OMERS achieves positive 2018 results

Diversification protects capital during a period of market stress

2018 Highlights:

• Positive net return of $2.2 billion or 2.3% in 2018

• Five-year average net return of 8.1%

• $10 billion deployed in new private investments

• New investment office in Singapore

Toronto, February 25, 2019 – OMERS, the defined benefit pension plan for Ontario’s municipal employees, reported a 2018 investment return of 2.3%, net of expenses. OMERS funded status improved to 96% in 2018.

“In 2018, OMERS diversified, high-quality portfolio achieved a positive return of 2.3% or $2.2 billion,” said Michael Latimer, CEO, OMERS. “A return of 10.7% from private investments and positive returns on our credit portfolio buffered the impact of public markets in a year when all major indices were lower compared to where they were at the beginning of the year.”

“The 2018 improvement in our funded status primarily reflects our five-year net investment return of 8.1%,” said Jonathan Simmons, Chief Financial Officer.

OMERS remains committed to further diversifying assets by type and geography. In early 2018, we opened a new investment office in Singapore to better explore opportunities in the Asia-Pacific Region, with investment teams from all our asset classes.

Michael Latimer concluded, “I want to thank our exceptional team of employees, who are dedicated to delivering on OMERS mission of delivering secure and sustainable defined benefit pensions to our members.”

About OMERS
Founded in 1962, OMERS is one of Canada’s largest defined benefit pension plans, with $97 billion in net assets as at December 31, 2018. A jointly-sponsored pension plan, with 1,000 participating employers, OMERS invests and administers pensions on behalf of almost half a million active and retired members. OMERS members include union and non-union employees of municipalities, school boards, transit systems, electrical utilities, emergency services and children’s aid societies across Ontario. Contributions are funded equally by members and employers. OMERS has employees in Toronto, London, New York, Amsterdam, Luxembourg, Singapore, Sydney and other major cities across North America and Europe – originating and managing a diversified portfolio of high-quality investments in public markets, private equity, infrastructure and real estate.

Media Contact: Ann DeRabbie, aderabbie@omers.comOpens email client, 416.369.3681