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CompX International Inc.

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FY2016 Annual Report · CompX International Inc.
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Annual | Financial Report 
December 31, 2016

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

About CI Financial                                                                                                           1

Ten-Year Historical Financial Highlights                                                                    2

Letter to Shareholders                                                                                                  4

Corporate Social Responsibility                                                                                15

Subsidiary Profiles                                                                                                        20

Management’s Discussion and Analysis                                                                   24

Consolidated Financial Statements                                                                         58

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                                                        64

Corporate Directory                                                                                                    99

Corporate Information                                                                                             100

Annual | Financial Report 
December 31, 2016

CI Financial Corp. is a diversified wealth management firm and one of Canada’s largest investment managers. Independent 

and Canadian-owned, CI provides a comprehensive selection of investment products and services. CI has $118 billion in assets 

under management and $38 billion in assets under advisement (at December 31, 2016). 

CI operates primarily through subsidiaries CI Investments Inc., Assante Wealth Management (Canada) Ltd., Stonegate Private 

Counsel LP, and First Asset Investment Management Inc., all of Toronto, and Grant Samuel Funds Management of Australia.  

CI Investments is one of the country’s largest investment managers and offers a wide selection of investment solutions and 

leading portfolio management teams. CI Institutional Asset Management serves the institutional marketplace.

Assante Wealth Management provides financial advisory services through 750 professional advisors across Canada. 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.

Grant  Samuel  Funds  Management  (GSFM)  manages  and  distributes  investment  strategies  and  products  to  Australian 

institutional  and  retail  investors.  GSFM  partners  with  high-calibre  local  and  international  investment  managers  to  offer 

differentiated mandates. 

CI  also  owns  a  majority  stake  in  Marret  Asset  Management  Inc.,  a  Toronto-based  fixed-income  investment  manager,  and 

minority 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 Financial Report  | 1 |  December 31, 2016

TEN-YEAR HISTORICAL FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

[In millions of dollars, except per share amounts]

(from continuing operations)

2016

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

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

Adjusted EBITDA*

Earnings per share

Adjusted EBITDA* per share

Dividends per share

117,889

38,235

156,124

(5,916)

1,748.7

199.6

1,948.3

396.8

540.2

321.1

1,258.0

187.3

503.0

879.0

1.86

3.24

1.36

111,124

34,552

145,676

102,886

31,874

134,761

91,090

28,766

119,856

75,723

24,586

100,309

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

1,669.1

206.8

1,875.9

341.8

511.6

305.0

1,432.6

184.1

1,616.7

314.5

429.2

290.7

1,239.2

1,158.4

1,034.4

204.9

553.5

940.4

1.99

3.37

1.30

192.5

525.0

894.5

1.85

3.15

1.19

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

Share price, end of year

Shares outstanding, end of year

28.87

265,302,141

30.60

32.29

35.35

24.93

21.10

22.50

22.00

14.50

28.07

26.72

31.03

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

’07

’08

’09

’10

’11

’12

’13

’14

’15

'16

40

35

30

25

20

15

10

5

0

’07

’08

’09

’10

’11

’12

’13

’14

’15

'16

2.5

2.0

1.5

1.0

0.5

0.0

’07

’08

’09

’10

’11

’12

’13

’14

’15

’16

† Includes assets in CI and United funds and held by clients of advisors with Assante and Stonegate. 
* Adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization) is not a standardized earnings measure prescribed by IFRS.  
A description of this non-IFRS measure and a reconciliation to IFRS is provided in the “Non-IFRS Measures” section on page 30 of this report.

Annual Financial Report  | 2 |  December 31, 2016

(from continuing operations)

2016

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

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

Share price, end of year

Shares outstanding, end of year

28.87

265,302,141

30.60

32.29

35.35

24.93

21.10

22.50

22.00

14.50

28.07

26.72

31.03

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

Net sales of funds

Management fees

Other income

Total revenues

Trailer fees

Other expenses

Total expenses

Income taxes

Selling, general and administrative

Net income attributable to shareholders

Adjusted EBITDA*

Earnings per share

Adjusted EBITDA* per share

Dividends per share

117,889

38,235

156,124

(5,916)

1,748.7

199.6

1,948.3

396.8

540.2

321.1

1,258.0

187.3

503.0

879.0

1.86

3.24

1.36

1,787.9

209.8

1,997.6

1,669.1

206.8

1,875.9

1,432.6

184.1

1,616.7

1,277.7

180.1

1,457.8

1,239.2

1,158.4

1,034.4

372.5

553.6

313.1

204.9

553.5

940.4

1.99

3.37

1.30

341.8

511.6

305.0

192.5

525.0

894.5

1.85

3.15

1.19

314.5

429.2

290.7

155.9

426.4

769.6

1.50

2.71

1.07

286.0

374.0

294.0

954.0

151.6

352.2

703.6

1.24

2.48

0.96

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

’07

’08

’09

’10

’11

’12

’13

’14

’15

’16

2.5

2.0

1.5

1.0

0.5

0.0

’07

’08

’09

’10

’11

’12

’13

’14

’15

’16

3.5

3.0

2.5

2.0

1.5

1.0

0.5

0.0

’07

’08

’09

’10

’11

’12

’13

’14

’15

’16

Annual Financial Report  | 3 |  December 31, 2016

DEAR SHAREHOLDERS,

Your company recorded many successes in 2016. Assets under management reached an all-time high, free cash flow was at 

near-record levels, we significantly increased the cash returned to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks, and 

we acquired a fast-growing Australian fund company. In addition to these highlights, we made numerous improvements 

across our operations. 

All of this was done in the face of an increasingly challenging and competitive environment. Headwinds during the year 

included: ongoing regulatory changes; a surprise decision by the federal government to end a longstanding tax benefit of 

corporate class mutual funds; slowing industry sales; intensifying pressure on fees; and the growth of passive investment 

strategies and robo-advisors.

It’s a long list of challenges. But if you know CI, you know that much of our success results from our ability to anticipate 

change  and  willingness  to  take  the  steps  necessary  to  adapt  while  prudently  managing  the  finances  of  the  company.  

We  recognize  that  an  accelerated  pace  of  change  is  the  “new  normal”  for  today.  In  2016,  we  undertook  to  reposition  

our strategy and our company to ensure that CI continues to be a leader in our industry and in creating value for you,  

our shareholders.

We are re-examining all aspects of how we operate our business to achieve efficiencies and make it easier for our clients 

to do business with us. We are reinvesting in our business in areas such as portfolio management, sales, marketing, product 

development, and technology. Some of these initiatives will be described later in this letter. 

We have focused our corporate strategy on continuing to build CI as a global asset manager based in Canada. To achieve 

this, we will build and strengthen our Canadian franchise while taking advantage of attractive foreign opportunities. Our 

purchase of Grant Samuel Funds Management (GSFM) of Australia in November 2016 was part of this strategy. We see 

exceptional potential in GSFM, and continue to seek acquisitions outside of Canada. 

Annual Financial Report  | 4 |  December 31, 2016

 
 
LETTER TO SHAREHOLDERS

CI is well positioned to take advantage of evolving opportunities in Canada and globally. We have the benefit of scale and 

financial strength, an exceptional lineup of portfolio management teams, a diverse lineup of businesses and products, and 

a deep presence in multiple distribution channels. These advantages are solid foundations for the continued development 

and growth of CI.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 

CI set new records for assets under management and average assets under management during the year. Assets under 

management  at  December  31,  2016  were  $117.9  billion,  up  $6.8  billion  or  6%  from  a  year  earlier.  Average  assets  under 

management for the year were $110.9 billion, up 2% from 2015. The growth in average assets was due to fund performance 

and the acquisition of GSFM. 

Assets under advisement, which represent the assets held by clients of Assante Wealth Management and Stonegate Private 

Counsel, also reached a new high in 2016 and were $38.2 billion as of December 31. This was a year-over-year increase of  

$3.7 billion or 11%, a rate of growth that significantly outperformed the overall industry and Assante’s competitors.

Gross sales of funds in 2016 were $13.0 billion and net redemptions were $5.9 billion. This compares to gross and net sales 

of  $15.4  billion  and  $3.4  billion,  respectively,  during  the  previous  year.  The  downturn  took  place  in  an  environment  of 

heightened market volatility and uncertainty that affected fund flows. As reported by the Investment Funds Institute of 

Canada, industry net sales of mutual funds were down 50% over 2015. Furthermore, a significant portion of our redemptions 

resulted from decisions by three large institutional clients to move accounts, primarily to their own in-house portfolio 

management teams. Despite the size of these accounts, their low fees meant that the redemptions did not have a material 

impact on our results. 

Annual Financial Report  | 5 |  December 31, 2016

Net income was $503.0 million, down 9% from $553.5 million in the previous year. Earnings per share were $1.86, a decline 

of 7% from $1.99 in the previous year. After adjusting for various items (as described later in Management’s Discussion 

and  Analysis),  net  income  was  $532.1  million,  a  decline  of  6%,  while  adjusted  earnings  per  share  were  $1.96  per  share, 

representing a decline of 3%. Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses increased in 2016, reflecting the addition 

of First Asset’s SG&A for a full year, as well as strategic investments made to enhance our competitiveness and grow our 

business. As always, we continue to closely monitor our spending. SG&A expenses as a percentage of average assets under 

administration were 35.5 basis points in the fourth quarter of 2016, approximately the same level as in the third quarter of 

2016 and the fourth quarter of 2015.

CI continues to generate high levels of cash, with free cash flow of $604.7 million in 2016, compared $606.4 million in the 

previous year. CI returned more than 100% of free cash flow to shareholders in 2016 through the payment of $368.7 million in 

dividends and $290.9 million in share repurchases. This compares to dividend payments of $362.2 million and share buybacks 

of $243.6 million in 2015. We increased the dividend per share by 5% during 2016 to $0.115 per month, or $1.38 per year.

We  increased  CI’s  net  debt  by  $140  million  during  the  year  to  finance  the  higher  payout  as  well  as  the  acquisition  of 

GSFM. CI’s net debt of $572.9 million as of December 31, 2016 amounts to 63% of adjusted earnings before interest, tax, 

depreciation and amortization (EBITDA), a level that leaves CI with the capacity for further debt financing.

CI  remains  committed  to  returning  free  cash  to  shareholders.  From  our  initial  public  offering  in  June  1994  to  

December  31,  2016,  CI  has  returned  a  total  of  $6.1  billion  to  shareholders,  consisting  of  $4.3  billion  in  dividends  and 

distributions and $1.8 billion in share repurchases. Over the same period, CI shares have provided a cumulative total return 

of 4,141%, for a compound annual growth rate of 18% – dramatically outperforming the broad Canadian stock market, as 

well as its financial services sub-index. 

Annual Financial Report  | 6 |  December 31, 2016

 
Uses of Free Cash Flow ($Millions)

700

600

500

400

300

200

100

–

Buybacks

Debt Reduction

Dividends

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

CI Financial Historical Performance – Total Returns From IPO To December 31, 2016

5,000

4,500

4,000

3,500

3,000

2,500

2,000

1,500

1,000

500

100
0

CIX +4,141%

TSX Financial Services Index
+1,933%

S&P/TSX Composite Index
+525%

June 1994

Source: CI, Bloomberg.

December 31, 2016

Annual Financial Report  | 7 |  December 31, 2016

INVESTING IN GROWTH 

CI Investments

In 2016, CI made further investments to foster growth and development in all aspects of our operations. At CI Investments, 

we  bolstered  our  support  for  advisors  through  the  appointment  of  new  leadership  for  our  retail  sales  team  and  by 

increasing the number of wholesalers and sales support staff across Canada. One of CI’s strengths is the solid partnerships 

we have built with advisors over the years and we continue to build on and expand those relationships. In addition to 

day-to-day support, we provide advisors with added value through our specialized Strategic Business Development and 

Tax,  Retirement  and  Estate  Planning  teams,  and  through  numerous  professional  development  events.  These  included 

our flagship conference, the Leadership Forum, a three-day educational conference for advisors that CI has held for six 

consecutive years. 

A strong brand is crucial in supporting confidence in our company and investment solutions among advisors and investors. 

CI Investments built its brand awareness through a national advertising campaign in 2016, delivered through television, 

radio and online media. 

CI Investments continued to enhance its portfolio management capabilities by adding staff to its four in-house portfolio 

management teams. CI operates a “multi-boutique” portfolio management model, under which it retains the services of 

18 investment teams representing a diverse selection of investment styles and mandates, each operating independently of 

one another. CI’s in-house teams are Signature Global Asset Management, Cambridge Global Asset Management, Harbour 

Advisors, and CI Multi-Asset Management. CI also owns a majority interest in Marret Asset Management and minority 

interests in Altrinsic Global Advisors and Lawrence Park Asset Management. CI seeks to provide investors with consistent 

above-average risk-adjusted returns over the long term. As of December 31, 2016, more than 60% of CI Investments’ assets 

under management were in the top two quartiles for 10-year returns, according to Morningstar.

Annual Financial Report  | 8 |  December 31, 2016

 
CI INVESTMENTS – BOUTIQUE MULTI-MANAGER APPROACH

CI employs other sub-advisors not listed above.

Annual Financial Report  | 9 |  December 31, 2016

CI Institutional Asset Management 

CI Institutional Asset Management (CIIAM), a division of CI Investments that serves pensions, foundations and endowments 

and other institutional investors, secured 20 new mandates in 2016 representing over $1 billion in new business. The team has 

put additional resources into business development and is participating in a significant number of new business opportunities. 

CIIAM offers a diverse multi-manager, multi-product lineup that includes balanced, equity and bond mandates, as well as a 

family of target-date and target-risk funds. CIIAM continues to develop its lineup and in December 2016 launched a global 

private real estate fund, which indirectly invests in an open-ended fund managed by CBRE Global Investment Partners Limited 

with direct investments in over 1,900 properties in North America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. The new fund fills a 

unique niche in the Canadian market by providing Canadian high net worth and institutional investors with exposure to a 

global property portfolio managed by one of the world’s leading real estate services and investment companies.

AWARD-WINNING EXPERTISE
CI’s portfolio managers received the following industry recognition for their performance and expertise for 2016  

Lipper Fund Awards
• 

 Two awards to funds managed by 
Cambridge Global Asset Management 
and CI Multi-Asset Management

FundGrade A+ Awards 
• 

 Five funds managed by Cambridge  
Global Asset Management
 Three funds managed by First Asset 
Investment Management
 One fund managed by CI Multi-Asset 
Management
 Seventeen segregated funds managed  
by CI Investments

• 

• 

• 

Annual Financial Report  | 10 |  December 31, 2016

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. These businesses posted exceptional net 

sales in 2016, outpacing the industry and contributing to 11% growth in assets under advisement, which reached $38.2 billion as 

of year-end.

This growth is being driven by our focus on expanding our presence in the mass affluent and high net worth markets, 

our continued investment in building a robust dealer platform, and our commitment to offering comprehensive wealth 

planning  that  integrates  all  aspects  of  clients’  financial  lives,  including  investment  management,  risk  management  and 

estate, tax and insurance planning. This approach is supported by an in-house team of accountants, lawyers and other 

specialists and is designed to meet the needs of Canadians with increasingly complex financial circumstances.

TopGun Investment Minds  
(Brendan Wood International survey)
• 

 Signature Global Asset Management:  
Stephane Champagne, Malcolm White,  
Hoa Hong, and Jeremy Yeung
 Cambridge Global Asset Management:  
Brandon Snow, Greg Dean, and Stephen Groff

• 

•  First Asset Investment Management: Manash Goswami
 CI Investments was also ranked as the number two 
• 
TopGun Investment Team of the year

Annual Financial Report  | 11 |  December 31, 2016

We  continue  to  be  successful  in  attracting  high  net  worth  investors,  as  clients  who  have  invested  $500,000  or  more 

now account for $24.7 billion or 65% of assets, up from 62% a year ago. Our growth was supported in 2016 through a 

national advertising campaign that created awareness of the Assante brand and value proposition. The campaign centred 

on Assante’s ability to offer complete financial advice. 

Investments  in  technology  and  digital  services  are  key  to  strengthening  our  dealer  platform  and  safeguarding  client 

information. In 2016, our initiatives included the launch of an enhanced investor website (InvestorOnline), a new corporate 

website (Assante.com), new client reporting tools, a streamlined new account opening process, and an online client portal 

that allows clients to send documents to advisors safely and securely.

Assante has put an increased emphasis on attracting new advisors in recent years and 2016 was our best year for recruitment 

since  2008.  Our  investment  in  technology,  branding  and  integrated  wealth  planning  is  appealing  to  many  established 

advisors who are seeking a stable partner that will support the growth of their businesses.

As the advisory business adjusts to ongoing regulatory changes, Assante and its advisors are well positioned to benefit due 

to our leadership in fee disclosure and delivering value to clients through our complete approach to wealth management. 

First Asset 

First Asset, which was acquired by CI in November 2015, posted growth in assets under management of 14% to $3.4 billion 

in 2016. First Asset’s exchange-traded fund (ETF) business expanded by 35% year over year, outperforming the asset growth 

rate of the overall Canadian ETF industry.

During the year, First Asset added 15 ETFs to its lineup, including five corporate class ETFs, four smart beta ETFs and six 

actively  managed  ETFs.  As  part  of  our  efforts  to  achieve  synergies  between  First  Asset  and  other  CI  companies,  the 

portfolio managers selected for the new actively managed ETFs included CI Investments teams Signature Global Asset 

Management, Cambridge Global Asset Management and Marret Asset Management.  

Annual Financial Report  | 12 |  December 31, 2016

First Asset has expanded its reach into the IIROC (Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada) channel of 

advisors, steadily growing its client base over the year. Expertise in ETFs and portfolio construction are highly valued by 

advisors, and First Asset is well positioned to deliver both. Marketing efforts continue to focus on the opportunities and 

benefits available to advisors through ETFs.

Grant Samuel Funds Management (GSFM)

In November 2016, CI acquired an 80% stake in Australia-based GSFM, a manager and distributor of investment products in 

the Australian and New Zealand markets with A$6.5 billion in assets under management. A 20% share was retained by GSFM 

management. The firm distributes a diverse lineup of domestic and global mandates managed by boutique investment teams 

based in Australia and the United States. GSFM owns a minority stake in one of those teams, Tribeca Investment Partners.  

The purchase is part of our strategy of expanding our global asset management operations and allows us to partner with 

experienced and highly regarded managers who are remaining invested in the business. GSFM has posted rapid growth 

since its founding in 2007, and has developed national distribution in both retail and institutional markets. 

Although Australia is a very competitive market, it offers exceptional potential for growth partly because of its mandatory 

retirement savings plan. Australia is the world’s fifth-largest pension market and has the second-highest growth rate among 

the top 10 markets over the last 10 years, according to a 2016 study by Willis Towers Watson. CI is supporting GSFM in 

pursuing its strategies for growth, with options such as new products being considered for 2017.

OUTLOOK

As we enter a new year, U.S. and Canadian stock markets have hit record highs in response to prospects for improved global 

growth and pro-business policies by the new U.S. administration. At the same time, political developments in the United 

States and Europe have led to elevated uncertainty for the global business community and, potentially, financial markets.

Annual Financial Report  | 13 |  December 31, 2016

As we said at the start of this letter, we understand that the pace of change today is accelerating and only those businesses 

that are willing and able to evolve and adapt will continue to thrive. In 2016, your company undertook a strategic review with 

the goals of addressing short-term challenges and positioning the company for continued long-term success. CI’s advantages 

include an exceptional lineup of portfolio management teams with solid track records, as well as deep expertise in product 

development,  with  several  new  products  planned  for  2017  to  meet  the  changing  needs  of  our  clients.  We  have  multiple 

distribution platforms, starting with CI Investments and its excellent relationships with retail advisors across Canada. Assante 

and Stonegate are performing very well and constitute one of Canada’s pre-eminent advisory businesses for high net worth 

families  and  business  owners.  CIIAM  has  an  experienced  team  and  the  product  lineup  to  drive  further  growth.  We  have 

entered the fast-growing ETF market with an established leader in factor-based and actively managed ETFs. We are positioning 

the company to take advantage of the growth opportunities in global markets through the acquisition of GSFM of Australia. 

Finally, CI’s financial strength and our longstanding commitment to the efficient operation of the company provide us with 

the resources to invest in the growth of the firm and the continued creation of value for shareholders. We are very excited 

about the future of the company and firmly believe that the asset management business offers exciting opportunities for 

growth and CI is well positioned to exploit them.

We thank our shareholders for their trust in our firm, and we are grateful to our business partners for their support and 

our employees for their hard work. 

Sincerely,

William T. Holland 

Executive Chairman 

Peter W. Anderson 

Chief Executive Officer 

FEBRUARY 15, 2017

Annual Financial Report  | 14 |  December 31, 2016

 
 
 
 
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 

• 

 CI  Financial  believes  that  it  is  important  that  a  substantial  majority  of  its  Board 

of  Directors  be  independent  of  management.  All  members  of  the  CI  Board  are 

independent, other than CI’s Chief Executive Officer and Executive Chairman. 

• 

 All directors, officers and employees of CI Financial and its subsidiaries and affiliates 

are governed by the CI Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, which requires them 

to follow the highest standards of integrity and ethical business conduct.

• 

 The Board of Directors pays special attention to the issue of governance and risk 

management  at  CI  through  the  board’s  Governance  and  Risk  Committee.  The 

committee’s mandate is to develop the company’s approach to governance issues 

and oversee the corporate governance process, including risk management policies 

and procedures.

• 

 CI also upholds principles, policies and procedures that promote integrity and ensure 

compliance with applicable laws and regulations in specialized areas of the company. 

These include policies addressing money laundering, bribery and corruption, personal 

trading by portfolio managers and other employees, and sales practices. 

• 

 CI also maintains a whistleblower policy under which employees may anonymously 

submit complaints or concerns to senior management or to the Board’s Lead Director.

Annual Financial Report  | 15 |  December 31, 2016

RESPONSIBLE INVESTING

• 

 In  February  2017,  CI  Investments  finalized  a  Responsible  Investment  Policy  that 

addresses  the  integration  of  environmental,  social  and  corporate  governance 

(ESG) factors into its investment decision-making process. As part of this initiative,  

CI Investments became a signatory to the United Nations-supported Principles for 

Responsible Investing (UNPRI).

• 

 CI  Investments  is  dedicated  to  achieving  the  best  possible  risk-adjusted  returns 

for our funds and believes that responsible investing can play an important role in 

achieving that goal. CI Investments’ in-house portfolio management teams, which 

include Signature Global Asset Management, Cambridge Global Asset Management, 

Harbour Advisors, and CI Multi-Asset Management, are implementing the principles. 

• 

 The  Responsible  Investment  Policy  does  not  specifically  prohibit  our  portfolio 

managers from investing in any particular company or sector – with one exception. In 

recognition of the broad-based international consensus concerning anti-personnel 

landmines and cluster munitions, CI Investments will not knowingly directly invest 

in companies associated with the production, use or distribution of anti-personnel 

land mines or cluster munitions.  

In-house portfolio management teams implementing the principles:

Annual Financial Report  | 16 |  December 31, 2016

ENVIRONMENT

• 

 CI  has  significantly  reduced  the  amount  of  printed  materials  in  its  client 

communications  and  we  continue  to  pursue  opportunities  to  further  reduce 

the  volume  of  paper  we  use.  These  initiatives  include  the  electronic  delivery  of 

statements, transaction confirmations and tax documents, and approximately 20% 

of  CI  Investments  and  Assante  clients  who  receive  these  documents  have  opted 

for  this  service.  In  another  example,  CI  Investments’  fund  disclosure  documents 

(financial statements and management reports of fund performance) are sent only 

to those clients who have requested a paper copy. 

• 

 CI  Financial  utilizes  the  notice  and  access  mechanism  which  allows  CI  to  post 

electronic  versions  of  proxy-related  materials  online,  rather  than  mailing  paper 

copies of such materials to its shareholders.

• 

 CI  promotes  recycling  throughout  its  operations.  In  co-operation  with  building 

management  and  suppliers,  we  recycle  waste  paper,  plastics  and  other  materials, 

including  computers,  monitors  and  other  electronic  equipment,  and  the  one-use 

capsules used in our coffee machines. In 2016, we recycled over 237,000 capsules, 

resulting in the recovery of 483 kilograms of aluminum. We also switched to paper 

coffee cups that are both recyclable and compostable.

• 

 In  2016,  CI  undertook  a  retrofit  program  in  which  we  are  replacing  lightbulbs 

throughout our offices with more energy-efficient LED lights. 

• 

 Also  in  2016,  CI  established  the  CI  Green  Committee,  an  employee  group  with  a 

mandate  to  foster  a  more  sustainable  workplace  through  initiatives  in  the  areas  of 

waste reduction, energy use, transportation and education. Accomplishments during 

the  year  included  a  survey  of  employees  about  their  environmental  concerns,  the 

implementation of a used battery collection program, and an end to the purchase of 

single-use plastic water bottles for use by staff. 

Annual Financial Report  | 17 |  December 31, 2016

EMPLOYEE DEVELOPMENT

• 

 CI provides extensive training and learning opportunities to its employees, as well as 

supporting employees who pursue education and training on their own initiative.

• 

 Our  training  initiatives  include  the  Management  Development  Program,  which 

provides  front-line  managers  with  an  assessment,  development  plan,  and  a  core 

curriculum  of  six  courses  that  support  CI’s  management  competencies.  Online 

refresher courses are also available to these employees.

• 

 To  assist  senior  managers  in  supporting  their  front-line  managers,  CI  provides  a 

program called Reinforcing Leadership Development.  

• 

 We continue to expand our Women’s Mentorship Program, which is designed to 

identify and foster future leadership potential as well as support the exchange of 

valuable information and experiences among the mentors and their mentees. The 

program  also  provides  an  important  opportunity  for  networking  and  continuing 

education to a large group of female employees. Since its launch in 2012 to the end 

of the 2016, the program has matched 59 women employees with mentors. For 2017, 

26 new mentees and 14 new mentors were added to the program.

• 

 To build on the success of that program, CI will launch a broader-based mentoring 

program in 2017 that will be available to both men and women. 

• 

 CI  has  received  Great  Place  to  Work®  Certification,  which  recognizes  organizations 

with high-performing workplace cultures. Certification is based on an independent and 

credible evaluation methodology that takes actual employee feedback into account.

• 

 To recognize the contributions of long-serving employees, CI introduced the Service 

Recognition Program in 2016. Employees are awarded “milestone days” – additional paid 

time off – once they reach certain anniversaries of employment with the company.

• 

 We provide opportunities for students to gain experience and exposure to the working 

world. CI maintains a strong summer student program and hired over 60 students for 

the summer of 2016. Activities included an “innovation challenge” in which the students 

were allotted time to work in teams on business cases. The student teams presented 

their recommendations to senior executives at the end of the summer. CI also has a 

formal Grade Nine Take Your Kids to Work Day program.

Annual Financial Report  | 18 |  December 31, 2016

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

• 

 CI  provides  extensive  support  to  Canadian  charitable  organizations.  In  2016,  CI 

directly  donated  $202,000  to  causes  that  included  the  OneWalk  to  Conquer 

Cancer,  Holland  Bloorview  Kids  Rehabilitation  Hospital,  SickKids  Foundation, 

Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, KidSport 

Ontario, Camp Quality Canada, and Motionball 

• 

 Our employees enthusiastically devote their time to numerous worthy causes, with 

company  support.  In  addition  to  the  charities  noted  above,  CI  employees  raised 

money  for  organizations  that  included  the  Canadian  Red  Cross  (Alberta  wildfire 

relief), Camp Oochigeas, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, Operation 

Christmas Child, and Unicef (Syrian crisis). 

• 

 CI donated another $283,000 in 2016 to charities supported by our business partners, 

who include advisors working across Canada. 

• 

 In 2017, CI launched the Ray Day Program, in which eligible employees are allowed to 

use one workday per year to volunteer at a registered charity. The program is named 

in honour of the late G. Raymond Chang, who was known for his generosity and 

philanthropy. Mr. Chang served as CEO and Chairman during his three decades at CI.

SUBSIDIARY PROFILES 

CI INVESTMENTS INC 

CI Investments is one of Canada’s largest investment management companies, with approximately $108 billion in assets 

under management (at December 31, 2016) on behalf of two million Canadians. We are known for our comprehensive and 

high-quality selection of investment products and services and a diverse 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 investment solutions 

and services. Our brands include CI, Black Creek, Cambridge, Harbour, Lawrence Park, Marret, Signature, Synergy, Portfolio 

Series,  Portfolio  Select  Series,  CI  LifeCycle  Portfolios,  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,  which  include  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 Multi-Asset Management. CI and its managers have been recognized through 43 Morningstar Awards 

over the past 15 years, as well as 56 Lipper Fund Awards and 135 FundGrade A+ Awards.

Annual Financial Report  | 20 |  December 31, 2016

ASSANTE WEALTH MANAGEMENT (CANADA) LIMITED

Assante  Wealth  Management  is  one  of  Canada’s  largest  professional  services  firms  in  wealth  management,  supporting 

750  advisors  who  oversee  approximately  $38  billion  in  assets  (at  December  31,  2016)  for  300,000  clients  and  their  

families nationwide. 

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 Financial Report  | 21 |  December 31, 2016

FIRST ASSET INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT INC 

First Asset is an established leader in exchange-traded funds in the Canadian marketplace with $3.4 billion in assets under 

management in ETFs, as well as closed-end funds and mutual funds (at December 31, 2016).

First Asset’s focus is on delivering better risk-adjusted returns than the broad market through a comprehensive suite of 

smart beta and actively managed ETF solutions. First Asset has a track record of introducing market-leading investment 

methodologies and 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 and extending into multi-factor ETF solutions.  

The First Asset team works closely with index providers and our portfolio managers to support financial advisors. First 

Asset provides information about the firm’s products and offers bespoke support and solutions in portfolio construction 

that integrates ETFs. First Asset uses best-in-class portfolio software and analytics to assist advisors in optimizing their 

portfolios to help achieve their clients’ financial goals. 

An  increasingly  competitive  landscape  –  including  a  growing  number  of  providers  and  products,  and  record  asset  

levels – demonstrates the interest in ETFs by advisors and their clients. First Asset is well positioned as an expert in ETFs 

and for continued growth and leadership in the industry.   

Annual Financial Report  | 22 |  December 31, 2016

GRANT SAMUEL FUNDS MANAGEMENT

Grant Samuel Funds Management (GSFM) is a leading manager and distributor of investment funds to Australian and New 

Zealand institutional and Australian retail investors. Since its founding in 2007, the firm has experienced rapid growth and 

today manages approximately A$6.5 billion in assets (as of December 31, 2016). 

GSFM partners with high-calibre investment managers in Australia and overseas to offer unique investment strategies to 

the Australian market. We have formed relationships with four investment managers – Epoch Investment Partners of New 

York,  Payden  &  Rygel  of  Los  Angeles,  and  Australian-based  managers  Tribeca  Investment  Partners  and  Triple3  Partners. 

Each offers a differentiated investment strategy in their specialist asset classes. These mandates span Australian equities, 

global equities, global macro, fixed income and volatility. GSFM holds a minority interest in Tribeca Investment Partners, a 

boutique manager that has been investing clients’ funds since 1999.

CI Financial holds 80% of GSFM, and GSFM management owns 20%.

Annual Financial Report  | 23 |  December 31, 2016

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION &  
ANALYSIS | December 31, 2016 

CI FINANCIAL CORP 

Annual Financial Report  | 24 |  December 31, 2016

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 % change 

% change 

As at and for the quarters ended

quarter- 

over- 

Dec. 31, 2016

Sep. 30, 2016

Jun. 30, 2016 Mar. 31, 2016 Dec. 31, 2015

quarter

117,889
38,235
156,124

112,513
37,214
149,727

109,594
35,465
145,059

108,715
34,566
143,281

111,124
34,552
145,676

[ millions of dollars,  
except share amounts]

Assets under management   
Assets under advisement 
Total assets

Average assets  

   under management   

114,780

112,256

108,994

107,321

108,688

Management fees 
Total revenues   
Selling, general & administrative
Trailer fees   
Net income attributable  

   to shareholders
Adjusted net income1

Basic earnings per share 
Adjusted earnings per share1
Diluted earnings per share

Adjusted EBITDA1 
Adjusted EBITDA1 per share

448.6
506.3
102.4
138.3

121.0
140.6

0.45
0.53
0.45

226.9
0.85

446.1
495.4
99.9
138.1

136.8
136.8

0.51
0.51
0.51

225.3
0.83

429.3
475.9
98.1
132.7

128.6
128.6

0.47
0.47
0.47

214.1
0.79

424.8
470.6
96.4
131.1

116.6
126.1

0.42
0.46
0.42

212.7
0.77

444.8
493.5
96.9
137.7

127.2
137.0

0.46
0.50
0.46

228.2
0.83

Return on equity2 

27.9%

27.7%

27.7%

28.0%

29.2%

Dividends recorded per share
Dividend yield

0.345
4.8%

0.345
5.5%

0.340
5.1%

0.330
4.6%

0.330
4.3%

Average shares outstanding
Shares outstanding 

266,522,492
265,302,141

270,112,737
267,712,433

272,729,344
271,181,255

275,228,783
273,853,707

276,031,411
276,026,778

Share price
High
Low
Close
Increase (decrease) in share price
Total shareholder return
Market capitalization
P/E Ratio (adjusted earnings)2

Long-term debt (including  

   the current portion) 
Net debt1  
Net debt to adjusted EBITDA1 

29.94
23.52
28.87
14.7%
16.2%
7,659
14.7

758.7
572.9
0.63

27.84
24.51
25.17
(6.6%)
(5.3%)
6,738
13.0

675.7
520.7
0.58

29.13
26.02
26.95
(6.1%)
(4.9%)
7,308
13.9

623.6
510.4
0.59

30.99
25.76
28.70
(6.2%)
(5.1%)
7,860
14.5

613.5
493.1
0.58

32.44
29.48
30.60
1.0%
2.1%
8,446
15.1

559.3
433.1
0.48

year- 

over- 

year

6
11
7

6

1
3
6
—

(5)
3

(2)
6
(2)

(1)
2

(4)

5

5
3
4

2

1
2
3
—

(12)
3

(12)
4
(12)

1
2

1

—

12
10
9

36
32
31

1  Adjusted net income, EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA and net debt are not standardized earnings measures prescribed by IFRS. Descriptions of 
these non-IFRS measures, as well as others, and reconciliations to the nearest IFRS measure, where necessary, are provided in the “Non-
IFRS Measures” section of this MD&A.

2  Trailing 12 months

Annual Financial Report  | 25 |  December 31, 2016

This  Management’s  Discussion  and  Analysis  (“MD&A”)  dated  February  16,  2017  presents  an  analysis  of  the  financial 
position of CI Financial Corp. and its subsidiaries (“CI”) as at December 31, 2016, compared with December 31, 2015, and 
the results of operations for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2016, compared with the quarter and year ended 
December 31, 2015 and the quarter ended September 30, 2016.

CI’s consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards 
(“IFRS”)  as  issued  by  the  International  Accounting  Standards  Board.  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”) and Grant Samuel Funds Management Pty Limited 
(“GSFM”).  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. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as “believe”, 
“expect”,  “foresee”,  “forecast”,  “anticipate”,  “intend”,  “estimate”,  “goal”,  “plan”  and  “project”  and  similar  expressions  of 
future or conditional verbs such as “will”, “may”, “should”, “could” or “would”. 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 Management” 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. CI believes that these financial measures 
provide information that is useful to investors in understanding CI’s performance and facilitate a comparison of quarterly 
and full year results from period to period. Descriptions of these non-IFRS measures and reconciliations to the nearest 
IFRS measure, 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 Financial Report  | 26 |  December 31, 2016

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

                 Fiscal Years Ending December 31

2016

2015

2014

$1,948.3

$1,997.6

$1,875.9

1,258.3

$690.0

187.3

(0.2)

$503.0

1,240.1

$757.6

204.9

(0.9)

$553.5

1,158.0

$717.9

192.5

0.3

$525.0

Adjusted net income1

$532.1

$563.7

$520.0

Basic earnings per share
Adjusted earnings per share1

Diluted earnings per share

Dividends recorded per share

Adjusted EBITDA1

Total assets

Gross debt
Net debt1

Average shares outstanding

Shares outstanding

Share price

Market capitalization

$1.86

$1.96

$1.85

$1.36

$1.99

$2.02

$1.98

$1.30

$1.85

$1.83

$1.84

$1.19

$879.0

$940.4

$894.5

$3,458.7

$758.7

$572.9

271.1

265.3

$28.87

$7,659

$3,297.4

$559.3

$433.1

278.8

276.0

$30.60

$8,446

$3,016.0

$307.4

$185.2

283.7

281.7

$32.29

$9,096

1  Adjusted net income, adjusted earnings per share, adjusted EBITDA and net debt are not standardized earnings 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 Financial Report  | 27 |  December 31, 2016

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSISTABLE 2: SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY RESULTS

[ millions of dollars, except per share amounts]

2016

2015

Q4

Q3

Q2

Q1

Q4

Q3

Q2

Q1

INCOME STATEMENT DATA

Management fees

Administration fees

Other revenues

Total revenues

448.6

446.1

429.3

424.8

444.8

449.4

453.8

439.9

43.2

14.5

38.8

10.5

37.7

8.9

36.6

9.2

36.6

12.1

36.0

13.6

37.8

12.6

36.2

24.9

506.3

495.4

475.9

470.6

493.5

499.0

504.2

501.0

Selling, general & administrative

Trailer fees

Investment dealer fees

Amortization of deferred sales commissions

Interest expense

Other expenses

Total expenses

102.4
138.3

35.6
28.4

4.6

32.2

99.9
138.1

31.9
30.0

4.0

2.8

98.1
132.7

30.7
31.5

3.7

2.8

96.4
131.1

29.9
32.9

3.8

16.4

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

341.4

306.7

299.6

310.5

316.9

303.5

311.6

308.1

Income before income taxes

164.9

188.7

176.3

160.1

176.6

195.5

192.7

192.9

Income taxes

Non-controlling interest

43.7

0.2

51.9

(0.1)

47.8

(0.1)

43.8

(0.3)

49.6

(0.2)

52.7

(0.1)

53.5

0.2

49.2

(0.9)

Net income attributable to shareholders

121.0

136.8

128.6

116.6

127.2

142.8

138.9

144.5

Earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

0.45

0.45

0.51

0.51

0.47

0.47

0.42

0.42

0.46

0.46

0.51

0.51

0.50

0.50

0.51

0.51

Dividends recorded per share

0.345

0.345

0.340

0.330

0.330

0.330

0.325

0.315

Annual Financial Report  | 28 |  December 31, 2016

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. 
CI also has asset management operations in Australia and New Zealand through its subsidiary GSFM. CI’s products 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. Several acquisitions of fund management 
companies  and  years  of  product  innovation  and  development  have  allowed  CI  to  offer  investors  a  broad  selection  of 
investment funds.

CI uses in-house teams and 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 Financial Report  | 29 |  December 31, 2016

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: adjusted net income, adjusted earnings per share, 
pre-tax operating earnings, EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, EBITDA margin, adjusted 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 Financial Report  | 30 |  December 31, 2016

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSISNON-IFRS MEASURES

CI  reports  certain  financial  information  using  non-IFRS  measures  as  CI  believes  that  these  financial  measures  provide 
information  that  is  useful  to  investors  in  understanding  CI’s  performance  and  facilitate  a  comparison  of  quarterly  and 
full-year results from period to period.

ADJUSTED NET INCOME AND ADJUSTED EARNINGS PER SHARE

CI defines adjusted net income as net income net of non-controlling interest and other provisions and adjustments. CI 
uses adjusted net income and adjusted earnings per share to compare underlying profitability for different periods.

TABLE 3: ADJUSTED NET INCOME AND ADJUSTED EARNINGS PER SHARE
Quarter  

Quarter  

ended 

ended 

Quarter  

ended 

Year  

ended 

Year 

 ended 

[millions of dollars, except per share amounts]

Dec. 31, 2016

Sep. 30, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

Net Income

Add:

121.2

136.7

127.0

502.8

552.6

Provisions for compensation, legal and tax costs

Write-down of fund management contracts

Less:

Fair value adjustment to contingent consideration

Non-controlling interest

Adjusted net income

Adjusted earnings per share

19.6

—

—

0.2
140.6

0.53

—

—

—

(0.1)
136.8

0.51

9.8

—

—

(0.2)
137.0

0.50

29.1

—

—

(0.2)
532.1

1.96

16.2

1.4

7.5

(0.9)
563.7

2.02

Annual Financial Report  | 31 |  December 31, 2016

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSISEBITDA, ADJUSTED EBITDA AND ADJUSTED EBITDA MARGIN

CI uses EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) and adjusted EBITDA, which it defines as 
EBITDA 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”) and other 
items. 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. Adjusted EBITDA 
is  a  measure  of  operating  performance,  a  facilitator  for  valuation  and  a  proxy  for  cash  flow.  Adjusted  EBITDA  margin 
expresses adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of total revenue.

TABLE 4: EBITDA, ADJUSTED EBITDA AND ADJUSTED EBITDA MARGIN

[millions of dollars, except per share amounts]

Dec. 31, 2016

Sep. 30, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

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 and other

EBITDA

EBITDA per share

Add:

Less:

Fair value adjustment to contingent consideration

Non-controlling interest

Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA per share

Total revenue

Less:

Provisions for compensation, legal and tax costs

26.6

121.2

136.7

127.0

502.8

552.6

4.6

43.7

28.4

2.8
200.6

0.75

—

0.3
226.9

0.85

4.0

51.9

30.0

2.6
225.2

0.83

—

—

—
225.3

0.83

4.0

49.6

33.6

3.2
217.4

0.79

16.0

187.3

122.8

10.5
839.3

3.10

14.1

204.9

141.0

15.7
928.4

3.33

10.8

39.6

19.6

—

(0.1)
228.2

0.83

—

(0.1)
879.0

3.24

7.5

—
940.4

3.37

506.3

495.4

493.5

1,948.3

1,997.6

Fair value adjustment to contingent consideration

Adjusted EBITDA margin

—

506.3
44.8%

—

495.4
45.5%

—

493.5
46.3%

—

1,948.3
45.1%

7.5

1,990.1
47.3%

Annual Financial Report  | 32 |  December 31, 2016

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSISNET DEBT

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.

TABLE 5: 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, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

—

758.7

758.7

117.9

85.0

17.1
572.9

2.0 

557.3

559.3

56.6

78.7

9.1   

433.1

CI  defines  pre-tax  operating  earnings  as  net  income  plus  amortization  of  deferred  sales  commissions  and  intangibles, 
income taxes, and other provisions and adjustments less redemption fee revenue and non-core items, such as performance 
fees, investment gains and non-controlling interest. This also removes the impact of financing deferred load AUM. CI uses 
pre-tax operating earnings to assess its underlying profitability.

Annual Financial Report  | 33 |  December 31, 2016

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSISTABLE 6: PRE-TAX OPERATING EARNINGS

[millions of dollars, except per share amounts]

Dec. 31, 2016

Sep. 30, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

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

Provisions for compensation, legal and tax costs

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

121.2

136.7

127.0

28.4

1.1

43.7

26.6

3.8

—

—

0.8

0.3
216.1

0.81

30.0

1.0

51.9

—

4.5

—

—

0.4

—
214.8

0.80

33.6

1.1

49.6

10.8

4.2

—

—

0.4

(0.1)
217.5

0.79

502.8

122.8

4.1

187.3

39.6

18.0

—

—

1.2

(0.1)
837.4

3.09

552.6

141.0

7.4

204.9

19.6

19.0

0.2

7.5

5.9

(0.1)
892.9

3.20

DEALER GROSS MARGIN

CI monitors its operating profitability on the revenues earned within its Asset Administration segment by measuring its 
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 profitability of the Asset Administration segment before SG&A expenses.

TABLE 7: 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, 2016

Sep. 30, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

82.3

77.6

74.1

307.7

296.9

67.7

14.6
17.7%

63.8

13.8
17.8%

60.6

13.5
18.2%

252.5

55.2
17.9%

242.9

54.0
18.2%

Annual Financial Report  | 34 |  December 31, 2016

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS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 adjusted for other provisions. CI uses 
this measure, among others, when determining how to deploy capital.

TABLE 8: OPERATING CASH FLOW AND FREE CASH FLOW

[millions of dollars]

Dec. 31, 2016

Sep. 30, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

Quarter  

ended 

Quarter  

ended 

Quarter  

ended 

Year  

ended 

Year 

 ended 

Cash provided by operating activities

199.2

178.3

146.8

Add:

Income taxes paid

Interest paid

Less:

Net change in non-cash working capital

Operating cash flow

Less:

Sales commissions paid

Add:

Provisions for compensation, legal and tax costs

Free cash flow

ASSET MANAGEMENT MARGIN

36.3

7.1

100.4
142.2

7.8

19.6
154.0

55.0

0.9

66.4
167.9

8.3

—
159.6

52.6

6.9

48.1
158.2

16.5

9.8
151.4

654.7

214.1

15.5

264.6
619.6

44.1

29.1
604.7

647.4

244.1

14.0

217.8
687.7

91.1

9.8
606.4

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 and 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 SG&A expenses.

Annual Financial Report  | 35 |  December 31, 2016

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSISTABLE 9: ASSET MANAGEMENT MARGIN

[millions of dollars – trailing 12 months]

Dec. 31, 2016

Sep. 30, 2016

Jun. 30, 2016

Mar. 31, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

Quarter  

ended 

Quarter  

ended 

Quarter  

ended 

Quarter  

ended 

Quarter  

ended 

Management fees

Less:

Amortization of DSC

Trailer fees

Net management fees

Less:

SG&A

Asset management margin

SG&A EFFICIENCY MARGIN

1,748.7

1,744.8

1,748.2

1,772.7

1,787.9

126.2

565.5

1,057.0

327.2

729.8
41.7%

131.5

564.4

1,049.0

322.6

726.4
41.6%

136.4

565.5

1,046.3

316.3

730.0
41.8%

140.8

573.3

1,058.6

311.0

747.7
42.2%

144.7

577.9

1,065.3

305.6

759.7
42.5%

CI  uses  a  trailing  12-month  SG&A  efficiency  margin  to  assess  its  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 SG&A expenses.

TABLE 10: SG&A EFFICIENCY MARGIN

[millions of dollars – trailing 12 months]

Dec. 31, 2016

Sep. 30, 2016

Jun. 30, 2016

Mar. 31, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

Quarter  

ended 

Quarter  

ended 

Quarter  

ended 

Quarter  

ended 

Quarter  

ended 

Management fees

Less:

Amortization of DSC

Trailer fees

Net management fees

Less:

SG&A

SG&A efficiency margin

1,748.7

1,744.8

1,748.2

1,772.7

1,787.9

126.2

565.5
1,057.0

327.2

729.8
69.0%

131.5

564.4
1,049.0

322.6

726.4
69.2%

136.4

565.5
1,046.3

316.3

730.0
69.8%

140.8

573.3
1,058.6

311.0

747.7
70.6%

144.7

577.9
1,065.3

305.6

759.7
71.3%

Annual Financial Report  | 36 |  December 31, 2016

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSISASSETS AND SALES

CI is one of Canada’s largest independent investment fund companies with assets under management of $117.9 billion and 
assets under advisement of $38.2 billion at December 31, 2016, as shown in Table 11. Assets under advisement are comprised 
of AUA and assets held by clients of advisors with Stonegate Private Counsel. The change in AUM from last year was a 
function of market performance, net redemptions of funds and CI’s acquisition of GSFM. The increase in AUA from last 
year  was  due  to  market  performance  and  net  sales.  Total  assets,  which  include  mutual,  segregated  and  hedge  funds, 
separately managed accounts, structured products, exchange-traded funds, pooled funds and assets under advisement, 
were $156.1 billion at December 31, 2016, up $10.4 billion from $145.7 billion at December 31, 2015.

TABLE 11: TOTAL ASSETS

[billions of dollars]

Assets under management
Assets under advisement1
Total assets

As at 

As at  

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

% change

117.9

38.2
156.1

111.1

34.6
145.7

6

10
7

1  Includes $23.0 billion and $20.7 billion of assets managed by CI and held by clients of advisors with Assante and Stonegate in 2016 and 
2015, respectively.

The change in AUM during each of the past five quarters is detailed in Table 12. Fund performance has been strong in 
four of the past five quarters while net sales have declined. The decline in net sales is primarily due to net redemptions 
in  the  institutional  channel  as  well  as  net  redemptions  in  the  IIROC-licensed  advisor’s  channel.  During  the  year,  three 
institutional clients proceeded with  portfolio management changes, which were the primary causes of net redemptions 
in this channel. CI continues to focus on improving IIROC and institutional channel sales, including investing additional 
resources to service these channels. 

TABLE 12: CHANGE IN AVERAGE ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT

[billions of dollars]

Dec. 31, 2016

Sep. 30, 2016

Jun. 30, 2016

Mar. 31, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

Assets under management, beginning 

112.513

109.594

108.715

111.124

105.296

Quarter  

ended 

Quarter  

ended 

Quarter  

ended 

Quarter  

ended 

Quarter  

ended 

Gross sales

Redemptions

Net sales

Acquisitions

Fund performance

3.543

6.141

(2.597)

6.145

1.828

3.255

4.754

(1.500)

—

4.419

2.599

4.089

(1.489)

—

2.368

Assets under management, ending

117.889

112.513

109.594

Average assets under management  

3.603

3.933

(0.330)

—

(2.079)

108.715

3.646

3.348

0.299

3.028

2.501

111.124

   for the quarter

114.780

112.256

108.994

107.321

108.688

Annual Financial Report  | 37 |  December 31, 2016

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSISRESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended December 31, 2016

CI reported net income attributable to shareholders of $503.0 million ($1.86 per share) for the year ended December 31, 2016, 
compared with $553.5 million ($1.99 per share) for the year ended December 31, 2015. Excluding provisions for compensation, 
legal and tax costs of $39.6 million ($29.1 million after tax), the year ended December 31, 2016 had net income attributable 
to  shareholders  of  $532.1  million  ($1.96  per  share).  This  compares  to  $563.7  million  ($2.02  per  share)  for  the  year  ended 
December  31,  2015,  after  adjusting  for  a  $7.5  million  fair  value  adjustment  to  contingent  consideration,  $19.6  million 
($16.2  million  after  tax)  in  provisions  for  compensation,  legal  and  tax  costs,  and  a  $3.0  million  ($1.4  million  after  tax  and  
non-controlling interest) acceleration in the amortization of fund management contracts. 

The  decrease  in  CI’s  year-over-year  net  income  is  primarily  due  to  a  decrease  in  management  fee  revenue  as  well  as  an 
increase in SG&A expenses. Management fee revenues are directly impacted by average AUM as well as the management fee 
rate earned on those assets. CI’s average AUM increased by 2.3% year over year; however, the management fee rate declined. 
The decline in the management fee rate was a result of a number of factors that changed CI’s asset mix, which is discussed in 
detail in the Asset Management segment below. SG&A expenses increased year over year primarily as a result of the increase 
in CI’s average AUM, the addition of First Asset’s SG&A for a full year, the addition of GSFM as of November 16, 2016, as well 
as CI realizing the full impact of strategic investments in CI’s business that were made partway through 2015.

Total revenues decreased by $49.3 million from the prior year to $1,948.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. The 
decrease in revenues was primarily caused by the decrease in management fees discussed earlier. 

Other income decreased by $14.2 million from the prior year mainly due to the $7.5 million fair value adjustment to contingent 
consideration that was included in 2015, as well as due to lower fees earned from subsidiaries and other companies in which 
CI has an interest.

Administration fee revenue from third-party fund companies grew 6.6% year over year, representing the growth in Assante’s 
revenues net of intercompany eliminations.

For the year ended December 31, 2016, redemption fee revenue declined by $1.0 million to end the year at $18.0 million. The 
decrease is a result of a decline in redemptions of deferred load funds that are subject to redemption fees.

In 2016, SG&A expenses were $396.8 million, a 6.5% increase from $372.5 million for 2015. This change was above the 2.3% 
increase in average AUM. Included in SG&A expenses are portfolio management fees, which are largely driven by the level 
of average AUM. The cause of the increase in SG&A expenses above the increase in average AUM was primarily due to the 
addition of First Asset’s SG&A for a full year as well as CI realizing the full impact of strategic investments in CI’s business 
that were made partway through 2015.

Amortization of deferred sales commissions was $122.8 million in 2016, a decrease from $141.0 million in 2015. This represented 
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 
invested in deferred load funds versus front-end load funds. 

Annual Financial Report  | 38 |  December 31, 2016

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSISInterest expense of $16.0 million was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared with $14.1 million for the year 
ended December 31, 2015. The increase in interest expense reflected higher average debt levels as discussed under “Liquidity 
and Capital Resources.” 

Other expenses for the year ended December 31, 2016 were $50.2 million compared to $31.9 million in the prior year. The 
increase in other expenses from the prior year was primarily a result of the provisions discussed earlier.

In 2016, CI recorded $187.3 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 27.1% compared with a statutory rate of 26.5%. CI’s effective tax rate will 
generally exceed the statutory tax rate as a result of some expenses being non-deductible or partially deductible.

CI’s pre-tax operating earnings, as discussed in the “Non-IFRS Measures” section and as set out in Table 6, 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 assets under management in deferred load funds. Pre-tax operating earnings were $837.4 million in 2016, a decrease 
from $892.9 million in 2015, reflecting the decline in average margin earned on CI’s assets, as discussed below in the Asset 
Management Segment. 

As  discussed  in  the  “Non-IFRS  Measures”  section  and  as  illustrated  in  Table  4,  adjusted  EBITDA  for  the  year  ended 
December 31, 2016 was $879.0 million ($3.24 per share) compared with $940.4 million ($3.37 per share) for the year ended 
December 31, 2015. Adjusted EBITDA margin for 2016 was 45.1%, down from 47.3% in 2015.

Quarter Ended December 31, 2016

For the quarter ended December 31, 2016, CI reported net income attributable to shareholders of $121.0 million ($0.45 per 
share) versus $127.2 million ($0.46 per share) for the quarter ended December 31, 2015 and $136.8 million ($0.51 per share) for the 
quarter ended September 30, 2016. The fourth quarter of 2016 included $26.6 million ($19.6 million after tax) in provisions for 
compensation, legal and tax costs and the fourth quarter of 2015 included $10.8 million ($9.8 million after tax) in provisions. 
Net income attributable to shareholders adjusted for these items was $140.6 million ($0.53 per share) for the quarter ended 
December 31, 2016, up 2.6% from $137.0 million ($0.50 per share) for the quarter ended December 31, 2015. The increase in net 
income from the same period last year was primarily a result of the 5.6% increase in Average AUM, mitigated by the decline 
in the management fee rate, which is discussed in detail in the Asset Management Segment below. 

Total revenues increased 2.6% in the fourth quarter of 2016 to $506.3 million compared to revenue of $493.5 million in the 
same period in 2015. The main contributors to this change were an increase in management fees and increase in administration 
fees. On a consecutive quarter basis, total revenues increased 2.2% from $495.4 million in the third quarter of 2016 due to 
increases in management fee revenue, administration fee revenue and other income, while average AUM increased 2.2%. 
Assante administration fee revenues, net of intercompany eliminations, increased 11.2% from the prior quarter due in part to 
an increase in AUA as well as an increase in insurance-related revenues.

SG&A  expenses  for  the  fourth  quarter  of  2016  were  $102.4  million  compared  to  $99.9  million  in  the  prior  quarter  and 
$96.9 million in the same quarter of 2015. The fourth quarter of 2016 included $2.1 million in SG&A expenses related to GSFM’s 
operations. Excluding this amount, SG&A expenses were $100.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2016, relatively flat from the 
prior quarter. As an annualized percentage of average AUM, SG&A expenses were 0.355%, in line with 0.354% for the prior 
quarter and for the fourth quarter of last year. 

Annual Financial Report  | 39 |  December 31, 2016

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSISAmortization of deferred sales commissions was $28.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2016, a decrease from $33.6 million in 
the fourth quarter of 2015 and a decrease from $30.0 million in the prior quarter. 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 in deferred load funds versus front-end load funds.

Interest expense of $4.6 million was recorded for the quarter ended December 31, 2016 compared with $4.0 million for the 
quarter ended December 31, 2015 and $4.0 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2016. 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 2016, CI recorded $43.7 million in income tax expense for an effective tax rate of 26.5% compared 
to $49.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2015 for an effective tax rate of 28.1%. The higher effective tax rate for the fourth 
quarter of 2015 reflected the non-deductible nature of a large component of the provisions for compensation, legal and tax 
costs. Income tax expense in the third quarter of 2016 was $51.9 million, for an effective tax rate of 27.5%. 

As discussed in the “Non-IFRS Measures” section and as set out in Table 6, pre-tax operating earnings were $216.1 million 
($0.81 per  share)  in  the  fourth  quarter  of  2016,  a  decrease  of  0.6%  from  the  same  quarter  of  2015  and  up  0.6%  from  the 
prior quarter. Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter ended December 31, 2016 was $226.9 million ($0.85 per share), down from 
$228.2 million ($0.83 per share) for the quarter ended December 31, 2015 and up from $225.3 million ($0.83 per share) for 
the quarter ended September 30, 2016. Similar to the change in net income, the changes to pre-tax operating earnings and 
adjusted EBITDA from the prior-year period were primarily a result of the change in average AUM in combination with a 
decline in the management fee rate earned on CI’s AUM, which is discussed in detail in the Asset Management Segment 
below. Adjusted EBITDA margin for the fourth quarter of 2016 was 44.8%, down from 46.3% in the fourth quarter of 2015 and 
from 45.5% 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 Financial Report  | 40 |  December 31, 2016

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSISASSET MANAGEMENT SEGMENT

The Asset Management segment is CI’s principal business segment and includes the operating results and financial position 
of CI Investments, CIPC, First Asset and GSFM. Table 13 presents the operating results for the Asset Management segment.

TABLE 13: RESULTS OF OPERATIONS – ASSET MANAGEMENT SEGMENT

Quarter  

ended 

Quarter  

ended 

Quarter  

ended 

Year 

 ended 

Year 

 ended 

Dec. 31, 2016

Sep. 30, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

448.6

8.6

457.2

84.4

145.0

29.8

26.3

285.4

446.1

4.7

450.7

82.7

144.6

31.3

1.8

260.3

444.8

6.8

451.6

79.7

143.8

35.0

13.3

271.8

1,748.7

20.0

1,768.7

327.2

565.5

128.1

45.4

1,066.2

1,787.9

41.2

1,829.1

305.6

577.9

149.8

23.8

1,057.2

0.3

(0.1)

(0.2)

(0.3)

(1.4)

171.5

190.5

179.9

702.8

773.3

[millions of dollars]

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  

   and non-segmented items

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016

Revenues

Revenues  from  management  fees  were  $1,748.7  million  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2016,  a  decrease  of  2.2%  from 
$1,787.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. While average assets under management were up 2.3% year over year, 
the average management fee rate in 2016 dropped to 1.577% from 1.650% in 2015.

CI’s average management fee rate has been declining for three reasons: 1) Financial advisors continue to transition their clients 
to fee-based accounts that hold fund classes without a trailer fee, which results in CI both receiving lower management fees 
(as less fees are required to fund trailer fee payments) and paying less trailer fees; 2) CI and its distribution partners have been 
attracting mass affluent and high net worth clients who generally pay a lower management fee; and 3) 2016 was the first full 
year to include First Asset’s results and the majority of its assets are in exchange-traded funds, which generally charge a lower 
management fee than mutual funds.

Annual Financial Report  | 41 |  December 31, 2016

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSISFor  the  year  ended  December  31,  2016,  other  revenue  was  $20.0  million  versus  $41.2  million  for  the  year  ended 
December 31, 2015. The largest single component of other revenue is redemption fees. Redemption fees were $18.0 million 
for 2016 compared with $19.0 million for 2015 as the level of CI’s deferred load business continues to decline and there are 
fewer deferred load redemptions. Other revenue was also lower year over year as 2015 included $5.9 million in gains on the 
sale of marketable securities and a $7.5 million fair value adjustment to contingent consideration.

Expenses

SG&A expenses for the Asset Management segment were $327.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, an increase 
from $305.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. As a percentage of average assets under management, asset 
management SG&A expenses increased to 0.295% in 2016 from 0.282% in 2015, as spending increased 7.1% and average 
assets were up 2.3%. The cause of the increase in SG&A expenses above the increase in average AUM was primarily due to 
higher average levels of staff in the sales and portfolio management teams in 2016 as well as the addition of First Asset’s 
SG&A for a full year.

Trailer fees were $565.5 million for 2016, down 2.1% from $577.9 million for 2015. Net of inter-segment amounts, this expense 
was $540.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 versus $553.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. The 
change in trailer fee expense was a function of the change in average AUM as well as the change in CI’s asset mix. A higher 
percentage of CI’s average AUM was made up of specific classes of funds that do not pay trailer fees; however, a greater 
percentage of front–end load funds that carry higher trailer fees were sold relative to deferred load funds, which has 
mitigated the decline.

Amortization of deferred sales commissions and intangibles was $128.1 million for 2016, down from $149.8 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  $45.4  million  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2016  compared  to  $23.8  million  in  the  year 
ended December 31, 2015. The increase in other expenses from the prior year is primarily a result of the provisions for 
compensation, legal and tax costs discussed earlier. 

Income before income taxes and interest expense for CI’s principal segment was $702.8 million for 2016 compared with 
$773.3 million in 2015. The 9.1% decrease from the prior year was due to the lower average management fee rate, higher 
SG&A expense rate and the provisions discussed earlier. Net of provisions for compensation, legal and tax costs, income 
before taxes and non-segmented items was down 6.4% from the prior year.

Annual Financial Report  | 42 |  December 31, 2016

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSISQUARTER ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016

Revenues

Revenues  from  management  fees  were  $448.6  million  for  the  quarter  ended  December  31,  2016,  an  increase  of  0.9% 
from $444.8 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2015 and an increase of 0.6% from $446.1 million for the quarter 
ended  September  30,  2016.  The  average  management  fee  rate,  as  a  percentage  of  average  AUM,  declined  from  1.623% 
in the fourth quarter of 2015 and 1.581% in the prior quarter to 1.555% in the fourth quarter of 2016. The decline in the 
management fee rate from the prior-year period was a result of the same factors discussed above as well as the inclusion 
of GSFM beginning on November 15, 2016.

For  the  quarter  ended  December  31,  2016,  other  revenue  was  $8.6  million  versus  $6.8  million  and  $4.7  million  for  the 
quarters ended December 31, 2015 and September 30, 2016, respectively. Redemption fees are generally the largest single 
component of other revenue, which decreased from the comparable periods. The increase in other revenue from the 
prior quarters is mainly due to higher fees earned from subsidiaries and other companies in which CI has an interest. 

The asset management margin for the 12-month period ended December 31, 2016 was 41.7%, compared with 42.5% and 
41.6%  in  the  12-month  periods  ended  December  31,  2015  and  September  30,  2016,  respectively.  The  asset  management 
margin for the fourth quarter of 2016 was 42.4% compared to 42.0% in the fourth quarter of 2015 and 42.1% in the prior 
quarter. The increase in margin from the prior periods was a result of lower amortization of deferred sales commissions. 
The calculations and definitions of asset management margin can be found in the “Non-IFRS Measures” section and in 
Table 8.

Expenses

SG&A  expenses  for  the  Asset  Management  segment  were  $84.4  million  for  the  quarter  ended  December  31,  2016, 
compared with $79.7 million for the fourth quarter in 2015 and $82.7 million for the prior quarter. The fourth quarter of 
2016 included $2.1 million in SG&A expenses associated with GSFM’s operations. Excluding this amount, SG&A expenses 
were down 0.5% from the prior quarter. As a percentage of average AUM, SG&A expenses were 0.292% for the quarter 
ended December 31, 2016, up slightly from 0.291% for the quarter ended December 31, 2015, and down slightly from 0.293% 
in the quarter ended September 30, 2016. 

Another measure that CI uses to assess its costs is the SG&A efficiency margin, as discussed in the “Non-IFRS Measures” 
section  and  as  set  out  in  Table  10.  The  12-month  SG&A  efficiency  margin  for  the  quarter  ended  December  31,  2016  of 
69.0% decreased from 71.3% in the same period one year ago primarily due to higher average levels of staff in the sales 
and portfolio management teams in 2016 as well as the addition of First Asset’s SG&A for a full year. CI’s current quarter 
SG&A efficiency margin decreased to 69.3% from 70.1% in the fourth quarter of last year and 69.5% for the prior quarter. 

Annual Financial Report  | 43 |  December 31, 2016

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSISTrailer fees were $145.0 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2016, up 0.8% from $143.8 million for the quarter ended 
December 31, 2015 and up 0.3% from $144.6 million for the prior quarter. Net of inter-segment amounts, this expense was 
$138.3 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2016 versus $137.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2015 and $138.1 million 
for the third quarter of 2016. While trailer fees increased in absolute dollars, they decreased as a percentage of average 
AUM. CI, and the industry as a whole, have been experiencing a trend towards the sale of investment products which do 
not pay trailer fees.

Amortization of deferred sales commissions and intangibles before inter-segment eliminations was $29.8 million for the 
quarter ended December 31, 2016, down from $35.0 million in the same quarter a year ago and down from $31.3 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  31,  2016  were 
$26.3  million,  compared  to  $1.8  million  in  the  previous  quarter  and  $13.3  million  in  the  same  quarter  of  last  year.  The 
increase in other expenses reflects the provisions for compensation, legal and tax costs discussed earlier.

Income  before  taxes  and  non-segmented  items  for  CI’s  principal  segment  was  $171.5  million  for  the  quarter  ended 
December 31, 2016, down 4.7% from $179.9 million in the same period in 2015 and down 10.0% from $190.5 million in the 
previous quarter. Net of provisions for compensation, legal and tax costs, income before taxes and non-segmented items 
was up $3.2 million from the prior quarter and up $3.0 million from the same quarter in 2015.

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]

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

Quarter  

ended 

Quarter  

ended 

Quarter  

ended 

Year 

 ended 

Year 

 ended 

Dec. 31, 2016

Sep. 30, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

82.3

6.0

88.2

18.0

67.7

0.6

4.8

91.0

(2.8)

77.6

5.8

83.4

17.3

63.8

0.6

—

81.6

1.8

74.1

5.3

79.3

17.2

60.6

0.6

0.4

78.8

0.6

307.7

23.3

331.0

69.6

252.5

2.2

4.9

329.1

296.9

21.9

318.8

66.8

242.9

2.2

8.1

320.0

1.9

(1.1)

Annual Financial Report  | 44 |  December 31, 2016

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSISYEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016

Revenues

Administration fees were $307.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, an increase of 3.6% from $296.9 million in 2015. 
Net of inter-segment amounts, administration fee revenue was $156.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, up from 
$146.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. 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 
2016, other revenues were $23.3 million, increasing from $21.9 million for 2015.

Expenses

Investment dealer fees represent the payout to advisors on revenues they generate and were $252.5 million for the year 
ended December 31, 2016, compared to $242.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. 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 7, dealer gross margin was $55.2 million or 17.9% 
of administration fee revenue for 2016, compared to $54.0 million or 18.2% for 2015. 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 $69.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to $66.8 million in 
the year ended December 31, 2015. The 4.2% increase was largely due to an increase in the level of discretionary spending. 

For  the  year  ended  December  31,  2016,  other  expenses  were  $4.9  million  compared  with  $8.1  million  in  2015.  2016 
included $4.5 million in provisions for compensation, legal and tax costs and 2015 included $4.8 million in provisions for 
compensation, legal and tax costs. 

The Asset Administration segment had a gain before income taxes and non-segmented items of $1.9 million for 2016, up 
from a loss of $1.1 million in 2015. This increase was primarily due to the increase in dealer gross margin discussed earlier 
and a reduction in other expenses.

Annual Financial Report  | 45 |  December 31, 2016

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSISQUARTER ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016

Revenues

Administration fees were $82.3 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2016, an increase of 11.1% from $74.1 million for the 
same period a year ago and an increase of 6.1% from $77.6 million for the prior quarter. The increase in administration fees 
from the comparable quarters is primarily attributable to the increase in assets under administration as well as an increase in 
insurance-related revenues. Net of inter-segment amounts, administration fee revenue was $43.2 million for the quarter ended 
December 31, 2016, up from $36.6 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2015 and from $38.8 million in the previous quarter. 

Other revenues earned by the Asset Administration segment are mainly comprised of non-advisor-related activities. For the 
quarter ended December 31, 2016, other revenues were $6.0 million, up from $5.3 million in the same quarter of 2015 and up 
from $5.8 million in the third quarter of this year.

Expenses

Investment dealer fees were $67.7 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2016 compared to $60.6 million for the 
fourth quarter of 2015 and $63.8 million for  the quarter  ended September 30, 2016. Similar to administration fees, the 
increase is primarily due to the increase in assets under administration.

As  discussed  in  the  “Non-IFRS  Measures”  section  of  this  MD&A  and  as  set  out  in  Table  7,  dealer  gross  margin  was 
$14.6 million or 17.7% of administration fee revenue for the quarter ended December 31, 2016 compared to $13.5 million or 
18.2% for the fourth quarter of 2015 and $13.8 million or 17.8% for the previous quarter. The decrease in gross margin from 
the prior-year period corresponds to the change in the level of payout to financial advisors, which generally increases as 
their 12-month rolling administration fee revenue increases. 

SG&A expenses for the segment were $18.0 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2016 compared to $17.2 million in 
the fourth quarter of 2015 and $17.3 million in the third quarter of 2016. The change in SG&A expenses is largely attributable 
to the change in the level of discretionary spend each quarter.

For  the  quarter  ended  December  31,  2016,  other  expenses  were  $4.8  million  compared  with  $0.4  million  for  the  same 
quarter in 2015. The fourth quarter of 2016 included $4.5 million in provisions for compensation, legal and tax costs.

The Asset Administration segment had a loss before taxes and non-segmented items of $2.8 million for the quarter ended 
December  31,  2016,  compared  to  income  of  $0.6  million  for  the  fourth  quarter  of  2015  and  income  of  $1.8  million  for 
the prior quarter.  Excluding provisions for compensation, legal and tax costs, this segment had a gain before taxes and  
non-segmented items of $1.7 million.

Annual Financial Report  | 46 |  December 31, 2016

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSISLIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

CI generated $619.6 million of operating cash flow in 2016, down $68.0 million from $687.7 million for 2015. As detailed in 
Table 15, free cash flow was $604.7 million in 2016, down 0.3% from $606.4 million in 2015. Calculations of both measures 
and reconciliations to cash flow from operations are provided in the “Non-IFRS Measures” section and set out in Table 8.

CI primarily uses cash flow to finance deferred sales commissions, pay dividends on its shares, fund capital expenditures, 
fund  acquisitions,  and  repurchase  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, pay down debt and to support CI’s 
planned business operations for at least the next 12 months.

CI’s cash flows experience two forms of seasonality: 1) one-third of deferred sales commissions are typically paid out in 
the first quarter; and 2) the balance of cash income taxes and incentive compensation are paid at the end of February. 
These factors may cause cash flow fluctuations from quarter to quarter of up to $75 million.

TABLE 15: SUMMARY OF CASH FLOWS

[millions of dollars]

Operating Cash Flow

Less: 

Deferred sales commissions paid

Add: 

Provisions for compensation, legal and tax costs

Free cash flow

Less: 

Marketable securities, net

Capital expenditures

Share repurchases, net

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, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

619.6

44.1

29.1

604.7

(0.1)

7.4

290.8

368.7

(198.8)

75.4

543.4

61.3

56.6

117.9

687.7

91.1

9.8

606.4

(9.0)

3.0

243.5

362.2

(249.3)

250.7

601.1

5.4

51.2

56.6

CI paid deferred sales commissions of $44.1 million in 2016 compared to $91.1 million in 2015. 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.

Annual Financial Report  | 47 |  December 31, 2016

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSISCI invested $7.1 million in marketable securities in 2016. During the same period, CI received proceeds of $7.2 million from 
the  disposition  of  marketable  securities,  the  sale  of  which  resulted  in  a  $1.2  million  gain.  The  fair  value  of  marketable 
securities  at  December  31,  2016  was  $85.0  million.  Marketable  securities  are  comprised  of  seed  capital  investments  in  
CI funds and strategic investments.

During the year ended December 31, 2016, CI invested $7.4 million in capital expenditures, up from $3.0 million in the year 
ended 2015. These investments related primarily to technology and leasehold improvements.

During  2016,  CI  repurchased  10.8  million  shares  under  its  normal  course  issuer  bid  at  a  total  cost  of  $290.9  million  or 
$26.93 per share. CI paid dividends of $368.7 million, which represented 69% of adjusted net income and 61% of free cash 
flow for the period. CI’s most recent dividend payment was $0.115 per share per month, or $366 million per fiscal year.

CI’s working capital and other items increased $75.4 million in 2016, compared to an increase of $250.7 million in 2015. The 
increase in 2016 was primarily a result of an increase in CI’s cash balance.

The  statement  of  financial  position  for  CI  at  December  31,  2016  reflected  total  assets  of  $3.459  billion,  an  increase  of 
$161.3 million from $3.297 billion at December 31, 2015. This change was a result of an increase in cash as well as an increase 
in fund management contracts, due primarily to the acquisition of GSFM.

CI’s  cash  and  cash  equivalents  increased  by  $61.3  million  in  2016,  as  free  cash  flow  and  an  increase  in  debt  exceeded 
cash  outflows,  primarily  consisting  of  share  repurchases  and  dividends.  Marketable  securities  increased  by  $6.3  million 
during 2016 primarily due to market appreciation. Accounts receivable and prepaid expenses increased by $25.8 million to 
$148.2 million as of December 31, 2016.

Deferred sales commissions decreased by $78.7 million to $272.7 million as a result of the $122.8 million in amortization 
expense partially offset by the $44.1 million in sales commissions paid. Capital assets increased by $1.6 million during the 
year as a result of $7.4 million in capital additions partially offset by $5.9 million in amortization.

Total  liabilities  increased  by  $310.3  million  during  2016  to  $1.711  billion  at  December  31,  2016.  This  change  was  primarily 
caused by a $199.3 million increase in long-term debt and $54.5 million increase in accounts payable.

At  December  31,  2016,  CI  was  in  a  positive  working  capital  position,  which,  in  addition  to  the  availability  of  CI’s  credit 
facility, reflects the ability of CI to meet its cash flow requirements.

During the fourth quarter CI increased its credit facility from $350 million to $500 million. As of December 31, 2016, CI had 
drawn $112.0 million against its credit facility. Principal repayments on any drawn amounts are only required at the maturity 
of the facility, which is December 11, 2018.

During the fourth quarter CI issued $200 million debentures with a maturity date of November 25, 2021 bearing interest 
at a rate of 2.775%. This issuance brought CI’s total outstanding debentures to $650 million at December 31, 2016, with an 
average interest rate of 2.685% and a carrying value of $646.7 million. Net debt, as discussed in the “Non-IFRS Measures” 
section and as set out in Table 5, was $572.9 million at December 31, 2016, up from $433.1 million at December 31, 2015. 
This increase was primarily due to the increase in working capital and other items discussed earlier as well as CI spending 
more on dividends and share repurchases relative to the amount of free cash flow that was generated for the period. The 
average debt level for the year ended December 31, 2016 was approximately $653 million compared to $401 million for the 
same period last year.

Annual Financial Report  | 48 |  December 31, 2016

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSISCI’s  ratio  of  debt  to  adjusted  EBITDA  and  net  debt  to  adjusted  EBITDA  were  0.8  to  1  and  0.6  to  1,  respectively,  which 
provides CI with significant financial flexibility for future debt financing. CI is within its financial covenants with respect 
to  its  credit  facility,  which  requires  that  the  debt  to  adjusted  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 $1.745 billion at December 31, 2016, a decrease of $148.7 million during 2016, which approximates 
net income less dividends and share repurchases.

RISK MANAGEMENT

CI is exposed to a number of risks that are inherent in the wealth management business. Some factors which introduce 
or exacerbate risk are within the control of management and others are, by their nature, outside of CI’s direct control but 
must still be managed. Effective risk management is a key component to achieving CI’s business objectives and protecting 
company and client assets. It is an ongoing process involving the Board of Directors, the company’s Risk Management 
Committee, comprised of senior executives representing CI’s business units, and the company’s Risk Management Team, 
comprised of the Chief Risk Officer and the Vice-President, Risk Management and Corporate Responsibility. The Board has 
delegated primary responsibility for oversight of risk management to the Governance and Risk Committee of the Board 
of Directors.

Monitoring,  evaluating  and  managing  risk  is  a  shared  responsibility  at  CI.  The  Risk  Management  Committee  and  Risk 
Management Team work together to manage risk and ensure that business strategies and activities are consistent with CI’s 
risk appetite. Regular reports are provided to the Governance and Risk Committee of CI’s Board.

As  noted  above,  the  Risk  Management  Committee  is  comprised  of  senior  executives  from  each  core  business  unit 
and  operating  area  at  CI.  CI  has  developed  an  enterprise-wide  approach  to  monitoring,  evaluating  and  managing  risk. 
The  members  of  the  Risk  Management  Committee  identify  and  evaluate  specific  and  material  risks,  applying  both  a 
quantitative and a qualitative analysis and then assess the likelihood of occurrence of a particular risk event. Once risks 
have been identified and rated, strategies and procedures are developed to minimize or avoid negative consequences and 
these risk mitigation processes are implemented and monitored with each business unit to bring risks to an acceptable 
risk level.

The risks described below are not the only risks facing CI. The risks set out below are risks and uncertainties that the Risk 
Management Committee currently believe could materially affect CI’s future financial performance. The reader should 
carefully  consider  the  risks  described  below,  and  the  other  information  contained  in  this  MD&A,  including  under  the 
heading “Forward-Looking Statements” before making an investment decision.

Annual Financial Report  | 49 |  December 31, 2016

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS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 the performance of CI’s mutual funds 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.

MARKET RISK FOR THE ASSET MANAGEMENT SEGMENT

At December 31, 2016, 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,  2016,  about  49%  of  CI’s  assets  under  management  were  based  in  Canadian  currency.  While  CI’s 
concentration in Canadian currency assets reduces its exposure to foreign exchange risk, approximately 29% 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. CI estimates that a 10% change in Canadian/U.S. exchange rates 
would cause a change of about $29 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, 2016, 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 $64 million in annual pre-tax earnings.

CI has a control environment that ensures market risks are reviewed regularly. CI’s compliance group reviews and monitors 
CI’s fund and portfolio investments are in compliance with investment policies and regulations.  CI also reviews investment 
processes, portfolio positioning and attribution of results of its investment teams on a regular basis.

Annual Financial Report  | 50 |  December 31, 2016

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSISMARKET RISK FOR THE ASSET ADMINISTRATION SEGMENT

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 reported a loss of 
$3 million before income taxes and non-segmented items for the quarter ended December 31, 2016). 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.

POLITICAL AND MARKET RISK

CI’s  performance  is  directly  affected  by  financial  markets  and  political  conditions,  including  any  political  change  and 
uncertainty in the United States, Europe and abroad.  These changes may cause significant volatility and decline in the 
global economy or specific international, regional and domestic financial markets which are beyond the control of CI.  
There can be no assurance that financial market performance will be favourable in the future.  Any decline in financial 
markets or lack of sustained growth in such markets may result in a corresponding decline in performance, which could 
negatively impact CI’s business and impede the growth of CI’s assets under management and revenue.

OPERATIONAL RISK

Operational  risk  is  the  risk  of  loss  resulting  from  inadequate  or  failed  internal  processes  or  systems.  The  operational 
risk  that  CI  is  exposed  to  may  arise  from,  technology  failures,  business  disruption,  theft  and  fraud,  failure  of  key  third 
parties, employee errors, processing and execution errors, and inaccurate or incomplete client information. Operational 
risk may result in a financial loss but can also lead to regulatory sanctions and harm to CI’s reputation. Operational risk 
driven  by  people  and  processes  are  mitigated  through  human  resources  policies  and  practices,  and  a  strong  internal 
control environment.  Operational  risks  driven  by  systems  and  services  are  managed through  controls  over  technology 
development  and  change  management  as  well  as  enhanced  procedures  for  oversight  of  third-party  service  providers.  
While CI continuously monitors its operational risks, there can be no assurances that CI’s internal control procedures can 
mitigate all operational risks.

STRATEGIC RISKS

Strategic risks are risks that directly impact the overall direction of CI and the ability of CI to successfully identify growth 
opportunities and implement proposed solutions. The key strategic risk is the risk that management fails to anticipate, 
and respond to, changes in the business environment, including demographic, regulatory and competitive changes. CI’s 
performance is directly affected by the 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 effectively respond to any anticipated changes, including 
the introduction of new products and cost control strategies.

Annual Financial Report  | 51 |  December 31, 2016

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSISREPUTATION RISK

Reputation  risk  is  the  potential  negative  impact  of  a  deterioration  of  CI’s  image  or  lower  public  confidence  in  the  CI 
brand, its senior management or its products and services. Operational errors, poor performance, regulatory investigation 
or sanctions, litigation or employee misconduct could result in reputational harm to CI. Through its Codes of Conduct, 
governance practices, risk management programs, policies, procedures and training, CI attempts to prevent and detect 
any  activities  by  CI  officers,  directors,  and  employees  that  would  harm  CI’s  reputation.  While  all  employees,  directors 
and officers are expected to protect the reputation of CI, there can be no assurances that unauthorized or unsuccessful 
activities may result in damage to CI’s reputation, which could adversely affect CI’s business and profitability.

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,  and  potential  future  competitors  may  have,  greater  technical, 
financial, marketing, distribution or other resources than CI.  The trend toward greater consolidation within the investment 
management  industry  has  increased  the  strength  of  a  number  of  CI’s  competitors.  CI’s  competitors  seek  to  expand 
market share by offering different products and services and more competitive pricing than those offered by CI. While CI 
continues to develop and market new products and services and remain competitive with respect to fees, there can be no 
assurance that CI will maintain its current standing or market share or investment performance relative to its competitors, 
which may adversely affect the business, financial condition or operating results of CI.

In  addition,  there  are  uncertainties  involved  in  the  introduction  of  new  products  and  services,  including  technical 
requirements,  operational  controls  and  procedures,  compliance  with  regulatory  requirements  and  shifting  market 
preferences.  The  development  and  introduction  of  new  products  and  services  may  require  ongoing  support  and 
investment.  A  failure  to  manage  the  risks  involved  in  the  implementation  of  new  products  and  services  may  lead  to 
operational  lapses,  increased  capital  requirements,  and  competitive  alternatives,  which  could  adversely  affect  CI’s 
standing, market share or investment performance relative to its competitors and negatively impact the business, financial 
condition or operating results of CI.

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, in the future, 
enjoy the level of access that it has in the past, which would adversely affect its sales of investment products.

Annual Financial Report  | 52 |  December 31, 2016

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSISREGULATORY AND LEGAL RISK

CI’s business is dependent upon compliance with and continued registration under securities laws in all jurisdictions in 
which CI and its subsidiaries 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. In addition, the constant rate of change in the securities regulatory environment governing CI’s business may 
require additional human resources and operations which will increase costs.

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 corporate laws, securities laws, stock exchange rules and misuse of investors’ funds. 
Some violations of corporate laws, securities laws or stock exchange rules 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.

TAXATION RISK

CI is subject to various uncertainties concerning the interpretation and application of Canadian tax laws. 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 adjustments. While CI regularly assesses the likely outcome of these audits in order to determine the 
appropriateness of its tax provision, there can be no assurance that CI will accurately predict the outcomes of these audits. 
If tax authorities disagree with CI’s application of such tax laws, CI’s profitability and cash flows could be adversely affected.

Annual Financial Report  | 53 |  December 31, 2016

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSISINFORMATION TECHNOLOGY RISK

CI  uses  information  technology  and  the  internet  to  streamline  business  operations  and  to  improve  the  client  and 
advisor  experience.  However,  with  the  use  of  information  technology  and  the  internet,  email  messaging  and  other 
online  capabilities,  CI  is  exposed  to  information  security  risk  that  could  potentially  have  an  adverse  impact  on  its 
business. CI is dependent on its information security policies, procedures and capabilities to protect its computer and 
telecommunications systems and the data that it transmits through its information technology systems. Any information 
technology event, such as a hacker attack or virus, or internal issue, such as the failure to implement sufficient controls, 
could  result  in  unauthorized  access  to  sensitive  or  confidential  information,  theft,  operational  disruption,  regulatory 
actions, legal liability or reputational harm. CI actively monitors this risk and continues to develop controls to protect 
against  cyber  threats  that  are  becoming  more  sophisticated  and  pervasive.  In  addition,  CI  has  and  will  continue  to 
implement safeguards to control access to sensitive information, through password protection, encryption of confidential 
information  and  other  means.  Notwithstanding  these  measures,  CI  cannot  fully  mitigate  the  risk  associated  with 
information technology security. If mobile electronic devices, such as laptops or smart phones, are stolen, lost or left 
unattended, such devices may become exposed to hacking or other unauthorized use. As well, CI is dependent on the 
efficiency and effectiveness of the technology it uses. Malfunctioning of any of the technologies used by CI could disrupt 
the company’s business and negatively impact CI’s financial position and reputation.

CI’s business is dependent on the physical integrity of its infrastructure, including its office space, storage centers and 
other facilities. CI has taken precautions to protect the physical security of its infrastructure, and the sensitive information 
contained therein, through passkey protection, limited after-hours access and clean desk policies. However, a breach of 
the  physical  integrity  of  CI  infrastructure  may  leave  sensitive  information  vulnerable  to  unauthorized  access  and  use, 
increasing a possible security risk, which could negatively impact CI’s business and reputation.

REDEMPTION RISK

CI earns revenue primarily from management fees earned for advising and managing mutual fund assets. The level of these 
mutual fund assets is dependent on (i) sales; (ii) redemptions; and (iii) investment performance. Sales and redemptions may 
fluctuate depending on market and economic conditions, investment performance, and other factors.

Significant mutual fund redemptions could adversely impact the returns of investors in the affected funds by impacting 
market  values  and  increasing  transaction  costs  or  taxable  distributions.  Continued  large  redemptions  could  negatively 
impact the prospects and operating results of CI.

KEY PERSONNEL RISK

The success of CI is dependent on 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,  could  adversely  affect  CI’s  business.  The  retention  of  these  key  managers  and  the  identification  and 
development of the next generation of managers is an area of focus for CI.  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.

Annual Financial Report  | 54 |  December 31, 2016

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS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 with specialized skills related to, among other things, marketing, risk management, 
credit,  information  technology,  accounting,  administrative  operations  and  legal  affairs.  These  highly  skilled  and  often 
highly specialized individuals play an important role in developing, implementing, operating, managing and distributing CI’s 
products and services. Accordingly, the recruitment and retention of skilled personnel, continuous training and transfer 
of knowledge are key activities that are essential to CI’s performance. CI has taken, and will continue to take, steps to 
encourage our key employees to remain employed at CI, including the implementation of long-service awards, employee 
engagement strategies and enhanced transparency measures with respect to compensation. In addition, the growth in 
total  assets  under  management  in  the  industry  and  the  reliance  on  investment  performance  to  sell  financial  products 
has 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. The loss of these individuals or an inability to attract, retain and motivate a sufficient 
number of qualified personnel could result in a loss of clients and a decline in sales and 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.

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.  Management 
evaluates the adequacy of CI’s insurance coverage on an ongoing basis. However, 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.

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.

Annual Financial Report  | 55 |  December 31, 2016

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.

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.

SHARE CAPITAL

As at December 31, 2016, CI had 265,302,141 shares outstanding.

At December 31, 2016, 8.6 million options to purchase shares were outstanding, of which 3.7 million options were exercisable.

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

The table that follows summarizes CI’s contractual obligations at December 31, 2016.

PAYMENTS DUE BY YEAR

[millions of dollars]

Long-term debt

Operating leases

Total

Total

762.0

90.7

852.7

1 year  

or less

—

11.8

11.8

2

112.0

11.2

123.2

3

—

10.8

10.8

4

450.0

10.1

460.1

More than  

5

5 years

200.0

9.8

209.8

—

37.0

37.0

Annual Financial Report  | 56 |  December 31, 2016

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSISSIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

The December 31, 2016 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. Note 2 to 
the Consolidated Financial Statements provides a discussion regarding the methodology used for business acquisitions. 
Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements 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 as defined in National Instrument 52-109 (NI 52-109). Management 
evaluated,  with  participation  of  the  CEO  and  CFO,  the  effectiveness  of  the  disclosure  controls  and  procedures  (as  at 
December 31, 2016). Based on this evaluation, the CEO and CFO have concluded that they are reasonably assured these 
disclosure controls and procedures were effective as at December 31, 2016 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  as  defined  in  NI  52-109  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, concluded that the internal controls over financial reporting were effective as at 
December 31, 2016. 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, 2016, 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 annual financial statements, management information circular 
and  annual  information  form,  is  available  on  SEDAR  at  www.sedar.com  and  on  CI’s  website  at  www.cifinancial.com.  Information 
contained in or otherwise accessible through the websites mentioned in this MD&A does not form part of, and is not incorporated by 
reference into, this MD&A.

Annual Financial Report  | 57 |  December 31, 2016

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSISCONSOLIDATED  
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | December 31, 2016  

CI FINANCIAL CORP 

Annual Financial Report  | 58 |  December 31, 2016

CONSOLIDATED  

CI FINANCIAL CORP 

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,  2016  and  2015,  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.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | December 31, 2016  

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, 2016 and 2015, and its financial performance and its cash flows for the years then ended in accordance 
with International Financial Reporting Standards.

Toronto, Canada
February 16, 2017

Annual Financial Report  | 59 |  December 31, 2016

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 $388,244 [December 31, 2015 – $428,274]
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, 2016 

As at December 31, 2015

$

$

117,899

185,424

85,013

148,218

536,554

34,741

272,699

2,407,966

206,735

3,458,695

222,742

37,246

61,015

183,148

8,836

—

512,987

11,770

758,658

48,063

379,186

1,710,664

1,885,066

18,062

(166,878)

9,148

1,745,398

2,633

1,748,031

3,458,695

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

William T. Holland

Director

Paul Derksen

Director

Annual Financial Report  | 60 |  December 31, 2016

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 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 $511 [2015 – $221]

Reversal of gains to net income on available-for-sale 

   financial assets, net of income taxes of ($50) [2015 – ($468)]

Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations

Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Comprehensive income for the year

Comprehensive 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)

Annual Financial Report  | 61 |  December 31, 2016

2016

$

1,748,691

156,323

18,033

1,189

24,064

1,948,300

396,761

540,214

128,166

122,771

4,100

16,014

50,247

1,258,273

690,027

208,036

(20,779)

187,257

502,770

(232)

503,002

3,297

(327)

(512)

2,458

505,228

(232)

505,460

$1.86

$1.85

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

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

For the years ended December 31 

Share capital

Contributed

comprehensive 

shareholders’

controlling 

[note 8(a)]

surplus

Deficit

income 

equity

interests

[in thousands of Canadian dollars] 

$

$

$

$

$

$

Total 

equity

$

Accumulated 

other 

Total

Non-

Balance, January 1, 2016

1,960,622

13,615

(86,827)

Comprehensive income
Dividends declared [note 9]

Shares repurchased

Issuance of share capital on 

   exercise of options

Compensation expense for 

   equity-based plans

Change during the year
Balance, December 31, 2016

Balance, January 1, 2015

Comprehensive income
Dividends declared [note 9]

Shares repurchased
Business combination [note 2]

Issuance of share capital on  

Compensation expense for   

   equity-based plans

Change during the year
Balance, December 31, 2015

(see accompanying notes)

—

—

(76,836)

— 503,002

— (368,943)

— (214,110)

1,280

(1,122)

—

(75,556)

5,569

4,447

—

—

(80,051)

1,885,066

18,062

(166,878)

1,968,692

10,386

(84,692)

—

—

(51,708)

40,576

— 553,494

— (363,751)

— (191,878)

—

—

—

—

(2,135)

—

(8,070)

6,221

3,229

1,960,622

13,615

(86,827)

   exercise of options

3,062

(2,992)

6,690

2,458

—

—

—

—

2,458

9,148

8,311

(1,621)

—

—

—

—

—

(1,621)

6,690

1,894,100

2,865

1,896,965

505,460

(368,943)

(290,946)

158

5,569

(148,702)

1,745,398

(232)

505,228

— (368,943)

— (290,946)

—

—

158

5,569

(232)

(148,934)

2,633

1,748,031

1,902,697

3,741

1,906,438

551,873

(363,751)

(243,586)

40,576

70

6,221

(8,597)

(876)

550,997

— (363,751)

— (243,586)

—

—

—

(876)

40,576

70

6,221

(9,473)

1,894,100

2,865

1,896,965

Annual Financial Report  | 62 |  December 31, 2016

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

Additions to intangibles
Acquisition of subsidiary, net of cash acquired [note 2]
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
Cash used in financing activities

Net increase 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 Financial Report  | 63 |  December 31, 2016

2016

$

502,770

(1,189)

—

5,569

122,771

4,100

6,401

(20,779)

619,643

35,067

654,710

(7,124)

7,227

(7,426)

(44,056)

(2,658)

(4,767)

(73,952)

(132,756)

—

198,790

—

(290,946)

158

(368,655)

(460,653)

61,301

56,598

117,899

15,466

214,062

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)

(1,130)

(22,457)

(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

 
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 16, 2017.

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, which is CI’s functional currency.

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 statements of income and comprehensive income to reflect the non-controlling interest’s share of 
the  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 holds a controlling 80% interest in Grant Samuel Funds Management [“GSFM”] and granted a put option to shareholders 
for the remaining 20% minority interest. [Note 2]. CI considers the non-controlling interest in GSFM to have already been 
acquired and consolidates 100% of the the income and comprehensive income in the consolidated statement of income 
and comprehensive income.

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 totaled $117.9 billion as at December 31, 2016 
[2015 – $111.1 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 Financial Report  | 64 |  December 31, 2016

DECEMBER 31, 2016 and 2015  •  [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 as 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  other 
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 Financial Report  | 65 |  December 31, 2016

DECEMBER 31, 2016 and 2015  •  [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 the 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 
maximizes the use of observable data when developing estimates and assumptions 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 consolidated 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.

Annual Financial Report  | 66 |  December 31, 2016

DECEMBER 31, 2016 and 2015  •  [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFor  assets  and  liabilities  that  are  recognized  in  the  consolidated  financial  statements  on  a  recurring  basis,  CI  determines 
whether  transfers  have  occurred  between  levels  in  the  hierarchy  by  reassessing  the  categorization  at  the  end  of  each 
reporting period.

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 put option or contingent consideration. Subsequent to the acquisition, 
the put option and contingent consideration that is based on an earnings measurement 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 Financial Report  | 67 |  December 31, 2016

DECEMBER 31, 2016 and 2015  •  [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 Financial Report  | 68 |  December 31, 2016

DECEMBER 31, 2016 and 2015  •  [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 consolidated 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

(i) Foreign currency transactions

Transactions that are denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of the entity are translated as follows: 
Monetary assets and liabilities are translated into Canadian dollars using the exchange rates in effect at the consolidated 
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 period. 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 period in which they occur.

(ii) Foreign currency operations

The assets and liabilities of foreign operations, including goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on consolidation, are 
translated at the exchange rate in effect at the consolidated statement of financial position date. Revenue and expenses 
are translated at average rates prevailing during the period. Translation exchange gains and losses are recognized as other 
comprehensive income and reclassified to net income when the gain or loss on disposal of the foreign subsidiary is recognized.  
The consolidated statements of cash flow are translated at average exchange rates during the period, whereas cash and cash 
equivalents are translated at the spot exchange rate in effect at the consolidated statement of financial position date.

Annual Financial Report  | 69 |  December 31, 2016

DECEMBER 31, 2016 and 2015  •  [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  judgment  in  measuring  the  fair  value  of  the  assets  acquired  and 
liabilities, put option and contingent consideration liabilities incurred or assumed.

Annual Financial Report  | 70 |  December 31, 2016

DECEMBER 31, 2016 and 2015  •  [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS2  BUSINESS ACQUISITION

(i) Grant Samuel Funds Management

On November 15, 2016, CI acquired 80% of GSFM and its subsidiary, an Australian based investment management company, 
for cash consideration of $78,306. The agreement included an option for the minority shareholders to sell their remaining 
20% interest in GSFM to CI. The acquisition was accounted for 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 15, 2016, at fair value, are as follows:

Cash and cash equivalents

Accounts receivable and prepaid expenses

Marketable securities

Management contracts

Other assets

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

Income taxes payable

Deferred tax liability
Fair value of identifiable net assets

Goodwill on acquisition
Total acquired cost

$

4,354

2,828

1,795

83,969

3,954

(3,297)

(936

(24,410)
68,257

28,044
96,301

The  acquired  fund  management  contracts  with  a  fair  value  of  $83,969  include  $80,825  that  have  an  indefinite  life  and 
$3,144 with a finite life. The goodwill on acquisition is not deductible for income tax purposes. Goodwill of $28,044 relates 
to the Asset Management segment.

Details of the consideration as at the date of acquisition is as follows:

Cash

Put option, at fair value
Total consideration

$

78,306

17,995
96,301

Annual Financial Report  | 71 |  December 31, 2016

DECEMBER 31, 2016 and 2015  •  [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSThe put option granted to the minority shareholders requires CI to purchase the shares owned by each shareholder at an 
exercise price determined by a formula based on earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization [“EBITDA”].  
CI has estimated the fair value of the put option, including a translation adjustment since the date of acquisition, to be 
$17,151  as  at  December  31,  2016,  which  was  estimated  using  a  discounted  cash  flow  approach.  This  approach  included 
assumptions  regarding  the  timing  and  proportion  of  shares  the  minority  shareholders  will  require  CI  to  purchase.  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)
Net cash inflow on acquisition

(ii) First Asset Capital Corp.

$

4,354
4,354

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

(6,154)

(2,000)

(23,135)
61,071

26,429
87,500

Annual Financial Report  | 72 |  December 31, 2016

DECEMBER 31, 2016 and 2015  •  [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS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 $26,429 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.

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 EBITDA. The potential undiscounted amount of all 
future payments that CI could be required to make under the agreement is unlimited. While it is not possible to determine 
the  exact  amount  of  contingent  consideration,  CI  has  estimated  the  fair  value  of  the  contingent  consideration  to  be 
$20,000 as at December 31, 2016 and 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 Financial Report  | 73 |  December 31, 2016

DECEMBER 31, 2016 and 2015  •  [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, 2014

Additions

Retired
Balance, December 31, 2015

Additions

Acquired

Retired
Balance, December 31, 2016

Accumulated depreciation

Balance, December 31, 2014

Depreciation

Retired
Balance, December 31, 2015

Depreciation

Acquired

Retired
Balance, December 31, 2016

Carrying amounts

At December 31, 2014

At December 31, 2015

At December 31, 2016

Computer  
hardware 
$

Office  

equipment
$

Leasehold 
improvements  

 $

11,165

1,687

(1,869)
10,983

2,704

38

(4,437)
9,288

8,715

1,631

(1,869)
8,477

1,717

13

(4,437)
5,770

2,450

2,506

3,518

11,117

610

—
11,727

969

7

—
12,703

8,762

1,336

—
10,098

656

3

—
10,757

2,355

1,629

1,946

58,879

684

(324)
59,239

3,753

—

38
63,030

25,732

4,800

(324)
30,208

3,507

—

38
33,753

33,147

29,031

29,277

Total
$

81,161

2,981

(2,193)
81,949

7,426

45

(4,399)
85,021

43,209

7,767

(2,193)
48,783

5,880

16

(4,399)
50,280

37,952

33,166

34,741

Annual Financial Report  | 74 |  December 31, 2016

DECEMBER 31, 2016 and 2015  •  [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  

$

$

$

Goodwill 
$

Other 
intangibles 
 $

Total
$

Cost

Balance, December 31, 2014

1,137,308

25,814

—
1,163,122

27,342

—
1,190,464

—

—

—
—

—

—
—

1,137,308

1,163,122

1,190,464

37,600

—

—
37,600

—

—
37,600

16,568

1,504

—
18,072

1,504

—
19,576

21,032

19,528

18,024

43,010

—

—
43,010

3,147

—
46,157

19,413

4,758

—
24,171

1,439

—
25,610

23,597

18,839

20,547

999,082

87,300

—
1,086,382

80,825

—
1,167,207

—

—

—
—

—

—
—

26,782

1,130

(85)
27,827

4,767

(1,311)
31,283

18,710

1,088

(85)
19,713

1,157

(1,311)
19,559

2,243,782

114,244

(85)
2,357,941

116,081

(1,311)
2,472,711

54,691

7,350

(85)
61,956

4,100

(1,311)
64,745

999,082

1,086,382

1,167,207

8,072

8,114

11,724

2,189,091

2,295,985

2,407,966

 N/A  11.9 – 12.4 yrs 10.2 – 16.9 yrs

 N/A  0.1 – 7.9 yrs

Additions

Retired
Balance, December 31, 2015

Additions

Retired
Balance, December 31, 2016

Accumulated amortization

Balance, December 31, 2014

Amortization

Retired
Balance, December 31, 2015

Amortization

Retired
Balance, December 31, 2016

Carrying amounts

At December 31, 2014

At December 31, 2015

At December 31, 2016

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 Financial Report  | 75 |  December 31, 2016

DECEMBER 31, 2016 and 2015  •  [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(b) Impairment testing of goodwill

As at December 31, 2016, CI has allocated goodwill of $997,882 [2015 – $970,540] to the asset management segment and 
$192,582 [2015 – $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, 2016 and 2015 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,  2016,  CI  had  indefinite  life  fund  management  contracts  within  the  asset  management  CGU  of 
$1,167,207  [2015  –  $1,086,382].  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, 2016 and 2015 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, 2016 and 2015. A discount rate of 8.11% per annum has been applied to 
the recoverable amount calculation as at December 31, 2016 and 2015. 

The calculation of the recoverable amount exceeds the carrying amount of indefinite life management contracts as at 
December 31, 2016 and 2015.

Annual Financial Report  | 76 |  December 31, 2016

DECEMBER 31, 2016 and 2015  •  [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, 2016, the carrying amount of employee share purchase loans is $5,688 [2015 – $5,777] 
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,  2016,  the  shares  held  as  collateral  have  a  market  value  of 
approximately $10,633 [2015 – $12,341].

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, 2016, loans to investment advisors of $8,453 [2015 – $6,999] are included in 
other assets. These loans become due on demand upon early 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 2016, other expenses also includes an accrual for remediation payments discussed in Note 7. 

Annual Financial Report  | 77 |  December 31, 2016

DECEMBER 31, 2016 and 2015  •  [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

$200 million, 2.775% due November 25, 2021

Long-term debt

Current portion of long-term debt

Credit facility 

2016

$

—

112,000

112,000

447,849

198,809

646,658

758,658

—

2015

$

2,000

110,000

112,000

447,347

—

447,347

559,347

2,000

Effective December 11, 2015, CI renewed its $500,000 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, 2016 and 2015, 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 EBITDA 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 Financial Report  | 78 |  December 31, 2016

DECEMBER 31, 2016 and 2015  •  [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSDebentures

On November 25, 2016, CI completed an offering pursuant to which it issued $200,000 principal amount of debentures 
due November 25, 2021 [the “2021 Debentures”]. The 2021 Debentures were issued at par for gross proceeds of $200,000. 
Interest  on  the  2021  Debentures  is  paid  semi-annually  in  arrears  at  a  rate  of  2.775%.  Interest  attributable  to  the  2021 
Debentures was $561 for the year ended December 31, 2016 [Year 2015 – nil].  The proceeds, net of transaction costs, were 
primarily used to pay down the amount borrowed under the credit facility.

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 $11,903 
for the year ended December 31, 2016 [Year 2015 – $783]. Interest expense attributable to the 2016 Debentures was $11,302 
for the year ended December 31, 2015.

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 debentures for the year 
ended December 31, 2016 was $521 [2015 –$607] which is included in other expenses. 

CI may, at its option, redeem the 2020 Debentures and 2021 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  and  44.0  basis  points,  respectively.  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 and 2021 Debentures is lowered 
to below investment grade by two out of three rating agencies as defined as below BBB- by Standard & 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 Financial Report  | 79 |  December 31, 2016

DECEMBER 31, 2016 and 2015  •  [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. 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  such  contingent  consideration, 
claims,  proceedings  and  investigations  as  well  as  for  amounts  payable  in  connection  with  business  acquisitions  and 
severance.  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

Provision for other liabilities primarily include the following: 

LITIGATION

2016
$

52,597

58,660

(25,258)

(690)

85,309

37,246

2015
$

20,544

54,538

(14,106)

(8,379)

52,597

23,043

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, 2016, CI received 
insurance proceeds of $858, related to the settlement of legal claims [2015 – $1,373]. As at December 31, 2016, CI has accrued 
$53 for amounts to be received under insurance policies [2015 – $463], which is included in accounts receivable.

Annual Financial Report  | 80 |  December 31, 2016

DECEMBER 31, 2016 and 2015  •  [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 $172,885, 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, 2016. While CI believes it will 
be able to successfully defend its position, CI recorded a provision of $4,000 during the year ended December 31, 2015 for 
expenses to mount this defense. As at December 31, 2016, a provision of $3,736 remains [2015 – $3,821].

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 recorded a provision of $10.75 million, net of recoveries, during the 
year ended December 31, 2015 for the cost of this settlement as well as the costs to remediate. As at December 31, 2016, 
a net recovery of $3,186 remains [2015 – $10,750].

PUT OPTION AND CONTINGENT CONSIDERATION

Included in additions for the year ended December 31, 2016 is a provision for the fair value of the put option granted 
to minority interest shareholders for the acquisition of GSFM of $17,151 [2015 – contingent consideration for First Asset 
acquisition of $20,000]. Details of the acquisition agreements and the basis of calculation of the fair value of the put 
option and 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 on November 29, 2016, 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 recorded to reduce the estimated fair value of the contingent 
consideration to be nil.

Annual Financial Report  | 81 |  December 31, 2016

DECEMBER 31, 2016 and 2015  •  [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, 2014

Issuance for acquisition of subsidiary

Issuance of share capital on exercise of share options

Share repurchases
Common shares, balance, December 31, 2015

Issuance of share capital on exercise of share options

Share repurchases
Common shares, balance, December 31, 2016

Number of shares

[in thousands]

Stated value

$

281,708

1,301

417

(7,399)
276,027

80

(10,805)
265,302

1,968,692

40,576

3,062

(51,708)
1,960,622

1,280

(76,836)
1,885,066

During the year ended December 31, 2016, 10,805 shares [2015 – 7,399 shares] were repurchased under a normal course 
issuer  bid  at  an  average  cost  of  $26.93  per  share  for  total  consideration  of  $290,946  [2015  –  $32.92  per  share  for  total 
consideration of $243,586]. Deficit was increased by $214,110 during the year ended December 31, 2016 [2015 – $191,878] for 
the cost of the shares repurchased in excess of their stated value.

[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 2,669 options [2015 – 2,992 options] to employees. The fair value method of accounting is 
used for the valuation of the 2016 and 2015 share option grants. Compensation expense is recognized over the three-
year vesting period, assuming an estimated average forfeiture rate of 3.9% for the year [2015 – 3.7%], with an offset to 
contributed surplus. When exercised, amounts originally recorded against contributed surplus as well as any consideration 
paid by the option holder are credited to share capital. The fair value of the 2016 and 2015 option grants was estimated 
using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions:

Annual Financial Report  | 82 |  December 31, 2016

DECEMBER 31, 2016 and 2015  •  [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
Year of grant

# of options granted [in thousands]

2016

53

2016

2,617

2015

220

2015

2,772

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

5.090% – 5.258%

5.005% – 5.179%

4.125% – 4.296%

4.358% – 4.539%

16%

16%

16%

16%

0.919% – 0.947%

0.735% – 0.768%

0.980% – 1.057%

0.913% – 0.998%

2.6 – 3.5

0%

$1.92 – $2.08

$28.63

2.6 – 3.5

1.7% – 6.4%

$1.90 – $2.06

$28.63

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

(*) 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, 2016, 
there  are  8,640  shares  [2015  –  6,951  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 $21.73 to $35.88 per share and expire at dates up to 2021.

A summary of the changes in the Share Option Plan is as follows:

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

Options granted

Options exercised

Options cancelled
Options outstanding, December 31, 2016

Options exercisable December 31, 2016

Number of options

[in thousands]

5,552

1,335

2,992

(1,400)

(193)
6,951

1,994

2,669

(514)

(466)
8,640

3,721

Weighted average 

exercise price 

$

28.91

23.48

34.10

23.27

33.41
32.15

28.62

28.63

24.62

33.43
31.44

31.46

(*)  Weighted-average share price of options exercised was $28.87 during the year ended December 31, 2016 [2015 – $33.16]

Annual Financial Report  | 83 |  December 31, 2016

DECEMBER 31, 2016 and 2015  •  [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSThe  equity-based  compensation  expense  under  the  Share  Option  Plan  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2016  of 
$5,569  [2015  –  $6,221]  has  been  included  in  selling,  general  and  administrative  expenses.  Options  outstanding  and 
exercisable as at December 31, 2016 are as follows:

Exercise price

options outstanding

remaining contractual life

options exercisable

Number of 

Weighted average

Number of 

$

21.73

21.98

27.03

28.63

30.27

33.96

34.52

35.60

35.88
21.73 to 35.88

[in thousands]

[years]

[in thousands]

69

278

962

2,563

125

2,571

229

1,623

220
8,640

0.4

0.1

1.1

4.1

1.4

3.1

2.4

2.1

3.3
2.8

69

278

962

—

125

979

153

1,082

73
3,721

[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:

2016

2015

Net income attributable to shareholders of the Company basic and diluted

$503,002

$553,494

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

271,133

97

271,230

$1.86

$1.85

278,832

590

279,422

$1.99

$1.98

(*)   The determination of the weighted average number of common shares – diluted excludes 7,331 thousand shares related to stock 

options that were anti-dilutive for the year ended December 31, 2016 [2015 – 4,993 thousand shares].

Annual Financial Report  | 84 |  December 31, 2016

DECEMBER 31, 2016 and 2015  •  [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS[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, 2017 were exercised:

[in thousands]

Shares outstanding at January 31, 2017

Options to purchase shares

9  DIVIDENDS

264,768

8,439

273,207

The following dividends were paid by CI during the year ended December 31, 2016:

Record date

December 31, 2015

January 31, 2016

February 29, 2016

March 31, 2016

April 30, 2016

May 31, 2016

June 30, 2016

July 31, 2016

August 31, 2016

September 30, 2016

October 31, 2016

November 30, 2016

Paid during the year ended December 31, 2016

Payment date

per share $

amount $

Cash dividend  

Total dividend  

January 15, 2016

February 15, 2016

March 15, 2016

April 15, 2016

May 13, 2016

June 15, 2016

July 15, 2016

August 15, 2016

September 15, 2016

October 14, 2016

November 15, 2016

December 15, 2016

0.110

0.110

0.110

0.110

0.110

0.115

0.115

0.115

0.115

0.115

0.115

0.115

30,416

30,371

30,339

30,183

30,114

31,389

31,254

31,186

31,120

30,825

30,746

30,712

368,655

Annual Financial Report  | 85 |  December 31, 2016

DECEMBER 31, 2016 and 2015  •  [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSThe following dividends were declared but not paid during the year ended December 31, 2016:

Record date

December 31, 2016

January 31, 2017

Declared and accrued as at December 31, 2016

Payment date

per share $

amount $

Cash dividend  

Total dividend  

January 13, 2017

February 15, 2017

0.115

0.115

30,508

30,507

61,015

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

Payment date

per share $

amount $

Cash dividend  

Total dividend  

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

0.110

0.110

0.110

0.110

0.110

0.110

0.110

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 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

per share $

amount $

Cash dividend  

Total dividend  

January 15, 2016

February 15, 2016

0.110

0.110

30,364

30,364

60,728

Annual Financial Report  | 86 |  December 31, 2016

DECEMBER 31, 2016 and 2015  •  [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSOn February 16, 2017, the Board of Directors declared monthly cash dividends of $0.115 per share payable on March 15, April 13 
and May 15, 2017 to shareholders of record on February 28, March 31 and  April 30, 2017, respectively.

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 (Loss)

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 (loss)

2016

$

2015

$

209,340

(1,304)

208,036

(20,783)

4

(20,779)

187,257

511

(50)

461

219,531

(44)

219,487

(14,403)

(136)

(14,539)

204,948

221

(468)

(247)

[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

Recovery of prior years’ provisions for settled tax items

Other, net
Income tax expense reported in the statement of other comprehensive income

2016

$

26.5

(0.2)

0.8

27.1

2015

$

26.5

0.1

0.5

27.1

Annual Financial Report  | 87 |  December 31, 2016

DECEMBER 31, 2016 and 2015  •  [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, 2016:

As at  
December 31, 2015 
$

Recognized in  
net income  
$

Recognized  
in other 
comprehensive  
income 
$

Business 
acquisition  

[note 2] 
$

As at  
December 31, 2016 
$

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

299,389

90,771

390,160

4,848

1,311

3,563

4,224

13,946

376,214

(824)

(20,883)

(21,707)

734

138

1,753

(3,553)

(928)

(20,779)

—

—

—

—

—

—

(461)

(461)

461

24,038

—

24,038

—

748

—

—

748

23,290

322,603

69,888

392,491

5,582

2,197

5,316

210

13,305

379,186

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

Annual Financial Report  | 88 |  December 31, 2016

DECEMBER 31, 2016 and 2015  •  [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

Provisions for other liabilities

Other financial liabilities

Account payable and accrued liabilities

Provisions for other liabilities

Dividends payable

Client and trust funds payable

Long-term debt

Total financial liabilities

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

$

$

117,899

185,424

134,256

194,684

85,013

717,276

37,151

209,934

48,158

61,015

183,148

758,658

1,298,064

56,598

158,891

109,893

189,555

78,700

593,637

20,000

159,148

32,597

60,728

156,164

559,347

987,984

Annual Financial Report  | 89 |  December 31, 2016

DECEMBER 31, 2016 and 2015  •  [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCI’s  financial  assets  at  December  31,  2016  and  2015  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, 2016, CI’s marketable securities of $85,013 [2015 – $78,700] are carried at 
fair value, of which $19,981 have been classified as level 1 in the fair value hierarchy and $65,032 as level 2 in the fair value 
hierarchy [2015 – $17,709 as level 1 in the fair value hierarchy and $60,991 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, 2016 is contingent consideration of $20,000 [2015 – $20,000] 
and put option payable on non-controlling interest of $17,151 carried at fair value and classified as level 3 in the fair value 
hierarchy. Long-term debt as at December 31, 2016 includes debentures with a fair value of $651,388 [2015 – $453,870], as 
determined by quoted market prices which 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 Financial Report  | 90 |  December 31, 2016

DECEMBER 31, 2016 and 2015  •  [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 [2015 – $112,000] is borrowed at a floating interest rate. Based on the amount 
borrowed under the credit facility as at December 31, 2016, each 0.50% increase or decrease in interest rates would result 
in annual interest expense increasing or decreasing by $560 [2015 – $560], respectively.

(ii) Foreign exchange risk

As  at  December  31,  2016,  net  financial  assets  of  $43,959  [2015  –  $11,174]  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 $4,396 [2015 – $1,117]. As at 
December 31, 2016, net financial liabilities of $12,287 [2015 – nil] were denominated in Australian currency [“AUD”]. A 10% 
increase or decrease in AUD exchange rates would result in a foreign exchange gain or loss of $1,229 [2015 – nil]. CI may 
enter into forward contracts to manage its foreign exchange exposure.

[iii] Equity risk

CI’s marketable securities as at December 31, 2016 of $85,013 [2015 – $78,700] 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 $8,501 [2015 – $7,870], 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 Financial Report  | 91 |  December 31, 2016

DECEMBER 31, 2016 and 2015  •  [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

$

2017

 $

2018

 $

2019

 $

2020

 $

2021

 $

2022

 $

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

202,278

202,278

Dividends payable

Client and trust funds payable

Long-term debt

Provision for other liabilities
Total

61,015

183,148

762,000

37,151
1,245,592

61,015

183,148

—

—
446,441

—

—

112,000

3,430
115,430

—

—

—

3,430
3,430

—

—

450,000

23,430
473,430

—

—

200,000

3,430
203,430

—

—

—

3,431
3,431

[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, 2016, financial assets of $514,364 [2015 – $458,339], represented by client and trust funds on deposit of 
$185,424 [2015 – $158,891], accounts receivable of $134,256 [2015 – $109,893] and other assets of $194,684 [2015 – $189,555], 
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 Financial Report  | 92 |  December 31, 2016

DECEMBER 31, 2016 and 2015  •  [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,  2016,  cash  and  cash  equivalents  of  $16,063  [2015  –  $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, 2016 and 2015, 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, 2016

December 31, 2015

$

1,745,398

758,658

2,504,056

$

1,894,100

559,347

2,453,447

Annual Financial Report  | 93 |  December 31, 2016

DECEMBER 31, 2016 and 2015  •  [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:

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022 and thereafter

$

11,756

11,203

10,767

10,085

9,838

37,039

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 Financial Report  | 94 |  December 31, 2016

DECEMBER 31, 2016 and 2015  •  [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, First Asset, GSFM and Marret 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, 2016 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 

 $

1,748,691

—

19,981

1,768,672

327,196

565,546

—

128,062

45,396

1,066,200

$

—

307,700

23,305

331,005

69,565

—

252,458

2,203

4,851

329,077

$

—

(151,377)

—

(151,377)

—

(25,332)

(124,292)

(3,394)

—

(153,018)

702,472

1,928

1,641

Total

$

1,748,691

156,323

43,286

1,948,300

396,761

540,214

128,166

126,871

50,247

1,242,259

706,041

(16,014)

(187,257)

502,770

754,396

353,780

(7,152)

1,101,024

997,882

1,167,207

2,919,485

192,582

—

546,362

—

—

(7,152)

1,190,464

1,167,207

3,458,695

Annual Financial Report  | 95 |  December 31, 2016

DECEMBER 31, 2016 and 2015  •  [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSSegmented information as at and for the year ended December 31, 2015 is as follows:

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

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 (loss) 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

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

Annual Financial Report  | 96 |  December 31, 2016

2016
$

8,239

3,945

12,184

2015
$

12,931

878

13,809

DECEMBER 31, 2016 and 2015  •  [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS17  SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE

Included in selling, general and administrative expenses [“SG&A”] are salaries and benefits of $211,954 for the year ended 
December 31, 2016 [2015 – $200,091]. Also included in SG&A is depreciation of capital assets of $5,880 for the year ended 
December  31,  2016  [2015  –  $7,760].  Other  SG&A  of  $178,927  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2016,  primarily  includes 
marketing, lease and information technology expenses as well as professional and regulatory fees [2015 – $164,605].

18  FUTURE ACCOUNTING POLICY CHANGES

The following standards have been issued, but are not yet effective on the date of issuance of CI’s consolidated financial 
statements.  CI  is  currently  evaluating  the  impact  of  the  application  of  these  standards  on  the  consolidated  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 other comprehensive income 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, with certain exceptions.

IFRS 16:

IFRS 16 Leases [“IFRS 16”] 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 Financial Report  | 97 |  December 31, 2016

DECEMBER 31, 2016 and 2015  •  [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCORPORATE DIRECTORY

CI Financial 

DIRECTORS

Peter W. Anderson
Chief Executive Officer,
CI Financial;
Director
Toronto, Ontario

William T. Holland
Executive Chairman;  
Director
Toronto, Ontario

Sonia A. Baxendale
Corporate Director, 
Director 
Toronto, Ontario

Ronald D. Besse
President,  
Besseco Holdings Inc.; 
Director 
Toronto, Ontario

Paul W. Derksen
Corporate Director;
Lead Director
Clarksburg, Ontario

Clay Horner
Co-Chair, Partner, 
Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP; 
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.

EXECUTIVE TEAM

Peter W. Anderson
Chief Executive Officer

Sheila A. Murray
President and General Counsel

Douglas J. Jamieson 
Executive Vice-President and  
Chief Financial Officer

David C. Pauli
Executive Vice-President

Steven J. Donald
Executive Vice-President; 
President, Assante Wealth Management

Neal Kerr
President, CI Institutional  
Asset Management; 
Executive Vice-President,  
Investment Management,  
CI Investments Inc.

Barry H. Gordon
President and Chief Executive Officer,
First Asset Capital Corp.

Roy Ratnavel
Senior Vice-President,  
National Sales Manager,
CI Investments Inc.

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

Trading Symbol

CI Financial trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol “CIX”.

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 

Normal Course Issuer Bid

Effective June 18, 2016, the Toronto Stock Exchange (the “TSX”) accepted CI’s notice 
of  intention  to  commence  a  normal  course  issuer  bid  (the  “Notice”)  through  the 
facilities  of  the  TSX.  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,  2017.  As  of  February  21,  2017,  CI  has  acquired  an  aggregate  of  6,940,645 
Shares under the normal course issuer bid at an average price of $26.16 per Share. In  
February 2017, the TSX accepted notice from CI that Shares may be purchased under 
the  Corporation’s  normal  course  issuer  bid  by  a  trustee  and  used  to  settle  vested 
Restricted Share Units (“RSUs”) under the CI Financial Corp. Restricted Share Unit Plan, 
subject to certain of the TSX’s rules relating to normal course issuer bids and with 
such Shares counted towards the 10,000,000 Share maximum that may be purchased 
under CI’s normal course issuer bid. Shares purchased by CI under the normal course 
issuer bid will be cancelled, and Shares purchased by a trustee as described above will 
remain outstanding and be delivered to settle vested RSUs. 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, 2017, 
subject to receipt of approval from the TSX.

Shareholder rights plan

The Corporation previously entered into an 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 will terminate at the 
close of the annual and special meeting of shareholders in 2017 and the Corporation 
does not intend to renew the Rights Plan at the meeting.

Digital Report

This  Annual  Report  can  be  downloaded  from  CI’s  website  at  www.cifinancial.com  
under “Reports”.

Annual and Special Meeting

This  Annual  and  Special  Meeting  of  Shareholders  will  be  held  at  2  p.m.  ET  on  
April 20, 2017 at 15 York Street, Second Floor, Toronto.

As described in greater detail in the MD&A section of this Annual Report, 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, including the risks described under the heading “Risk Management” in the MD&A section of this Annual Report.

1702-0290_E (02/17)