation 

to certain shareholders of Canada Life Financial Corporation. The settlement 

Subsidiaries  of  Lifeco  have  declared  partial  windups  in  respect  of  certain 

received Court approval on January 27, 2010 and is being implemented. Based 

Ontario  defined  benefit  pension  plans  which  will  not  likely  be  completed 

on information presently known, Lifeco does not expect this matter to have a 

for  some  time.  The  partial  windups  could  involve  the  distribution  of  the 

material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position.

amount  of  actuarial  surplus,  if  any,  attributable  to  the  wound-up  portion 

of  the  plans.  However,  many  issues  remain  unclear,  including  the  basis  of 

surplus measurement and entitlement, and the method by which any surplus 

distribution would be implemented. In addition to the regulatory proceedings 

involving  these  partial  windups,  related  proposed  class  action  proceedings 

have been commenced in Ontario related to certain of the partial windups. The 

provisions for certain Canadian retirement plans in the amounts of $97 million 

after tax established by Lifeco’s subsidiaries in the third quarter 2007 have been 

reduced to $68 million. Actual results could differ from these estimates. 

Subsidiaries of Lifeco have an ownership interest in a U.S.-based private equity 

partnership wherein a dispute has arisen over the terms of the partnership 

agreement.  Lifeco  acquired  the  ownership  interest  in  2007  for  purchase 

consideration  of  US$350  million.  Legal  proceedings  have  been  commenced 

and are in their early stages. Legal proceedings have also commenced against 

the private equity partnership by third parties in unrelated matters. Another 

subsidiary of Lifeco has established a provision related to the latter proceedings. 

While it is difficult to predict the final outcome of these proceedings, based on 

information presently known, Lifeco does not expect these proceedings to have 

The Ontario Superior Court of Justice released a decision on October 1, 2010 in 

a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position.

regard to the involvement of the participating accounts of Lifeco subsidiaries 

London Life and Great-West Life in the financing of the acquisition of London 

Insurance Group Inc. (LIG) in 1997. Lifeco believes there are significant aspects of 

the lower court judgment that are in error and Notice of Appeal has been filed. 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, Lifeco has established an incremental provision 

in the third quarter of 2010 in the amount of $225 million after tax ($204 million 

In  connection  with  the  acquisition  of  its  subsidiary  Putnam,  Lifeco  has  an 

indemnity from a third party against liabilities arising from certain litigation 

and regulatory actions involving Putnam. Putnam continues to have potential 

liability for these matters in the event the indemnity is not honoured. Lifeco 

expects  the  indemnity  will  continue  to  be  honoured  and  that  any  liability 

of  Putnam  would  not  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  its  consolidated 

and $21 million attributable to Lifeco’s common shareholder and to Lifeco’s non-

controlling interests, respectively). Lifeco now holds $310 million in after-tax 

financial position.

84

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

NO T E 26  C OM M I T M E N T S A N D GUA R A N T E E S

GUA R A N T EE S

LRG  has  a  syndicated  letter  of  credit  facility  providing  US$650  million  in 

In the normal course of operations, the Corporation and its subsidiaries execute 

letters of credit capacity. The facility was arranged in 2010 for a five-year term 

agreements that provide for indemnifications to third parties in transactions 

expiring  November  12,  2015.  Under  the  terms  and  conditions  of  the  facility, 

such as business dispositions, business acquisitions, loans and securitization 

collateralization  may  be  required  if  a  default  under  the  letter  of  credit 

transactions. The Corporation and its subsidiaries have also agreed to indemnify 

agreement occurs. LRG has issued US$507 million in letters of credit under the 

their directors and certain of their officers. The nature of these agreements 

facility as at December 31, 2010 (US$612 million under a previous letter of credit 

precludes the possibility of making a reasonable estimate of  the maximum 

facility at December 31, 2009). 

potential amount the Corporation and its subsidiaries could be required to 

pay third parties as the agreements often do not specify a maximum amount 

and the amounts are dependent on the outcome of future contingent events, 

In  addition,  LRG  has  other  bilateral  letter  of  credit  facilities  totalling 

US$18  million  (US$18  million  in  2009).  LRG  issued  US$6  million  in  letters 

of  credit  under  these  facilities  as  of  December  31,  2010  (US$6  million  at 

the  nature  and  likelihood  of  which  cannot  be  determined.  Historically,  the 

Corporation  has  not  made  any  payments  under  such  indemnification 

December 31, 2009).

agreements. No amounts have been accrued related to these agreements.

PL ED GING OF A SSE T S

S Y NDIC AT ED L E T T ER S OF CREDI T

Clients residing in the United States are required, pursuant to their insurance 

laws, to obtain letters of credit issued on behalf of London Reinsurance Group 

(LRG) from approved banks in order to further secure LRG’s obligations under 

certain reinsurance contracts.

With  respect  to  Lifeco,  the  amounts  of  assets  which  have  a  security 

interest  by  way  of  pledging  is  $9  million  ($11  million  in  2009)  in  respect  of 

derivative  transactions  and  $554  million  ($595  million  in  2009)  in  respect 

of reinsurance agreements.

COMMI T MEN T S

The  Corporation  and  its  subsidiaries  enter  into  operating  leases  for  office 

space and certain equipment used in the normal course of operations. Lease 

payments  are  charged  to  operations  over  the  period  of  use.  The  future 

minimum lease payments in aggregate and by year are as follows:

Future lease payments

2011

146

2012

129

2013

107

2014

86

2015

71

2016 AND
THEREAFTER

216

TOTAL 

755

NO T E 2 7  R E L AT E D  PA R T Y  T R A N S AC T IO N S

In the normal course of business, Great-West Life provides insurance benefits to other companies within the Power Financial Corporation group of companies. 

In all cases, transactions are done at market terms and conditions.

NO T E 2 8  S E G M E N T E D  I N F OR M AT IO N 

The following strategic business units constitute the Corporation’s reportable 

>  Parjointco holds the Corporation’s interest in Pargesa, a holding company 

operating segments:

>  Lifeco offers, in Canada, the United States and in Europe, a wide range of 

life insurance, retirement and investment products, as well as reinsurance 

which holds diversified interests in companies based in Europe active in 

various sectors, including specialty minerals, water, waste services, energy, 

and wines and spirits.

and specialty general insurance products to individuals, businesses and 

>  The  segment  entitled  Other  is  made  up  of  corporate  activities  of  the 

other private and public organizations. 

Corporation and also includes consolidation elimination entries.

> 

IGM  offers  a  comprehensive  package  of  financial  planning  services  and 

The accounting policies of the operating segments are those described in the 

investment  products  to  its  client  base.  IGM  derives  its  revenues  from 

Significant Accounting  Policies  section  above.  The  Corporation  evaluates 

a  range  of  sources,  but  primarily  from  management  fees,  which  are 

the  performance  based  on  the  operating  segment’s  contribution  to 

charged  to  its  mutual  funds  for  investment  advisory  and  management 

consolidated net earnings. Revenues and assets are attributed to geographic 

services.  IGM  also  earns  revenue  from  fees  charged  to  its  mutual  funds 

areas  based  on  the  point  of  origin  of  revenues  and  the  location  of  assets. 

for administrative services.

The contribution to consolidated net earnings of each segment is calculated 

after taking into account the investment Lifeco and IGM have in each other.

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

85

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NO T E 2 8  S E G M E N T E D I N F OR M AT IO N  (C O N T I N U E D)

INF ORM AT ION ON PROFI T ME A SURE

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010

LIFECO

IGM

PARJOINTCO

OTHER

TOTAL

REVENUES
Premium income
Net investment income

Regular net investment income
Change in fair value on held-for-trading assets

Fee income

EXPENSES
Policyholder benefits, dividends and experience refunds, 

and change in actuarial liabilities 

Commissions
Operating expenses
Financing charges

Share of earnings of investment at equity
Other income (charges), net

Earnings before income taxes and non-controlling interests
Income taxes
Non-controlling interests

Contribution to consolidated net earnings

17,748

5,743
3,633

9,376
2,874

29,998

23,063
1,523
3,145
283

28,014

1,984
–
–

1,984
227
620

1,137

–

119
13

132
2,491

2,623

–
869
636
111

1,616

1,007
–
–

1,007
271
325

411

–

–
–

–
–

–

–
–
–
–

–

–
120
(5)

115
–
–

115

–

17,748

(79)
–

(79)
(115)

(194)

–
(115)
53
33

(29)

(165)
–
–

(165)
(1)
(85)

(79)

5,783
3,646

9,429
5,250

32,427

23,063
2,277
3,834
427

29,601

2,826
120
(5)

2,941
497
860

1,584

INF ORM AT ION ON A SSE T ME A SURE

DECEMBER 31, 2010

Goodwill
Total assets

GEO GR A PHIC INF ORM AT ION

DECEMBER 31, 2010

Revenues
Investment at equity
Goodwill and intangible assets
Total assets

LIFECO

5,840
131,514

IGM

PARJOINTCO

OTHER

2,886
8,893

–
2,279

–
569

TOTAL

8,726
143,255

CANADA

UNITED STATES

16,835
–
9,545
70,035

6,513
–
1,717
29,973

EUROPE

9,079
2,279
1,702
43,247

TOTAL

32,427
2,279
12,964
143,255

86

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

NO T E 2 8  S E G M E N T E D I N F OR M AT IO N  (C O N T I N U E D)

INF ORM AT ION ON PROFI T ME A SURE

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009

LIFECO

IGM

PARJOINTCO

OTHER

TOTAL

REVENUES
Premium income
Net investment income

Regular net investment income
Change in fair value on held-for-trading assets

Fee income

EXPENSES
Policyholder benefits, dividends and experience refunds, 

and change in actuarial liabilities

Commissions
Operating expenses
Financing charges

Share of earnings of investment at equity
Other income (charges), net

Earnings before income taxes and non-controlling interests
Income taxes
Non-controlling interests

Contribution to consolidated net earnings

18,033

6,179
3,490

9,669
2,839

30,541

23,809
1,370
2,946
336

28,461

2,080
–
–

2,080
345
617

1,118

–

105
(27)

78
2,250

2,328

–
808
614
126

1,548

780
–
–

780
221
247

312

–

–
–

–
–

–

–
–
–
–

–

–
141
(70)

71
–
–

71

–

(81)
–

(81)
(91)

18,033

6,203
3,463

9,666
4,998

(172)

32,697

–
(90)
47
32

(11)

(161)
–
12

(149)
(1)
(86)

(62)

23,809
2,088
3,607
494

29,998

2,699
141
(58)

2,782
565
778

1,439

INF ORM AT ION ON A SSE T ME A SURE

DECEMBER 31, 2009

Goodwill
Total assets

GEO GR A PHIC INF ORM AT ION

DECEMBER 31, 2009

Revenues
Investment at equity
Goodwill and intangible assets
Total assets

LIFECO

5,853
128,369

IGM

PARJOINTCO

OTHER

2,802
8,646

–
2,675

–
541

TOTAL

8,655
140,231

CANADA

UNITED STATES

15,989
–
9,470
65,045

6,715
–
1,830
29,262

EUROPE

9,993
2,675
1,721
45,924

TOTAL

32,697
2,675
13,021
140,231

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

87

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT

TO T HE SHA REHOL DER S OF P OW ER FIN A NCIA L CORP OR AT ION

We have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements of Power Financial Corporation, which comprise the consolidated balance sheets as at 

December 31, 2010 and 2009, and the consolidated statements of earnings, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows for the years 

then ended, and a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information.

M A NAGEMEN T ’ S RE SP ONSIBIL I T Y F OR T HE CONSOL IDAT ED FIN A NCIA L S TAT EMEN T S

Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these consolidated financial statements in accordance with Canadian generally accepted 

accounting principles 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.

AUDI TOR ’ S RE SP ONSIBIL I T Y

Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with Canadian 

generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we comply with ethical requirements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable 

assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free from material misstatement.

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. The procedures 

selected depend on the auditor’s judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether 

due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity’s preparation and fair presentation of the 

consolidated financial statements 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 entity’s internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of 

accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained in our audits is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion. 

OPINION

In  our  opinion,  the  consolidated  financial  statements  present  fairly,  in  all  material  respects,  the  financial  position  of  Power  Financial  Corporation  as  at 

December 31, 2010 and 2009, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended in accordance with Canadian generally accepted 

accounting principles.

Signed 

Deloitte & Touche LLP 1

March 10, 2011 

Montréal, Québec 

1 Chartered accountant auditor permit No. 18383

88

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

 
POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION

F I V E-Y E A R F I N A N C I A L S U M M A RY

DECEMBER 31
[in millions of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts]

CONSOLIDATED BAL ANCE SHEETS
Cash and cash equivalents
Consolidated assets
Shareholders’ equity
Consolidated assets and assets under management

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF E ARNINGS
REVENUES
Premium income
Net investment income
Fee income

EXPENSES
Policyholder benefits, dividends and experience refunds, 

and change in actuarial liabilities

Commissions
Operating expenses
Financial charges

Share of earnings of investment at equity 
Other income (charges), net
Income taxes
Non-controlling interests

Earnings from continuing operations
Earnings from discontinued operations

Net earnings

PER SHARE
Operating earnings before non-recurring items and 

discontinued operations

Net earnings from discontinued operations
Net earnings
Dividends
Book value at year-end

MARKET PRICE (COMMON SHARES)
High
Low
Year-end

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

3,656
143,255
13,184
490,839

4,855
140,231
13,207
471,775

4,689
141,546
13,419
452,158

5,625
130,114
12,865
521,439

5,114
130,486
11,422
341,903

17,748
9,429
5,250

32,427

23,063
2,277
3,834
427

29,601

2,826
120
(5)
497
860

1,584
–

1,584

2.31
–
2.10
1.4000
15.79

34.23
27.00
30.73

18,033
9,666
4,998

32,697

23,809
2,088
3,607
494

29,998

2,699
141
(58)
565
778

1,439
–

1,439

2.05
–
1.92
1.4000
16.27

31.99
14.66
31.08

30,007
953
5,540

36,500

26,774
2,172
3,605
438

32,989

3,511
183
(2,402)
16
442

834
503

1,337

1.98
0.71
1.79
1.3325
16.80

40.94
20.33
23.90

18,753
4,589
5,327

28,669

19,122
2,236
3,199
408

24,965

3,704
145
24
938
1,039

1,896
148

2,044

2.63
0.21
2.79
1.1600
16.26

42.69
35.81
40.77

17,752
5,962
4,223

27,937

19,660
2,024
2,575
338

24,597

3,340
126
345
844
952

2,015
140

2,155

2.26
0.20
2.96
1.0000
14.22

38.72
30.20
37.69

QUA R T E R LY F I N A NC I A L  I N FOR M AT IO N

[UNAUDITED] 
[in millions of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts]

TOTAL 
REVENUES

NET 
EARNINGS

EARNINGS PER 
SHARE 
 — BASIC

EARNINGS PER 
SHARE 
 — DILUTED

2010
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter

2009
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter

8,874
7,963
9,703
5,887

5,448
9,777
10,973
6,499

389
429
323
443

195
452
452
340

0.52
0.57
0.42
0.59

0.24
0.61
0.61
0.45

0.52
0.57
0.42
0.59

0.24
0.61
0.61
0.45

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

89

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

J. BRIAN AUNE
PRESIDENT, ALDERVEST INC.

R AYMOND L . MCFEETORS
VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE CORPORATION  

AND CHAIRMAN, GREAT-WEST LIFECO INC. 

MARC A . BIBE AU [ 2 ]
PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER,  

BEAUWARD SHOPPING CENTRES LTD.

JERRY E.A . NICKERSON [ 2 ]
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD,  

H.B. NICKERSON & SONS LIMITED

ANDRÉ DESMAR AIS, O.C., O.Q.[ 1, 5 ]
CO-CHAIRMAN OF THE CORPORATION  

AND DEPUT Y CHAIRMAN, PRESIDENT AND  

R . JEFFREY ORR [ 1 ]
PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER  

CO-CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, 

OF THE CORPORATION

POWER CORPORATION OF CANADA 

THE HONOUR ABLE   
PAUL DESMAR AIS,   
P.C., C.C., O.Q.[ 1,5 ]
CHAIRMAN OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMIT TEE, 

POWER CORPORATION OF CANADA

PAUL DESMAR AIS, JR .,   
O.C., O.Q.[ 1, 5 ]
CO-CHAIRMAN OF THE CORPORATION AND  

CHAIRMAN AND CO-CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER,  

POWER CORPORATION OF CANADA 

GÉR ALD FRÈRE [ 3, 4 ]
MANAGING DIRECTOR, FRÈRE-BOURGEOIS S.A.

ANTHONY R . GR AHAM, LL.D. [ 5 ]
PRESIDENT, WIT TINGTON INVESTMENTS, LIMITED

ROBERT GR AT TON
DEPUT Y CHAIRMAN,  

POWER CORPORATION OF CANADA 

V. PETER HARDER [ 3, 4 ]
SENIOR POLICY  ADVISER,  

FRASER MILNER CASGRAIN LLP

MICHEL PLESSIS-BÉL AIR , FCA
VICE-CHAIRMAN,  

POWER CORPORATION OF CANADA

HENRI-PAUL ROUSSE AU, Ph.D.
VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE CORPORATION  

AND OF POWER CORPORATION OF CANADA

LOUISE ROY, O.Q.
INVITED FELLOW, CENTRE INTERUNIVERSITAIRE  

DE RECHERCHE EN ANALYSE DES ORGANISATIONS  

AND PRESIDENT, CONSEIL DES ARTS DE MONTRÉAL

R AYMOND ROYER , 
O.C., O.Q., FCA [ 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 ]
COMPANY DIRECTOR

AMAURY DE SEZE
VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE CORPORATION

EMŐKE J.E. SZATHMÁRY,   
C.M., O.M., Ph.D. [ 2 ]
PRESIDENT EMERITUS,  

UNIVERSIT Y OF MANITOBA

THE RIGHT HONOUR ABLE   
DONALD F. MAZANKOWSKI, 
P.C., O.C., A.O.E. [ 1 ]
COMPANY DIRECTOR

DIRECTORS EMERITUS

JAMES W. BURNS, O.C., O.M.

THE HONOUR ABLE 
P. MICHAEL PITFIELD, P.C., Q.C.

[ 1  ]

[ 2  ]

[ 3  ]

[ 4  ]

[ 5  ]

MEMBER O F T HE 
E XEC U T I V E COMMI T T EE 

MEMBER O F T HE 
AUDI T CO MMI T T EE 

MEMBER O F T HE 
COMP ENS AT ION 
COMMI T T EE 

MEMBER O F T HE 
R EL AT ED PA RT Y 
A ND CONDU C T 
R E V IE W CO MMI T T EE 

MEMBER O F T HE 
G OV ER N A NCE 
A ND NOMIN AT ING 
COMMI T T EE 

90

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

OFFICERS

PAUL DESMAR AIS, JR .,   
O.C., O.Q.
CO-CHAIRMAN

ANDRÉ DESMAR AIS, 
O.C., O.Q.
CO-CHAIRMAN

R . JEFFREY ORR
PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER 

R AYMOND L . MCFEETORS
VICE-CHAIRMAN

HENRI-PAUL ROUSSE AU, Ph.D.
VICE-CHAIRMAN

AMAURY DE SEZE
VICE-CHAIRMAN

PHILIP K . RYAN
EXECUTIVE VICE-PRESIDENT  

AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

EDWARD JOHNSON
SENIOR VICE-PRESIDENT, GENERAL COUNSEL  

AND SECRETARY

ARNAUD VIAL
SENIOR VICE-PRESIDENT

JOCELYN LEFEBVRE , C.A.
MANAGING DIRECTOR,  

POWER FINANCIAL EUROPE B.V.

DENIS LE VA SSEUR , C.A.
VICE-PRESIDENT AND CONTROLLER

STÉPHANE LEMAY
VICE-PRESIDENT, ASSISTANT GENERAL 

COUNSEL AND ASSOCIATE SECRETARY

RICHARD PAN
VICE-PRESIDENT

LUC RENY, CFA
VICE-PRESIDENT

ISABELLE MORIN, C.A.
TREASURER 

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

91

CORPORATE INFORMATION

Additional copies of this Annual Report, as well as copies of the annual report  

of Power Corporation of Canada, are available from the Secretary:

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION

751 Victoria Square  

Montréal, Québec  

Canada  H2Y 2J3

STOCK LISTINGS

Suite 2600, Richardson Building  

1 Lombard Place  

Winnipeg, Manitoba  

Canada  R3B 0X5

Shares of Power Financial Corporation are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange,  

under the following listings:

COMMON SHARES: PWF

FIRST PREFERRED SHARES: 

Series A:  PWF.PR.A 

Series D:  PWF.PR.E 

Series E:  PWF.PR.F 

Series F: 

PWF.PR.G 

Series H:  PWF.PR.H 

Series I: 

PWF.PR.I 

TR ANSFER AGENT AND REGISTR AR

Computershare Investor Services Inc.  

Offices in:  

Montreal (QC); Toronto (ON) 

www.computershare.com 

SHAREHOLDER SERVICES

Series K:  PWF.PR.K 

Series L: 

PWF.PR.L 

Series M:  PWF.PR.M 

Series O:  PWF.PR.O 

Series P:  PWF.PR.P

The trademarks contained 
in this report are owned by 
Power Financial Corporation, 
or a member of the 
Power Corporation group 
of companies™. Trademarks 
that are not owned by 
Power Financial Corporation  
are used with permission.

Shareholders with questions relating to the payment of dividends, change of address 

and share certificates should contact the Transfer Agent:

Computershare Investor Services Inc.  

Shareholder Services  

100 University Avenue, 9th Floor  

Toronto, Ontario  M5J 2Y1  

Telephone: 1-800-564-6253 (toll-free in Canada and the U.S.) or 514-982-7555  

www.computershare.com

WEB SITE

www.powerfinancial.com

Si vous préférez recevoir ce rapport annuel en français, veuillez vous adresser au secrétaire,

CORPORATION FINANCIÈRE POWER

751, square Victoria  

Montréal (Québec)  

Canada  H2Y 2J3

Bureau 2600, Richardson Building  

1 Lombard Place  

Winnipeg (Manitoba)  

Canada  R3B 0X5

92

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION   2010 ANNUAL REPORT

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