Stockchase Opinions

The Panic-Proof Portfolio (Stockchase Research)CI Financial CorpCIX.TOTOP PICKJun 13, 2023

Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly

We reiterate this wealth manager of $395 billion of assets as a TOP PICK.  I has closed on the 20% divestment of its US wealth business, which as allowed it repurchase over $700 million of its debentures.  It trades at 1.6x book and 6x earnings.  It pays a good dividend with a payout ratio of 1/3 of its cash flow.  We continue to recommend a stop at $12, looking to achieve $18 -- upside potential of 18%.  Yield 4.9% 

(Analysts’ price target is $18.94)
$15.03

Stock price when the opinion was issued

$31.99

As of Aug 14, 2025. Market Open.

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PAST TOP PICK
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PAST TOP PICK
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DON'T BUY
CIX vs. BAM

Are very different asset managers. CI's balance sheet is not good. Prefers BAM, but shares have risen to a high valuation. Great managers and earnings stream (asset management fees).

WATCH

Well established Canadian investment firm. Has watched for a long time, but never attractive enough to justify investment. Good management team with good capital allocation. However, better names in portfolio. 

TOP PICK

Building US business dramatically, planning to take public sometime in the future. Canadian side is well run, but the mutual funds business hasn't grown in years, perhaps 10% a year. Big dividend. Combining both sides of the business should garner a $35 stock price easily, $50 if they really tried. Yield is 4.6%.

(Analysts’ price target is $19.25)
COMMENT

There have been management changes and it pushed too hard into the U.S. It has a good dividend yield of 5.4% and is buying back stock

DON'T BUY

Aggressive acquisition hunt for the last decade. Tough to be an independent in Canada, as Canadian banks control so much of net worth. He'd rather own the banks with their broader diversification. Warren Buffet says "A lousy industry will beat great management every time."

SELL

A massively levered company, though the business does well and gushes cash glow. But they spend a lot of money to buy asset manager businesses. That has not panned out.

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Curated by Michael O'Reilly since 2020.
1550+ opinions with 4.81 rating (one of the best performing expert).

PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Jun 13/23, Down 10.2%)Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly

Our PAST TOP PICK with CIX has triggered its stop at $13.50.  To remain disciplined, we recommend covering the position at this time.  This will result in a net investment loss of 12%, when combined with our previous recommendations.  

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Curated by Michael O'Reilly since 2020.
1550+ opinions with 4.81 rating (one of the best performing expert).

PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Jun 13/23, Up 12%)Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly

Our PAST TOP PICK with CIX is progressing well.  To remain disciplined, we recommend trailing up the stop (from $12.00) to $13.50 at this time.

Unspecified

It took on lots of debt at low interest rates which has given it some balance sheet trouble. It has sold some holdings. There isn't growth but debt is OK now. It is exceptionally cheap at 3.9X 2024 earnings. Pays a dividend of 5.6%. He bought some last week.

COMMENT

It used to be a great stock and the earnings ratio of 20X has dropped to 5X. It pays a 5% dividend and is buying back stock. The IPO of the U.S. business part is possible. It sold off part of its business to private equity via preferred shares which have a 14% guaranteed annual minimum return.. This could cause losses to common shareholders. He would prefer IGM.

BUY

Company selling off USA business rewarded by market.
Strong fundamentals. 
Likes long term prospects for company. 
Good time to buy shares.

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Curated by Michael O'Reilly since 2020.
1550+ opinions with 4.81 rating (one of the best performing expert).

TOP PICK
Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly

CIX just announced a $1.3b sale for 20% of its US wealth management business.  This will allow the company to reduce debt and move into new directions.  Latest quarterly earnings showed the company building cash reserves, while buying back shares and reducing debt.  It trades at 6x earnings and 1.4x book value.  It pays a good dividend, backed by a payout ratio under 35% of cash flow.  We recommend a stop-loss at $12.00, looking to achieve $19.50 -- upside potential of 18%.  Yield 4.5%   

(Analysts’ price target is $19.38)