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2
0
1
5
A
n
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u
a
l
R
e
p
o
r
t
Locations
BC
AB
Vancouver (4)
Abbotsford
Coquitlam
Courtenay
Cranbrook
Kamloops
Kelowna (2)
Langley
Nanaimo
Prince George
Richmond
Surrey (2)
Victoria
Edmonton (5)
Calgary (6)
Grande Prairie
Leduc
Lethbridge
Lloydminster
Medicine Hat
Red Deer
Sherwood Park
St. Albert
Regional Offices
Canadian Western Bank Branch Locations
Equipment Financing
Canadian Direct Financial®
Canadian Western Trust
Optimum Mortgage
Adroit Investment Management
McLean & Partners Wealth Management
National Leasing Group
Canadian Western Financial
SK
MB
Regina
Saskatoon (2)
Yorkton
ON
Winnipeg (2)
QC
NB
PEI
NS
NL
St. John’s
Charlottetown
Halifax
Fredericton
Moncton
Saint John
Montreal
Quebec City
Barrie
Greater Toronto Area (2)
London
Orillia
Oshawa
Ottawa
Woodbridge
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report
i
Three Year Financial Summary ($ thousands, except per share amounts)
Results from Combined Operations(1)
Net interest income (teb)(2)
Less teb adjustment
Net interest income
Other income
Net gain on sale of businesses
Total revenues (teb)
Total revenues
Common shareholders' net income
Earnings per share
Basic
Diluted
Adjusted cash(3)
Return on common shareholders' equity(4)
Return on average total assets(5)
Efficiency ratio (teb)(6)
Efficiency ratio
Net interest margin (teb)(7)
Net interest margin
Number of full-time equivalent staff(8)
Results from Continuing Operations(1)
Net interest income (teb)(2)
Less teb adjustment
Net interest income per financial statements
Other income
Total revenues (teb)
Total revenues
Common shareholders' net income
Earnings per share
Basic
Diluted
Adjusted cash(3)
Return on common shareholders' equity(4)
Return on average total assets(5)
Efficiency ratio (teb)(6)
Efficiency ratio
Net interest margin (teb)(7)
Net interest margin
Number of full-time equivalent staff
Results from Discontinued Operations(1)
Common shareholders' net income
Earnings per share
Basic
Diluted
Adjusted cash(3)
Per Common Share
Average common shares outstanding (thousands)
Cash Dividends
Book value
Market price
High
Low
Close
Balance Sheet and Off-Balance Sheet Summary
Assets
Cash resources, securities and repurchase agreements
Loans
Deposits
Debt
Shareholders' equity
Assets under administration
Assets under management
Capital Adequacy
Common equity Tier 1 ratio
Tier 1 ratio
Total ratio
Other Information
Provision for credit losses as a percentage of average loans
Net impaired loans as a percentage of total loans
Number of bank branches
$
$
$
$
2015
2014
2013
$
$
$
$
552,927
5,993
546,934
79,664
107,808
740,399
734,406
319,701
3.97
3.97
4.01
19.1%
1.48
41.1
41.4
2.56
2.53
1,928
549,052
5,580
543,472
67,310
616,362
610,782
208,064
2.59
2.59
2.63
12.4%
0.97
47.6
48.0
2.56
2.53
1,928
$
$
$
$
513,196
7,676
505,520
113,409
–
626,605
618,929
218,549
2.73
2.70
2.76
14.8%
1.10
46.0
46.6
2.59
2.55
2,094
506,308
6,743
499,565
83,035
589,343
582,600
205,288
2.57
2.54
2.59
13.9%
1.05
45.6
46.2
2.59
2.56
1,788
470,757
8,138
462,619
94,982
–
565,739
557,601
187,163
2.36
2.35
2.39
14.2%
1.06
46.4
47.1
2.66
2.62
2,037
463,938
7,174
456,764
70,051
533,989
526,815
177,467
2.24
2.23
2.27
13.5%
1.02
45.6
46.3
2.66
2.62
1,715
$
111,637
$
13,261
$
9,696
1.38
1.38
1.38
80,442
0.86
22.18
38.16
21.04
25.13
0.16
0.16
0.17
80,034
0.78
19.52
43.30
32.61
37.75
0.12
0.12
0.12
79,147
0.70
17.45
33.75
27.04
33.44
$
22,838,527
2,994,534
19,475,383
19,365,407
1,187,623
1,910,907
9,293,683
1,882,736
$
20,635,046
2,697,185
17,536,489
17,373,014
1,036,990
1,693,527
10,101,698
1,795,975
$
18,527,742
2,580,327
15,581,842
15,631,040
820,650
1,598,507
8,423,972
1,901,146
8.5%
9.7
12.7
0.17
(0.11)
41
8.0%
9.3
12.8
0.15
(0.19)
41
8.0%
9.7
13.9
0.19
(0.14)
41
(1) On May 1, 2015, CWB sold its property and casualty insurance subsidiary and CWB’s stock transfer business.
The contributions of both the insurance and stock transfer businesses, including gains on sale, are defined
as “Discontinued Operations”, the remaining operations are defined as “Continuing Operations”, and the
total Continuing Operations and Discontinued Operations are defined as “Combined Operations”. Return
on shareholders’ equity reflects equity from Combined Operations. All other measures reflect either
Continuing or Combined Operations as indicated.
(3) Adjusted cash EPS is diluted EPS excluding the after-tax amortization of acquisition-
related intangible assets and the non-tax deductible change in fair value of contingent
consideration. These exclusions represent non-cash charges and are not considered
indicative of ongoing business performance.
(4) Return on common shareholders’ equity is calculated as common shareholders’ net income
divided by average common shareholders’ equity.
(2) Most banks analyze revenue on a taxable equivalent basis (teb) to permit uniform measurement and
(5) Return on assets is calculated as common shareholders’ net income divided by average total
comparison of net interest income. Net interest income (as presented in the Consolidated Statement of
Income) includes tax-exempt income on certain securities. Since this income is not taxable, the rate of
interest or dividends received is significantly lower than would apply to a loan or security of the same
amount. The adjustment to taxable equivalent basis increases interest income and the provision for income
taxes to what they would have been had the tax-exempt securities been taxed at the statutory rate. The
taxable equivalent basis does not have a standardized meaning prescribed by International Financial
Reporting Standards (IFRS) and, therefore, may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other
financial institutions.
ii
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report
assets.
(6) Efficiency ratio is calculated as non-interest expenses divided by total revenues, including
the net gain related to the sales of the property and casualty insurance subsidiary and
CWB’s stock transfer business and excluding the non-tax deductible change in fair value of
contingent consideration.
(7) Net interest margin is calculated as net interest income divided by average total assets.
(8) The decline in the number of full-time equivalent staff for combined operations during
2015 was related to the sale of the property and casualty insurance subsidiary and stock
transfer business.
Financial Performance Summary
Total Loans
(Excluding to the Allowance for Credit Losses)
($ millions)
Total Deposits
($ millions)
Total Notice and Demand Deposits*
($ millions)
Common Shareholders’ Net Income
from Combined Operations
($ millions)
Provision for Credit Losses
(as a percentage of average loans)
Book Value Per Share and Growth Percentage
$25.00
$20.00
$15.00
$10.00
$5.00
$0.00
13%
9.48
13%
10.70
14%
12.16
8.39
(1)
16%
14.08
-1%
13.87
15%
15.94
9%
17.45
12%
19.52
13%
22.18
2006
2011
(1) As of 2011, financial results are reported under IFRS, as opposed to GAAP, and are not directly comparable.
2007
2008
2009
2010
2012
2013
2014
2015
Dividends Paid Per Common Share
*Values adjusted to reflect 2 for 1 stock dividend paid in 2007
$1.00
$0.80
$0.60
$0.40
$0.20
$0.00
0.34
0.42
0.25
0.44
0.44
0.54
0.62
0.70
0.78
0.86
2006
2007*
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report
iii
15,653201314,035201212,365201117,6062014201519,57012,50014,25015,63119,3652015201420132012201117,3733,991*4,459*5,010*5,762*6,719*320201520111502012172201318720142190.19%20130.19%20120.19%20110.15%201420150.17%12,50014,25015,63119,3652015201420132012201117,3733,991*4,459*5,010*5,762*6,719*
About CWB
Group
Canadian Western Bank Group (TSX:CWB) is a
diversified financial services organization providing
specialized service in business and personal banking,
equipment financing and leasing, trust services, and
wealth management for businesses and individuals.
With headquarters in Edmonton, Alberta, CWB Group is recognized for its in-
depth industry knowledge and unique brand of personal service, and has grown to
become the 7th largest publicly traded schedule 1 bank in Canada in terms of market
capitalization. Banking and wealth management services are offered primarily across
the four western provinces, while equipment financing and leasing and trust services
are available across Canada. Online banking services and residential mortgages are
available nationwide, with the exception of Quebec.
Table of Contents
CWB Group ......................................................................... i
Three Year Financial Summary ............................................. ii
Financial Performance Summary ......................................... iii
Introduction ........................................................................ 1
Business Strategy and Lines of Business ............................... 2
Interview with the President and CEO, Chris Fowler ............. 4
Message from the Chair, Allan Jackson ............................... 6
Corporate Governance ........................................................ 8
Management’s Discussion and Analysis ............................. 11
Consolidated Financial Statements .................................... 68
Shareholder Information ................................................. 109
Locations ........................................................................ 110
1
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report Our Strategic Direction
Business Highlights
and Opportunities
Vision
To be seen as crucial to our clients’ futures.
CWB Group is focused on becoming the trusted financial
partner to a growing base of clients. We will continue
to deliver responsive service and sensible solutions while
preserving our fundamental identity as a conservative,
growth-oriented organization built on a results-oriented
culture. In doing so, we maintain a supportive environment
for employees, provide strong long-term returns for
shareholders and give back in the communities where we
live and work.
CWB Group’s strategic direction extends from our cross-
functional, group-wide approach to strategic management.
We focus on key activities that contribute the greatest impact
toward the achievement of CWB Group’s vision, and are
represented by both financial and non-financial measures.
This approach is facilitated through an emphasis on four
inter-dependent pillars within CWB Group’s strategic
direction, summarized as follows:
Clients
Be the trusted financial partner.
People
Invest in our people and live our
values.
Support
Drive operational excellence,
balance risk and reward and build
funding sources.
Financial
Sustain profitable growth, maintain
our efficiency and build revenue
sources.
2
Financial Highlights
• Completed strategic divestitures of Canadian Direct
Insurance and the stock transfer business of Valiant Trust,
contributing $1.33 to earnings per diluted common share
from combined operations.
• Achieved double-digit loan growth on a percentage basis
for the 25th time in 26 years.
• Maintained CWB’s strong track record for consistent
profitability with our 111th consecutive profitable quarter.
• Sustained CWB’s track record for solid credit quality with a
provision for credit losses at the low end of management’s
target range.
• Diversified CWB’s funding mix with very strong growth
in preferred types of branch-raised deposits.
Non-financial Highlights
• Relocated to significantly expanded branch premises in
both Prince George, BC, and Medicine Hat, AB.
•
•
Introduced CWB Core Funds, our first proprietary mutual
funds managed in-house for distribution through CWB
branches.
Introduced our Community Banking Program, offering
special rates and incentives for charitable and community
organizations.
• Completed build and functional testing phases of CWB’s
new core banking system. Initated system integration
testing and user training.
• Launched the CWB Group Ethics Program, providing
employees with a comprehensive guide for conducting
our business legally, ethically, responsibly, and in
accordance with our values.
• Donated Over $405,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters
through the ongoing success of the Greater Interest
GIC, bringing total program donations to $2.1 million
since inception.
• Commenced enterprise-wide enhancement of a Three
Lines of Defense risk governance framework.
Strategic Opportunities
• Redeployment of divestiture proceeds through strategic
and accretive opportunities, with a focus on equipment
financing and leasing, and wealth management.
•
Increased use of technology for improved client service and
banking convenience, as well as cross-sell opportunities
and overall efficiency within the branch network.
• Further optimization of CWB’s funding mix through
ongoing growth in preferred types of branch-raised
deposits and capital markets funding.
• Progress toward eventual transition to the Advanced
approach for calculating risk-weighted assets, with
expected benefits to risk management processes, capital
flexibility and overall profitability for shareholders.
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report Lines of Business
BANKING
We set ourselves apart through our commitment to service
excellence, coupled with our in-depth understanding of the
markets where our clients do business. We specialize in business
banking services and equipment financing for small- to medium-
sized businesses, and offer a full complement of personal banking
products and services. We pride ourselves on offering relevant
products that help our clients manage all aspects of their business
and personal finances.
Business Banking
Canadian Western Bank’s targeted complement of products and
services assist businesses with their operating and capital needs.
We specialize in general commercial banking, financing for commercial
real estate and real estate construction, and energy lending.
Personal Banking
Canadian Western Bank offers a full complement of personal
banking services including chequing and savings accounts,
mortgages, home equity lines of credit, personal loans and investment
products through our branch network across Western Canada.
Optimum Mortgage, our broker-sourced alternative mortgage
provider, offers personalized borrowing solutions for clients who fall
outside of traditional lending guidelines. This year Optimum was
awarded six out of ten gold medals and earned the highest overall
average score in Canadian Mortgage Professional Magazine’s ninth
annual Brokers on Lenders Survey.
Equipment Financing and Leasing
With operations across Canada, our equipment leasing subsidiary,
National Leasing, is the largest Canadian lessor in small and mid-
size commercial equipment transactions. Financing solutions are
available in all business sectors, with a focus on general commercial,
agriculture, health care, transportation, construction, and golf and turf.
Our branch-based equipment lenders specialize in financing
standard industrial equipment for borrowers operating within our
branch footprint in Western Canada.
Our Calgary-based Broker Buying Centre selectively acquires loan
portfolios from the finance divisions of original equipment manufacturers.
TRUST SERVICES
We administer our clients’ financial assets on their behalf with great
attention to detail. We provide service that our clients can trust,
while offering customized and sensible solutions. We offer
personalized pension, trustee and custodial solutions for individuals
and businesses through Canadian Western Trust.
WEALTH MANAGEMENT
Rooted in planning ahead to make the most of every opportunity,
CWB Wealth Management takes a unified approach to deliver
sound service, helpful solutions and ongoing support to help clients
achieve their vision for the future.
Financial planning and investment products are offered at Canadian
Western Bank branches through our licensed mutual fund
representatives. Under the Canadian Western Financial banner, clients
have access to a range of investment products from Canada’s leading
mutual fund companies including CWB’s proprietary Core funds.
High net-worth individuals and institutions looking for discretionary
wealth management will find value in working with our boutique
companies, Adroit Investment Management and McLean & Partners
Wealth Management. With distinct investment strategies, clients have
access to various approaches that are well-suited to their risk appetite.
Awards and Accolades
Optimum Mortgage ranked as the top alternative
lender, earning six out of ten gold medals and the
highest overall average score
Awarded by Canadian Mortgage Professionals Magazine
National Leasing named One of Manitoba’s Top
Employers, One of Canada’s 10 Most Admired
Corporate Cultures and One of Canada’s Best Small
and Medium Employers
Awarded by Canada’s Top 100, Waterstone Human
Capital and Aon Hewitt, respectively
Governance Gavel Award for Best Disclosure of
Governance Practices and Approach to Executive
Compensation by a Small-Cap Issuer
Awarded by the Canadian Coalition for Corporate
Governance
Philanthropy Awards in the areas of Community
Enrichment, Education and Health
Awarded by the Edmonton Association of Fundraising
Professionals
Named to the Best Employers in Canada list for the
10th consecutive year
Awarded by Aon Hewitt
Award of Excellence and Award of Merit for
communications
Awarded by IABC Edmonton
3
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report Interview with
Chris Fowler,
President and CEO
CWB had an eventful year in 2015 – what stands out the most for
you?
The magnitude of change in 2015 is what really stands out for me,
both internally and within our operating environment. The change over
which we were in full control was the implementation of a significant
refinement in CWB’s strategic direction through the sales of Canadian
Direct Insurance and the stock transfer business of Valiant Trust. These
divestitures represented an important shift for us, and we implemented
them with great care.
With respect to our operating environment, the world today looks
quite different than it did last year. Most importantly, we are faced
with a significant change in the economic outlook for parts of Western
Canada due to the drop in the price of oil. We also have a new provincial
government in Alberta, and more recently a new federal government
in Ottawa. In their own way, each of these changes was relatively
unexpected and the way they will each shape the future remains
uncertain. I’m very proud of the way our people have stepped up to
address the important opportunities and challenges presented through
each of these changes, and I’m grateful for the extraordinary effort put
forward by our teams throughout the organization.
Having said all that, CWB’s collaborative spirit is not the only thing which
remained consistent. Once again, we delivered very strong financial
performance and continued to build long-term value for stakeholders.
In that way 2015 was much like many of the years which came before.
Also unchanged was our commitment to CWB’s core values and the
behaviours which set us apart from our competitors, including personal
service, responsiveness, caring and a common-sense approach to doing
business. With this in mind as we look to the future, I believe we’re well
positioned to open a new chapter in CWB’s growth story.
How do this year’s divestitures align with CWB’s strategic
direction?
It’s important to recognize that these were purposeful, strategic
business decisions directly aligned with CWB’s long-term strategy. Our
process to evaluate the best mix of businesses to extend and deepen
our client relationships started well over a year before the divestiture
announcements. We remain determined to create the right opportunities
to grow our businesses and deliver long-term value for shareholders,
and we took significant time to determine the potential future growth
for each Group company. Ultimately we concluded that home and auto
insurance, and the stock transfer line of business were better suited to
other industry participants.
We realized a very strong return from these transactions, and the
proceeds have enabled us to focus on investing in our core areas of
banking, including equipment financing and alternative mortgages, trust
services and wealth management. We are also better equipped to support
ongoing investment in improved technology, training and other initiatives
to ensure we have a robust foundation for growing our business.
What are your primary strategic priorities as CEO?
I can assign CWB’s main strategic priorities to four categories: people,
technology, funding, and capital.
Banking is, at its heart, a human endeavour. It’s about using our
expertise to help our clients achieve their financial goals, and cultivating
a workplace that our employees want to be a part of. More than our
ability to understand numbers, it’s our ability to understand our clients
that differentiates us from our competitors. Knowing what clients care
about, and knowing how to help is the key. To maintain this competitive
advantage, we are providing tools, training and development opportunities
to support our clear strategy for achievement of profitable growth. Our
success is determined by measuring how our client relationships grow and
how our people grow and evolve within our culture.
Our focus on people integrates directly with our investment in technology.
A key goal in 2016 is to deliver the technological functionality and
capabilities of our new core banking system. Our goal is to enhance
our client relationships and the way we manage our business. This new
system will provide better access to the financial tools and accounts our
clients have with CWB, and allow us to provide targeted solutions to
enhance the potential in each relationship. But the system alone won’t
get us where we want to go. To achieve our goals we must use our
improved systems in unique ways. In other words, the new system is very
powerful in its own right, but success will be up to us.
4
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report Our investment in technology also directly integrates with our strategic
focus on funding and capital management. Funding diversification
is among the key benchmarks through which we will determine
whether we’re truly getting the most from the intersection of our client
relationships and our technology. Within our current competitive and
regulatory environments, it is imperative that we further diversify funding
sources and shift our funding mix to emphasize preferred types of branch-
raised deposits. Lower cost funding is a key support for profitable growth.
I’m pleased to report that we delivered very strong 17% growth in
branch-raised notice and demand deposits this year, and there’s certainly
more we can do. Our new banking system enables us to continue to
build on the expanded range of business and personal financial services
we can offer, including cash management for businesses and wealth
management for individuals, both of which have significant potential to
support our funding diversification objectives.
The new banking system also provides us with a pathway for leveling
the playing field with respect to capital management. We will have
the technology necessary to facilitate our eventual transition from the
Standardized approach to the advanced internal ratings based (AIRB)
approach for calculating risk weighted assets. The AIRB approach will put
us on more equal footing with our competition by adding risk sensitivity
to CWB’s framework for capital management, increasing our risk
quantification processes, improving our risk-based pricing and economic
capital estimations, and enhancing our ability to fully comply with new
accounting standards. We made significant progress this year on data
preparation, initial model development, design and implementation
of risk management platforms for related technology systems and the
establishment of program governance activities. Our transition is still a
few years out, but we look forward to further articulating the potential
benefits down the road.
Are there opportunities for CWB Group to expand further via
acquisition? And if so, in what areas are these opportunities most
likely to arise?
When we announced our divestitures early in fiscal 2015 we
communicated our intention to redeploy excess capital toward strategic
and accretive acquisitions with a preference for opportunities in
equipment financing and leasing, and wealth management. We remain
committed to pursuing this strategy, with our appetite for acquisitions
balanced against the need to maintain prudent levels of capital in view
of ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty and the constraints placed on
organic capital generation by the persistent low interest rate environment.
In addition to a strong economic and strategic fit, it has also always been
CWB’s priority to ensure a strong cultural alignment when pursuing
acquisitions. It’s not enough for the math to work. An attractive culture
for us is one which resembles ours, where people are passionately
engaged, where they are inclined to serve clients and eager to lend a
hand when called upon, without losing the capacity for having fun.
Finding such a fit within the financial services industry is easier said
than done. Until the appropriate opportunities are identified, we are
comfortable carrying our current levels of regulatory capital and confident
in our ability to continue to build long-term shareholder value through our
existing group of companies.
What are you currently seeing in your markets as it relates to
competition?
When the western Canadian economy has been affected by commodity
price corrections or other factors in the past, banks based elsewhere
tended to pull back from our markets. In fact this tendency laid
the groundwork for the formation of CWB by a group of Alberta
entrepreneurs back in the early 1980’s. Our founders envisioned a
bank that would provide levels of personal service unheard of at other
financial institutions. Management practices would be nimble and non-
bureaucratic, with local decision-making based on prudence and common
sense. They believed the big banks tended to overreact to economic
downturns in Western Canada and passed up good business as a result.
Our founders set out to attract business from the solid companies that
could weather the storms. They succeeded, and we continue to build on
that legacy by winning the same type of business today.
So far in this cycle we haven’t seen our competitors repeat their past
behaviour. To me this indicates their agreement that Western Canada is
an attractive place to do business and the region presents many exciting
growth opportunities for the future. We know there is value in staying
in the market through the cycle. It builds loyalty with clients and ensures
we’re well positioned to thrive when external challenges are resolved.
We expect our ongoing commitment through the current cycle will pay
dividends down the road.
While other parts of Western Canada seem to be performing
well, Alberta and Saskatchewan have been affected by the oil
price correction. What is your business outlook for the coming
year in view of this change in economic leadership?
While we expect modest growth opportunities in Alberta and
Saskatchewan in 2016, we expect a more positive outlook for BC,
Manitoba and for our growing markets outside of Western Canada. We
have a strong pipeline of new business across our geographic footprint
and within each of our key portfolios. Our relatively conservative
expectations for loan growth reflect our intention to maintain a prudent
approach to growth in view of current macroeconomic challenges and
our reluctance to sacrifice quality in favour of balance sheet expansion.
In fact, the macroeconomic environment has presented us with an
excellent opportunity to contemplate the meaning of growth. To be sure,
growth is a powerful word for CWB. We can point with pride to double-
digit loan growth in 25 of our past 26 years. That’s remarkable, and so
consistent that it has become our signature. It’s no wonder when we
speak of growth we tend to focus on this particular metric.
However, we believe growth should be measured not only by magnitude,
but also by impact. We know that loans alone won’t get us where we
want to go. As we continue our evolution, we are determined to focus on
metrics which measure dimensions of our growth that have the greatest
long-term impact on stakeholder value. This is why we have elected to
migrate from target ranges for annual financial performance which put
loan growth in the foreground, to medium-term target ranges which
emphasize measures of financial performance reflective of the objectives
embedded within CWB’s strategic direction and a time horizon more
consistent with the interests of our stakeholders. By no means are we
abandoning our long-term objective to deliver industry-leading high
quality loan growth funded through a stable deposit franchise. However,
by shifting our key performance benchmarks from immediate growth in
loans to longer-term growth of earnings power and profitability, along
with measures of capital strength and shareholder return, we intend to
demonstrate our ability to sustain meaningful growth in manner that is
not wholly dependent on size.
As we go forward, growth is about expanding our influence within
our targeted markets. Growth is about enhancing the capabilities
of our organization to help our clients succeed and to continue to
support a culture in which our people are able to come into their
own. This is an exciting time for CWB. We are on the front end of an
important transformation in technology and the way we approach our
balance sheet, which will enable more robust relationships with our
clients, a higher sustainable growth rate and further profitable growth
opportunities. In positioning ourselves to serve our clients more fully and
more efficiently, I believe that CWB is becoming more of what people
wish their financial institution could be.
That said, amidst all this change, our values remain the same. To sum
them up, and to emphasize the ongoing importance of growth to our
identity, I’ll repeat the advice given to me by Tracey Ball, CWB’s long-
serving Chief Financial Officer who retired last year. It’s simple common
sense and it remains a great recommendation today: grow, be nimble,
don’t bet the farm, always remember the bottom line and never give up.
5
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report Message from
Allan Jackson,
Chair of the Board
Success in a challenging year
Most companies do well in a strong economy. The test of a great
company is how well it does during downturns. It is a source of
great pride for CWB that, since its beginning in 1984, it has grown
profitably through every downturn. The year 2015 will be remembered
by Canadians for a long time. The price of petroleum collapsed, which
had its greatest impact on the oil producing provinces, but also briefly
took all of Canada into recession. This year will also be remembered
by CWB as yet another in which we profitably and responsibly grew
our businesses.
A refined strategic direction
Our strategic vision is to be seen as crucial to our clients’ futures.
Eighteen months ago, the Board worked with management to
thoroughly evaluate each Group company to determine the best
mix of business lines to help us to achieve this vision. We concluded
further investment in Canadian Direct Insurance and the stock transfer
business of Valiant Trust, although both impressive, well-managed
companies, would no longer support our vision. The decision was
made that they should be sold and the capital redeployed. We sold
both businesses during 2015 and we are very pleased with the prices
achieved, establishing new valuation benchmarks in both industries.
We believe that directing our focus toward targeted and complementary
offerings in banking, trust and wealth management is the best way for
CWB to achieve its vision and the strategic objectives which support it.
We are evolving to better meet our clients’ needs through investment
in our people and technology, and through enhanced product and
service offerings. We are also expanding our services in more Canadian
markets outside of the West, and continue to look for opportunities to
add new, aligned companies to the Group. However, as we do so we
are not changing the way we do business. Our focus on exceptional
client service and common-sense decisions continue to be a hallmark
of our business model.
A continuous pursuit of governance best practices
At CWB, we have always placed significant value on strong board
governance and we continually assess the most appropriate manner of
incorporating best practices into our governance activities. We believe
in honest, transparent communication, both internally and externally,
to ensure that stakeholders have the opportunity to fully comprehend
the decisions being made and to know who is making them. I’m
proud to say that the CWB Board received the 2015 Governance Gavel
Award for “Best Disclosure of Governance Practices and Approach
to Executive Compensation” from the Canadian Coalition for Good
Governance.
6
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report An ongoing focus on our approach to risk management
As a bank, CWB is in the business of taking risk. If we take too little
risk, we do not grow profitably. If we take too much risk, we can
lose money and potentially endanger the business. Managing risk is
thus one of the most important responsibilities of a successful bank,
and it has always been a major objective for CWB. In support of this
objective, we have developed an enterprise-wide risk framework
and welcomed Bogie Ozdemir to CWB’s executive team as Chief
Risk Officer. Mr. Ozdemir is a risk management leader in Canadian
banking and takes us to the next level in risk management, a critical
achievement as our businesses continues to grow and become
more complex. In addition, the Directors’ Loans Committee has
been transitioned into a Board Risk Committee, inclusive of a loan
adjudication panel, with additional responsibility for specific oversight
previously fulfilled by the entire Board. As a result, the Board can now
focus more of its energy on strategic and operational issues that are
fundamental to the continuing success of CWB.
Looking ahead
This annual report represents my fifth and final year as Chair of
the Board for CWB, and my 31st year as a Director of CWB and its
predecessor, the Bank of Alberta. It’s difficult to comprehend the
magnitude of CWB’s achievements during that time. I am immensely
proud of what we have accomplished, the team we’ve built, the value
we’ve created for shareholders, the jobs we’ve supported and the
considerable economic impact we’ve had in Canada.
As I prepare to hand over the reins to our incoming chair, Bob Phillips,
I know that CWB is in good hands. We operate in a rapidly changing
world, and to remain relevant, we must evolve to accommodate the
future. However, some things will never change. CWB will continue
to operate from an unshakeable foundation of honesty, integrity
and the desire to do the right thing for our people, our clients, our
shareholders and the communities in which we work.
CWB’s story is truly unique in the history of Canadian banking,
and I believe the best is yet to come.
Thank you from CWB
In March 2016, at CWB’s 32nd annual shareholders’ meeting, our Chairman, Allan Jackson, will retire from the Board of Directors after
31 years of strong stewardship and unfailing commitment to CWB Group, including the past five years as Chair. Allan first demonstrated
his support as a founding shareholder and director of CWB’s predecessor institution in 1984. He has consistently exemplified the highest
standard of personal integrity, and has played an important role in many major business decisions during his tenure. Allan has made
invaluable contributions to this organization’s culture and success, and has helped to create a strong footing upon which CWB will
continue to grow.
Allan, please accept our highest praise for your many years of dedication and service. We are truly thankful.
7
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report Corporate Governance
At CWB Group, we strive to earn and maintain the trust of our
stakeholders through high standards of corporate governance, and
have embedded rigorous oversight and governance practices into our
business processes. We work continuously to enhance and improve
our governance practices and the transparency of disclosure with the
recognition that this commitment directly contributes to the creation
of long-term shareholder value and the sound functioning of our
organization.
The Board of Directors (the Board) is responsible for the overall
stewardship of CWB Group, including the development and monitoring
of the organization’s governance structure, review and approval of
the risk management framework, and for fostering a culture of ethical
conduct and accountability.
Risk Management
The Board plays an integral role in CWB Group’s risk management
processes and directly oversees risk management to ensure a
comprehensive approach to risk. As CWB has continued to grow in size
and complexity, the Board has created a risk committee, which came
into effect on September 4, 2015, that assists the Board in satisfying
its risk oversight responsibilities. The Risk Committee balances risks
versus rewards while ensuring management has policies, processes and
procedures in place to identify and effectively manage the significant risks
to which CWB Group is exposed.
Board Independence and Effectiveness
Members of the Board have been carefully selected for their judgment,
integrity, leadership ability and general business expertise, as well as
their knowledge of financial services and/or key geographic markets
and businesses where CWB Group operates. After the March 5, 2015
annual general meeting, the Board was comprised of twelve business
and community leaders who guided and monitored implementation of
CWB Group’s strategy. Eleven of the twelve directors are independent,
with Mr. Fowler, CWB’s President and CEO, serving as the only non-
independent member. It is a regulatory requirement for a bank’s CEO to
serve on its board.
Because succession planning is integral to the sound functioning of
an evolving board, the Board has developed a skills and competency
self-evaluation process. Results are reviewed annually, and are used
as a guiding factor in the overall Board succession plan. In addition, in
alternating years, the effectiveness of the Board and the contributions
of individual directors are assessed by a third party to ensure the
Board maintains an appropriate complement of skills, experiences and
qualifications.
Governance Structure
To ensure strong governance in the areas of audit, governance, human
resources and risk management, committees made up of directors are
given specific oversight roles in which they report back to the Board as
a whole. Mandates of the Board and each committee are available in
the Corporate Governance section at cwb.com.
8
Board Committees*
Ethical Conduct
At CWB Group, ethical conduct is not only a legal and regulatory
requirement, but a core value that facilitates the development of strong
relationships with clients and other stakeholders in the communities
where we operate.
The CWB Group Code of Conduct, called Living our Values, guides
our decision-making and sets the standards of integrity, honesty and
accountability that CWB Group teams and individuals are expected to
follow. Every director and employee commits to Living our Values each
year by making an acknowledgment that they have read, understood and
complied with the Code of Conduct. Our policy encourages employees to
raise concerns about ethical conduct and ensures they can speak without
fear of retaliation by enabling anonymous reporting of concerns through
the CWB Group Ethics Hotline. All concerns and complaints, however
raised, are investigated and appropriate action taken.
CWB Group 2015 Annual ReportAudit Committee(Robert A. Manning, Chair, Linda M.O. Hohol, Allan W. Jackson, Robert L. Phillips, Raymond J. Protti, H. Sanford Riley and Alan M. Rowe)• Reviews and discusses CWB Group’s financial disclosures with management and external auditors• Recommends the external auditor to shareholders• Oversees organization’s internal controlsGovernance Committee(Albrecht W.A. Bellstedt, Chair, Allan W. Jackson, Raymond J. Protti and Ian M. Reid)• Reviews existing governance practices to ensure alignment with legal requirements, regulatory requirements and industry best practices• Works with CWB Group management to foster a culture of ethical conduct• Acts as the conduct review committee and the nominating committeeHuman Resources Committee(Alan M. Rowe, Chair, Andrew J. Bibby, Allan W. Jackson, Robert A. Manning, Sarah A. Morgan-Silvester, Robert L. Phillips and H. Sanford Riley)• Oversees CWB Group’s human capital and ensures that the organization’s succession plans are adequate• Leads compensation review and recommendation process• Oversees the structure of executive compensationRisk Committee(Sarah A. Morgan-Silvester, Chair, Albrecht W.A. Bellstedt, Andrew J. Bibby, Linda M.O. Hohol, Allan W. Jackson and Ian M. Reid, Chair of Risk Committee’s Loan Adjudication Panel)• Oversees risk management• Establishes lending policies and guidelines for CWB Group and establishes lending limits for management• The Risk Committee’s Loan Adjudication Panel evaluates and approves loan applications that exceed management’s lending limits* The Risk Committee was formed effective September 4, 2015. The membership of the Board’s committees was revised on that date. Board of Directors
Board of Directors from left to right (October 31, 2015): Raymond J. Protti, Corporate Director; Robert L. Phillips, President, R.L. Phillips Investments Inc.; Linda M.O. Hohol, Corporate
Director; H. Sanford Riley, President and CEO, Richardson Financial Group Limited; Ian M. Reid, Corporate Director; Chris H. Fowler, President and CEO, Canadian Western Bank;
Allan W. Jackson (Chair), President and CEO, ARCI Ltd.; Alan M. Rowe, Partner Crown Realty Partners; Sarah A. Morgan-Silvester, Corporate Director; Robert A. Manning, President,
Cathton Investments Ltd.; Albrecht W. A. Bellstedt, President, A.W.A. Bellstedt Professional Corporation; Andrew J. Bibby, CEO and Director, Grosvenor Americas Partners.
Governance Recognition
CWB’s commitment to provide responsible governance and
transparent disclosure to shareholders has been recognized by the
Canadian Coalition for Corporate Governance (CCCG). In 2015,
CWB was honoured to receive the CCCG award for Best Disclosure
of Governance Practices and Approach to Executive Compensation
by a Small-Cap Issuer.
For more information
To encourage open dialogue with shareholders, the Board can be
contacted directly about corporate governance issues by emailing
ChairoftheBoard@cwbank.com. Detailed information about CWB
Group’s corporate governance practices is available in the Corporate
Governance section at cwb.com.
Shareholders are also welcome to attend CWB’s annual shareholder
meeting in March 2016 to meet with directors and senior management,
and hear about CWB’s future direction. Shareholders are encouraged to
review CWB’s management proxy circular for information on how they
can attend and participate in the annual shareholder meeting.
Compensation Programs
CWB Group’s director and executive compensation policies are
strongly aligned with governance best practices. For the past four
years, CWB has asked shareholders to vote on CWB’s approach to
executive compensation and has received support. To further ensure
that compensation is competitive and fair, the Human Resources
Committee seeks the advice of independent compensation advisors.
In addition, directors and senior officers are required to maintain a
minimum level of share ownership to encourage decision-making
that aligns with the interests of shareholders.
Proactive Approach to Governance
CWB Group takes a proactive approach to ensure excellence in
corporate governance, and the Board is committed to continuous
improvement of governance policies and procedures. Some of the
best practices adopted by the Board include:
• Creation of diversity targets with the objective of having at least
25% of both the Board and the Executive Committee consist of
female members by 2018;
•
Introduction of a compensation recoupment policy to discourage
short-term decision-making and excessive risk-taking;
• Retention of a compensation consultant to ensure executive
compensation is aligned with best practices; and,
• The requirement for the Board and each Board committee to
have in camera sessions without management present at every
meeting.
9
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report Corporate Management
Chris H. Fowler
President and Chief Executive Officer
Chris Fowler became president
and chief executive officer of
Canadian Western Bank Group in
March 2013, concurrent with his
appointment as chair of CWB’s
Executive Committee and his
election to the Board of Directors.
Prior to this appointment,
Mr. Fowler served as president
and chief operating officer, where
he was primarily responsible for
banking operations and credit risk
management.
H. Bogie Ozdemir
Executive Vice President
and Chief Risk Officer
H. Bogie Ozdemir is responsible
for providing executive leadership,
vision and direction regarding
CWB’s overall approach to risk
management and compliance. In his
role, Mr. Ozdemir oversees credit risk
management, credit analytics, group
risk and regulatory compliance.
Greg Sprung
Executive Vice President, Banking
Greg Sprung is responsible for
all branch operations, including
personnel, new branch locations,
business and personal banking,
equipment financing, and real estate
lending. He also provides executive
oversight for the business operations
of Optimum Mortgage, CWB’s
broker-sourced mortgage business.
Carolyn J. Graham, FCPA, FCA
Executive Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer
Carolyn Graham plays a lead role in
all financial and regulatory matters, as
well as strategic planning and other
initiatives. Her primary responsibilities
currently include finance, treasury,
capital management, investor
relations, communications, internal
audit, and legal services.
Randy W. Garvey, FCPA, FCMA, CFA, CDir
Executive Vice President, Corporate Services
Randy Garvey is responsible for
information services, marketing,
operations, centralized services
and facilities management. He also
provides executive oversight for
CWB’s trust and wealth management
businesses.
Kelly Blackett
Executive Vice President, Human Resources
Kelly Blackett is responsible for
providing executive leadership,
vision and direction regarding
CWB’s overall approach to Human
Resources, including Learning and
Development. Ms. Blackett also
contributes at the executive level to
a range of strategic planning and
other initiatives.
10
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
BUSINESS PROFILE AND STRATEGY 11
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
TAXABLE EQUIVALENT BASIS (TEB)
NON-IFRS MEASURES
12
13
13
GROUP FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE 14
OVERVIEW
NET INTEREST INCOME
NON-INTEREST INCOME
NON-INTEREST EXPENSES
AND EFFICIENCY
INCOME TAXES
RESULTS OF DISCONTINUED
OPERATIONS
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
CASH AND SECURITIES
LOANS
CREDIT QUALITY
14
19
20
22
24
25
26
26
27
31
ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES
PROVISION FOR CREDIT LOSSES
DEPOSITS
32
33
34
CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING POLICIES
AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT
PRESENTATION
OTHER ASSETS AND OTHER LIABILITIES 35
FUTURE CHANGES IN
LIQUIDITY MANAGEMENT
CAPITAL MANAGEMENT
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND
OTHER INSTRUMENTS
ACQUISITIONS
OFF-BALANCE SHEET
SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY
36
38
41
42
42
ACCOUNTING POLICIES
RISK MANAGEMENT
RISK MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW
REPORT ON PRINCIPAL RISKS
CREDIT RISK
MARKET RISK
CAPITAL RISK
RESULTS AND FOURTH QUARTER 43
OPERATIONAL RISK
QUARTERLY RESULTS
FOURTH QUARTER OF 2015
ACCOUNTING POLICIES
AND ESTIMATES
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
43
45
47
47
INSURANCE RISK
OTHER RISK FACTORS
UPDATED SHARE INFORMATION
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
49
49
50
51
56
56
58
63
64
66
66
67
67
BUSINESS PROFILE AND STRATEGY
Canadian Western Bank (TSX:CWB) offers a diverse range of financial
services and is the largest publicly traded Schedule I Canadian
bank headquartered in Western Canada. The Bank, along with its
subsidiaries, National Leasing Group Inc. (National Leasing), Canadian
Western Trust Company (CWT), Adroit Investment Management Ltd.
(Adroit), McLean & Partners Wealth Management Ltd. (McLean &
Partners) and Canadian Western Financial Ltd. (CWF), are together
known as Canadian Western Bank Group (CWB or CWB Group).
CWB operates in the financial services areas of banking, trust and
wealth management. With a focus on mid-market commercial
banking, real estate and construction financing, and equipment
financing and leasing, CWB’s strategy is based on building strong
customer relationships and providing value-added services to
businesses and individuals in Western Canada and targeted markets in
other provinces. CWB also delivers a wide variety of personal financial
products and services, including personal loans and mortgages,
deposit accounts, investment products and other banking services.
Customer access to all banking services is primarily provided through
a network of 41 client-focused branches in select locations across the
four western provinces. National Leasing specializes in commercial
equipment leasing for small- and mid-sized transactions and is
represented across all provinces of Canada. CWT provides trustee
and custody services to independent financial advisors, corporations,
brokerage firms and individuals. Optimum Mortgage (Optimum)
underwrites and administers residential mortgages sourced through an
extensive network of mortgage brokers located in Western Canada,
Ontario and Atlantic Canada. Both Adroit and McLean & Partners
specialize in discretionary wealth management primarily for high
net-worth individuals. Third-party mutual funds and proprietary CWB
Core Funds are offered with financial and investment planning advice
in bank branches through CWF, CWB’s mutual fund dealer subsidiary.
Canadian Direct Financial® (CDF) is CWB’s Internet-based division
offering a range of deposit and registered savings products directly to
customers in all provinces and territories except Quebec.
Strategic Transactions
On May 1, 2015, CWB completed the divestitures of its property and
casualty insurance subsidiary, Canadian Direct Insurance (CDI), and
the stock transfer business of Valiant Trust. These transactions resulted
from a strategic assessment initiated in 2014, and the combined gains
on sale contributed $1.33 of earnings per diluted common share.
Total sales proceeds represented approximately 15 times the combined
normalized annual earnings contributions of divested operations.
Revenue, expenses and gains on sale associated with the businesses
sold have been classified as “Discontinued Operations” in CWB’s
consolidated statements of income for all periods. The remaining
operations are defined as “Continuing Operations” and the total of
Discontinued Operations and Continuing Operations are defined as
“Combined Operations”.
Details of divestiture gains and financial results of Discontinued
Operations are provided in Note 3 to the annual consolidated financial
statements. The proceeds of sale may be subject to further post-
closing adjustments and costs.
CWB intends to deploy capital generated from these transactions in
due course for strategic and accretive opportunities aligned with its
strategic direction and management is actively pursuing opportunities
for investment and/or acquisitions. CWB’s primary areas of interest
in this respect are equipment finance and leasing, and wealth
management.
11
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report
objectives and strategies, targeted and expected financial results
and the outlook for CWB’s businesses or for the Canadian economy.
Forward-looking statements are typically identified by the words
“believe”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “estimate”, “may
increase”, “may impact”, “goal”, “focus”, “potential”, “proposed”
and other similar expressions, or future or conditional verbs such as
“will”, “should”, “would” and “could”.
By their very nature, forward-looking statements involve numerous
assumptions and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties, which
give rise to the possibility that management’s predictions, forecasts,
projections, expectations and conclusions will not prove to be
accurate, that its assumptions may not be correct and that its strategic
goals will not be achieved.
A variety of factors, many of which are beyond CWB’s control,
may cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations
expressed in the forward-looking statements. These factors include,
but are not limited to, general business and economic conditions
in Canada, including the volatility and level of liquidity in financial
markets, fluctuations in interest rates and currency values, the volatility
and level of various commodity prices, changes in monetary policy,
changes in economic and political conditions, legislative and regulatory
developments, legal developments, the level of competition, the
occurrence of natural catastrophes, changes in accounting standards
and policies, the accuracy and completeness of information CWB
receives about customers and counterparties, the ability to attract and
retain key personnel, the ability to complete and integrate acquisitions,
reliance on third parties to provide components of business
infrastructure, changes in tax laws, technological developments,
unexpected changes in consumer spending and saving habits, timely
development and introduction of new products, and management’s
ability to anticipate and manage the risks associated with these
factors. It is important to note that the preceding list is not exhaustive
of possible factors.
Additional information about these factors can be found in the Risk
Management section of this Management’s Discussion and Analysis
(MD&A). These and other factors should be considered carefully,
and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these
forward-looking statements as a number of important factors could
cause CWB’s actual results to differ materially from the expectations
expressed in such forward-looking statements. Unless required by
securities law, CWB does not undertake to update any forward-
looking statement, whether written or verbal, that may be made from
time to time by it or on its behalf.
Assumptions about the performance of the Canadian economy over
the forecast horizon and how it will affect CWB’s businesses are
material factors considered when setting organizational objectives
and targets. In determining our expectations for economic growth,
we primarily consider economic data and forecasts provided by the
Canadian government and its agencies, as well as an average of
certain private sector forecasts. These forecasts are subject to inherent
risks and uncertainties that may be general or specific. Where relevant,
material economic assumptions underlying forward-looking statements
are disclosed within the Outlook sections of this MD&A.
Vision
To be seen as crucial to our clients’ futures.
CWB is focused on becoming the trusted financial partner to a
growing base of clients. CWB will continue to deliver responsive
service and sensible solutions while preserving its fundamental
identity as a conservative, growth-oriented organization built on a
results-oriented culture. In doing so, CWB maintains a supportive
environment for employees, aims to provide strong long-term returns
for shareholders and gives back in the communities where employees
and clients live and work.
CWB’s strategic direction extends from the organization’s cross-
functional, group-wide approach to strategic management. CWB’s
leaders focus on key activities that contribute the greatest impact
toward the achievement of CWB’s vision, and are represented by both
financial and non-financial measures.
This approach is facilitated through an emphasis on four inter-
dependent pillars within CWB’s strategic direction, summarized as
follows:
Clients
Be the trusted financial partner.
People
Invest in our people and live our values.
Support
Drive operational excellence, balance risk and
reward and build funding sources.
Financial
Sustain profitable growth, maintain our
efficiency and build revenue sources.
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in
accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and
are presented in Canadian dollars.
The following pages contain management’s discussion of the financial
performance of CWB and a summary of quarterly results. Additional
information relating to CWB, including the Annual Information Form,
is available on SEDAR at sedar.com and on CWB’s website at cwb.com.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
From time to time, CWB makes written and verbal forward-looking
statements. Statements of this type are included in the Annual
Report and reports to shareholders and may be included in filings
with Canadian securities regulators or in other communications
such as press releases and corporate presentations. Forward-looking
statements include, but are not limited to, statements about CWB’s
12
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report
TAXABLE EQUIVALENT BASIS (TEB)
NON-IFRS MEASURES
Most banks analyze revenue on a taxable equivalent basis to permit
uniform measurement and comparison of net interest income. Net
interest income (as presented in the consolidated statements of
income) includes tax-exempt income on certain securities. Since this
income is not taxable, the rate of interest or dividends received is
significantly lower than would apply to a loan or security of the same
amount. The fiscal 2015 adjustment to taxable equivalent basis from
Combined Operations of $6.0 million (2014 – $7.7 million), and from
Continuing Operations of $5.6 million (2014 – $6.7 million), increases
interest income and the provision for income taxes to what they would
have been had the tax-exempt securities been taxed at the statutory
rate. The taxable equivalent basis does not have a standardized
meaning prescribed by IFRS and, therefore, may not be comparable to
similar measures presented by other banks. Total revenues, net interest
income and income taxes are discussed on a taxable equivalent basis
throughout this MD&A.
Taxable equivalent basis, adjusted cash earnings per common
share, return on common shareholders’ equity, return on assets,
efficiency ratio, net interest margin, common equity Tier 1, Tier 1
and total capital adequacy ratios, and average balances do not have
standardized meanings prescribed by IFRS, and, therefore, may not
be comparable to similar measures presented by other financial
institutions. The non-IFRS measures used in this MD&A are calculated
as follows:
• Taxable equivalent basis – described above;
• Adjusted cash earnings per common share – diluted earnings per
common share excluding the after-tax amortization of acquisition-
related intangible assets and the non-tax deductible change in fair
value of contingent consideration (see calculation below). These
exclusions represent non-cash charges and are not considered to be
indicative of ongoing business performance;
• Return on common shareholders’ equity – net income available to
common shareholders divided by average common shareholders’
equity;
• Return on assets – net income available to common shareholders
divided by average total assets;
• Efficiency ratio – non-interest expenses divided by total revenues
excluding the non-tax deductible charge for the fair value of
contingent consideration;
• Net interest margin – net interest income divided by average
total assets;
• Basel III common equity Tier 1, Tier 1 and total capital ratios
– in accordance with guidelines issued by the Office of the
Superintendent of Financial Institutions Canada (OSFI); and,
• Average balances – average daily balances.
Adjusted common shareholders' net income (Combined Operations)(1)
($ thousands)
Common shareholders' net income
Adjustments:
Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets (after tax)
Contingent consideration fair value change
Adjusted common shareholders' net income
Adjusted common shareholders' net income (Continuing Operations)(1)
($ thousands)
Common shareholders' net income
Adjustments:
Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets (after tax)
Contingent consideration fair value change
Adjusted common shareholders' net income
2015
2014
$
319,701
$
218,549
3,006
638
3,527
1,000
$
323,345
$
223,076
2015
2014
$
208,064
$
205,288
3,006
638
3,453
1,000
$
211,708
$
209,741
(1) On May 1, 2015, CWB sold its property and casualty insurance subsidiary and CWB’s stock transfer business as described in Note 3 of the annual consolidated financial statements. Revenues, expenses and
gains on sale associated with the businesses sold are defined and classified on the consolidated statements of income for all periods as “Discontinued Operations”. The remaining operations are defined
as “Continuing Operations”, and the total of Continuing Operations and Discontinued Operations are defined as “Combined Operations”. Return on shareholders’ equity reflects equity from Combined
Operations. All other measures reflect either Continuing or Combined Operations as indicated.
13
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report
GROUP FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
OVERVIEW
Highlights of 2015 for Combined Operations (compared to 2014)
• Common shareholders’ net income of $319.7 million, up 46%,
• Completed divestitures of Canadian Direct Insurance and the
including $111.6 million from Discontinued Operations.
• Diluted earnings per common share of $3.97, up 47%, and
adjusted cash earnings per common share of $4.01, up 45%.
stock transfer business of Valiant Trust Company on May 1st, with
gains on sale contributing approximately $1.33 to earnings per
diluted common share.
• Return on common shareholders’ equity of 19.1% and return on
assets of 1.48%, compared to 14.8% and 1.10%, respectively,
in 2014.
Highlights of 2015 for Continuing Operations (compared to 2014)
• Record common shareholders’ net income of $208.1 million,
up 1%.
• Record diluted and adjusted cash earnings per common share
• Solid credit quality as evidenced by the provision for credit losses
measured as a percentage of average loans of 17 basis points,
up two basis points.
of $2.59 and $2.63, respectively, both up 2%.
• Cash dividends paid to common shareholders of $0.86 per
• Return on common shareholders’ equity of 12.4%, down 150
basis points – partly reflecting the impact of divestiture gains
on total shareholders’ equity – and return on assets of 0.97%,
down 8 basis points.
• Strong loan growth of 11%, marking the achievement of
double-digit loan growth in 25 of the past 26 years.
• Strong deposit growth of 11%, including 17% growth in
branch-raised notice and demand deposits.
share, up 10%.
• Strong Basel III capital ratios under the Standardized approach
for calculating risk-weighted assets of 8.5% common equity Tier
1 (CET1), 9.7% Tier 1, and 12.7% total capital.
• Completed build and functional testing phases of CWB’s new
core banking system. Commenced system integration testing
and user training programs, with deployment scheduled for mid-
fiscal 2016 based on a revised budget of $71 million.
14
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report Table 1 – Select Annual Financial Information(1)
($ thousands, except per share amounts)
Key Performance Indicators
(Combined Operations)(2)
Total revenues (teb)
Total revenues
Net income available to common shareholders
Earnings per share
Basic
Diluted
Adjusted cash(1)
Provision for credit losses as a
percentage of average loans
Net interest margin (teb)(1)
Net interest margin
Efficiency ratio (teb)(1)(4)
Efficiency ratio
Return on common shareholders' equity
Return on assets
Key Performance Indicators
(Continuing Operations)(2)
Total revenues (teb)
Total revenues
Net income available to common shareholders
Earnings per share
Basic
Diluted
Adjusted cash(1)
Net interest margin (teb)(1)
Net interest margin
Efficiency ratio (teb)(1)(4)
Efficiency ratio
Return on common shareholders' equity
Return on assets
Other Financial Information
(Combined Operations)(2)
Total assets
Debt
2015
2014
2013
$
%
Change from 2014
$
740,399
$
626,605
$
565,739
$
113,794
734,406
319,701
618,929
218,549
557,601
187,163
115,477
101,152
3.97
3.97
4.01
2.73
2.70
2.76
2.36
2.35
2.39
1.24
1.27
1.25
18%
19
46
45
47
45
0.17%
0.15%
0.19%
2bp(3)
2.56
2.53
41.1
41.4
19.1
1.48
2.59
2.55
46.0
46.6
14.8
1.10
2.66
2.62
46.4
47.1
14.2
1.06
(3)
(2)
(490)
(520)
430
38
$
616,362
$
589,343
$
533,989
$
27,019
5%
28,182
2,776
0.02
0.05
0.04
610,782
208,064
582,600
205,288
526,815
177,467
2.59
2.59
2.63
2.56
2.53
47.6
48.0
12.4
0.97
2.57
2.54
2.59
2.59
2.56
45.6
46.2
13.9
1.05
2.24
2.23
2.27
2.66
2.62
45.6
46.3
13.5
1.02
$ 22,838,527
$ 20,635,046
$ 18,527,742
$
2,203,481
1,187,623
1,036,990
820,650
150,633
5
1
1
2
2
(3)bp(3)
(3)
200
180
(150)
(8)
11%
15
10
Dividends per common share
0.86
0.78
0.70
0.08
(1) See page 13 for a discussion of teb and non-IFRS measures.
(2) On May 1, 2015, CWB sold its property and casualty insurance subsidiary and CWB’s stock transfer business as described in Note 3 of the annual consolidated financial statements. Revenues, expenses and
gains on sale associated with the businesses sold are defined and classified on the consolidated statements of income for all periods as “Discontinued Operations”. The remaining operations are defined as
“Continuing Operations”, and the total of Continuing Operations and Discontinued Operations are defined as “Combined Operations”. Total revenues from Combined Operations include $107.8 million of
divestiture gains. Return on shareholders’ equity reflects equity from Combined Operations. All other measures reflect either Continuing or Combined Operations as indicated.
(3) bp – basis points.
(4) A decrease in the ratio reflects improved efficiency, while an increase reflects deterioration.
15
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report
Summary of Combined Operations
Summary of Continuing Operations
Common shareholders’ net income increased 46% over 2014 to
$319.7 million, including divestiture gains of $107.8 million, while
diluted earnings per common share of $3.97 ($3.97 basic) was up
47% from $2.70 ($2.73 basic). Adjusted cash earnings per share,
which is diluted earnings per common share excluding the after-tax
amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets and the non-
tax deductible change in fair value of contingent consideration, was
$4.01, up 45%. Earnings growth resulted from the combination of
divestiture gains, higher net interest income and lower dividends paid
on CWB preferred shares, partly offset by lower non-interest income,
increased non-interest expenses and a higher provision for credit
losses. Growth in net interest income was driven by strong 11% loan
growth, partially offset by the impact of a three basis point reduction
in net interest margin (teb) to 2.56%. Increases in most categories of
non-interest income were more than offset by an $18 million decrease
in the contribution from net gains/losses on securities, the absence of
operating contributions from divested businesses in the second half of
this year, and a $3.4 million decrease in ‘other’ non-interest income
reflecting the gain on sale of CWB’s former Edmonton Main Branch
premises last year. Net losses on securities of $4.3 million (2014 – gain
of $13.6 million) primarily resulted from active risk management in
view of macroeconomic conditions and changes in the pricing and
liquidity of the Canadian preferred share market. The increase in non-
interest expenses primarily reflects higher salaries and benefits, mainly
resulting from annual salary increments and the implementation this
year of a short-term incentive plan for non-executive employees, as
well as increased premises and other expenses to facilitate business
growth. The annual provision for credit losses of 17 basis points was
at the low end of management’s target range of 17 – 22 basis points,
reflecting ongoing stable credit quality.
Record common shareholders’ net income of $208.1 million increased
1% compared to 2014, while diluted and adjusted cash earnings per
common share were both up 2% to $2.59 and $2.63, respectively.
Earnings growth primarily resulted from the same factors discussed
above, excluding divestiture gains. The efficiency ratio (teb) – which
measures non-interest expenses as a percentage of total revenues
(teb) excluding the non-tax deductible charge for the change in fair
value of contingent consideration – of 47.6% increased 200 basis
points from last year, as 5% growth in total revenues (teb) was
offsetby a 9% increase in non-interest expenses. Higher total revenues
reflect the changes in net interest income and non-interest income
discussed above. The increase in non-interest expenses also reflects
the above-mentioned factors.
Return on common shareholders’ equity of 12.4% was down 150
basis points while return on assets decreased eight basis points
to 0.97%. Lower return on common shareholders’ equity partly
resulted from the increase in common shareholders’ equity related to
divestiture gains. Total cash dividends paid to common shareholders of
$0.86 per share increased 10% from $0.78 per share paid in the prior
year, and resulted in a dividend payout ratio of 33% of total common
shareholders’ net income from Continuing Operations.
Total assets increased 11% to reach $22,839 million. Loans and
deposits each grew 11% in the year to reach $19,475 million and
$19,365 million, respectively. Total branch-raised deposits increased
9%, while the demand and notice component within branch-raised
deposits was up 17%. Strong growth in branch-raised deposits,
including the demand and notice component, reflects the success
of ongoing strategies to further enhance and diversify core funding
sources. Total branch-raised deposits represented 54% of total
deposits at October 31, 2015, relatively unchanged from 55% last
year. The demand and notice component comprised 35% of total
deposits, up from 33% last year. The balance of deposits raised
through the capital markets was $351 million lower compared to
October 31, 2014, while personal fixed rate term deposits raised
through the deposit broker network increased $1,452 million
reflecting comparative pricing advantages within the deposit broker
channel this year. The ratio of total deposits to total loans at October
31, 2015 was effectively 1:1, relatively unchanged from a year earlier.
The maintenance of solid capital levels is fundamental to CWB’s
objectives to effectively manage risks and support strong growth.
Inclusive of contributions from divestiture gains of 60 – 70 basis
points, the Basel III common equity Tier 1 (CET1), Tier 1 and total
capital ratios at October 31, 2015 of 8.5%, 9.7% and 12.7%,
respectively, were above both internal and regulatory minimums.
OSFI’s minimum Basel III regulatory capital ratios for CWB, which
include a 250 basis point capital conservation buffer, are 7.0% CET1,
8.5% Tier 1 and 10.5% total capital.
16
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report 2015 Performance Target Ranges
Gains on sale from the transactions involving CDI and Valiant
Trust contributed $1.33 of earnings per diluted common
share. Including these gains, growth in adjusted cash
earnings per common share and performance compared
to the target ranges for key profitability ratios surpassed
expectations established at the start of the year. Recognizing
the positive impacts of divestiture gains and the absence
of earnings contributions from CDI and Valiant Trust in the
second half of 2015, performance target ranges established
for the fiscal year are not meaningful for Continuing
Operations with the exception of targets related to loan
growth and the provision for credit losses.
Table 2
2015 Target Ranges for Performance from Combined Operations
Adjusted cash earnings per share growth of 5 – 8%
Loan growth of 10 – 12%
Provision for credit losses between 0.17 – 0.22% of average loans
Efficiency ratio (teb) of 47% or less
Return on common shareholders’ equity of 14.0 – 15.0%
Return on assets of 1.07 – 1.12%
Medium-term Performance Target Ranges
2015
Performance
45%
11%
0.17%
41.1%
19.1%
1.48%
Commencing in fiscal 2016, CWB will issue medium-term
performance target ranges reflecting key areas of shareholder
value. These measures of financial performance reflect the
objectives embedded within CWB’s strategic direction and a
medium-term time horizon consistent with the longer-term
interests of CWB shareholders. CWB’s performance target
ranges for key financial metrics over a three to five year time
horizon are presented in the following table:
Table 3
Annual adjusted cash earnings per common share growth(1)
Annual return on common shareholders’ equity
Operating leverage
Common equity Tier 1 capital ratio under the Standardized approach
Common share dividend payout ratio
Medium-term
Target Ranges
7 – 12%
12 – 15%
Positive
Strong
~30%
(1) Adjusted cash earnings per common share calculated as net income available to common shareholders, excluding the after-tax amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets and the
non-tax deductible charge for the fair value of contingent consideration, divided by the average number of common shares.
Medium-term performance target ranges are based on
expectations for moderate economic growth in Canada
over the forecast horizon. Achievement of overall financial
performance consistent with target ranges will be largely
driven by management’s commitment to continue to deliver
ongoing strong loan growth at levels relatively consistent
with CWB’s recent performance, further optimization
of CWB’s funding mix, stable credit quality, effective
expense management in consideration of revenue growth
opportunities, and prudent capital management.
Outlook for Continuing Operations
CWB Group has a positive outlook for 2016 despite increased
caution related to the portions of our businesses in Alberta and
Saskatchewan that are directly affected by materially lower
energy and other commodity prices. Financial performance will
continue to benefit from an expanding geographic footprint
with increased business diversification, as well as ongoing
success in other key strategic initiatives to build core funding
sources, enhance client offerings, and leverage current and
future investment in technology.
The impacts of elevated economic uncertainty and slower
economic growth compared to prior years will affect overall
financial performance, with general profitability and earnings
growth expected to be toward the low end of medium-term
target ranges over the early part of the forecast horizon.
CWB will continue to focus on prudent growth of secured
loans that offer an appropriate return and acceptable risk
profile. Net interest margin pressure is expected to persist
as continued success toward improving CWB’s funding mix
and emphasis on growing preferred types of branch-raised
deposits will only partially offset the impacts of ongoing very
low interest rates, a flat interest rate curve and competitive
influences. The achievement of 2016 loan growth equivalent
to recent levels in Alberta and Saskatchewan is expected
to be challenging in view of the economic impact of low
oil prices. However, CWB’s direct exposure to the energy
industry is relatively small at approximately 5 – 6% of total
loans outstanding. Management expects to deliver solid
overall loan growth at levels relatively consistent with recent
performance, primarily based on higher relative contributions
from non-oil producing provinces across CWB’s growing
geographic footprint.
17
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report
Overall credit quality is expected to continue to
reflect CWB’s secured lending business model, strong
underwriting practices and proactive loan management,
coupled with the management experience and financial
stability of CWB’s client base. CWB is closely monitoring
all accounts with particular focus on those located within
the oil-exporting provinces as the impact of low oil prices
works its way through all facets of the economy in 2016.
Expectations for ongoing stable credit quality allow for
increases in both gross impaired loans as a percentage
of total loans and the provision for credit losses as a
percentage of average loans, with the 2016 provision as
a percentage of average loans expected to fall within a
range of 18 – 23 basis points.
Based on the results of stress tests simulating severe
economic conditions in Alberta and Saskatchewan in
combination with very challenging economic conditions
throughout the rest of CWB’s geographic footprint over
a multi-year time frame, management is confident CWB
will continue to deliver positive earnings for shareholders
while maintaining financial stability and a strong
capital position. This expectation is supported through
stress tests that included the assumption of 150%
of CWB’s historical peak loss rates across all lending
segments occurring simultaneously within Alberta and
Saskatchewan, and 100% of peak loss rates occurring
simultaneously in all other regions, and persisting over
a three year period. The stress test assumptions also
include a persistent low interest rate environment and
significantly slower loan growth to reflect lower assumed
levels of economic activity that may be attributed to
a protracted period of very low oil prices, as well as
increased competition for deposits and much higher
levels of gross impaired loans that result in significant
compression of net interest margin.
In view of necessary investment in people, technology
and infrastructure underway to facilitate ongoing
implementation of CWB’s strategic direction, as well as the
low probability of meaningful short-term improvement in net
interest margin, management expects CWB’s efficiency ratio
to fluctuate at levels moderately higher than the recent past.
Positive operating leverage is expected over the medium-
term, but is likely to be slightly negative in the short-term.
Management is committed to disciplined control of all
discretionary expenses.
With its strong capital position under the more conservative
Standardized approach for calculating risk-weighted assets
and a targeted dividend payout ratio of approximately 30%,
CWB remains well positioned to support continued long-term
shareholder returns through growth in both earnings and
common share dividends. Ongoing support and development
of each of CWB Group’s core businesses will remain a key
priority, while potential strategic acquisitions continue to be
evaluated with a preference for opportunities in equipment
financing and leasing, and wealth management. Future
common share dividend increases will be evaluated against
the dividend payout ratio target, and will be influenced by
capital requirements to support expected asset growth under
the Standardized approach for calculating risk-weighted
assets. The impacts on earnings growth from challenges
related to macroeconomic uncertainty and persistent net
interest margin pressure will also be considered in the
evaluation of future dividend increases. On November 30,
2015, CWB redeemed all $300 million outstanding 4.389%
subordinated debentures. The redemption resulted in an $80
million reduction to CWB’s total regulatory capital, however,
CWB’s total capital ratio remains strong.
Further guidance related to management’s expectations for
specific measures of financial performance, as well as related
risk factors, is provided within the Outlook sections of this
MD&A
Unless otherwise noted, the following sections of this MD&A refer to financial performance from, and the outlook for, Continuing
Operations.
18
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report NET INTEREST INCOME
Net interest income is the difference between interest and dividends
earned on assets, and interest paid on deposits and other liabilities,
including debt. Net interest margin is net interest income as a
percentage of average total assets.
Highlights of 2015
• Net interest income (teb) increased 8% to a record $549.1
• Net interest margin (teb) of 2.56% was down three basis points
million primarily based on strong 11% loan growth.
as the combined benefits of reduced deposit costs, lower average
balances of cash and securities as a percentage of total assets, and
beneficial changes in deposit mix were more than offset by lower
asset yields.
Table 4 – Net Interest Income (teb)(1)
($ thousands)
Assets
Cash, securities and deposits with
regulated financial institutions
Securities purchased under
resale agreements
Loans
Personal
Business
Total interest bearing assets
21,142,089
2015
2014
Average
Balance
Mix
Interest
Interest
Rate
Average
Balance
Mix
Interest
Interest
Rate
$ 2,597,920
12% $ 48,142
1.85% $ 2,554,723
13% $
49,750
1.95%
46,359
–
341
0.74
43,495
–
419
0.96
3,027,366
15,470,444
18,497,810
339,097
14
72
86
98
2
119,358
736,009
855,367
903,850
3.94
2,674,108
4.76
13,960,477
4.62
16,634,585
4.28
19,232,803
–
0.00
308,576
14
71
85
98
2
106,832
693,077
799,909
850,078
–
4.00
4.96
4.81
4.42
0.00
$ 21,481,186
100% $ 903,850
4.21% $ 19,541,379
100% $ 850,078
4.35%
$ 10,614,819
50% $ 205,776
1.94% $ 9,926,667
51% $ 204,035
2.06%
Other assets
Total Assets
Liabilities
Deposits
Personal
Business and government
Other liabilities
Debt
Shareholders' equity
Non–controlling interests
7,579,692
18,194,511
332,050
1,150,251
1,803,047
1,327
35
85
2
5
8
–
110,774
316,550
288
37,960
–
–
1.46
6,836,427
1.74
16,763,094
0.09
3.30
0.00
0.00
226,266
887,737
1,663,248
1,034
35
86
1
5
8
–
107,147
311,182
36
32,552
–
–
Total Liabilities and Equity
$ 21,481,186
100% $ 354,798
1.65% $ 19,541,379
100% $ 343,770
Total Assets/Net Interest Income
$ 21,481,186
$ 549,052
2.56% $ 19,541,379
$ 506,308
1.57
1.86
0.02
3.67
0.00
0.00
1.76%
2.59%
(1) See page 13 for a discussion of teb and other non-IFRS measures.
Net interest income (teb) increased 8% to reach a record $549.1 million
driven by 10% growth in average interest earning assets. Growth in
average interest earning assets resulted from a combination of strong
11% growth in average loans and a 2% increase in average balances of
cash and securities.
Following each of two interest rate cuts by the Bank of Canada in
2015, CWB lowered its prime lending interest rate by 15 basis points
resulting in average prime rate of 2.84% for the year (2014 – 3.00%).
Generally, decreases in the prime rate negatively impact net interest
margin because prime-based loans reprice more quickly than deposits,
which subsequently compresses the interest spread earned on CWB’s
assets. The yield on CWB’s average loans fell by 19 basis points in 2015,
and the yield on average cash, securities and deposits with regulated
financial institutions was down 10 basis points. The latter change
reflects both the lower interest rate environment and an increase in the
proportion of cash and debt securities held compared to higher yielding
preferred shares and common equities. However, net interest margin
compression was relatively modest as average deposit costs fell 12 basis
points, management maintained lower average balances of cash and
securities as a percentage of total assets, and CWB realized beneficial
changes in deposit mix, partly through strong growth in branch-raised
notice and demand deposits.
19
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report
Outlook for Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin
Loan growth will continue to have a positive influence on
net interest income, but the combination of the persistent
very low interest rate environment, a relatively flat yield curve
and highly competitive markets for both loans and deposits
is expected to result in further pressure on net interest
margin compared to the 2.56% level realized in fiscal 2015.
Management expects to sustain positive momentum toward
beneficial changes in deposit mix through strong growth
in preferred types of branch-raised deposits and ongoing
development of new funding channels; however, the current
interest rate environment diminishes the incremental benefit
of low and no-cost deposits, as well as deposits that are
less interest sensitive. A sustained upward slope in the
interest rate curve and/or an increase in the prime lending
interest rate curve, and/or an increase in the prime lending
interest rate would benefit CWB’s net interest margin. CWB’s
interest rate would benefit CWB’s net interest margin. CWB’s
projections for 2016 assume no change in the prime rate.
projections for 2016 assume no change in the prime rate.
Competitive factors, particularly in certain business areas, are
Competitive factors, particularly in certain business areas,
expected to result in continued downward pressure on loan
are expected to result in continued downward pressure on
pricing and upward pressure on overall deposit costs. Changes
loan pricing and upward pressure on overall deposit costs.
in average balances of cash and securities also have an impact
Changes in average balances of cash and securities also
on net interest margin, with lower average balances generally
have an impact on net interest margin, with lower average
enhancing margin, and higher average balances having the
balances generally enhancing margin, and higher average
opposite effect. Consistent with its liquidity risk appetite, CWB
balances having the opposite effect. Consistent with its
expects to maintain average balances of cash and securities at
liquidity risk appetite, CWB expects to maintain average
prudent levels relatively consistent with 2015.
balances of cash and securities at prudent levels relatively
consistent with 2015.
NON-INTEREST INCOME
Highlights of 2015
• Non-interest income of $67.3 million, down 19%.
• Non-interest income represented 11% of total revenues (teb),
• Strong growth in credit related and retail services income.
down from 14% in 2014.
Table 5 – Non-interest Income
($ thousands)
Credit related
Wealth management
Retail services
Trust services
Gains (losses) on securities, net
Other(1)
Total Non-interest Income
2015
2014
$
27,855
$
25,014
$
14,448
13,697
10,816
(4,324)
4,818
13,871
11,398
10,920
13,615
8,217
Change from 2014
$
2,841
577
2,299
(104)
(17,939)
(3,399)
%
11%
4
20
(1)
nm
(41)
$
67,310
$
83,035
$
(15,725)
(19)%
(1) Includes foreign exchange gains/losses, contingent consideration fair value charges, gains on loan portfolio sales, lease administration services, fair value changes related to derivative financial instruments not
accounted for as hedges, gains/losses on land, buildings and equipment disposals, and other miscellaneous non-interest revenues.
nm – not meaningful
Non-interest income of $67.3 million was down 19% as the combined
benefit of strong growth in credit related income and retail services
fees, as well as higher wealth management revenues, were more than
offset by a $17.9 million decrease in net gains/losses on securities
and lower ‘other’ non-interest income. Growth in credit related and
retail services income of 11% and 20%, respectively, was consistent
with strong lending activity and the ongoing development of CWB’s
branch-raised deposit gathering franchise. Net losses on securities
reflect management of the securities portfolio through less favourable
market conditions this year, active risk management in view of
macroeconomic challenges, and changes in the pricing and liquidity
of the Canadian preferred share market. The 41% decrease in ‘other’
non-interest income mainly reflects the gain on sale of CWB’s former
Edmonton Main Branch premises last year.
Non-interest income as a percentage of total revenues (net interest
income and other income) was 11%, down from 14% in 2014.
20
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report
Outlook for Non-interest Income
Growth of non-interest income is expected to reflect the
extension and deepening of CWB’s relationships with both
new and existing clients. Increases are expected across most
categories of non-interest income reflecting CWB’s continued
focus on strong, high quality loan growth with associated
fee income, as well as enhanced transactional capabilities in
cash management and other retail services, including CWB’s
branch-raised deposit franchise. Net gains/losses on securities
are not expected to contribute materially to non-interest
income in 2016; however, the magnitude and timing of gains
or losses are dependent on market factors that are difficult
to predict. Solid growth is expected from Trust Services in
2016, resulting from increased market share and ongoing
business development. Management expects further increases
in core wealth management revenues to result from strong
organic growth at McLean & Partners and Adroit, as well as
the introduction of discretionary investment services to more
the introduction of discretionary investment services to more
CWB banking clients. The appointment of a President and Chief
CWB banking clients. The appointment of a President and
Executive Officer for CWB Wealth Management and further
Chief Executive Officer for CWB Wealth Management and
development of CWB’s regional wealth management specialist
further development of CWB’s regional wealth management
channel is expected to improve CWB Wealth Management’s ability
specialist channel is expected to improve CWB Wealth
to attract new clients through enhanced delivery of value-added
Management’s ability to attract new clients through enhanced
financial and investment planning services. CWB’s branch-based
delivery of value-added financial and investment planning
mutual fund dealer, Canadian Western Financial (CWF), also
services. CWB’s branch-based mutual fund dealer, Canadian
continues to perform well within this segment. Management
Western Financial (CWF), also continues to perform well
expects CWF to leverage the introduction of proprietary CWB
within this segment. Management expects CWF to leverage
Core Funds within CWB’s branch network in support of further
the introduction of proprietary CWB Core Funds within
growth in, and profitability of, assets under management. CWB
CWB’s branch network in support of further growth in, and
maintains its long-term objective to diversify total revenues and
profitability of, assets under management. CWB maintains
will continue with initiatives to further develop and/or acquire
its long-term objective to diversify total revenues and will
additional sources of complementary non-interest income.
continue with initiatives to further develop and/or acquire
additional sources of complementary non-interest income.
21
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report NON-INTEREST EXPENSES AND EFFICIENCY
Highlights of 2015
• The efficiency ratio (teb) of 47.6% increased 200 basis points compared to 2014, primarily reflecting the combined impact of higher
non-interest expenses and constrained growth in total revenues due to lower contributions from non-interest income and pressure
on net interest margin.
Table 6 – Non-interest Expenses and Efficiency Ratio
($ thousands)
Salaries and Employee Benefits
Salaries
Employee benefits
Premises
Rent
Depreciation
Other
Equipment and Software
Depreciation
Other
General
Professional fees and services
Marketing and business development
Banking charges
Regulatory costs
Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets
Postage and stationery
Travel
Loan-related credit reports
Community investment
Employee training
Communications
Staff relations
Capital and business taxes
General insurance
Employee recruitment
Other
2015
2014
$
Change from 2014
$ 160,352
$ 146,528
$
13,824
30,937
191,289
29,095
175,623
1,842
15,666
18,434
6,293
3,130
27,857
9,362
10,259
19,621
8,731
7,880
4,987
4,748
4,548
2,756
2,668
2,525
2,224
1,894
1,810
1,606
1,195
919
802
17,989
5,774
3,236
26,999
8,495
8,273
16,768
8,628
7,341
3,921
3,756
5,125
2,819
2,769
2,138
2,127
1,753
1,709
1,519
992
892
439
5,429
54,722
4,182
50,110
445
519
(106)
858
867
1,986
2,853
103
539
1,066
992
(577)
(63)
(101)
387
97
141
101
87
203
27
363
1,247
4,612
%
9%
6
9
2
9
(3)
3
10
24
17
1
7
27
26
(11)
(2)
(4)
18
5
8
6
6
20
3
83
30
9
Total Non-interest Expenses
Efficiency Ratio (teb)(1)(2)
$ 293,489
$ 269,500
$
23,989
47.6%
45.6%
9%
200 bp(3)
(1) Non-interest expenses as a percentage of total revenues (net interest income (teb) plus non-interest income) excluding the non-tax deductible change in fair value of contingent consideration. See page 3 for a
discussion of non-IFRS measures.
(2) A decrease in this ratio reflects improved efficiency, while an increase reflects deterioration.
(3) bp – basis points.
22
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report
Total non-interest expenses of $293.5 million were up 9% reflecting a
9% increase in salary and benefit costs due to a combination of hiring
activity in support of business growth, annual salary increments and
the implementation this year of a short-term incentive plan for non-
executive employees. The number of full-time equivalent employees
(FTEs) related to Continuing Operations grew 8% (140 FTEs) in
2015 to support the banking transformation project, and to meet
requirements for added client-facing services, corporate support and
other business expansion. Premises expense was relatively stable, up
only 2% excluding depreciation, while equipment expenses increased
24% excluding depreciation, reflecting the impact of resource
improvements in support of business growth.
expenses. General non-interest expenses were up 9% due to increases
in most areas, including $1.2 million higher ‘other’ general expenses
reflecting a $1.1 million increase in banking fees and small increases in
various categories.
The efficiency ratio (teb) – which measures non-interest expenses as
a percentage of total revenues (teb) excluding the non-tax deductible
charge for the fair value of contingent consideration – was 47.6%,
compared to 45.6% last year, primarily reflecting the combined impact
of higher non-interest expenses and constrained growth in total
revenues due to lower contributions from non-interest income and
pressure on net interest margin.
Ongoing investment in technology infrastructure necessary to position
CWB for future growth also contributed to the increase in non-interest
Figure 1 – Number of Full-time Equivalent Staff
2015
1,928 (+8%)
1,788 (+4%)
2,094* (+3%)
1,715 (+8%)
2,037* (+8%)
1,583 (+6%)
1,885* (+5%)
1,497 (+5%)
1,769* (+4%)
Continuing
Operations
Discontinued
Operations
* Combined
Operations
23
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report
Outlook for Non-interest Expenses and Efficiency
One of management’s key priorities is to deliver strong
long-term profitable growth through strategic investment
in people, technology, and infrastructure while maintaining
effective control of costs. This strategy is aligned with a
commitment to maximize long-term shareholder value and is
expected to provide material benefits in future periods.
Changes to non-executive compensation were implemented in
2015 to enable CWB to continue to attract and retain qualified
employees who fit the organization’s culture. These changes are
expected to be relatively cost-neutral going forward.
The major program to implement a new core banking
system is progressing as planned. Following completion
of comprehensive build phases, system testing and user
training programs are underway. Implementation is
scheduled for mid-fiscal 2016 based on a budget of $71
million, revised from earlier estimates. The implementation
schedule was revised this year from early- to mid-fiscal 2016
to accommodate management’s rigorous program control
requirements related to system testing. The core banking
and other technology investments are expected to provide
considerable efficiencies in the future, including improved
client relationship management capabilities and enhanced
data management. While the beneficial impact of these
efficiencies on CWB’s cost structure and revenues will be
realized over time, training costs will continue to be incurred
in the near-term and amortization expense is expected to
commence in the third quarter of 2016.
Certain technology investments, including loan origination and
lease management systems, as well as the core banking system,
are also key requirements to facilitate an eventual transition to an
advanced methodology for calculating risk-weighted assets and
regulatory capital.
CWB completed relocations to expanded premises of its branches
in Medicine Hat, Alberta, and Prince George, British Columbia,
in 2015. Additional opportunities to upgrade and expand branch
infrastructure continue to be reviewed.
Compliance with an increasing level of regulatory rules and
oversight for all Canadian banks requires the investment of both
time and resources.
Anticipated growth in total revenues (teb) should largely offset
the impact of increased investment necessary for effective
execution of CWB’s strategic direction over the medium-term.
However, in consideration of ongoing investment in growth
initiatives, including those discussed above, and expectations for
constrained net interest margin in the absence of increases in the
prime lending interest rate and/or sustained steepening of the
yield curve, periods of negative operating leverage may occur over
the short term. Management remains committed to disciplined
management of all discretionary expenses based on total revenue
growth, and has targeted positive operating leverage over a
medium-term, three-to five-year time horizon.
INCOME TAXES
The 2015 effective income tax rate (teb) was 26.3% compared to
26.0% in 2014, while the effective tax rate before the teb adjustment
was 24.9%, compared to 24.2% last year. Deferred tax assets and
liabilities represent the cumulative amount of tax applicable to
temporary differences between the carrying amount of assets and
liabilities, and their values for tax purposes. CWB’s deferred income
tax assets and liabilities relate primarily to the collective allowance
for credit losses and intangible assets. Deferred tax assets and
liabilities are measured using enacted or substantively enacted tax
rates anticipated to apply to taxable income in the years in which
those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.
Changes in deferred income taxes related to a change in tax rates are
recognized as income in the period of the tax rate change.
CWB recognized the benefit of all previous capital losses carried
forward (2014 – $8.2 million) through current income taxes related to
Discontinued Operations. The tax benefit of these losses had not been
previously recognized in the consolidated financial statements. The
20% increase in Alberta’s provincial corporate income tax rate, from
10% to 12%, effective July 1, 2015, did not have a material impact
on common shareholders’ net income in fiscal 2015, as the increase
was offset by a recovery on the related deferred tax asset revaluation.
Outlook for Income Taxes
CWB’s expected income tax rate (teb) for fiscal 2016 is approximately 27.5%, or 26.9% before the teb adjustment, with the increase
from 2015 primarily reflecting the higher corporate tax rate in Alberta. The impact of higher Alberta taxes on common shareholders’
net income is expected to be approximately $0.06 per share in 2016.
24
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report
(49)
(53)
(48)
(48)
(55)
(65)
nm
(59)
(56)
(43)
(71)
(71)
(71)
nm
nm
nm
nm
nm
RESULTS OF DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
Detailed financial results for Discontinued Operations are provided
within Note 3 to the annual consolidated financial statements. The
components of net income from Discontinued Operations included in
the consolidated statements of income, which are attributable entirely
Non-interest income (teb)
Non-interest Income
Net earned premiums
Commissions and processing fees
Net claims and adjustment expenses
Policy acquisition costs
Insurance revenues, net
Trust services
Gains (losses) on securities, net
Non-interest income
Total revenue (teb)
Non-interest expenses
Net income before income taxes
Income taxes (teb)
Net Income from Discontinued Operations before Net Gains on Sale
to CWB common shareholders, follow. Results for 2015 include
operating contributions from November 1, 2014 to April 30, 2015
compared to twelve full months in fiscal 2014:
2015
2014
$
$
3,875
$
6,888
$
(3,013)
%
(44)%
Change from 2014
66,262
742
(44,451)
(13,137)
9,416
3,221
(283)
12,354
16,229
11,104
5,125
1,296
3,829
130,410
(64,148)
1,580
(85,997)
(25,079)
20,914
9,076
384
30,374
37,262
19,472
17,790
4,529
13,261
(838)
41,546
11,942
(11,498)
(5,855)
(667)
(18,020)
(21,033)
(8,368)
(12,665)
(3,233)
(9,432)
Net gains on sale, after tax
107,808
–
107,808
Common Shareholders’ Net Income from Discontinued Operations
$
111,637
Earnings per common share
Basic
Diluted
Adjusted cash
nm = not meaningful
$
1.38
1.38
1.38
$
$
13,261
$
98,376
0.16
$
0.16
0.17
1.22
1.22
1.21
Common shareholders’ net income from Discontinued Operations for
2015 was $111.6 million, or $1.38 per common share, comprising
$107.8 million, or $1.33 per common share, of divestiture gains and
six months of operating contributions from the divested businesses.
Outlook for Discontinued Operations
Although the proceeds of sale may be subject to further post-closing adjustments and costs, contributions to common shareholders’
net income from Discontinued Operations are not expected to be material in 2016.
25
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Comprehensive income is comprised of net income and other
comprehensive income (OCI), all net of income taxes. CWB’s OCI
includes changes in unrealized gains and losses on available-for-
sale cash and securities, and fair value changes for derivative
instruments designated as cash flow hedges. The 2015 increase in
comprehensive income was primarily driven by 41% ($95.3 million)
higher net income from Combined Operations, primarily reflecting
$107.8 million of divestiture gains from Discontinued Operations,
partially offset by a $17.9 million decrease in realized gains/losses
on securities from Continuing Operations, before tax. Net losses on
securities compare to $10.3 million of gains, net of tax in 2014. OCI
was $43.9 million lower, mainly due to a $72.5 million reduction in
fair value of available-for-sale securities, net of tax, partially offset by
reclassifications to net income of derivatives designated as cash flow
hedges and available-for-sale securities. While the combined dollar
investment in preferred shares and common equities is relatively
small in relation to total liquid assets, it increases the potential for
comparatively larger fluctuations in OCI.
Table 7 – Comprehensive Income
($ thousands)
Net Income from Continuing Operations
Common Shareholders' Net Income from Discontinued Operations
Net Income from Combined Operations
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Available-for-sale securities
Gains (losses) from change in fair value, net of tax
Reclassification to net income, net of tax
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges
Gains from change in fair value, net of tax
Reclassification to net income, net of tax
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), net of tax
Total Comprehensive Income
Change from
2015
2014
$
214,965
$
218,038
$
111,637
326,602
13,261
231,299
(59,593)
6,612
(52,981)
7,846
3,640
11,486
(41,495)
12,882
(10,287)
2,595
3,372
(3,575)
(203)
2,392
2014
(3,073)
98,376
95,303
(72,475)
16,899
(55,576)
4,474
7,215
11,689
(43,887)
$
285,107
$
233,691
$
51,416
CASH AND SECURITIES
Cash, securities and securities purchased under resale agreements
totalled $2,995 million at October 31, 2015, compared to $2,697
million one year ago. The cash and securities portfolio is mainly
comprised of high quality debt instruments and a comparatively
smaller component of preferred and common shares. Securities are
not held for trading purposes and, where applicable, are typically
held until maturity. Fluctuations in the value of securities, other than
common equities, are generally attributed to changes in interest
rates and movements in market credit spreads. Volatility in equity
markets causes fluctuations in the value of common shares. Total net
unrealized losses before tax recorded on the balance sheet at October
31, 2015 were $76.2 million, compared to $3.4 million last year. Net
unrealized gains or losses are reflected in Table 8.
Table 8 – Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Available-for-Sale Cash and Securities
($ thousands)
As at October 31, 2015
As at October 31, 2014
Deposits with regulated financial institutions
Securties issued or guaranteed by:
Amortized
Cost
413,145
$
Net Unrealized
Gains (Losses)
Fair
Value
$
(377) $
412,768 $
Amortized
Cost
491,164 $
Net Unrealized
Gains (Losses)
1,373,476
(8,614)
1,364,862
763,866
626,300
347,322
198,325
81,528
(5,396)
(1,023)
620,904
559,923
346,299
289,490
(54,457)
143,868
325,051
(6,349)
75,179
154,359
$ 3,040,096
$
(76,216) $ 2,963,880 $ 2,583,853 $
(3,393) $ 2,580,460
Fair
Value
491,255
764,213
560,482
290,362
321,217
152,931
91 $
347
559
872
(3,834)
(1,428)
Government of Canada
A province or municipality
Other debt securities
Preferred shares
Common shares
Total
26
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report
The significant increase in unrealized losses on securities compared to
2014 primarily relates to a general repricing of the Canadian preferred
share market resulting from changes in interest rates and liquidity,
as well as the negative impact on pricing within the debt securities
market of interest rate changes. The level of unrealized losses on
securities is regularly reviewed. Impairment charges on common
shares are reflected in net gains/losses on securities based on available
objective evidence. At October 31, 2015, CWB assessed the securities
with unrealized losses and based on available objective evidence, no
impairment charges were included in net gains (losses) on securities,
net (2014 – $1.2 million). Impairment charges on debt securities and
preferred shares are reflected in net gains/losses on securities only in
the case of an issuer credit event. CWB has no direct investment in
any non-Canadian sovereign debt or other securities issued outside of
Canada or the United States.
Net losses on securities of $4.3 million were realized in 2015,
compared to net gains of $13.6 million in the prior year. Net realized
losses in 2015 were mainly attributed to management of the securities
portfolio through less favourable market conditions, active risk
management in view of macroeconomic challenges and changes in
the pricing and liquidity of the Canadian preferred share market.
See Table 26 – Valuation of Financial Instruments of this MD&A for
additional information on significant financial assets and liabilities
reported at fair value.
The balance and mix of cash and securities are managed as part of
CWB’s overall liquidity management process; additional information,
including management’s outlook for 2016, is included in the Liquidity
Management discussion of this MD&A.
LOANS
Highlights of 2015
• Strong 11% loan growth, within the 2015 performance target
range of 10 – 12%, largely driven by very strong performance
in personal loans and mortgages, real estate project loans and
equipment financing and leasing.
• Double-digit loan growth achieved in 25 of the past 26 years
(the exception being 2009 when loan growth during the global
credit crisis was 7%).
Table 9 – Outstanding Loans by Portfolio
($ millions)
Commercial mortgages
General commercial loans
Equipment financing and leasing
Personal loans and mortgages
Real estate project loans
Corporate lending(1)
Oil & gas production loans
Total Outstanding Loans
Change from 2014
2015
2014
$
3,839
$
3,574
$
3,805
3,772
3,318
3,266
1,257
313
3,525
3,394
2,841
2,871
1,147
254
$
265
280
378
477
395
110
59
%
7%
8
11
17
14
10
23
$
19,570
$
17,606
$
1,964
11%
(1) Corporate lending represents a diversified portfolio that is centrally sourced and administered through a designated lending group located in Edmonton. These loans include participation in select
syndications that are structured and led primarily by the major Canadian banks, but exclude participation in various other syndicated facilities sourced through relationships developed at CWB branches.
Total loans before the allowance for credit losses increased 11% to
reach $19,570 million at year end. Measured in dollars and by loan type
as shown in Table 9, growth in personal loans and mortgages of 17%
represented the strongest source, followed by real estate project loans
at 14%, and equipment financing and leasing at 11%. Of note, nearly
one quarter of CWB’s overall 2015 loan growth was originated outside
of Western Canada.
Personal loans and mortgages include CWB’s broker-sourced residential
mortgage business, Optimum, and lending activity in banking branches.
Total loans of $1,925 million in Optimum represented net growth of
31%. Over half of Optimum’s new business was originated in Ontario,
which now accounts for 44% of Optimum’s overall loan exposure by
geography. Adjusting for $29 million (2014 – $36 million) of residential
mortgages sold during the year, Optimum’s annual loan growth was
33%. Net growth was mainly driven by alternative mortgages secured
via conventional residential first mortgages carrying a weighted average
loan-to-value ratio at initiation of approximately 71%. The book value
of alternative mortgages represented approximately 88% (2014 – 85%)
of Optimum’s total portfolio. Management remains committed to the
ongoing development of this business, including further expansion in
Ontario and Atlantic Canada, as it continues to produce solid returns
while maintaining an acceptable risk profile.
Growth in real estate project loans remained strong as CWB has
continued to finance well-capitalized developers on the basis of sound
loan structures and acceptable pre-sale/lease levels. Total exposure to
real estate remains within CWB’s established risk appetite.
The balance of loans in equipment financing and leasing includes the
Bank’s heavy equipment financing business and the small- and mid-
ticket leasing business of National Leasing. Very strong growth of 23%
within National Leasing reflects the company’s solid market position and
coast-to-coast footprint. Areas outside of Western Canada account for
more than half of National Leasing’s leasing exposure by geography.
27
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report
General commercial loans increased 8%. Based on industry sector as
shown in Table 9, general commercial loans include categories such
as manufacturing, finance and insurance, and wholesale and retail
trade. CWB’s promising pipeline of new commercial loans, along with
management’s ongoing efforts to emphasize the strategic relevance
of this area in support of CWB’s funding diversification objectives,
reinforce expectations for strong relative growth in this portfolio
over time. Corporate lending represents a diversified portfolio that
is centrally sourced and administered through designated lending
groups. Corporate lending includes participation in select syndications
structured and led primarily by the major Canadian banks, but
excludes participation in various other syndicated facilities sourced
through relationships developed at CWB branches. Syndicated
facilities sourced in branches are primarily real estate project loans,
and oil and gas production loans, which are both included as separate
classifications in Table 9.
Figure 2 – Outstanding Loans by Portfolio
(October 31, 2014 in brackets)
The balance of oil and gas production loans, which represent a
relatively small percentage of the total portfolio, was up 23%,
primarily driven by increased usage of existing credit facilities.
The mix of the portfolio (see Figure 2) shifted very slightly during
the year as strong growth in personal loans and mortgages, and
real estate project loans led to a slight decrease in the proportion
of general commercial loans and corporate lending. Based on the
location of security (see Figure 3), Alberta and BC represented 41%
and 33% of total loans at year end, compared to 41% and 34%,
respectively, in 2014, with the slight shift resulting from strong relative
growth outside of Western Canada.
Corporate Loans
6% (7%)
Real Estate Project Loans
17% (16%)
Oil & Gas Production
2% (2%)
General Commercial Loans
19% (20%)
Personal Loans & Mortgages
17% (16%)
Equipment Financing
19% (19%)
Commercial Mortgages
20% (20%)
28
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report2+19+20+19+17+17+6
Outlook for Loans
Growth in Canada’s domestic economy is expected to continue
at a moderate pace in 2016, with expectations for particular
strength in British Columbia, Ontario and Manitoba. Taken
together, these three provinces account for greater than half of
CWB’s geographic exposure, and the current overall outlook for
generating new business opportunities continues to be positive.
Continued economic strength in the U.S. and a lower Canadian
dollar are expected to support an escalation of manufacturing
and exporting activity in all provinces, especially BC, Ontario
and Manitoba. The ongoing U.S. economic recovery, along with
export opportunities to Asian markets is expected to support the
continuation of solid forestry sector activity in BC. Manitoba’s
economy is diverse with positive economic growth contributions
mainly expected from agricultural and manufacturing exports.
Management believes ongoing strong overall loan growth at
levels relatively consistent with CWB’s recent performance will
be supported over the medium-term primarily through further
geographic diversification and the combined positive influences
of an expanded market presence, increased brand awareness,
and the effective execution of CWB’s strategic plan focused on
targeted client solutions and superior customer service.
Overall activity in Alberta continues to be supported by
maintenance expenditures related to long-term capital
investment in the oil sands. Following a contraction related to
the oil price shock, economic performance within Alberta and
Saskatchewan is expected to improve modestly from 2015 on
the basis of a moderate recovery in commodity prices. However,
a protracted period of low energy and other commodity prices
poses a risk to the outlook for economic growth in Canada
overall, and Alberta and Saskatchewan in particular. Although
CWB’s direct exposure to the energy industry is small relative
to its overall portfolio at approximately 5 – 6% of total loans
outstanding, and despite ongoing maintenance expenditures in
the oil sands, the level of overall capital expenditure within
the energy industry has undergone a material contraction,
with resulting negative impacts on employment, in-migration,
housing sector activity and consumer spending in the oil-
producing provinces. In view of these factors, the achievement of
2016 loan growth equivalent to recent historical levels in Alberta
and Saskatchewan is expected to be challenging. CWB’s direct
exposure to the energy industry includes direct loans to energy
producers of approximately 2% and direct lending to service-
related companies representing an additional 3 – 4%.
Canadian residential real estate markets, including those within
Alberta, have been resilient. Housing sector activity has been
particularly strong in BC and Ontario, with softer conditions
beginning to materialize in other provinces. Affordability in
most geographic areas remains within historical ranges, largely
reflecting very low interest rates. However, Canada Mortgage
and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has stated that Canada’s
housing market is modestly overvalued at the national level, with
Toronto, Winnipeg and Regina being the markets most at risk
of a correction. The combination of historically high price levels,
elevated levels of Canadian consumer debt and the potential for
increasing interest rates in the future could slow construction
and other related lending activity over time, particularly in
specific areas of Vancouver and Toronto. Reduced housing
sector activity is apparent in Alberta and Saskatchewan, and a
protracted period of low energy prices would be expected to
further dampen activity compared to the recent past.
Potential risks that could have a material adverse impact on
loan growth expectations include further material weakening of
energy and other commodity prices compared to average levels
observed in prior years, a slowing rate of economic growth in
the U.S., a significant and sustained deterioration in Canadian
residential real estate prices, or a significant disruption in major
global economies.
Diversification of Portfolio
Total advances based on location of security
Figure 3 – Geographical Distribution of Loans
(October 31, 2014 in brackets)
Manitoba
3% (3%)
Saskatchewan
7% (7%)
Ontario
12% (12%)
Other
4% (3%)
British Columbia
33% (34%)
Alberta
41% (41%)
29
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report 33+41+12+7+3+4 The following table illustrates the diversification in lending operations by standard industry sectors.
Table 10 – Total Advances Based on Industry Sector(1)
(% at October 31)
Construction
Real estate operations
Consumer loans and residential mortgages(2)
Transportation and storage
Finance and insurance
Health and social services
Hotel/motel
Oil and gas service
Oil and gas production
Manufacturing
Retail trade
Wholesale trade
Other services
Logging/forestry
All other
Total
2015
2014
22%
21
16
22%
22
15
7
6
4
4
3
2
2
2
2
2
2
5
7
5
5
4
3
2
2
2
2
2
2
5
100%
100%
(1) Table is based on the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes.
(2) Residential mortgages in this table include only single-family properties.
The loan portfolio is focused on areas of demonstrated lending
expertise, while concentrations measured by geographic area and
industry sector are managed within specified tolerance levels. The
portfolio is well diversified with a mix of business and personal loans.
Heavy equipment financing is primarily sourced by specialized lenders
within branches or through stand-alone equipment financing centres,
while small- and mid-sized leases are offered across Canada through
National Leasing. Oil and gas production lending is conducted by
specialists located in Calgary.
Real estate specialists are established in the major centres of
Vancouver, Edmonton and Calgary.
Optimum Mortgage maintains centralized administration based in
Edmonton and sources residential mortgages throughout Western
Canada and select regions of Ontario and Atlantic Canada through an
established network of mortgage brokers.
Outlook for Diversification of Portfolio
Growth is expected across all lending sectors with the exception
of oil and gas production loans. While relatively stronger economic
activity in BC and increased lending exposure in Ontario, Quebec
and Atlantic Canada are expected to lead to comparatively faster
growth in these areas, portfolio diversification by geography will
likely remain relatively consistent with October 31, 2015. Based
on the current view, management expects higher net growth in
areas such as equipment financing and leasing, personal loans and
mortgages, and general commercial loans compared to commercial
mortgages and real estate project loans. Commercial mortgages are
often subject to a higher level of pricing competition compared to
other types of lending, and CWB will remain focused on maintaining
this portfolio based on client relationships and adequate returns.
Expectations for slower growth in real estate project loans
compared to that achieved in 2015 reflect the combined
impact of this portfolio’s relatively short duration and
forecasted moderation in Canadian residential real estate
activity, particularly in certain geographical areas. Within the
parameters of its established risk appetite, CWB will continue
to finance well-capitalized developers on the basis of sound
loan structures and acceptable pre-sale/lease levels as such
opportunities arise. CWB maintains its long-term objective
to deliver further industry and geographic diversification,
and management will continue with initiatives to develop
and/or acquire complementary sources of high quality growth
with a preference for acquisition opportunities in equipment
financing and leasing.
30
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report
CREDIT QUALITY
Highlights of 2015
• Continued strong credit quality and an acceptable level of
write-offs.
• Gross impaired loans increased 53% from very low levels last
year and, as a percentage of total loans, represented 49 basis
points, compared to 35 basis points one year ago.
• The provision for credit losses of $31.0 million represented 17 basis
points of average loans, equivalent to the low end of the 2015
target range of 17 to 22 basis points, and up from an unusually low
level of 15 basis points in the prior year.
Impaired Loans
The loan portfolio is delineated through the assignment of internal
risk ratings to each borrower. The rating is based on assessments of
key evaluation factors for the nature of the exposure applied on a
consistent basis across the portfolio. The current rating system has
12 levels of risk and ratings are updated at least annually for all loans,
with the exception of consumer loans and single-unit residential
mortgages.
As shown in the table below, gross impaired loans totalled $94.9
million and represented 0.49% of total loans, compared to $62.1
million or 0.35% at the end of 2014. Gross impaired loans in Alberta
increased $24.0 million, primarily reflecting impairments within oil
and gas production loans and the equipment financing and leasing
portfolio. Taken together, the increase in gross impaired loans within
Alberta and Saskatchewan accounted for 66% of the overall annual
increase in impairments. The ten largest accounts classified as
impaired, measured by dollars outstanding, represented approximately
59% of total gross impaired loans at year end, up from 50%. New
formations of impaired loans totalled $120.3 million, compared to
$63.8 million last year.
Table 11 – Change in Gross Impaired Loans
($ thousands)
2015
2014
$
Change from 2014
Gross impaired loans, beginning of period
$
62,120
$
64,211
$
(2,091)
New formations
120,338
63,840
56,498
Reductions, impaired accounts paid down
or returned to performing status
Write-offs
Total, end of period(1)
(71,744)
(15,809)
(48,862)
(17,069)
(22,882)
1,260
$
94,905
$
62,120
$
32,785
Balance of the ten largest impaired accounts
$
55,665
$
31,308
$
24,357
Total number of accounts classified as impaired(2)
Total number of accounts classified as impaired under $1 million(2)
117
104
120
110
(3)
(6)
%
(3)%
88
47
(7)
53
78
(3)
(5)
Gross impaired loans as a percentage of total loans(3)
0.49%
0.35%
14bp(4)
(1) Gross impaired loans includes foreclosed assets held for sale with a carrying value of $979 (2014 – $2,393). CWB pursues timely realization on foreclosed assets and does not use the assets for its own
operations.
(2) Total number of accounts excludes National Leasing accounts.
(3) Total loans do not include an allocation for credit losses or deferred revenue and premiums.
(4) bp – basis point change.
The increase in gross impaired loans is consistent with management’s
expectations established last year. The dollar level of gross impaired
loans fluctuates as loans become impaired and are subsequently
resolved, and does not directly reflect the dollar value of expected
write-offs given tangible security held in support of lending exposures.
The higher balance of gross impaired loans reflects the increase in new
formations, partially offset by the success of ongoing loan realization
efforts and work-out programs. Actual credit losses as a percentage
of total loans continue to demonstrate the benefits of CWB’s secured
lending practices and disciplined underwriting.
Current estimates of expected write-offs for existing loans classified as
impaired are reflected in the specific provisions for credit losses, which
totalled $15.8 million at year end, compared to $5.5 million a year
earlier. Estimates are established through detailed analyses of both the
overall quality and ultimate marketability of the security held against
each impaired account.
The 2015 dollar provision for credit losses of $31.0 million increased
24%, reflecting both portfolio growth and the unusually low provision
in the previous year. Growth in the collective allowance of 11% was
consistent with the level of overall loan growth. The total allowance
for credit losses as a percentage of gross impaired loans (coverage
ratio) was 122%, down from 154% in 2014.
31
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report
The overall loan portfolio is reviewed regularly with credit decisions
undertaken on a case-by-case basis to provide early identification
of possible adverse trends. Loans that have become impaired are
monitored closely by a specialized team with regular quarterly, or more
frequent, reviews of each loan and its realization plan. Through the
third quarter of 2015, an impaired loans report was reviewed quarterly
by the Loans Committee of the Board of Directors. Commencing in
the fourth quarter of 2015, this report was reviewed by the newly
formed Board Risk Committee. Please see the Risk Management
section of this MD&A for further information.
Outlook for Impaired Loans
The combination of ongoing disciplined underwriting practices,
the secured nature of the loan portfolio and expectations
for moderate economic growth in Canada underpins
management’s view that overall credit quality will remain
sound. Gross impaired loans are expected to increase from the
current level reflecting normal fluctuations of the credit cycle
and the prospect of weaker near-term economic performance
within the oil producing provinces in Western Canada. With
respect to residential mortgage exposure through Optimum
Mortgage, management believes Optimum’s underwriting
internal controls adequately mitigate the key risk factors
associated with broker-sourced lending. Although gross
impaired loans within Optimum are expected to increase
in view of softer housing market conditions, particularly in
Alberta, Optimum is expected to continue to deliver strong
credit performance with an attractive risk profile through
ongoing selective underwriting in all of its markets, including
manual adjudication of each loan application. Management
remains confident in the strength, diversity and underwriting
structure of the overall loan portfolio and lending exposures
will continue to be closely monitored.
Potential risks that could have a material impact on the level
of impaired loans include further material weakening of
energy and other commodity prices compared to average
levels observed in prior years, a slowing rate of economic
growth in the U.S., a significant and sustained deterioration
in Canadian residential real estate prices, or a significant
disruption in major global economies.
ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES
The year-over-year change in the allowance for credit losses split
between the specific allowance by category of impaired loans and the
Table 12 – Allowance for Credit Losses
($ thousands)
Specific Allowance
Commercial
Real estate
Equipment financing and energy
Consumer and personal
Collective Allowance
Total
Represented by:
Loans
Committed but undrawn credit exposures(2)
Total
collective allowance for credit risk is provided in the table below.
2015
Opening
Balance
Provision
for Credit
Losses
Write-Offs,
net of
Recoveries(1)
2015
Ending
Balance
$
631
$
417
$
909
3,465
518
5,523
90,075
540
20,036
478
21,471
9,538
(920)
321
(9,855)
(734)
(11,188)
–
$
128
1,770
13,646
262
15,806
99,613
$
95,598
$
31,009
$
(11,188)
$
115,419
$
94,401
21,018
$
115,419
(1) Recoveries in 2015 totalled $4,622.
(2) The collective allowance for credit losses related to committed but undrawn credit exposures is included in Other Liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.
Allowances for credit losses are maintained to absorb both identified
and unidentified losses in the loan portfolio and, at October 31, 2015,
consisted of $15.8 million (2014 – $5.5 million) of specific allowances
and $99.6 million (2014 – $90.1 million) in the collective allowance
for credit losses. The specific allowance includes the amount of
accumulated provisions for losses required to reduce the carrying
value of identified impaired loans to their estimated realizable value.
The collective allowance for credit risk includes allowances for losses
inherent in the portfolio that are not presently identifiable on an
account-by-account basis. Policies and methodology governing the
management of the collective allowance are in place.
32
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report
An assessment of the adequacy of the collective allowance for credit
losses is conducted quarterly in consideration of:
• the estimated period of time between when the impairment occurs
and when the loss is identified; and,
• historical trends in loss experience during economic cycles;
• the current portfolio composition and profile;
• historical loss experience in portfolios that display similar credit risk
characteristics;
• management’s judgment as to whether current economic and credit
conditions are such that the actual level of inherent losses at the
balance sheet date is likely to be greater or less than that suggested
by historical experience.
Outlook for Allowance for Credit Losses
Specific allowances will continue to be determined on an
account-by-account basis and reviewed at least quarterly.
Lower levels of specific allowances are expected in strong
economic times and higher levels of specific allowances
in weaker economic times. As such, the level of specific
allowances may increase as a result of relative economic
weakness within the oil producing provinces in Western
Canada. The collective allowance is expected to fluctuate
as a result of portfolio growth and normal progress through
the credit cycle. Based on management’s current outlook
for credit performance and CWB’s actual historical loss
experience, the existing level of the collective allowance
is considered sufficient to mitigate losses inherent in the
portfolio that are not presently identifiable.
PROVISION FOR CREDIT LOSSES
The provision for credit losses represented 17 basis points of average
loans in 2015 (see Table 13), up two basis points from the previous
year. Net new specific provisions represented 12 basis points of
average loans, compared to seven basis points in 2014. CWB has
a long history of strong credit quality and low loan losses, both of
Table 13 – Provision for Credit Losses
($ thousands)
which compare very favourably to the Canadian banking industry.
Macroeconomic and other external factors that may impact core
geographic regions and/or industry sectors in which CWB customers
operate are continually analyzed.
Provision for credit losses(1)
Net new specific provisions (net of recoveries)(2)
2015
0.17%
0.12
IFRS
Canadian GAAP
2014
0.15%
0.07
2013
0.19%
0.13
2012
0.19%
0.14
2011
0.19%
0.20
Collective allowance
Coverage ratio(3)
$
99,613
$
90,075
$
76,217
$
67,344
$
61,330
122%
154%
134%
122%
74%
(1) As a percentage of average loans.
(2) Portion of the year’s provision for credit losses allocated to specific provisions as a percentage of average loans.
(3) Allowance for credit losses as a percentage of gross impaired loans.
Outlook for the Provision for Credit Losses
With its transition to medium-term performance target
ranges emphasizing growth in overall shareholder value
through measures of earnings power, profitability, capital
strength and shareholder return, management has elected
to discontinue setting an annual performance target range
for the provision for credit losses.
Credit quality is expected to continue to reflect CWB’s
secured lending business model and disciplined
underwriting processes. Based on CWB’s current economic
outlook, management’s assessment of the overall quality of
the portfolio and its underlying security, and the adequacy
of the collective allowance for credit losses, management
expects the provision for credit losses to increase
moderately in the near-term, with the 2016 provision as
a percentage of average loans expected to fall within a
range of 18 – 23 basis points. The assessment process is
continuous and updated expectations are communicated
no less than quarterly.
Potential risks that could have a material impact on
the provision for credit losses include further material
weakening of energy and other commodity prices
compared to average levels observed in the latter half of
fiscal 2015, a slowing rate of economic growth in the
U.S., a significant and sustained deterioration in Canadian
residential real estate prices, or a significant disruption in
major global economies.
33
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report
DEPOSITS
Highlights of 2015
• Branch-raised demand and notice deposits increased 17%.
• Branch-raised deposits were 54% of total deposits, relatively
consistent with 55% in 2014.
• Capital markets deposits were reduced to 10% of total deposits
by source (2014 – 14%), while broker deposits increased to 36%
(2014 – 31%), reflecting current deposit pricing advantages in
the latter funding market.
Table 14 – Deposits
($ thousands)
Demand
Notice
Term
2015
Total
Personal
$
33,129
$ 3,188,276
$ 8,195,216
$ 11,416,621
Business and government
590,411
2,907,597
2,431,917
5,929,925
Capital markets
Total Deposits
% of Total
–
–
2,018,861
2,018,861
$
623,540
$ 6,095,873
$ 12,645,994
$ 19,365,407
3%
32%
65%
100%
Demand
Notice
Term
2014
Total
Personal
$
33,060
$ 2,957,970
$ 6,841,639
$ 9,832,669
Business and government
637,025
2,134,295
2,399,068
5,170,388
Capital markets
Total Deposits
% of Total
–
–
2,369,957
2,369,957
$
670,085
$ 5,092,265
$ 11,610,664
$ 17,373,014
4%
29%
67%
100%
% of
Total
59%
31
10
100%
% of
Total
56%
30
14
100%
Total deposits of $19,365 million increased 11% over 2014 reflecting
16% growth in personal deposits, which include those issued through
the deposit broker network, and 15% growth in business and
government deposits, partially offset by a 15% decrease in capital
markets deposits outstanding.
Table 15 – Deposits by Source
(as a percentage of total deposits at October 31)
Branches
Deposit brokers
Capital markets
Total
2015
54%
36
10
100%
2014
55%
31
14
100%
References to branch-raised deposits within this MD&A include all
deposits generated through the branch network, as well as those
raised via CWT, CDF and Valiant Trust’s deposit-taking franchise.
Increasing the level of branch-raised personal deposits and certain
types of business deposits is an ongoing strategic focus for CWB as
success in this area provides the most reliable and stable sources of
funding. Success in growing these funding sources became even more
important under the Basel III rules governing liquidity in 2015 (see the
Liquidity Management section of this MD&A). CWT raises deposits
through notice accounts (comprised primarily of cash balances held in
self-directed registered accounts), corporate trust deposits and through
the Bank’s branch network. CDF, the Internet-based banking division
of CWB, currently offers various deposit products to customers in all
provinces and territories except Quebec. Client deposits in CDF at
October 31, 2015 totalled $356 million, a 4% decrease compared to
a year earlier. Management has elected to emphasize client retention
over growth within this channel in the near term as pricing competition
from new and existing market participants continues to be very
intense. Valiant’s status as a federal deposit-taking institution accounts
for CWB’s third Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC) licence,
provides an additional channel to raise insured deposits, and is separate
from Valiant’s stock transfer business which was sold this year. Valiant
deposits are currently offered only in CWB branches. Consistent with
CWB’s commercial focus, a considerable portion of branch-raised
34
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report
deposits are generated from corporate clients that tend to hold larger
balances compared to personal clients (see the Liquidity Management
section of this MD&A).
Growth in total branch-raised deposits was 9% in 2015, while
the demand and notice component within branch-raised deposits
increased by a very strong 17%. Demand and notice deposits, which
include lower cost funding sources, comprised 35% of total deposits
at year end, up from 33% in the previous year. Branch-raised deposits
comprised 54% of total deposits, relatively unchanged from 55%
in 2014. The level of growth in demand and notice deposits reflects
ongoing execution of strategies to further enhance and diversify
CWB’s core sources of funding.
Other types of deposits are primarily sourced through a deposit broker
network and debt capital markets. Insured deposits raised through
deposit brokers remain an efficient source of funding. Although these
funds are subject to commissions, this cost is countered by a reduced
dependence on a more extensive branch network and the benefit of
generating insured fixed term retail deposits over a wide geographic base.
Additional sources of funding in 2015 included securitization of $371
million of equipment leases (2014 – $332 million), maintenance of
CWB’s bearer deposit note program, whole loan sales of $29 million
(2014 – $36 million) of residential mortgages and issuance of $300
million of senior deposit notes in the capital markets.
Outlook for Deposits and Funding
The strategic focus to increase branch-raised deposits will
continue, with particular emphasis on the demand and
notice component, which is often lower cost and provides
associated transactional fee income. CWB’s growing market
presence, which includes the expansion and/or opening of
full-service branches, also supports objectives to generate
branch-raised deposits. Various strategic initiatives, which
include the offering of enhanced cash management
products and a competitive business savings account, as
well as targeted staffing initiatives, are also intended to
further augment growth of desired branch-raised funding.
The deposit broker network remains an efficient source for
raising insured fixed term retail deposits and has proven
to be a reliable and effective way to access funding and
liquidity over a wide geographic base. Selectively utilizing
the debt capital markets is also part of management’s
strategy to further augment and diversify both the long-
and short-term funding base over time. National Leasing
will continue to utilize securitization channels for a portion
of its funding requirements, provided that both related
costs and the regulatory capital impact remain satisfactory.
CWB will also commence securitization of residential
mortgages in 2016 through the National Housing
Act Mortgage Backed Securities (NHA MBS) program.
Management’s initial residential mortgage securitization
target is $100 million per quarter.
OTHER ASSETS AND OTHER LIABILITIES
Other assets at October 31, 2015 totalled $369 million (2014 – $401
million). Insurance related other assets were nil at October 31, 2015
due to the sale of Canadian Direct Insurance, compared to $66 million
last year. The amount of goodwill and intangible assets recorded on
the balance sheet at October 31, 2015 was $44 million (2014 – $50
million) and $106 million (2014 – $85 million), respectively. The
increase in intangible assets primarily relates to investment in CWB’s
core banking system.
Other liabilities totalled $374 million at October 31, 2015 (2014 –
$530 million). Insurance related other liabilities were nil, compared to
$166 million last year.
35
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report LIQUIDITY MANAGEMENT
Highlights of 2015
• Maintained a prudent liquidity position and conservative
• Implemented OSFI’s Liquidity Adequacy Requirement Guideline.
investment profile.
A schedule outlining the consolidated securities portfolio at October
31, 2015 is provided in Note 5 to the consolidated financial
statements. A conservative investment profile is maintained by
ensuring:
• all investments are high quality and include government debt
securities, short-term money market instruments, preferred shares,
common shares and other marketable securities;
CWB’s liquidity management is a comprehensive process that includes,
but is not limited to:
• maintaining a pool of high quality liquid assets;
• comprehensive liquidity scenario stress testing;
• monitoring the quality of the cash and securities portfolio;
• monitoring liability diversification and maturity profile;
• specific investment criteria and procedures are in place to manage
• monitoring deposit behaviour;
the securities portfolio;
• regular review, monitoring and approval of investment policies is
completed by CWB’s Asset Liability Committee (ALCO); and,
• maintaining access to deposit and capital market funding sources;
and,
• monitoring microeconomic and macroeconomic factors and early
• quarterly reports on the composition of the securities portfolio
warning indicators.
were provided to the full Board up to the fourth quarter of 2015.
Commencing in the fourth quarter, these reports are provided
to the Board Risk Committee. The Board annually reviews and
approves investment policies at least annually.
Table 16 – High Quality Liquid Assets
($ thousands)
Cash and non-interest bearing deposits with financial institutions
$
23,949
$
13,320 $
10,629
Deposits with regulated financial institutions
Cheques and other items in transit
Total Cash Resources
412,768
491,255
(78,487)
6,705
3,839
2,866
443,422
508,414
(64,992)
2015
Change from
2014
2014
Government of Canada treasury bills
–
134,383
(134,383)
Government of Canada, provincial and municipal debt, term to maturity 1 year or less
33,007
22,541
10,466
Government of Canada, provincial and municipal debt, term to maturity more than 1 year
1,952,759
1,167,771
784,988
Other debt securities
Common shares(1)
Securities purchased under resale agreements
346,299
33,707
290,363
n/a
55,936
33,707
–
99,566
(99,566)
Total Securities Purchased Under Resale Agreements and Marketable Securities
$ 2,365,772
$ 1,714,624 $
651,148
Total Liquid Assets
Total Assets
$ 2,809,194
$ 2,223,038 $
586,156
$ 22,838,527
$ 20,635,046 $
2,203,481
Liquid Assets as a Percentage of Total Assets
12%
11%
100 bp
Total Deposit Liabilities
$ 19,365,407
$ 17,373,014 $
1,992,393
Liquid Assets as a Percentage of Total Deposit Liabilities
15%
13%
200 bp(2)
(1) Represents the portion of the common share portfolio which supports compliance with the OSFI Liquidity Adequacy Requirements, effective January 1, 2015.
(2) bp – basis point change
36
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report
As shown in Table 16, high quality liquid assets, as defined by OSFI,
comprised of cash, deposits, securities purchased (or sold) under
resale agreements and marketable securities totalled $2,809 million
at October 31, 2015, an increase of 26% compared to a year
earlier. High quality liquid assets represented 12% (2014 – 11%)
of total assets and 15% (2014 – 13%) of total deposit liabilities at
year end.
The composition of total high quality liquid assets supports ongoing
compliance with the OSFI Liquidity Adequacy Requirements, which
became effective January 1, 2015.
Key changes in the composition of liquid assets at October 31,
2015 compared to the prior year include:
• maturities within one year comprising 18% (2014 – 19%);
• Government of Canada, provincial and municipal debt securities
increasing to 70% (2014 – 60%);
• deposits with regulated financial institutions decreasing to 15%
(2014 – 22%); and,
• other marketable securities, including common shares, increasing
to 14% (2014 – 13%).
Additional sources of liquidity and funding in 2015 included $371
million of equipment leases securitized (2014 – $332 million)
and $29 million (2014 – $36 million) of residential mortgages
sold via whole loan sales. The primary source of incremental new
funding was branch-raised deposits supported by the issuance of
personal fixed term deposits through the broker deposit market. A
summary of all outstanding deposits by contractual maturity date is
presented in Tables 17 and 18.
Table 17 – Deposit Maturities Within One Year
($ millions)
October 31, 2015
Demand deposits
Notice deposits
Deposits payable on a fixed date
Total
Within 1
Month
1 to 3
Months
3 Months
to 1 Year
Cumulative
Within 1 Year
$
623
$
6,096
608
$
–
–
–
–
893
4,739
$
623
6,096
6,240
$
7,327
$
893
$
4,739
$
12,959
October 31, 2014 Total
$
6,919
$
1,297
$
3,754
$
11,970
Table 18 – Total Deposit Maturities
($ millions)
October 31, 2015
Demand deposits
Notice deposits
Deposits payable on a fixed date
Within
1 year
1 to 2
Years
2 to 3
Years
3 to 4
Years
4 to 5
Years
More than
5 Years
$
623
$
6,096
6,240
$
–
–
$
–
–
$
–
–
$
–
–
3,582
1,369
726
729
Total
$
12,959
$
3,582
$
1,369
$
726
$
729
$
$
Total
623
6,096
12,646
$
19,365
–
–
–
–
October 31, 2014 Total
$
11,970
$
2,375
$
1,605
$
843
$
580
$
–
$
17,373
A breakdown of deposits by source is provided in Table 15. Target
limits by source have been established as part of the overall liquidity
policy and are monitored regularly to ensure an acceptable level of
funding diversification is maintained. Management continues to
develop and implement strategies to ensure branch-raised deposits
remain the core source of funding. Deposits raised through deposit
brokers remain an effective incremental funding source. Senior and
bearer deposit notes raised in the capital markets provide a further
source of funding and liquidity.
In addition to deposit liabilities, CWB has subordinated debentures
and debt securities related to the securitization of leases to third
parties (refer to Note 16 of the consolidated financial statements
for additional information).
37
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report
A summary of subordinated debentures outstanding is presented in the following table.
Table 19 – Subordinated Debentures Outstanding
($ thousands)
Interest
Rate
4.389%(1)
3.463%(2)
5.571%(3)
Total
Maturity
Date
Earliest Date
Redeemable
by CWB at Par
As at
October 31
2015
As at
October 31
2014
November 30, 2020
November 30, 2015
$
300,000
$
300,000
December 17, 2024
December 17, 2019
March 21, 2022
March 22, 2017
250,000
75,000
250,000
75,000
$
625,000
$
625,000
(1) These conventional debentures had a 10-year term with a fixed interest rate for the first five years. Thereafter, the interest rate would have reset quarterly at the Canadian dollar CDOR 90-day Bankers’
Acceptance rate plus 193 basis points. These debentures were fully redeemed at par on November 30, 2015.
(2) These conventional debentures have a 12-year term with a fixed interest rate for the first seven years. Thereafter, the interest rate will be reset quarterly at the 3-month Canadian dollar CDOR rate plus 160
basis points.
(3) These conventional debentures have a 15-year term with a fixed interest rate for the first 10 years. Thereafter, the interest rate will be reset quarterly at the Canadian dollar CDOR 90-day Bankers’ Acceptance
rate plus 180 basis points.
Outlook for Liquidity Management
Internal methodologies for managing liquidity risk are continuously refined. CWB utilizes comprehensive stress testing to manage,
measure and monitor liquidity risk to ensure a prudent approach. CWB will maintain prudent liquidity levels in 2016 while
maintaining compliance with the OSFI Liquidity Adequacy Requirement.
Highlights of 2015
• Strong Basel III common equity Tier 1, Tier 1 and total capital
adequacy ratios of 8.5%, 9.7% and 12.7%, respectively.
• Cash dividends of $0.86 per share paid to common
shareholders, up 10%.
• Divestiture gains resulted in 60 – 70 basis point increases to
• Very conservative Basel III leverage ratio of 7.9%, compared to
capital ratios.
the regulatory minimum of 3%.
Subsequent Highlights
• On November 30, 2015, CWB redeemed all $300 million
outstanding 4.389% subordinated debentures at par plus
accrued interest to, but excluding, the redemption date. The
redemption resulted in an $80 million reduction to CWB’s
total regulatory capital; however, CWB’s total capital ratio
remains strong.
•
In December 2015, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly
cash dividend of $0.23 per common share, an increase of 5%
over the prior quarter and 10% over the dividend declared a
year earlier. The Board of Directors also declared a quarterly
cash dividend of $0.275 per Series 5 Preferred Share.
CAPITAL MANAGEMENT
Capital is managed in accordance with policies and plans that are regularly
reviewed and approved by the Board. Capital management takes into
account forecasted capital needs with consideration of anticipated
profitability, asset growth, market and economic conditions, regulatory
changes, and common and preferred share dividends. The overriding
goal is to remain well capitalized in order to protect depositors and
policyholders, and provide capacity for internally generated growth
and strategic opportunities that do not otherwise require accessing the
capital markets, all while providing a satisfactory return for common
shareholders. CWB has implemented an Internal Capital Adequacy
Assessment Process (ICAAP) to establish target capital levels deemed
prudent to effectively manage risks, including potential capital shocks
from unexpected macroeconomic and/or CWB-specific events.
38
CWB provides a share incentive plan to officers and employees who are
in a position to materially impact the longer term financial success of
the organization, as measured by overall profitability, earnings growth,
share price appreciation and dividends. Note 18 to the consolidated
financial statements details the number of options outstanding, the
weighted average exercise price and the amounts exercisable at year
end. Holders of CWB common shares and holders of any other class
of shares deemed eligible by the Board are offered the choice to direct
cash dividends paid toward the purchase of common shares through a
dividend reinvestment plan (DRIP). Further details regarding CWB’s DRIP
are available at cwb.com/investor_relations.
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report
Basel III Capital Adequacy Accord
Regulatory capital and capital ratios are calculated in accordance with the
requirements of OSFI, and capital is managed and reported in accordance
with the requirements of the Basel III Capital Adequacy Accord (Basel III).
CWB’s minimum Basel III regulatory capital ratios, including a 250 basis
point capital conservation buffer, are 7.0% CET1, 8.5% Tier 1 and 10.5%
total capital, and a 3.0% leverage ratio. The Basel III rules provide for
transitional adjustments whereby certain aspects of the new rules are
phased in between 2013 and 2019. The only available transition adjustment
in the Basel III capital standards permitted by OSFI for Canadian banks
relates to the multi-year phase out of non-qualifying capital instruments.
CWB currently reports its regulatory capital ratios using the Standardized
approach for calculating risk-weighted assets. This approach requires CWB
to carry significantly more capital for certain credit exposures compared
to requirements under the Advanced Internal Ratings Based (AIRB)
methodology used by larger Canadian financial institutions. For this reason,
regulatory capital ratios of banks that utilize the Standardized approach
versus the AIRB methodology are not directly comparable.
CWB complied with all internal and external capital requirements in 2015.
Table 20 – Capital Structure and Basel III Regulatory Ratios at Year End
($ thousands)
Regulatory capital, net of deductions
Common equity Tier 1
Tier 1
Total
Capital ratios
Common equity Tier 1
Tier 1
Total
Leverage ratio(1)
Asset to capital multiple(1)
2015
2014
$
1,636,718
$
1,443,841
1,866,873
2,439,022
1,673,996
2,304,108
8.5%
9.7
12.7
7.9
n/a
8.0%
9.3
12.8
n/a
8.8x
(1) The leverage ratio came into effect January 31, 2015 and replaced the asset to capital multiple.
Increases in the 2015 capital ratios reflect 60 – 70 basis points from
divestiture gains, which have not yet been redeployed. The required
amortization relating to the phase out of existing, non-qualifying
subordinated debentures largely offset the increase in the total capital
ratio related to gains on business sales. In fiscal 2016, the redemption
of $300 million outstanding 4.389% subordinated debentures will
reduce CWB’s total capital by $80 million and decrease the total capital
ratio by approximately 40 basis points, however, the total capital ratio
will remain strong. Management will maintain all capital ratios at least
50 basis points over the regulatory minimum.
Table 21 – Regulatory Capital
($ thousands)
Common equity Tier 1 capital instruments and reserves
2015
2014
Directly issued qualifying common share capital plus related share-based payment reserve
$
566,721
$
558,377
Retained earnings
Accumulated other comprehensive income and other reserves
Common equity Tier 1 capital before regulatory adjustments
Regulatory adjustments to Common equity Tier 1(1)
Common equity Tier 1 capital
Additional Tier 1 capital instruments
Directly issued capital instruments qualifying as Additional Tier 1 instruments
Directly issued capital instruments subject to phase out from Additional Tier 1(2)
Additional Tier 1 instruments issued by subsidiaries and held by third parties
Additional Tier 1 capital
Tier 1 capital
Tier 2 Capital instruments and allowances
Directly issued capital instruments subject to phase out from Tier 2(2)
Tier 2 instruments issued by subsidiaries and held by third parties
Collective allowance for credit losses
Tier 2 capital before regulatory adjustments
Total capital
1,261,678
1,011,147
(55,667)
(2,822)
1,772,732
1,566,702
(136,014)
(122,861)
1,636,718
1,443,841
125,000
105,000
155
125,000
105,000
155
230,155
230,155
1,866,873
1,673,996
472,500
540,000
36
99,613
572,149
37
90,075
630,112
$
2,439,022
$
2,304,108
(1) CET1 deductions include goodwill and intangible assets, net of related tax.
(2) Basel III capital balances exclude 30% (2014 – 20%) of the balance of non-common equity instruments outstanding at January 1, 2013 that do not include non-viability contingent capital clauses. At October
31, 2015 and 2014, there was no exclusion from Tier 1 regulatory capital related to the Innovative Tier 1 capital (disclosed in deposits). At October 31, 2015, $153 million of outstanding subordinated
debentures (October 31, 2014 – $85 million) were excluded from regulatory capital.
39
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report
Table 22 – Risk-Weighted Assets
($ thousands)
Corporate
Sovereign
Bank
Retail residential mortgages
Other retail
Excluding small business entities
Small business entities
Equity
Undrawn commitments
Operational risk
Securitization risk
Other
As at October 31, 2015
As at October 31, 2014
Table 23 – Risk-Weighting Category
($ thousands)
Cash,
Securities
and Resale
Agreements
Loans
$
157,834
$ 13,015,673
$
2,171,902
433,888
31,024
53,090
14,568
3,206,709
–
–
219,415
–
–
–
–
210,534
2,442,163
–
375,437
66,974
109,149
–
84,005
2015
Other
Items
Risk–
Weighted
Assets
Total
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
$ 13,173,507
$ 13,091,883
2,202,926
8,209
486,978
144,439
3,221,277
1,162,923
210,534
152,726
2,442,163
1,865,409
219,415
375,437
84,005
66,974
219,415
367,543
1,050,057
837,175
298,313
355,748
464,897
$
$
2,997,607
$ 19,510,753
2,521,848
$ 17,728,329
$
$
439,753
$ 22,948,113
$ 19,198,092
468,062
$ 20,718,239
$ 18,025,822
0%
20%
35%
50%
75%
100%
greater
Balance
Weighted
$
17,092 $ 64,859 $
– $ 75,681 $
– $ 12,965,484 $
50,391 $ 13,173,507 $ 13,091,883
2,161,882
41,044
–
418,651
–
–
–
15,237
–
–
–
53,090
311,220
–
2,565,052
–
319,401
25,604
–
–
–
2,202,926
8,209
486,978
144,439
3,221,277
1,162,923
150% and
2015
6,032
5,025
1,274
709
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
203,161
–
67
210,534
152,726
2,304,434
122,103
9,892
2,442,163
1,865,409
–
219,415
31,575
343,862
–
–
219,415
219,415
375,437
367,543
84,005
66,974
84,005
1,050,057
66,974
837,175
Corporate
Sovereign
Bank
Retail residential
mortgages
Other retail
Excluding small
business entities
Small business entities
Equity
Undrawn commitments
Operational risk
Securitization risk
Other
180,157
36,892
–
–
20,242
200,189
27,417
464,897
298,313
As at October 31, 2015 $ 2,681,408 $ 563,429 $ 2,565,052 $ 90,918 $ 2,878,813 $ 13,929,747
$ 238,746 $ 22,948,113 $ 19,198,092
As at October 31, 2014 $ 1,658,301 $ 714,922 $ 2,053,594 $ 225,978 $ 2,664,229 $ 13,123,599
$ 277,616 $ 20,718,239 $ 18,025,822
40
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report
Outlook for Capital Management
CWB will maintain strong capital ratios under the
Standardized approach for calculating risk-weighted assets,
above its target thresholds and OSFI’s required minimums,
and is well positioned to manage future business growth
and unexpected events. Target capital ratios, including
an appropriate capital buffer over the prescribed OSFI
minimums, are reconfirmed regularly through CWB’s Annual
Regulatory Capital Plan. The ongoing retention of earnings,
net of expected common and preferred share dividends,
is expected to support capital requirements associated
with the anticipated achievement of CWB’s medium-term
performance target range for a strong common equity Tier
1 ratio, generally at least 50 basis points over the regulatory
minimum. With a very conservative Basel III leverage ratio of
7.9% at October 31, 2015, CWB is not constrained by OSFI’s
stated requirement for banks to maintain a minimum leverage
ratio of 3%.
Based on the results of stress tests simulating severe economic
conditions in Alberta and Saskatchewan in combination
with very challenging economic conditions throughout the
rest of CWB’s geographic footprint over a multi-year time
frame, management is confident CWB will continue to
deliver positive earnings for shareholders while maintaining
financial stability and a strong capital position under the
Standardized approach for calculating risk-weighted assets.
This outcome was validated through stress tests that included
the assumption of 150% of CWB’s historical peak loss rates
across all lending segments occurring simultaneously within
Alberta and Saskatchewan, and the experience of 100%
of peak loss rates occurring simultaneously in all other
regions, and persisting over a three-year period. The stress
test assumptions also include a persistent low interest rate
environment and significantly slower loan growth to reflect
lower assumed levels of economic activity that may be
attributed to protracted period of very low oil prices, as well
as increased competition for deposits and much higher levels
of gross impaired loans that result in significant compression
of net interest margin.
The resilience of CWB’s capital position under the severe
conditions assumed within its stress tests reflects both CWB’s
commercial lending focus and its use of the Standardized
approach for calculating risk-weighted assets. Under the
Standardized approach, most of CWB’s commercial lending
exposures are risk-weighted at 100%. In view of the
assumption for constrained loan growth in the stress scenario,
incremental increases in risk-weighted assets mainly result
from a 50% increase in risk weights on loans assumed to be
in default. This increase is effectively offset by the runoff of
CWB’s relatively short duration portfolio, resulting in stable
regulatory capital ratios over a multi-year time frame.
Management continues to evaluate alternatives to deploy
capital for the long-term benefit of CWB shareholders, which
includes a medium-term target range for the common share
dividend payout ratio of approximately 30% and the potential
for strategic acquisitions with a preference for opportunities in
equipment financing and leasing, and wealth management.
A detailed project plan related to CWB’s transition to an
AIRB methodology for managing credit risk and calculating
risk-weighted assets will be finalized in 2016. Preliminary
analysis supports a multi-year time frame which requires OSFI
approval. Implementation of CWB’s new core banking system
is scheduled for mid-fiscal 2016. This new system is a critical
component for a number of requirements necessary for AIRB
compliance, including the collection of certain types of data.
CWB commenced initial development of models in support
of the AIRB transition this year, and further development will
continue in 2016.
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND
OTHER INSTRUMENTS
As a financial institution, most of CWB’s balance sheet is comprised
of financial instruments and the majority of net income results from
revenues, expenses, gains and losses related to the same.
Financial instrument assets include cash resources, securities, securities
purchased under resale agreements, loans, derivative financial
instruments and certain other assets. Financial instrument liabilities
include deposits, debt, derivative financial instruments and certain
other liabilities.
The use of financial instruments exposes CWB to credit, liquidity and
market risk. A discussion of how these and other risks are managed
can be found in the Risk Management section of this MD&A.
Further information on how the fair value of financial instruments is
determined is included in the Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value
discussion in the Critical Accounting Estimates section of this MD&A.
Income and expenses are classified as to source, either securities or
loans for income, and deposits or borrower funds for expense. Net
realized gains (losses) on securities are shown separately in non-
interest income.
Derivative Financial Instruments
More detailed information on the nature of derivative financial
instruments is shown in Note 11 to the consolidated financial
statements. The notional amounts of derivative financial instruments
are not reflected on the consolidated balance sheets.
41
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report Table 24 – Derivative Financial Instruments
($ thousands)
Notional Amounts
2015
2014
Interest rate contracts designated as accounting hedges(1)
$
2,805,000
$
1,725,000
Equity swaps designated as accounting hedges(2)
Equity swaps not designated as accounting hedges(3)
Foreign exchange contracts(4)
Total
19,860
3,024
233,129
19,205
3,754
1,964
$
3,061,013
$
1,749,923
(1) Interest rate contracts are used as hedging devices to manage interest rate risk. The outstanding contracts mature between November 2015 and July 2020.
(2) Equity swaps designated as hedges mature between June 2016 and June 2018. Equity swaps are used to reduce the earnings volatility from restricted share units linked to CWB’s common share price.
(3) Equity swaps not designated as hedges mature between March 2016 and June 2016. Equity swaps are used to reduce the earnings volatility from deferred share units linked to CWB’s common share price.
(4) U.S. dollar foreign exchange contracts are used from time to time to manage the difference between U.S. dollar assets and liabilities. Forward foreign exchange contracts outstanding mature between
November 2015 and April 2016.
The active use of interest rate contracts remains an integral
component to manage the interest rate gap position. The increase
in the volume of outstanding contracts (measured by the notional
amount) reflects normal course management of interest rate risk.
Derivative financial instruments are entered into only for CWB’s own
account. CWB does not act as an intermediary in derivatives markets.
Transactions are entered into on the basis of industry standard
contracts with approved counterparties subject to periodic and at
least annual review, including an assessment of the credit worthiness
of the counterparty. Policies regarding the use of derivative financial
instruments are approved, reviewed and monitored on a regular basis
by ALCO, and are reviewed and approved by the Board no less than
annually.
ACQUISITIONS
No material acquisitions were completed in 2015.
OFF-BALANCE SHEET
Off-balance sheet items include assets under administration and assets
under management. Total assets under administration, which are
comprised of trust assets under administration and third-party leases
under administration, as well as mortgages under service agreements,
totalled $9,294 million at October 31, 2015, compared to $10,102
million one year ago, with the decrease primarily reflecting divestiture
of the stock transfer business of Valiant Trust.
Assets under management held within Adroit and McLean & Partners
were $1,883 million at year end, compared to $1,796 million last year.
Other off-balance sheet items are comprised of standard industry
credit instruments (guarantees, standby letters of credit and
commitments to extend credit). CWB does not utilize, nor does it have
exposure to, collateralized debt obligations or credit default swaps. For
additional information regarding other off-balance sheet items refer to
Note 20 of the audited consolidated financial statements.
42
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report
SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY RESULTS AND FOURTH QUARTER
QUARTERLY RESULTS
The financial results for each of the last eight quarters are summarized
in Table 25. In general, CWB’s performance reflects a consistent
growth trend, although the second quarter contains three fewer
revenue-earning days. Results from Combined Operations for the third
quarter of 2015 reflect the impact of divestiture gains.
favourable market conditions. Net losses on securities in the third
quarter of 2015 reflected management of the securities portfolio
through less favourable market conditions, active risk management in
view of macroeconomic challenges, and changes in the pricing and
liquidity of the Canadian preferred share market.
Quarterly financial results were subject to some fluctuation due to
exposure to property and casualty insurance prior to the divestiture
of Canadian Direct Insurance, completed on May 1, 2015. Insurance
operations, which were primarily reflected in non-interest income
within the results of Combined Operations, were subject to seasonal
weather conditions, cyclical patterns of the industry and natural
catastrophes.
Net gains on securities, reflected in non-interest income, of $13.6
million in 2014 compared to net losses on securities of $4.3 million
in 2015. The level of net gains on securities in 2014 resulted from
Among other things, quarterly results can also fluctuate from the
recognition of periodic income tax items.
Detailed management’s discussion and analysis along with unaudited
interim consolidated financial statements for each quarter, except for
the fourth quarters, are available for review on SEDAR at www.sedar.
com and on CWB’s website at www.cwb.com. Copies of the quarterly
reports to shareholders can also be obtained, free of charge, by
contacting InvestorRelations@cwbank.com.
43
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report Table 25 – Quarterly Financial Highlights(1)
($ thousands, except per share amounts)
2015
2014
Q4
Q3
Q2
Q1
Q4
Q3
Q2
Q1
Results from Combined Operations
Net interest income (teb)
Less teb adjustment
$ 141,096 $ 140,503 $ 134,886 $ 136,442 $ 132,479 $ 131,751 $ 123,727 $ 125,239
1,377
1,280
1,650
1,686
1,709
1,888
1,989
2,090
Net interest income per financial statements
139,719
139,223
133,236
134,756
130,770
129,863
121,738
123,149
Non-interest income
17,949
13,269
25,024
23,422
27,057
28,027
29,794
28,531
Net gain on sale of businesses, after tax
169
107,639
–
–
Total revenues (teb)
Total revenues
159,214
261,411
159,910
159,864
159,536
159,778
153,521
153,770
157,837
260,131
158,260
158,178
157,827
157,890
151,532
151,680
Common shareholders’ net income
53,138
158,809
53,545
54,209
58,150
56,580
51,191
52,628
Earnings per common share
Basic
Diluted
Adjusted cash
0.66
0.66
0.67
1.97
1.97
1.98
0.67
0.67
0.68
0.67
0.67
0.69
0.72
0.72
0.73
0.71
0.70
0.71
0.64
0.63
0.65
0.66
0.65
0.67
Return on common shareholders’ equity (ROE)
11.9%
36.3%
13.6%
13.5%
15.0%
14.9%
14.4%
14.8%
Return on average total assets (ROA)
Efficiency ratio (teb)
Efficiency ratio
Net interest margin (teb)
Net interest margin
Provision for credit losses as
0.94
47.6
48.0
2.49
2.47
2.90
28.5
28.6
2.57
2.55
1.02
48.3
48.8
2.58
2.55
1.03
48.0
48.5
2.60
2.57
1.12
47.2
47.7
2.56
2.53
1.11
45.9
46.4
2.58
2.54
1.07
46.0
46.6
2.59
2.55
1.11
45.1
45.7
2.64
2.60
a percentage of average loans
0.18
0.17
0.17
0.16
0.09
0.16
0.16
0.19
Results from Continuing Operations
Net interest income (teb)
Less teb adjustment
$ 141,096 $ 140,503 $ 133,064 $ 134,389 $ 130,563 $ 130,022 $ 122,205 $ 123,518
1,377
1,280
1,455
1,468
1,505
1,652
1,744
1,842
Net interest income per financial statements
139,719
139,223
131,609
132,921
129,058
128,370
120,461
121,676
Non-interest income
Total revenues (teb)
Total revenues
17,949
13,269
18,097
17,995
22,484
19,704
20,292
20,555
159,045
153,772
151,161
152,384
153,047
149,726
142,497
144,073
157,668
152,492
149,706
150,916
151,542
148,074
140,753
142,231
Common shareholders net income
52,969
51,170
51,520
52,405
56,859
52,690
46,673
49,066
Earnings per common share
Basic
Diluted
Adjusted cash
0.66
0.66
0.67
0.64
0.64
0.65
0.64
0.64
0.65
0.65
0.65
0.66
0.71
0.70
0.71
0.66
0.65
0.67
0.58
0.58
0.59
0.62
0.61
0.62
Return on common shareholders’ equity (ROE)
11.9%
11.7%
13.1%
13.1%
14.6%
13.9%
13.1%
13.8%
Return on average total assets (ROA)
Efficiency ratio (teb)
Efficiency ratio
Net interest margin (teb)
Net interest margin
Results from Discontinued Operations
Total revenues (teb)
Total revenues
Common shareholders’ net income
Earnings per common share
Basic
Diluted
Adjusted cash
(1) See page 13 for a discussion of teb and non-IFRS measures.
44
0.94
47.6
48.1
2.49
2.47
0.94
48.4
48.8
2.57
2.55
1.00
47.1
47.6
2.57
2.54
1.01
47.1
47.5
2.59
2.56
1.11
46.1
46.5
2.55
2.52
1.05
45.7
46.3
2.58
2.54
0.99
46.0
46.6
2.59
2.56
1.05
44.7
45.3
2.64
2.60
$
169 $ 107,639
$ 8,749
$ 7,480
$ 6,489 $ 10,052 $ 11,024 $ 9,697
169
107,639
8,554
7,262
6,285
9,816
10,779
9,449
–
–
–
1.33
1.33
1.33
0.03
0.03
0.03
0.02
0.02
0.03
0.01
0.02
0.02
0.05
0.05
0.04
0.06
0.05
0.06
0.04
0.04
0.05
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report
FOURTH QUARTER OF 2015
Overview of Continuing Operations
Q4 2015 vs. Q4 2014
Common shareholders’ net income of $53.0 million compares
to $56.9 million a year ago. Diluted earnings per common share
of $0.66 and adjusted cash earnings per common share, which
excludes the after-tax amortization of acquisition-related intangible
assets and the non-tax deductible change in fair value of contingent
consideration, of $0.67 each declined 6%. An 8% increase in net
interest income was more than offset by the combined impact of
higher non-interest expenses, an increase in the provision for credit
losses and lower non-interest income, resulting in lower earnings.
Higher net interest income resulted from the benefit of strong
11% loan growth, partially offset by a six basis point decrease
in net interest margin (teb) to 2.49%. Increased non-interest
expenses primarily relate to higher salaries and benefits reflecting
the combined impact of hiring activity in support of business
growth, annual salary increments and the implementation this year
of a short-term incentive plan for non-executive employees. The
provision for credit losses was at the low end of management’s
target range of 17 – 22 basis points. The year-over-year increase
to 18 basis points reflects normalization from last year when a
provision of nine basis points resulted from unusually low levels
of specific allowances. With the exception of the fourth quarter
last year, the quarterly provision for credit losses has ranged from
16 – 20 basis points over the past four years. Growth in almost
all categories of non-interest income was more than offset by a
decrease in ‘other’ non-interest income, and lower net gains on
securities. ‘Other’ non-interest income last year included a one-time
gain on the sale of CWB’s former Edmonton Main Branch location.
Lower net gains on securities reflect management of the securities
portfolio through less favourable market conditions.
Q4 2015 vs. Q3 2015
Common shareholders’ net income increased 4% ($1.8 million)
mainly due to higher non-interest income, partially offset by
increased non-interest expenses. Diluted and adjusted cash earnings
per common share both increased 3%. Non-interest income was
35% ($4.7 million) higher as the positive impact of nil net gains on
securities, compared to net losses on securities of $5.0 million last
quarter, was partially offset by small decreases in other categories.
Net interest income was relatively unchanged as the benefit of
2% loan growth was offset by an eight basis point decline in net
interest margin. Non-interest expenses increased 2% ($1.3 million)
as lower salaries and benefits and decreased premises expense were
more than offset by higher other expenses.
ROE and ROA
The quarterly return on common shareholders’ equity (ROE) of
11.9% decreased 270 basis points from a year earlier and increased
20 basis points from the prior quarter. Fourth quarter return on
assets (ROA) was 0.94%, compared to 1.11% last year and was
unchanged from the previous quarter.
Net Interest Margin
Fourth quarter net interest margin (teb) of 2.49% declined six basis
points compared to last year, primarily due to lower asset yields
as CWB’s annual average prime lending interest rate fell 16 basis
points to 2.84% following successive interest rate cuts by the Bank
of Canada, partially offset by more favourable deposit costs and
beneficial changes in deposit mix. Net interest margin (teb) was
down eight basis points from the prior quarter reflecting similar
factors as well as the negative influence of higher average balances
of cash and securities. Higher average balance sheet liquidity
partly reflected preparation for redemption of $300 million of
subordinated debentures on November 30, 2015.
Efficiency ratio
The quarterly efficiency ratio (teb), which measures non-interest
expenses as a percentage of total revenues (teb), excluding
the non-tax deductible charge for the fair value of contingent
consideration, was 47.6%, up from 46.1% a year earlier, reflecting
the combined impact of higher non-interest expenses, partly related
to the implementation this year of a short-term incentive plan for
non-executive employees, decreased non-interest income reflecting
lower net gains on securities and elevated ‘other’ non-interest
income last year from the sale of CWB’s former Edmonton Main
Branch premises, and the revenue impact of lower net interest
margin.
Overview of Combined Operations
Q4 2015 vs. Q4 2014
Common shareholders’ net income of $53.1 million was down 9%
from a year ago, while diluted earnings per common share of $0.66
and adjusted cash earnings per common share of $0.67 were both
down 8%. Lower earnings mainly reflect the same factors discussed
within the overview of Continuing Operations above, as well as the
absence of operating contributions from divested businesses in the
current period.
Q4 2015 vs. Q3 2015
Common shareholders’ net income of $53.1 million compares
to $158.8 million last quarter when divestiture gains contributed
$107.8 million. Excluding the impact of divestiture gains, common
shareholders’ net income was up 4% sequentially, reflecting the
factors discussed above.
ROE and ROA
The quarterly return on common shareholders’ equity (ROE) of
11.9% decreased 310 basis points from a year earlier, with the
decrease primarily reflecting the impact of divestiture gains on total
common shareholders’ equity, and compares to 36.3% last quarter
when divestiture gains were realized. Fourth quarter return on
assets (ROA) of 0.94% compares to 1.12% last year and 2.90% in
the previous quarter.
45
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report Overview of Discontinued Operations
For the three months ended
October 31
2015
July 31
2015
October 31
2014
Change from
October 31
2014
$
1,916
(100)%
Net interest income (teb)
Non-interest income
Total revenue (teb)
Non-interest expenses
Net income before income taxes
Income taxes (teb)
Net income before gain on sale
Gain on sale, net of tax
Common shareholders’ net income
Earnings per common share
Basic
Diluted
Adjusted cash
$
$
$
$
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
169
107,639
4,573
6,489
4,753
1,736
445
1,291
–
169
$
107,639
$
1,291
–
–
–
$
1.33
$
1.33
1.33
0.01
0.02
0.02
(100)
(100)
(100)
(100)
(100)
(100)
100
(87)
(100)%
(100)
(100)
Common shareholders’ net income from Discontinued Operations of $0.2 million compared to $107.6 million comprised of divestiture gains in
the prior quarter. Common shareholders’ net income of $1.3 million in the fourth quarter last year was comprised of operating contributions
from divested businesses.
46
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report
for asset defaults, reinvestment risk, claims development and
recoverability of reinsurance balances. All provisions were periodically
reviewed and evaluated in light of emerging claims experience and
changing circumstances. Changes in circumstances could cause
assessments of unpaid claims and adjustment expenses in subsequent
periods to be significantly different than current assessments and
could require increases or decreases in the provision. In estimating the
provision for unpaid claims and adjustment expenses, a number of
uncertainties were taken into account and assumptions made, which
made it difficult to estimate a range for the provision. Further, as
noted above, the provision included a margin for adverse deviations
in assumptions. At October 31, 2015 the provision for unpaid claims
and adjustment expenses was nil (2014 – $85.5 million).
Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value
Cash resources, securities, securities purchased (sold) under resale
agreements, acquisition contingent consideration and derivative
financial instruments are reported on the consolidated balance sheets
at fair value.
CWB categorizes its fair value measurements of financial
instruments recorded on the consolidated balance sheets according
to a three-level hierarchy. Level 1 fair value measurements reflect
published market prices quoted in active markets. Level 2 fair value
measurements were estimated using a valuation technique based
on observable market data. Level 3 fair value measurements were
determined using a valuation technique based on non-market
observable input.
ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
CWB’s significant accounting policies are outlined in Note 1 to the
audited consolidated financial statements with related financial
note disclosures by major caption. The policies discussed below are
considered particularly important, as they require management to
make significant estimates or judgments, some of which may relate
to matters that are inherently uncertain.
Allowance for Credit Losses
An allowance for credit losses is maintained to absorb probable
credit-related losses in the loan portfolio based on management’s
estimate at the balance sheet date. In assessing existing credit losses,
management must rely on estimates and exercise judgment regarding
matters for which the ultimate outcome is unknown. These matters
include economic factors, developments affecting particular industries
and specific issues with respect to single borrowers. Changes in
circumstances may cause future assessments of credit risk to be
significantly different than current assessments and may require an
increase or decrease in the allowance for credit losses. Establishing a
range for the allowance for credit losses is difficult due to the number
of uncertainties involved. The collective allowance for credit losses is
intended to address this uncertainty. At October 31, 2015 CWB’s total
allowance for credit losses was $115.4 million (2014 – $95.6 million)
which included specific allowances of $15.8 million (2014 – $5.5
million) and a collective allowance of $99.6 million (2014 – $90.1
million). Additional information on the process and methodology
for determining the allowance for credit losses can be found in
the discussion of Credit Quality in this MD&A and in Note 8 to the
consolidated financial statements.
Provision for Unpaid Insurance Claims
and Adjustment Expenses
Until CDI was sold on May 1, 2015, a provision for unpaid claims was
maintained, with the provision representing the amounts needed to
provide for the estimated ultimate expected cost of settling claims
related to insured events (both reported and unreported) that have
occurred on or before each balance sheet date. A provision for
adjustment expenses was also maintained, which represented the
estimated expected costs of investigating, resolving and processing
these claims. Estimated recoveries of these costs from reinsurance
ceded were included in other assets. The computation of these
provisions took into account the time value of money using discount
rates based on projected investment income from the assets
supporting the provisions. The process of determining the provision
for unpaid claims and adjustment expenses necessarily involved risks
that the actual results will deviate from the best estimates made.
These risks vary in proportion to the length of the estimation period
and the volatility of each component comprising the liabilities. To
recognize the uncertainty in establishing these best estimates and to
allow for possible deterioration in experience, actuaries are required
to include explicit margins for adverse deviation in assumptions
47
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report The following table summarizes the significant financial assets and liabilities recorded on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value.
Table 26 – Valuation of Financial Instruments
($ thousands)
As at October 31, 2015
Fair Value
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Valuation Technique
Total Financial Liabilities
$ 20,668,356
$
As at October 31, 2014(2)
Fair Value
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Financial Assets
Cash resources
Securities
Loans
Derivative related
Total Financial Assets
Financial Liabilities(1)
Deposits
Debt
Other liability
Derivative related
Financial Assets
Cash resources
Securities
Securities purchased under resale agreements
Loans
Derivative related
Total Financial Assets
Financial Liabilities(1)
Deposits
Debt
Other liability
Derivative related
$
443,422
$
27,939
$
415,483
$
2,551,112
219,041
2,332,071
–
–
19,889,076
23,245
–
–
–
19,889,076
23,245
–
$ 22,906,855
$
246,980
$
2,770,799
$ 19,889,076
$ 19,457,102
$
1,206,101
650
4,503
–
–
–
–
–
$ 19,457,102
$
1,206,101
–
4,503
$ 20,667,706
$
–
–
650
–
650
Valuation Technique
$
508,413
$
14,033
$
494,381
$
2,089,205
614,144
1,475,061
99,565
17,571,250
5,420
–
–
–
99,565
–
17,571,250
5,420
–
$
20,273,854
$
628,177
$
2,074,428
$
17,571,250
–
–
–
$
17,414,150
$
1,056,234
2,679
386
–
–
–
–
–
$
17,414,150
$
1,056,234
–
386
–
–
2,679
–
$
18,470,770
$
2,679
Total Financial Liabilities
$
18,473,449
$
(1) Level 3 financial liabilities at October 31, 2015 are comprised of the contingent consideration related to the sale of Valiant’s stock transfer business. At October 31, 2014, Level 3 financial liabilities were
comprised of the contingent consideration related to the acquisition of McLean & Partners Wealth Management Ltd.
(2) Comparative figures reclassfied to conform to current year’s presentation.
Notes 2, 4, 5, 6, 11 and 27 to the consolidated financial statements provide additional information regarding these financial instruments.
48
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND
FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION
New and amended accounting pronouncements issued by the
International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) did not result
in a change in CWB’s accounting policies during 2015.
Held for Sale Classification and Discontinued
Operations
On May 1 2015, CWB sold its property and casualty insurance
subsidiary, CDI, and the stock transfer business of Valiant Trust,
as described in Note 3 of the consolidated financial statements.
In accordance with IFRS 5 Non-current Assets Held for Sale and
Discontinued Operations, the assets and liabilities of these businesses
were classified as held for sale in the consolidated balance sheets
prospectively from January 31, 2015 until their disposal on May 1,
2015. No writedowns to carrying amounts of the assets were required
upon classification as held for sale. The consolidated statements
of income have been restated to show the results of discontinued
operations separately from Continuing Operations for all periods
presented.
Discontinued Operations are presented if the operations and cash
flows can be clearly distinguished operationally and financially from
the rest of CWB, and if it represents a separate major line of business
or geographic area of operations that either has been disposed of,
is classified as held for sale, or is part of a single coordinated plan of
disposal.
FUTURE CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING POLICIES
A number of standards and amendments have been issued by the
IASB, and the following changes may have an impact on CWB’s future
financial statements. CWB is currently reviewing these standards to
determine the impact, if any, on the financial statements.
IFRS 9 – Financial Instruments
The IASB has issued the complete version of IFRS 9, which will replace
IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement. IFRS 9
addresses classification and measurement of financial assets and
liabilities, impairment and hedge accounting.
Under the finalized guidance, IFRS 9 specifies that financial assets
be classified into one of three categories (amortized cost, fair value
through profit or loss or fair value through other comprehensive
income) based on the cash flow characteristics and the business model
under which the assets are held. Classification of financial liabilities is
unchanged, but for financial liabilities measured at fair value, changes
in fair value of an entity’s own credit risk will be recognized in other
comprehensive income rather than in profit or loss. The final standard
also introduces a new “expected credit loss” model for calculating
impairment on all financial assets classified at amortized cost or fair
value through comprehensive income, with the most significant
impact being to loans. Specifically, IFRS 9 requires entities to recognize
12-month expected credit losses from the date a financial asset is first
recognized and to recognize lifetime expected credit losses if there is a
significant increase in credit risk since inception. IFRS 9 also introduces
a new hedge accounting model that expands the scope of eligible
hedged items and risks eligible for hedge accounting, and aligns
hedge accounting more closely with risk management.
IFRS 9 will be mandatorily effective for CWB’s fiscal year beginning on
November 1, 2018, and early adoption is permitted. In January 2015,
OSFI determined that D-SIBs should adopt IFRS 9 beginning November
1, 2017, while early adoption is permitted but not required for other
federally regulated Canadian banks with October year ends, such as
CWB. CWB has not yet determined if it will early adopt this standard.
During 2015, CWB commenced its IFRS 9 transition project and
established a formal project governance structure, including a Steering
Committee, to monitor the progress and critical decisions during the
transition to IFRS 9. The Steering Committee is led by Finance and
consists of senior level management and personnel from Treasury,
Credit Risk Management and Finance.
The transition project focuses on the three main areas of IFRS 9:
classification and measurement, impairment, and hedge accounting.
IFRS 9 training for affected stakeholders has been and will continue to
be delivered on an ongoing basis throughout the transition. Regular
reporting is provided by the project team to the Steering Committee
and Audit Committee of the Board. The transition impact of IFRS 9 on
CWB’s consolidated financial statements has not been determined.
Further details will be provided as the project progresses.
IFRS 15 – Revenue from Contracts with Customers
The IASB has established principles for reporting about the nature,
amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising
from an entity’s contracts with customers. The standard provides a
single, principles based model for revenue recognition to be applied
to contracts with customers. The new standard does not apply to
financial instruments or lease contracts, which fall in the scope of
other IFRSs. In 2015, the IASB announced that the IFRS 15 mandatory
adoption date would be deferred for one year. As such, the standard
will be effective for CWB’s fiscal year beginning November 1, 2018,
with earlier adoption permitted.
CWB continues to monitor IASB ongoing activity and proposed
changes to IFRS. Several accounting standards that are in the process
of being amended by the IASB (i.e. macro-hedging and leases) may
have a significant impact on CWB’s future consolidated financial
statements.
49
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report RISK MANAGEMENT
The shaded areas of this MD&A represent a discussion of
risk management policies and procedures relating to credit,
market and liquidity risks as required under IFRS, which
permits these specific disclosures to be included in the
MD&A. Therefore, the shaded areas presented on pages 54 to 64
of this MD&A form an integral part of the audited consolidated
financial statements for the year ended October 31, 2015.
Our Approach to Risk Management
Maintenance of an integrated and disciplined approach to
risk management is a key success factor for CWB. Our risk
management framework guides us in prudent, balanced and
measured risk-taking aligned with CWB’s business strategy.
The Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) group develops
CWB’s risk metrics, risk appetite, risk policies and limits,
and provides independent review and oversight across the
enterprise on risk-related issues.
CWB Group’s vision – to be seen as crucial to our clients’
futures – requires continuous consideration, understanding
and responsible management of all key risks at both the
strategic and operational levels. CWB’s core strategic
objective to balance risk and reward requires each of us
to make common-sense business decisions by assessing
to make common-sense business decisions by assessing
risk and reward trade-offs considering CWB’s strategy, risk
risk and reward trade-offs considering CWB’s strategy, risk
appetite and regulatory/legal requirements. We consciously
appetite and regulatory/legal requirements. We consciously
accept risks to add value for stakeholders and support the
accept risks to add value for stakeholders and support the
responsible and efficient delivery of products and services
responsible and efficient delivery of products and services
provided those risks:
provided those risks:
• are aligned with our strategic objectives;
• Are aligned with our strategic objectives;
• Are thoroughly understood, measured and managed within
• are thoroughly understood, measured and managed within
the confines of well-communicated CWB Group risk
the confines of well-communicated CWB Group risk
tolerances, including the highest ethical standards; and,
tolerances, including the highest ethical standards; and,
• serve the interests of stakeholders including our clients,
• Serve the interests of stakeholders including our clients,
shareholders, creditors, employees, regulators and
communities.
shareholders, creditors, employees, regulators and
communities.
Highlights of 2015
Several enhancements to CWB’s risk management framework were undertaken in 2015 as part of the ongoing development and
implementation of CWB’s risk management processes. Key initiatives included:
• Appointment of an executive Chief Risk Officer (CRO) and
approval of the expanded CRO mandate;
• Formation of the Board Risk Committee effective September 1st,
with assumption of responsibilities previously completed by the
other committees of the Board or the full Board of Directors;
•
Initial development of certain models in support of CWB’s
eventual transition to the AIRB approach for calculating risk-
weighted assets. Development of AIRB models and eventual
transition to the AIRB approach is expected to enhance CWB’s
competitive position and facilitate risk-based pricing, enable
further optimization of capital allocation, and enhance CWB’s
risk quantification and stress testing capabilities;
• Development of an information services and data platform for
risk management to leverage the upcoming implementation of
CWB’s new core banking system in mid-fiscal 2016;
• Commenced enterprise-wide enhancement of a Three Lines of
Defense risk governance framework; and,
• Enhancement of Risk Appetite Statements with the addition of
various quantitative metrics by the second line of defense.
50
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report Outlook for Risk Management
With further enhancement of CWB’s enterprise-wide risk
management framework in 2016, ERM will establish market risk
metrics on which the risk appetite and the limits are based, and
be responsible for measuring and aggregating structural market
risk exposures, as well as monitoring and reporting market risk
exposures against the risk appetite and limits independent of the
first line of defense.
Further development of AIRB models will be undertaken in support
of CWB’s eventual transition to the AIRB approach.
RISK MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW
Risk management processes are designed to complement CWB’s
overall size, level of complexity, risk profile and philosophy
regarding risk. CWB’s risk management philosophy emphasizes risk
measurement, sound controls, effective governance, transparency
and accountability. Selectively choosing and managing acceptable
risks has been integral to CWB’s ability to grow profitably in
both favourable and adverse market conditions. A strong risk
culture continues to be a cornerstone of CWB’s approach to risk
management.
As with all financial institutions, CWB is in the business of managing
risk and is therefore exposed to various risk factors that could
adversely affect its operating environment, financial condition and
financial performance. Exposure to risk may also influence a client’s
decision to make deposits and/or an investor’s decision to buy, sell
or hold CWB shares or other securities. Each of CWB’s businesses is
subject to certain risks that require unique mitigation strategies.
CWB has demonstrated its ability to effectively manage risks
through conservative management practices based on a strong
risk culture and a disciplined risk management approach; however,
not all risks are within CWB’s direct control. A description of key
external risk factors management considers is included in this
risk management discussion. CWB actively evaluates existing and
potential risks to develop, implement and continually enhance
appropriate risk mitigation strategies.
Risk Management Strengths
•
In-depth knowledge of our clients;
• Secured lending business model;
• Disciplined underwriting with demonstrated strength through
multiple credit cycles;
•
Increasing geographic diversification;
• Low average duration of lending portfolios;
• Relatively low exposure to economically sensitive retail lending
portfolios; and,
• Strong risk culture with robust risk management framework
which addresses risks throughout CWB.
Risk Management Challenges
• Ongoing global macroeconomic volatility, especially the
persistence of low oil prices and related economic challenges
within parts of Western Canada;
•
Increasing volume and complexity of regulatory requirements and
expectations; and,
• Capital requirements under the Standardized approach
decoupled from the underlying economic risk.
Risk Management Principles
The following principles guide the management of risks across all
operations and companies of CWB (group-wide):
• An effective balance of risk and reward through alignment of
business strategy with risk appetite, diversifying risk, pricing
appropriately for risk, and mitigating risk through sound
preventative and detection controls;
• A group-wide view of risk and the acceptance of risks required to
build the business with continuous consideration for how those
risks may affect CWB’s reputation;
• The belief that every employee is accountable to understand the
risks inherent in their respective day-to-day activities;
• Use of common sense, sound judgment and fulsome risk-based
discussions;
• Recognition that “knowing your client” reduces risks by ensuring
the services provided are suitable for, and understood by, the
client; and,
• Ongoing commitment to a three lines of defense risk governance
framework with independent oversight and effective challenge
from the second line.
The mandate of CWB’s Group Risk Management function is to
enhance existing processes and structure to help identify and
appropriately mitigate risks on a group-wide basis. The intent is to
provide a suitable framework for CWB to properly balance risk and
reward while ensuring risk management practices satisfy regulatory
requirements.
51
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report
Risk Management Framework
The primary goal of risk management is to ensure that the outcomes
of risk-taking are consistent with CWB’s business activities, strategies
and risk appetite. The group-wide risk management framework
provides the foundation for achieving this goal. CWB utilizes the
Figure 5 – Risk Management Framework
ISO 31000 Standard for Risk Management as a comprehensive
framework to help ensure risk is managed effectively and efficiently.
CWB’s group-wide risk management framework (Figure 5) is
comprised of four main elements:
Risk Governance
Risk Appetite Framework
Principal Risks and Risk Management Processes
Strong Risk Culture
Risk Culture
Principal Risks
A strong risk culture emphasizes transparency and accountability.
Organizations with a strong risk culture have a consistent and
repeatable approach to risk management when making key business
decisions, including regular discussions of risk and reviews of risk
scenarios that can help management and the Board understand
the inter relationships and potential impacts of risks. CWB’s strong
risk culture starts with an appropriate “tone at the top” that
demonstrates and sends consistent and clear messages throughout
the organization. Risk culture is communicated throughout CWB and
is emphasized by the actions of senior management and the Board.
Figure 6 – Principal Risks
The ability to identify, measure and monitor risks is a key component
of effective group-wide risk management. Certain principal risks
have been identified that have the greatest potential to materially
impact operations. Following (Figure 6) is a visual representation of
CWB’s principal risk exposures by business line:
CWB
Credit Risk
Liquidity/Funding Risk
Market Risk
Capital Risk
Operational Risk
Business
and Personal
Banking
Trust
Services
Insurance
Wealth
Management
Credit Risk
Operational Risk
Credit Risk
Operational Risk
Operational Risk
Operational Risk
52
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report CWB was exposed to insurance risk through its property and casualty
insurance subsidiary, Canadian Direct Insurance (CDI), until CDI was sold
on May 1, 2015.
Reputational risk is also a principal risk, which arises as a consequence
of not managing other risks effectively. Regulatory, technology,
cyber security, people and fiduciary risks are significant subsets of
Operational Risk.
Risk Appetite
CWB’s risk management processes incorporate various forms of stress
testing to assist in making informed risk management and capital planning
decisions, which are developed and managed as part of sound business
strategy. Stress testing is performed across key functional areas of CWB
and is based on both quantitative and qualitative inputs.
Our Risk Appetite Framework consists of our Risk Appetite Statement,
as well as all supporting key risk metrics and corporate policies and
standards, including limits. Our risk appetite defines the amount of risk
that CWB is willing to assume for all risk types, given our guiding risk
management principles and capital capacity. Key attributes of CWB’s
overall risk appetite include the following:
• A relatively flat organizational structure with management close to
their respective operations, helping to facilitate effective internal
communications and reinforcing an appropriate “tone at the top”;
• A continuous commitment and focus on the achievement of high
quality, sustainable long-term financial results;
• Maintenance of investment grade credit ratings to allow for
• A conservative risk culture that is prevalent throughout CWB, from
competitive access to funding;
the Board to senior management to front-line staff;
• Maintenance of effective policies, procedures, guidelines,
• No direct exposure to wholesale banking businesses (investment
banking, brokerage and trading) which are subject to significant
earnings volatility and can lead to large unexpected losses compared
to typical spread lending;
compliance standards and controls, training and oversight to guide
the business practices and risk-taking activities of all employees
in support of CWB’s reputation and adherence to all legal and
regulatory obligations; and,
• A philosophy of only taking risks that are transparent and
• Risk appetites for key risk types are established based on both
understood, and that can be measured, monitored and managed.
Management strives to thoroughly understand the risks of the
businesses in which CWB chooses to engage and has extensive
knowledge and experience in CWB’s chosen lending sectors, key
geographic regions and other complementary business areas;
• Careful and diligent management of risks at all levels led by a
knowledgeable and experienced management team committed to
sound management practices and the promotion of a highly ethical
culture;
quantitative and qualitative risk types by ERM as the second line of
defense, endorsed by senior management and ultimately approved
by the Board.
53
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report
Risk Management Governance Structure
The foundation of our enterprise-wide risk management
framework is a governance framework which includes a robust
committee structure and a comprehensive set of corporate
policies and limits approved by the Board of Directors or its
committees, as well as supporting corporate standards and
operating guidelines. This enterprise-wide risk management
framework is governed through a hierarchy of committees and
individual responsibilities as outlined in the diagram below:
Figure 7 – Enterprise-Wide Risk Management Framework
Board of Directors
Board Risk
Committee
Board Audit
Committee
Executive Risk
Management
Committee
Reputational
Regulatory
Chief Executive
Officer
Group
Credit Risk
Committee
Group
ALCO
Group
Capital Risk
Committee
Group
Operational
Risk
Committee
Group
Disclosure
Committee
Credit
Market
Liquidity
Funding
Capital
Operational
• Regulatory
• Technology
• People
Business and
Support Areas
Enterprise Risk
Management (ERM)
Internal
Audit
1st Line of Defense
2nd Line of Defense
3rd Line of Defense
Board of Directors – responsible for supervising management
and the business of CWB. The Board, either directly or through
its committees, is responsible for oversight in the following
areas: strategic planning, risk appetite, risk management, capital
management, promoting a culture of integrity, internal controls,
evaluation of senior management and succession planning,
public disclosure and corporate governance.
Board Risk Committee – formed in the fourth quarter of
2015. Assists the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities
in relation to CWB’s identification and management of
risk, adherence to corporate risk management policies and
procedures, and compliance with risk-related regulatory
requirements. Prior to formation of this committee, its
responsibilities were owned either by the full Board or other
committees of the Board. The Board Risk Committee includes a
loan adjudication panel with specific responsibility formerly held
by the Loans Committee of the Board, which was discontinued
upon formation of the Board Risk Committee.
Board Audit Committee – assists the Board in fulfilling its
oversight responsibilities for the integrity of CWB’s financial
reporting, effectiveness of CWB’s internal controls and the
performance of its internal and external audit functions.
Chief Executive Officer – directly accountable to the Board for
all of CWB’s risk-taking activities. The Chief Executive Officer is
supported by the Executive Risk Management Committee and its
subcommittees, as well as ERM.
Chief Risk Officer – directly accountable to the Chief Executive
Officer. As head of ERM, the Chief Risk Officer is responsible for
providing independent review and oversight of enterprise-wide
risks and leadership on risk issues, developing and maintaining
a risk management framework which includes key risk metrics
and risk policies and fostering a strong risk culture across the
enterprise. The Chief Risk Officer reports functionally to the
Board Risk Committee.
54
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report Executive Risk Management Committee – CWB’s senior
risk committee provides risk oversight and governance at the
highest levels of management. The Executive Risk Management
Committee reviews and discusses significant risk issues and action
plans that arise in executing the enterprise-wide strategy. The
Committee is chaired by the Chief Risk Officer and membership
includes the Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
Subcommittees of the Executive Risk Management
Committee – The Executive Risk Management Committee and
its subcommittees provide oversight of the processes whereby
the risks assumed across the enterprise are identified, measured,
monitored, held within delegated limits and reported in
accordance with policy guidelines. They include:
Group Credit Risk Committee – Approves loans within
delegated limits and is responsible for ensuring that
appropriate credit policies are in place. Monitors the quality,
diversification and exposure of the loan portfolio and
recommends actions to ensure adequacy of the provision for
credit losses.
Group Asset Liability Committee (ALCO) – Responsible for
the establishment and maintenance of operational policies
and programs for liquidity management and control, funding
sources, investments, foreign exchange risk, structural interest
rate risk and derivatives risk.
Group Capital Risk Committee – Responsible for the
oversight of capital adequacy, CWB’s regulatory capital plan,
Internal Capital Adequacy and Assessment Process (ICAAP)
and stress testing.
Group Operational Risk Committee – Reviews the group
operational risk management framework, operational loss
reporting and business continuity plans. Reviews action plans
for mitigating and improving the management of operational
risk.
Group Disclosure Committee – Supports CEO/CFO
certification over public disclosures. Responsible for reviewing
CWB’s internal control over financial reports and disclosure
controls and procedures to help ensure the accuracy,
completeness and timeliness of related public disclosures.
CWB’s risk management framework is anchored in the Three Lines of Defense approach to managing risk, which is fundamental to our
operating model, as described below:
Table 27 – Three Lines of Defense
First Line
Second Line
Business and Support Areas
ERM and support functions
Third Line
Internal Audit
- Own and manage all risks within their
- Set key risk metrics on which risk
- Provide independent assurance to the
lines of business
- Pursue suitable business opportunities
within their established risk appetite and
limits
- Act within their delegated risk-taking
authority as set out in established
corporate policies
- Establish appropriate operating policies
and internal control structures in
accordance with the corporate risk
policies
appetite and limits are based; ERM
establishes policies, processes and
practices that address all significant risks
across the enterprise
Audit Committee and the Board as to the
effectiveness and appropriateness of (and
adherence to) the risk framework
- Independently review adherence to
- Independently assess, quantify, monitor,
controls, policies, rules and regulations
control and report all significant risk
exposures against the risk appetite and
limits
- Provide independent oversight, effective
challenge and independent assessment
of risk
- Identify operational weaknesses;
recommend and track remediation
actions
The following CWB oversight functions provide key support within
the group-wide risk management framework:
Regulatory Compliance – Establishes risk-based processes to
actively manage known and emerging risks related to applicable
regulatory requirements. The group is headed by the Chief
Compliance Risk Officer (CCRO). In 2015, responsibilities of the
CCRO were fulfilled by the CRO, and the CRO will continue to act
in this capacity in 2016.
Finance – Provides independent oversight of processes to manage
financial reporting and capital risk. Provides oversight on financial
reporting, capital adequacy, external credit ratings, regulatory
reporting on finance related issues, tax and accounting-related
functions. The CFO reports functionally to the Audit Committee.
55
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report REPORT ON PRINCIPAL RISKS
While CWB’s operations are exposed to numerous types of risk, certain risks, identified as principal, have the greatest potential to materially
impact operations and financial performance:
CREDIT RISK
Risk Overview
The main source of credit risk exposure for CWB results from its
focus and expertise in granting loans and leases. CWB’s credit risk
management culture reflects the unique combination of policies,
practices, experience and management attitudes that support growth
within chosen industries and geographic markets. Underwriting
standards are designed to ensure an appropriate balance of risk and
return, and are supported by established loan exposure limits in areas
of demonstrated lending expertise. Concentration is measured against
specified tolerance levels by geographic region, industry sector and
product type. In order to minimize its potential loss given default,
the vast majority of loans are secured by tangible collateral. CWB’s
approach to managing credit risk has proven to be very effective, as
demonstrated by CWB’s relatively stable provision for credit losses and
consistently low write-offs measured as a percentage of total loans.
Refer to the Loans and Credit Quality sections of this MD&A for
additional information.
Risk Governance
The credit approval process is centrally controlled, with all
significant credit requests submitted to Credit Risk Management
for adjudication. Credit Risk Management is independent of the
originating business. Requests for credit approval beyond the
lending limit of the CEO are referred to the Group Credit Risk
Committee or, prior to formation of the Board Risk Committee in
the fourth quarter of 2015, to the Loans Committee of the Board
for approval. Commencing in the fourth quarter of 2015, such
credit requests are referred to the Group Credit Risk Committee
or the Board Risk Committee’s loan adjudication panel.
56
CWB Group 2015 Annual ReportCredit risk is the risk that a financial loss will be incurred due to the failure of a counterparty to discharge its contractual commitment or obligation to CWB. Risk Management
CWB is committed to a number of important principles to manage credit exposures, which include:
• Oversight provided by the Loans Committee of the Board up to
the third quarter of 2015; commencing in the fourth quarter
of 2015, oversight provided by the Board Risk Committee;
• Delegated lending authorities that are clearly communicated
to lenders and other personnel engaged in the credit granting
process;
• Pricing of credits commensurate with risk to ensure an
appropriate financial return;
• Management of growth while maintaining the quality of loans;
• Early recognition of problem accounts and immediate action to
protect the safety of CWB’s capital;
• Credit policies, guidelines and directives which are
communicated within all branches, business lines and to
officers whose activities and responsibilities include credit
granting and risk assessment;
• Appointment of personnel engaged in credit granting who are
both qualified and experienced;
• A standard credit risk-rating classification established for all
credits;
• A review at least annually of credit risk-rating classifications
and individual credit facilities (except consumer loans and
single-unit residential mortgages);
• Quarterly review of risk diversification by geographic area,
industry sector and product measured against assigned
portfolio limits;
• Ongoing development of credit analytics reporting to assess
portfolio risks at a granular level;
• Delegation of loans deemed to carry higher risks to a
specialized loan workout group that performs an appropriate
level of regular monitoring and close management;
•
Independent reviews of credit evaluation, risk classification
and credit management procedures by Internal Audit, which
includes direct reporting of results to senior management, the
CEO and the Audit Committee of the Board; and,
• Detailed quarterly reviews of accounts rated less than
satisfactory. Reviews include a recap of action plans for each
less than satisfactory account, the completion of a watch list
report recording accounts with evidence of weakness and an
impaired report covering loans that show impairment to the
point where a loss is possible. A summary report of less than
satisfactory accounts was reviewed on a quarterly basis by the
Loans Committee or Risk Committee of the Board in 2015.
Credit Risk Concentration
Risk diversification is addressed by establishing portfolio limits
by geographic area, industry sector and product. The policy is to
limit loans to connected corporate borrowers to not more than
10% of CWB’s shareholders’ equity. Generally, CWB’s lending
limit is $50 million for a single risk exposure. However, for certain
quality connections that confirm debt service capacity and loan
security from more than one source, the limit is generally $100
million. CWB clients with larger borrowing requirements can be
accommodated through loan syndications with other financial
institutions.
Environmental Risk
Portfolio Quality
While the day-to-day operations of CWB do not have a material
impact on the environment, environmental risks include the risk
of loss given default if a borrower is unable to repay loans due to
environmental cleanup costs, and the risk of damage to CWB’s
reputation resulting from the same. In order to manage these risks,
and to help mitigate CWB’s overall impact on the environment, CWB
evaluates potential environmental risks as part of its credit granting
process. If potential environmental risks are identified that cannot be
resolved to CWB’s satisfaction, the application will be denied.
Reports on environmental inspections and findings are provided
quarterly to the Board or, commencing in the fourth quarter of 2015,
the Board Risk Committee. Where financing is provided, Internal Audit
will sample test loan files to ensure environmental studies required as
a condition of financing are in place, including review for a transmittal
letter from the author of the environmental study indicating that it
may be relied upon for financing purposes.
CWB’s strategy is to maintain a quality, secured and diversified loan
portfolio by engaging experienced personnel who provide a hands-
on approach in credit granting, account management and timely
action when problems develop. Lending within the Bank is largely
directed toward small- and medium-sized businesses operating in
the four western provinces, and to individuals. Relationship banking
and “knowing your client” are important tenets of effective account
management. Earning an appropriate financial return for the level
of risk is also fundamental. Geographic diversification of the loan
portfolio outside of Western Canada is achieved through National
Leasing’s representation across all provinces of Canada, residential
mortgages underwritten and serviced by Optimum in select regions of
Ontario and Atlantic Canada, and participation in syndicated lending
facilities primarily led by other Canadian banks.
For additional information see the Loans and Credit Quality sections of
this MD&A.
57
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report MARKET RISK
Risk Overview
Market risk arises when making loans, taking deposits and making
investments. The most material market risks for CWB are those related
to changes in interest rates. CWB does not have a trading book; it
does not undertake market activities such as market making, arbitrage
or proprietary trading and, therefore, does not have direct risks related
to those activities. A diversified cash and securities portfolio is
maintained that is primarily comprised of high quality debt
instruments, preferred shares and common shares that are subject to
price fluctuations based on movements in interest rates and volatility
in financial markets. CWB has limited direct exposure to foreign
exchange risk.
Risk Governance
Market risk is managed in accordance with Board approved
market risk policy and the corresponding operational policies.
As the first line of defense, Treasury owns and manages the
market risk on a daily basis. ALCO provides tactical and strategic
direction and is responsible for ongoing oversight, and reviews
and endorses the operational policies.
Subcategories of Market Risk
Interest Rate Risk
Structural interest rate risk arises when changes in interest rates
affect the cash flows, earnings and values of assets and liabilities
from our banking activities. The objective of structural interest rate
risk management is to maintain high quality earnings, maximize
sustainable product spreads and maintain an appropriate balance
between earnings volatility and economic value volatility while
keeping both within their respective risk appetite limits.
Structural interest rate risk arises due to the duration mismatch between
our assets and liabilities. Adverse interest rate movements may cause
a reduction in earnings; and/or a reduction in the economic value
of CWB’s assets; and/or an increase in the economic value of CWB’s
liabilities. Structural interest rate risk is primarily comprised of duration
mismatch risk and product-embedded option risk. Duration mismatch
risk arises when there are differences in the scheduled maturity,
repricing dates or reference rates of assets, liabilities and derivatives.
The net duration mismatch, representing residual assets funded by
common shareholders’ equity, is managed to a target profile through
interest rate swaps and CWB’s cash and securities portfolio. Product-
embedded option risk arises when product features allow customers to
alter scheduled maturity or repricing dates. Product-embedded options
include loan prepayment, deposit redemption privileges and committed
rates on unadvanced mortgages.
Variation in market interest rates can affect net interest income (NII)
by altering cash flows and spreads. Variation in market interest rates
can also affect the economic value of a bank’s assets, liabilities, and
off-balance sheet (OBS) positions. Thus, the sensitivity of a bank’s
economic value to fluctuations in interest rates is an important
consideration of shareholders, management, and regulators. The
economic value of an instrument represents an assessment of the
58
present value of its expected net cash flows, discounted to reflect
market rates. By extension, the economic value of CWB’s equity
can be viewed as the present value of the Bank’s expected net cash
flows, defined as the expected cash flows on interest-sensitive assets
minus the expected cash flows on interest-sensitive liabilities plus the
expected net cash flows on OBS positions. In this sense, the economic
value perspective reflects one view of the sensitivity of net worth to
fluctuations in interest rates.
Management of structural interest rate risk is a balancing act between
short-term income volatility and volatility in the long-term value of
CWB’s equity. Treasury manages the economic value of the banking
book to a “benchmark duration” which reflects this trade-off.
Benchmark duration is recommended by Treasury and approved by
ALCO. The benchmark duration considers an appropriate trade-off
between:
• earnings volatility and volatility in the value of CWB’s equity;
• risk and return (e.g. increasing duration increases the exposure to
rising interest rates, but also enables an interest income pick-up
from a positively sloping yield curve); and,
• expected interest rate movements.
While management of the benchmark duration is the responsibility of
the first line of defense (recommended by Treasury and approved by
ALCO) and detailed in the operational policies, it is important that the
resulting risk exposures stay within CWB’s risk appetite.
CWB Group 2015 Annual ReportMarket risk is the impact on earnings and on economic value of equity resulting from changes in financial market variables such as interest rates and foreign exchange rates. Market risk is comprised of structural interest rate risk on the banking book, investment risk on the discretionary portfolios and liquidity and funding risk. Interest rate risk is the impact on earnings and economic value of equity resulting from changes in interest rates.
Risk Metrics
Structural interest rate risk is measured using simulations, earnings
sensitivity and economic value sensitivity analysis, stress testing and
gap analysis, in addition to other traditional risk metrics.
Earnings at Risk
Earnings at risk (EaR) is defined as the potential reduction in net
interest income due to adverse interest rate movements over a one-
year horizon. It is measured both against stress scenarios historically
observed (historical simulation or historical Value at Risk (VaR)) and
standard parallel interest shocks (interest rate sensitivity).
Economic Value of Equity at Risk
Economic value of equity at risk (EVaR) is defined as the potential
reduction in economic value of CWB’s equity due to adverse interest
rate movements. This is not an earnings measure, but rather a
value measure; and it is also measured against both stress scenarios
historically observed (historical simulation or historical VaR) and
standard parallel interest shocks (interest rate sensitivity).
CWB’s Interest Rate Risk Exposures
Exposure to interest rate risk is controlled by managing the size of
the static gap positions between interest sensitive assets and interest
sensitive liabilities for future periods. This is supplemented by historical
VaR for economic value of CWB’s equity, estimated by applying
historical interest rate scenarios to interest sensitive assets and interest
sensitive liabilities. These analyses are supplemented by stress testing
of the asset liability portfolio structure, duration analysis and dollar
estimates of net interest income sensitivity for periods of up to one
year after treasury hedging activity. The interest rate gap is measured
at least monthly. Note 26 to the consolidated financial statements
shows the gap position at October 31, 2015 for select time intervals.
The analysis in Note 26 is a static measurement of interest rate
sensitivity gaps at a specific point in time, and there is potential for
these gaps to change significantly over a short period. The impact on
earnings from changes in market interest rates will depend on both
the magnitude of and speed with which interest rates change, as well
as the size and maturity structure of the cumulative interest rate gap
position and the management of those positions over time.
The one-year and under cumulative gap represented negative 3.5% of
total assets at October 31, 2015, down from negative 0.7% one year
ago, while the one-month and under cumulative gap was negative
1.5%, compared to 2.7% a year earlier.
Interest rate risk is managed to ensure sustainable earnings over
time, balancing the impact on current year earnings against
changes in economic value at risk over the life of the asset and
liability portfolios.
The estimated sensitivity of net interest income to a change in interest
rates is presented in Table 28. The amounts represent the estimated
change in net interest income over the time period shown resulting
from a one percentage point change in interest rates. The estimates
are based on a number of assumptions and factors, which include:
• a constant structure in the interest sensitive asset liability portfolio;
• floor levels for various deposit liabilities;
•
interest rate changes affecting interest sensitive assets and liabilities
by proportionally the same amount and applied at the appropriate
repricing dates; and,
• no early redemptions.
59
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report
Table 28 – Estimated Sensitivity of Net Interest Income
as a Result of One Percentage Point Change in Interest Rates
($ thousands)
Impact of 1% increase in interest rates
Period
90 days
1 year
1 year percentage change
Impact of 1% decrease in interest rates
Period
90 days
1 year
1 year percentage change
2015
2014
$
(518)
$
2,411
(2,989)
(0.61)%
9,185
1.98%
2015
2014
$
(43)
$
(4,889)
(201)
0.04%
(18,221)
(3.93)%
Higher sensitivity to a decrease in rates is due to asymmetry in the
impact of falling rates on loans and deposits. A decrease of one
percentage point in rates is assumed to reduce loan yields by an
equivalent amount. However, the assumed change in total deposit
costs is lower because deposits yielding less than one percent at the
beginning of the period are adjusted to zero or an assumed floor if
higher than zero.
It is estimated that a one percentage point increase in all interest
rates at October 31, 2015 would decrease unrealized gains related
to available-for-sale debt securities and the fair value of interest
rate swaps designated as hedges, and result in a reduction in other
comprehensive income of approximately $90.1 million, net of tax
(October 31, 2014 – $36.6 million); it is estimated that a
one percentage point decrease in all interest rates at October 31,
2015 would result in a higher level of unrealized gains related to
available-for-sale debt securities and increase the fair value of interest
rate swaps designated as hedges, which would increase other
comprehensive income by approximately $87.1 million, net of tax
(October 31, 2014 – $37.3 million).
Management maintains the asset liability structure and interest rate
sensitivity within CWB’s established policies through pricing and
product initiatives, as well as the use of interest rate swaps and
other appropriate strategies. Differences in the respective sensitivity
of net interest income and other comprehensive income to changes
in interest rates compared to last year primarily reflect the increased
use of interest rate swaps to maintain management’s targeted asset
liability structure and interest rate sensitivity.
Foreign Exchange Risk
In providing financial services to its customers, CWB has assets
and liabilities denominated in U.S. dollars. At October 31, 2015,
assets denominated in U.S. dollars were 1.0% (2014 – 1.0%) of
total assets and U.S. dollar liabilities were 1.0% (2014 – 1.1%) of
total liabilities. Currencies other than U.S. dollars are not bought
or sold other than to meet specific client needs. CWB has no
material exposure to currencies other than U.S. dollars.
Policies have been established that include limits on the
maximum allowable differences between U.S. dollar assets and
liabilities. The difference is measured daily and managed by use
of U.S. dollar forward contracts or other means. Policy respecting
foreign exchange exposure is reviewed and approved at least
annually by the Board. Any deviations from policy are reported
regularly to ALCO and quarterly to the Board.
60
CWB Group 2015 Annual ReportForeign exchange risk is the risk of changes in earnings or economic value arising from changes in foreign exchange rates. This risk arises when various assets and liabilities are denominated in different currencies. Liquidity and Funding Risk
Risk Overview
CWB maintains a sound, prudent and conservative approach to
managing exposure to liquidity risk, including targeting a contingency
planning horizon under stressed operating conditions that may be
caused by company-specific or market-wide stress scenarios. The
contingency planning horizon and related liquidity and funding
management strategies comprise an integrated liquidity risk
management program designed to ensure that CWB manages liquidity
risk within an appropriate threshold.
CWB’s key risk mitigation strategies include:
• broad funding access, including preserving and growing a reliable
base of core deposits and continual access to diversified sources of
funding;
• a comprehensive group-wide liquidity contingency plan that is
supported by a pool of unencumbered high quality liquid assets and
marketable securities that would provide assured access to liquidity
in a crisis; and,
• the maintenance of a liquidity position to manage current and
future liquidity requirements while also contributing to the flexibility,
safety and soundness of CWB under times of stress.
• an appropriate balance between the level of risks CWB undertakes
and the corresponding cost of risk mitigation that considers the
potential impact of extreme but plausible events;
Refer to the Liquidity Management section of this MD&A for
additional information.
Risk Governance
Liquidity management is centralized to better facilitate
the effective management of liquidity risk. Commencing
in the fourth quarter of 2015, the Risk Committee of the
Board approves market risk management policies and
delegates liquidity risk authorities to senior management.
As the first line of defense, Treasury is responsible for
managing the liquidity and funding risk. ALCO oversees
the treasury function and provides tactical and strategic
guidance. ERM, as the second line of defense, is
responsible for independent oversight.
61
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report Liquidity risk is the risk that CWB cannot meet a demand for cash or fund its financial obligations in a cost efficient or timely manner as they become due. These financial obligations can arise from withdrawals of deposits, debt maturities, and commitments to provide credit.
Risk Management
CWB has a comprehensive liquidity risk management
policy. Responsibilities assigned to the Board Risk
Committee commencing in the fourth quarter of 2015
were previously under the purview of the full Board. The
key elements of managing liquidity risk for CWB include
the following:
• Policies – Liquidity risk management policies establish targets
for minimum liquidity, set the monitoring regime, and define
authority levels and responsibilities. Policies are reviewed at a
minimum annually by ALCO, Executive Risk Committee and,
commencing in the fourth quarter of 2015, the Board Risk
Committee. Limit setting establishes acceptable thresholds
for liquidity risk;
• Monitoring – Trends and behaviours regarding how clients
manage their deposits and loans are monitored to determine
appropriate liquidity levels. Active monitoring of the external
environment is performed using a wide range of sources and
economic barometers;
• Measurement and modeling – CWB’s liquidity model
measures and forecasts cash inflows and outflows, including
any cash flows related to applicable off-balance sheet
activities over various risk scenarios;
• Reporting – Treasury oversight of all significant liquidity
risks that support analysis, risk measurement, stress testing,
monitoring and reporting to both ALCO and, commencing in
the fourth quarter of 2015, the Board Risk Committee;
• Stress testing – CWB performs liquidity stress testing on
a regular basis to evaluate the potential effect of both
systemic and company-specific (idiosyncratic) disruptions
on CWB’s liquidity position. Liquidity stress tests consider
the effect of changes in funding assumptions, depositor
behaviour and the market behaviour of liquid assets. CWB
stress tests liquidity as per guidance from OSFI as described
in the Liquidity Adequacy Requirement. Stress test results
are reviewed by ALCO and considered in making liquidity
management decisions. Liquidity stress testing has many
purposes, including, but not limited to:
- helping the Board Risk Committee and senior
management understand the potential behaviour of
various positions on CWB’s balance sheet in circumstances
of stress; and,
-
facilitating the development of effective funding, risk
mitigation and contingency plans.
• Contingency planning – A liquidity contingency plan is
maintained that defines a liquidity event and specifies
the desired approaches for analyzing and responding to
actual and potential liquidity events. The plan outlines an
appropriate governance structure for the management
and monitoring of liquidity events, processes for effective
internal and external communication, and identifies potential
countermeasures to be considered at various stages of an
event;
• Funding diversification – CWB actively manages the
diversification of its deposit liabilities by source, type of
depositor, instrument and term. Supplementary funding
sources currently include securitization, capital market
issuance and whole loan sales; and,
• Core liquidity – CWB maintains a pool of highly liquid,
unencumbered assets that can be readily sold, or pledged to
secure borrowings, under stressed market conditions or due
to company-specific events.
Since its introduction on January 1, 2015, CWB has remained in compliance with OSFI’s Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) and the Net Cumulative
Cash Flow monitoring tool.
Contractual Obligations
CWB enters into contracts in the normal course of business that give
rise to commitments of future minimum payments that affect the
liquidity position. In addition to the obligations related to deposits
and subordinated debentures discussed in the Deposits and Liquidity
Table 29 – Contractual Obligations
($ thousands)
Management sections of this MD&A, as well as Notes 13, 17, 21 and
29 of the consolidated financial statements, the following contractual
obligations are outstanding at October 31, 2015:
Lease commitments
$
12,123
$
19,196
$
16,497
$
40,479
$
88,295
Within
1 Year
1 to 3
Years
4 to 5
Years
More than
5 Years
Total
Purchase obligations for operating
and capital expenditures
October 31, 2015
October 31, 2014
Credit Ratings
4,931
17,054
15,253
$
$
3,486
22,682
24,607
$
$
2,931
19,428
19,534
$
$
–
40,479
46,178
$
$
11,348
99,643
105,572
$
$
CWB’s ability to efficiently access capital markets funding on a
cost-effective basis is partially dependent upon the maintenance of
satisfactory credit ratings. Such credit ratings, accompanied with a
stable or positive outlook, increase the breadth of clients and investors
able to participate in various deposit and debt offerings, while also
lowering CWB’s overall cost of capital.
62
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report
Credit ratings are largely determined by the quality of earnings, the
adequacy of capital, the effectiveness of risk management programs
and the opinions of rating agencies related to creditworthiness of the
financial sector as a whole. There can be no assurance that CWB’s
credit ratings and the corresponding outlook will not be changed,
potentially resulting in adverse consequences for funding capacity or
access to capital markets. Changes in credit ratings may also affect
the ability and/or the cost of establishing normal course derivative
or hedging transactions. Credit ratings do not consider market price
or address the suitability of any financial instrument for a particular
investor and are not recommendations to purchase, sell or hold
securities. Ratings are subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by
the rating organization.
The following table summarizes the credit ratings issued for CWB, as
well as the corresponding rating agency outlook at October 31, 2015.
Table 30 – Credit Ratings
The following CWB ratings issued by DBRS, along with the corresponding outlook, were last confirmed
on October 29, 2015.
Long-term
senior debt and
deposits
Short-term debt
Subordinated
debentures
Preferred shares
Outlook
DBRS
A (low)
R1 (low)
BBB (high)
Pfd-3
Stable
CAPITAL RISK
Risk Overview
CWB follows three main principles to facilitate the effective
management of capital risk:
• Capital management involves a dynamic and ongoing process to
determine, allocate and maintain appropriate amounts of capital.
• The optimal amount and composition of capital must consider
regulatory and economic capital requirements, as well as the
expectation of CWB shareholders and other stakeholders.
• The objective of capital management is to ensure:
- capital is, and will continue to be, adequate to maintain
confidence in the safety and stability of CWB while also
complying with required regulatory standards;
- CWB has the capability to access appropriate sources of capital in
a timely and cost-effective manner; and,
-
return on capital is sufficient to support projected business
growth and satisfy the expectations of investors.
Risk Governance
The Board approves the annual regulatory capital plan,
Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment Process (ICAAP)
and capital management policies. The Group Capital Risk
Committee is responsible for capital risk management.
The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) as the head of Finance
is responsible for the available capital as the supply side,
whereas the CRO as the head of Risk is responsible for
risk capital as the demand side. In addition, Finance,
Risk, Strategy and Communications, and Credit Analytics
comprise the ICAAP core team and are closely involved in
capital management. The core team is closely supported by
other key departments, including Treasury and Credit Risk
Management.
Risk Management
The following are key elements of capital risk management:
• Consolidated forecast models used to analyze the likely
• The annual regulatory capital plan, inclusive of the capital
management policy and three-year capital projections;
• A quarterly regulatory capital risk update delivered to the Board;
capital impact of projected operations, stress testing and/or
significant transactions; and,
• Regulatory capital ratios reported to senior management and
the Board on a monthly basis.
For additional information, please refer to the Capital Management section of this MD&A.
63
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report Capital risk is the risk that CWB has insufficient capital resources, in either quantity or quality, to support economic risk taken, regulatory requirements, strategic initiatives and current or planned operations.
OPERATIONAL RISK
Risk Overview
Operational risk is inherent in all of CWB’s business activities including
banking, trust, wealth management and, up to May 1, 2015, insurance
operations, and is embedded in processes that support the management
of principal risks such as credit, liquidity, market, capital and reputational
risk. CWB is exposed to operational risk from internal business activities,
external threats and outsourced business activities. Its impact can be
financial loss, loss of reputation, loss of competitive position, regulatory
penalties, or failure in the management of other risks. While operational
risk cannot be completely eliminated, proactive operational risk
management is a key strategy to mitigate this risk. The primary financial
measure of operational risk is actual losses incurred. CWB incurred no
material losses related to operational risk in 2015 or 2014.
Risk Governance
Business and support areas as the first line of defense
are fully accountable for the management and control of
operational risks to which they are exposed. The Group
Operational Risk Committee has responsibility for operational
risk, with oversight commencing in the fourth quarter of
2015 by the Board Risk Committee, formerly by the full
Board, the Executive Risk Management Committee and
The regulatory framework requires certain amounts of capital to be
allocated to support operational risk. CWB uses the Standardized
approach to measure operational risk. CWB has a group-wide
Operational Risk Management Framework to ensure that all
employees understand their responsibilities with respect to operational
risk management. The Operational Risk Management Framework
encompasses a common language of risk coupled with programs
and methodologies for identification, measurement, control, and
management of operational risk. This is supported by specific
operational risk training for all staff.
senior management. ERM, as the second line of defense is
responsible for the continual enhancement of the Group
Operational Risk Framework and supporting policies. The
Board Risk Committee has ultimate oversight and approves
the Group’s Operational Risk Management Framework with
support from other Board committees.
Risk Management
Following is a summary of strategies and factors that assist with the effective management of operational risk:
• Flat organizational structure with management close to
• Communication of, and specific training related to, the
their respective operations, which helps to facilitate effective
internal communication and operational control;
importance of effective operational risk management to all levels;
• Management that is very engaged with promoting CWB’s
• Organizational surveys on employee engagement and
operational risk tolerance and appetite; and,
corporate culture (including CWB’s ongoing participation in
the 50 Best Employers in Canada survey);
• Ongoing enhancement of group-wide operational risk
management processes.
Key elements of the Operational Risk Management Framework include:
Additional key components include:
• Common definitions of operational risk - CWB incorporates
standard risk terms and certain key operational risk definitions as
part of its Group Operational Risk Management Framework and
supporting policies.
•
implementation of policies and procedural controls appropriate to
address identified risks (including segregation of duties and other
fundamental checks and balances);
• continual enhancements to fraud prevention processes, policies and
• Risk assessments - Risk control self-assessments are utilized
throughout CWB with the objective to proactively identify key
operational risk exposures and assess whether appropriate risk-
mitigating internal controls are in place and operating effectively.
Action plans may result where additional strategies are identified to
reduce risk exposure.
• Operational risk reporting - Loss data monitoring is important
to maintain awareness of identified operational risks and to assist
management in taking constructive action to reduce exposures to
future losses.
64
communication;
• established “whistleblower” processes and employee code of conduct;
• maintenance of an outsourcing management program;
• at least annual assessment and benchmarking of business
insurance;
CWB Group 2015 Annual ReportOperational risk is the risk of loss resulting from human error, inadequate or failed processes, systems or controls, or external events. There are three subsets of operational risk: regulatory risk, people risk and technology risk.
• human resource policies and processes to ensure staff are
• enhanced focus on data quality as an important and strategic asset;
adequately trained for the tasks for which they are responsible and
enable retention and recruitment;
• a Regulatory Compliance department focused on key regulatory
compliance areas such as privacy, anti-money laundering, anti-
terrorist financing and consumer regulations;
• use of technology that incorporates automated systems with
built-in controls and active management of configuration and
change management along with information security management
programs;
Subcategories of Operational Risk
Regulatory Compliance Risk
• effective project management processes supported by a designated
committee comprised of representatives of senior management;
and,
• continual updating and testing of procedures and contingency plans
for disaster recovery and business continuity (including pandemic
planning).
The businesses operated by CWB are highly regulated through laws and
regulations that have been put in place by various federal and provincial
governments and regulators. Changes to laws and regulations,
including changes in their interpretation or implementation, could
adversely affect CWB. CWB’s failure to comply with applicable laws,
regulations, industry codes or regulatory expectations could result in
sanctions, financial penalties and costs associated with litigation that
could adversely impact earnings and damage reputation. Although most
sources of regulatory risk are outside of management’s direct control,
CWB takes what it believes to be reasonable and prudent measures
designed to support compliance with governing laws and regulations.
Over the past several years the intensity of supervisory oversight of
all federally regulated Canadian financial institutions has increased
significantly in terms of both regulation and new standards. This
includes amplified supervisory activities, an increase in the volume
of regulation, more frequent data and information requests from
regulators, and shorter implementation timeframes for regulatory
requirements, including the Basel III capital and liquidity standards.
Certain regulations may also impact CWB’s ability to compete
against both non-OSFI and other OSFI regulated entities. Effective
management of regulatory risk and compliance in the current
environment requires, and is expected to continue to require,
considerable internal resources and the active involvement of senior
management and the Board.
Notwithstanding the additional resources, the volume, pace and
implementation of new and amended regulations and standards
increases the risk of unintended consequences and non-compliance
for all regulated entities. CWB has intensified its efforts for regulatory
compliance risk management. A number of initiatives are underway to
further its compliance risk management capabilities.
Technology Risk
CWB is highly dependent upon information technology and
supporting infrastructure, such as voice, data and network access.
In addition to internal resources, various third-parties provide key
components of the infrastructure and applications. Disruptions in
information technology and infrastructure, whether attributed to
internal or external factors, and including potential disruptions in the
services provided by various third-parties, could adversely affect the
ability of CWB to conduct regular business and/or deliver products
and services to clients. Ongoing diligence is required to ensure systems
are secure from threats. In addition, CWB currently has a number of
significant technology projects underway, including the replacement
of its core banking system (implementation scheduled for mid-fiscal
2016), which further increase risk exposure related to information
systems and technology.
Cyber Security Risk
CWB manages cyber security risk by ensuring appropriate
technologies, processes and practices are effectively designed and
implemented to help prevent, detect and respond to threats as they
emerge and evolve. CWB relies upon a complete suite of advanced
controls to protect itself and its customers from attack and has
partnered with leading third-party service providers to provide
counsel and support should the need arise. CWB regularly tests the
completeness and effectiveness of its cyber security program and
through ongoing vigilance has not experienced a cyber security event
of any materiality.
65
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report Regulatory compliance risk is the risk of negative impact to business activities, earnings or capital, regulatory relationships or reputation as a result of non-compliance with applicable regulatory requirements. Technology risk is related to the operational performance, confidentiality, integrity and availability of our information, systems and infrastructure.Cyber security risk is related to the ongoing threat that systems and their data may be attacked, damaged or subject to unauthorized access. People Risk
Competition for qualified employees in CWB’s key markets is intense,
reflecting the general level of economic activity and the needs of other
financial services participants within and outside CWB’s geographic
footprint.
CWB intends to continually attract and retain sufficient qualified
employees to successfully execute against its strategic direction.
Inability to maintain an appropriate staff complement would adversely
affect CWB’s ability to achieve its strategic objectives.
Reputation Risk
Negative public opinion can result from actual or alleged misconduct
in any number of activities, either on the part of employees or external
partners, but often involves questions about business ethics and
integrity, competence, corporate governance practices, quality and
accuracy of financial reporting disclosures, or quality of products and
service. Negative public opinion could adversely affect CWB’s ability to
attract and retain clients and/or employees and could expose CWB to
litigation and/or regulatory action. Responsibility for governance and
management of reputation risk falls to all CWB employees, including
senior management and the Board.
Insurance Risk
All directors, officers and employees have a responsibility to conduct
their activities in accordance with the CWB Group’s personal
conduct policies and in a manner that minimizes reputational risk.
In addition to members of senior management, the Legal, Strategy
and Communications, and Regulatory Compliance departments are
particularly involved in the management of reputation risk.
CWB was exposed to insurance risk through its wholly owned
subsidiary, CDI, which offered home and auto insurance to customers
in BC and Alberta until CDI was sold on May 1, 2015. Accordingly,
CWB’s operations were subject to uncertainties and fluctuations in
earnings based on elements of risk associated with these lines of
business. These elements included cyclical patterns in the industry
and unpredictable developments, including weather-related and other
natural catastrophes. CDI carried reinsurance coverage as part of its
strategy to manage these risks. The insurance industry is also impacted
by political, regulatory, legal and economic influences. The insurance
business involves various types of insurance-related risk; in particular,
underwriting risk, pricing risk, claims risk and reinsurance risk. Policies
and procedures were established to manage insurance-related risk, as
well as other categories of risk to which CWB was exposed through CDI.
The risk that CDI might be exposed to large claims or to an
accumulation of claims resulting from a natural catastrophe, such
as a weather-related or seismic event, was mitigated by reinsurance
treaties that protected it from such risks. Reinsurance risk includes the
risk that reinsurance counterparties are not financially strong and that
underwriting strategies are inappropriately matched with reinsurance
programs. CDI performed financial due diligence on prospective
reinsurers and only purchases coverage from a list of reviewed and
approved companies.
CDI was exposed to regulatory risk as the insurance business is
regulated by both federal and provincial authorities. This risk was
managed mainly by monitoring current developments and actively
participating in relevant bodies and associations in order to contribute
CDI’s perspectives on regulations.
OTHER RISK FACTORS
In addition to the risks described above, other risk factors, including
those below and those identified in the forward-looking statements
section, may adversely affect CWB’s businesses and financial results.
General Business and Economic Conditions
The majority of CWB’s business is conducted in Western Canada.
Accordingly, CWB’s overall financial performance is largely impacted
by the general business and economic conditions of the four western
provinces. Several factors that could impact general business and
economic conditions in CWB’s core markets include, but are not
limited to, changes in: short-term and long-term interest rates;
energy and other commodity prices; real estate prices; adverse global
economic events and/or elevated economic uncertainties; inflation;
exchange rates; levels of consumer, business and government
spending; levels of consumer, business and government debt; and
consumer confidence.
66
CWB Group 2015 Annual ReportPeople risk is the risk that CWB is not able to retain and attract sufficient qualified employees to implement its strategies and/or achieve its objectives.Insurance risk is the risk of financial loss due to actual experience being different from that assumed in insurance product pricing and reserving. Insurance contracts provide financial protection for the insured by transferring risks to the insurer in exchange for premiums. Unfavourable experience could emerge due to adverse fluctuations in timing, size or frequency of claims, or associated expenses. Reputation risk is the consequence of not managing risks effectively and cannot be considered in isolation from other risks.
Level of competition
CWB’s performance is impacted by the intensity of competition in the
markets in which it operates. Client retention may be influenced by
many factors, including relative service levels, the prices and attributes
of products and services, changes in products and services, and
actions taken by competitors.
Accuracy and Completeness of Information on
Clients and Counterparties
CWB depends on the accuracy and completeness of information
about customers and counterparties. In deciding whether to extend
credit or enter into other transactions with clients and counterparties,
CWB may rely on information furnished by them, including financial
statements, appraisals, external credit ratings and other financial
information. CWB may also rely on the representations of clients
and counterparties as to the accuracy and completeness of that
information and, with respect to financial statements, on the
reports of auditors. CWB’s financial condition and earnings could be
negatively impacted to the extent it relies on financial statements that
do not comply with standard accounting practices, that are materially
misleading, or that do not fairly present, in all material respects,
the financial condition and results of operations of the customer or
counterparties.
Ability to Execute Growth Initiatives
As part of its long-term corporate strategy, CWB intends to continue
growing its business through a combination of organic growth and
strategic acquisitions. The ability to successfully grow its business
will be dependent on a number of factors, including identification of
accretive new business or acquisition opportunities, negotiation of
purchase agreements on satisfactory terms and prices, approval of
acquisitions by regulatory authorities, securing satisfactory regulatory
capital and financing arrangements, and effective integration of newly
acquired operations into the existing business. All of these activities
may be more difficult to implement or may take longer to execute
than management anticipates. Further, any significant expansion
of the business may increase the operating complexity and divert
management’s attention away from established or ongoing business
activities. Any failure to successfully manage acquisition strategies
could have a material adverse impact on CWB’s business, financial
condition and results of operations.
Adequacy of CWB’s Risk Management Framework
The Risk Management Framework is made up of various processes and
strategies for managing risk exposure. Given its structure and scope
of its operations, CWB is primarily subject to credit, market (mainly
interest rate), liquidity, operational, reputation, regulatory, insurance
risk up to May 1, 2015, environmental, and other risks. There can
be no assurance that the framework to manage risks, including the
framework’s underlying assumptions and models, will be effective
under all conditions and circumstances. If the risk management
framework proves ineffective, CWB could be materially affected by
unexpected financial losses and/or other harm.
Changes in Accounting Standards and Accounting
Policies and estimates
The International Accounting Standards Board continues to change
the financial accounting and reporting standards that govern the
preparation of CWB’s financial statements. These types of changes
can be significant and may materially impact how CWB records and
reports its financial condition and results of operations. Where CWB
is required to retroactively apply a new or revised standard, it may be
required to restate prior period financial statements.
Other Factors
CWB cautions that the above discussion of risk factors is not
exhaustive. Other factors beyond CWB’s control that may affect future
results include changes in tax laws, technological changes, unexpected
changes in consumer spending and saving habits, timely development
and introduction of new products, and the anticipation of and success
in managing the associated risks.
UPDATED SHARE INFORMATION
As at November 30, 2015, there were 80,526,763 common shares
outstanding. Also outstanding were employee stock options, which
are or will be exercisable for up to 5,222,320 common shares for
maximum proceeds of $158 million. On December 2, 2015, CWB’s
Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.23 per common
share, payable on January 7, 2016 to shareholders of record on
December 15, 2015. The Board of Directors also declared a cash
dividend of $0.275 per Series 5 Preferred Share payable on January
31, 2016 to shareholders of record on January 22, 2016.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
As of October 31, 2015, an evaluation was carried out on the
effectiveness of CWB’s disclosure controls and procedures. Based on
that evaluation, the CEO and CFO have certified that the design and
operating effectiveness of those disclosure controls and procedures
were effective.
Also at October 31, 2015, an evaluation was carried out on the
effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting to provide
reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting
and financial statement compliance with IFRS. Based on that
evaluation, the CEO and CFO have certified that the design and
operating effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting
were effective.
In May 2013, the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the
Treadway Commission (COSO) issued the 2013 Internal Controls
– Integrated Framework effective December 15, 2014, which is
an updated version of the 1992 Internal Controls – Integrated
Framework. Management’s evaluations at October 31, 2015 were
conducted in accordance with the framework and criteria established
in the 2013 Internal Controls – Integrated Framework, and the
requirements of National Instrument 52-109 of the Canadian
Securities Administrators. A Disclosure Committee, comprised of
members of senior management, assists the CEO and CFO in their
responsibilities. Management’s evaluation of controls can only provide
reasonable, not absolute assurance that all control issues that may
result in material misstatement, if any, have been detected.
There were no changes in CWB’s internal controls over financial
reporting that occurred during the year ended October 31, 2015 that
have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect,
internal controls over financial reporting.
This Management’s Discussion and Analysis is dated
December 2, 2015.
67
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report Consolidated Financial Statements
MANAGEMENT’S RESPONSIBILITY
FOR FINANCIAL REPORTING
The consolidated financial statements of Canadian Western Bank
(CWB) and related financial information presented in this annual
report have been prepared by management, who are responsible
for the integrity and fair presentation of the information presented,
which includes the consolidated financial statements, Management’s
Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) and other information. The
consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance
with International Financial Reporting Standards, including the
requirements of the Bank Act and related rules and regulations issued
by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions Canada.
The MD&A has been prepared in accordance with the requirements
of securities regulators, including National Instrument 51-102 of the
Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA).
The consolidated financial statements, MD&A and related financial
information reflect amounts which must, of necessity, be based on
informed estimates and judgments of management with appropriate
consideration to materiality. The financial information represented
elsewhere in this annual report is fairly presented and consistent with
that in the consolidated financial statements.
Management has designed the accounting system and related
internal controls, and supporting procedures are maintained to
provide reasonable assurance that financial records are complete and
accurate, assets are safeguarded and CWB is in compliance with all
regulatory requirements. These supporting procedures include the
careful selection and training of qualified staff, defined division of
responsibilities and accountability for performance, and the written
communication of policies and guidelines of business conduct and risk
management throughout CWB.
We, as CWB’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, will
certify CWB’s annual filings with the CSA as required by National
Instrument 52-109 (Certification of Disclosure in Issuers’ Annual and
Interim Filings).
The system of internal controls is also supported by our internal audit
department, which carries out periodic internal audits of all aspects of
CWB’s operations. The Chief Internal Auditor has full and free access
to the Audit Committee and to the external auditors.
The Audit Committee, appointed by the Board of Directors, is
comprised entirely of independent directors who are not officers or
employees of CWB. The Committee is responsible for reviewing the
financial statements and annual report, including the MD&A, and
recommending them to the Board of Directors for approval. Other
key responsibilities of the Audit Committee include meeting with
management, the Chief Internal Auditor and the external auditors to
discuss the effectiveness of certain internal controls over the financial
reporting process and the planning and results of the external audit.
The Committee also meets regularly with the Chief Financial Officer,
the Chief Internal Auditor and the external auditors without
management present.
The Governance Committee, appointed by the Board of Directors, is
comprised of directors who are not officers or employees of CWB.
Their responsibilities include reviewing related party transactions and
reporting to the Board of Directors those transactions which may have
a material impact on CWB.
The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions Canada, at
least once a year, makes such examination and inquiry into the affairs
of CWB and its federally regulated subsidiaries as is deemed necessary
or expedient to satisfy themselves that the provisions of the relevant
Acts, having reference to the safety of depositors and policyholders,
are being duly observed and that CWB is in a sound financial
condition.
KPMG LLP, the independent auditors appointed by the shareholders
of CWB, have performed an audit of the consolidated financial
statements and their report follows. The external auditors have full
and free access to, and meet periodically with, the Audit Committee
to discuss their audit and matters arising therefrom.
Chris Fowler
President and Chief Executive Officer
December 2, 2015
Carolyn J. Graham, FCPA, FCA
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
68
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report Independent Auditors’ Report
TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF
CANADIAN WESTERN BANK
We have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements
of Canadian Western Bank, which comprise the consolidated
balance sheets as at October 31, 2015 and October 31, 2014, the
consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income,
changes in equity and cash flows for the years then ended, and notes,
comprising a summary of significant accounting policies and other
explanatory information.
MANAGEMENT’S RESPONSIBILITY FOR
THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation
of these consolidated financial statements in accordance with
International Financial Reporting Standards, 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.
AUDITORS’ RESPONSIBILITY
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 our 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, we consider 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 consolidated financial position of Canadian
Western Bank as at October 31, 2015 and October 31, 2014, and its
consolidated financial performance and its consolidated cash flows
for the years then ended in accordance with International Financial
Reporting Standards.
Chartered Professional Accountants
Edmonton, Canada
December 2, 2015
69
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
($ thousands)
Assets
Cash Resources
Cash and non-interest bearing deposits with financial institutions
Interest bearing deposits with regulated financial institutions
Cheques and other items in transit
Securities
Issued or guaranteed by Canada
Issued or guaranteed by a province or municipality
Other debt securities
Preferred shares
Common shares
Securities Purchased under Resale Agreements
Loans
Personal
Business
Allowance for credit losses
Other
Property and equipment
Goodwill
Intangible assets
Derivative related
Other assets
Insurance related
Total Assets
Liabilities and Equity
Deposits
Personal
Business and government
Other
Cheques and other items in transit
Derivative related
Other liabilities
Insurance related
Debt
Subordinated debentures
Debt securities
Equity
Preferred shares
Common shares
Retained earnings
Share-based payment reserve
Other reserves
Total Shareholders’ Equity
Non-controlling interests
Total Equity
Total Liabilities and Equity
As at
October 31
As at
October 31
2015
2014(1)
$
23,949
412,768
6,705
443,422
13,320
491,255
3,839
508,414
1,364,862
620,904
346,299
143,868
75,179
2,551,112
–
764,213
560,482
290,362
321,217
152,931
2,089,205
99,566
3,318,254
16,251,530
19,569,784
(94,401)
19,475,383
2,841,154
14,764,543
17,605,697
(69,208)
17,536,489
61,356
43,781
106,103
23,245
134,125
–
368,610
$ 22,838,527
66,257
50,408
85,137
5,420
128,386
65,764
401,372
$ 20,635,046
$ 11,416,621
7,948,786
19,365,407
$ 9,832,669
7,540,345
17,373,014
60,258
4,503
308,837
–
373,598
625,000
562,623
1,187,623
125,000
537,511
1,261,678
29,210
(42,492)
1,910,907
992
1,911,899
54,826
386
309,334
165,903
530,449
625,000
411,990
1,036,990
125,000
533,038
1,011,147
25,339
(997)
1,693,527
1,066
1,694,593
$ 22,838,527
$ 20,635,046
(Note 4)
$
(Note 5)
(Note 6)
(Note 7)
(Note 8)
(Note 9)
(Note 10)
(Note 10)
(Note 11)
(Note 12)
(Note 3)
(Note 13)
(Note 11)
(Note 15)
(Note 3)
(Note 16)
(Note 17)
(Note 17)
(Note 19)
(1) Comparative information has been restated to reflect the presentation of the allowance for credit losses related to committed but undrawn credit exposures, as described in Note 31.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
Allan W. Jackson
Chair of the Board
70
Chris Fowler
President and Chief Executive Officer
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report
Assets
Cash Resources
Cash and non-interest bearing deposits with financial institutions
Interest bearing deposits with regulated financial institutions
Cheques and other items in transit
Securities
Issued or guaranteed by Canada
Issued or guaranteed by a province or municipality
Securities Purchased under Resale Agreements
Other debt securities
Preferred shares
Common shares
Loans
Personal
Business
Allowance for credit losses
Other
Property and equipment
Goodwill
Intangible assets
Derivative related
Other assets
Insurance related
Total Assets
Liabilities and Equity
Deposits
Personal
Business and government
Other
Cheques and other items in transit
Derivative related
Other liabilities
Insurance related
Debt
Subordinated debentures
Debt securities
Equity
Preferred shares
Common shares
Retained earnings
Share-based payment reserve
Other reserves
Total Shareholders’ Equity
Non-controlling interests
Total Equity
Total Liabilities and Equity
(Note 8)
(94,401)
(69,208)
19,475,383
17,536,489
October 31
October 31
As at
2015
As at
2014(1)
$
23,949
$
13,320
412,768
6,705
443,422
1,364,862
620,904
346,299
143,868
75,179
491,255
3,839
508,414
764,213
560,482
290,362
321,217
152,931
2,551,112
2,089,205
–
99,566
3,318,254
2,841,154
16,251,530
14,764,543
19,569,784
17,605,697
61,356
43,781
106,103
23,245
134,125
–
368,610
66,257
50,408
85,137
5,420
128,386
65,764
401,372
$ 22,838,527
$ 20,635,046
$ 11,416,621
$ 9,832,669
7,948,786
7,540,345
19,365,407
17,373,014
60,258
4,503
308,837
–
373,598
625,000
562,623
125,000
537,511
29,210
(42,492)
54,826
386
309,334
165,903
530,449
625,000
411,990
125,000
533,038
25,339
(997)
1,187,623
1,036,990
1,261,678
1,011,147
(Note 4)
(Note 5)
(Note 6)
(Note 7)
(Note 9)
(Note 10)
(Note 10)
(Note 11)
(Note 12)
(Note 3)
(Note 13)
(Note 11)
(Note 15)
(Note 3)
(Note 16)
(Note 17)
(Note 17)
1,910,907
1,693,527
(Note 19)
992
1,066
1,911,899
1,694,593
$ 22,838,527
$ 20,635,046
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
For the Year Ended October 31
($ thousands, except per share amounts)
Interest Income
Loans
Securities
Deposits with regulated financial institutions
Interest Expense
Deposits
Debt
Net Interest Income
Provision for Credit Losses
Net Interest Income after Provision for Credit Losses
Non-interest Income
Credit related
Wealth management
Retail services
Trust services
Gains (losses) on securities, net
Other
Net Interest and Non-interest Income
Non-interest Expenses
Salaries and employee benefits
Premises and equipment
Other expenses
Net Income before Income Taxes from Continuing Operations
Income Taxes
Net Income from Continuing Operations
Net Income Attributable to Non-controlling Interests
Shareholders’ Net Income from Continuing Operations
Preferred share dividends
Common Shareholders’ Net Income from Continuing Operations
Common Shareholders’ Net Income from Discontinued Operations
Common Shareholders’ Net Income
Average number of common shares (in thousands)
Average number of diluted common shares (in thousands)
Earnings Per Common Share
Basic - Combined Operations
- Continuing Operations
- Discontinued Operations
Diluted - Combined Operations
- Continuing Operations
- Discontinued Operations
(1) Comparative information has been restated to reflect the presentation of Discontinued Operations as described in Note 3.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
2015
2014(1)
$
$
$
855,367
40,381
2,522
898,270
316,838
37,960
354,798
543,472
31,009
512,463
27,855
14,448
13,697
10,816
(4,324)
4,818
67,310
579,773
191,289
47,478
54,722
293,489
286,284
71,319
214,965
1,401
213,564
5,500
208,064
111,637
319,701
80,442
80,582
3.97
2.59
1.38
3.97
2.59
1.38
$
$
$
799,909
38,434
4,992
843,335
311,218
32,552
343,770
499,565
25,057
474,508
25,014
13,871
11,398
10,920
13,615
8,217
83,035
557,543
175,623
43,767
50,110
269,500
288,043
70,005
218,038
1,240
216,798
11,510
205,288
13,261
218,549
80,034
80,955
2.73
2.57
0.16
2.70
2.54
0.16
(Note 8)
(Note 22)
(Note 3)
(Note 23)
(1) Comparative information has been restated to reflect the presentation of the allowance for credit losses related to committed but undrawn credit exposures, as described in Note 31.
71
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the Year Ended October 31
($ thousands)
Net Income from Continuing Operations
Common Shareholders' Net Income from Discontinued Operations
Net Income from Combined Operations
Available-for-sale securities
Gains (losses) from change in fair value(1)
Reclassification to net income(2)
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges
Gains from change in fair value(3)
Reclassification to net income(4)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, for the Year
Comprehensive Income for the Year
Comprehensive income for the year attributable to:
Shareholders of CWB
Non-controlling interests
Comprehensive Income for the Year
(1) Net of income tax of $22,033 (2014 – $4,697).
(2) Net of income tax of $2,403 (2014 – $3,712).
(3) Net of income tax of $2,887 (2014 – $1,139).
(4) Net of income tax of $1,339 (2014 – $1,208).
2015
2014
$
214,965
$
218,038
111,637
326,602
13,261
231,299
(59,593)
6,612
(52,981)
7,846
3,640
11,486
(41,495)
12,882
(10,287)
2,595
3,372
(3,575)
(203)
2,392
$
285,107
$
233,691
$
283,706
$
232,451
1,401
1,240
$
285,107
$
233,691
Items presented in other comprehensive income will be subsequently reclassified to the Consolidated Statements of Income when specific
conditions are met.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
72
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
For the Year Ended October 31
($ thousands)
Retained Earnings
Balance at beginning of year
Shareholders’ net income from Continuing Operations
Common shareholders’ net income from Discontinued Operations
Dividends - Preferred shares
- Common shares
Issuance costs on preferred shares
Balance at end of year
Other Reserves
Balance at beginning of year
Changes in available-for-sale securities
Changes in derivatives designated as cash flow hedges
Balance at end of year
Preferred Shares
Balance at beginning of year
Shares issued
Shares redeemed
Balance at end of year
Common Shares
Balance at beginning of year
Issued under dividend reinvestment plan
Transferred from share-based payment reserve on the exercise or exchange of options
Issued on exercise of options
Balance at end of year
Share-Based Payment Reserve
Balance at beginning of year
Amortization of fair value of options
Transferred to common shares on the exercise or exchange of options
Balance at end of year
Total Shareholders’ Equity
Non-Controlling Interests
Balance at beginning of year
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests
Dividends to non-controlling interests
Partial ownership increase
Balance at end of year
Total Equity
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
(Note 17)
(Note 17)
(Note 17)
(Note 17)
(Note 18)
2015
2014
$ 1,011,147
$
858,167
213,564
111,637
(5,500)
(69,170)
–
216,798
13,261
(11,510)
(62,408)
(3,161)
1,261,678
1,011,147
(997)
(52,981)
11,486
(42,492)
125,000
–
–
(3,389)
2,595
(203)
(997)
208,815
125,000
(208,815)
125,000
125,000
533,038
510,282
3,650
16,467
823
–
5,223
1,066
537,511
533,038
25,339
4,694
(823)
29,210
24,632
5,930
(5,223)
25,339
1,910,907
1,693,527
1,066
1,401
(1,376)
(99)
992
1,062
1,240
(1,139)
(97)
1,066
$ 1,911,899
$ 1,694,593
73
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Year Ended October 31
($ thousands)
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net income from Continuing Operations
Common shareholders’ net income from Discontinued Operations
Adjustments to determine net cash flows:
Gains on sale of Discontinued Operations
Provision for credit losses
Depreciation and amortization
Current income taxes receivable and payable
Amortization of fair value of employee stock options
Accrued interest receivable and payable, net
Gain on securities, net
Deferred taxes, net
Gain on disposal of property and equipment
Change in operating assets and liabilities
Deposits, net
Loans, net
Securities purchased under resale agreements, net
Other items, net
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Common shares issued
Preferred shares issued, net of issuance costs
Preferred shares redeemed
Debt securities issued
Debt securities repaid
Dividends
Distributions to non-controlling interests
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Interest bearing deposits with regulated financial institutions, net
Securities, purchased
Securities, sales proceeds
Securities, matured
Proceeds from disposal of Discontinued Operations
Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment
Property, equipment and intangibles
Partial ownership increase
Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year *
* Represented by:
Cash and non-interest bearing deposits with financial institutions
Cheques and other items in transit (included in Cash Resources)
Cheques and other items in transit (included in Other Liabilities)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information
Interest and dividends received
Interest paid
Income taxes paid
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
74
2015
2014
$
214,965
$
218,038
111,637
13,261
(Note 3)
(107,808)
31,009
21,417
1,054
4,694
3,157
4,607
(4,589)
–
–
25,057
21,685
10,254
5,930
6,604
(13,999)
(5,014)
(4,698)
(Note 17)
(Note 17)
(Note 17)
1,992,393
1,741,974
(1,969,903)
(1,967,717)
99,566
(8,911)
393,288
3,650
–
–
371,336
(220,703)
(74,670)
(1,376)
78,237
(99,566)
13,327
(34,864)
17,533
121,839
(208,815)
332,261
(115,922)
(73,918)
(1,139)
71,839
44,411
(232,766)
(6,663,035)
(6,779,305)
4,979,789
4,329,567
1,001,632
2,604,572
(Note 3)
215,710
–
(41,153)
(816)
–
7,263
(38,212)
–
(463,462)
(108,881)
8,063
(37,667)
(71,906)
34,239
(29,604)
$
(37,667)
23,949
$
13,320
6,705
(60,258)
3,839
(54,826)
$
$
$
(29,604)
$
(37,667)
$
918,485
$
845,603
345,762
81,455
333,479
68,362
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the Years Ended October 31, 2015 and 2014
($ thousands, except per share amounts)
1. NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND BASIS
OF PRESENTATION
a) Reporting Entity
Canadian Western Bank (CWB) is a publicly traded Canadian bank
headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta. CWB offers a diversified range
of financial services.
The consolidated financial statements were authorized for issue by the
Board of Directors on December 2, 2015.
b) Basis of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the assets, liabilities
and results of operations of CWB and all of its subsidiaries, after the
elimination of intercompany transactions and balances. Subsidiaries
are defined as entities whose operations are controlled by CWB
and are corporations in which CWB is the beneficial owner. Non-
controlling interest in subsidiaries is presented on the consolidated
balance sheets as a separate component of equity that is distinct from
shareholders’ equity. The net income attributable to non-controlling
interest in subsidiaries is presented separately in the consolidated
income statements. See Note 30 for details of the subsidiaries.
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a
historic cost basis, except the revaluation of the following items:
available-for-sale financial assets; derivative financial instruments and
contingent consideration.
c) Statement of Compliance
These consolidated financial statements of CWB have been prepared
in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)
as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB)
and in accordance with subsection 308 (4) of the Bank Act and the
accounting requirements of the Office of the Superintendent of
Financial Institutions Canada (OSFI).
The significant accounting policies used in the preparation of these
financial statements, including the accounting requirements of OSFI,
are summarized below and in the following notes.
d) Use of Estimates and Assumptions
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS
requires CWB to make estimates and assumptions that affect the
reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities as at the date of the consolidated
financial statements as well as the reported amount of revenues and
expenses during the period. Key areas of estimation where CWB
has made subjective judgments, often as a result of matters that are
inherently uncertain, include those relating to the allowance for credit
losses, fair value of financial instruments, goodwill and intangible
assets, provisions for unpaid claims and adjustment expenses, deferred
tax assets and liabilities, impairment of available-for-sale securities and
fair value of stock options. Therefore, actual results could differ from
these estimates.
e) Significant Judgments
Information on critical judgments in applying accounting policies that
have the most significant effect on the amounts recognized in the
consolidated financial statements is described in the following notes:
Impairment of loans (Note 7)
•
• Allowance for credit losses (Note 8)
f) Business Combinations
Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition
method. The cost of an acquisition is measured at the fair value of
the consideration, including contingent consideration, given at the
acquisition date. Contingent consideration is considered a financial
instrument and, as such, is remeasured each period thereafter with
the adjustment recorded to other income. Acquisition-related costs
are recognized as an expense in the income statement in the period
in which they are incurred. The acquired identifiable assets, liabilities
and contingent liabilities are measured at their fair values at the date
of acquisition. Goodwill is measured as the excess of the aggregate
of the consideration transferred, including any amount of any non-
controlling interest in the acquiree, over the net of the recognized
amounts of the identifiable assets acquired and the liabilities assumed.
CWB elects on a transaction-by-transaction basis whether to measure
non-controlling interest at its fair value or at its proportionate share of the
recognized amount of the identifiable net assets, at the acquisition date.
g) Held for Sale Classification and Discontinued
Operations
Assets and liabilities subject to a plan of disposal are classified as held
for sale if their carrying amounts will be recovered principally through
a sale transaction rather than through continuing use. This condition
is satisfied when a sale is highly probable and the assets are available
for immediate sale in their present condition, subject only to terms
that are usual and customary for sales of this nature. For a sale to be
highly probable, management must be committed to sell the assets
and liabilities within one year from the date of classification. Assets
and liabilities classified as held for sale are measured at the lower of
their carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell. Any impairment
loss is recognized as a reduction to the carrying amount of the assets
held for sale.
Discontinued Operations are presented if the operations and cash flows
can be clearly distinguished operationally and financially from the rest of
CWB, and if it represents a separate major line of business or geographic
area of operations that either has been disposed of, is classified as held
for sale, or is part of a single coordinated plan of disposal.
h) Functional and Foreign Currencies
The consolidated financial statements are presented in Canadian
dollars, which is CWB’s functional currency. Assets and liabilities
denominated in foreign currencies are translated into Canadian dollars
at rates prevailing at the balance sheet date. Revenues and expenses in
foreign currencies are translated at the average exchange rates
75
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report prevailing during the period. Realized and unrealized gains and losses on
foreign currency positions are included in non-interest income, except
for unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses on available-for-sale
equity securities that are included in other comprehensive income.
was immediately charged to profit or loss by writing off DPAC and,
if required, establishing a provision for losses arising from liability
adequacy tests (the premium deficiency).
i) Provisions and Contingent Liabilities
Management exercises judgment in determining whether a past
event or transaction may result in the recognition of a provision or
the disclosure of a contingent liability. Provisions are recognized in
the consolidated financial statements when management determines
that it becomes probable that an outflow of resources will be required
to settle the obligation and the amount can be reliably estimated,
considering all relevant risks and uncertainties. Management as well as
internal and external experts are involved in estimating any amounts
required. The actual costs of resolving these obligations may be
significantly higher or lower than the recognized provision.
j) Insurance Operations
On May 1, 2015, CWB sold its insurance subsidiary, Canadian Direct
Insurance (Note 3). Significant accounting policies related to insurance
operations prior to the sale included:
Insurance Contracts – Classification
Contracts where CWB accepted significant insurance risk from another
party by agreeing to compensate the policyholder or other beneficiary
if a specified uncertain future event adversely affected the policyholder
or other beneficiaries were classified as insurance contracts.
Premiums Earned and Deferred Policy Acquisition
Costs
Insurance premiums were included in non-interest income on a daily pro
rata basis over the terms of the underlying insurance policies. Unearned
premiums represented the portion of premiums written that related
to the unexpired term of the policies in force and were included in
other liabilities. Insurance premiums were shown before deduction of
commissions and were gross of any taxes and dues levied on premiums.
Policy acquisition costs were those expenses incurred in the acquisition of
insurance business. Acquisition costs comprised advertising and marketing
expenses, insurance advisor salaries and benefits, broker commissions,
premium taxes and other expenses directly attributable to the production
of business. Policy acquisition costs related to unearned premiums were
only deferred, and included in other assets, to the extent that they were
expected to be recovered from unearned premiums and were amortized
to income over the periods in which the premiums were earned. If the
unearned premiums were not sufficient to pay expected claims and
expenses (including policy maintenance expenses and unamortized policy
acquisition costs), a premium deficiency was said to exist. Anticipated
investment income was considered in determining whether a premium
deficiency exists. Premium deficiencies were recognized by writing down
the deferred policy acquisition cost asset.
Liability Adequacy Test
At the end of each reporting period, liability adequacy tests were
performed to ensure the adequacy of the contract liabilities, net of
related deferred policy acquisition costs (DPAC). In performing these
tests, best estimates of future contractual cash flows and claims
handling and administration expenses, as well as investment income
from the assets supporting the provisions, were used. Any deficiency
Unpaid Claims and Adjustment Expenses
The provision for unpaid claims represented the amounts needed to
provide for the estimated ultimate expected cost of settling claims
related to insured events (both reported and unreported) that had
occurred but not been settled on or before each balance sheet date.
The provision for adjustment expenses represented the estimated
ultimate expected costs of investigating, resolving and processing
these claims. These provisions were included in other liabilities and
their computation accounted for the time value of money using
discount rates based on projected investment income from the assets
supporting the provisions.
The process of determining the provision for unpaid claims and
adjustment expenses necessarily involved risks that the actual results
would deviate from the best estimates made. These risks varied in
proportion to the length of the estimation period and the volatility
of each component comprising the liabilities. To recognize the
uncertainty in establishing these best estimates and to allow for
possible deterioration in experience, actuaries were required to include
explicit provisions for adverse deviation in assumptions for asset
defaults, reinvestment risk, claims development and recoverability of
reinsurance balances.
The provisions were periodically reviewed and evaluated in light of
emerging claims experience and changing circumstances. The resulting
changes in estimates of the ultimate liability were recorded as incurred
claims in the current period.
Reinsurance Ceded
Earned premiums and claims expenses were recorded net of amounts
ceded to, and recoverable from, reinsurers. Estimates of amounts
recoverable from reinsurers on unpaid claims and adjustment expenses
were recorded in other assets separately from estimated amounts
payable to policyholders. Amounts recoverable from reinsurers were
estimated in a manner consistent with the liabilities associated with
the reinsured policies.
These assets consisted of short-term balances due from reinsurers, as
well as longer term receivables that were dependent on the expected
claims and benefits arising under the related reinsured insurance
contracts. Amounts recoverable from or due to reinsurers were measured
consistently with the amounts associated with the reinsured insurance
contracts and in accordance with the terms of each reinsurance contract.
Reinsurance liabilities were primarily premiums payable for reinsurance
contracts and were recognized as an expense when due.
Reinsurance assets were assessed for impairment on an annual basis. If
there was objective evidence that the reinsurance asset was impaired, the
carrying amount of the reinsurance asset was reduced to its recoverable
amount and the impairment loss was recognized in the income
statement. Objective evidence that a reinsurance asset was impaired was
gathered using observable data about the following criteria:
• Significant financial difficulty of the reinsurer
• A breach of contract, such as default or delinquency in payments
• Observable data indicating that there is a measurable decrease in
the estimated future cash flow from the reinsurance asset since its
initial recognition.
76
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report Underwriting Policy and Reinsurance Ceded
l) Future Accounting Changes
Reinsurance contracts with coverage up to maximum policy limits were
entered into to protect against losses in excess of certain amounts that
arose from automobile, personal property and liability claims.
Reinsurance with a limit of $320,000 (2014 – $320,000) was obtained
to protect against certain catastrophic losses. Retention on catastrophic
events was $5,000 (2014 – $5,000), on property per risk events was
$1,000 (2014 – $1,000) and on casualty events was $2,000 (2014
– $2,000). For the British Columbia automobile insurance product,
retentions were further reduced by the underlying mandatory coverage
provided by the provincially governed Crown corporation. Reinsurance
coverage was diversified across many reinsurers in order to spread risk
and reduce reinsurer concentration risk in the event of a very large loss,
such as an earthquake. The reinsurers selected to participate in the
program had a minimum rating of A- from Standard & Poor’s or A.M.
Best. In addition, reinsurance treaties had a special termination clause
allowing CWB to change a reinsurer during the term of the agreement
if the reinsurer’s rating fell below a specified level.
k) Specific Accounting Policies
The accounting policies set out below have been applied consistently
to all periods presented in these consolidated financial statements,
except as noted. To facilitate a better understanding of CWB’s
consolidated financial statements, the significant accounting policies
are disclosed in the notes, where applicable, with related financial
disclosures by major caption:
Note
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
Topic
Financial instruments
Strategic transactions
Cash resources
Securities
Securities purchased under resale agreements
Loans
Allowance for credit losses
Property and equipment
Goodwill and intangible assets
Derivative financial instruments
Other assets
Deposits
Interest in unconsolidated structured entity
Other liabilities
Debt
Capital stock
Share-based payments
Non-controlling interests
Contingent liabilities and commitments
Employee future benefits
Income taxes
Earnings per common share
Assets under administration and management
Related party transactions
Interest rate sensitivity
Fair value of financial instruments
Risk management
Capital management
Subsidiaries
Comparative figures
A number of standards and amendments have been issued by the
IASB, and the following changes may have an impact on CWB’s future
financial statements. CWB is currently reviewing these standards to
determine the impact on the financial statements.
IFRS 9 – Financial Instruments
The IASB has issued the complete version of IFRS 9, which will replace
IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement. IFRS
9 addresses classification and measurement of financial assets and
liabilities, impairment and hedge accounting.
Under the finalized guidance, IFRS 9 specifies that financial assets
be classified into one of three categories (amortized cost, fair value
through profit or loss or fair value through other comprehensive
income) based on the cash flow characteristics and the business model
under which the assets are held. Classification of financial liabilities is
unchanged, but for financial liabilities measured at fair value, changes
in fair value of an entity’s own credit risk will be recognized in other
comprehensive income rather than in profit or loss. The final standard
also introduces a new “expected credit loss” model for calculating
impairment on all financial assets classified at amortized cost or fair
value through comprehensive income, with the most significant
impact being to loans. Specifically, IFRS 9 requires entities to recognize
12-month expected credit losses from the date a financial asset is first
recognized and to recognize lifetime expected credit losses if there is a
significant increase in credit risk since inception. IFRS 9 also introduces
a new hedge accounting model that expands the scope of eligible
hedged items and risks eligible for hedge accounting, and aligns
hedge accounting more closely with risk management.
IFRS 9 will be mandatorily effective for CWB’s fiscal year beginning
on November 1, 2018, and early adoption is permitted. In January
2015, OSFI determined that Domestic Systemically Important Banks
(D-SIBs) should adopt IFRS 9 beginning November 1, 2017, while early
adoption is permitted but not required for other federally regulated
Canadian banks with October year ends, such as CWB. CWB has not
yet determined if it will early adopt this standard.
During 2015, CWB commenced its IFRS 9 transition project focused
on the three main areas of IFRS 9: classification and measurement,
impairment, and hedge accounting. CWB is analyzing the impact of the
accounting policy changes under IFRS 9 on its consolidated financial
statements and further details will be provided as the project progresses.
IFRS 15 – Revenue from Contracts with Customers
The IASB has established principles for reporting about the nature,
amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising
from an entity’s contracts with customers. The standard provides a
single, principles-based model for revenue recognition to be applied
to contracts with customers. The new standard does not apply to
financial instruments or lease contracts, which fall in the scope of
other IFRSs. In 2015, the IASB announced that the IFRS 15 mandatory
adoption date would be deferred for one year. As such, the standard
will be effective for CWB’s fiscal year beginning November 1, 2018,
with earlier adoption permitted.
CWB continues to monitor IASB ongoing activity and proposed changes
to IFRS. Several accounting standards that are in the process of being
amended by the IASB (i.e. macro-hedging and leases) may have a
significant impact on CWB’s future consolidated financial statements.
77
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report 2. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
As a financial institution, most of CWB’s balance sheet is comprised
of financial instruments and the majority of net income results from
gains, losses, income and expenses related to the same.
The use of financial instruments exposes CWB to credit, liquidity and
market risk. A discussion of how these are managed can be found in
the Risk Management section of the 2015 Annual Report.
Financial assets include cash resources, securities, securities purchased
under resale agreements, loans, derivative financial instruments and
certain other assets. Financial liabilities include deposits, derivative
financial instruments, debt and certain other liabilities.
Income and expenses are classified as to source, either securities or loans
for income, and deposits or debt for expense. Gains (losses) on the sale
of securities, net, fair value changes in certain derivatives and contingent
consideration fair value changes are classified to non-interest income.
3. STRATEGIC TRANSACTIONS
The sales of CWB’s property and casualty insurance subsidiary,
Canadian Direct Insurance (CDI), and the stock transfer business of its
subsidiary, Valiant Trust Company, closed effective May 1, 2015. The
transactions consisted of the sale of 100% of the shares of CDI as well
as the transfer of certain operating assets, systems and employees
that supported the stock transfer business. The assets and liabilities
included in the sales were not classified as held for sale prior to the
announcement of the strategic transactions in early 2015 and no
impairment losses were recognized related to the assets.
Revenues, expenses and gains on sale associated with the businesses
sold are reflected in common shareholders’ net income from
Discontinued Operations in the consolidated income statements.
The gain, which reflects sales proceeds less the net carrying value of the assets and liabilities sold and related transaction costs, is calculated as follows:
Sale proceeds(1)
Transaction costs
Net proceeds
Net assets sold
Net Gain on Sale Before Income Taxes and Reclassification of Unrealized Losses from Other Comprehensive Income (OCI)
Income taxes
Net Gain on Sale Before Reclassification of Unrealized Losses from OCI
Unrealized losses reclassified from OCI, net of tax
Net Gain on Sale
(1) The sale proceeds may be subject to further post-closing adjustments and costs which are expected to be completed in 2016.
The components of the net assets sold are comprised of the following:
Assets Sold
Cash Resources
Interest-bearing deposits with regulated financial institutions(1)
Securities(2)
Other
Insurance related
Goodwill and intangible assets
Property and equipment
Other assets
Total Assets Sold
Liabilities Transferred
Insurance related
Other liabilities
Total Liabilities Transferred
Net Assets Sold
(1) Includes unrealized gains on interest-bearing deposits with regulated financial institutions of $405.
(2) Includes unrealized losses on securities of $4,795.
78
2015
$
220,943
5,233
215,710
81,493
134,217
22,955
111,262
3,454
$
107,808
As at
May 1, 2015
$
34,790
123,724
60,927
9,376
1,780
9,144
81,227
239,741
151,274
6,974
158,248
$
81,493
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report
The consolidated statements of income have been restated to show the results of Discontinued Operations separately from Continuing
Operations for all periods. The components of net income from Discontinued Operations, which are attributable entirely to CWB common
shareholders, are as follows:
Interest Income
Securities
Deposits with regulated financial institutions
Non-interest Income
Net earned premiums
Commissions and processing fees
Net claims and adjustment expenses
Policy acquisition costs
Insurance revenues, net
Trust services
Gains (losses) on securities, net
Net Interest and Non-interest Income
Non-interest Expenses
Salaries and employee benefits
Premises and equipment
Other expenses
Net Income from Discontinued Operations before Income Taxes
Income taxes
Net Income from Discontinued Operations before Net Gain on Sale
Net gain on sale
Common Shareholders’ Net Income from Discontinued Operations
(1) Fiscal 2015 results include operations from November 1, 2014 to April 30, 2015 compared to twelve full months in fiscal 2014.
2015(1)
2014
$
3,389
$
5,662
73
3,462
293
5,955
66,262
130,410
742
(44,451)
(13,137)
9,416
3,221
(283)
12,354
15,816
6,596
2,572
1,936
11,104
4,712
883
3,829
1,580
(85,997)
(25,079)
20,914
9,076
384
30,374
36,329
12,247
5,300
1,925
19,472
16,857
3,596
13,261
107,808
–
$
111,637
$
13,261
The details of the cash flows from Discontinued Operations, excluding the net proceeds of $215,710, included in the consolidated statements of
cash flows are as follows:
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents
2015
2014
$
(13,975)
$
10,770
(8,000)
22,028
(6,000)
(4,772)
$
53
$
(2)
79
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report
4. CASH RESOURCES
Cash resources include highly liquid investments that are readily
convertible to cash and which are subject to an insignificant risk
of change in value. Cheques and other items in transit included in
cash resources are recorded at cost and represent the net position of
uncleared cheques and other items in transit.
5. SECURITIES
Available-for-sale securities are accounted for at settlement date and
recorded on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value with changes
in fair value recorded in other comprehensive income, net of income
taxes, until the security is sold or becomes impaired. Interest income
from securities, which includes amortization of premiums and discounts,
is recognized using the effective interest method in the consolidated
statements of income. Dividend income is recognized when the right to
receive payment is established, which is typically on the ex-dividend date.
Securities are purchased with the original intention to hold the
instrument to maturity or until market conditions render alternative
investments more attractive. Gains and losses realized on disposal
of securities and adjustments to record any impairment in value are
included in non-interest income.
At each reporting date, CWB assesses whether there is objective
evidence that available-for-sale securities are impaired. Objective
evidence that a security is impaired can include significant financial
difficulty of the issuer, indications that an issuer will enter bankruptcy
or the lack of an active market for a security. In addition, for certain
equity securities, a significant or prolonged decline in fair value below
cost is objective evidence of impairment.
Interest-bearing deposits with regulated financial institutions included
in cash resources have been designated as available-for-sale and are
reported on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value with changes in
fair value reported in other comprehensive income, net of income taxes.
At October 31, 2015, the fair value of deposits with regulated financial
institutions was $412,768 (October 31, 2014 – $491,255), which is $377
lower (October 31, 2014 – $91 higher) than amortized cost.
Impairment losses on available-for-sale securities are recognized by
reclassifying the cumulative loss recognized in other comprehensive
income to the income statement as ‘gains (losses) on securities, net’.
The reclassified amount is the difference between the cost, net of
any principal repayment and amortization, and the fair value, less any
impairment previously recognized in net income.
If, in a subsequent period, the fair value of an impaired available-for-
sale debt security increases and the increase can be objectively related
to an event occurring after the impairment loss was recognized in net
income, the impairment loss is reversed, with the reversal recognized
in net income. However, if, in a subsequent period, the fair value of
an impaired available-for-sale equity security increases, the recovery
is recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income until the
equity security is sold or redeemed.
The analysis of securities at carrying value, by type and maturity or reprice date, is as follows:
Maturities
As at
As at
Within
1 Year
1 to
3 Years
3 to
5 Years
Over
October 31
October 31
5 Years
2015
2014
Securities issued or guaranteed by
Canada
$
18,010
$
100,021
$ 1,190,753
$
56,078
$ 1,364,862
$
764,213
A province or municipality
14,997
51,119
395,481
159,307
107,075
185,563
27,371
34,874
53,661
81,623
–
–
–
–
–
75,179
620,904
346,299
143,868
75,179
560,482
290,362
321,217
152,931
$
167,453
$
371,577
$ 1,721,518
$
290,564
$ 2,551,112
$ 2,089,205
Other debt securities
Preferred shares
Common shares(1)
Total
(1) Common shares have no maturity date.
80
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report
The analysis of unrealized gains and losses on securities reflected on the balance sheet is as follows:
As at October 31, 2015
As at October 31, 2014
Amortized
Unrealized
Unrealized
Cost
Gains
Losses
Fair
Value
Amortized
Unrealized
Unrealized
Cost
Gains
Losses
Fair
Value
Securities issued or guaranteed by
Canada
$ 1,373,476 $
296 $
8,910 $ 1,364,862 $ 763,866 $
426 $
79 $ 764,213
A province or municipality
Other debt securities
Preferred shares
Common shares
Total
626,300
347,322
198,325
84
12
–
5,480
620,904
559,923
1,035
346,299
289,490
54,457
143,868
325,051
81,528
800
7,149
75,179
154,359
659
949
2,222
5,830
100
560,482
77
290,362
6,056
321,217
7,258
152,931
$ 2,626,951 $
1,192 $
77,031 $ 2,551,112 $ 2,092,689 $
10,086 $
13,570 $ 2,089,205
The securities portfolio is primarily comprised of high quality debt
instruments, preferred shares and common shares that are not held
for trading purposes and, where applicable, are typically held until
maturity. Fluctuations in value are generally attributed to changes
in interest rates, market credit spreads and shifts in the interest
rate curve. Volatility in equity markets also leads to fluctuations in
value, particularly for common shares. As at October 31, 2015, CWB
assessed the securities with unrealized losses and based on available
objective evidence, no impairment charges were included in gains
(losses) on securities, net (2014 – $1,200). Unrealized losses related to
these instruments resulted from changes in interest rates and not from
deterioration in the creditworthiness of the issuers and it has been
determined that there is no additional significant impairment.
6. SECURITIES PURCHASED UNDER RESALE AGREEMENTS
Securities purchased under resale agreements represent a purchase
of Government of Canada securities by CWB effected with a
simultaneous agreement to sell them back at a specified price on a
future date, which is generally short term. The difference between the
cost of the purchase and the predetermined proceeds to be received
on a resale agreement is recorded as securities interest income.
7. LOANS
Loans, including leases, are recorded at amortized cost and stated net
of unearned income, unamortized premiums and allowance for credit
losses (Note 8). Interest income is recorded using the effective interest
method.
Loans are determined to be impaired when payments are contractually
past due 90 days, or where CWB has commenced realization
proceedings, or where CWB is of the opinion that the loan should be
regarded as impaired based on objective evidence. Objective evidence
that a loan is impaired can include significant financial difficulty of
the borrower, default or delinquency of a borrower, breach of loan
covenants or conditions, or indications that a borrower will enter
bankruptcy. An exception may be made where CWB determines that
the loan is well secured and in the process of collection, and the
collection efforts are reasonably expected to result in either repayment
of the loan or restoring it to current status within 180 days from the
date the payment went in arrears. All loans are classified as impaired
when a payment is 180 days in arrears other than loans guaranteed or
insured for both principal and interest by the Canadian government, a
province or a Canadian government agency. These loans are classified
as impaired when payment is 365 days in arrears.
Securities purchased under resale agreements have been designated
as available-for-sale and are reported on the consolidated balance
sheets at fair value with changes in fair value reported in other
comprehensive income, net of income taxes.
Impairment is measured as the difference between the carrying value
of the loan at the time it is classified as impaired and the present value
of the expected cash flows (estimated realizable amount), using the
original effective interest rate of the loan. When the amounts and
timing of future cash flows cannot be reliably estimated, either the
fair value of the security underlying the loan, net of any expected
realization costs, or the current market price for the loan may be
used to measure the estimated realizable amount. Impaired loans
are returned to performing status when the timely collection of both
principal and interest is reasonably assured, all delinquent principal
and interest payments are brought current, and all charges for loan
impairment have been reversed.
Loan fees integral to the yield on the loan, net of directly related costs,
are amortized to interest income using the effective interest method.
Premiums paid on the acquisition of loan portfolios are amortized to
interest income using the effective interest method.
81
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report
Outstanding gross loans and impaired loans, net of the allowances for credit losses, by loan type, are as follows:
As at October 31, 2015
As at October 31, 2014
Gross
Amount
Gross
Impaired
Amount(2)
Specific
Allowance
Net
Impaired
Loans
Gross
Impaired
Amount(2)
Gross
Amount
Specific
Allowance
Net
Impaired
Loans
$ 3,318,254 $ 16,145 $
262 $
15,883 $ 2,841,154 $ 15,294
$
518 $
14,776
7,460,414
32,541
1,770
30,771
6,810,834
26,058
4,658,219
3,870
128
3,742
4,263,501
6,544
909
631
25,149
5,913
Personal
Business
Real estate(1)
Commercial
Equipment financing and energy
4,132,897
42,349
13,646
28,703
3,690,208
14,224
3,465
10,759
Total
$ 19,569,784 $ 94,905 $
15,806
79,099 $ 17,605,697 $ 62,120
$
5,523
56,597
Collective allowance(3)
Net impaired loans after
collective allowance
(99,613)
$
(20,514)
(90,075)
$
(33,478)
(1) Multi-family residential mortgages are included in real estate loans.
(2) Gross impaired loans include foreclosed assets with a carrying value of $979 (2014 – $2,393). CWB pursues timely realization on foreclosed assets and does not use the assets for its own operations.
(3) The collective allowance for credit loss includes amounts related to committed but undrawn credit exposures and is not allocated by loan type.
During the year, interest recognized as income on impaired loans totalled $2,019 (2014 – $1,264).
Outstanding impaired loans, net of the allowance for credit losses, by provincial location of security, are as follows:
Alberta
British Columbia
Ontario
Saskatchewan
Manitoba
Other
Total
As at October 31, 2015
As at October 31, 2014
Gross
Impaired
Amount
Specific
Allowance
Net
Impaired
Loans
Gross
Impaired
Amount
Specific
Allowance
Net
Impaired
Loans
$
41,749 $
11,020 $
30,729 $
17,742 $
2,508 $
15,234
30,539
9,256
8,437
1,539
3,385
1,932
1,019
606
240
989
28,607
32,862
1,039
31,823
8,237
7,831
1,299
2,396
6,336
1,968
1,695
1,517
877
384
152
563
5,459
1,584
1,543
954
$
94,905 $
15,806
79,099 $
62,120 $
5,523
56,597
Collective allowance(1)
Net impaired loans after collective allowance
(99,613)
$
(20,514)
(90,075)
$
(33,478)
(1) The collective allowance for credit loss includes amounts related to committed but undrawn credit exposures and is not allocated by province.
Gross impaired loans exclude certain past due loans where payment of interest or principal is contractually in arrears, which are not classified as
impaired. Details of such past due loans that have not been included in the gross impaired amount are as follows:
As at October 31, 2015
1 - 30 days
31 - 60 days
61 - 90 days
90 days
Total
Personal
Business
As at October 31, 2014
$
21,516
$
16,470
$
3,160
$
1,336
$
42,482
59,953
30,253
5,714
2,159
98,079
81,469
$
46,723
$
8,874
$
3,495
$
140,561
53,610
$
35,908
$
4,412
$
2,299
$
96,229
$
$
82
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report
The composition of CWB’s loan portfolio by geographic region and industry sector is as follows:
October 31, 2015
($ millions)
Personal
Business
Real estate
Commercial
Equipment financing
and energy(1)
Composition Percentage
Oct. 31
Oct. 31
BC
AB
ON
SK
MB
Other
Total
2015
2014
$
938
$ 1,210
$
830
$
189
$
92
$
59
$ 3,318
17%
16%
3,204
1,713
684
5,601
3,226
1,999
1,643
6,868
376
414
476
239
718
399
1,508
1,114
116
185
147
448
63
108
542
713
7,461
4,658
4,133
16,252
38
24
21
83
39
24
21
84
Total Loans(2)
$ 6,539
$ 8,078
$ 2,338
$ 1,303
$
540
$
772
$ 19,570
100%
100%
Composition Percentage
October 31, 2015
October 31, 2014
33%
34%
41%
41%
12%
12%
7%
7%
3%
3%
4%
3%
100%
100%
(1) Includes securitized leases reported on-balance sheet of $635 (2014 – $465).
(2) This table does not include an allocation of the allowance for credit losses.
8. ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES
An allowance for credit losses is maintained which, in CWB’s opinion,
is adequate to absorb credit-related impairment losses incurred in
its loan portfolio. The allowance for credit losses is calculated on
individual loans (specific allowance) and on groups of loans and
committed but undrawn credit exposures assessed collectively
(collective allowance). The adequacy of the allowance for credit losses
is reviewed at least quarterly. The allowance for credit losses related to
drawn exposures is deducted from the outstanding loan balance. The
allowance for credit losses related to committed but undrawn credit
exposures is included with Other Liabilities. Losses expected from
future events are not recognized.
Specific Allowance
The specific allowance includes all the accumulated provisions for
losses on identified impaired loans required to reduce the carrying
value of those loans to their estimated realizable amount. See Note 7
for the identification process of impaired loans.
If the amount of an impairment loss decreases in a subsequent period,
and the decrease can be objectively related to an event occurring
after the impairment was recognized, the specific loan impairment
allowance is reduced accordingly. The reversal of impairment is
recognized in the consolidated statements of income in provision for
credit losses.
Collective Allowance
The collective allowance for credit risk includes provisions for losses
that have been incurred but have not yet been identified on an
individual loan or account basis by CWB. As soon as information
becomes available which identifies losses on individual loans within
the collective group, those loans are removed from the group and
assessed on an individual basis for impairment.
The collective allowance for credit risk is established by taking into
consideration:
• historical trends in the loss experience during economic cycles;
• the current portfolio profile;
• historical loss experience in portfolios of similar credit risk
characteristics;
• the estimated period between impairment occurring and the loss
being identified; and
• CWB’s management judgment as to whether current economic and
credit conditions are such that the actual level of inherent losses
at the balance sheet date is likely to be greater or less than that
suggested by historical experience.
83
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report
The following table shows the changes in the allowance for credit losses during the year:
2015
Specific
Allowance
Collective
Allowance
Specific
Total
Allowance
2014
Collective
Allowance
Total
Balance at beginning of year
$
5,523
$
90,075
$
95,598
$
9,569
$
76,217
$
85,786
Provision for credit losses
Write-offs
Recoveries
21,471
(15,810)
4,622
9,538
–
–
31,009
(15,810)
4,622
11,199
(17,069)
1,824
13,858
–
–
25,057
(17,069)
1,824
Balance at end of year
$
15,806
$
99,613
$
115,419
$
5,523
$
90,075
$
95,598
Represented by:
Loans
Committed but undrawn
credit exposures(1)
$
15,806
$
78,595
$
94,401
$
5,523
$
63,685
$
69,208
(Note 15)
–
21,018
21,018
–
26,390
26,390
Total allowance
$
15,806
$
99,613
$
115,419
$
5,523
$
90,075
$
95,598
(1) Comparative information has been restated to reflect the presentation of the allowance for credit losses related to committed but undrawn credit exposures, as described in Note 31.
9. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Land is carried at cost. Buildings, equipment and furniture, and
leasehold improvements are carried at cost less accumulated
depreciation and impairment.
Depreciation is calculated primarily using the straight-line method over
the estimated useful life of the asset, as follows:
When components of an item of property and equipment have
different useful lives, they are accounted for as separate items.
Gains and losses on disposal are recorded in non-interest income
in the period of disposal. Property and equipment is subject to an
impairment review if there are events or changes in circumstances
which indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.
• Buildings: 20 years
• Equipment and furniture: 3 to 10 years
• Leasehold improvements: over the shorter of the term of the
lease and the remaining useful life
Leasehold
Improvements
Land and
Buildings
Computer
Equipment
Office
Equipment
Total
Cost
Balance at November 1, 2014
$
69,000
$
18,539
$
31,073
$
37,696
$
156,308
Additions
Disposals
Sale of businesses
Balance at October 31, 2015
Accumulated depreciation and impairment
Balance at November 1, 2014
Depreciation for the year
Disposals
Sale of businesses
Balance at October 31, 2015
(Note 3)
(Note 3)
3,213
–
(3,419)
68,794
36,558
5,542
–
(3,008)
39,092
124
–
–
18,663
3,830
588
–
–
4,418
2,179
–
(7,207)
26,045
23,760
2,418
–
(6,325)
19,853
2,770
(578)
(2,774)
37,114
25,903
2,859
(578)
(2,287)
25,897
8,286
(578)
(13,400)
150,616
90,051
11,407
(578)
(11,620)
89,260
Net carrying amount at October 31, 2015
$
29,702
$
14,245
$
6,192
$
11,217
$
61,356
Cost
Balance at November 1, 2013
Additions
Disposals
Balance at October 31, 2014
Accumulated depreciation and impairment
Balance at November 1, 2013
Depreciation for the year
Disposals
Balance at October 31, 2014
$
62,025
$
23,748
$
27,731
$
34,712
$
148,216
6,975
–
69,000
31,342
5,216
–
36,558
55
(5,264)
18,539
6,308
583
(3,061)
3,830
3,342
–
3,553
(569)
13,925
(5,833)
31,073
37,696
156,308
20,845
2,915
–
23,760
23,074
3,036
(207)
25,903
81,569
11,750
(3,268)
90,051
Net carrying amount at October 31, 2014
$
32,442
$
14,709
$
7,313
$
11,793
$
66,257
84
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report
10. GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Goodwill
On the date of acquisition, goodwill arises on the acquisition of
subsidiaries and represents the excess of the fair value of the purchase
consideration, including any amount of any non-controlling interest
in the acquiree, over the net recognized amounts of the identifiable
assets, including identifiable intangible assets, and liabilities assumed.
For the purposes of calculating goodwill, fair values of acquired
assets and liabilities are determined by reference to market values
or by discounting expected future cash flows to present value. This
discounting is performed using either market rates, or risk-free rates
with risk-adjusted expected future cash flows.
Goodwill is stated at cost less accumulated impairment losses.
Goodwill is reviewed for impairment annually or more frequently if
there are indications that impairment may have occurred. Goodwill
is allocated to cash-generating units for the purpose of impairment
testing considering the business level at which goodwill is monitored
for internal management purposes. On this basis, CWB’s cash-
generating units with goodwill allocated are:
• National Leasing Group Inc. (NL);
• McLean & Partners Wealth Management Ltd. (M&P);
• Adroit Investment Management Ltd. (AIM);
• Valiant Trust Company (VTC); and,
• Canadian Direct Insurance Incorporated (CDI).
NL
M&P
AIM
VTC
CDI
Total
Balance at November 1, 2014
$
35,776
$
3,888
$
3,811
$
3,679
$
3,254
$
50,408
Sale of businesses
(Note 3)
Partial ownership change
–
–
–
306
–
–
Balance at October 31, 2015
$
35,776
$
4,194
$
3,811
$
(3,679)
(3,254)
–
–
$
–
–
(6,933)
306
$
43,781
Balance at November 1, 2013
$
35,776
$
3,888
$
2,827
$
3,679
$
3,254
$
49,424
Partial ownership change
–
–
984
–
–
984
Balance at October 31, 2014
$
35,776
$
3,888
$
3,811
$
3,679
$
3,254
$
50,408
Intangible Assets
Intangible assets represent identifiable non-monetary assets and
are acquired either separately through a business combination, or
generated internally. Intangible assets with a finite useful life are
recorded at cost less any accumulated amortization and impairment
losses. The assets’ useful lives are confirmed at least annually. Certain
intangible assets, such as trademarks and trade names, have an
indefinite useful life. These indefinite life intangibles are not amortized
but are tested for impairment at least annually or more frequently if
events or changes in circumstances indicate that impairment may have
occurred.
Amortization of intangible assets with finite useful lives is reported
in other expenses on the consolidated statements of income and
provided on a straight-line basis from the date at which it is available
for use as follows:
• Customer relationships: 10 to 15 years
• Computer software: 3 to 15 years
• Non-competition agreements: 4 to 5 years
• Other: 3 to 5 years
85
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report
Computer
Software
Customer
Non-
competition
Relationships
Agreements
Trademarks and
Trade Names
Other
Total
Cost
Balance at November 1, 2014
$
88,740
$
43,196
$
9,719
$
2,811
$
4,680
$
149,146
Additions
Partial ownership change
Sale of businesses
(Note 3)
Disposals
32,867
–
(10,798)
(1,395)
–
330
(3,950)
–
–
181
(130)
–
Balance at October 31, 2015
109,414
39,576
9,770
Accumulated amortization
Balance at November 1, 2014
Amortization
Sale of businesses
(Note 3)
Disposals
39,003
5,540
(8,655)
(1,395)
16,235
2,971
(3,950)
–
6,648
1,007
(130)
–
Balance at October 31, 2015
34,493
15,256
7,525
–
41
(300)
–
2,552
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
32,867
552
(200)
(15,378)
–
(1,395)
4,480
165,792
2,123
492
(200)
–
2,415
64,009
10,010
(12,935)
(1,395)
59,689
Net carrying amount at October 31, 2015
$
74,921
$
24,320
$
2,245
$
2,552
$
2,065
$
106,103
Cost
Balance at November 1, 2013
$
65,403
$
42,710
$
9,719
$
2,709
$
3,730
$
124,271
Partial ownership change
Additions
Balance at October 31, 2014
Accumulated amortization
Balance at November 1, 2013
Amortization
Balance at October 31, 2014
–
23,337
88,740
33,873
5,130
39,003
486
–
–
–
102
–
–
950
588
24,287
43,196
9,719
2,811
4,680
149,146
13,192
3,043
16,235
5,231
1,417
6,648
–
–
–
1,778
345
2,123
54,074
9,935
64,009
Net carrying amount at October 31, 2014
$
49,737
$
26,961
$
3,071
$
2,811
$
2,557
$
85,137
Impairment
The carrying amounts of CWB’s goodwill and intangible assets with
finite useful lives are reviewed at each reporting date to determine
whether there is any indication of impairment. If an indication exists,
CWB tests for impairment. For goodwill and intangible assets with
indefinite useful lives, the impairment tests are performed each year.
Impairment testing is performed by comparing the estimated
recoverable amount from a cash-generating unit with the carrying
amount of its net assets, including attributable goodwill. The
recoverable amount of an asset is the higher of its fair value less cost
to sell, and its value in use. If the recoverable amount is less than the
carrying value, an impairment loss is charged to the consolidated
statements of income.
The recoverable amounts for CWB’s cash-generating units have been
calculated based on their value in use. Value in use for each unit
was determined by discounting the future cash flows expected to be
generated from the continuing use of the cash-generating unit. Unless
indicated otherwise, value in use was determined similarly as in the
comparative year. The calculation of the value in use was based on the
following key assumptions:
• Cash flows were projected based on past experience, actual
operating results and the four-year future business plan. Cash flows
for a further 16-year period were extrapolated using a constant
growth rate of 2%, which is based on the long-term forecast
Canadian gross domestic product growth rates. The forecast
period is based on CWB’s long-term perspective with respect to the
operation of these cash-generating units.
• A pre-tax discount rate of 10.0% was applied in determining the
recoverable amounts, which was comprised of a risk-free interest
rate and a market risk premium.
The key assumptions described above may change as economic
and market conditions change. CWB estimates that reasonable
possible changes in these assumptions are not expected to cause the
recoverable amounts of the cash-generating units to decline below the
carrying amounts.
No impairment losses on goodwill or intangible assets were identified
during 2015 or 2014.
86
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report
11. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Interest rate, foreign exchange and equity swaps/contracts such as
futures, options, swaps, floors and rate locks are entered into for
risk management purposes in accordance with CWB’s asset liability
management policies. It is CWB’s policy not to utilize derivative
financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. Interest rate
swaps and floors are primarily used to reduce the impact of fluctuating
interest rates. Equity swaps are used to reduce the earnings volatility
from restricted share units linked to CWB’s common share price.
Foreign exchange contracts are used for the purposes of meeting the
needs of clients, day-to-day business and liquidity management.
Use of Derivatives
CWB enters into derivative financial instruments for risk management
purposes. Derivative financial instruments are financial contracts
whose value is derived from an underlying interest rate, foreign
exchange rate, equity or commodity instrument or index.
Derivative financial instruments primarily used by CWB include:
•
interest rate swaps, which are agreements where two
counterparties exchange a series of payments based on different
interest rates applied to a notional amount;
• foreign exchange forwards and futures, which are contractual
obligations to exchange one currency for another at a specified
price for settlement at a predetermined future date; and,
• equity swaps, which are agreements where CWB makes periodic
interest payments to a counterparty and receives the capital gain or
loss plus dividends of a CWB common share.
Interest rate swaps are used as hedging instruments to manage
interest rate risk. CWB enters into these interest rate derivative
instruments only for its own account and does not act as an
intermediary in this market. The credit risk is limited to the amount of
any adverse change in interest rates applied on the notional contract
should the counterparty default. The Asset Liability Committee (ALCO)
of CWB establishes and monitors approved counterparties (including
an assessment of creditworthiness) and maximum notional limits.
Approved counterparties are limited to rated financial institutions or
their associated parent/affiliate with a minimum rating of A high or
equivalent.
Exposure to foreign exchange risk is not material to CWB’s overall
financial position. Foreign exchange markets are not speculated in
by taking a trading position in currencies. Maximum exposure limits
are established and monitored by ALCO and are defined by allowable
unhedged amounts. The position is managed within the allowable
target range by spot and forward transactions or other hedging
techniques.
Equity swap transactions are used as hedging instruments to
manage risk related to the payout of restricted share units and
deferred share units that have not yet vested. CWB enters into equity
swap instruments only for its own account and does not act as an
intermediary in this market. The risk is limited to the amount of an
increase in CWB’s share price applied on the notional contract amount
and any re-invested dividends should the counterparty default.
In addition to monitoring the creditworthiness of counterparties,
CWB limits its exposure to credit losses related to derivative financial
instruments by entering into Credit Support Annexes that provide for
the exchange of collateral between parties where the fair value of
the outstanding transactions exceeds an agreed upon threshold. At
October 31, 2015, the Bank held $9,870 (October 31, 2014 – $nil)
of cash collateral related to derivative financial instruments with a
positive fair value.
Designated Accounting Hedges
When designated as accounting hedges by CWB, certain derivative
financial instruments are designated as either a hedge of the fair
value of recognized assets or liabilities or firm commitments (fair value
hedges), or a hedge of highly probable future cash flows attributable
to a recognized asset or liability or a forecasted transaction (cash
flow hedges). On an ongoing basis, the derivatives used in hedging
transactions are assessed to determine whether they are effective in
offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of the hedged items. If
a hedging transaction becomes ineffective or if the derivative is not
designated as a cash flow hedge, any subsequent change in the fair
value of the hedging instrument is recognized in net income.
Interest income received or interest expense paid on derivative
financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges is accounted
for on the accrual basis and recognized as interest expense over the
term of the hedge contract. Premiums on purchased contracts are
amortized to interest expense over the term of the contract. Accrued
interest receivable and payable and deferred gains and losses for these
contracts are recorded in other assets or liabilities as appropriate.
When a hedging instrument expires or is sold, or when a hedge no
longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, any cumulative gain
or loss existing in other comprehensive income at that time is held
separately in accumulated other comprehensive income until the
forecast transaction is eventually recognized in the statements of
income. When a forecasted transaction is no longer expected to occur,
the cumulative gain or loss that was reported in accumulated other
comprehensive income is immediately reclassified to the statements of
income.
Embedded Derivatives
Certain derivatives embedded in other financial instruments are
treated as separate derivatives when their economic characteristics
and risk are not closely related to those of the host contract and the
combined contract is not carried at fair value. Identified embedded
derivatives are separated from the host contract and are recorded at
fair value.
Fair Value
Derivative financial instruments are recorded on the balance sheet
at fair value as either other assets or other liabilities with changes in
fair value related to the effective portion of cash flow interest rate
hedges recorded in other comprehensive income, net of income taxes.
Changes in fair value related to the ineffective portion of a designated
accounting hedge, a derivative not designated as an accounting hedge
and all other derivative financial instruments are reported in other non-
interest income on the consolidated statements of income.
87
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report The following table summarizes the derivative financial instrument
portfolio and the related credit risk. Notional amounts represent
the amount to which a rate or price is applied in order to calculate
the exchange of cash flows. The notional amounts are not recorded
on the consolidated balance sheets. They represent the volume of
outstanding transactions and do not represent the potential gain or
loss associated with the market risk or credit risk of such instruments.
The replacement cost represents the cost of replacing, at current
market rates, all contracts with a positive fair value and is inclusive of
interest receivable related to the contracts, which are included with
Other Assets on the consolidated balance sheets. The future credit
exposure represents the potential for future changes in value and is
based on a formula prescribed by OSFI. The credit risk equivalent is
the sum of the future credit exposure and the replacement cost. The
risk-weighted balance represents the credit risk equivalent, net of cash
collateral held related to contracts with a positive fair value, weighted
according to the creditworthiness of the counterparty as prescribed
by OSFI. Additional discussion of OSFI’s capital adequacy requirements
is provided within the Capital Management section of Management’s
Discussion and Analysis.
As at October 31, 2015
As at October 31, 2014
Notional
Amount
Replace-
ment
Cost
Future
Credit
Exposure
Equivalent
Credit
Risk
Risk-
Weighted
Balance
Notional
Amount
Replace-
ment
Cost
Future
Credit
Credit
Risk
Risk-
Weighted
Exposure
Equivalent
Balance
Interest rate swaps
$ 2,805,000 $ 24,193 $
8,775 $ 32,968 $
6,594 $ 1,725,000 $
1,612 $
7,421 $
9,033 $
1,807
Equity swaps
22,884
–
1,576
1,576
315
22,959
3,785
50
3,835
767
Foreign exchange
contracts
233,129
3,178
2,330
5,508
1,108
1,964
23
20
43
14
Total
$ 3,061,013 $ 27,371 $ 12,681 $ 40,052 $
8,017 $ 1,749,923 $
5,420 $
7,491 $ 12,911 $
2,588
The following table shows the derivative financial instruments split between those contracts that have a positive fair value (favourable contracts)
and those that have a negative fair value (unfavourable contracts):
As at October 31, 2015
As at October 31, 2014
Favourable Contracts
Unfavourable Contracts
Favourable Contracts
Unfavourable Contracts
Notional
Amount
Fair
Value
Notional
Amount
Fair
Value
Notional
Amount
Fair
Value
Notional
Amount
Fair
Value
$ 2,330,000 $
20,073 $ 475,000 $
(733) $ 1,675,000 $
1,612 $
50,000 $
(27)
Interest rate swaps designated
as accounting hedges
Equity swaps designated
as accounting hedges
Equity swaps not designated
as accounting hedges
Foreign exchange contracts
213,183
3,172
–
–
–
–
19,860
(3,317)
9,255
3,785
9,950
(246)
3,024
19,946
(307)
(146)
–
1,204
–
23
3,754
760
(101)
(12)
Total
$ 2,543,183 $
23,245 $ 517,830 $
(4,503) $ 1,685,459 $
5,420 $
64,464 $
(386)
The aggregate contractual or notional amount of the derivative
financial instruments on hand, the extent to which instruments are
favourable or unfavourable and, thus, the aggregate fair values of
these financial assets and liabilities can fluctuate significantly from
time to time.
The average fair values of the derivative financial instruments on hand during the year are set out in the following table:
Favourable derivative financial instruments (assets)
Unfavourable derivative financial instruments (liabilities)
2015
16,621
3,477
$
$
$
$
2014
6,261
130
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CWB Group 2015 Annual Report
The following table summarizes maturities of derivative financial instruments and weighted average interest rates paid and received on contracts:
As at October 31, 2015
Maturity
As at October 31, 2014
Maturity
1 Year or Less
More than 1 Year
1 Year or Less
More than 1 Year
Notional
Amount
Contractual
Interest
Rate
Notional
Amount
Contractual
Interest
Rate
Notional
Amount
Contractual
Interest
Rate
Notional
Amount
Contractual
Interest
Rate
$ 1,050,000
1.32% $ 1,755,000
1.23% $ 375,000
1.31% $ 1,350,000
1.40%
9,736
1.72%
10,124
1.65%
9,201
2.30%
10,004
2.27%
Interest rate swaps designated
as accounting hedges(1)
Equity swaps designated
as accounting hedges(2)
Equity swaps not designated
as accounting hedges(3)
3,024
1.44%
Foreign exchange contracts(4)
233,129
Total
$ 1,295,889
$ 1,765,124
–
–
–
3,754
2.03%
1,964
$ 389,919
–
–
–
$ 1,360,004
(1) CWB receives interest at a fixed contractual rate and pays interest on the one-month (30-day) Canadian Bankers’ Acceptance rate. Interest rate swaps designated as accounting hedges outstanding at October 31, 2015
mature between November 2015 and July 2020.
(2) Equity swaps designated as accounting hedges outstanding at October 31, 2015 mature between June 2016 and June 2018.
(3) Equity swaps not designated as accounting hedges outstanding at October 31, 2015 mature in March and June 2016.
(4) Foreign exchange contracts mature between November 2015 and April 2016. The contractual interest rate is not meaningful for foreign exchange contracts.
During the year, $7,846 net unrealized after-tax gains (2014 – $3,372)
were recorded in other comprehensive income for changes in fair
value of the effective portion of derivatives designated as cash
flow hedges, and no amounts (2014 – nil) were recorded in non-
interest income for changes in fair value of the ineffective portion
of derivatives classified as cash flow hedges. Amounts accumulated
in other comprehensive income are reclassified to net income in the
same period that the hedged items affect income. During the year,
$3,640 of net losses after tax (2014 – $3,575 of net gains after tax)
were reclassified to net income.
At October 31, 2015, hedged cash flows are expected to occur and
affect profit or loss within the next five years (2014 – three years).
12. OTHER ASSETS
Accrued interest receivable
Accounts receivable
Deferred tax asset
Prepaid expenses
Financing costs (1)
Other
Total
(1) Amortization for the year amounted to $2,246 (2014 – $2,261).
As at
As at
October 31
October 31
2015
2014
$
52,666
$
48,242
34,640
27,417
10,943
4,423
4,036
36,856
26,349
8,468
5,874
2,597
$
134,125
$
128,386
(Note 22)
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CWB Group 2015 Annual Report
13. DEPOSITS
Deposits are accounted for on an amortized cost basis. Costs relating
to the issuance of fixed term deposits are amortized over the expected
life of the deposit using the effective interest method.
Payable on demand
Payable after notice
Payable on a fixed date
Total
Payable on demand
Payable after notice
Payable on a fixed date
Total
As at October 31, 2015
Individuals
Business and
Government
Total
$
33,129
$
590,411
$
623,540
3,188,276
2,907,597
6,095,873
8,195,216
4,450,778
12,645,994
$ 11,416,621
$
7,948,786
$ 19,365,407
As at October 31, 2014
Individuals
Business and
Government
Total
$
33,060
$
637,025
$
670,085
2,957,970
2,134,295
5,092,265
6,841,639
4,769,025
11,610,664
$
9,832,669
$
7,540,345
$ 17,373,014
A summary of all outstanding deposits payable on a fixed date by contractual maturity date is as follows:
Within 1 year
1 to 2 years
2 to 3 years
3 to 4 years
4 to 5 years
Total
October 31
October 31
2015
2014
$
6,240,394
$
6,208,200
3,582,039
2,374,729
1,369,497
1,604,966
725,558
728,506
843,244
579,525
$ 12,645,994
$ 11,610,664
14. INTEREST IN UNCONSOLIDATED STRUCTURED ENTITY
In 2006, CWB arranged for the issuance of innovative capital
instruments, CWB Capital Trust Capital Securities Series 1 (WesTS),
through Canadian Western Bank Capital Trust (CWB Capital Trust), a
structured entity with a December 31 year end. CWB Capital Trust,
an open-end trust, issued non-voting WesTS and the proceeds were
used to purchase a senior deposit note from CWB. The deposit
note of $105,000 (2014 – $105,000) is included in Deposits in the
consolidated balance sheets.
Based on the guidance provided in IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial
Statements, CWB has determined that it does not control, and
consequently does not consolidate, CWB Capital Trust. However, CWB
Capital Trust qualifies as an unconsolidated structured entity under
the guidance of IFRS 12 Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities and,
accordingly, additional disclosures regarding CWB Capital Trust are
provided herein.
Holders of WesTS are eligible to receive semi-annual non-cumulative
fixed cash distributions. No cash distributions will be payable by CWB
Capital Trust on WesTS if CWB fails to declare regular dividends on
its preferred shares or, if no preferred shares are outstanding, on
its common shares. In this case, the net distributable funds of CWB
Capital Trust will be distributed to CWB as holder of the residual
interest in CWB Capital Trust.
Should CWB Capital Trust fail to pay the semi-annual distributions in
full, CWB has contractually agreed not to declare dividends of any
kind on any of the preferred or common shares for a specified period
of time.
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CWB Group 2015 Annual Report
The following information presents the outstanding WesTS:
Issuance date
August 31, 2006
Distribution dates
June 30, December 31
Annual yield
6.199%
Earliest date redeemable
at the option of the issuer
Earliest date exchangeable
at the option of the holder
December 31, 2011
Any time
Trust capital securities outstanding
105,000
Principal amount
$105,000
The significant terms and conditions of the WesTS are:
1) Subject to the approval of OSFI, CWB Capital Trust may, in whole
(but not in part), on the redemption date specified above, and on
any distribution date thereafter, redeem the WesTS without the
consent of the holders.
2) Subject to the approval of OSFI, upon occurrence of a special event
as defined, prior to the redemption date specified above, CWB
Capital Trust may redeem all, but not part, of the WesTS without
the consent of the holders.
3) The WesTS may be redeemed for cash equivalent to (i) the early
redemption price if the redemption occurs prior to December 31,
2016 or (ii) the redemption price if the redemption occurs on or
after December 31, 2016. Redemption price refers to an amount
equal to one thousand dollars plus the unpaid distributions to
the redemption date. Early redemption price refers to an amount
equal to the greater of (i) the redemption price and (ii) the price
calculated to provide an annual yield, equal to the yield on a
Government of Canada bond issued on the redemption date with
a maturity date of December 31, 2016, plus 0.50%.
15. OTHER LIABILITIES
Accounts payable
Accrued interest payable
Provisions for committed but undrawn credit exposures
Income taxes payable
Derivative collateral payable
Deferred tax liability
Deferred revenue
Leasehold inducements
Contingent consideration
Other
Total
4) Holders of WesTS may, at any time, exchange each one thousand
dollars of principal for 40 First Preferred Shares Series 1 of CWB.
CWB’s First Preferred Shares Series 1 pay semi-annual non-
cumulative cash dividends with an annual yield of 4.00% and will
be redeemable at the option of CWB, with OSFI approval, on or
after December 31, 2011, but not at the option of the holders. This
exchange right will be effected through the conversion by CWB
Capital Trust of the corresponding amount of the deposit note of
CWB. The WesTS exchanged for CWB’s First Preferred Shares Series
1 will be cancelled by CWB Capital Trust.
5) Each WesTS will be exchanged automatically without the consent
of the holders for 40 non-cumulative redeemable CWB First
Preferred Shares Series 2 upon occurrence of any one of the
following events: (i) proceedings are commenced for the winding
up of CWB, (ii) OSFI takes control of CWB, (iii) CWB has a Tier 1
capital ratio of less than 5% or Total capital ratio of less than 8%,
or (iv) OSFI has directed CWB to increase its capital or provide
additional liquidity and CWB elects such automatic exchange or
CWB fails to comply with such direction. Following the occurrence
of an automatic exchange, CWB would hold all of the Special Trust
Securities and all of the WesTS, and the primary asset of CWB
Capital Trust would continue to be the senior deposit note. CWB’s
First Preferred Shares Series 2 pay semi-annual non-cumulative cash
dividends with an annual yield of 5.25% and will be redeemable at
the option of CWB, with OSFI approval, on or after December 31,
2011, but not at the option of the holders.
6) For regulatory capital purposes, all of the outstanding WesTS
amounts are currently included in Tier 1 capital.
7) The non-cumulative cash distribution on the WesTS will be 6.199%
paid semi-annually until December 31, 2016 and, thereafter, at the
CDOR 180-day Bankers’ Acceptance rate plus 2.55%.
As at
As at
October 31
October 31
2015
2014(1)
$
125,184
$
137,084
124,050
115,014
21,018
10,970
9,870
8,354
3,816
2,871
650
2,054
26,390
11,242
–
9,838
3,507
3,370
2,679
210
$
308,837
$
309,334
(Note 8)
(Note 11)
(Note 22)
(Note 27)
(1) Comparative information has been restated to reflect the presentation of the allowance for credit losses related to committed but undrawn credit exposures, as described in Note 31.
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CWB Group 2015 Annual Report
16. DEBT
a) Subordinated Debentures
Financing costs relating to the issuance of subordinated debentures
are amortized over the expected life of the related subordinated
debenture using the effective interest method.
Each of the following qualifies as a bank debenture under the Bank
Act and is subordinate in right of payment to all deposit liabilities.
All redemptions are subject to the approval of OSFI. On November
30, 2015, CWB redeemed all outstanding 4.389% subordinated
debentures due November 30, 2020 at par plus accrued interest to,
but excluding, the redemption date.
Interest
Rate
4.389%(1)
3.463%(2)
5.571%(3)
Total
Maturity
Date
Earliest Date
Redeemable
by CWB at Par
As at
October 31
2015
As at
October 31
2014
November 30, 2020
November 30, 2015
$
300,000
$
300,000
December 17, 2024
December 17, 2019
March 21, 2022
March 22, 2017
250,000
75,000
250,000
75,000
$
625,000 $
625,000
(1) These conventional debentures had a 10-year term with a fixed interest rate for the first five years. Thereafter, the interest rate would have reset quarterly at the 3-month Canadian dollar CDOR rate plus 193 basis points.
(2) These conventional debentures have a 12-year term with a fixed interest rate for the first seven years. Thereafter, the interest rate will be reset quarterly at the 3-month Canadian dollar CDOR rate plus 160 basis points.
(3) These conventional debentures have a 15-year term with a fixed interest rate for the first 10 years. Thereafter, the interest rate will be reset quarterly at the Canadian dollar CDOR 90-day Bankers’ Acceptance rate plus
180 basis points.
b) Debt Securities
CWB securitizes leases to third parties. These securitizations do
not qualify for derecognition as CWB continues to be exposed to
certain risks associated with the leases, including an obligation to
remit contractual cash flow payments regardless of whether the
underlying cash flows are collected from lessees and, therefore, has
not transferred substantially all of the risk and rewards of ownership.
As the leases do not qualify for derecognition, the assets are not
removed from the balance sheet and a securitization liability is
recognized for the cash proceeds received.
The carrying amount of the liability as at October 31, 2015 was
$562,623 (October 31, 2014 – $411,990), and the associated
carrying amount of the lease assets recorded on the balance sheet
was $634,754 (October 31, 2014 – $464,809), which does not
include an allocation of the allowance for credit losses.
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CWB Group 2015 Annual Report
17. CAPITAL STOCK
Authorized:
• An unlimited number of common shares without nominal or par
value;
• 33,964,324 class A shares without nominal or par value; and,
Issued and fully paid:
Preferred Shares - Series 5
Outstanding at beginning of year
Issued
Outstanding at end of year
Preferred Shares - Series 3
Outstanding at beginning of year
Redeemed
Outstanding at end of year
Common Shares
• An unlimited number of first preferred shares, without nominal or
par value, issuable in series, provided that the maximum aggregate
consideration for all outstanding first preferred shares at any time
does not exceed $1,000,000.
2015
Number of
Shares
Amount
2014
Number of
Shares
Amount
5,000,000
$
125,000
–
$
–
–
–
5,000,000
5,000,000
125,000
5,000,000
–
–
–
–
–
–
8,352,596
(8,352,596)
–
125,000
125,000
208,815
(208,815)
–
Outstanding at beginning of year
80,369,305
533,038
79,619,595
510,282
Issued under dividend reinvestment plan
Issued on exercise or exchange of options
Transferred from share-based payment reserve on
exercise or exchange of options
Outstanding at end of year
Share Capital
133,321
23,443
3,650
–
437,331
312,379
–
823
–
80,526,069
537,511
80,369,305
16,467
1,066
5,223
533,038
$
662,511
$
658,038
CWB is prohibited by the Bank Act from declaring any dividends on
common shares when CWB is or would be placed, as a result of the
declaration, in contravention of the capital adequacy and liquidity
regulations or any regulatory directives issued under the Bank Act.
In addition, should CWB Capital Trust fail to pay the semi-annual
distributions in full on the CWB Capital Trust Securities Series 1 (see
Note 14), CWB has contractually agreed to not declare dividends on
any of its common and preferred shares for a specified period of time.
These limitations do not restrict the current level of dividends.
a) Dividends
The following dividends were declared by CWB’s Board of Directors and paid by CWB during the year:
$0.86 per common share (2014 – $0.78)
$1.10 per preferred share - Series 5 (2014 – $0.79)
$0.00 per preferred share - Series 3 (2014 – $0.91)
Total
2015
2014
$
69,170
$
62,408
5,500
–
3,940
7,570
$
74,670
$
73,918
Subsequent to October 31, 2015, the Board of Directors of CWB
declared a dividend of $0.23 per common share payable on January 7,
2016 to shareholders of record on December 15, 2015 and a dividend
of $0.275 per Series 5 preferred share payable on January 31, 2016
to shareholders of record on January 22, 2016. With respect to these
dividend declarations, no liability was recorded on the consolidated
balance sheet at October 31, 2015.
93
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report
c) Dividend Reinvestment Plan
Under the dividend reinvestment plan (plan), CWB provides holders
of CWB’s common shares and holders of any other class of shares
deemed eligible by CWB’s Board of Directors with the opportunity to
direct cash dividends paid on any class of their eligible shares towards
the purchase of additional common shares. Currently, the Board of
Directors has deemed that the holders of CWB’s Series 5 preferred
shares are also eligible to participate in the plan. The plan is only open
to shareholders residing in Canada.
At the option of CWB, the common shares may be issued from CWB’s
treasury at an average market price based on the closing prices of a
board lot of common shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) for
the five trading days immediately preceding the dividend payment
date, with a discount of between 0% to 5% at CWB’s discretion.
CWB also has the option to fund the plan through the open market
at market prices. During the year, 133,321 (2014 – 437,331) common
shares were issued under the plan from CWB’s treasury with no
discount charged (2014 – 2%).
b) Preferred Shares
Series 5 Preferred Shares
Holders of Series 5 Preferred Shares are entitled to receive a non-
cumulative fixed dividend in the amount of $1.10 annually, payable
quarterly, as and when declared by the Board of Directors of CWB,
for the initial period ending April 30, 2019. The quarterly dividend
represents an annual yield of 4.40% based on the stated issue price
per share. Thereafter, the dividend rate will reset every five years at a
level of 276 basis points over the then five-year Government of Canada
bond yield.
CWB maintains the right to redeem, subject to the approval of OSFI,
up to all of the then outstanding Series 5 Preferred Shares on April 30,
2019, and on April 30 every five years thereafter at a price of $25.00
per share. Should CWB choose not to exercise its right to redeem the
Series 5 Preferred Shares, holders of these shares will have the right to
convert their shares into an equal number of non-cumulative, floating
rate First Preferred Shares Series 6 (Series 6 Preferred Shares), subject to
certain conditions, on April 30, 2019, and on April 30 every five years
thereafter. Holders of the Series 6 Preferred Shares will be entitled to
receive quarterly floating dividends, as and when declared by the Board
of Directors of CWB, equal to the 90-day Government of Canada
Treasury Bill rate plus 276 basis points.
Upon the occurrence of a trigger event (as defined by OSFI), each
Series 5 or 6 Preferred Share will be automatically converted, without
the consent of the holders, into CWB common shares. Conversion
to common shares will be determined by dividing the preferred share
conversion value ($25.00 per preferred share plus any declared but
unpaid dividends) by the common share value (the greater of (i) the
floor price of $5.00 and (ii) the current market price calculated as
the volume-weighted average trading price for the ten consecutive
trading days ending on the day immediately prior to the date of the
conversion).
94
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report 18. SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS
a) Stock Options
Stock options are accounted for using the fair value method. The
estimated value is recognized over the applicable vesting period as
an increase to both salary expense and share-based payment reserve.
When options are exercised, the proceeds received and the applicable
amount in share-based payment reserve are credited to common
shares.
The details of, and changes in, the issued and outstanding options follow:
Options
Balance at beginning of year
Granted
Exercised or exchanged
Forfeited
Expired
Balance at end of year
Exercisable at end of year
CWB has authorized 6,807,137 common shares (2014 – 6,830,580)
for issuance under the share incentive plan. Of the amount authorized,
options exercisable into 5,232,366 shares (2014 – 4,743,277) are
issued and outstanding. The outstanding options vest within three
years and are exercisable at a fixed price equal to the average of the
market price on the day of and the four days preceding the grant
date. All options expire within five years of date of grant. Outstanding
options expire from December 2015 to March 2020.
2015
2014
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
Number
of Options
4,743,277
$
705,725
(128,100)
(82,001)
(6,535)
5,232,366
1,488,783
$
$
30.76
26.13
24.23
32.77
28.99
30.26
26.90
Number
of Options
4,217,908
$
1,422,357
(769,865)
(127,123)
–
4,743,277
469,910
$
$
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
26.96
38.58
24.44
30.59
–
30.76
28.76
Further details relating to stock options outstanding and exercisable follow:
Range of Exercise Prices
$23.43 to $26.40
$28.09 to $29.42
$30.76 to $39.42
Total
Options Outstanding
Options Exercisable
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (years)
2.6
$
2.2
3.0
2.6
$
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
25.95
28.39
37.55
30.26
Number of
Options
1,121,381
$
161,173
206,229
1,488,783
$
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
25.83
29.42
30.76
26.90
Number of
Options
1,827,106
1,849,096
1,556,164
5,232,366
Since March 1, 2014, all exercised options are settled via cashless
settlement, which provides the option holder the number of shares
equivalent to the excess of the market value of the shares under
option, determined at the exercise date, over the exercise price. Prior
to March 1, 2014, option holders could also elect to receive shares
by delivering cash to CWB in the amount of the option exercise price.
During fiscal 2015, option holders exchanged the rights to 128,100
(2014 – 769,865) options and received 23,443 (2014 – 265,887)
shares in return by way of the cashless settlement.
Salary expense of $4,694 (2014 – $5,930) was recognized relating to
the estimated fair value of options granted. The fair value of options
granted during the year was estimated using a binomial option pricing
model with the following variables and assumptions: (i) risk-free
interest rate of 0.7% (2014 – 1.5%), (ii) expected option life of 4.0
(2014 – 4.0) years, (iii) expected annual volatility of 24% (2014 –
18%), and (iv) expected annual dividends of 3.4% (2014 – 2.1%).
Expected volatility is estimated by evaluating historical volatility of the
share price over multi-year periods. The weighted average fair value of
options granted was estimated at $2.96 (2014 – $4.61) per share.
During the year, $823 (2014 – $5,223) was transferred from the share-
based payment reserve to share capital, representing the estimated
fair value recognized for 128,100 (2014 – 769,865) options exercised
during the year.
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CWB Group 2015 Annual Report
b) Restricted Share Units
Under the Restricted Share Unit (RSU) plan, certain employees are
eligible to receive an award in the form of RSUs. Each RSU entitles the
holder to receive the cash equivalent of the market value of CWB’s
common shares at the vesting date and an amount equivalent to the
dividends paid on the common shares during the vesting period. RSUs
vest on each anniversary of the grant in equal one-third instalments
over a period of three years. Salary expense is recognized over the
vesting period except where the employee is eligible to retire prior to
the vesting date, in which case the expense is recognized between the
grant date and the date the employee is eligible to retire.
During fiscal 2015, CWB amended its RSU plan to revise the manner in
which participating employees receive the equivalent of common share
dividends declared and paid during the vesting periods of the plans.
Prior to December 2014, employees participating in the RSU plan
received a cash equivalent to common share dividends declared and
paid during the vesting period. Commencing in December 2014, any
common share dividends declared and paid during the vesting period
accrue to the employees in the form of additional units of the plans.
During the year, salary expense of $9,498 (2014 – $10,217) was
recognized related to RSUs. As at October 31, 2015, the liability for the
RSUs held under this plan was $8,372 (October 31, 2014 – $13,709).
At the end of each period, the liability and salary expense are adjusted
to reflect changes in the fair value of the RSUs.
Number of RSUs
Balance at beginning of year
Granted
Vested and paid out
Forfeited
Balance at end of year
2015
590,847
387,332
2014
650,791
266,561
(318,555)
(301,433)
(20,817)
638,807
(25,072)
590,847
c) Performance Share Units
During fiscal 2014, CWB introduced a Performance Share Unit (PSU)
plan, which is offered to certain employees on an annual basis. At the
time of a grant, each PSU represents a unit with an underlying value
equivalent to the value of a CWB common share. During fiscal 2015,
CWB amended its PSU plan to revise the manner in which participating
employees receive the equivalent of common share dividends declared
and paid during the vesting periods of the plans. Prior to December
2014, employees participating in the PSU plan received a cash equivalent
to common share dividends declared and paid during the vesting period.
Commencing in December 2014, any common share dividends declared
and paid during the vesting period accrue to the employees in the form
of additional units of the plans. Under the PSU plan, each PSU vests at
the end of a three year period and is settled in cash.
At the end of each specified performance period, a multiplier is applied
to a portion of the PSUs originally granted and any accrued notional
dividends such that the total value of the PSUs may vary from 0% to
200% of the value of an equal number of CWB common shares. For
PSUs granted in fiscal 2014, the multiplier is determined by comparing
the total shareholder return (TSR) of CWB’s common shares against the
TSR of comparator companies during various performance periods. The
multiplier for PSUs granted in fiscal 2015 incorporates CWB’s three year
compound annual growth in adjusted cash earnings per share as well
as the relative TSR.
Number of PSUs
Balance at beginning of year
Granted
Balance at end of year
d) Deferred Share Units
2015
25,305
66,099
91,404
2014
–
25,305
25,305
Under the Deferred Share Unit (DSU) plan, non-employee directors
receive at least 50% of their annual retainer in DSUs. The DSUs are
not redeemable until the individual is no longer a director and must
be redeemed for cash. Common share dividend equivalents accrue to
the directors in the form of additional units. The expense related to the
DSUs is recorded in the period the award is earned by the director.
During the year, other non-interest expenses included $662 (2014 –
$1,401) related to the DSUs. As at October 31, 2015, the liability for
DSUs held under this plan was $2,893 (October 31, 2014 – $3,858). At
the end of each period, the liability and expense are adjusted to reflect
changes in the market value of the DSUs.
Number of DSUs
Balance at beginning of year
Granted
Paid out
Balance at end of year
96
2015
101,844
27,629
(14,350)
115,123
2014
89,981
22,283
(10,420)
101,844
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report
19. NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS
Non-controlling interests relate to the following:
As at
October 31
2015
McLean & Partners Wealth Management Ltd.
Adroit Investment Management Ltd.
Total
$
$
As at
October 31
2014
913
153
861
$
131
992
$
1,066
20. CONTINGENT LIABILITIES AND COMMITMENTS
a) Credit Instruments
In the normal course of business, CWB enters into various
commitments and has contingent liabilities, which are not reflected
in the consolidated balance sheets. These items are reported below
and are expressed in terms of the contractual amount of the related
commitment.
Credit instruments
Commitments to extend credit
Guarantees and standby letters of credit
Total
As at
October 31
2015
As at
October 31
2014
$
4,829,622
$
4,611,311
465,649
407,681
$
5,295,271
$
5,018,992
Commitments to extend credit to customers also arise in the normal
course of business and include undrawn availability under lines of
credit and commercial operating loans of $2,547,444 (October 31,
2014 – $2,526,808) and authorized but unfunded loan commitments
of $2,282,178 (October 31, 2014 – $2,084,503). In the majority of
instances, availability of undrawn commercial commitments is subject
to the borrower meeting specified financial tests or other covenants
regarding completion or satisfaction of certain conditions precedent.
It is also usual practice to include the right to review and withhold
funding in the event of a material adverse change in the financial
condition of the borrower. The allowance for credit losses related to
committed but undrawn credit exposures is included in Other Liabilities
on the consolidated balance credit sheets (Note 15). From a liquidity
perspective, undrawn credit authorizations will be funded over time,
with draws in many cases extending over a period of months. In some
instances, authorizations are never advanced or may be reduced
because of changing requirements. Revolving credit authorizations are
subject to repayment which, on a pooled basis, also decreases liquidity
risk.
Guarantees and standby letters of credit represent CWB’s obligation
to make payments to third parties when a customer is unable to
make required payments or meet other contractual obligations. These
instruments carry the same credit risk, recourse and collateral security
requirements as loans extended to customers and generally have a
term that does not exceed one year. Losses, if any, resulting from these
transactions are not expected to be material.
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CWB Group 2015 Annual Report
b) Lease Commitments
CWB has obligations under long-term, non-cancellable operating
leases for the rental of premises. The leases typically run 10 to 15
years, with an option to renew the lease for an additional five years.
Operating leases primarily comprise branch and office premises and
are not capitalized. Total costs, including free rent periods and step-
rent increases, are expensed on a straight-line basis over the lease
term.
Minimum future lease commitments for each of the five succeeding years and thereafter are as follows:
$
12,123
10,154
9,042
8,477
8,020
40,479
$
88,295
d) Legal and Regulatory Proceedings
In the ordinary course of business, CWB and its subsidiaries are party
to legal and regulatory proceedings. Based on current knowledge,
CWB does not expect the outcome of any of these proceedings to
have a material effect on the consolidated financial position or results
of operations.
21. EMPLOYEE FUTURE BENEFITS
All employee future benefits related to CWB’s group retirement
savings and employee share purchase plans are recognized in the
periods during which services are rendered by employees. CWB’s
contributions to the group retirement savings plan and employee
share purchase plan totalled $12,693 (2014 – $12,154) from
Combined Operations.
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021 and thereafter
Total
c) Guarantees
A guarantee is defined as a contract that contingently requires the
guarantor to make payments to a third party based on (i) changes
in an underlying economic characteristic that is related to an asset,
liability or equity security of the guaranteed party, (ii) failure of another
party to perform under an obligating agreement, or (iii) failure of
another third party to pay indebtedness when due.
Significant guarantees provided to third parties include guarantees
and standby letters of credit as discussed above.
In the ordinary course of business, CWB enters into contractual
arrangements under which CWB may agree to indemnify the other
party. Under these agreements, CWB may be required to compensate
counterparties for costs incurred as a result of various contingencies,
such as changes in laws and regulations and litigation claims. A
maximum potential liability cannot be identified as the terms of
these arrangements vary and generally no predetermined amounts
or limits are identified. The likelihood of occurrence of contingent
events that would trigger payment under these arrangements is either
remote or difficult to predict and, in the past, payments under these
arrangements have been insignificant.
No amounts are reflected in the consolidated financial statements
related to these guarantees and indemnifications.
98
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report 22. INCOME TAXES
CWB follows the deferred method of accounting for income taxes
whereby current income taxes are recognized for the estimated income
taxes payable for the current period. Deferred tax assets and liabilities
represent the cumulative amount of tax applicable to temporary
differences between the carrying amount of the assets and liabilities,
and their values for tax purposes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are
measured using enacted or substantively enacted tax rates anticipated
to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary
differences are anticipated to be recovered or settled. Changes in
deferred taxes related to a change in tax rates are recognized in income
in the period of the tax rate change. All deferred tax assets and liabilities
are expected to be realized in the normal course of operations.
The provision for income taxes consists of the following:
Consolidated statements of income
Current
Deferred
Other comprehensive income
Tax expense (recovery) related to:
Available-for-sale securities
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges
2015
2014
$
73,784
$
(2,465)
71,319
(19,630)
4,226
(15,404)
74,859
(4,854)
70,005
985
(69)
916
Total
$
55,915
$
70,921
A reconciliation of the statutory tax rates and income tax that would be payable at these rates to the effective income tax rates and provision for
income taxes reported in the consolidated statements of income follows:
Combined Canadian federal and provincial income taxes and
statutory tax rate(1)
Increase (decrease) arising from:
Tax-exempt income
Deferred tax related to tax rate increase(1)
Stock-based compensation
Other
2015
2014
$
74,466
26.0% $
72,984
25.3%
(4,141)
(1,753)
1,209
1,538
(1.4)
(0.6)
0.4
0.5
(5,389)
-
1,495
915
(1.9)
-
0.5
0.3
Provision for income taxes and effective tax rate
$
71,319
24.9% $
70,005
24.2%
(1) The combined statutory tax rate changed during the year as a result of an increase in the Alberta provincial tax rate from 10% to 12% which was substantively enacted effective July 1, 2015.
Deferred tax balances are comprised of the following:
Deferred tax assets
Allowance for credit losses
Deferred loan fees
Deferred deposit broker commission
Leasing income
Other temporary differences
Deferred tax liabilities
Intangible assets
Other temporary differences
2015
2014
$
24,488
$
19,978
12,730
(5,102)
(665)
(4,034)
10,832
(4,056)
(3,335)
2,930
27,417
$
26,349
6,947
$
1,407
8,354
$
7,995
1,843
9,838
$
$
$
During the year, CWB has recognized the benefit of all capital losses carried forward through current income taxes (2014 – $8,234 of losses
carried forward). The tax benefit was used to offset tax resulting from the gains on sale of Discontinued Operations (Note 3). The tax benefit of
these losses had not been previously recognized in the consolidated financial statements.
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CWB Group 2015 Annual Report
23. EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
Basic earnings per common share is calculated based on the weighted
average number of common shares outstanding during the period.
Diluted earnings per share is calculated based on the treasury stock
method, which assumes that any proceeds from in-the-money stock
options are used to purchase CWB’s common shares at the average
market price during the period.
The calculation of earnings per common share follows:
Numerator
Common shareholders' net income from Continuing Operations
Common shareholders' net income from Discontinued Operations
Common Shareholders' Net Income
Denominator
2015
2014
$
208,064
$
205,288
111,637
13,261
$
319,701
$
218,549
Weighted average of common shares outstanding - basic
80,441,845
80,033,646
Dilutive instruments:
Stock options(1)
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - diluted
Earnings Per Common Share
Basic
- Combined Operations
- Continuing Operations
- Discontinued Operations
Diluted - Combined Operations
- Continuing Operations
- Discontinued Operations
140,205
921,221
80,582,050
80,954,867
$
3.97
$
2.59
1.38
3.97
2.59
1.38
2.73
2.57
0.16
2.70
2.54
0.16
(1) At October 31, 2015, the denominator excludes 2,642,435 (2014 – nil) of employee stock options with an average exercise price of $34.59, adjusted for unrecognized stock-based compensation, that is greater than the
average market price.
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CWB Group 2015 Annual Report
24. ASSETS UNDER ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT
Assets under administration of $9,293,683 (October 31, 2014 –
$10,101,698) and assets under management of $1,882,736 (October
31, 2014 – $1,795,975) represent the fair value of assets held for
personal, corporate and institutional clients as well as third-party
leases and residential mortgages subject to service agreements.
25. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Transactions with and between subsidiary entities are made
at normal market prices and eliminated on consolidation.
These assets are kept separate from CWB’s own assets. Assets under
administration and management are not reflected in the consolidated
balance sheets.
Preferred Rates and Terms
Key Management Personnel
CWB makes loans, primarily residential mortgages, to its officers and
employees at various preferred rates and terms. The total amount
outstanding for these types of loans is $113,178 (October 31, 2014 –
$114,508). CWB offers deposits, primarily fixed term deposits, to its
officers and employees and their immediate family at preferred
rates. The total amount outstanding for these deposits is $284,727
(October 31, 2014 – $264,936).
Compensation of key management personnel is as follows:
Salaries, benefits and directors’ compensation
Share-based payments (stock options, RSUs, PSUs and DSUs)(1)
Termination benefits (included in Discontinued Operations)
Total
(1) Share-based payments are based on the estimated fair value on grant date.
Loans outstanding with key management personnel totalled $405
as at October 31, 2015 (October 31, 2014 – $589). CWB’s policies
preclude lending to CWB’s independent directors.
Key management personnel of CWB are those that have authority and
responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of
CWB and include independent directors of CWB.
2015
$
5,156
$
3,203
1,244
2014
5,775
3,219
-
$
9,603
$
8,994
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CWB Group 2015 Annual Report
26. INTEREST RATE SENSITIVITY
CWB is exposed to interest rate risk as a result of a difference, or
gap, between the maturity or repricing behaviour of interest sensitive
assets and liabilities. The interest rate gap is managed by forecasting
core balance trends. The repricing profile of these assets and liabilities
Asset Liability Gap Positions
($ millions)
has been incorporated in the table following, which contains the gap
position at October 31 for select time intervals. Figures in brackets
represent an excess of liabilities over assets or a negative gap position.
Floating
Rate and
Within
1 Month
1 to 3
Months
3 Months
to 1 Year
Total
Within
1 Year to
More than
Non-
interest
1 Year
5 Years
5 Years
Sensitive
Total
October 31, 2015
Assets
Cash resources and securities
$
524
$
259
$
72
$
855
$ 1,888
$
218
$
34
$ 2,995
9,189
984
2,863
13,036
6,443
–
25
–
–
9,738
1,243
–
1,038
3,973
–
–
1,063
1,765
62
–
–
(66)
369
233
19,475
369
3,061
14,954
10,096
280
570
25,900
6,971
1,200
4,347
12,518
6,866
–
319
–
–
36
–
–
–
159
–
–
–
514
–
2,828
–
674
–
–
Derivative financial instruments(1)
2,828
Total
10,118
1,236
4,506
15,860
7,540
Interest Rate Sensitive Gap
Cumulative Gap
Cumulative Gap as a
$
$
(380)
(380)
$
$
7
(373)
$
$
(533)
(906)
$
$
(906)
$ 2,556
$
280
(906)
$ 1,650
$ 1,930
$
$
Percentage of Total Assets
(1.5)%
(1.4)%
(3.5)%
(3.5)%
6.4%
7.5%
–
–
–
–
–
–
(19)
374
–
1,912
233
19,365
374
1,188
1,912
3,061
2,500
25,900
$
$
(1,930)
–
–
–
–
–
Loans
Other assets(2)
Derivative financial instruments(1)
Total
Liabilities and Equity
Deposits
Other liabilities(2)
Debt(3)
Equity
October 31, 2014
Cumulative Gap
Cumulative Gap as a
$
593
$
976
$
(154)
$
(154)
$ 1,486
$ 1,763
$
–
$
–
Percentage of Total Assets
2.7%
4.4%
(0.7)%
(0.7)%
6.6%
7.9%
–
–
(1) Derivative financial instruments are included in this table at the notional amount.
(2) Accrued interest is excluded in calculating interest sensitive assets and liabilities.
(3) Potential prepayments of fixed rate loans and early redemption of redeemable fixed term deposits have not been estimated. Redemptions of fixed term deposits where depositors have this option are not expected to be
material. The majority of fixed rate loans, mortgages and leases are either closed or carry prepayment penalties.
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CWB Group 2015 Annual Report
The effective, weighted average interest rates for each class of financial asset and liability are shown below:
Weighted Average Effective Interest Rates
(%)
October 31, 2015
Total Assets
Total Liabilities
Interest Rate Sensitive Gap
October 31, 2014
Total Assets
Total Liabilities
Interest Rate Sensitive Gap
Floating Rate
and Within
1 Month
1 to 3
Months
3 Months
to 1 Year
3.4%
1.1
2.3%
3.7%
1.2
2.5%
2.7%
1.7
1.0%
2.6%
1.7
0.9%
3.7%
1.8
1.9%
4.3%
2.0
2.3%
Total
Within
1 Year
3.4%
1.3
2.1%
3.7%
1.5
2.2%
1 Year to
5 Years
More than
5 Years
Total
3.4%
2.3
1.1%
3.9%
2.4
1.5%
1.8%
–
1.8%
4.6%
–
4.6%
3.4%
1.6
1.8%
3.8%
1.8
2.0%
Based on the current interest rate gap position, it is estimated that
a one percentage point increase in all interest rates would decrease
net interest income by approximately 0.61% or $2,989 (October 31,
2014 – 2.0% or $9,185) and decrease other comprehensive income
$90,099 (October 31, 2014 – $36,578) net of tax, respectively, over
the following twelve months. A one percentage point decrease in all
interest rates would decrease net interest income by approximately
0.04% or $201 (October 31, 2014 – 3.9% or $18,221) and increase
other comprehensive income $87,091 (October 31, 2014 – $37,323),
net of tax.
27. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
a) Financial Assets and Liabilities
by Measurement Basis
The fair value of a financial instrument on initial recognition is normally
the transaction price (i.e. the value of the consideration given or
received). Subsequent to initial recognition, financial instruments
measured at fair value that are quoted in active markets are based on
bid prices for financial assets and offer prices for financial liabilities.
For certain securities and derivative financial instruments where an
active market does not exist, fair values are determined using valuation
techniques that refer to observable market data, including discounted
cash flow analysis, option pricing models and other valuation
techniques commonly used by market participants, and non-market
observable inputs.
Several of CWB’s significant financial instruments, such as loans and
deposits, lack an available trading market as they are not typically
exchanged. Therefore, these instruments have been valued assuming
they will not be sold, using present value or other suitable techniques
and are not necessarily representative of the amounts realizable in an
immediate settlement of the instrument.
Changes in interest rates are the main cause of changes in the fair
value of CWB’s financial instruments. The carrying value of loans,
deposits, subordinated debentures and debt securities are not
adjusted to reflect increases or decreases in fair value due to interest
rate changes as CWB’s intention is to realize their value over time by
holding them to maturity.
The table below provides the carrying amount of financial instruments
by category as defined in IAS 39 – Financial Instruments: Recognition
and Measurement and by balance sheet heading. The table sets out
the fair values of financial instruments (including derivatives) using the
valuation methods and assumptions referred to below the table. The
table does not include assets and liabilities that are not considered
financial instruments. The table also excludes assets and liabilities
which are considered financial instruments, but are not recorded at fair
value and for which the carrying amount approximates fair value.
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CWB Group 2015 Annual Report
Fair Value
Over
Carrying
Amount
–
–
October 31, 2015(2)
Financial Assets
Loans and
Receivables, and
Non-trading
Liabilities
Derivatives
Available-
for-sale
Total
Carrying
Amount
Fair Value
Cash resources
(Note 4)
$
Securities
Loans(1)
(Note 5)
$
–
–
–
–
–
19,541,676
Derivative related
23,245
–
$
443,422
$
443,422
$
443,422
$
2,551,112
2,551,112
2,551,112
–
–
19,541,676
19,889,076
347,400
23,245
23,245
–
Total Financial Assets
$
23,245
$ 19,541,676
$
2,994,534
$ 22,559,455
$ 22,906,855
$
347,400
Financial Liabilities
Deposits(1)
Debt
Contingent consideration
Derivative related
$
–
–
–
4,503
$ 19,384,468
$
1,187,623
650
–
Total Financial Liabilities
$
4,503
$ 20,572,741
$
–
–
–
–
–
$ 19,384,468
$ 19,457,102
$
72,634
1,187,623
1,206,101
18,478
650
4,503
650
4,503
–
–
$ 20,577,244
$ 20,668,356
$
91,112
October 31, 2014
Financial Assets
Loans and
Receivables, and
Non-trading
Derivatives
Liabilities
Available-
for-sale
Total
Carrying
Amount
Fair Value
Over (Under)
Carrying
Amount
Fair Value
$
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
17,582,480
5,420
–
$
508,414
$
508,414
$
508,414
$
2,089,205
2,089,205
2,089,205
99,566
99,566
99,566
–
–
–
–
–
17,582,480
17,571,250
(11,230)
5,420
5,420
–
5,420
$ 17,582,480
$
2,697,185
$ 20,285,085
$ 20,273,855
$
(11,230)
Cash resources
(Note 4)
$
Securities
(Note 5)
Securities purchased under
resale agreements
Loans(1)
Derivative related
Total Financial Assets
Financial Liabilities
Deposits(1)
Debt
Contingent consideration
Derivative related
$
$
–
–
–
386
$ 17,388,737
$
1,036,990
2,679
–
–
–
–
–
–
$ 17,388,737
$ 17,414,150
$
25,413
1,036,990
1,056,234
19,244
2,679
386
2,679
386
–
–
$ 18,428,792
$ 18,473,449
$
44,657
Total Financial Liabilities
$
386
$ 18,428,406
$
(1) Loans and deposits exclude deferred premiums, deferred revenue and allowances for credit losses, which are not financial instruments.
(2) For further information on interest rates associated with financial assets and liabilities, including derivative instruments, refer to Note 26.
The methods and assumptions used to estimate the fair values of
financial instruments are as follows:
• Cash resources and securities are reported on the consolidated
balance sheets at the fair value disclosed in Notes 4 and 5.
Securities purchased under resale agreements are reported at the
fair value as disclosed on the consolidated balance sheets. These
values are based on quoted market prices, if available. Where
a quoted market price is not readily available, other valuation
techniques are based on observable market rates used to estimate
fair value;
• Fair value of loans reflects changes in the general level of interest
rates that have occurred since the loans were originated and
excludes the allowance for credit losses. For floating rate loans, fair
value is assumed to be equal to book value as the interest rates on
these loans automatically reprice to market. For all other loans, fair
value is estimated by discounting the expected future cash flows of
these loans at current market rates for loans with similar terms and
risks;
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CWB Group 2015 Annual Report
• With the exception of derivative financial instruments and
• The fair values of debt are determined by reference to current
acquisition contingent consideration, other assets and other
liabilities reported on the consolidated balance sheets are either not
considered financial instruments, or are assumed to approximate
their carrying value due to their short-term nature. Other assets
and other liabilities which are not considered financial instruments
include property and equipment, goodwill and other intangible
assets, reinsurers’ share of unpaid claims and adjustment expenses,
deferred tax asset, prepaid and deferred expenses, financing
costs, deferred tax liability, deferred revenue, unearned insurance
premiums and other items that are not financial instruments;
• For derivative financial instruments where an active market does
not exist, fair values are determined using valuation techniques
that refer to observable market data, including discounted cash
flow analysis, option pricing models and other valuation techniques
commonly used by market participants;
• For contingent consideration, included in other liabilities, where an
active market does not exist, fair value is determined by estimating
the expected value of the contingent consideration, taking into
consideration the potential financial outcomes and their associated
probabilities;
• Deposits with no stated maturity are assumed to be equal to their
carrying values. The estimated fair values of fixed rate deposits are
determined by discounting the contractual cash flows at current
market rates for deposits of similar terms; and
market prices for debt with similar terms and risks.
Fair values are based on management’s best estimates based on
market conditions and pricing policies at a certain point in time.
The estimates are subjective and involve particular assumptions and
matters of judgment and, as such, may not be reflective of future fair
values.
Fair Value Hierarchy
CWB categorizes its fair value measurements of financial instruments
according to a three-level hierarchy. Level 1 fair value measurements
reflect unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets
and liabilities that CWB can access at the measurement date. Level
2 fair value measurements were estimated using observable inputs,
including quoted market prices for similar assets or liabilities in active
markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in
inactive markets, and model inputs that are either observable or can
be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full
term of the assets or liabilities. Level 3 fair value measurements were
determined using one or more inputs that are unobservable and
significant to the fair value of the asset or liability. Unobservable inputs
are used to measure fair value to the extent that observable inputs are
not available at the measurement date.
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CWB Group 2015 Annual Report As at October 31, 2015
Fair Value
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Valuation Technique
Total Financial Liabilities
$ 20,668,356
$
As at October 31, 2014(2)
Fair Value
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Financial Assets
Cash resources
Securities
Loans
Derivative related
Total Financial Assets
Financial Liabilities(1)
Deposits
Debt
Other liability
Derivative related
Financial Assets
Cash resources
Securities
Securities purchased under resale agreements
Loans
Derivative related
Total Financial Assets
Financial Liabilities(1)
Deposits
Debt
Other liability
Derivative related
$
443,422
$
27,939
$
415,483
$
2,551,112
219,041
2,332,071
–
–
19,889,076
23,245
–
–
–
19,889,076
23,245
–
$ 22,906,855
$
246,980
$
2,770,799
$ 19,889,076
$ 19,457,102
$
1,206,101
650
4,503
–
–
–
–
–
$ 19,457,102
$
1,206,101
–
4,503
$ 20,667,706
$
–
–
650
–
650
Valuation Technique
$
508,414
$
14,033
$
494,381
$
2,089,205
614,144
1,475,061
99,566
17,571,250
5,420
–
–
–
99,566
–
17,571,250
5,420
–
$ 20,273,855
$
628,177
$
2,074,428
$ 17,571,250
–
–
–
$ 17,414,150
$
1,056,234
2,679
386
–
–
–
–
–
$ 17,414,150
$
1,056,234
–
386
–
–
2,679
–
$ 18,470,770
$
2,679
Total Financial Liabilities
$ 18,473,449
$
(1) Level 3 financial liabilities at October 31, 2015 are comprised of the contingent consideration related to the business sales described in Note 3. At October 31, 2014, Level 3 financial liabilities were comprised of the
contingent consideration related to the acquisition of McLean & Partners Wealth Management Ltd.
(2) Comparative figures reclassified to conform to current year’s presentation.
b) Level 3 Financial Instruments Carried at Fair Value
The Level 3 financial liabilities measured at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets are comprised of contingent consideration on business
acquisitions and sales. The following table shows a reconciliation of the fair value measurements related to the Level 3 valued instruments:
Balance at beginning of year, related to a subsidiary acquisition
Change in fair value charged to non-interest income
Settlement of contingent consideration related to a subsidiary acquisition
Sale of business
Balance at end of year
2015
$
2,679
$
638
(3,317)
650
2014
1,679
1,000
–
–
$
650
$
2,679
(Note 3)
106
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report
28. RISK MANAGEMENT
As part of CWB’s risk management practices, the risks that are significant
to the business are identified, monitored and controlled. The most
significant risks include credit risk, liquidity risk, market risk, insurance
risk until May 1, 2015, operational risk, and regulatory and legal risk. The
nature of these risks and how they are managed is provided in the Risk
Management section of Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A).
As permitted by the IASB, certain of the risk management disclosure
related to risks inherent with financial instruments is included in
29. CAPITAL MANAGEMENT
the MD&A. The relevant MD&A sections are identified by shading
within boxes and the content forms an integral part of these audited
consolidated financial statements.
Information on specific measures of risk, including the allowance for
credit losses, derivative financial instruments, interest rate sensitivity, fair
value of financial instruments and liability for unpaid claims are included
elsewhere in these notes to the consolidated financial statements.
Capital funds are managed in accordance with policies and plans that are
regularly reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors and take into
account forecasted capital needs and markets. The goal is to maintain
adequate regulatory capital to be considered well capitalized, protect
customer deposits and provide capacity for internally generated growth and
strategic opportunities that do not otherwise require accessing the public
capital markets, all while providing a satisfactory return for shareholders.
The required minimum regulatory capital ratios for a bank using the
Standardized approach for credit risk, including a 250 basis point capital
conservation buffer, are 7.0% common equity Tier 1 (CET1), 8.5% Tier
1 and 10.5% total capital. In addition, effective Q1 2015, OSFI requires
banks and trust companies to maintain a minimum leverage ratio of 3%.
The leverage ratio provides the ratio of Tier 1 capital to On-Balance
Sheet and Off-Balance Sheet exposures.
CWB has a share incentive plan that is provided to officers and employees
who are in a position to impact the longer term financial success of
CWB as measured by share price appreciation and dividend yield. Note
18 to the consolidated financial statements details the number of shares
under options outstanding, the weighted average exercise price and the
amounts exercisable at year end.
Regulatory capital and capital ratios are calculated in accordance with the
requirements of OSFI. Capital is managed and reported in accordance
with the requirements of the Basel III Capital Adequacy Accord (Basel III).
OSFI requires banks to measure capital adequacy in accordance with
instructions for determining risk-adjusted capital and risk-weighted
assets, including off-balance sheet commitments. Based on the deemed
credit risk of each type of asset, a standardized weighting of 0% to
150% is assigned. As an example, a loan that is fully insured by the
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) is applied a risk
weighting of 0% as CWB’s risk of loss is nil, while uninsured commercial
loans are assigned a risk weighting of 100% to reflect the higher level
of risk associated with this type of asset. The ratio of regulatory capital
to risk-weighted assets is calculated and compared to OSFI’s standards
for Canadian financial institutions. Off-balance sheet assets, such as
the notional amount of derivatives and some credit commitments, are
included in the calculation of risk-weighted assets and both the credit risk
equivalent and the risk-weighted calculations are prescribed by OSFI.
Basel III rules provide for transitional adjustments with certain aspects
of the new rules phased in between 2013 and 2019. The only available
transition allowance in the Basel III capital standards permitted by
OSFI for Canadian banks relates to the multi-year phase out of non-
qualifying capital instruments. The 2015 inclusion of non-qualifying
capital instruments in non-common Tier 1 (WesTS) and total capital
(subordinated debentures) under Basel III are capped at 70% (October
31, 2014 – 80%) of the balance of non-common equity instruments
outstanding at January 1, 2013. At October 31, 2015, there was no
exclusion from regulatory capital related to the WesTS Tier 1 capital
(disclosed in deposits). At October 31, 2015, $152,500 (October
31, 2014 – $85,000) of outstanding subordinated debentures were
excluded from regulatory capital.
The sale of CDI and the stock transfer business of Valiant Trust
Company during fiscal 2015 for net proceeds of $216 million
increased the CET1 capital ratio by approximately 70 basis points. In
fiscal 2016, the redemption of all outstanding 4.389% subordinated
debentures will reduce CWB’s total regulatory capital by $80 million
and decrease the total capital ratio by approximately 40 basis points;
however, the total capital ratio will remain well above the regulatory
minimum of 10.5% (Note 16). The redemption has no impact on
CET1 or Tier 1 capital ratios. During the year, CWB complied with all
internal and external capital requirements.
Capital Structure and Regulatory Ratios
Regulatory capital, net of deductions
Common equity Tier 1
Tier 1
Total
Capital ratios
Common equity Tier 1
Tier 1
Total
Leverage ratio(1)
Asset to capital multiple(1)
(1) The leverage ratio came into effect January 31, 2015 and replaced the asset to capital multiple.
2015
2014
$ 1,636,718
$ 1,443,841
1,866,873
1,673,996
2,439,022
2,304,108
8.5%
8.0%
9.7
12.7
7.9
n/a
9.3
12.8
n/a
8.8x
107
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report
30. SUBSIDIARIES
Canadian Western Bank Subsidiaries(1)
(annexed in accordance with subsection 308 (3) of the Bank Act)
October 31, 2015
National Leasing Group Inc.
Canadian Western Trust Company
McLean & Partners Wealth Management Ltd.
Adroit Investment Management Ltd.
Valiant Trust Company
Canadian Western Bank Capital Trust
Canadian Western Bank Leasing Inc.
Canadian Western Financial Ltd.
CWB Wealth Management Ltd.
Address of
Head Office
1525 Buffalo Place
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Suite 3000, 10303 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta
801 10th Avenue SW
Calgary, Alberta
Suite 1250, 10303 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta
Suite 3000, 10303 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta
Suite 3000, 10303 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta
Suite 3000, 10303 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta
Suite 3000, 10303 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta
Suite 3000, 10303 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta
Carrying Value of
Voting Shares Owned
by the Bank(2)
$
134,458
19,136
12,593
8,449
8,080
1,000
1
1
750
(1) CWB owns 100% of the voting shares of each entity, with the exception of Adroit Investment Management Ltd. (84.0% ownership) and McLean & Partners Wealth Management Ltd. (October 31, 2015 – 57.0% ownership,
October 31, 2014 – 54.6%).
(2) The carrying value of voting shares is stated at the cost of CWB’s equity in the subsidiaries in thousands of dollars.
31. COMPARATIVE FIGURES
During fiscal 2015, the collective allowance for credit losses related to committed but undrawn credit exposures was reclassified from Loans to
Other Liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.
The impact of the change on the prior year comparative figures is as follows:
As at October 31, 2014
As at November 1, 2013
As previously
As previously
reported
Adjustment
As reclassified
reported
Adjustment
As reclassified
Assets
Cash resources, securities and securities
purchased under resale agreements
$
2,697,185
$
Loans before allowance for credit losses
17,605,697
–
–
$
2,697,185
$
2,580,327
$
17,605,697
15,653,226
–
–
$
2,580,327
15,653,226
Allowance for credit losses
Other assets
Total Assets
Liabilities
Deposits
(95,598)
401,372
26,390
(69,208)
(85,786)
14,402
(71,384)
–
401,372
365,573
–
365,573
$ 20,608,656 $
26,390 $ 20,635,046 $ 18,513,340 $
14,402 $ 18,527,742
$ 17,373,014 $
– $ 17,373,014 $ 15,631,040 $
– $ 15,631,040
Other liabilities (within "Other")
504,059
26,390
530,449
Debt
Equity
1,036,990
1,694,593
–
–
1,036,990
1,694,593
1,599,569
462,081
820,650
14,402
476,483
–
–
820,650
1,599,569
Total Liabilities
$ 20,608,656 $
26,390 $ 20,635,046 $ 18,513,340 $
14,402 $ 18,527,742
108
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report
Shareholder Information
CWB Group Corporate
Headquarters
Suite 3000, 10303 Jasper Avenue NW
Canadian Western Bank Place
Edmonton, AB T5J 3X6
Telephone: (780) 423-8888
Fax: (780) 423-8897
Website: cwb.com
Transfer Agent and Registrar
Computershare
100 University Avenue, 8th Floor
Toronto, ON M5J 2Y1
Telephone: (416) 263-9200
Toll-free: 1-800-564-6253
Fax: (888) 453-0330
Website: computershare.com
Stock Exchange Listings
The Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX)
Common Shares: CWB
Series 5 Preferred Shares: CWB.PR.A
Shareholder Administration
Computershare serves as Transfer
Agent and Registrar for the common
shares and preferred shares of CWB.
For dividend information, change in
share registration or address, lost share
certificates, tax forms or estate transfers,
please write or call the Transfer Agent
and Registrar, or inquire online at
computershare.com.
Duplicated Communications
If you receive, but do not require,
more than one mailing for the same
ownership, please contact the Transfer
Agent and Registrar to combine the
accounts.
Direct Deposit Services
Shareholders may choose to have cash
dividends paid on CWB common and
preferred shares deposited directly
into accounts held at their financial
institution. To arrange direct deposit
service, please contact the Transfer
Agent and Registrar.
Eligible Dividend Designation
CWB designates all common and
preferred share dividends paid to
Canadian residents as “eligible
dividends”, as defined in the Income
Tax Act (Canada), unless otherwise
noted.
Complaints or Concerns
regarding Accounting, Internal
Accounting Controls or
Auditing Matters
Please contact either:
Carolyn J. Graham
Executive Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer
Canadian Western Bank
Telephone: (780) 423-8854
Fax: (780) 423-8899
E-mail: carolyn.graham@cwbank.com
or
Robert A. Manning
Chairman of the Audit Committee
c/o 210 – 5324 Calgary Trail
Edmonton, AB T6H 4J8
Telephone: (780) 438-2626
Fax: (780) 438-2632
E-mail: rmanning@shawbiz.ca
SENIOR OFFICERS
Group Executive Officers
Chris H. Fowler
President and Chief Executive Officer
Carolyn J. Graham, FCPA, FCA
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
H. Bogac (Bogie) Ozdemir
Executive Vice President and
Chief Risk Officer
Randy W. Garvey, FCPA, FCMA
Executive Vice President, Corporate
Services
Gregory J. Sprung
Executive Vice President, Banking
Kelly S. Blackett
Executive Vice President, Human
Resources
Senior Corporate Officers
Niall Boles
Senior Vice President and Treasurer
David L. Thompson
Senior Vice President,
Credit Risk Management
Gail L. Harding, Q.C.
Senior Vice President,
General Counsel and Corporate
Secretary
Dividend Reinvestment Plan
CWB’s dividend reinvestment plan
allows common and preferred
shareholders to purchase additional
common shares by reinvesting their
cash dividend without incurring
brokerage and commission fees. For
information about participation in the
plan, please contact the Transfer Agent
and Registrar.
Investor Relations
Shareholders, institutional investors
or research analysts who would like
additional financial information are
asked to contact:
Investor Relations Department
Canadian Western Bank
Suite 3000, 10303 Jasper Avenue NW
Canadian Western Bank Place
Edmonton, AB T5J 3X6
Telephone: (800) 836-1886
Fax: (780) 969-8326
E-mail: investorrelations@cwbank.com
More comprehensive investor
information - including supplemental
financial reports, quarterly financial
releases, corporate presentations,
corporate fact sheets and frequently
asked questions - is available in the
Investor Relations section at cwb.com.
This 2015 Annual Report, along with
our Annual Information Form, Notice
of Annual Meeting of Shareholders
and Proxy Circular, is available on our
website. For additional printed copies
of these reports, please contact the
Investor Relations Department.
Filings are available on the Canadian
Securities Administrator’s website at
sedar.com.
2016 Annual Meeting
The annual meeting of the common
shareholders of Canadian Western
Bank will be held in Edmonton, AB, on
March 3, 2016 at The Fairmont Hotel
Macdonald (Empire Ballroom) at 3:00
p.m. MT (5:00 p.m. ET).
Corporate Secretary
Gail L. Harding, Q.C.
Senior Vice President,
General Counsel and Corporate
Secretary
Canadian Western Bank
Suite 3000, 10303 Jasper Avenue N.W.
Edmonton, AB T5J 3X6
Telephone: (780) 969-1525
Fax: (780) 969-1503
Darrell R. Jones, FCPA, FCMA
Senior Vice President and
Chief Information Officer
Allen D. Stephen, CPA, CA
Vice President and
Chief Accountant
Commercial and
Retail Banking
Glen Eastwood
Senior Vice President and
Regional General Manager, Prairies
Mario Furlan
Senior Vice President and
Regional General Manager,
British Columbia
Keith D. Hughes
Senior Vice President,
Business and Personal Banking
Michael N. Halliwell
Senior Vice President and Regional
General Manager, Northern Alberta
National Leasing
Tom Pundyk
President and Chief Executive Officer
Canadian Western Trust
Matt Colpitts
Vice President and General Manager
Adroit Investment
Management
Maria Holowinsky
President and
Chief Executive Officer
McLean & Partners
Wealth Management
Kevin Dehod
President and
Chief Executive Officer
Ombudsmen
R. Graham Gilbert
109
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report Canadian Direct Financial
Edmonton
3000, 10303 Jasper Avenue N.W.
(780) 441-2249
Toll-free: 1-877-441-2249
www.canadiandirectfinancial.com
Canadian Western Trust
Toll-free: 1-800-663-1124
www.cwt.ca
Calgary
310, 606 - 4 Street S.W.
(403) 717-3145
Vancouver
600, 750 Cambie Street
(604) 685-2081
Optimum Mortgage
Edmonton
#1010, 10303 Jasper Avenue N.W.
(780) 423-9748
Toll-free: 1-866-441-3775
www.optimummortgage.ca
(Representation across Western
Canada and in Ontario)
Adroit Investment
Management
Edmonton
1250, 10303 Jasper Avenue N.W.
(780) 429-3500
www.adroitinvestments.ca
McLean & Partners Wealth
Management
Calgary
801 - 10 Avenue S.W.
(403) 234-0005
Toll-free: 1-888-665-0005
www.mcleanpartners.com
Canadian Western
Financial
Edmonton
3000, 10303 Jasper Avenue N.W.
(780) 423-8888
www.canadianwesternfinancial.com
Locations
Canadian Western Bank
Regional Offices
British Columbia
2200, 666 Burrard Street
Vancouver
(604) 669-0081
Mario Furlan
Northern Alberta
3000, 10303 Jasper Avenue N.W.
Edmonton
(780) 423-8888
Michael Halliwell
Prairies
606 - 4 Street S.W.
Calgary
(403) 262-8700
Glen Eastwood
Equipment Financing
300, 5222 - 130 Avenue S.E.
Calgary
(403) 257-8235
Michael Docherty
BRANCHES
Alberta
Edmonton
Edmonton Main
100, 12230 Jasper Avenue N.W.
(780) 424-4846
George Bawden
103 Street
10303 Jasper Avenue N.W.
(780) 423-8801
Bruce Young
Old Strathcona
7933 - 104 Street N.W.
(780) 433-4286
Donna Austin
South Edmonton Common
2142 - 99 Street N.W.
(780) 988-8607
Robert Ovics
West Point
17603 - 100 Avenue N.W.
(780) 484-7407
David Hardy
Calgary
Calgary Main
606 - 4 Street S.W.
(403) 262-8700
Jeff Bowling
Calgary Chinook
6606 Macleod Trail S.W.
(403) 252-2299
Lew Christie
Calgary Foothills
6127 Barlow Trail S.E.
(403) 269-9882
Dustin Jones
110
Calgary Northeast
2810 - 32 Avenue N.E.
(403) 250-8838
June Lavigueur
Calgary South Trail
Crossing
300, 5222 - 130 Avenue S.E.
(403) 257-8235
Rick Vandergraaf
Broker Buying Centre
285, 2880 Glenmore Trail S.E.
(403) 720-8960
David Miller
Calgary Westjet
Banking Centre
22 Aerial Place N.W.
Westjet Campus
(403) 452-5869
Aaron Phui
Grande Prairie
11226 - 100 Avenue
(780) 831-1888
Todd Kramer
Leduc
5407 Discovery Way
(780) 986-9858
Michael White
Lethbridge
744 - 4 Avenue S
(403) 328-9199
Daryn Wenaas
Lloydminster
C, 6209 - 44 Street
(780) 874-9555
Alan Wells
Medicine Hat
*new address*
101, 2810 - 13 Avenue S.E.
(403) 527-7321
Daniel Kitching
Red Deer
4822 - 51 Avenue
(403) 341-4000
Don Odell
Sherwood Park
251 Palisades Way
(780) 449-6699
Arden Vos
St. Albert
300 - 700 St. Albert Trail
(780) 458-4001
Blair Zahara
British Columbia
Vancouver
Kitsilano
3190 West Broadway
(604) 732-4262
Demetra Papaspyros
Park Place
100, 666 Burrard Street
(604) 688-8711
Brian Korpan
Vancouver Real Estate
2200, 666 Burrard Street
(604) 669-0081
Scott Weiss
West Broadway
110, 1333 West Broadway
(604) 730-8818
Jules Mihalyi
Abbotsford
100, 2548 Clearbrook Road
(604) 855-4941
Hugh Ellis
Coquitlam
310, 101 Schoolhouse Street
(604) 540-8829
Dave McGregor
Courtenay
200, 470 Puntledge Road
(250) 334-8888
Jean-Marc Jaquier
Cranbrook
202, 828 Baker Street
(250) 426-1140
Mike Eckersley
Kamloops
101, 1211 Summit Drive
(250) 828-1070
Kelowna
Kelowna
1674 Bertram Street
(250) 862-8008
Bob Brown
Kelowna Industrial
101, 1505 Harvey Avenue
(250) 860-0088
Jim Kruiper
Langley
100, 19915 - 64 Avenue
(604) 539-5088
Craig Martin
Nanaimo
101, 6475 Metral Drive
(250) 390-0088
Kevin Wilson
Prince George
300 Victoria Street
(250) 612-0123
Derek Dougherty
Richmond
4991 No. 3 Road
(604) 238-2800
Michael Yeung
Surrey
Panorama Ridge
103, 15230 Highway 10
(604) 575-3783
Scott Bearss
Strawberry Hill
1, 7548 - 120 Street
(604) 591-1898
Bob Duffield
Victoria
1201 Douglas Street
(250) 383-1206
Bob Granger
Saskatchewan
Regina
1866 Hamilton Street
Hill Tower III
(306) 757-8888
Kelly Dennis
Saskatoon
Saskatoon City Centre
244 - 2 Avenue South
(306) 477-8888
Kelly Walker
Saskatoon North Landing
101, 2803 Faithfull Avenue
(306) 244-8008
Byron Eberle
Yorkton
5, 259 Hamilton Road
(306) 782-1002
Kelly Price
Manitoba
Winnipeg
Winnipeg
230 Portage Avenue
(204) 956-4669
Mike McAulay
Winnipeg Kenaston
125 Nature Park Way
(204) 452-0939
Chris Voogt
National Leasing Group
Winnipeg
1525 Buffalo Place
(204) 954-9000
Toll-free: 1-800-882-0560
www.nationalleasing.com
(Representation across all
provinces and territories in
Canada)
CWB Group 2015 Annual Report C
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