ANNUAL REPORT
31 | DECEMBER | 2015
ANNUAL REPORT
31 | DECEMBER | 2015
| TABLE OF CONTENTS |
About CI Financial 1
Ten-Year Historical Financial Highlights 2
Letter to Shareholders 4
Corporate Social Responsibility 22
Subsidiary Profiles 24
Management’s Discussion and Analysis 27
Consolidated Financial Statements 60
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 66
Corporate Directory 101
Corporate Information 102
CI Financial Corp. is a diversified wealth management firm and Canada’s third-largest investment fund company by assets
under management. Independent and Canadian-owned, CI provides a comprehensive selection of top-quality investment
products and services. CI has two million clients and approximately $143 billion in assets (at March 31, 2016). CI operates
primarily through subsidiaries CI Investments Inc., Assante Wealth Management (Canada) Ltd., Stonegate Private Counsel LP,
and First Asset Capital Corp.
CI Investments is one of the country’s largest investment managers and offers a wide selection of funds under brands that
include CI, Black Creek, Cambridge, Harbour, Signature, Synergy, Portfolio Series, Portfolio Select Series, and G5|20 Series.
Assante Wealth Management provides financial advisory services through a national network of 750 professional financial
advisors. Stonegate Private Counsel, a division of CI Private Counsel LP, provides wealth planning services to high net worth
individuals and families.
First Asset is a leader in providing actively managed and factor-based ETFs to the Canadian marketplace, and manages a
suite of mutual funds and closed-end funds.
CI also owns a majority stake in Marret Asset Management Inc., a Toronto-based fixed-income investment manager, and
interests in Altrinsic Global Advisors, LLC, a global asset manager based in Greenwich, Connecticut, and Lawrence Park
Capital Partners Ltd. of Toronto, an alternative asset manager specializing in fixed-income strategies.
Annual Report | 1 | December 31, 2015
| TEN-YEAR HISTORICAL FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS |
[in millions of dollars, except per share amounts]
(from continuing operations)
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
Dec. 31, 2006
May 31, 2006
Years Ended Dec. 31
Years Ended Dec. 31
Seven Months Ended
Year Ended
Assets under management, end of year
Assets under advisement†
Total assets
111,124
34,552
145,676
102,886
31,874
134,761
91,090
28,766
119,856
75,723
24,586
100,309
Net sales of funds
Management fees
Other income
Total revenues
Selling, general and administrative
Trailer fees
Other expenses
Total expenses
Income taxes
Net income attributable to shareholders
EBITDA
Earnings per share
EBITDA per share
Dividends per share
3,431
3,928
3,686
973
323
1,059
1,451
1,740
1,898
437
3,111
1,787.9
209.8
1,997.6
372.5
553.6
313.1
1,239.2
204.9
553.5
940.4
1.99
3.37
1.30
1,669.1
206.8
1,875.9
341.8
511.6
305.0
1,158.4
192.5
525.0
894.5
1.85
3.15
1.19
1,432.6
184.1
1,616.7
314.5
429.2
290.7
1,034.4
155.9
426.4
769.6
1.50
2.71
1.07
1,277.7
180.1
1,457.8
286.0
374.0
294.0
954.0
151.6
352.2
703.6
1.24
2.48
0.96
69,558
22,698
92,257
1,302.8
193.5
1,496.3
290.8
379.5
304.9
975.2
144.2
376.9
726.2
1.31
2.53
0.89
72,825
23,645
96,470
1,193.0
186.7
1,379.7
263.6
346.2
295.4
905.2
146.0
328.6
669.7
1.14
2.32
0.77
64,226
22,414
86,640
1,041.5
177.0
1,218.5
278.9
299.7
298.4
877.0
45.3
296.2
539.3
1.01
1.84
0.63
52,801
19,236
72,037
1,163.8
202.4
1,366.2
256.4
336.1
340.0
932.5
(17.5)
451.2
638.6
1.62
2.29
1.74
67,171
26,538
93,709
1,292.7
210.3
1,503.0
291.1
369.1
291.7
951.9
(54.4)
605.5
724.3
2.15
2.57
2.25
62,737
28,176
90,913
693.8
111.2
805.0
147.8
193.3
140.3
481.4
(31.1)
354.7
403.5
1.25
1.42
1.16
56,905
25,425
82,330
1,110.0
213.4
1,323.4
353.6
291.0
204.2
848.8
165.6
309.0
577.4
1.08
2.02
0.70
Shareholders’ equity, end of year
Shares outstanding, end of year
1,894.1
1,902.7
1,819.3
1,676.0
1,620.2
1,566.1
1,610.9
1,601.7
1,405.7
1,371.1
1,545.0
276,026,778
281,708,663
284,396,101
282,914,642
283,567,039
287,434,257
291,821,114
292,492,805
281,514,003
280,132,687
285,680,519
ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT
(AS AT FISCAL YEAR-END IN $ BILLIONS)
CIX SHARE PRICE
(AS AT FISCAL YEAR-END IN $)
DIVIDENDS PER SHARE
(FOR THE FISCAL YEAR IN $)
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
’06
May 31
’06*
’07
’08
’09
’10
’11
December 31
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
’06
May 31
’06*
’07
’08
’09
’12
’13
’14
’15
’10
’11
December 31
2.5
2.0
1.5
1.0
0.5
’12
’13
’14
’15
0.0
’06
May 31
’06*
’07
’08
’09
’10
’11
’12
’13
’14
’15
December 31
* Seven-month period ended Dec. 31, 2006.
† Includes assets in CI and United funds and held by clients of advisors with Assante and Stonegate.
Certain measures cited in this Annual Report, including pre-tax operating earnings, EBITDA, EBITDA margin, dealer gross margin, net debt,
operating cash flow, free cash flow, asset management margin, and SG&A efficiency margin, are non-IFRS financial measures. For the relevant
Annual Report | 2 | December 31, 2015
Selling, general and administrative
Net sales of funds
Management fees
Other income
Total revenues
Trailer fees
Other expenses
Total expenses
Income taxes
EBITDA
Earnings per share
EBITDA per share
Dividends per share
Net income attributable to shareholders
1,787.9
209.8
1,997.6
372.5
553.6
313.1
1,239.2
204.9
553.5
940.4
1.99
3.37
1.30
1,669.1
206.8
1,875.9
341.8
511.6
305.0
1,158.4
192.5
525.0
894.5
1.85
3.15
1.19
1,432.6
184.1
1,616.7
314.5
429.2
290.7
1,034.4
155.9
426.4
769.6
1.50
2.71
1.07
75,723
24,586
100,309
1,277.7
180.1
1,457.8
286.0
374.0
294.0
954.0
151.6
352.2
703.6
1.24
2.48
0.96
(from continuing operations)
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
Dec. 31, 2006
May 31, 2006
Years Ended Dec. 31
Years Ended Dec. 31
Seven Months Ended
Year Ended
Assets under management, end of year
Assets under advisement†
Total assets
111,124
34,552
145,676
102,886
31,874
134,761
91,090
28,766
119,856
69,558
22,698
92,257
72,825
23,645
96,470
64,226
22,414
86,640
52,801
19,236
72,037
67,171
26,538
93,709
62,737
28,176
90,913
56,905
25,425
82,330
3,431
3,928
3,686
973
323
1,059
1,451
1,740
1,898
437
3,111
1,302.8
193.5
1,496.3
290.8
379.5
304.9
975.2
144.2
376.9
726.2
1.31
2.53
0.89
1,193.0
186.7
1,379.7
263.6
346.2
295.4
905.2
146.0
328.6
669.7
1.14
2.32
0.77
1,041.5
177.0
1,218.5
278.9
299.7
298.4
877.0
45.3
296.2
539.3
1.01
1.84
0.63
1,163.8
202.4
1,366.2
256.4
336.1
340.0
932.5
(17.5)
451.2
638.6
1.62
2.29
1.74
1,292.7
210.3
1,503.0
291.1
369.1
291.7
951.9
(54.4)
605.5
724.3
2.15
2.57
2.25
693.8
111.2
805.0
147.8
193.3
140.3
481.4
(31.1)
354.7
403.5
1.25
1.42
1.16
1,110.0
213.4
1,323.4
353.6
291.0
204.2
848.8
165.6
309.0
577.4
1.08
2.02
0.70
Shareholders’ equity, end of year
Shares outstanding, end of year
1,894.1
1,902.7
1,819.3
1,676.0
1,620.2
1,566.1
1,610.9
1,601.7
1,405.7
1,371.1
1,545.0
276,026,778
281,708,663
284,396,101
282,914,642
283,567,039
287,434,257
291,821,114
292,492,805
281,514,003
280,132,687
285,680,519
TOTAL REVENUES
(FOR THE FISCAL YEAR IN $ MILLIONS)
EARNINGS PER SHARE
(FOR THE FISCAL YEAR IN $)
EBITDA PER SHARE
(FOR THE FISCAL YEAR IN $)
2000
1500
1000
500
0
’06
May 31
’06*
’07
’08
’09
’10
’11
December 31
2.5
2.0
1.5
1.0
0.5
’12
’13
’14
’15
0.0
’06
May 31
’06*
’07
’08
’09
’10
’11
December 31
3.5
3.0
2.5
2.0
1.5
1.0
0.5
0.0
’06
May 31
’06*
’07
’08
’09
’12
’13
’14
’15
’10
’11
’12
’13
’14
’15
December 31
* Seven-month period ended Dec. 31, 2006.
definitions and reconciliations to reported results, please see our Management’s Discussion & Analysis for fiscal 2015 under “Non-IFRS Measures,”
which is included as part of this Annual Report.
Annual Report | 3 | December 31, 2015
| LETTER TO SHAREHOLDERS |
DEAR SHAREHOLDERS,
In 2015, your company once again recorded excellent results. Assets under management grew to an all-time high, ending
the year at $111.1 billion. We also achieved record levels of gross sales, revenues, and profitability.
These returns were achieved in the face of increasingly volatile global financial markets. CI made gains in a year when the
Canadian equity market fell and U.S. and global markets were flat. Importantly, our portfolio managers were good stewards
of our clients’ capital in this uncertain environment.
CI has a history of managing through periods of significant turmoil in financial markets to achieve strong long-term growth.
Even as global confidence remains subdued and our industry becomes increasingly competitive, CI is well positioned for
continued prosperity. We combine financial strength and scale with the flexibility to change and adapt. And, we are making
sizable investments in the key drivers of our business.
This letter reviews the highlights of 2015 and our strategy for driving the company’s continued growth and success.
Annual Report | 4 | December 31, 2015
CI’S LONG-TERM STRATEGY
Product quality and diversity. By providing a broad selection of high-quality products and services to Canadian investors,
we reduce our dependence on any single market sector or product and ensure we are well positioned to respond to the
changing needs of investors. More importantly, this enhances our relationships with advisors by allowing them to meet
their clients’ needs through a single supplier.
Talented and experienced investment managers. CI has significant assets under management, and we attract investment
managers who are among the best in the industry. We select portfolio managers based on a reputation for skilled
investment management, their long-term track records and “fit” with our existing lineup.
Multiple channels of distribution. CI distributes its products through a variety of channels, including Assante and other
dealers, as well as the institutional marketplace. Our size and scale allow us to offer a high level of support and service to
each channel, helping to strengthen existing relationships and develop new ones.
Operational efficiency. This encompasses the prudent and efficient operation and administration of our funds and our
company. Our capabilities enhance our ability to launch new products and offer a comprehensive product lineup.
Skill and knowledge. CI’s managers and employees possess the specialized knowledge and experience to anticipate client
needs, and develop appropriate products. CI enhances the skill and knowledge of its staff through training programs.
Annual Report | 5 | December 31, 2015
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Strong asset growth
Assets under management reached a month-end and year-end record of $111.1 billion at December 31, 2015, a gain of
$8.2 billion or 8.0% from $102.9 billion a year earlier. In comparison, the S&P/TSX Composite Index declined 8.3% while
the FTSE TMX Canada Universe Bond Index was up 3.5%. The increase in CI’s assets was due to positive net sales, fund
performance and the acquisition of First Asset Capital Corp. late in the year. CI’s share of industry assets remained steady
at 9% and we continued to rank as the country’s third-largest fund company.
CI’s average assets under management for 2015 also reached a record level at $108.4 billion. This represents an increase of
$10.0 billion or 10.2% from $98.4 billion in 2014. This reflects the growth in our assets in the first half of the year and our
ability to maintain asset levels even as markets declined in the third and fourth quarters.
Meanwhile, assets under advisement, which includes Assante Wealth Management and Stonegate Private Counsel, were
up $2.7 billion or 8.5% to $34.6 billion. As a result, total assets at December 31, 2015, were $145.7 billion, which represents
growth of $10.9 billion or 8.1% over the 12-month period.
In the first two months of 2016, global stock markets experienced a sharp correction, which is generally defined as a drop
of 10% or more, before rebounding in March. The volatility had a negative impact on investor confidence in general and
affected CI’s sales and asset levels. However, CI’s assets under management recovered to $108.9 billion at March 31, 2016,
while total assets were $142.9 billion.
CI posted revenue for the year of $2.0 billion – a record, as we mentioned earlier, and an increase of 6.5% from $1.9 billion
the year before. Net income was $553.5 million, up 5.4% from $525.0 million in 2014. Earnings per share rose 7.6% to $1.99
from $1.85. The higher growth rate for earnings per share reflects the impact of share buybacks.
Annual Report | 6 | December 31, 2015
EBITDA, a key metric to assess the company’s profitability, reached an all-time high of $940.4 million or $3.37 per share.
On a per share basis, EBITDA was up 7.0% from $3.15 in 2014. As a percentage of revenue, EBITDA was 47.3%. While this was
a slight decline from the 2014 ratio of 47.8%, it is consistent with the levels of previous years. This indicates that CI has
generally been maintaining its profitability, even as we increased our spending in important areas of our business, including
portfolio management, sales and marketing, and technology.
Central to this has been our ongoing focus on controlling and managing the company’s expenses. In 2015, CI’s selling,
general and administrative (SG&A) expenses increased 9.0% – a lower rate than the 10.1% increase in average assets under
management. Therefore, as a percentage of average assets under management, SG&A expenses declined to 34.4 basis
points from 34.7 basis points in 2014.
Returning cash to shareholders
CI generated $596.6 million in free cash flow for the fiscal year, an increase of 7.0% from $557.4 million in the prior year. Free
cash flow facilitates debt repayment, dividend payments and share repurchases, and in 2015, we significantly increased the
amount allocated to buying back shares while allowing debt to increase.
USES OF FREE CASH FLOW ($MILLIONS)
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
–
Buybacks
Debt Reduction
Dividends
2012
2013
2014
2015
Annual Report | 7 | December 31, 2015
Our target for CI’s net debt is 50 to 75% of EBITDA. In recent years, we had steadily reduced our debt, so that our net debt
of $185.2 million at the end of 2014 was just 20% of EBITDA. In December 2015, we completed a debenture offering with
a principal amount of $450 million, with the proceeds being used in part to repay $300 million in debentures and to pay
down amounts borrowed under our credit facility. Net debt stood at $433.1 million at December 31, 2015, equivalent to
48% of EBITDA and still below our target range. At this level, CI has capacity for increased leverage to finance acquisitions,
share buybacks or other initiatives.
In 2015, we spent $243.6 million to repurchase approximately 7.4 million CI shares. This compares to $108.1 million spent
on buybacks in the prior year. Dividends paid during the year amounted to $362.2 million, an increase of 8.0% from
$335.5 million paid in 2015. We increased the monthly dividend in June 2015, from $0.105 to $0.11 per share. On an annual
basis, the dividend now amounts to $1.32 per share, for a yield of 4.6% as of March 31, 2016.
The $362.2 million in dividends was equivalent to 61% of free cash flow, a ratio that is in line with previous years’ payouts.
Dividends and share buybacks together totalled $605.8 million in 2015, meaning that we returned all of CI’s free cash flow
to shareholders during the year.
This is in keeping with CI’s longstanding commitment to return excess cash to you, the owners of the company. From our
initial public offering in 1994 to December 31, 2015, CI has returned a total of $5.5 billion to shareholders, consisting of
$4.0 billion in dividends and distributions and $1.5 billion in share repurchases.
From the IPO to December 31, 2015, CI shares have recorded a cumulative return of 4,175%, for a compound annual growth
rate of 19%. Our shares have dramatically outperformed both the broader market, as the S&P/TSX Composite Index
returned 417%, and the Canadian financial sector, as the TSX Financial Services Index returned 1,538%. CI was the seventh
best performing stock on the S&P/TSX Composite Index over this period.
Annual Report | 8 | December 31, 2015
CI FINANCIAL HISTORICAL PERFORMANCE – TOTAL RETURNS FROM IPO TO DECEMBER 31, 2015
5,000
4,500
4,000
3,500
3,000
2,500
2,000
1,500
1,000
500
100
June 1994
Source: CI, Bloomberg.
CIX +4,175%
TSX Financial Services Index
+1,538%
S&P/TSX Composite Index
+417%
December 31, 2015
Annual Report | 9 | December 31, 2015
OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS
Consistency in sales
CI posted record gross sales of $15.4 billion in 2015, up 6.9% from $14.4 billion in 2014. Net sales were $3.4 billion and though
this was down from the prior year, it represented the third consecutive year in which CI has posted net sales above $3 billion.
CI ranked among the top five companies for net sales in 2015, and our share of industry net sales was approximately 6%. CI is
notable for the consistency of its sales over the long term, having had positive net sales in 89% of quarters since 1994.
Industry-wide sales in 2015 continued to be concentrated in fund-of-fund products, which accounted for 85% of net sales,
according to the Investment Funds Institute of Canada. We have seen the same trends at CI and in 2015, our fund-of-funds
– which we call managed solutions – once again accounted for a significant portion of our net sales. We believe that our
managed solutions offer a superior value proposition for investors. Under the direction of CI Investment Consulting, an
in-house team of experts, our managed solutions provide portfolio construction and asset allocation based on in-depth
research from within CI and external sources, extensive risk management, and currency hedging. This approach is married
with the security selection expertise of our investment teams, who manage the underlying funds. Our managed solutions
brands include Portfolio Series, Portfolio Select Series, G5|20 Series, Evolution Private Managed Accounts, and Private Client
Managed Portfolios.
Annual Report | 10 | December 31, 2015
The success of these products can be seen in their consistent performance – with 90% of our managed solutions’ assets under
management being ranked first or second quartile over the 10 years ending December 31, 2015 – and industry recognition that
includes three Morningstar Awards. CI’s assets under management in managed solutions have grown 180% over the five years
ending December 31, 2015, and our company is second in the industry for total assets within fund-of-fund products.
In addition, the CI Private Investment Management program and CI Institutional Asset Management (CIIAM) made significant
contributions to our net sales. Private Investment Management, aimed at the mass affluent and higher net worth markets,
provides access to our fund mandates, including managed solutions, with fee reductions for progressively larger accounts.
We will provide more details about CIIAM later in this letter. The high net worth and institutional markets are important
parts of CI’s strategy for growth.
High-quality products
CI has developed a high-quality and diverse product lineup that’s defined by a multi-manager approach and deep expertise
spanning all asset classes. Our comprehensive lineup is a competitive advantage for CI and it helps our clients to meet their
investment objectives in a world of market volatility and low fixed-income yields.
We are continually working to enhance our lineup and new products in 2015 included:
•
CI U.S. Income US$ Pool and Cambridge U.S. Dividend US$ Fund, both U.S. dollar versions of existing mandates,
launched to meet the growing interest in U.S. dollar-denominated funds;
Signature Real Estate Pool, a global equity fund focused on the real estate sector;
Signature Preferred Share Pool, which offers concentrated exposure to preferred shares; and
Signature Tactical Bond Pool, a global fixed-income fund with a focus on investment-grade securities.
•
•
•
Annual Report | 11 | December 31, 2015
Leading portfolio management expertise
Our product lineup is founded on the expertise and talent of our portfolio management teams. Our multi-manager structure
features internal and external investment teams that operate independently of one another. Our in-house portfolio
management divisions are Signature Global Asset Management, Cambridge Global Asset Management, CI Investment
Consulting, Harbour Advisors and First Asset. CI holds a majority interest in Marret Asset Management and minority
interests in Altrinsic Global Advisors of Greenwich, Connecticut, and Lawrence Park Asset Management of Toronto.
CI’S PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT TEAMS AND SUB-ADVISORS
Annual Report | 12 | December 31, 2015
In 2015, CI continued to re-invest in our internal portfolio management capabilities by adding staff to our in-house
investment teams. We also invested in technology to improve our productivity and enhance our investment processes.
We expect to reach a milestone in the second quarter of 2016 with the planned implementation of a new portfolio
management system for our internal portfolio management teams.
Other notable developments during the year focused on the rapidly growing Chinese and Asian markets. Signature opened
an office in Hong Kong to lead the team’s research efforts in that region. In addition, CI became the first Canadian institution
to be awarded a Renminbi Qualified Foreign Institutional Investor (“RQFII”) licence by the China Securities Regulatory
Commission, which allows CI to invest directly in the domestic renminbi-denominated fixed-income and equity markets in
China. These investments are managed by Signature.
Award-winning performance
CI’s portfolio managers have achieved above-average returns over the long term. As of December 31, 2015, 73% of CI’s
long-term assets under management were ranked first or second quartile over 10 years. Highlights included funds managed
by Black Creek Investment Management, where 100% of assets were first or second quartile for the 10-year period, while
87% of assets managed by Signature performed in the top half of their peer groups over 10 years.
The performance of our investment managers and funds was recognized in 2015 through numerous industry awards. Three
of our portfolio managers received prestigious “fund manager of the year” awards from Morningstar Canada: Richard
Jenkins of Black Creek Investment Management was named Morningstar Foreign Equity Fund Manager of the Year, while
Greg Dean and Stephen Groff of Cambridge Global Asset Management were co-winners of the Breakout Fund Manager
of the Year award. In addition, seven CI employees were named “TopGun Investment Minds” by the global advisory firm
Brendan Wood International in its announcement of the 2015-2016 TopGun Investment Minds and Canada’s TopGun
(Best in Class) Investment Teams. CI was ranked as the number two TopGun Investment Team of the year in the poll of
sell-side professionals. CI’s TopGun Investment Minds are Brandon Snow and Dean and Groff of Cambridge, and Stéphane
Champagne, Malcolm White, Hoa Hong and Jeremy Yeung of Signature.
Achieved for the year 2015
Annual Report | 13 | December 31, 2015
CI funds also received the following recognition:
•
Cambridge Canadian Equity Corporate Class and Cambridge Pure Canadian Equity Fund were category winners at
the 2015 Morningstar Awards.
•
Thirty-two CI mutual and segregated funds received FundGrade A+ Awards, which are awarded by Fundata Canada
and based on consistent, outstanding risk-adjusted performance. This was the third consecutive year that CI won
more of these awards than any other fund company.
•
CI Global Small Companies Fund was a winner of a Lipper Fund Award for its risk-adjusted returns over 10 years.
Building enduring partnerships
CI has long recognized the importance of having multiple channels of distribution for our products and our ability to
diversify our distribution has been crucial to our growth. This continues to be a cornerstone of our strategy, as can be seen
in the acquisition of First Asset.
We have successfully built enduring relationships with financial advisors, other financial institutions and institutional
investors across Canada who offer our products to their clients. One advantage for CI is our size and financial strength,
which provides reassurance and security to our partners.
Our distribution strategy has these primary elements:
•
Building Assante into the premier wealth planning organization in Canada;
• Growing our retail assets under management through increasing service and support to third-party advisors; and
• Growing our institutional assets through CI Institutional Asset Management.
Annual Report | 14 | December 31, 2015
Assante and Stonegate
Our Assante business includes our full-service investment and mutual fund dealers, operating as Assante Wealth
Management, and our high net worth discretionary investment platform, Stonegate Private Counsel. In 2015, we continued
to focus on initiatives supporting broad strategies to grow our presence in the mass affluent and high net worth market, as
well as creating a robust dealer platform to drive growth.
During 2015, our assets under advisement increased by 8.5% to $34.6 billion, reflecting strong investment performance,
increasing levels of investment from our clients and targeted recruiting of advisors. Net new investment from clients
increased 14.5% to $1.3 billion. Both the asset and sales levels for Assante represented new highs.
The financial advisory business operates in a highly regulated environment in which compliance and technology costs
related to increasing regulatory requirements are accelerating the consolidation of industry participants, or even exits
from the business. In addition, the Canadian marketplace is maturing and the demand for advisory services is changing.
Canadians are increasingly seeking advice on their entire financial situation – wealth preservation and investments, tax
planning, retirement and estate planning and risk management.
Assante and its advisors are particularly well positioned to benefit from this evolving environment through our focus
on managed money solutions and our consistent delivery of complete wealth management services to our clients. We
provide exceptional value in the services we offer. A significant portion of our assets are already administered under fee-
disclosed arrangements, meaning that Assante is well prepared for both the new disclosure rules and other fee changes
that regulators are considering.
Operating scale becomes increasingly important as firms deal with increasing costs and service expectations from clients.
At Assante, we benefit from the confidence and security our clients realize through the size and scale of CI and leverage
the operating efficiency of our entire organization through our shared services infrastructure.
Annual Report | 15 | December 31, 2015
Assante has continued to grow through prudent management of clients’ accounts, increasing levels of investment from these
clients and the attraction of new clients. This has resulted, in part, from the successful execution of the following strategies:
•
Our continuing investment in support resources. We expanded our team of experts in communities across Canada
by 25% in 2015 to assist our advisors and their clients with their fully integrated, or complete wealth management
needs;
•
Expanding our training and development programs at all levels of our organization to deliver a superior wealth
planning experience for our clients;
•
•
Investing heavily in technology to support the delivery of a consistent value proposition to clients; and
Elevating the awareness of Assante – who we are and what we stand for – through our advertising and branding
programs on the national and local levels.
These factors and Assante’s focus on executing on its broad strategies have resulted in a strong and growing presence in
the mass affluent and high net worth marketplace. At December 31, 2015, 62% or $21.3 billion of Assante’s assets were with
families investing at least $500,000 with Assante advisors. In addition, the fastest-growing segment of Assante’s business is
with families investing over $1 million with its advisors.
Assante’s commitment to an all-encompassing approach to wealth management, backed by the financial strength and
security of CI, has again positioned Assante as one of Canada’s pre-eminent financial advisory firms.
Third-party distribution partners
CI has one of the industry’s largest sales and client services team to provide ongoing support to Assante and third-party
advisors who recommend our products to the clients. In 2015, we continued to build on our strategy of providing dedicated
sales staff and services tailored to the needs of advisors at various firms and within specific distribution channels. These
efforts have been supported by a significant increase over the last two years in the number of front-line sales and client
services staff.
Annual Report | 16 | December 31, 2015
CI provides extensive support to advisors to enhance their business and professional development. For example, CI was
an early proponent of helping advisors to understand and take action to adapt their practices to impending regulatory
changes. Our Strategic Business Development team continues to spearhead these efforts. In 2015, we hired additional
staff for the CI Tax, Retirement and Estate Planning team, a group of specialists who provide expert information and
commentary to advisors on those topics. To support its educational mission, the team launched its own website
(www.ci.com/trep) early in 2016.
CI also continued to make a major investment in providing first-class educational events for advisors. In 2015, more than
1,100 advisors attended CI’s fifth-annual Leadership Forum, a three-day conference for advisors. About 400 advisors and
assistants attended Assante’s annual advisor conference, the National Wealth Management Conference. Also in 2015,
CI held two national roadshows, in which select CI portfolio managers and other experts presented to advisors across
Canada, along with numerous other advisor educational meetings and training sessions.
CI Institutional Asset Management
CI Institutional Asset Management experienced 8% growth during 2015 with $16.5 billion in assets under management at
year-end. In a generally more difficult overall investment environment, the business had a strong year in terms of both new
clients and net sales.
CIIAM operates in two general institutional markets: Alliance, which involves sub-advising mandates or participating in
fund-of-fund programs at other financial institutions, and the more traditional area of pensions, foundations and
endowments. CIIAM continues to field a multi-manager, multi-product institutional lineup, which includes a balanced
mandate, a core Canadian equity mandate, a core bond plus strategy, a global equity mandate and a series of target-risk
and target-date funds.
Annual Report | 17 | December 31, 2015
Building our brands
In our increasingly competitive marketplace, strengthening awareness of our brands is an important part of supporting
our distribution partners and generating sales. Breaking through the clutter in today’s fragmented media environment can
be difficult and expensive. In 2015, CI Investments and Assante delivered smart and cost-effective advertising campaigns.
CI Investments produced a series of television commercials and online advertisements aimed at building brand awareness
and reinforcing the company’s positioning as a trusted provider of retirement solutions to Canadians. The centrepiece of
the campaign was a television commercial with the theme “You deserve a great retirement.” The television advertising
was focused on golf and curling coverage, which provide an excellent fit with potential clients. The campaign was very
well received and surveys have demonstrated a marked increase in brand awareness for CI Investments. Building on this
momentum, a new television and radio campaign was launched in 2016.
Assante continued its national and regional advertising campaigns in 2015 based on the “complete” theme that emphasizes
how Assante advisors provide advice addressing all aspects of a client’s financial situation. Assante’s commercials
accompanied various sports with a focus on hockey, where the programming included a “complete player” profile. Assante
renewed its national and regional campaigns for 2016.
Annual Report | 18 | December 31, 2015
CI INVESTMENTS AND ASSANTE ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS
ON-LINE DIGITAL
PRINT AD – BILLBOARD – ON-LINE DIGITAL
TELEVISION
COMMERCIAL
STILLS
TELEVISION
COMMERCIALS
Annual Report | 19 | December 31, 2015
First Asset acquisition
On November 30, 2015, CI completed the acquisition of First Asset, which has about $3 billion under management in a
lineup of exchange-traded and mutual funds. The acquisition broadened and diversified CI’s lineup of operating businesses
and gave CI entry into the rapidly growing ETF market through a successful firm with a proven management team. First
Asset was particularly attractive to us because of its leadership in the area of actively managed and factor-based ETFs and
its strong relationships with advisors in the brokerage channel.
First Asset is continuing to operate under its own management and sales and marketing teams, while benefiting from CI’s
financial strength and capabilities in investment management and administration. CI is supporting First Asset in launching
new products and we are exploring ways in which CI portfolio managers can be involved in First Asset funds. One such
example was announced in January with the appointment of Signature as portfolio advisor to a First Asset ETF focused on
the global financial services sector. This shows how ETFs can serve as another distribution platform for CI, and how CI’s
active management can serve to differentiate products within the ETF market.
OUTLOOK
As the first quarter of 2016 draws to a close, the global economy continues its long and slow recovery from the financial
crisis, and investor sentiment remains very cautious. Despite this environment, our industry has doubled its assets over
the past 10 years and continues to enjoy good prospects for growth. Investor Economics notes that funds remain the
investment vehicle of choice for Canadians, representing 35% of household financial wealth at the end of 2014 – exceeding
the share held in deposits for the first time. The research firm expects industry assets to double again by the year 2024.
Demographic trends, along with slow growth and low yields, mean that Canadians will continue to require what the CI
group of companies offer – in-depth financial advice and actively managed, high-quality investment products. The newly
elected federal government has instituted tax hikes and other changes aimed at higher-income earners, making expert
advice and smart investing more critical than ever for Canada’s affluent.
Annual Report | 20 | December 31, 2015
As a large, independent wealth management firm, CI is well positioned for continued success. Our financial strength gives us
the resources to re-invest in our business, improve our competitive standing and make further acquisitions as opportunities
arise. We have a strong presence in key distribution channels, positioning that we have enhanced with the addition of First
Asset. We are increasing the level of support we provide to advisors, in both day-to-day and value-added services. We
continue to build up our portfolio management expertise, augmenting a lineup that is already one of the best in Canada. We
continue to emphasize the growing mass affluent and high net worth markets through CI and through our advisory businesses,
Assante and Stonegate. The business model for Assante and Stonegate, which encompasses “complete” financial advice,
not only appeals to high net worth investors, but is attracting established, successful advisors to our company. And, as we
proceed with these initiatives, we will be maintaining our focus on operating efficiently throughout CI.
We thank our fund investors for putting their trust in our company. We also thank our business partners for their support,
our employees and portfolio managers for their dedication, and our shareholders for their confidence.
Sincerely,
William T. Holland
Executive Chairman
MARCH 31, 2016
Stephen A. MacPhail
Chief Executive Officer
EXECUTIVE TEAM UPDATE
In February 2016, CI announced that Stephen A MacPhail would be retiring as Chief Executive Officer on June 30, 2016
and that Peter W Anderson would replace him as CEO Sheila A Murray was named President effective immediately She
also continues as General Counsel and Secretary
Mr Anderson’s experience includes serving as Executive Vice-President, Chief Investment Officer and a member of the
Board of Directors of CI He was also CEO of CI Investments for seven years
Mr MacPhail leaves CI after a 22-year career that includes more than five years as CEO He has also held the positions of
President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer The Board of Directors, management and employees of CI
extend their sincere thanks to Mr MacPhail for his invaluable contributions to the growth and success of CI Since joining
the management team in 1994, Mr MacPhail has played a crucial role in building CI into one of the top firms in its industry
Annual Report | 21 | December 31, 2015
| CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY |
CI Financial strives to operate with responsibility and integrity, from the management of our funds to
the conduct of all aspects of our business We are committed to treating our employees and business
partners with respect and consideration, to supporting communities across Canada, and to reducing
our impact on the environment This section highlights some of CI’s efforts and achievements in
these areas
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
EMPLOYEE DEVELOPMENT
•
The CI Board of Directors consists of 11 members,
•
CI provides extensive training and learning
of whom nine, or 82%, are independent of
opportunities to its employees, as well as
company management.
supporting employees who pursue education
•
All directors, officers and employees of CI Financial
and training on their own initiative.
and its subsidiaries and affiliates are governed by
•
The CI Women’s Mentorship Program has had
the CI Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, which
58 participants since it was launched in 2012.
requires them to follow the highest standards of
The goal of the program is to develop the
integrity and ethical business conduct.
leadership talent of women employees, increase
•
CI also upholds principles, policies and procedures
their organizational commitment, and offer
that promote integrity and ensure compliance with
them a support network.
applicable laws and regulations in specialized areas
•
CI provides opportunities for students to gain
of the company. These include policies addressing
experience and exposure to the working world.
money laundering, bribery and corruption,
We maintain a strong summer student program
personal trading by portfolio managers and
and hired 55 students for the summer of 2015.
other employees, and sales practices.
We also have a formal Grade Nine Take Our
•
CI also maintains a whistleblower policy under
Kids to Work Day program.
which employees may anonymously submit
complaints or concerns to senior management
or to the Board’s Lead Director.
Annual Report | 22 | December 31, 2015
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
ENVIRONMENT
•
CI provides extensive support to Canadian
•
CI was a leader in adopting the electronic
charitable organizations. In 2015, CI directly
delivery of client communications such
donated $218,000 to causes that included The
as investment statements, transaction
OneWalk to Conquer Cancer, Holland Bloorview
confirmations, and disclosure documents, and
Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, The Arthritis Society,
we have significantly reduced the printing and
Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario, Project
mailing of these documents. CI has adopted
Sunshine Canada, and others. CI also funds
paperless technology in its back office and other
scholarships and other support for young adults
departments, allowing for documents to be
with the Children’s Aid Foundation.
managed and processed electronically.
•
CI donated another $363,000 to charities
•
CI is using “Notice and Access” for its 2016
supported by our business partners, who include
annual meeting. Meeting materials will be
advisors working across Canada.
provided electronically, reducing the production
•
CI employees enthusiastically devote their time to
of printed documents.
numerous worthy causes, with the support of the
company. Notably in 2015, CI and its employees
raised over $207,000 for The OneWalk to Conquer
Cancer, the second-largest amount raised by a
corporate team. Other causes included United
Way, Bay Street Hoops, Samaritan’s Purse and the
Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Annual Report | 23 | December 31, 2015
| SUBSIDIARY PROFILES |
CI INVESTMENTS INC
CI Investments is one of Canada’s largest investment management companies, with approximately $108.9 billion in assets
under management (at March 31, 2016) on behalf of two million Canadians. We are known for our comprehensive and
high-quality selection of investment products and services, operational efficiency, and a broad lineup of leading portfolio
management teams. CI Investments has demonstrated a record of innovation and an ability to adapt to meet the changing
demands of the marketplace and its clients.
We partner with independent financial advisors and third-party institutions in the distribution of our products and services,
which include mutual funds, segregated funds, managed solutions, and alternative investments. Our brands include CI,
Black Creek, Cambridge, Harbour, Lawrence Park, Marret, Signature, Synergy, Portfolio Series, Portfolio Select Series, G5|20
Series, and CI Private Investment Management. In addition, we manage the Evolution Private Managed Accounts investment
program, which is available through advisors with Assante Wealth Management. We service the institutional marketplace
through a dedicated division, CI Institutional Asset Management.
CI’s strength is founded on the expertise and experience of its portfolio managers. Our managers, a mix of in-house teams
and sub-advisors, represent the full spectrum of investment disciplines, from value to growth. Our in-house investment
managers include: Signature Global Asset Management, Harbour Advisors, Cambridge Global Asset Management, and
CI Investment Consulting. CI and its managers have been recognized through 34 Morningstar Awards over the past 10 years.
CI has also been the recipient of 54 Lipper Fund Awards and 112 FundGrade A+ Awards.
Annual Report | 24 | December 31, 2015
ASSANTE WEALTH MANAGEMENT (CANADA) LIMITED
Assante Wealth Management is a leading provider of complete wealth management solutions for affluent Canadians.
With 750 advisors across Canada, our independent advisory network is one of the largest in the country. We serve over
300,000 clients nationwide, with $34.0 billion in assets under advisement (at March 31, 2016).
The success of Assante is closely linked to our advisors and the strong partnership we have developed with them. Backed
by a wealth of resources, including investment analysts, portfolio managers, tax lawyers, accountants, estate planning
and insurance specialists and wealth planners, Assante advisors provide a comprehensive and integrated approach to
wealth management.
We also support our advisors by providing sophisticated solutions, including Evolution Private Managed Accounts. This
program is managed by CI Investments and available exclusively through Assante advisors. For high net worth clients with
more complex wealth planning needs, Assante offers the Private Client Managed Portfolios.
Our services are offered through Assante Capital Management, an investment dealer, and Assante Financial Management,
a mutual fund dealer, which together operate under the brand name Assante Wealth Management. Stonegate Private
Counsel is a group of experienced professionals who provide wealth planning and intergenerational financial services to
high net worth individuals and families.
Annual Report | 25 | December 31, 2015
FIRST ASSET CAPITAL CORP
First Asset is an investment management company and an established leader in exchange-traded funds in the Canadian
marketplace. First Asset has $2.9 billion in assets under management (at March 31, 2016) in ETFs, as well as closed-end funds
and mutual funds.
First Asset’s focus is on delivering better risk-adjusted returns than the broad market through a comprehensive suite of smart
ETF solutions. The company has a track record of introducing market-leading approaches and investment methodologies.
First Asset was one of the first firms to offer broad, comprehensive factor-based investing to Canada, beginning with single
factor strategies focused on value and momentum.
Today, First Asset offers over 35 ETFs, which cover a variety of asset classes, all developed markets, and methodologies,
including:
•
•
Smart beta – using methodologies based on factors such as company value, momentum or size;
Active management – offering traditional active portfolio management by First Asset’s own investment team,
as well as sub-advisors;
• Covered call – using a covered call strategy aimed at reduced volatility;
• Core solutions – offering Canadian equity, U.S. equity and balanced mandates; and
•
Fixed income – including index-based and actively managed portfolios.
In marketing its ETFs, the First Asset team works closely with financial advisors, providing information about company
products and assistance in portfolio construction that integrates ETFs. First Asset uses best-in-class portfolio software and
analytics to assist advisors in designing portfolios to help advisors achieve their clients’ financial goals.
Annual Report | 26 | December 31, 2015
MANAGEMENT’S
DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
31 | DECEMBER | 2015
CI FINANCIAL CORP
Annual Report | 27 | December 31, 2015
[ millions of dollars,
except share amounts]
Assets under management
Assets under advisement
Total assets
Average assets
under management
Management fees
Total revenues
Selling, general & administrative
Trailer fees
Net income attributable
to shareholders
Basic earnings per share
Diluted earnings per share
EBITDA1
EBITDA1 per share
| FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS |
% change
% change
As at and for the quarters ended
quarter-
over-
Dec. 31, 2015
Sep. 30, 2015
Jun. 30, 2015 Mar. 31, 2015 Dec. 31, 2014
quarter
111,124
34,552
145,676
105,296
33,249
138,545
108,839
33,897
142,736
109,137
33,939
143,076
102,886
31,874
134,761
6
4
5
108,688
108,541
109,750
106,531
101,120
—
444.8
493.5
96.9
137.7
127.2
0.46
0.46
228.2
0.83
449.4
499.0
92.9
139.6
142.8
0.51
0.51
237.0
0.85
453.8
504.2
91.8
140.5
138.9
0.50
0.50
239.8
0.86
439.9
501.0
90.8
135.8
144.5
0.51
0.51
235.4
0.84
year-
over-
year
8
8
8
7
4
2
11
4
(9)
(8)
(8)
(1)
1
5
6
(2)
(2)
428.5
485.0
87.0
131.8
(1)
(1)
4
(1)
140.4
(11)
0.50
0.50
230.0
0.82
(10)
(10)
(4)
(2)
(2)
—
(1)
—
Return on equity2
29.2%
29.9%
29.4%
28.8%
27.9%
Dividends recorded per share
Dividend yield
0.330
4.3%
0.330
4.4%
0.325
3.9%
0.315
3.6%
0.310
3.9%
Average shares outstanding
Shares outstanding
276,031,411
276,026,778
277,770,913
276,397,053
279,861,494
278,624,442
281,740,107
280,597,610
282,056,756
281,708,663
Share price
High
Low
Close
Increase (decrease) in share price
Total shareholder return
Market capitalization
Price to earnings multiple2
32.44
29.48
30.60
1.0%
2.1%
8,446
15.4
Long-term debt (including
the current portion)
Net debt1
Net debt to EBITDA
559.3
433.1
0.48
34.35
27.84
30.30
(9.8%)
(8.9%)
8,375
15.0
435.6
321.7
0.34
36.25
33.38
33.60
(5.1%)
(4.2%)
9,362
16.9
383.5
266.0
0.28
36.00
31.07
35.41
9.7%
10.7%
9,936
18.3
311.5
210.7
0.22
34.51
30.56
32.29
(4.4%)
(3.5%)
9,096
17.4
307.4
185.2
0.20
1 EBITDA and Net debt are not standardized earning measures prescribed by IFRS. Descriptions of these non-IFRS measures, as well as
others, and reconciliations to IFRS, where necessary, are provided in the “Non-IFRS Measures” section of this MD&A.
2 Trailing 12 months
Annual Report | 28 | December 31, 2015
This Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) dated February 10, 2016 presents an analysis of the financial position
of CI Financial Corp. and its subsidiaries (“CI”) as at December 31, 2015, compared with December 31, 2014, and the results
of operations for the year ended and quarter ended December 31, 2015, compared with the year ended and quarter ended
December 31, 2014 and the quarter ended September 30, 2015.
CI’s consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards
(“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”). Amounts are expressed in Canadian dollars. The
principal subsidiaries referenced herein include CI Investments Inc. (“CI Investments”) and Assante Wealth Management
(Canada) Ltd. (“AWM” or “Assante”). The Asset Management segment of the business includes the operating results and
financial position of CI Investments and its subsidiaries, including CI Private Counsel LP (“CIPC”), as well as the operating
results and financial position of First Asset Capital Corp. (“First Asset”). The Asset Administration segment includes the
operating results and financial position of AWM and its subsidiaries, including Assante Capital Management Ltd. (“ACM”)
and Assante Financial Management Ltd. (“AFM”).
This MD&A contains forward-looking statements concerning anticipated future events, results, circumstances,
performance or expectations with respect to CI and its products and services, including its business operations, strategy
and financial performance and condition. When used in this MD&A, such statements use such words as “may”, “will”,
“expect”, “believe”, and other similar terms. These statements are not historical facts but instead represent management
beliefs regarding future events, many of which, by their nature are inherently uncertain and beyond management control.
Although management believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based on
reasonable assumptions, such statements involve risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ
materially from expectations include, among other things, general economic and market conditions, including interest and
foreign exchange rates, global financial markets, changes in government regulations or in tax laws, industry competition,
technological developments and other factors described under “Risk Factors” or discussed in other materials filed with
applicable securities regulatory authorities from time to time. The material factors and assumptions applied in reaching
the conclusions contained in these forward-looking statements include that the investment fund industry will remain
stable and that interest rates will remain relatively stable. The reader is cautioned against undue reliance on these forward-
looking statements.
This MD&A includes several non-IFRS financial measures that do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by
IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. However, management uses these
financial measures and also believes that most shareholders, creditors, other stakeholders and investment analysts prefer
to include the use of these financial measures in analyzing CI’s results. Descriptions of these non-IFRS measures and
reconciliations to IFRS, where necessary, are provided in the “Non-IFRS Measures” section of this MD&A.
Note that figures in tables may not add due to rounding.
Annual Report | 29 | December 31, 2015
| MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS | TABLE 1: SELECTED ANNUAL INFORMATION
[millions, except per share amounts]
Total revenue
Total expenses
Income before income taxes
Income taxes
Non-controlling interest
Net income available to shareholders
Basic earnings per share
Diluted earnings per share
Dividends recorded per share
EBITDA1
Total assets
Gross debt
Net debt1
Average shares outstanding
Shares outstanding
Share price
Market capitalization
Fiscal Years Ending December 31
2015
2014
2013
$1,997.6
$1,875.9
$1,616.7
1,240.1
$757.6
204.9
(0.9)
$553.5
$1.99
$1.98
$1.30
1,158.0
$717.9
192.5
0.3
$525.0
$1.85
$1.84
$1.19
1,034.2
$582.5
155.9
0.2
$426.4
$1.50
$1.50
$1.07
$940.4
$894.5
$769.6
$3,297.4
$3,016.0
$3,094.0
$559.3
$433.1
278.8
276.0
$30.60
$8,446
$307.4
$185.2
283.7
281.7
$32.29
$9,096
$498.9
$315.3
283.6
284.4
$35.35
$10,053
1 EBITDA and Net debt are not standardized earning measures prescribed by IFRS. Descriptions of these non-IFRS measures, as well as
others, and reconciliations to IFRS, where necessary, are provided in the “Non-IFRS Measures” section of this MD&A.
Annual Report | 30 | December 31, 2015
| MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS | TABLE 2: SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY RESULTS
[ millions of dollars, except per share amounts]
2015
2014
Q4
Q3
Q2
Q1
Q4
Q3
Q2
Q1
INCOME STATEMENT DATA
Management fees
Administration fees
Other revenues
Total revenues
444.8
449.4
453.8
439.9
428.5
430.7
415.6
394.4
36.6
12.1
36.0
13.6
37.8
12.6
36.2
24.9
35.4
21.1
36.2
13.7
34.7
14.4
35.1
16.1
493.5
499.0
504.2
501.0
485.0
480.6
464.7
445.6
Selling, general & administrative
Trailer fees
Investment dealer fees
Amortization of deferred sales commissions
Interest expense
Other expenses
Total expenses
96.9
137.7
29.9
33.6
4.0
14.8
92.9
139.6
29.4
34.8
3.5
3.2
91.8
140.5
30.9
36.0
3.4
9.0
90.8
135.8
29.4
36.7
3.2
12.3
87.0
131.8
28.4
37.4
4.4
5.5
86.2
132.3
29.0
37.9
4.6
5.6
84.9
127.4
27.7
38.3
4.5
5.9
83.7
120.1
28.0
38.4
4.6
4.4
316.9
303.5
311.6
308.1
294.5
295.6
288.7
279.2
Income before income taxes
Income taxes
Non-controlling interest
Net income attributable to shareholders
176.7
49.6
(0.2)
127.2
195.5
192.7
52.7
(0.1)
53.5
0.2
142.8
138.9
Earnings per share
Diluted earnings per share
0.46
0.46
0.51
0.51
0.50
0.50
192.9
49.2
(0.9)
144.5
0.51
0.51
190.5
50.1
—
140.4
0.50
0.50
185.0
50.0
(0.1)
135.1
0.48
0.48
176.0
166.4
47.9
0.3
44.5
0.2
127.8
121.7
0.45
0.45
0.43
0.43
Dividends recorded per share
0.330
0.330
0.325
0.315
0.310
0.300
0.295
0.285
Annual Report | 31 | December 31, 2015
| MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS | BUSINESS OVERVIEW
CI is a diversified wealth management firm and one of Canada’s largest independent investment fund companies. The
principal business of CI is the management, marketing, distribution and administration of mutual funds, segregated funds,
exchange-traded funds, structured products and other fee-earning investment products for Canadian investors. They are
distributed primarily through brokers, independent financial planners and insurance advisors, including ACM and AFM
financial advisors. CI operates through two business segments, Asset Management and Asset Administration. The Asset
Management segment provides the majority of CI’s income and derives its revenue principally from the fees earned on
the management of several families of mutual, segregated, pooled, exchange-traded and closed-end funds, structured
products and discretionary accounts. The Asset Administration segment derives its revenue principally from commissions
and fees earned on the sale of mutual funds and other financial products and ongoing service to clients.
BUSINESS STRATEGY
CI earns fee revenue on its assets under management (“AUM”) and assets under administration (“AUA”) and strives to
maximize the growth of those assets on which it earns an acceptable margin. Management believes this can be achieved
by focusing on the following factors: quality and diversity of products offered by CI; experience and depth of investment
managers; performance of the funds; service levels provided to dealers and investors; and the skill and knowledge of its
employees.
CI offers investors a wide range of Canadian and global investment products through a network of investment dealers,
mutual fund dealers, and insurance agents, which include advisors with AWM and Sun Life Financial. Several acquisitions
of fund management companies and years of product innovation and development have allowed CI to offer investors the
broadest selection of investment funds in Canada.
CI uses six in-house teams and 18 external investment managers to provide investment advice regarding the portfolios of
the funds. These investment managers typically have long careers in the industry as well as extensive track records with
CI. This lineup of investment managers provides a wide selection of styles and areas of expertise for CI’s funds.
CI selects managers with a reputation for skilled investment management and has the size and scale to attract the top
talent in this field. Many of CI’s investment managers have excellent long-term fund performance. However, CI can and will
make changes to its investment managers when unsatisfactory investment performance has occurred.
CI is the manager of the funds and provides services that include managing or arranging for the management of investment
portfolios, marketing of the funds, maintaining securityholders’ records and accounts, reporting to the securityholders
and processing transactions relating to securities of the funds. CI has invested in information systems and internal training
of staff to provide more accurate and timely service to dealers and agents selling CI’s products and to investors.
Management of CI has the specialized skills and knowledge to focus on several key objectives. These include: meeting the
needs of its clients, developing new products, enhancing investor awareness and increasing market share by marketing to
investment dealers, mutual fund dealers and life insurance agents.
Annual Report | 32 | December 31, 2015
| MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS | KEY PERFORMANCE DRIVERS
CI’s results are driven primarily by the level of its assets under management, which are in turn driven by fund performance
and the net sales of its funds. The margin earned on these assets under management determines, to a large extent, CI’s
profitability.
The returns of each fund reflect the returns of equities, bonds or other securities held by the fund. These returns will
reflect the returns of equity and bond indexes plus the over or underperformance of the investment manager of each
fund. In years when markets generally decline, CI’s assets will likely decline. Conversely, CI’s assets will likely appreciate in
years when markets perform well. For a particular period, the average assets under management will drive CI’s results as
CI receives the majority of its fees on a daily basis.
Fund sales and acquisitions also affect CI’s assets under management. While sales results help increase assets under
management, they are also an indicator of the level of demand for CI’s products and our success in delivering attractive
products, which help determine longer-term trends for CI’s market share.
CI uses several performance indicators to assess its results. These indicators are described throughout the results of
operations and the discussion of the two operating segments and include the following measures prescribed by IFRS: net
income and earnings per share; and measures not prescribed by IFRS: pre-tax operating earnings, EBITDA, EBITDA margin,
dealer gross margin, net debt, operating cash flow, free cash flow, asset management margin, and SG&A efficiency margin.
Descriptions of these non-IFRS measures and reconciliations to IFRS are provided below.
Annual Report | 33 | December 31, 2015
| MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS | NON-IFRS MEASURES
EBITDA AND EBITDA MARGIN
CI uses EBITDA, which it defines as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, net of non-controlling
interest and other provisions and adjustments, to assess its underlying profitability prior to the impact of its financing
structure, income taxes and the amortization of deferred sales commissions (“DSC”), intangibles and other. This permits
comparisons of companies within the industry, normalizing for different financing methods, levels of taxation and mix of
business between front-end load funds and deferred load funds under management. EBITDA is a measure of operating
performance, a facilitator for valuation and a proxy for cash flow.
TABLE 3: EBITDA AND EBITDA MARGIN
[millions of dollars, except per share amounts]
Dec. 31, 2015
Sep. 30, 2015
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2015
Dec. 31, 2014
Quarter
ended
Quarter
ended
Quarter
ended
Year
ended
Year
ended
Net Income
Add:
Interest expense
Provision for income taxes
Amortization of deferred sales commissions
Amortization of intangibles
Amortization and depreciation of other
Provision for legal costs
Provision for fund remediation
Fair value adjustment to contingent consideration
Non-controlling interest
EBITDA
EBITDA per share
Total revenue
Less:
Fair value adjustment to contingent consideration
EBITDA margin
NET DEBT
127.0
142.8
140.4
552.6
525.4
4.0
49.6
33.6
1.1
2.1
—
10.8
—
0.1
228.2
0.83
3.5
52.7
34.8
1.1
2.2
—
—
—
—
237.0
0.85
4.4
50.1
37.4
1.0
1.8
—
—
(5.0)
—
230.0
0.82
14.1
204.9
141.0
7.4
8.4
8.8
10.8
(7.5)
—
940.4
3.37
18.1
192.5
152.0
4.6
7.9
—
—
(5.0)
(0.9)
894.5
3.15
493.5
499.0
485.0
1,997.6
1,875.9
—
493.5
46.3%
—
499.0
47.5%
5.0
480.0
47.9%
7.5
1,990.1
47.3%
5.0
1,870.9
47.8%
CI calculates net debt as long-term debt (including the current portion) less cash and marketable securities net of cash
required for regulatory purposes and non-controlling interests. Net debt is a measure of leverage and CI uses this measure
to assess its financial flexibility.
Annual Report | 34 | December 31, 2015
| MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS | TABLE 4: NET DEBT
[millions of dollars]
Current portion of long-term debt
Long-term debt
Less:
Cash and short-term investments
Marketable securities
Add:
Regulatory capital and non-controlling interests
Net Debt
PRE-TAX OPERATING EARNINGS
As at
As at
Dec. 31, 2015
Dec. 31, 2014
2.0
557.3
559.3
56.6
78.7
9.1
433.1
2.0
305.4
307.4
51.2
83.7
12.7
185.2
CI defines pre-tax operating earnings as net income plus amortization of deferred sales commissions and intangibles
and income taxes, less redemption fee revenue, and non-core items, such as performance fees, investment gains, non-
controlling interest and other provisions and adjustments. This also removes the impact of financing deferred load AUM.
CI uses pre-tax operating earnings to assess its underlying profitability.
TABLE 5: PRE-TAX OPERATING EARNINGS
[millions of dollars, except per share amounts]
Dec. 31, 2015
Sep. 30, 2015
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2015
Dec. 31, 2014
Quarter
ended
Quarter
ended
Quarter
ended
Year
ended
Year
ended
Net Income
Add:
Amortization of deferred sales commissions
Amortization of intangibles
Provision for income taxes
Provision for legal costs
Provision for fund remediation
Less:
Redemption fees
Performance fees
Fair value adjustment to contingent consideration
Gain on marketable securities
Non-controlling interest
Pre-tax operating earnings
Pre-tax operating earnings per share
127.0
142.8
140.4
552.6
525.4
33.6
1.1
49.6
—
10.8
4.2
—
—
0.4
(0.1)
217.5
0.79
34.8
1.1
52.7
—
—
4.6
—
—
1.7
—
225.0
0.81
37.4
1.0
50.1
—
—
4.9
—
5.0
—
—
219.0
0.78
141.0
7.4
204.9
8.8
10.8
19.0
0.2
7.5
5.9
(0.1)
892.9
3.20
152.0
4.6
192.5
—
—
20.4
—
5.0
0.4
0.9
847.8
2.99
Annual Report | 35 | December 31, 2015
| MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS | DEALER GROSS MARGIN
CI monitors its operating profitability on the revenues earned within its Asset Administration segment by measuring
the dealer gross margin, which is calculated as administration fee revenue less investment dealer fees, divided by
administration fee revenue. CI uses this measure to assess the margin remaining after the payout to advisors.
TABLE 6: DEALER GROSS MARGIN
[millions of dollars]
Administration fees
Less:
Investment dealer fees
Dealer gross margin
Quarter
ended
Quarter
ended
Quarter
ended
Year
ended
Year
ended
Dec. 31, 2015
Sep. 30, 2015
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2015
Dec. 31, 2014
74.1
73.2
69.7
296.9
276.7
60.6
13.4
18.1%
60.0
13.2
18.1%
56.4
13.3
19.1%
242.9
54.0
18.2%
223.3
53.4
19.3%
OPERATING CASH FLOW AND FREE CASH FLOW
CI measures its operating cash flow before the change in operating assets and liabilities and the actual cash amount paid
for interest and income taxes, as these items often distort the cash flow generated during the period. Operating assets
and liabilities are affected by seasonality, interest is primarily paid semi-annually, and tax instalments paid may differ
materially from the cash tax accrual.
Free cash flow is calculated as operating cash flow less sales commissions paid and CI uses this measure, among others,
when determining how to deploy capital.
Annual Report | 36 | December 31, 2015
| MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS | TABLE 7: OPERATING CASH FLOW AND FREE CASH FLOW
[millions of dollars]
Dec. 31, 2015
Sep. 30, 2015
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2015
Dec. 31, 2014
Quarter
ended
Quarter
ended
Quarter
ended
Year
ended
Year
ended
Cash provided by operating activities
146.8
180.6
187.2
647.4
Add:
Income taxes paid
Interest paid
Less:
Net change in operating assets and liabilities
Operating cash flow
Less:
Sales commissions paid
Free cash flow
52.5
6.9
48.1
158.2
16.5
141.6
56.7
0.7
58.4
179.6
18.8
160.8
41.7
9.0
66.3
171.6
23.3
148.3
244.0
14.0
217.7
687.7
91.1
596.6
702.6
186.0
18.2
229.4
677.4
120.0
557.4
ASSET MANAGEMENT MARGIN
CI assesses the overall performance of the asset management segment using a trailing 12-month asset management
margin, where amortization of DSC, trailer fees, and SG&A expenses are deducted from management fees, measured as a
percentage of management fees. This margin removes any distortion caused by other revenues and expenses, eliminates
the financing impact of back-end load funds because it is net of trailer fees and DSC, and it also eliminates revenue mix
variances because it is measured as a percentage of management fees and not average AUM. Using a trailing 12-month
margin eliminates any seasonality associated with spending on SG&A expenses.
TABLE 8: ASSET MANAGEMENT MARGIN
[millions of dollars – trailing 12 months]
Dec. 31, 2015
Sep. 30, 2015
Jun. 30, 2015 Mar. 31, 2015 Dec. 31, 2014
Management fees
Less:
Amortization of DSC
Trailer fees
Net management fees
Less:
SG&A
Asset management margin
1,787.9
1,771.6
1,752.9
1,714.6
1,669.1
144.7
577.9
1,065.3
305.6
759.7
42.5%
148.6
571.5
1,051.5
297.1
754.4
42.6%
151.7
563.7
1,037.4
291.6
745.9
42.6%
154.0
549.9
1,010.7
285.1
725.6
42.3%
155.7
533.4
980.0
279.2
700.8
42.0%
Annual Report | 37 | December 31, 2015
| MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS |
SG&A EFFICIENCY MARGIN
CI uses a trailing 12-month SG&A efficiency margin to assess its ability to control costs relative to management fees
earned, net of amortization of DSC and trailer fees, which are not controllable by CI. SG&A expenses are subtracted from
these net management fees and measured as a percentage of net management fees. Using a trailing 12-month margin
eliminates any seasonality associated with spending on SG&A expenses.
TABLE 9: SG&A EFFICIENCY MARGIN
[millions of dollars – trailing 12 months]
Dec. 31, 2015
Sep. 30, 2015
Jun. 30, 2015 Mar. 31, 2015 Dec. 31, 2014
Management fees
Less:
Amortization of DSC
Trailer fees
Net management fees
Less:
SG&A
SG&A efficiency margin
ASSETS AND SALES
1,787.9
1,771.6
1,752.9
1,714.6
1,669.1
144.7
577.9
1,065.3
305.6
759.7
71.3%
148.6
571.5
1,051.5
297.1
754.4
71.7%
151.7
563.7
1,037.4
291.6
745.9
71.9%
154.0
549.9
1,010.7
285.1
725.6
71.8%
155.7
533.4
980.0
279.2
700.8
71.5%
CI is the third-largest investment fund company in Canada with assets under management of $111.1 billion and assets
under advisement of $34.6 billion at December 31, 2015, as shown in Table 10. Assets under advisement are comprised of
AUA and assets held by clients of advisors with Stonegate Private Counsel. The increase of 8% each was primarily due
to net sales of funds, market performance, and in the case of assets under management, CI’s acquisition of First Asset.
Total assets, which include mutual, segregated and hedge funds, separately managed accounts, structured products,
exchange-traded funds, pooled assets and assets under advisement, were $145.7 billion at December 31, 2015, an increase
of 8% from $134.8 billion at December 31, 2014.
TABLE 10: TOTAL ASSETS
[billions of dollars]
December 31, 2015
December 31, 2014
% change
As at
As at
Assets under management
Assets under advisement1
Total assets
111.1
34.6
145.7
102.9
31.9
134.8
8
8
8
1 Includes $20.7 billion and $18.6 billion of assets managed by CI and held by clients of advisors with Assante and Stonegate in 2015 and
2014, respectively
Annual Report | 38 | December 31, 2015
| MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS |
Assets under management form the majority of CI’s total assets and provide most of its revenue and net income. The
change in AUM during each of the past two years is detailed in Table 11. Industry gross sales of funds picked up in 2015. CI’s
gross sales remained strong and increased $1,020 million from the prior year. However, an increase in redemptions resulted
in a $498 million decrease in net sales from the prior year, totaling $3.4 billion in 2015.
TABLE 11: CHANGE IN ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT
[billions of dollars]
Assets under management at January 1
Gross sales
Redemptions
Net sales
Acquisitions
Fund performance
Assets under management at December 31
Average assets under management for the year
2015
102.886
15.425
11.994
3.431
3.028
1.779
111.124
108.384
2014
91.090
14.405
10.477
3.928
—
7.868
102.886
98.408
The change in AUM during each of the past five quarters is detailed in Table 12. Consistently positive net sales, CI’s
acquisition of First Asset and strong fund performance in the first and last quarters all contributed to CI’s increase in
assets under management during the year. Market declines in the second and third quarters offset some of this growth.
TABLE 12: CHANGE IN AVERAGE ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT
[billions of dollars]
Dec. 31, 2015
Sep. 30, 2015
Jun. 30, 2015
Mar. 31, 2015
Dec. 31, 2014
Quarter ended
Quarter ended
Quarter ended
Quarter ended
Quarter ended
Assets under management, beginning
105.296
108.839
109.137
102.886
100.810
Gross sales
Redemptions
Net sales
Acquisitions
Fund performance
3.646
3.348
0.299
3.028
2.501
Assets under management, ending
111.124
Average assets under management
3.068
2.636
0.431
—
4.207
2.719
1.488
—
(3.974)
105.296
(1.786)
108.839
4.504
3.292
1.212
—
5.039
3.453
2.942
0.511
—
1.565
109.137
102.886
for the quarter
108.688
108.541
109.750
106.531
101.120
Annual Report | 39 | December 31, 2015
| MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS |
2015 OVERVIEW
CI’s average assets under management for 2015 increased 10% from 2014 primarily as a result of strong fund performance
as well as $3.4 billion in net sales. The acquisition of First Asset had a very small impact on average assets for the year
as it was only included in CI’s assets for the last month of the year. The increase in year-over-year average assets under
management was the primary driver of the 5% increase in net income, as approximately 90% of CI’s revenue is derived
directly from the level of assets under management in the form of management fee revenue.
The trend towards lower average management fee rates continued in 2015, primarily because the proportion of high
net worth products within CI’s assets under management continues to grow and these products typically bear a lower
management fee. This is discussed in the “Asset Management Segment” below.
The decline in average management fee revenue was mitigated somewhat by a similar impact on trailer fee expense since
high net worth products have lower or no trailer fees. However, the proportion of funds purchased on a front-end load
basis is also increasing. These funds carry higher trailer fee rates and helped cause trailer fee expenses to increase 8% year
over year. Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses increased by 9% in 2015, less than the increase in average
AUM. The impact of fixed expenses that changed less than the increase in AUM was offset somewhat by investments
in sales, marketing and portfolio management. The decline in sales of deferred load funds over the past several years is
being reflected in reduced spend on deferred sales commissions, and the amortization of deferred sales commissions was
lower in 2015 than in 2014.
According to Morningstar, CI led the industry with the most four and five-star rated investment funds (including multiple
versions) for all of 2015 and has ranked either first or second place for the past 10 years. In addition, CI and its portfolio
managers have won 55 Morningstar Awards since 1998 and 54 Lipper Awards since 2007.
In April 2015, CI Investments discovered an administrative error. Approximately $156.1 million of interest had not been
properly recorded as an asset in the accounting records of certain funds, on total assets of approximately $9.8 billion as
of May 29, 2015, with the result being that the NAVs of these funds, and any funds that had invested in these funds, had
been understated for several years. The interest at all times remained in bank accounts as an asset of these funds and was
never comingled with the property of CI Investments. Once the error was discovered, CI Investments, with the assistance
of an independent consulting firm, undertook a comprehensive investigation into how the error occurred and developed
a plan to put affected investors into the economic position they would have been in if the interest had been recorded
(the “Plan”). CI Investments also enhanced its systems and processes to help prevent similar errors from occurring in the
future. CI Investments self-reported the error to the OSC. On February 10, 2016, CI Investments entered into a no-contest
settlement agreement with the OSC in connection with the administrative error. As part of the no-contest settlement
agreement, CI Investments agreed to, among other things, implement the Plan and make a voluntary payment of $8 million
(and $50,000 towards costs) to the OSC. CI has made a provision of $10.75 million, net of recoveries, for the cost of this
settlement as well as the costs to remediate.
Annual Report | 40 | December 31, 2015
| MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS | RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015
For the year ended December 31, 2015, CI reported net income attributable to shareholders of $553.5 million ($1.99 per
share) versus $525.0 million ($1.85 per share) for the year ended December 31, 2014. Net income attributable to shareholders
for the year ended December 31, 2015, excluding a $7.5 million fair value adjustment to contingent consideration, an
$8.8 million ($6.4 million after tax) provision for legal costs, a $10.8 million ($9.8 million after tax) provision for fund
remediation, and a $3.0 million ($1.4 million after tax and non-controlling interest) acceleration in the amortization of fund
management contracts, was $563.7 million ($2.02 per share). The year ended December 31, 2014 included a $5.0 million fair
value adjustment to contingent consideration. Adjusting for these items, net income for 2015 was up 8.4% from 2014. All
further discussion of annual earnings measures in this document are assumed to adjust for the above items, as this will
assist in a comparison of results across reporting periods.
The increase in net income has been primarily driven by and is generally in line with the increase in average AUM for this
period. However, to the extent that certain revenues or expenses do not vary with the level of AUM, CI’s net income
will experience positive or negative operating leverage. The most significant of these types of revenue are redemption
fees, the sales commissions earned and reported within administration fees, and other income. These revenue items
have not increased over the past year at the same rate as AUM and therefore reduced the growth rate of CI’s net income
relative to asset growth. The most significant expenses that do not vary with the level of average AUM are the fixed
components within SG&A, amortization of deferred sales commissions, and interest expense. These expense items have
either decreased over the past year or increased at lower rates than AUM and therefore increased the rate of growth of
CI’s net income relative to AUM growth.
Total revenues increased 6.5% in 2015 to $1,997.6 million compared with $1,875.9 million in 2014. The main contributor to
this change was the 7.1% increase in management fee revenues, as average AUM increased 10.1%. Management fees rose less
than average AUM as a higher proportion of assets were invested in classes of funds designated for high net worth clients/
fee-based accounts, which have lower management fee rates than traditional retail funds. Administration fee revenue from
third-party fund companies grew 3.8%, representing the growth in Assante’s revenues net of intercompany eliminations.
For the year ended December 31, 2015, redemption fee revenue declined 6.9% to $19.0 million compared with $20.4 million
for the year ended December 31, 2014. The decrease is a result of a decline in redemptions of deferred load funds that
are subject to redemption fees.
Other revenue for the year ended December 31, 2015 declined by 2.2% to $44.1 million compared to $45.1 million in the
prior year. The decrease was generally a result of decreased revenues earned through CI’s financial interests in Altrinsic
Global Advisors LLC and Marret Asset Management Inc. (“Marret”), somewhat offset by an increase in gains on the sale
of marketable securities.
In 2015, SG&A expenses were $372.5 million, a 9.0% increase from $341.8 million for 2014. This change was below the 10.1%
increase in average AUM. Included in SG&A expenses are portfolio management fees, which are largely driven by the level
of average AUM; however, CI has also added staff to its in-house portfolio management teams and increased the amount
of discretionary spend on sales and marketing. While SG&A has increased in dollar terms because of this, as a percentage
of average AUM, the level of SG&A spend declined to 0.344% from 0.347% in 2014.
Annual Report | 41 | December 31, 2015
| MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS | Amortization of deferred sales commissions was $141.0 million in 2015, a decrease from $152.0 million in 2014. This
represents the average amount of deferred sales commissions paid in the last seven years plus a small amount of
accelerated amortization as deferred load units are redeemed ahead of their three or seven-year scheduled term. The
level of spending on deferred sales commissions has generally declined over the past several years as a smaller proportion
of sales have been deferred load funds versus front-end load funds.
Interest expense of $14.1 million was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared with $18.1 million for
the year ended December 31, 2014. The decrease in interest expense reflects lower average debt levels at lower average
interest rates during 2015 relative to 2014, as discussed under “Liquidity and Capital Resources.”
Other expenses for the year ended December 31, 2015 were $31.9 million compared to $16.9 million in the prior year. The
increase from the prior year is primarily a result of an increase in legal provisions as well as a provision for fund remediation.
The impact of these provisions was slightly offset by a reduction in expenses related to CI’s investment in Marret.
In 2015, CI recorded $204.9 million in income tax expense for an effective tax rate of 27.1% compared to CI’s statutory rate
of 26.5%. For the prior year, the effective tax rate was 26.8% compared with a statutory rate of 26.5%.
CI’s pre-tax operating earnings, as discussed in the “Non-IFRS Measures” section and as set out in Table 5, adjust for the
impact of gains and losses on marketable securities, performance fees and other provisions and adjustments. Redemption
fee revenue and the amortization of deferred sales commissions and fund contracts are netted out to remove the impact
of financing back-end assets under management. Pre-tax operating earnings were $892.9 million in 2015, an increase of
5.3% from 2014, reflecting the higher average assets under management less the decline in average margin earned on those
assets, as discussed below in the Asset Management Segment.
As discussed in the “Non-IFRS Measures” section and as illustrated in Table 3, EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2015
was $940.4 million ($3.37 per share) compared with $894.5 million ($3.15 per share) for the year ended December 31, 2014.
The 5.1% increase is consistent with the level of average AUM and the margin earned thereon, offset by the additional
impact of a decline in redemption fee revenue. EBITDA margin for 2015 was 47.3%, down from 47.8% in 2014.
QUARTER ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015
For the quarter ended December 31, 2015, CI reported net income attributable to shareholders of $127.2 million
($0.46 per share) versus $140.4 million ($0.50 per share) for the quarter ended December 31, 2014 and $142.8 million
($0.51 per share) for the quarter ended September 30, 2015. The fourth quarter of 2015 included a $10.8 million
($9.8 million after tax) provision for fund remediation. Net income adjusted for this item was $137.0 million ($0.50 per
share) in the quarter ended December 31, 2015. The fourth quarter of 2014 included a $5.0 million fair value adjustment
to contingent consideration. Net income adjusted for this item was $135.4 million ($0.48 per share) for the quarter ended
December 31, 2014. Including these adjustments, net income for the quarter ended December 31, 2015 was down 4.1% from
the quarter ended September 30, 2015 and up 1.2% year over year. The change in net income was primarily driven by the
change in average assets under management, which was up 0.1% from the third quarter of 2015 and up 7.5% from the fourth
quarter of 2014. All further discussion of earnings measures in this document are assumed to adjust for the above items,
as this will assist in a comparison of results across reporting periods.
Annual Report | 42 | December 31, 2015
| MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS | Total revenues increased 1.8% in the fourth quarter of 2015 to $493.5 million compared to $485.0 million in the same period
in 2014. The main contributor to this change was the 3.8% increase in management fee revenues as average AUM rose 7.5%.
Management fees rose less than average AUM as a higher proportion of assets were invested in classes of funds designated
for high net worth clients/fee-based accounts, which have lower management fee rates than traditional retail funds.
Assante’s revenues net of intercompany eliminations increased 3.6%, representing the administration fee revenue from
third-party fund companies. On a quarter-over-quarter basis, total revenues decreased 1.1% from $499.0 million in the third
quarter of 2015 as average AUM increased 0.1% and management fee revenues decreased 1.0%. Assante administration fee
revenues, net of intercompany eliminations, increased 1.8% from the prior quarter.
SG&A expenses for the fourth quarter of 2015 were $96.9 million, up 11.4% from $87.0 million for the same period in 2014,
greater than the 7.5% growth in average AUM. This level of spend is a 4.3% increase from $92.9 million in the third quarter
of 2015. Included in SG&A expenses are portfolio management fees, which are largely driven by the level of average AUM;
however, CI has also added staff to its in-house portfolio management teams and increased the amount of discretionary
spend on sales and marketing. The level of SG&A expenses, as an annualized percentage of average AUM, grew to 0.354%
from 0.341% in the fourth quarter of 2014 and from 0.340% in the third quarter of 2015.
Amortization of deferred sales commissions was $33.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2015, a decrease from $37.4 million in
the fourth quarter of 2014 and a decrease from $34.8 million in the third quarter of 2015. The trend of lower amortization
expense is consistent with the trend of reduced spending on deferred sales commissions in recent years as a smaller
proportion of sales have been deferred load funds versus front-end load funds.
Interest expense of $4.0 million was recorded for the quarter ended December 31, 2015 compared with $4.4 million for
the quarter ended December 31, 2014 and $3.5 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2015. The changes in interest
expense primarily reflect the changes in average debt levels, as discussed under “Liquidity and Capital Resources.”
For the fourth quarter of 2015, CI recorded $49.6 million in income tax expense for an effective tax rate of 28.1% compared
to $50.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2014 for an effective tax rate of 26.3%. Income tax expense in the third quarter
of 2015 was $52.7 million, for an effective tax rate of 26.9%. The higher effective tax rate for the fourth quarter of 2015
reflects the non-deductible nature of a large component of the provision for fund remediation. CI’s statutory tax rate for
2015 was 26.5%.
As discussed in the “Non-IFRS Measures” section and as set out in Table 5, pre-tax operating earnings were $217.5 million
($0.79 per share) in the fourth quarter of 2015, a decrease of 0.7% from the same quarter of 2014 and down 3.3% from the
prior quarter. These changes reflect lower average margins earned on AUM due to a higher proportion of assets being
invested in classes of funds with lower management fee rates in combination with increased SG&A expenses to support
CI’s growth strategy.
EBITDA for the quarter ended December 31, 2015 was $228.2 million ($0.83 per share), down 0.8% from $230.0 million
($0.82 per share) for the quarter ended December 31, 2014 and down 3.7% from $237.0 million ($0.85 per share) for the
quarter ended September 30, 2015. Similar to the change in pre-tax operating earnings, these changes reflect lower average
margins earned on AUM due to a higher proportion of assets being invested in classes of funds with lower management
fee rates in combination with increased SG&A expenses to support CI’s growth strategy. EBITDA margin for the fourth
quarter of 2015 was 46.3%, down from 47.9% in the fourth quarter of 2014 and 47.5% in the prior quarter. For detailed
calculations and reconciliations of net income to EBITDA, refer to the “Non-IFRS Measures” section and Table 3.
Annual Report | 43 | December 31, 2015
| MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS | ASSET MANAGEMENT SEGMENT
The Asset Management segment includes the operating results and financial position of AWM and its subsidiaries.
Table 13 presents the operating results for the Asset Management segment.
TABLE 13: RESULTS OF OPERATIONS – ASSET MANAGEMENT SEGMENT
[millions of dollars]
Dec. 31, 2015
Sep. 30, 2015
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2015
Dec. 31, 2014
Quarter
ended
Quarter
ended
Quarter
ended
Year
ended
Year
ended
Management fees
Other revenue
Total revenue
Selling, general and administrative
Trailer fees
Amortization of deferred sales commissions
and intangibles
Other expenses
Total expenses
Non-controlling interest
Income before taxes
444.8
6.8
451.6
79.7
143.8
35.0
13.3
271.8
449.4
8.5
457.9
76.4
145.7
36.3
2.5
260.9
428.5
15.6
444.1
71.3
137.4
38.8
2.3
249.8
1,787.9
41.2
1,829.1
305.6
577.9
149.8
23.8
1,057.2
1,669.1
44.8
1,713.9
279.2
533.4
158.1
10.1
980.7
(0.2)
(0.1)
—
(1.4)
0.5
and non-segmented items
179.9
197.0
194.3
773.3
732.7
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015
Revenues
Revenues from management fees were $1,787.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, an increase of 7% from
$1,669.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. While average assets under management were up 10% year over year,
the average management fee rate in 2015 dropped to 1.650% from 1.696% in 2014.
CI has experienced two trends that have lowered its average management fee rate. First, a greater percentage of AUM is in
classes of funds designated for fee-based accounts, which have lower management fees than traditional retail funds. This
trend is expected to continue as more advisors transition into fee-based operating models and move their clients into
products that do not pay a trailer fee. Second, as CI and its distribution partners attract mass affluent and high net worth
clients and as existing clients’ assets increase beyond certain key thresholds, they are able to move away from typical
retail funds into affluent and high net worth products that also generally pay a lower management fee. This trend is also
expected to continue as this area of CI’s business grows.
Annual Report | 44 | December 31, 2015
| MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS |
For the year ended December 31, 2015, other revenue was $41.2 million versus $44.8 million for the year ended
December 31, 2014. The largest component of other revenue is redemption fees. Redemption fees were $19.0 million for
2015 compared with $20.4 million for 2014 as the level of deferred load business done with CI continues to decline and
there are fewer deferred load redemptions. Other revenue was also lower in 2015 primarily as a result of lower revenues
earned from Marret offset somewhat by an increase in gains on the sale of marketable securities.
Expenses
SG&A expenses for the Asset Management segment were $305.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, an increase
from $279.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. As a percentage of average assets under management, SG&A
expenses declined to 0.282% in 2015 from 0.284% in 2014, as spending increased 9.5% and average assets were up 10.1%.
Certain expenses are fixed in nature and CI benefits from scale as its AUM grows. A portion of the cost savings relative
to asset growth was used to fund increased spending on sales and marketing initiatives and on increasing portfolio
management staff.
Trailer fees were $577.9 million for 2015, up 8.3% from $533.4 million for 2014. Net of inter-segment amounts, this expense
was $553.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 versus $511.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2014.
The change in trailer fee expense was a function of the change in average AUM as well as the change in the asset mix.
The change in asset mix, where trailers are not paid on specific classes of funds, pushed trailer fee expense lower as a
percentage of average AUM. However, the trend towards more front-end retail business, where trailer fees are typically
higher, has helped mitigate the decline.
Amortization of deferred sales commissions and intangibles was $149.8 million for 2015, down from $158.1 million for the
prior year. This change is consistent with the decline in deferred sales commissions paid over the past several years and
the amount of accelerated amortization related to redemptions of deferred load funds.
Other expenses were $23.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to $10.1 million in the year ended
December 31, 2014. The increase in these expenses is primarily due to the $10.8 million ($9.8 million after tax) provision for
fund remediation and $3.0 million ($1.4 million after tax and non-controlling interest) acceleration in the amortization of
fund management contracts mentioned earlier.
Income before income taxes and interest expense for CI’s principal segment was $773.3 million for 2015 compared with
$732.7 million in 2014. The 5.5% increase from the prior year was lower than the 10.1% change in average AUM due to the
lower average management fee rate and the other provisions and adjustments discussed above. Excluding these, income
before income taxes and interest expense for CI’s principal segment increased 7.4% from the prior year.
Annual Report | 45 | December 31, 2015
| MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS | QUARTER ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015
Revenues
Revenues from management fees were $444.8 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2015, an increase of 3.8% from
$428.5 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2014 and a decrease of 1.0% from $449.4 million for the quarter ended
September 30, 2015. The changes were partly attributable to the change in average assets under management, which
were up 7.5% and up 0.1% from the quarters ended December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2015, respectively. The average
management fee rate, as a percentage of average AUM, declined from 1.681% in the fourth quarter of 2014 and 1.643% in
the third quarter of 2015 to 1.623% in the fourth quarter of 2015 as a result of the change in asset mix towards classes of
funds designated for high net worth clients/fee-based accounts, which have lower management fee rates than traditional
retail funds.
The asset management margin for the 12-month period ended December 31, 2015 was 42.5%, a decrease from 42.6% in the
12-month period ended September 30, 2015 and an increase from 42.0% in the 12-month period ended December 31, 2014.
The year-over-year increase is primarily due to the reduction in amortization of DSC. The asset management margin for
the fourth quarter of 2015 was 42.0%, compared to 42.3% in the fourth quarter of 2014. Calculations and definitions of
asset management margin can be found in the “Non-IFRS Measures” section and in Table 8.
For the quarter ended December 31, 2015, other revenue was $6.8 million versus $15.6 million and $8.5 million for the
quarters ended December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2015, respectively. The largest component of other revenue is
redemption fees, which were $4.2 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2015 compared with $4.9 million and
$4.6 million for the quarters ended December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2015, respectively. The fourth quarter of 2015
included a $0.4 million gain on the sale of marketable securities, compared to a gain of $1.7 million in the previous quarter
and nil in the fourth quarter of 2014. The fourth quarter of 2014 also included a $5.0 million fair value adjustment to
contingent consideration.
Expenses
SG&A expenses for the Asset Management segment were $79.7 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2015, an 11.8%
increase from $71.3 million for the fourth quarter in 2014 and up 4.3% from $76.4 million for the quarter ended September
30, 2015. As a percentage of average AUM, SG&A expenses were 0.291% for the quarter ended December 31, 2015, up from
0.280% for the quarter ended December 31, 2014 and 0.279% in the quarter ended September 30, 2015. The rate of increase
in spend year over year was slightly greater than the change in average AUM as CI continued to invest in sales initiatives
and portfolio management.
Another measure that CI uses to assess its ability to control spending is the SG&A efficiency margin, as discussed in the
“Non-IFRS Measures” section and as set out in Table 9. CI’s current quarter SG&A efficiency margin decreased to 70.1%
compared to 71.8% in the fourth quarter of last year, and the current trailing 12-month SG&A efficiency margin of 71.3%
has decreased from 71.5% in the same period in 2014 as CI has spent an increased proportion of the amount available
after deducting trailer fees and amortization of DSC from management fees to support sales, marketing and investment
management initiatives.
Trailer fees were $143.8 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2015, up 4.7% from $137.4 million for the quarter ended
December 31, 2014 and down 1.3% from $145.7 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2015. Net of inter-segment
amounts, this expense was $137.7 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2015 versus $131.8 million for the fourth
Annual Report | 46 | December 31, 2015
| MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS | quarter of 2014 and $139.6 million for the third quarter of 2015. These changes primarily reflect the change in average
assets under management. Trailer fees when measured as a percentage of AUM have declined because the trend towards
fee-based accounts, which have no trailer fee, has outweighed the trend towards front-end products, which have a higher
trailer fee.
Amortization of deferred sales commissions and intangibles before inter-segment eliminations was $35.0 million for the
quarter ended December 31, 2015, down from $38.8 million in the same quarter a year ago and down from $36.3 million in
the previous quarter. The decline in amortization expense over the comparable periods is consistent with the decline in
deferred sales commissions paid in recent years.
Other expenses for the quarter ended December 30, 2015 were $13.3 million, compared to $2.5 million in the third quarter
and $2.3 million in the fourth quarter of last year. The increase in other expenses is primarily due to the $10.8 million
($9.8 million after tax) provision for fund remediation discussed earlier.
Income before taxes and non-segmented items for CI’s principal segment was $179.9 million for the quarter ended
December 31, 2015, down 7.4% from $194.3 million in the same period in 2014 and down 8.7% from $197.0 million in the
previous quarter. Excluding the provision for fund remediation, income before taxes and non-segmented items for CI’s
principal segment was down 1.9% relative to the same period in 2014 and down 3.2% relative to the prior quarter.
ASSET ADMINISTRATION SEGMENT
The Asset Administration segment includes the operating results and financial position of AWM and its subsidiaries.
Table 14 presents the operating results for the Asset Administration segment.
TABLE 14: RESULTS OF OPERATIONS – ASSET ADMINISTRATION SEGMENT
[millions of dollars]
Dec. 31, 2015
Sep. 30, 2015
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2015
Dec. 31, 2014
Quarter
ended
Quarter
ended
Quarter
ended
Year
ended
Year
ended
Administration fees
Other revenue
Total revenue
Selling, general and administrative
Investment dealer fees
Amortization of intangibles
Other expenses
Total expenses
Income before taxes
and non-segmented items
74.1
5.3
79.3
17.2
60.6
0.6
0.4
78.8
0.6
73.2
5.1
78.3
16.6
60.0
0.6
(0.4)
76.7
1.7
69.7
5.4
75.1
15.7
56.4
0.6
2.0
74.7
0.4
296.9
21.9
318.8
66.8
242.9
2.2
8.1
320.0
276.7
20.7
297.4
62.6
223.3
2.2
6.8
294.9
(1.1)
2.5
Annual Report | 47 | December 31, 2015
| MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS |
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015
Revenues
Administration fees are earned on assets under administration in the AWM business and from the administration of
third-party business. These fees were $296.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, an increase of 7.3% from
$276.7 million in 2014. Net of inter-segment amounts, administration fee revenue was $146.6 million for the year ended
December 31, 2015, up from $141.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. The increase in administration fees from
the prior year is mainly a result of higher asset-based revenues such as trailer fees earned from higher average assets under
administration. Administration fees should be considered in conjunction with investment dealer fees, an expense that
represents the payout to financial advisors.
Other revenues earned by the Asset Administration segment are generally derived from non-advisor related activities. For
2015, other revenues were $21.9 million, increasing from $20.7 million for 2014.
Expenses
Investment dealer fees represent the payout to advisors on revenues they generate and were $242.9 million for the year
ended December 31, 2015, compared to $223.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. The increase in these fees
relates directly to the increase in administration fee revenues discussed above.
As discussed in the “Non-IFRS Measures” section and as set out in Table 6, dealer gross margin was $54.0 million or 18.2%
of administration fee revenue for 2015, compared to $53.4 million or 19.3% for 2014. The change in gross margin from the
prior period relates to the change in average investment dealer fees paid out to financial advisors on their administration
fees. Generally, as an advisor’s assets under administration and corresponding fee revenues grow, the payout rate to the
advisor will increase up to a maximum payout rate.
SG&A expenses for the segment were $66.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to $62.6 million in
the year ended December 31, 2014. The 6.7% increase was largely due to an increase in the level of discretionary spending.
The Asset Administration segment had a loss before income taxes and non-segmented items of $1.1 million for 2015, down
from income before income taxes and non-segmented items of $2.5 million in 2014. This decrease was primarily due to
the reduction in dealer gross margin discussed earlier.
Annual Report | 48 | December 31, 2015
| MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS | QUARTER ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015
Revenues
Administration fees were $74.1 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2015, an increase of 6.3% from $69.7 million for
the same period a year ago and an increase of 1.2% from the prior quarter. The change in administration fees is primarily
attributable to the change in AUA, which increased from $29.7 billion on December 31, 2014 to $30.7 billion on September
30, 2015 and then to $31.9 billion on December 31, 2015. Net of inter-segment amounts, administration fee revenue was
$36.6 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2015, up from $35.4 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2014 and
up from $36.0 million in the previous quarter.
As mentioned above, other revenues earned by the Asset Administration segment are mainly comprised of non-advisor
related activities. For the quarter ended December 31, 2015, other revenues were $5.3 million, down from $5.4 million for
the fourth quarter of 2014 and up from $5.1 million in the third quarter of 2015.
Expenses
Investment dealer fees were $60.6 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2015 compared to $56.4 million for the
fourth quarter of 2014 and $60.0 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2015.
As discussed in the “Non-IFRS Measures” section of this MD&A and as set out in Table 6, dealer gross margin was
$13.4 million or 18.1% of administration fee revenue for the quarter ended December 31, 2015 compared to $13.3 million
or 19.1% for the fourth quarter of 2014 and $13.2 million or 18.1% for the previous quarter. The changes in gross margin
from the comparable quarters correspond primarily to the level of payout to financial advisors on their 12-month rolling
administration fee revenues. The advisor payout rate generally increases as their 12-month rolling administration fee
revenue increases.
SG&A expenses for the segment were $17.2 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2015 compared to $15.7 million
in the fourth quarter of 2014 and $16.6 million in the third quarter of 2015. The change in SG&A expenses is largely
attributable to the level of discretionary spend each quarter.
The Asset Administration segment had income before taxes and non-segmented items of $0.6 million for the quarter
ended December 31, 2015, compared to income of $0.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2014 and income of $1.7 million
for the prior quarter.
Annual Report | 49 | December 31, 2015
| MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS | LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
CI generated $687.7 million of operating cash flow in the year ended December 31, 2015, up $10.3 million from $677.4 million
for the same period of 2014. As detailed in Table 15, free cash flow was $596.6 million in the year ended December 31, 2015,
up 7.0% from $557.4 million in the same period of 2014. Calculations of both measures and reconciliations to cash flow
from operations are provided in the “Non-IFRS Measures” section, and set out in Table 7.
CI’s main uses of capital are the financing of deferred sales commissions, the payment of dividends on its shares, the
funding of capital expenditures and the repurchase of shares through its normal course issuer bid. At current levels of
cash flow and anticipated dividend payout rates, CI produces sufficient cash to meet its obligations and pay down debt.
TABLE 15: SUMMARY OF CASH FLOWS
[millions of dollars]
Operating Cash Flow
Less:
Deferred sales commissions paid
Free cash flow
Less:
Marketable securities, net
Capital expenditures
Share repurchases
Dividends paid
Debt repaid / (drawn)
Working capital and other items
Net change in cash
Cash at January 1
Cash at December 31
Year ended
Year ended
Dec. 31, 2015
Dec. 31, 2014
687.7
91.1
596.6
(9.0)
3.0
243.6
362.2
(249.3)
240.7
591.2
5.4
51.2
56.6
677.4
120.0
557.4
7.1
2.9
108.1
335.5
191.7
(20.3)
625.0
(67.6)
118.8
51.2
The only aspects of seasonality to CI’s cash flows are that one-third of deferred sales commissions are typically paid out
in the first quarter and the balance of cash income taxes and incentive compensation are paid at the end of February. This
may cause cash flow fluctuations from quarter to quarter of up to $75 million.
CI paid deferred sales commissions of $91.1 million in 2015 compared to $120.0 million in 2014. The decrease in deferred
sales commissions paid compared to the prior year is a result of the trend towards lower sales of deferred load funds.
CI invested $18.4 million in marketable securities in 2015. During the same period, CI received proceeds of $27.4 million
from the disposition of marketable securities, which resulted in a gain of $5.9 million. The fair value of marketable
securities at December 31, 2015 was $78.7 million. Marketable securities are comprised of seed capital investments in its
funds and strategic investments.
Annual Report | 50 | December 31, 2015
| MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS | During the year ended December 31, 2015, CI incurred capital expenditures of $3.0 million, up from $2.9 million in 2014.
These related primarily to leasehold improvements and investments in technology.
During the year, CI repurchased 7.4 million shares under its normal course issuer bid at a total cost of $243.6 million or
$32.92 per share. CI paid dividends of $362.2 million, which represented 64% of net income and 61% of free cash flow for
the year. CI’s most recent dividend payments were $0.11 per share per month, or approximately $364.4 million per fiscal year.
CI’s working capital and other items increased to $240.7 million in 2015, compared to a decrease of $20.3 million in 2014,
primarily due to $172.1 million being placed on account with the CRA in conjunction with the filing of a notice of objection
as well as the cash paid to acquire First Asset.
The statement of financial position for CI at December 31, 2015 reflects total assets of $3.297 billion, an increase of
$281 million from $3.016 billion at December 31, 2014. This change can be attributed primarily to the funds on deposit with
the CRA as discussed above, as well as to other developments outlined in the following discussion of significant balance
sheet assets.
CI’s cash and cash equivalents increased by $5.4 million in 2015, as operating cash flows plus the amount of drawn
debt exceeded the outlay for new investments in deferred sales commissions and capital assets, dividends paid, and
the repurchase of shares. Marketable securities decreased by $5.0 million during the year on the net redemption of
$9.0 million in securities and unrealized gains recorded as a result of positive market performance. Accounts receivable
and prepaid expenses increased by $23.6 million to $122.5 million as of December 31, 2015, in conjunction with the growth
in accrued fee revenues at CI Investments and AWM.
Deferred sales commissions decreased $49.9 million in 2015 to $351.4 million as a result of the $141.0 million in amortization
expense offset by the $91.1 million in sales commissions paid. Capital assets decreased $4.8 million during the year as a
result of $7.8 million amortized during the year offset by $3.0 million in capital additions.
Total liabilities increased by $291 million during the year to $1.400 billion at December 31, 2015. The primary contributors
to this change were a $252 million increase in long-term debt and a $27 million increase in client and trust funds payable,
offset by a $25 million decrease in income taxes payable.
At December 31, 2015, CI was in a negative working capital position, which has typically been the case when there is a
significant current balance of long-term debt. However, this may also occur when CI has elected to pay down its credit
facility with cash on hand, and because CI receives the majority of its management fee revenues daily, whereas its
significant expenses are accrued and paid subsequent to the period-end. There is minimal impact to CI as there has been
sufficient cash on hand and availability of CI’s credit facility to meet cash flow requirements.
At December 31, 2015, CI had drawn $110 million against its $350 million credit facility. Principal repayments on any drawn
amounts are only required at the maturity of the facility, which is December 11, 2018.
At December 31, 2015, CI had $450 million in outstanding debentures at an interest rate of 2.645% with a carrying value of
$447.3 million. Net debt, as discussed in the “Non-IFRS Measures” section and as set out in Table 4, was $433.1 million at
December 31, 2015, up from $185.2 million at December 31, 2014. This increase is primarily due to the change in CI’s working
capital and other items, as discussed above, as well as an increase in share repurchases, offset by an increase in free cash
flow and an increase in the cash balance at December 31, 2015 compared to December 31, 2014. The average debt level for
the year ended December 31, 2015 was approximately $402 million, compared to $492 million for the same period last year.
Annual Report | 51 | December 31, 2015
| MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS | CI’s ratio of debt to EBITDA and net debt to EBITDA were 0.6 to 1 and 0.5 to 1, respectively, which provides CI with
significant financial flexibility for future debt financing. CI’s intention is to maintain the ratio of net debt to EBITDA
between 0.5 to 1 and 0.75 to 1 as it is expected that free cash flow will be returned to shareholders. CI is within its financial
covenants with respect to its credit facility, which requires that the debt to EBITDA ratio remain below 2.5 to 1, and assets
under management not fall below $60 billion, based on a rolling 30-day average.
Shareholders’ equity was $1.894 billion at December 31, 2015, a decrease of $8.6 million for the year, which approximates
net income less dividends and share repurchases.
RISK MANAGEMENT
There is risk inherent in the conduct of a wealth management business. Some factors which introduce or exacerbate risk
are within the control of management and others are, by their nature, outside of direct control but must still be managed.
Effective risk management is a key component to achieving CI’s business objectives. It is an on-going process involving
the Board of Directors, management and other personnel. Management has developed an enterprise wide approach to
risk management that involves executives in each core business unit and operating area of CI. These executives identify
and evaluate risks, applying both a quantitative and a qualitative analysis and then assess the likelihood of occurrence
of a particular risk event. They then identify mitigating factors or strategies and a course for implementing mitigation
procedures to bring each risk event to an acceptable risk level.
MARKET RISK
Market risk is the risk of a financial loss resulting from adverse changes in underlying market factors, such as interest rates, foreign
exchange rates, and equity and commodity prices. A description of each component of market risk is described below:
–
Interest rate risk is the risk of gain or loss due to the volatility of interest rates.
–
Foreign exchange rate risk is the risk of gain or loss due to volatility of foreign exchange rates.
–
Equity risk is the risk of gain or loss due to the changes in prices and volatility of individual equity instruments and equity
indexes.
CI’s financial performance is indirectly exposed to market risk. Any decline in financial markets or lack of sustained growth in
such markets may result in a corresponding decline in performance and may adversely affect CI’s assets under management,
management fees and revenues, which would reduce cash flow to CI and ultimately impact CI’s ability to pay dividends.
Annual Report | 52 | December 31, 2015
| MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS | ASSET MANAGEMENT SEGMENT
CI is subject to market risk throughout its Asset Management business segment. The following is a description of how CI
mitigates the impact this risk has on its financial position and operating earnings.
Management of market risk within CI’s assets under management is the responsibility of the Chief Operating Officer, with
the assistance of the Chief Compliance Officer. CI has a control environment that ensures risks are reviewed regularly and
that risk controls throughout CI are operating in accordance with regulatory requirements. CI’s compliance group carefully
reviews the exposure to interest rate risk, foreign currency risk and equity risk. When a particular market risk is identified,
portfolio managers of the funds are directed to mitigate the risk by reducing their exposure.
At December 31, 2015, approximately 29% of CI’s assets under management were held in fixed-income securities, which
are exposed to interest rate risk. An increase in interest rates causes market prices of fixed-income securities to fall, while
a decrease in interest rates causes market prices to rise. CI estimates that a 50 basis point change in interest rates would
cause a change of about $7 million in annual pre-tax earnings in the Asset Management segment.
At December 31, 2015, about 51% of CI’s assets under management were based in Canadian currency, which diminishes the
exposure to foreign exchange risk. However, at the same time, approximately 24% of CI’s assets under management were
based in U.S. currency. Any change in the value of the Canadian dollar relative to U.S. currency will cause fluctuations
in CI’s assets under management upon which CI’s management fees are calculated. CI estimates that a 10% change in
Canadian/U.S. exchange rates would cause a change of about $24 million in the Asset Management segment’s annual
pre-tax earnings.
About 58% of CI’s assets under management were held in equity securities at December 31, 2015, which are subject to
equity risk. Equity risk is classified into two categories: general equity risk and issuer-specific risk. CI employs internal and
external fund managers to take advantage of these individuals’ expertise in particular market niches, sectors and products
and to reduce issuer-specific risk through diversification. CI estimates that a 10% change in the prices of equity indexes
would cause a change of about $59 million in annual pre-tax earnings.
ASSET ADMINISTRATION SEGMENT
CI’s Asset Administration business is exposed to market risk. The following is a description of how CI mitigates the impact
this risk has on its financial position and results of operations.
Risk management for administered assets is the responsibility of the Chief Compliance Officer and senior management.
Responsibilities include ensuring policies, processes and internal controls are in place and in accordance with regulatory
requirements. CI’s internal audit department reviews CI’s adherence to these policies and procedures.
CI’s operating results are not materially exposed to market risk impacting the asset administration segment given that
this segment usually generates less than 1% of the total income before non-segmented items (this segment had a gain of
$0.6 million before income taxes and non-segmented items for the quarter ended December 31, 2015). Investment advisors
regularly review their client portfolios to assess market risk and consult with clients to make appropriate changes to
mitigate it. The effect of a 10% change in any component of market risk (comprised of interest rate risk, foreign exchange
risk and equity risk) would have resulted in a change of approximately $2 million to the Asset Administration segment’s
annual pre-tax earnings.
Annual Report | 53 | December 31, 2015
| MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS | CREDIT RISK
Credit risk is the risk of loss associated with the inability of a third party to fulfill its payment obligations. CI is exposed
to the risk that third parties that owe it money, securities or other assets will not perform their obligations. These parties
include trading counterparties, customers, clearing agents, exchanges, clearing houses and other financial intermediaries,
as well as issuers whose securities are held by CI. These parties may default on their obligations due to bankruptcy, lack
of liquidity, operational failure or other reasons. CI does not have significant exposure to any individual counterparty.
Credit risk is mitigated by regularly monitoring the credit performance of individual counterparties and holding collateral
where appropriate.
One of the primary sources of credit risk arises when CI extends credit to clients to purchase securities by way of margin
lending. Margin loans are due on demand and are collateralized by the financial instruments in the client’s account. CI
faces a risk of financial loss in the event a client fails to meet a margin call if market prices for securities held as collateral
decline and if CI is unable to recover sufficient value from the collateral held. The credit extended is limited by regulatory
requirements and by CI’s internal credit policy. Credit risk is managed by dealing with counterparties CI believes to be
creditworthy and by actively monitoring credit and margin exposure and the financial health of the counterparties. CI has
concluded that current economic and credit conditions have not significantly impacted its financial assets.
LIQUIDITY RISK
Liquidity risk is the risk that CI may not be able to generate sufficient funds and within the time required in order to meet
its obligations as they come due. While CI currently has access to financing, unfavourable market conditions may affect
the ability of CI to obtain loans or make other arrangements on terms acceptable to CI.
STRATEGIC RISKS
Strategic risks are risks that directly impact the overall direction of CI and the ability of CI to successfully implement
proposed strategies. The key strategic risk is the risk that management fails to anticipate, and respond to changes in the
business environment including demographic and competitive changes. CI’s performance is directly affected by financial
market and business conditions, including the legislation and policies of the governments and regulatory authorities having
jurisdiction over CI’s operations. These are beyond the control of CI; however, an important part of the risk management
process is the ongoing review and assessment of industry and economic trends and changes. Strategies are then designed
to mitigate the impact of any anticipated changes, including the introduction of new products and cost control strategies.
Annual Report | 54 | December 31, 2015
| MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS | DISTRIBUTION RISK
CI distributes its investment products through a number of distribution channels, including brokers, independent financial
planners and insurance advisors. CI’s access to these distribution channels is impacted by the strength of the relationship
with certain business partners and the level of competition faced from the financial institutions that own those channels.
While CI continues to develop and enhance existing relationships, there can be no assurance that CI will continue to enjoy
the level of access that it has in the past, which would adversely affect its sales of investment products.
OPERATIONAL RISKS
Operational risks are risks related to the actions, or failure in the processes, that support the business, including
administration, information technology, product development and marketing. The administrative services provided by CI
depend on software supplied by third-party suppliers. Failure of a key supplier, the loss of these suppliers’ products, or
problems or errors related to such products would have a material adverse effect on the ability of CI to provide these
administrative services. Changes to the pricing arrangement with such third-party suppliers because of upgrades or other
circumstances could have an adverse effect upon the profitability of CI. There can be no assurances that CI’s systems
will operate or that CI will be able to prevent an extended systems failure in the event of a subsystem component or
software failure or in the event of an earthquake, fire or any other natural disaster, or a power or telecommunications
failure. Any systems failure that causes interruptions in the operations of CI could have a material adverse effect on its
business, financial condition and operating results. CI may also experience losses in connection with employee errors.
Although expenses incurred by CI in connection with employee errors have not been significant in the past, there can be
no assurances that these expenses will not increase in the future.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY RISK
CI uses information technology and the internet to streamline business operations and to improve client and advisor
experience. However, with the use of information technology and the internet, CI is exposed to information technology
events that could potentially have an adverse impact on its business. These events could result in unauthorized access to
sensitive information, theft and operational disruption. While CI is actively monitoring this risk and continues to develop
controls to protect against cyber threats that are becoming more sophisticated and pervasive, it is possible that CI may
not be able to fully mitigate the risk associated with information technology security.
TAXATION RISK
CI is subject to various uncertainties concerning the interpretation and application of Canadian tax laws. If tax authorities
disagree with CI’s application of such tax laws, CI’s profitability and cash flows could be adversely affected. CI Investments
is considered a large case file by the Canada Revenue Agency and, as such, is subject to audit each year. There is a
significant lag between the end of a fiscal year and when such audits are completed. Therefore, at any given time, several
years may be open for audit and/or adjustment.
Annual Report | 55 | December 31, 2015
| MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS | COMPETITION
CI operates in a highly competitive environment, with competition based on a variety of factors, including the range
of products offered, brand recognition, investment performance, business reputation, financing strength, the strength
and continuity of institutional, management and sales relationships, quality of service, level of fees charged and level
of commissions and other compensation paid. CI competes with a large number of mutual fund companies and other
providers of investment products, investment management firms, broker-dealers, banks, insurance companies and other
financial institutions. Some of these competitors have greater capital and other resources, and offer more comprehensive
lines of products and services than CI. The trend toward greater consolidation within the investment management industry
has increased the strength of a number of CI’s competitors. Additionally, there are few barriers to entry by new investment
management firms, and the successful efforts of new entrants have resulted in increased competition. CI’s competitors seek
to expand market share by offering different products and services than those offered by CI. While CI continues to develop
and market new products and services, there can be no assurance that CI will maintain its current standing or market share,
and that may adversely affect the business, financial condition or operating results of CI.
REGULATORY AND LEGAL RISK
Certain subsidiaries of CI are heavily regulated in all jurisdictions where they carry on business. Laws and regulations
applied at the national and provincial level generally grant governmental agencies and self-regulatory bodies broad
administrative discretion over the activities of CI, including the power to limit or restrict business activities as well as
impose additional disclosure requirements on CI products and services. Possible sanctions include the revocation or
imposition of conditions on licenses to operate certain businesses, the suspension or expulsion from a particular market
or jurisdiction of any of CI’s business segments or its key personnel or financial advisors, and the imposition of fines and
censures. It is also possible that the laws and regulations governing a subsidiary’s operations or particular investment
products or services could be amended or interpreted in a manner that is adverse to CI. To the extent that existing or
future regulations affecting the sale or offering of CI’s product or services or CI’s investment strategies cause or contribute
to reduced sales of CI’s products or lower margins or impair the investment performance of CI’s products, CI’s aggregate
assets under management and its revenues may be adversely affected.
Given the nature of CI’s business, CI may from time to time be subject to claims or complaints from investors or others
in the normal course of business. The legal risks facing CI, its directors, officers, employees or agents in this respect
include potential liability for violations of securities laws, breach of fiduciary duty and misuse of investors’ funds. Some
violations of securities laws and breach of fiduciary duty could result in civil liability, fines, sanctions, or expulsion from a
self-regulatory organization or the suspension or revocation of CI’s subsidiaries’ right to carry on their existing business. CI
may incur significant costs in connection with such potential liabilities.
Annual Report | 56 | December 31, 2015
| MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS | CAPITAL RISK
Certain subsidiaries of CI are subject to minimum regulatory capital requirements. This may require CI to keep sufficient cash
and other liquid assets on hand to maintain capital requirements rather than using them in connection with its business.
Failure to maintain required regulatory capital by CI may subject it to fines, suspension or revocation of registration by
the relevant securities regulator. A significant operating loss by a registrant subsidiary or an unusually large charge against
regulatory capital could adversely affect the ability of CI to expand or even maintain its present level of business, which
could have a material adverse effect on CI’s business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects.
KEY PERSONNEL RISK
The success of CI and its strategic focus is dependent to a significant degree upon the contributions of senior management.
The loss of any of these individuals, or an inability to attract, retain and motivate sufficient numbers of qualified senior
management personnel on the part of CI, could adversely affect CI’s business. CI has not purchased any “key man”
insurance with respect to any of its directors, officers or key employees and has no current plans to do so.
The success of CI is also dependent upon, among other things, the skills and expertise of its human resources, including
the management and investment personnel and its personnel with skills related to, among other things, marketing, risk
management, credit, information technology, accounting, administrative operations and legal affairs. These individuals
play an important role in developing, implementing, operating, managing and distributing CI’s products and services.
Accordingly, the recruitment of competent personnel, continuous training and transfer of knowledge are key activities
that are essential to CI’s performance. In addition, the growth in total assets under management in the industry and the
reliance on investment performance to sell financial products have increased the demand for experienced and high-
performing portfolio managers. Compensation packages for these managers may increase at a rate well in excess of
inflation and well above the rates of increase observed in other industries and the rest of the labour market. CI believes
that it has the resources necessary for the operation of CI’s business. The loss of these individuals or an inability to attract,
retain and motivate a sufficient number of qualified personnel could adversely affect CI’s business.
The market for financial advisors is extremely competitive and is increasingly characterized by frequent movement by
financial advisors among different firms. Individual financial advisors of AWM have regular direct contact with clients,
which can lead to a strong and personal client relationship based on the client’s trust in the individual financial advisor.
The loss of a significant number of financial advisors could lead to the loss of client accounts which could have a material
adverse effect on the results of operations and prospects of AWM and, in turn, CI. Although AWM uses or has used a
combination of competitive compensation structures and equity with vesting provisions as a means of seeking to retain
financial advisors, there can be no assurance that financial advisors will remain with AWM.
Annual Report | 57 | December 31, 2015
| MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS | INSURANCE RISK
CI maintains various types of insurance which include financial institution bonds, errors and omissions insurance,
directors’, trustees’ and officers’ liability insurance, agents’ insurance and general commercial liability insurance. There
can be no assurance that a claim or claims will not exceed the limits of available insurance coverage, that any insurer will
remain solvent or willing to continue providing insurance coverage with sufficient limits or at a reasonable cost or that
any insurer will not dispute coverage of certain claims due to ambiguities in the relevant policies. A judgment against CI
in excess of available coverage could have a material adverse effect on CI both in terms of damages awarded and the
impact on the reputation of CI.
SHARE CAPITAL
As at December 31, 2015, CI had 276,026,778 shares outstanding.
At December 31, 2015, 7.0 million options to purchase shares were outstanding, of which 2.0 million options were
exercisable.
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
The table that follows summarizes CI’s contractual obligations at December 31, 2015.
PAYMENTS DUE BY YEAR
[millions of dollars]
Long-term debt
Operating leases
Total
Total
562.0
101.2
663.2
1 year
or less
2.0
12.4
14.4
2
—
11.7
11.7
3
110.0
10.8
120.8
4
—
10.4
10.4
More than
5
5 years
450.0
9.8
459.8
—
46.1
46.1
Annual Report | 58 | December 31, 2015
| MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS |
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
The December 31, 2015 Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with IFRS. For a discussion
of all significant accounting policies, refer to Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Included in
the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements is Note 2, which provides a discussion regarding the methodology
used for business acquisitions. Included in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements is Note 4, which provides
a discussion regarding the recoverable amount of CI’s goodwill and intangible assets compared to its carrying value.
DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND INTERNAL CONTROLS OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
The Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and the Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), together with management, are responsible
for the design of CI’s disclosure controls and procedures. Management has evaluated, with participation of the CEO and
CFO, the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures as at December 31, 2015. Based on this evaluation, the
CEO and CFO have concluded that they are reasonably assured these Disclosure Controls and Procedures were effective
and that material information relating to CI was made known to them within the time periods specified under applicable
securities legislation.
Management, under the supervision of the CEO and CFO, is responsible for the design and maintenance of adequate
internal controls over financial reporting for the purposes of providing reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of
financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with IFRS. However,
due to its inherent limitations, internal controls over financial reporting can only provide reasonable, not absolute,
assurance that the financial statements are free of misstatements. The COSO framework was used to assist management,
along with the CEO and CFO, in the evaluation of these internal control systems. Management, under the direction of the
CEO and CFO, has concluded that the internal controls over financial reporting are effective. Management used various
tools to evaluate internal controls over financial reporting which included interaction with key control systems, review of
policy and procedure documentation, observation or reperformance of control procedures to evaluate the effectiveness
of controls and concluded that these controls are effective. For the quarter ended December 31, 2015, there have been no
changes to the internal controls over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to affect,
internal controls over financial reporting.
Additional information relating to CI, including the most recent audited financial statements, management information circular and
annual information form, is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
Annual Report | 59 | December 31, 2015
| MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS | CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
31 | DECEMBER | 2015
CI FINANCIAL CORP
Annual Report | 60 | December 31, 2015
| INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT |
TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF CI FINANCIAL CORP
We have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements of CI Financial Corp. [“CI”], which comprise the
consolidated statements of financial position as at December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the consolidated statements of
income and comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows for the years then ended, and a
summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information.
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 the auditors’ judgment, including the assessment of the risks
of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk
assessments, the auditors 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 financial position of CI as
at December 31, 2015 and 2014, and its financial performance and its cash flows for the years then ended in accordance
with International Financial Reporting Standards.
Toronto, Canada
February 10, 2016
Annual Report | 61 | December 31, 2015
| CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION |
[in thousands of Canadian dollars]
ASSETS
Current
Cash and cash equivalents
Client and trust funds on deposit
Marketable securities
Accounts receivable and prepaid expenses
Total current assets
Capital assets, net [note 3]
Deferred sales commissions, net of accumulated
amortization of $428,274 [December 31, 2014 – $469,645]
Intangibles [note 4]
Other assets [notes 5 and 7]
Total assets
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Provision for other liabilities [note 7]
Dividends payable [note 9]
Client and trust funds payable
Income taxes payable [note 10]
Current portion of long-term debt [note 6]
Total current liabilities
Deferred lease inducement
Long-term debt [note 6]
Provision for other liabilities [note 7]
Deferred income taxes [note 10]
Total liabilities
Equity
Share capital [note 8(a)]
Contributed surplus
Deficit
Accumulated other comprehensive income
Total equity attributable to the shareholders of the Company
Non-controlling interests
Total equity
Total liabilities and equity
(see accompanying notes)
On behalf of the Board of Directors:
As at December 31, 2015
As at December 31, 2014
$
$
56,598
158,891
78,700
122,459
416,648
33,166
351,414
2,295,985
200,154
3,297,367
168,257
23,043
60,728
156,164
14,188
2,000
424,380
12,907
557,347
29,554
376,214
1,400,402
1,960,622
13,615
(86,827)
6,690
1,894,100
2,865
1,896,965
3,297,367
51,246
130,665
83,718
98,881
364,510
37,952
401,321
2,189,091
23,093
3,015,967
172,674
1,293
59,161
128,715
38,940
2,000
402,783
14,238
305,392
19,251
367,865
1,109,529
1,968,692
10,386
(84,692)
8,311
1,902,697
3,741
1,906,438
3,015,967
William T. Holland
Director
Paul Derksen
Director
Annual Report | 62 | December 31, 2015
| CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME |
For the years ended December 31
[in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts]
REVENUE
Management fees
Administration fees
Redemption fees
Gain on sale of marketable securities
Other income [note 5]
EXPENSES
Selling, general and administrative [note 17]
Trailer fees
Investment dealer fees
Amortization of deferred sales commissions
Amortization of intangibles [note 4]
Interest [note 6]
Other [note 5]
Income before income taxes
Provision for income taxes [note 10]
Current
Deferred
Net income for the year
Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests
Net income attributable to shareholders
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale financial assets,
net of income taxes of $221 [2014 – $298]
Reversal of gains to net income on available-for-sale
financial assets, net of income taxes of ($468) [2014 – ($50)]
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Comprehensive income for the year
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests
Comprehensive income attributable to shareholders
Basic earnings per share attributable to shareholders [note 8(c)]
Diluted earnings per share attributable to shareholders [note 8(c)]
(see accompanying notes)
2015
$
1,787,854
146,648
19,011
5,869
38,265
1,997,647
372,456
553,622
119,638
141,033
7,350
14,078
31,904
1,240,081
757,566
219,487
(14,539)
204,948
552,618
(876)
553,494
1,448
(3,069)
(1,621)
550,997
(876)
551,873
$1.99
$1.98
Annual Report | 63 | December 31, 2015
2014
$
1,669,125
141,346
20,361
379
44,706
1,875,917
341,751
511,610
113,198
151,969
4,571
18,056
16,870
1,158,025
717,892
204,769
(12,234)
192,535
525,357
313
525,044
1,956
(329)
1,627
526,984
313
526,671
$1.85
$1.84
| CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY |
For the years ended December 31
Accumulated
other
Total
Non-
Share capital
Contributed
comprehensive
shareholders’
controlling
[note 8(a)]
surplus
Deficit
income
equity
interests
[in thousands of Canadian dollars]
$
$
$
$
$
$
Total
equity
$
Balance, January 1, 2015
1,968,692
10,386
(84,692)
8,311
1,902,697
3,741
1,906,438
—
553,494
(1,621)
551,873
(876)
550,997
(8,070)
3,229
(2,135)
(1,621)
1,960,622
13,615
(86,827)
6,690
1,894,100
2,865
1,896,965
Comprehensive income
Dividends declared [note 9]
Shares repurchased
Business combination [note 2]
Issuance of share capital on
exercise of options
Compensation expense for
equity-based plans
Change during the year
Balance, December 31, 2015
Balance, January 1, 2014
Comprehensive income
Dividends declared [note 9]
Shares repurchased
Issuance of share capital on
—
—
(51,708)
40,576
— (363,751)
— (191,878)
—
—
3,062
(2,992)
—
—
6,221
—
1,987,642
8,350 (183,349)
—
—
(22,229)
—
525,044
— (340,528)
—
(85,859)
exercise of options
3,279
(3,170)
—
Compensation expense for
equity-based plans
Change during the year
Balance, December 31, 2014
(see accompanying notes)
—
5,206
—
(18,950)
1,968,692
2,036
98,657
10,386
(84,692)
—
—
—
—
—
(363,751)
(243,586)
40,576
70
—
—
—
—
(363,751)
(243,586)
40,576
70
6,221
(8,597)
—
6,221
(876)
(9,473)
6,684
1,627
—
—
—
—
1,627
8,311
1,819,327
4,295
1,823,622
526,671
(340,528)
(108,088)
313
526,984
(867)
(341,395)
—
(108,088)
109
—
109
5,206
83,370
—
5,206
(554)
82,816
1,902,697
3,741
1,906,438
Annual Report | 64 | December 31, 2015
| CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS |
For the years ended December 31
[in thousands of Canadian dollars]
OPERATING ACTIVITIES (*)
Net income
Add (deduct) items not involving cash
Gain on sale of marketable securities
Fair value adjustment to contingent consideration
Equity-based compensation
Amortization of deferred sales commissions
Amortization of intangibles
Amortization and depreciation of other
Deferred income taxes
Cash provided by operating activities before changes
in operating assets and liabilities
Net change in operating assets and liabilities
Cash provided by operating activities
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchase of marketable securities
Proceeds on sale of marketable securities
Additions to capital assets
Deferred sales commissions paid
Increase in other assets
Acquisition of subsidiary, net of cash acquired [note 2]
Additions to intangibles
Cash used in investing activities
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Increase in long-term debt
Issuance of debentures
Repayment of debentures
Repurchase of share capital
Issuance of share capital
Dividends paid to shareholders
Dividends paid to non-controlling Interests
Cash used in financing activities
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents during the year
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year
(*) Included in operating activities are the following:
Interest paid
Income taxes paid
(see accompanying notes)
Annual Report | 65 | December 31, 2015
2015
$
552,618
(5,869)
(7,500)
6,221
141,033
7,350
8,375
(14,539)
687,689
(40,248)
647,441
(18,389)
27,408
(2,981)
(91,126)
(177,061)
(22,457)
(1,130)
(285,736)
102,000
447,347
(300,000)
(243,586)
70
(362,184)
—
(356,353)
5,352
51,246
56,598
14,020
244,056
2014
$
525,357
(379)
(5,000)
5,206
151,969
4,571
7,907
(12,234)
677,397
25,193
702,590
(9,692)
2,631
(2,908)
(119,976)
(1,877)
—
(2,414)
(134,236)
8,286
—
(200,000)
(108,088)
109
(335,510)
(717)
(635,920)
(67,566)
118,812
51,246
18,242
186,007
CI Financial Corp. [“CI”] is incorporated under the laws of the Province of Ontario. CI’s primary business is the management
and distribution of a broad range of financial products and services, including mutual funds, segregated funds, exchange
traded funds, financial planning, insurance, investment advice, wealth management and estate and succession planning.
1 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
These consolidated financial statements of CI have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting
Standards [“IFRS”] as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board [“IASB”].
These consolidated financial statements were authorized for issuance by the Board of Directors of CI on February 10, 2016.
BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The consolidated financial statements of CI have been prepared on a historical cost basis, except for certain financial
instruments that have been measured at fair value. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going
concern basis. CI’s presentation currency is the Canadian dollar. The functional currency of CI and its subsidiaries is also the
Canadian dollar.
BASIS OF CONSOLIDATION
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of CI, CI Investments Inc. [“CI Investments”] and Assante
Wealth Management (Canada) Ltd. [“AWM”] and their subsidiaries, which are entities over which CI has control. Control
exists when CI has the power, directly or indirectly, to govern the financial and operating policies of an entity, is exposed
to variable returns from its activities, and is able to use its power to affect such variable returns to which it is exposed.
Hereinafter, CI and its subsidiaries are referred to as CI.
CI holds a controlling 65% interest in Marret Asset Management Inc. [“Marret”]. A non-controlling interest is recorded
in the consolidated statement of income and comprehensive income to reflect the non-controlling interest’s share of
the net income and comprehensive income, and a non-controlling interest is recorded within equity in the consolidated
statement of financial position to reflect the non-controlling interest’s share of the net assets of Marret.
CI manages a range of mutual funds, segregated funds, structured products and other funds that meet the definition of
structured entities under IFRS. CI earns fees for providing management and administrative services to these investment
funds. Fees are calculated on assets under management in these funds which totalled $111.1 billion as at December 31, 2015
[2014 – $102.9 billion]. CI does not consolidate these investment funds because the form of fees and ownership interest
are not significant enough to meet the definition of control under IFRS. CI provides no guarantees against the risk of
financial loss to the investors of these investment funds.
Annual Report | 66 | December 31, 2015
DECEMBER 31, 2015 and 2014 [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] | NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | REVENUE RECOGNITION
Revenue is recognized to the extent that it is probable that economic benefits will flow to CI and the revenue can be
reliably measured. Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable. In addition to these
general principles, CI applies the following specific revenue recognition policies:
Management fees are based upon the net asset value of the funds managed by CI and are recognized on an accrual basis.
Administration fees and other income are recognized as services are provided under contractual arrangements.
Administration fees include commission revenue, which is recorded on a trade date basis and advisory fees, which are
recorded when the services related to the underlying engagements are completed.
Redemption fees payable by securityholders of deferred sales charge mutual funds, the sales commission of which was
financed by CI, are recognized as revenue on the trade date of the redemption of the applicable mutual fund securities.
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Financial assets are classified at fair value through profit or loss [“FVPL”], available-for-sale [“AFS”] or loans and receivables.
Financial liabilities are classified as FVPL or other.
Financial instruments are recognized initially at fair value. Transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition
or issue of a financial instrument classified as other than at FVPL are added to the carrying amount of the asset or liability.
Financial instruments classified as FVPL are carried at fair value in the statement of financial position and any gains or
losses are recorded in net income in the period in which they arise. Financial instruments classified as FVPL include cash
and cash equivalents as well as contingent consideration included in provision for other liabilities.
Financial assets classified as AFS are carried at fair value in the statement of financial position. Movements in the fair
value are recorded in other comprehensive income until disposed, at which time the cumulative amount recorded in
comprehensive income is recognized in net income. Where there is objective evidence that an AFS asset is impaired, the
cumulative impairment loss is reclassified from other comprehensive income to net income with subsequent movements
also recognized in net income. Financial assets classified as AFS include marketable securities.
Loans and receivables and other financial liabilities are recognized at amortized cost using the effective interest rate
method. Such accounts include client and trust funds on deposits, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued
liabilities, dividends payable, client and trust funds payable, provision for other liabilities and long-term debt.
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash on deposit, highly liquid investments and interest bearing deposits with original
maturities of 90 days or less.
Annual Report | 67 | December 31, 2015
DECEMBER 31, 2015 and 2014 [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] | NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | Client and trust funds
Client and trust funds on deposit include amounts representing cash held in trust with Canadian financial institutions for
clients in respect of self-administered Registered Retirement Savings Plans and Registered Retirement Income Funds, and
amounts received from clients for which the settlement date on the purchase of securities has not occurred or accounts
in which the clients maintain a cash balance. Client and trust funds on deposit also include amounts for client transactions
that are entered into on either a cash or margin basis and recorded on the trade date of the transaction. Amounts are
due from clients on the settlement date of the transaction for cash accounts. For margin accounts, CI extends credit to
a client for the purchase of securities, collateralized by the financial instruments in the client’s account. Amounts loaned
are limited by margin regulations of the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada [“IIROC”] and other
regulatory authorities, and are subject to CI’s credit review and daily monitoring procedures. The corresponding liabilities
related to the above accounts and transactions are included in client and trust funds payable.
Marketable securities
Marketable securities consist of investments in mutual fund securities. Marketable securities are measured at fair value and
recognized on trade date. Mutual fund securities are valued using the net asset value per unit of each fund. Realized and
unrealized gains and losses are recognized using average cost. Except for impairment losses, gains and losses in the fair value
of marketable securities are recorded as other comprehensive income until disposed of, at which time any gain or loss is
recorded in net income. When a decline in fair value is other than temporary and there is objective evidence of impairment,
the cumulative loss that had been recognized directly in other comprehensive income is removed and recognized in net
income, even though the financial asset has not been derecognized. Distributions from mutual fund securities are recorded
as other income. Distributions that are reinvested increase the cost base of the marketable securities.
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT
CI uses valuation techniques to determine the fair value of financial instruments where active market quotes are not
available. This involves developing estimates and assumptions consistent with how market participants would price the
instrument. CI bases its assumptions on observable data as far as possible but this is not always available. In that case
management uses the best information available.
All assets and liabilities for which fair value is measured or disclosed in the financial statements are categorized within the
fair value hierarchy, described as follows, based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement
as a whole:
• Level 1 – valuation based on quoted prices (unadjusted) observed in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
• Level 2 – valuation techniques based on inputs that are quoted prices of similar instruments in active markets; quoted
prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; inputs other than quoted prices used
in a valuation model that are observable for that instrument; and inputs that are derived from or corroborated
by observable market data by correlation or other means.
• Level 3 – valuation techniques with significant unobservable market inputs.
For assets and liabilities that are recognized in the financial statements on a recurring basis, CI determines whether
transfers have occurred between levels in the hierarchy by re-assessing categorization at the end of each reporting period.
Annual Report | 68 | December 31, 2015
DECEMBER 31, 2015 and 2014 [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] | NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | CAPITAL ASSETS
Capital assets are recorded at cost less accumulated amortization. These assets are amortized over their estimated useful
lives as follows:
Computer hardware
Office equipment
Leasehold improvements
Straight-line over three years
Straight-line over five years
Straight-line over the term of the lease
BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
The acquisition method of accounting is used to account for the acquisition of subsidiaries by CI, whereby the purchase
consideration is allocated to the identifiable assets and liabilities on the basis of fair value at the date of acquisition.
Provisional fair values allocated at a reporting date are finalized as soon as the relevant information is available, within a
period not to exceed twelve months from the acquisition date, with retroactive restatement of the impact of adjustments
to those provisional fair values effective as at the acquisition date.
CI elects on a transaction-by-transaction basis whether to measure any non-controlling interest at fair value, or at the
proportionate share of the recognized amount of the identifiable net assets of the acquired subsidiary, at the acquisition date.
Consideration transferred includes the fair values of the assets transferred, liabilities incurred and equity interests
issued by CI. Consideration also includes the fair value of any contingent consideration. Subsequent to the acquisition,
contingent consideration that is based on an earnings target and classified as a liability is measured at fair value with any
resulting gain or loss recognized in net income. Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred.
INTANGIBLES
Fund contracts
Fund administration contracts and fund management contracts [collectively, “fund contracts”] are recorded net of any
write-down for impairment. CI evaluates the carrying amounts of fund contracts for potential impairment by comparing the
recoverable amount with their carrying amounts. These evaluations are performed on an annual basis or more frequently if
events or changes in circumstances indicate a potential impairment. Any impairment would be written off to income.
Fund administration contracts are amortized on a straight-line basis over 25 years. Fund management contracts with a
finite life are amortized on a straight-line basis over a period of up to 20 years, depending on the contractual terms of
such agreements and management’s best estimate of their useful lives. Fund management contracts with an indefinite life
are not amortized.
Annual Report | 69 | December 31, 2015
DECEMBER 31, 2015 and 2014 [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] | NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | Goodwill
Goodwill is recorded as the excess of purchase price over identifiable assets acquired. Following initial recognition,
goodwill is stated at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. Goodwill is evaluated for impairment at least annually
and any impairment is recognized immediately in income and not subsequently reversed. Goodwill is allocated to the
appropriate cash-generating unit for the purpose of impairment testing.
Other intangibles
Other intangibles include the costs of trademarks and computer software, capitalized where it is probable that future
economic benefits that are attributable to the assets will flow to CI and the cost of the assets can be measured reliably.
Computer software is recorded initially at cost and amortized over its expected useful life of two to ten years on a
straight-line basis. Trademarks have an indefinite life and are not amortized.
Deferred sales commissions
Commissions paid on sales of deferred sales charge mutual funds represent commissions paid by CI to brokers and dealers,
and are recorded on the trade date of the sale of the applicable mutual fund product. Deferred sales commissions are
amortized over the expected investment period of 24 to 84 months on a straight-line basis from the date recorded.
When redemptions occur, the actual investment period is shorter than expected, and the unamortized deferred
sales commission related to the original investment in the mutual funds is charged to net income and included in the
amortization of deferred sales commissions.
EQUITY-BASED COMPENSATION
CI uses the fair value method to account for equity-settled employee incentive share options. The value of the equity-
based compensation, as at the date of grant, is recognized over the applicable vesting period as compensation expense
with a corresponding increase in contributed surplus. When options are exercised, the proceeds received, together with
the amount in contributed surplus, are credited to share capital.
The amount recognized as an expense is adjusted to reflect the number of awards for which the related service conditions
are expected to be met, such that the amount ultimately recognized as an expense is based on the number of awards that
do meet the related service condition at the vesting date.
DEFERRED LEASE INDUCEMENTS
Lease inducements are deferred and amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.
Annual Report | 70 | December 31, 2015
DECEMBER 31, 2015 and 2014 [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] | NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | INCOME TAXES
Current income tax liabilities are measured at the amount expected to be paid to tax authorities, net of recoveries based
on the tax rates and laws enacted or substantively enacted at the statement of financial position date.
The liability method of tax allocation is used in accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred income tax
assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between the carrying amount and tax basis of assets and
liabilities and measured using the substantively enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences
are expected to reverse. Deferred tax assets are recognized to the extent that it is probable that taxable profits will be
available against which deductible temporary differences can be utilized. Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognized
for all taxable temporary differences.
Deferred tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences arising in investments in subsidiaries and joint ventures
except where the reversal of the temporary difference can be controlled and it is probable that the difference will not
reverse in the foreseeable future. Deferred tax liabilities are not recognized on temporary differences that arise from the initial
recognition of goodwill which is not deductible for tax purposes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are not recognized in respect
of temporary differences that arise on initial recognition of assets and liabilities acquired other than in a business combination.
PROVISION FOR OTHER LIABILITIES
A provision for other liabilities is recognized if, as a result of a past event, CI has a present legal or constructive obligation
that can be estimated reliably, and it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the
obligation. In the event that the time value of money is material, provisions are determined by discounting the expected
future cash flows at a pre-tax rate that reflects a current market assessment of the time value of money and the risks
specific to the liability.
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION
Monetary assets and liabilities are translated into Canadian dollars using the exchange rates in effect at the statement
of financial position date. Non-monetary assets and liabilities are translated into Canadian dollars using historical
exchange rates. Revenue and expenses are translated at average rates prevailing during the month. Other foreign currency
transactions are translated into Canadian dollars using the exchange rate in effect on the transaction date. Translation
exchange gains and losses are included in other income in the month in which they occur.
Annual Report | 71 | December 31, 2015
DECEMBER 31, 2015 and 2014 [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] | NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGMENTS
In the process of applying CI’s accounting policies, management has made significant judgments involving estimates and
assumptions which are summarized as follows:
(i)
Impairment of intangible assets
Finite life intangible assets, including deferred sales commissions, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or
changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Indefinite life intangible assets,
including goodwill, are tested for impairment annually or more frequently if changes in circumstances indicate that the
carrying amount may be impaired. The values associated with intangibles involve estimates and assumptions, including
those with respect to future cash inflows and outflows, discount rates and asset lives. These estimates require significant
judgment regarding market growth rates, fund flow assumptions, expected margins and costs which could affect CI’s
future results if the current estimates of future performance and fair values change. These determinations also affect the
amount of amortization expense on intangible assets with finite lives recognized in future periods.
(ii) Deferred tax assets
Deferred tax assets are recognized for unused tax losses to the extent that it is probable that taxable profits will be
available against which the losses can be utilized. Significant management judgment is required to determine the amount
of deferred tax assets that can be recognized, based upon the likely timing and level of future taxable profits together
with future tax planning strategies.
(iii) Provision for other liabilities
Due to the nature of provisions, a considerable part of their determination is based on estimates and judgments, including
assumptions concerning the future. The actual outcome of these uncertain factors may be materially different from the
estimates, causing differences with the estimated provisions. Further details are provided in Note 7.
(iv) Share-based payments
The cost of employee services received (compensation expense) in exchange for awards of equity instruments recognized
is estimated using a Black-Scholes option valuation model which requires the use of assumptions. Further details regarding
the assumptions used in the option pricing model are provided in Note 8 [b].
(v) Business combinations
Business combinations require management to exercise judgement in measuring the fair value of the assets acquired and
liabilities and contingent liabilities incurred or assumed.
Annual Report | 72 | December 31, 2015
DECEMBER 31, 2015 and 2014 [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] | NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 2 BUSINESS ACQUISITION
On November 30, 2015, CI acquired 100% of First Asset Capital Corp. [“First Asset”] and its subsidiaries, an investment
management company, for cash consideration of $26,924, equity consideration of $40,576 and contingent consideration
payable in cash or common shares with an estimated fair value of $20,000. CI accounted for the acquisition using the
acquisition method of accounting and the results of operations have been consolidated from the date of the transaction.
Details of the net assets acquired as at November 30, 2015, at fair value, are as follows:
Cash and cash equivalents
Accounts receivable and prepaid expenses
Management contracts
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Long-term debt
Deferred tax liability
Fair value of identifiable net assets
Goodwill on acquisition
Total acquired cost
$
4,467
593
87,300
(5,539)
(2,000)
(23,135)
61,686
25,814
87,500
The acquired fund management contracts with a fair value of $87,300 have an indefinite life. The goodwill on acquisition
is not deductible for income tax purposes. Goodwill of $25,814 relates to the Asset Management segment.
Details of consideration as at the date of acquisition is as follows:
Cash
Common shares issued, at fair value
Contingent consideration liability, at fair value
Total consideration
$
26,924
40,576
20,000
87,500
CI issued 1,301 common shares valued at $31.20 per common share as consideration for First Asset.
Annual Report | 73 | December 31, 2015
DECEMBER 31, 2015 and 2014 [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] | NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | The acquisition agreement provided for contingent consideration payable in cash or common shares of CI, five years
from the date of acquisition, if certain financial targets are met based on earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and
amortization [“EBITDA”]. While it is not possible to determine the exact amount of contingent consideration, the potential
undiscounted amount of all future payments that CI could be required to make under the agreement is unlimited. CI has
estimated the fair value of the contingent consideration to be $20,000 as at December 31, 2015 which was estimated using
a discounted cash flow approach. The fair value measurement is based on significant inputs that are not observable in the
market, which IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement refers to as Level 3 inputs.
Cash inflow on acquisition is as follows:
Net cash acquired (included in cash flows from investing activities)
Transaction costs (included in cash flows from operating activities)
Net cash inflow on acquisition
$
4,467
(83)
4,384
Annual Report | 74 | December 31, 2015
DECEMBER 31, 2015 and 2014 [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] | NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 3 CAPITAL ASSETS
Capital assets consist of the following:
Cost
Balance, December 31, 2013
Additions
Retired
Balance, December 31, 2014
Additions
Retired
Balance, December 31, 2015
Accumulated depreciation
Balance, December 31, 2013
Depreciation
Retired
Balance, December 31, 2014
Depreciation
Retired
Balance, December 31, 2015
Carrying amounts
At December 31, 2013
At December 31, 2014
At December 31, 2015
Computer
hardware
$
Office
equipment
$
Leasehold
improvements
$
11,567
1,517
(1,919)
11,165
1,687
(1,869)
10,983
9,266
1,368
(1,919)
8,715
1,631
(1,869)
8,477
2,301
2,450
2,506
10,525
636
(44)
11,117
610
—
11,727
7,507
1,299
(44)
8,762
1,336
—
10,098
3,018
2,355
1,629
59,343
755
(1,219)
58,879
684
(324)
59,239
21,945
5,006
(1,219)
25,732
4,800
(324)
30,208
37,398
33,147
29,031
Total
$
81,435
2,908
(3,182)
81,161
2,981
(2,193)
81,949
38,718
7,673
(3,182)
43,209
7,767
(2,193)
48,783
42,717
37,952
33,166
Annual Report | 75 | December 31, 2015
DECEMBER 31, 2015 and 2014 [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] | NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 4 INTANGIBLES
Intangible assets consist of the following:
Fund
administration
contracts
Fund
management
contracts
finite life
Fund
management
contracts
indefinite life
$
$
$
Other
intangibles
$
Total
$
37,600
—
37,600
—
—
37,600
15,064
1,504
16,568
1,504
—
18,072
22,536
21,032
19,528
43,010
—
43,010
—
—
43,010
17,358
2,055
19,413
4,758
—
24,171
999,082
—
999,082
87,300
—
1,086,382
—
—
—
—
—
—
24,368
2,414
26,782
1,130
(85)
27,827
17,698
1,012
18,710
1,088
(85)
19,713
2,241,368
2,414
2,243,782
114,244
(85)
2,357,941
50,120
4,571
54,691
7,350
(85)
61,956
25,652
23,597
18,839
999,082
999,082
1,086,382
6,670
8,072
8,114
2,191,248
2,189,091
2,295,985
Goodwill
$
1,137,308
—
1,137,308
25,814
—
1,163,122
—
—
—
—
—
—
1,137,308
1,137,308
1,163,122
N/A 12.9 – 13.4 yrs
11.2 – 17.9 yrs
N/A
0.1 – 8.9 yrs
Cost
Balance, December 31, 2013
Additions
Balance, December 31, 2014
Additions
Retired
Balance, December 31, 2015
Accumulated amortization
Balance, December 31, 2013
Amortization
Balance, December 31, 2014
Amortization
Retired
Balance, December 31, 2015
Carrying amounts
At December 31, 2013
At December 31, 2014
At December 31, 2015
Remaining term
(a) Cash-generating units
CI has two cash-generating units [“CGU”] for the purpose of assessing the carrying amount of the allocated goodwill
and intangible assets, being the asset management and asset administration operating segments as described in Note 15.
Annual Report | 76 | December 31, 2015
DECEMBER 31, 2015 and 2014 [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] | NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
(b) Impairment testing of goodwill
As at December 31, 2015, CI has allocated goodwill of $970,540 [2014 – $944,726] to the asset management segment
and $192,582 [2014 – $192,582] to the asset administration operating segment. The recoverable amounts of goodwill for the
asset management and asset administration operating segments as at December 31, 2015 and 2014 have been determined
based on a fair value less costs to sell calculation. For the asset management segment, CI uses two approaches to
determine the goodwill valuation. The first methodology compares CI’s market capitalization against the carrying amount
of goodwill for the segment. Market capitalization is based on the share price of CI, a level 1 fair value input. The second
methodology, applies a trading multiple, a level 3 fair value input, to CI’s assets under management. This methodology
is also used to determine the fair value of the asset administration segment however a trading multiple is applied to
CI’s assets under administration. This methodology is commonly used in the marketplace by independent equity
research analysts.
The calculation of the recoverable amounts exceeds the carrying amounts of both the asset management and the asset
administration operating segments, including goodwill. CI’s current market capitalization provides additional evidence that
the recoverable amount of these operating segments is in excess of the carrying amounts.
(c) Impairment testing of fund contracts
As at December 31, 2015, CI had indefinite life fund management contracts within the asset management CGU of
$1,086,382 [2014 – $999,082]. These are contracts for the management of open end funds, which have no expiry or
termination provisions. The fair value of indefinite life intangibles within the asset management operating segment as at
December 31, 2015 and 2014 has been determined based on a value in use calculation, using 10 year forecasts and a terminal
value for the period thereafter. CI uses a 10 year period to reflect the fact that following an acquisition, it may take several
years to integrate operations and benefit from synergies. The key assumptions used in the forecast calculation include
assumptions on market appreciation, net sales of funds and operating margins. Market appreciation rates are determined
using historical inflation adjusted index returns adjusted for CI’s average management fee. Net sales are determined based
on the historical two year average as well as management’s forecasts for future sales. Inputs to the operating margin
include estimates for management and trailer fees using current average fee rates and historical rates for selling, general
and administrative costs that are applied to forecasted average assets under management over the 10 year period. The
terminal value has been calculated assuming a long-term growth rate of 2% per annum in perpetuity based on a long-
term real GDP growth rate as at December 31, 2015 and 2014. A discount rate of 8.11% per annum has been applied to the
recoverable calculation as at December 31, 2015 [2014 – 7.25%].
The calculation of the recoverable amount exceeds the carrying amount of indefinite life management contracts as at
December 31, 2015 and 2014.
Annual Report | 77 | December 31, 2015
DECEMBER 31, 2015 and 2014 [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] | NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 5 OTHER ASSETS, INCOME AND EXPENSE
Other assets consists mainly of deposits with the Canada Revenue Agency (“CRA”) discussed in Note 7, long-term
investments, long-term accounts receivable, loans granted under CI’s employee share purchase plan and loans extended
to investment advisors under CI’s hiring and incentive program.
CI has an employee share purchase loan program for key employees. These loans are renewable yearly and bear interest
at prescribed rates. As at December 31, 2015, the carrying amount of employee share purchase loans is $5,777 [2014 –
$6,722] and is included in other assets. These loans become due immediately upon termination of employment or sale
of the shares that are held as collateral. As at December 31, 2015, the shares held as collateral have a market value of
approximately $12,341 [2014 – $13,869].
CI has a hiring and retention incentive program whereby loans are extended to current investment advisors. These
loans are initially recorded at their fair value, may bear interest at prescribed rates and are contractually forgiven on a
straight-line basis over the applicable contractual period, which varies in length from three to seven years. CI utilizes the
effective interest rate method to amortize the forgiven amount. The forgiven amount is included in selling, general and
administrative expenses. As at December 31, 2015, loans to investment advisors of $6,999 [2014 – $5,058] are included in
other assets. These loans become due on demand upon termination or breach in the terms of the agreements.
Other income consists mainly of fees received for the administration of third-party mutual funds, custody fees,
investment income, foreign exchange gains (losses), interest income and the revenue earned by Marret. Other income also
includes the fair value adjustment to the contingent consideration discussed in Note 7. Other expenses consist mainly of
distribution fees to limited partnerships, legal settlements, amortization of debenture transaction costs and the expenses
incurred by Marret. In 2015, other expenses also includes an accrual for remediation payments discussed in Note 7.
Annual Report | 78 | December 31, 2015
DECEMBER 31, 2015 and 2014 [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] | NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 6 LONG-TERM DEBT
Long-term debt consists of the following:
Credit facility
Prime rate loan
Banker’s acceptances
Debentures
$450 million, 2.645% due December 7, 2020
$300 million, 3.940% until December 13, 2015 and
floating rate until December 14, 2016
Long-term debt
Current portion of long-term debt
Credit facility
As at
As at
December 31, 2015
December 31, 2014
$
2,000
110,000
112,000
447,347
—
447,347
559,347
2,000
$
—
8,000
8,000
—
299,392
299,392
307,392
2,000
Effective December 11, 2015, CI renewed its revolving credit facility with two chartered banks. Amounts may be borrowed
under the facility in Canadian dollars through prime rate loans, which bear interest at the greater of the bank’s prime rate
and the Canadian Deposit Offering Rate plus 1.00%, or bankers’ acceptances, which bear interest at bankers’ acceptance
rates plus 0.90%. Amounts may also be borrowed in U.S. dollars through base rate loans, which bear interest at the greater
of the bank’s reference rate for loans made by it in Canada in U.S. funds and the federal funds effective rate plus 1.00%,
or LIBOR loans which bear interest at LIBOR plus 0.90%.
CI may also borrow under this facility in the form of letters of credit, which bear a fee of 0.90% on any undrawn portion.
As at December 31, 2015 and 2014, CI had not accessed the facility by way of letters of credit.
Loans are made by the banks under a three-year revolving credit facility, with the outstanding principal balance due upon
maturity on December 11, 2018.
The credit facility contains a number of financial covenants that require CI to meet certain financial ratios and financial
condition tests. CI is within its financial covenants with respect to its credit facility, which require that the funded debt
to annualized earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ratio remain below 2.5:1 and that CI’s assets
under management not fall below $60 billion, calculated based on a rolling 30-day average. There can be no assurance
that future borrowings or equity financing will be available to CI or available on acceptable terms.
Annual Report | 79 | December 31, 2015
DECEMBER 31, 2015 and 2014 [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] | NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | Debentures
On December 7, 2015, CI completed an offering pursuant to which it issued $450,000 principal amount of debentures
due December 7, 2020 [the “2020 Debentures”]. The 2020 Debentures were issued at par for gross proceeds of $450,000.
The proceeds, net of transaction costs, were used in part to repay the debentures due December 14, 2016 [the “2016
Debentures”] of $300,000 and to pay down the amount borrowed under the credit facility. Interest on the 2020
Debentures is paid semi-annually in arrears at a rate of 2.645%. Interest attributable to the 2020 Debentures was $783 for
the period from December 7 to December 31, 2015. Interest expense attributable to the 2016 Debentures was $11,302 for
the period January 1 to December 14, 2015 [Year 2014 – $11,820].
On December 16, 2014, $200,000 in outstanding debentures matured [the “2014 Debentures”]. Interest attributable to the
2014 Debentures was $5,468 for the year ended December 31, 2014.
Issuance costs and the issuance discount are amortized over the term of the Debentures using the effective interest rate
method. The amortization expense related to the discount and transaction costs for CI’s issued 2016 Debentures for the
year ended December 31, 2015 was $607 [2014 – $522] which is included in other expenses.
CI may, at its option, redeem the 2020 Debentures in whole or in part, from time to time, on not less than 30 nor more
than 60 days’ prior notice to the registered holder, at a redemption price which is equal to the greater of par or the
Government of Canada yield, plus 42.5 basis points. CI considers this embedded prepayment option to be closely related
to the Debentures and, as such, does not account for it separately as a derivative.
In the event that both a change of control occurs and the rating of the 2020 Debentures is lowered to below investment
grade by two out of three rating agencies as defined as below BBB- by Standard and Poor’s, BBB (low) by DBRS Limited
and Baa3 by Moody’s Investor Service, Inc., CI will be required to make an offer to repurchase all or, at the option of each
holder, any part of each holder’s Debentures at a purchase price payable in cash equivalent to 101% of the outstanding
principal amount of the Debentures together with accrued and unpaid interest, to the date of purchase.
Annual Report | 80 | December 31, 2015
DECEMBER 31, 2015 and 2014 [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] | NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 7 PROVISION FOR OTHER LIABILITIES AND CONTINGENCIES
CI is a party to a number of claims, proceedings and investigations, including legal, regulatory and tax, in the ordinary
course of its business. In addition, CI has provided for contingent consideration payable in business acquisitions as
discussed in Note 2. Due to the inherent uncertainty involved in these matters, it is difficult to predict the final outcome
or the amount and timing of any outflow related to such matters. Based on current information and consultations with
advisors, CI does not expect the outcome of these matters, individually or in aggregate, to have a material adverse effect
on its financial position or on its ability to continue normal business operations.
CI has made provisions based on current information and the probable resolution of any such contingent consideration,
claims, proceedings and investigations. The movement in amounts provided for contingent liabilities and related expenses
during the years ended December 31, are as follows:
Provision for other liabilities, beginning of year
Additions
Amounts used
Amounts reversed
Provision for other liabilities, end of year
Current portion of provision for other liabilities
LITIGATION
2015
$
20,544
54,538
(14,106)
(8,379)
52,597
23,043
2014
$
22,636
4,767
(1,773)
(5,086)
20,544
1,293
CI is a defendant to certain lawsuits of which two are class action lawsuits related to events and transactions that gave
rise to a settlement agreement with the Ontario Securities Commission (“OSC”) in 2004. Although CI continues to believe
that this settlement fully compensated investors affected by frequent trading activity, a provision has been made based
on the probable resolution of these claims and related expenses.
CI maintains insurance policies that may provide coverage against certain claims. Amounts receivable under these policies
are not accrued for unless the realization of income is virtually certain. During the year ended December 31, 2015, CI received
insurance proceeds of $1,373 related to the settlement of legal claims [2014 – $499]. As at December 31, 2015, CI has accrued
$463 for amounts to be received under insurance policies [2014 – $906], which is included in accounts receivable.
Annual Report | 81 | December 31, 2015
DECEMBER 31, 2015 and 2014 [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] | NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | TAXATION
CI is subject to various uncertainties concerning the interpretation and application of Canadian tax laws. If tax authorities
disagree with CI’s application of such tax laws, CI’s profitability and cash flows could be adversely affected. CI Investments
is considered a large case file by the CRA, and as such, is subject to audit each year. There is a significant lag between
the end of a fiscal year and when such audits are completed. Therefore, at any given time, several years may be open for
audit and/or adjustment.
During 2015, CI received notices of reassessment (“NOR”) from the CRA and the Ontario and Alberta Ministries of Finance
relating to the interest rate charged on subordinated notes within CI’s income trust structure from 2006 to 2008. The
NORs were in the amount of $275,208 including interest. However, notwithstanding the filing of a notice of objection,
CI has made the required minimum payments of $172,115, which will remain on account until the dispute is resolved, which
may take considerable time. The amount deposited has been included in other assets as at December 31, 2015. While
CI believes it will be able to successfully defend its position, CI recorded a provision of $4,000 during the year 2015 for
expenses to mount this defense. As at December 31, 2015, a provision of $3,821 remains.
REMEDIATION
In April 2015, CI Investments discovered an administrative error. Approximately $156.1 million of interest had not been
properly recorded as an asset in the accounting records of certain funds, with the result being that the net asset values
of these funds, and any funds that had invested in these funds, had been understated for several years. CI Investments
self-reported the error to the OSC and on February 10, 2016 entered into a no-contest settlement agreement with the
OSC in connection with the administrative error. CI has made a provision of $10.75 million, net of recoveries, for the cost
of this settlement as well as the costs to remediate.
CONTINGENT CONSIDERATION
CI entered into an acquisition agreement with the shareholders of First Asset that provides for contingent consideration
to be paid. Details of this agreement and the basis of calculation of the fair value of the contingent consideration are
summarized in Note 2.
CI entered into an acquisition agreement with the shareholders of Marret that provided for contingent consideration
payable in common shares of CI in the amount of $12,500, three years from the date of acquisition, if certain
financial targets were met based on EBITDA generated during that period. Included in other income for the year ended
December 31, 2015 is a fair value adjustment of $7,500 [2014 – $5,000] to reduce the estimated fair value of the contingent
consideration to be nil [December 31, 2014 – $7,500].
Annual Report | 82 | December 31, 2015
DECEMBER 31, 2015 and 2014 [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] | NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 8 SHARE CAPITAL
A summary of the changes to CI’s share capital for the period is as follows:
[A] AUTHORIZED AND ISSUED
Authorized
An unlimited number of common shares of CI
Issued
Common shares, balance, December 31, 2013
Issuance of share capital on exercise of share options
Share repurchases
Common shares, balance, December 31, 2014
Issuance for acquisition of subsidiary
Issuance of share capital on exercise of share options
Share repurchases
Common shares, balance, December 31, 2015
Number of shares
[in thousands]
Stated value
$
284,396
493
(3,181)
281,708
1,301
417
(7,399)
276,027
1,987,642
3,279
(22,229)
1,968,692
40,576
3,062
(51,708)
1,960,622
During the year ended December 31, 2015, 7,399 [2014 – 3,181 shares] shares were repurchased under a normal course
issuer bid at an average cost of $32.92 per share for total consideration of $243,586 [2014 – $33.98 per share for total
consideration at $108,088]. Deficit was increased by $191,878 during the year 2015 [2014 – $85,859] for the cost of the
shares repurchased in excess of their stated value.
Annual Report | 83 | December 31, 2015
DECEMBER 31, 2015 and 2014 [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] | NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | [B] EMPLOYEE INCENTIVE SHARE OPTION PLAN
CI has an employee incentive share option plan [the “Share Option Plan”], as amended and restated, for the executives and
key employees of CI.
During the year, CI granted 2,992 options [2014 – 2,223 options] to employees. The fair value method of accounting is used
for the valuation of the 2015 and 2014 share option grants. Compensation expense is recognized over the three-year vesting
period, with an offset to contributed surplus. When exercised, amounts originally recorded against contributed surplus as
well as any consideration paid by the option holder is credited to share capital. The fair value of the 2015 and 2014 option
grants was estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions:
Year of grant
# of options grants [in thousands]
2015
220
2015
2,772
2014
260
2014
1,963
Vesting terms
Dividend yield
Expected volatility (*)
Risk-free interest rate
Expected life [years]
Forfeiture rate
Fair value per stock option
Exercise price
1/3 at end of each year 1/3 at end of each year 1/3 at end of each year 1/3 at end of each year
4.125% – 4.296%
4.358% – 4.539%
4.033% – 4.286%
3.911% – 4.156%
16%
16%
15.5%
15.5%
0.980% – 1.057%
0.913% – 0.998%
1.499% – 1.718%
1.477% – 1.773%
2.4 – 3.4
0%
$2.55 – $2.84
$35.88
2.4 – 3.4
1.4% – 6.5%
$2.36 – $2.62
$33.96
2.8 – 3.9
0%
$2.61 – $2.92
$34.52
2.8 – 3.9
1.4% – 4.7%
$2.71 – $3.06
$35.60
(*) Based on historical volatility of CI’s share price.
The maximum number of shares that may be issued under the Share Option Plan is 14,000 shares. As at December 31, 2015,
there are 6,951 shares [2014 – 5,552 shares] reserved for issuance on exercise of share options. These options vest over periods
of up to five years, may be exercised at prices ranging from $21.55 to $35.88 per share and expire at dates up to 2020.
Annual Report | 84 | December 31, 2015
DECEMBER 31, 2015 and 2014 [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] | NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | A summary of the changes in the Share Option Plan is as follows:
Options outstanding, December 31, 2013
Options exercisable, December 31, 2013
Options granted
Options exercised (*)
Options cancelled
Options outstanding, December 31, 2014
Options exercisable, December 31, 2014
Options granted
Options exercised (*)
Options cancelled
Options outstanding, December 31, 2015
Options exercisable, December 31, 2015
Number of options
[in thousands]
4,771
807
2,223
(1,338)
(104)
5,552
1,335
2,992
(1,400)
(193)
6,951
1,994
Weighted average
exercise price
$
24.00
20.47
35.47
22.22
30.12
28.91
23.48
34.10
23.27
33.41
32.15
28.62
(*) Weighted-average share price of options exercised was $33.16 during the year 2015 [2014 – $35.07]
The equity-based compensation expense under the Share Option Plan for the year ended December 31, 2015 of $6,221
[2014 – $5,206] has been included in selling, general and administrative expenses. Options outstanding and exercisable as
at December 31, 2015 are as follows:
Exercise price
options outstanding
remaining contractual life
options exercisable
Number of
Weighted average
Number of
$
21.55
21.73
21.98
27.03
30.27
33.96
34.52
35.60
35.88
21.55 to 35.88
[in thousands]
[years]
[in thousands]
115
69
401
1,248
125
2,678
229
1,866
220
6,951
0.1
1.4
1.1
2.1
2.4
4.1
3.4
3.1
4.3
3.2
115
69
401
627
83
––
76
623
––
1,994
Annual Report | 85 | December 31, 2015
DECEMBER 31, 2015 and 2014 [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] | NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | [C] BASIC AND DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE
The following table presents the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per common share for the years ended
December 31:
[in thousands]
Numerator:
2015
2014
Net income attributable to shareholders of the Company – basic and diluted
$553,494
$525,044
Denominator:
Weighted average number of common shares – basic
Weighted average effect of dilutive stock options (*)
Weighted average number of common shares – diluted
Net earnings per common share attributable to shareholders
Basic
Diluted
278,832
590
279,422
$1.99
$1.98
283,667
982
284,649
$1.85
$1.84
(*) The determination of the weighted average number of common shares – diluted excludes 4,993 thousand shares related to stock
options that were anti-dilutive for the year ended December 31, 2015 [2014 – 2,173 thousand shares].
[D] MAXIMUM SHARE DILUTION
The following table presents the maximum number of shares that would be outstanding if all the outstanding options as
at January 31, 2016 were exercised and outstanding:
[in thousands]
Shares outstanding at January 31, 2016
Options to purchase shares
275,700
6,845
282,545
Annual Report | 86 | December 31, 2015
DECEMBER 31, 2015 and 2014 [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] | NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 9 DIVIDENDS
The following dividends were paid by CI during the year ended December 31, 2015:
Record date
December 31, 2014
January 31, 2015
February 28, 2015
March 31, 2015
April 30, 2015
May 31, 2015
June 30, 2015
July 31, 2015
August 31, 2015
September 30, 2015
October 31, 2015
November 30, 2015
Paid during the year ended December 31, 2015
Cash dividend
Total dividend
Payment date
per share $
amount $
January 15, 2015
February 13, 2015
March 13, 2015
April 15, 2015
May 15, 2015
June 15, 2015
July 15, 2015
August 14, 2015
September 15, 2015
October 15, 2015
November 13, 2015
December 15, 2015
0.105
0.105
0.105
0.105
0.105
0.11
0.11
0.11
0.11
0.11
0.11
0.11
29,640
29,600
29,649
29,616
29,522
30,854
30,712
30,631
30,580
30,469
30,404
30,507
362,184
The following dividends were declared but not paid by CI during the year ended December 31, 2015:
Record date
December 31, 2015
January 31, 2016
Declared and accrued as at December 31, 2015
Payment date
Cash dividend
per share $
Total dividend
amount $
January 15, 2016
February 12, 2016
0.11
0.11
30,364
30,364
60,728
Annual Report | 87 | December 31, 2015
DECEMBER 31, 2015 and 2014 [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] | NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | The following dividends were paid by CI during the year ended December 31, 2014:
Record date
December 31, 2013
January 31, 2014
February 28, 2014
March 31, 2014
April 30, 2014
May 31, 2014
June 30, 2014
July 31, 2014
August 31, 2014
September 30, 2014
October 31, 2014
November 30, 2014
Payment date
Cash dividend
per share $
Total dividend
amount $
January 15, 2014
February 14, 2014
March 14, 2014
April 15, 2014
May 15, 2014
June 13, 2014
July 15, 2014
August 15, 2014
September 15, 2014
October 15, 2014
November 14, 2014
December 15, 2014
0.095
0.095
0.095
0.095
0.095
0.10
0.10
0.10
0.10
0.10
0.10
0.105
27,070
27,099
27,106
27,055
27,040
28,512
28,515
28,431
28,401
28,343
28,273
29,665
335,510
Paid during the year ended December 31, 2014
The following dividends were declared but not paid by CI during the year ended December 31, 2014:
Record date
December 31, 2014
January 31, 2015
Declared and accrued as at December 31, 2014
Payment date
per share $
amount $
Cash dividend
Total dividend
January 15, 2015
February 13, 2015
0.105
0.105
29,580
29,581
59,161
Annual Report | 88 | December 31, 2015
DECEMBER 31, 2015 and 2014 [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] | NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 10 INCOME TAXES
[a] The following are the major components of income tax expense for the years ended December 31:
Statement of Income
Current income tax expense
Based on taxable income of the current year
Adjustments in respect of prior years
Deferred income tax expense
Origination and reversal of temporary differences
Other
Income tax expense reported in the statement of income
Statement of Other Comprehensive Income
Deferred income taxes
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale financial assets
Reversal of gains to net income on available-for-sale financial assets
Income tax expense reported in the statement of other comprehensive income
2015
$
2014
$
219,531
(44)
219,487
(14,403)
(136)
(14,539)
204,948
221
(468)
(247)
204,329
440
204,769
(11,103)
(1,131)
(12,234)
192,535
298
(50)
248
[b] The following is a reconciliation between CI’s statutory and effective income tax rates for the years ended December 31:
Combined Canadian federal and provincial income tax rate
Increase (decrease) in income taxes resulting from
Impact of rate changes on deferred income taxes
Recovery of prior years’ provisions for settled tax items
Other, net
2015
$
26.5
—
0.1
0.5
27.1
2014
$
26.5
(0.2)
0.1
0.4
26.8
Annual Report | 89 | December 31, 2015
DECEMBER 31, 2015 and 2014 [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] | NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
[c] Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and
liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Significant components of CI’s
deferred income tax liabilities and assets are as follows at December 31, 2015:
As at
December 31,
2014
$
Recognized in
net income
$
Recognized
in other
comprehensive
income
$
Business
acquisition
[note 2]
$
As at
December 31,
2015
$
Deferred income tax liabilities
Fund contracts
Deferred sales commissions
Total deferred income tax liabilities
Deferred income tax assets
Equity-based compensation
Non-capital loss carryforwards
Provision for other liabilities
Other
Total deferred income tax assets
Net deferred income tax liabilities
276,883
104,034
380,917
1,223
1,933
3,182
6,714
13,052
367,865
(629)
(13,263)
(13,892)
3,625
(622)
381
(2,737)
647
—
—
—
—
—
—
247
247
23,135
—
23,135
—
—
—
—
(14,539)
(247)
23,135
299,389
90,771
390,160
4,848
1,311
3,563
4,224
13,946
376,214
Significant components of CI’s deferred income tax liabilities and assets are as follows at December 31, 2014:
As at
December 31, 2013
$
Recognized in
net income
$
Recognized in other
comprehensive
income
$
As at
December 31, 2014
$
Deferred income tax liabilities
Fund contracts
Deferred sales commissions
Total deferred income tax liabilities
Deferred income tax assets
Equity-based compensation
Non-capital loss carry forwards
Provision for other liabilities
Other
Total deferred income tax assets
Net deferred income tax liabilities
277,972
112,690
390,662
985
1,829
2,604
5,393
10,811
379,851
(1,089)
(8,656)
(9,745)
238
104
578
1,569
2,489
(12,234)
Annual Report | 90 | December 31, 2015
—
—
—
—
—
—
(248)
(248)
248
276,883
104,034
380,917
1,223
1,933
3,182
6,714
13,052
367,865
DECEMBER 31, 2015 and 2014 [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] | NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 11 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Financial assets are classified into three categories, FVPL, loans and receivables and AFS. Financial liabilities are classified
as FVPL or other.
The carrying amounts of the financial instruments are presented in the table below and are classified according to the
following categories:
Financial assets
Fair value through profit or loss
Cash and cash equivalents
Loans and receivables
Client and trust funds on deposit
Accounts receivable
Other assets
Available-for-sale
Marketable securities
Total financial assets
Financial liabilities
Fair value through profit or loss
Provision for other liabilities
Other financial liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Provision for other liabilities
Dividends payable
Client and trust funds payable
Long-term debt
Total financial liabilities
December 31, 2015
December 31, 2014
$
$
56,598
51,246
158,891
109,893
189,555
78,700
593,637
20,000
159,148
32,597
60,728
156,164
559,347
987,984
130,665
88,154
15,702
83,718
369,485
7,500
161,923
13,044
59,161
128,715
307,392
677,735
Annual Report | 91 | December 31, 2015
DECEMBER 31, 2015 and 2014 [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] | NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | CI’s financial assets at December 31, 2015 and 2014 include CI’s marketable securities which consist of investments in
mutual fund securities. Mutual fund securities are valued using the net asset value per unit of each fund, which represents
the underlying net assets at fair values determined using closing market prices. CI considers mutual fund securities that
are valued daily to be level 1 in the fair value hierarchy and those mutual fund securities valued less frequently to be
level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. As at December 31, 2015, CI’s marketable securities of $78,700 [2014 – $83,718] are carried
at fair value of which $21,734 have been classified as level 1 in the fair value hierarchy and $56,966 as level 2 in the fair value
hierarchy [2014 – $13,226 as level 1 in the fair value hierarchy and $70,492 as level 2 in the fair value hierarchy]. There have
been no transfers between level 1 and level 2 during the year.
Included in provision for other liabilities, as at December 31, 2015 is contingent consideration of $20,000 related to the
First Asset acquisition and nil related to the Marret acquisition [2014 – $7,500 related to the Marret acquisition] carried at
fair value and classified as level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. Long-term debt as at December 31, 2015 includes Debentures
with a fair value of $453,870 [2014 – $305,601], as determined by quoted market prices and have been classified as level 1
in the fair value hierarchy.
12 RISK MANAGEMENT
Risk management is an integrated process with independent oversight. Management has developed an enterprise wide
approach to risk management that involves executives in each core business unit and operating area of CI. Using a
quantitative and qualitative analysis, risk factors are assessed and procedures are implemented to mitigate the various
events that could impact CI’s financial position and results of operations.
CI’s financial instruments bear the following financial risks:
[A] MARKET RISK
Market risk is the risk of a financial loss resulting from adverse changes in underlying market factors, such as interest rates,
foreign exchange rates, and equity prices. The corporate finance group reviews the exposure to interest rate risk, foreign
exchange risk and equity risk by identifying, monitoring and reporting potential market risks to the Chief Financial Officer.
A description of each component of market risk is described below:
• Interest rate risk is the risk of gain or loss due to the volatility of interest rates.
• Foreign exchange risk is the risk of gain or loss due to volatility of foreign exchange rates.
• Equity risk is the risk of gain or loss due to the changes in the prices and the volatility of individual equity instruments
and equity indexes.
Annual Report | 92 | December 31, 2015
DECEMBER 31, 2015 and 2014 [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] | NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | CI’s financial performance is indirectly exposed to market risk. Any decline in financial markets or lack of sustained growth
in such markets may result in a corresponding decline in the performance and may adversely affect CI’s assets under
management and financial results.
[i] Interest rate risk
Interest rate risk arises from the possibility that changes in interest rates will affect the value of financial instruments.
Fluctuations in interest rates have a direct impact on the interest payments CI makes on its long-term debt.
Debt outstanding on CI’s credit facility of $112,000 [2014 – $8,000] is borrowed at a floating interest rate. Based on the
amount borrowed under the credit facility as at December 31, 2015, each 0.50% increase or decrease in interest rates would
result in annual interest expense increasing or decreasing by $560 [2014 – $40], respectively.
[ii] Foreign exchange risk
As at December 31, 2015, net financial assets of $11,174 [2014 – $9,051] were denominated in U.S. currency. A 10% increase
or decrease in U.S. exchange rates would result in a foreign exchange gain or loss of $1,117 [2014 – $905], respectively.
CI may enter into forward contracts to manage its foreign exchange exposure.
[iii] Equity risk
CI’s marketable securities as at December 31, 2015 of $78,700 [2014 – $83,718] are exposed to equity risk. Based on the
carrying amount of these assets, an increase or decrease in equity market prices by 10% would result in estimated gains
or losses of $7,870 [2014 – $8,372], respectively.
[B] LIQUIDITY RISK
Liquidity risk arises from the possibility that CI will encounter difficulties in meeting its financial obligations as they fall
due. CI manages its liquidity risk through a combination of cash received from operations as well as borrowings under its
revolving credit facility. Liquidity is monitored through a daily cash management process that includes the projection of
cash flows to ensure CI meets its funding obligations.
Annual Report | 93 | December 31, 2015
DECEMBER 31, 2015 and 2014 [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] | NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | CI’s liabilities have contractual maturities, excluding interest payments, as follows:
Total
$
2016
$
2017
$
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Dividends payable
Client and trust funds payable
Long-term debt
Provision for other liabilities
Total
159,148
60,728
156,164
562,000
20,000
958,040
159,148
60,728
156,164
2,000
—
378,040
—
—
—
—
—
—
2018
$
—
—
—
110,000
—
110,000
2019
$
2020
$
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
450,000
20,000
470,000
[C] CREDIT RISK
Credit risk is the risk of loss associated with the inability of a third party to fulfill its payment obligations. CI is exposed to
the risk that third parties that owe it money, securities or other assets will not perform their obligations.
As at December 31, 2015, financial assets of $458,339 [2014 – $234,521], represented by client and trust funds on deposit of
$158,891 [2014 – $130,665], accounts receivable of $109,893 [2014 – $88,154] and other assets of $189,555 [2014 – $15,702],
were exposed to credit risk. CI does not have a significant exposure to any individual counterparty. Credit risk is mitigated
by regularly monitoring the credit performance of each individual counterparty and holding collateral, where appropriate.
Client and trust funds on deposit consist mainly of cash deposits or unsettled trade receivables. CI may also extend
amounts to clients on a margin basis for security purchases. Margin loans are due on demand and are collateralized by the
financial instruments in the client’s account. CI faces a risk of financial loss in the event a client fails to meet a margin call
if market prices for securities held as collateral decline and if CI is unable to recover sufficient value from the collateral
held. The credit extended is limited by regulatory requirements and by CI’s internal credit policy. Credit risk is managed
by dealing with counterparties CI believes to be creditworthy and by actively monitoring credit and margin exposure and
the financial health of the counterparties.
Credit risk associated with accounts receivable is limited as the balance primarily consists of trade receivables that are
outstanding for less than 90 days.
Other assets consists mainly of deposits with the CRA discussed in Note 7, long-term investments, long-term accounts
receivable, loans granted under CI’s employee share purchase plan and loans extended to investment advisors under
CI’s hiring and incentive program. Employee loans are collateralized by CI shares and become due immediately upon
termination of the employee or upon the sale of the shares held as collateral. Commissions may be used to offset loan
amounts made to investment advisors in the event of default. Credit risk associated with other assets is limited given the
nature of the relationship with the counterparties.
Annual Report | 94 | December 31, 2015
DECEMBER 31, 2015 and 2014 [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] | NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 13 CAPITAL MANAGEMENT
CI’s objectives in managing capital are to maintain a capital structure that allows CI to meet its growth strategies and build
long-term shareholder value, while satisfying its financial obligations and meeting its long-term debt covenants. CI’s capital
is comprised of shareholders’ equity and long-term debt (including current portion of long-term debt).
CI and its subsidiaries are subject to minimum regulatory capital requirements whereby sufficient cash and other liquid
assets must be on hand to maintain capital requirements rather than using them in connection with its business. As at
December 31, 2015, cash and cash equivalents of $8,282 was required to be on hand for regulatory capital maintenance.
Failure to maintain required regulatory capital by CI may result in fines, suspension or revocation of registration by the
relevant securities regulator. CI from time to time provides loans to its subsidiaries for operating purposes and may choose
to subordinate these loans in favour of general creditors. The repayment of subordinated loans is subject to regulatory
approval. As at December 31, 2015 and 2014, CI met its capital requirements.
CI’s capital consists of the following:
Shareholders’ equity
Long-term debt
Total capital
As at
As at
December 31, 2015
December 31, 2014
$
1,894,100
559,347
2,453,447
$
1,902,697
307,392
2,210,089
Annual Report | 95 | December 31, 2015
DECEMBER 31, 2015 and 2014 [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] | NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 14 COMMITMENTS
LEASE COMMITMENTS
CI has entered into leases relating to the rental of office premises and computer equipment. CI has the option to renew
certain leases. The approximate future minimum annual rental payments under such leases are as follows:
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021 and thereafter
$
12,392
11,706
10,823
10,403
9,770
46,069
ADVISOR SERVICES AGREEMENTS
CI is a party to certain advisor services agreements, which provide that the advisor has the option to require CI to
purchase a practice that cannot otherwise be transitioned to a qualified buyer. The purchase price would be in accordance
with a pre-determined formula contained in the advisor services agreements.
INDEMNITIES
CI has agreed to indemnify its directors and officers, and certain of its employees in accordance with its by-laws. CI
maintains insurance policies that may provide coverage against certain claims.
Annual Report | 96 | December 31, 2015
DECEMBER 31, 2015 and 2014 [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] | NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 15 SEGMENTED INFORMATION
CI has two reportable segments: asset management and asset administration. These segments reflect CI’s internal financial
reporting and performance measurement.
The asset management segment includes the operating results and financial position of CI Investments, CI Private Counsel
LP, Marret and First Asset which derive their revenues principally from the fees earned on the management of several
families of mutual funds, segregated funds and exchange traded funds.
The asset administration segment includes the operating results and financial position of AWM and its subsidiaries,
including Assante Capital Management Ltd. and Assante Financial Management Ltd. These companies derive their
revenues principally from commissions and fees earned on the sale of mutual funds and other financial products, and
ongoing service to clients.
Segmented information as at and for the year ended December 31, 2015 is as follows:
Management fees
Administration fees
Other revenue
Total revenue
Selling, general and administrative
Trailer fees
Investment dealer fees
Amortization of deferred sales
commissions and intangibles
Other expenses
Total expenses
Income before income taxes
and non-segmented items
Interest expense
Provision for income taxes
Net income for the year
Identifiable assets
Indefinite life intangibles
Goodwill
Fund contracts
Total assets
Asset
Asset
Management
Administration
Intersegment
eliminations
$
$
1,787,854
—
41,203
1,829,057
305,608
577,888
—
149,840
23,850
1,057,186
—
296,869
21,942
318,811
66,848
—
242,853
2,203
8,054
319,958
$
—
(150,221)
—
(150,221)
—
(24,266)
(123,215)
(3,660)
—
(151,141)
771,871
(1,147)
920
Total
$
1,787,854
146,648
63,145
1,997,647
372,456
553,622
119,638
148,383
31,904
1,226,003
771,644
(14,078)
(204,948)
552,618
755,029
302,030
(9,196)
1,047,863
970,540
1,086,382
2,811,951
192,582
—
494,612
—
—
(9,196)
1,163,122
1,086,382
3,297,367
Annual Report | 97 | December 31, 2015
DECEMBER 31, 2015 and 2014 [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] | NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | Segmented information as at and for the year ended December 31, 2014 is as follows:
Asset
Asset
Management
Administration
Intersegment
eliminations
$
$
1,669,125
—
44,779
1,713,904
279,196
533,396
—
158,107
10,052
980,751
—
276,723
20,667
297,390
62,555
—
223,332
2,203
6,818
294,908
$
—
(135,377)
—
(135,377)
—
(21,786)
(110,134)
(3,770)
—
(135,690)
733,153
2,482
313
Total
$
1,669,125
141,346
65,446
1,875,917
341,751
511,610
113,198
156,540
16,870
1,139,969
735,948
(18,056)
(192,535)
525,357
560,572
329,481
(10,476)
879,577
944,726
999,082
2,504,380
192,582
—
522,063
—
—
(10,476)
1,137,308
999,082
3,015,967
Management fees
Administration fees
Other revenue
Total revenue
Selling, general and administrative
Trailer fees
Investment dealer fees
Amortization of deferred sales
commissions and intangibles
Other expenses
Total expenses
Income before income taxes
and non-segmented items
Interest expense
Provision for income taxes
Net income for the year
Identifiable assets
Indefinite life intangibles
Goodwill
Fund contracts
Total assets
Annual Report | 98 | December 31, 2015
DECEMBER 31, 2015 and 2014 [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] | NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 16 COMPENSATION OF KEY MANAGEMENT
The remuneration of directors and other key management personnel of CI during the years ended December 31, is as follows:
Salaries
Equity-based compensation
Total
17 SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE
2015
$
12,931
878
13,809
2014
$
12,752
1,188
13,940
Included in selling, general and administrative expenses [“SG&A”] are salaries and benefits of $200,091 for the year ended
December 31, 2015 [2014 – $182,647]. Also included in SG&A is depreciation of capital assets of $7,760 for the year ended
December 31, 2015 [2014 – $7,673]. Other SG&A of $164,605 for the year ended December 31, 2015, primarily includes
marketing, lease and information technology expenses as well as professional and regulatory fees [2014 – $151,431].
Annual Report | 99 | December 31, 2015
DECEMBER 31, 2015 and 2014 [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] | NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 18 FUTURE ACCOUNTING CHANGES
The following standards have been issued, but are not yet effective on the date of issuance of CI’s financial statements. CI
is currently evaluating the impact of the application of these standards on the financial statements and will adopt these
standards when they become effective.
IFRS 9:
IFRS 9 Financial Instruments (“IFRS 9”) was issued in July 2014 and will replace IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition
and Measurement (“IAS 39”). IFRS 9 provides a new approach for the classification of financial assets, which shall be based
on the cash flow characteristics of the asset and the business model of the portfolio in which the asset is held. This final
version includes requirements on: (1) Classification and measurement of financial assets and liabilities; (2) Impairment;
and (3) Hedge accounting. Accounting for macro hedging has been decoupled from IFRS 9 and will not be considered
and issued as a separate standard. For financial liabilities designated at fair value through profit or loss, IFRS 9 requires
the presentation of the effects of changes in the liability’s credit risk in OCI instead of net income. IFRS 9 is effective for
annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018. Retrospective application is required, but comparative information
is not compulsory.
IFRS 15:
IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“IFRS 15”) was issued in May 2014. IFRS 15 replaces prior guidance,
including IAS 18 Revenue. The principles in IFRS 15 provide a more structured approach to measuring and recognizing
revenue. The new guidance includes a five-step recognition and measurement approach, requirements for accounting of
contract costs, and enhanced quantitative and qualitative disclosure requirements. Under IFRS 15, revenue is recognized
at an amount that reflects the consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled in exchange for transferring goods
or services to a customer. The standard is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018 and is to be
applied retrospectively.
IFRS 16:
IFRS 16 Leases (“IFRS”) was issued in January 2016 and will replace the previous lease standard, IAS 17 Leases, and related
Interpretations. The new standard requires lessees to recognize assets and liabilities for most leases. IRFS 16 is effective
for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019.
Annual Report | 100 | December 31, 2015
DECEMBER 31, 2015 and 2014 [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] | NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | CORPORATE DIRECTORY |
CI Financial
DIRECTORS
Ronald D. Besse
President,
Besseco Holdings Inc.;
Director
Toronto, Ontario
Sonia A. Baxendale
Corporate Director,
Director
Toronto, Ontario
Paul W. Derksen
Corporate Director;
Lead Director
Clarksburg, Ontario
William T. Holland
Executive Chairman;
Director
Toronto, Ontario
Clay Horner
Co-Chair, Partner,
Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP;
Director
Toronto, Ontario
Stephen A. MacPhail
Chief Executive Officer,
CI Financial;
Director
Toronto, Ontario
David P. Miller
Chief Legal Officer and Secretary,
Rogers Communications Inc.;
Director
Toronto, Ontario
Stephen T. Moore
Managing Director,
Newhaven Asset Management Inc.;
Director
Toronto, Ontario
Tom P. Muir
Co-Managing Director,
Muir Detlefsen & Associates Limited;
Director
Toronto, Ontario
A. Winn Oughtred
Corporate Director;
Director
Toronto, Ontario
David J. Riddle
President,
C-Max Capital Inc.;
Director
Vancouver, B.C.
OFFICERS
Stephen A. MacPhail
Chief Executive Officer
CI Investments
EXECUTIVES
Derek J. Green
President
Sheila A. Murray
President,
General Counsel and Secretary
Douglas J. Jamieson
Executive Vice-President and
Chief Financial Officer
David C. Pauli
Executive Vice-President and
Chief Operating Officer
Douglas J. Jamieson
Executive Vice-President and
Chief Financial Officer
David C. Pauli
Executive Vice-President and
Chief Operating Officer
Sheila A. Murray
Executive Vice-President
Neal Kerr
President,
CI Institutional Asset Management and
Executive Vice-President,
Investment Management
Assante Wealth Management
EXECUTIVES
Steven J. Donald
President
James E. Ross
Senior Vice-President,
Wealth & Estate Planning
Robert J. Dorrell
Senior Vice-President,
Distribution Services
Annual Report | 101 | December 31, 2015
| CORPORATE INFORMATION |
Head Office
2 Queen Street East
Twentieth Floor
Toronto, Ontario M5C 3G7
Telephone: 416-364-1145
Toll Free: 1 800 268-9374
www.cifinancial.com
Administration Office
15 York Street
Second Floor
Toronto, Ontario M5J 0A3
Investor Relations
Contact: Douglas J. Jamieson,
Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer
Telephone: 416-364-1145
Toll Free: 1 800 268-9374
E-mail: investorrelations@ci.com
Normal Course Issuer Bid
Effective June 18, 2015, the Toronto Stock Exchange accepted CI’s notice of intention
to commence a normal course issuer bid (the “Notice”) through the facilities of the
Toronto Stock Exchange. Under the bid, CI may purchase up to 10,000,000 Shares
at the prevailing market price. Purchases under the bid will terminate no later than
June 17, 2016. As of March 31, 2016, CI has acquired an aggregate of 6,250,787
Shares under the normal course issuer bid at an average price of $30.26 per Share.
Shareholders may obtain a copy of the Notice, without charge, by contacting the
Corporate Secretary of CI. The Corporation intends to renew its Normal Course
Issuer Bid effective June 18, 2016, subject to receipt of approval from the Toronto
Stock Exchange.
Shareholder rights plan
The Corporation entered into an agreement (the “Rights Plan Agreement”) dated as of
May 1, 2014 with Computershare Investor Services Inc., as rights agent, in connection
with the adoption of a shareholder rights plan (the “Rights Plan”). The Rights Plan
Agreement supersedes and replaces the rights plan agreement of the Corporation
dated as of January 1, 2009 and was ratified and approved at the annual and special
meeting of shareholders on June 11, 2014. The Rights Plan will terminate at the close of
the annual meeting of shareholders in 2017. The Notice of Meeting and Management
Information Circular of the Corporation dated May 1, 2014 includes a summary of the
Rights Plan approved by the shareholders. The complete text may be found on SEDAR
at www.sedar.com.
Trading Symbol
CI Financial trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol “CIX”.
Digital Report
This Annual Report can be downloaded from CI’s website at www.cifinancial.com
under “Reports”.
Annual Meeting
This Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be held at 4 p.m. ET on June 9, 2016 at
15 York Street, Second Floor, Toronto.
Auditors
Ernst & Young LLP
Chartered Accountants
Toronto-Dominion Centre
P.O. Box 251
Toronto, Ontario M5K 1J7
Registrar and Transfer Agent
Computershare Investor Services Inc.
8th Floor, 100 University Avenue
Toronto, Ontario M5J 2Y1
Telephone: 1 800 564-6253
Annual Report | 102 | December 31, 2015
This Report contains forward-looking statements with respect to CI, including its business operations and strategy and financial
performance and condition. Although management believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are
reasonable, such statements involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by
such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause results to differ materially include, among other things, general economic
and market factors, including interest rates, business competition, changes in government regulations or in tax laws, and other factors
discussed in materials filed with applicable securities regulatory authorities from time to time.
1601-0115_E (04/16)