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CompX International Inc.

cix · AMEX Industrials
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Ticker cix
Exchange AMEX
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Industry Security & Protection Services
Employees 510
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FY2019 Annual Report · CompX International Inc.
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Annual Financial Report | 2019

ANNUAL 
REPORT

1920About CI Financial .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  1

2019 Year at a Glance .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .   4

Historical Financial Highlights .  .  .  .  .  . 8

Letter to Shareholders .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  10

Corporate Social Responsibility .  .  .  .  .  .  .  18

Subsidiary Profiles .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 28

Management’s Discussion and Analysis .  .  .  .  .  .   36

Consolidated Financial Statements .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  66

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements .  .  .  .  .  .  . 74

Corporate Information .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  112

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CI  Financial  Corp.  is  an  independent,  publicly  traded  company 

offering  global  asset  management  and  wealth  management 

advisory services. Since 1965, we have been driven by a commitment 

to  provide  our  clients  with  the  highest-quality  investments  and 

advice.  We  have  $132.1  billion  in  assets  under  management  and 

$49.8 billion in assets under advisement (as at December 31, 2019). 

We are guided by our core beliefs that active management adds 

value to clients’ portfolios and that investors benefit from working 

with  professional  financial  advisors.  CI  has  been  listed  on  the 

Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol CIX since June 1994. 

Annual Financial Report  | 1 |  December 31, 2019

CI  operates  primarily  through  subsidiaries  CI  Investments  Inc.,  Assante 

Wealth Management (Canada) Ltd., CI Private Counsel LP, BBS Securities Inc., 

GSFM PTY Limited of Australia and WealthBar Financial Services Inc.

•   CI Investments is one of Canada’s pre-eminent 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 

880 professional advisors across Canada.

•   CI Private Counsel is our high-net-worth discretionary investment counsel 

business and is made up of Assante Private Client and Stonegate Private 

Counsel.

•   BBS Securities is a Canadian financial technology company that provides 

a wide range of innovative brokerage and trading services. Virtual Brokers 

is its online brokerage division.

•   GSFM is a leading manager and distributor of investment strategies and 

products to Australian institutional and retail investors.

•   WealthBar is a leading Canadian online management and financial planning 

platform. 

Private Counsel LP

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

registered  investment  advisory  firm  Surevest  Wealth  Management  of  Phoenix,  Arizona.  CI  owns  minority  interests  in 

Altrinsic Global Advisors, LLC, a global asset manager based in Greenwich, Connecticut, and Lawrence Park Capital Partners 

Ltd. of Toronto, which specializes in alternative fixed-income strategies.

All amounts in this Annual Report are expressed in Canadian dollars.

Annual Financial Report  | 2 |  December 31, 2019

CI FINANCIAL DIRECTORS

Kurt MacAlpine
Chief Executive Officer and Director

William T. Holland
Chairman of the Board

William (Bill) Butt
Director

Brigette Chang-Addorisio
President, Raymond Chang Foundation; Director

David P. Miller
Director

Tom P. Muir
Director

Sheila A. Murray
Director

Paul J. Perrow
Director

Annual Financial Report  | 3 |  December 31, 2019

1

2

3

4

5

2019 BY THE NUMBERS

$2.41

RECORD HIGH
Adjusted earnings 
per share

SG&A  
EXPENSES

$33  

Million decrease

FREE CASH  
FLOW

$603  

Million total

SHARES  
OUTSTANDING

9.0%  

Decrease 
Year over year

$447.3 M  |  Share buybacks

$489.3 M  |  2019

Annual Financial Report  | 5 |  December 31, 2019

2019 YEAR  
AT A GLANCE

240,375,825  |  Q1235,693,761  |  Q2228,161,314  |  Q3221,792,541  |  Q4$143.5 M  |  Q1$146.5 M  |  Q2$144.7 M  |  Q3$168.3 M  |  Q4$522.5 M  |  2018$0.58  |  Q1$0.58  |  Q2$0.60  |  Q3A quarterly record  |  $0.66  |  Q4$618  MILLIONReturned to shareholders$170.8 M  |  Dividends2019 BY THE BUSINESS

NEW CORPORATE STRATEGY

STRATEGIC PROGRESS

SEPT 
2019

MODERNIZE  
OUR ASSET 
MANAGEMENT 
BUSINESS

EXPAND  
OUR WEALTH 
MANAGEMENT 
PLATFORM

GLOBALIZE  
OUR COMPANY

Kurt MacAlpine appointed CEO, Darie Urbanky  
named President and COO. Announced a  
NEW STRATEGIC DIRECTION for CI with the 
introduction of THREE STRATEGIC PRIORITIES.

October 17, 
2019

October 21, 
2019

October 30, 
2019

November 7, 
2019

November 26, 
2019

December 3, 
2019

December 23, 
2019

February 6, 
2020

April 
2020

Canada

Dr. Joseph 
Coughlin 
partnership

Partnership 
announced

DoubleLine Capital

CI MOSAIC  
ETF PORTFOLIOS™

CI LIQUID  
ALTERNATIVES™

•  CI Liquid Alternatives EXCEEDED $1 BILLION in assets under management in just 10 months.
•  LAUNCHED CI First Asset High Interest Savings ETF, which AMASSED $1.4 BILLION IN AUM in less than seven months  

and was the Canadian ETF industry’s most successful launch of 2019.

•  ETF lineup experienced RECORD GROWTH, with AUM increasing 95% while the Canadian ETF Industry grew by 31%.
• Unveiled CI MOSAIC ETF PORTFOLIOS, actively managed mutual funds of ETFs.

• ADDED OVER $1 BILLION to AUA and achieved record assets.
•  Unveiled THIS IS WHY WE’RE HERE marketing campaign to  

demonstrate the value of ASSANTE ADVICE.

•  Along with WEALTHBAR, launched Assante Connect,  

a state-of-the-art digital platform. 

This is why  
we’re here.

RANKED  
#1 IN CANADA

Virtual Brokers ties for first place in a ranking of 
discount brokerages by the Globe and Mail.

•  Grew total AUM by more than 50%.
•  Acquired Snap Projections, a maker of  

financial planning software.

AUM +50%

Annual Financial Report  | 6 |  December 31, 2019

Annual Financial Report  | 7 |  December 31, 2019

HISTORICAL FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

[In millions of dollars, except per share amounts]

(from continuing operations)

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011 

2010

Years Ended Dec. 31

Years Ended Dec. 31

124,360

41,813

166,173

143,028

42,699

185,727

117,889

38,235

156,124

111,124

34,552

145,676

102,886

31,874

134,761

91,090

28,766

119,856

75,723

24,586

100,309

(9,285)

(1,464)

(5,916)

3,431

3,928

3,686

973

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

Adjusted net income*

Adjusted EBITDA*

Earnings per share

Adjusted earnings* per share

Adjusted EBITDA* per share

Dividends recorded per share

132,130

49,759

181,889

(8,169)

1,857.9

261.3

2,119.2

489.3

584.9

318.2

1,392.4

189.3

537.5

565.0

850.5

2.30

2.41

3.63

0.72

2,004.2

232.2

2,236.4

512.6

631.2

239.4

1,393.1

225.5

617.8

617.5

906.2

2.38

2.38

3.50

1.18

1,897.1

214.2

2,111.3

451.6

587.4

257.1

1,303.5

258.8

548.9

628.4

891.8

2.08

2.38

3.37

1.40

1,748.7

199.6

1,948.3

390.9

540.2

242.6

1,179.5

208.1

560.6

590.0

835.0

2.07

2.18

3.08

1.36

69,558

22,698

92,257

323

1,302.8

193.5

1,496.3

281.0

379.5

281.7

952.1

154.2

390.1

390.1

584.9

1.36

1.36

2.04

0.89

72,825

23,645

96,470

1,059

1,193.0

186.8

1,379.7

257.3

346.2

286.8

896.6

155.9

327.2

327.2

511.9

1.13

1.13

1.77

0.77

1,787.9

209.8

1,997.6

364.7

553.6

264.1

1,190.2

218.2

589.3

600.3

849.3

2.12

2.15

3.05

1.30

30.60

1,669.1

206.8

1,875.9

334.1

511.6

272.6

1,126.1

201.2

548.7

543.4

774.8

1.93

1.92

2.73

1.190

32.29

1,432.6

184.1

1,616.7

305.8

429.2

271.5

1,015.2

160.9

440.6

440.4

632.7

1.55

1.55

2.23

1.065

35.35

1,277.7

180.0

1,457.7

277.7

374.0

255.1

915.1

156.7

385.9

385.9

579.4

1.36

1.36

2.04

0.96

CIX Share Price

21.71

17.28

29.77

28.87

24.93

21.10

22.50

Shares outstanding, end of year

221,792,541

243,721,650

271,884,495

265,302,141

276,026,778

281,708,663

284,396,101

282,914,642

283,567,039

287,434,257

ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT 
(AS AT FISCAL YEAR-END IN $ BILLIONS)

CIX SHARE PRICE
(AS AT FISCAL YEAR-END IN $)

SHARES OUTSTANDING
(AS AT FISCAL YEAR-END, IN MILLIONS)

TOTAL REVENUES 
(FOR THE FISCAL YEAR IN $ MILLIONS)

ADJUSTED EARNINGS PER SHARE* 
(FOR THE FISCAL YEAR IN $)

ADJUSTED EBITDA PER SHARE*  
(FOR THE FISCAL YEAR IN $)

150

120

90

60

30

0

‘10

‘11

‘12

‘13

‘14

‘15

‘16

‘17

‘18

‘19

40

35

30

25

20

15

10

5

0

’10

’11

’12

’13

’14

’15

'16

'17

'18

'19

300

250

200

150

100

50

0

‘10

‘11

‘12

‘13

‘14

‘15

‘16

‘17

‘18

‘19

† Includes assets in CI funds and held by clients of advisors with Assante and Stonegate.
* Adjusted net income, adjusted earnings per share, adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization), and 
adjusted EBITDA per share are not standardized earnings measures prescribed by IFRS. A description of these non-IFRS measures and a 
reconciliation to IFRS is provided in the “Non-IFRS Measures” section on page 43 of this report.

2500

2000

1500

1000

500

0

‘10

‘11

‘12

‘13

‘14

‘15

‘16

‘17

‘18

‘19

2.5

2.0

1.5

1.0

0.5

0.0

‘10

‘11

‘12

‘13

‘14

‘15

‘16

‘17

‘18

‘19

4.0

3.5

3.0

2.5

2.0

1.5

1.0

0.5

0.0

‘10

‘11

‘12

‘13

‘14

‘15

‘16

‘17

‘18

‘19

All amounts in this Annual Report are expressed in Canadian dollars.

Annual Financial Report  | 8 |  December 31, 2019

Annual Financial Report  | 9 |  December 31, 2019

DEAR SHAREHOLDERS,

I am writing my first letter to you during an unprecedented period for our society, our economy and the global financial 

markets. With this in mind, before I review the accomplishments of 2019, I want to address the impacts of the COVID-19 

pandemic and the related market volatility, which is occurring as I write.

This illness, along with the lockdowns meant to slow its spread, have prompted a sharp correction in global financial 

markets and a severe contraction in economic activity. While central banks and governments have been quick to 

implement supportive financial measures, at this point the pandemic’s duration and ultimate impact are unknown. We 

do know that companies that are financially strong, operate efficiently and were well prepared for a crisis are best placed 

to withstand the pandemic and prosper once the situation begins to normalize. CI is one of those companies. 

PANDEMIC RESPONSE

During this difficult time, CI has continued operating at a high level, thanks to our crisis planning and preparedness.  

We formed a Pandemic Response Team in advance of the first case of COVID-19 in Canada and ahead of nearly all other 

Canadian companies, quickly implementing social distancing and other preventative measures to protect our employees, 

clients and business partners. Our technology allowed us to transition swiftly and seamlessly to a remote working 

environment and by mid-March, more than 95% of corporate employees were working from home. For those staff  

who must be present at our offices, we took additional steps to support them and maintain proper social distancing.

With the technology we have in place, our employees have been working effectively and collaboratively. In particular, 

our portfolio management teams are able to access information and research, buy and sell securities, interview 

corporate management teams, and take any other steps necessary to manage their portfolios while working remotely. 

Our sales teams are actively engaging and supporting their advisor clients. Though our advisory firms closed their offices 

to the public, they continue to reach out to support and assist clients. 

Such clearheaded performance in the midst of a serious and unfamiliar situation demonstrates the quality of talent here 

at CI and the strength of our company.

Annual Financial Report  | 10 |  December 31, 2019

I will now turn to our sales and other results. Not surprisingly, the market decline that began in late February and the 

economic impact of the pandemic led to an increase in redemptions not just at CI, but across the North American asset 

management industry. Prior to that, our sales for the first quarter had improved dramatically, especially in the important 

Canadian retail business. While the company was still in net redemptions, this was a significant positive turnaround. We 

are confident we can resume this trend once the world moves past this crisis. 

Despite the events of the first quarter, CI continues to operate efficiently and to generate solid free cash flow. We took 

steps in the fourth quarter of 2019 and early in the first quarter of 2020 to reduce costs and this contributed to our 

strong position. We have been utilizing our cash flow to buy back our shares at historically low valuations, pay down our 

debt, fund our dividend, and make acquisitions as part of our strategic initiatives. 

In managing through these challenging times, we remain focused on executing our strategy to reposition the firm. In the 

next section, I will take you through the strategic priorities we introduced last November, and the initiatives we have 

undertaken to execute this vision. 

CI’S STRATEGIC PRIORITIES 

Our strategy is designed to maintain and extend CI’s leadership in the rapidly changing asset and wealth management 

industries, and is guided by these three strategic priorities:

MODERNIZING OUR 
ASSET MANAGEMENT 
BUSINESS

EXPANDING OUR 
WEALTH MANAGEMENT 
PLATFORM

GLOBALIZING   
THE FIRM

Annual Financial Report  | 11 |  December 31, 2019

In establishing these priorities, we sought input from a series of critical sources, including employees, clients, 

shareholders and industry analysts, and incorporated insights from observing market dynamics and industry trends. Each 

strategic priority builds on CI’s existing extensive capabilities to take advantage of opportunities in the marketplace. 

To execute on them, we are leveraging our strategic foundation, comprised of people, technology, speed and financial 

strength. By deploying our human capital and capabilities, driving advanced technology into everything we do, 

embedding new ways of working to be faster and more nimble, and maximizing the benefits of our financial strength,  

we intend to maintain and grow our leadership in the asset management and wealth management industries.

In just a few short months, we have made significant strategic progress, with a series of transactions and initiatives.  

Here I will discuss some of the key developments in 2019 and early 2020 through the lens of each priority. 

MODERNIZING OUR ASSET MANAGEMENT BUSINESS

The rationale behind modernizing our asset management business is that the rate and pace of change in our industry is 

at an all-time high. This is a result of evolving demographics, shifts in investor preferences, changing client expectations 

for service and support, and ongoing regulatory change. This environment, which is marked by heightened market 

volatility, low interest rates, and a growing number of older and retired investors, requires new services, new products 

and new approaches to meet investors’ changing needs.

That is why we are introducing products that are more in tune with these needs and expectations, increasing our presence 

in higher-growth segments, and making our investment capabilities available in a variety of structures so that clients can 

invest through their preferred structure – be it mutual funds, pools, or exchange-traded funds (ETFs). We are also making 

our existing operations and product lineup more efficient and enhancing our service levels to investors and advisors. 

One high-potential area in which CI has made a rapid start is liquid alternatives – mutual funds that can use more 

sophisticated, hedge-fund-like strategies. CI launched its line of liquid alternatives shortly after Canadian securities 

regulators approved these products and, in just 10 months, our liquid alternative assets under management exceeded  

$1 billion – making CI one of the top two managers in this space. This is extremely strong performance for a new 

Annual Financial Report  | 12 |  December 31, 2019

investment category and we have continued to enhance our offering in this area. Furthermore, our liquid alternative 

funds have performed well during the market downturn, highlighting the value of these strategies. 

This success has demonstrated the need and appetite for alternatives within the retail sector. We are moving further 

into this segment through a relationship with Adams Street Partners, a leader in private equity and private credit 

investing with over 45 years’ experience and a global presence. Working with Adams Street, we will offer private market 

investment solutions to our high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients. Typically, such investments are available 

only to institutional investors. 

Another high-growth sector is ETFs, as shown by the success of our CI First Asset business. Through the acquisition of 

WisdomTree Asset Management Canada, Inc., with nearly $1 billion in assets under management, we have greatly increased 

the scale of our ETF business, while adding distinct investment management capabilities. We also launched CI Mosaic ETF 

Portfolios, a family of mutual funds of ETFs, combining the value-added potential of professionally managed investments 

with ETFs’ cost-effective characteristics and providing access to this market to advisors who cannot sell ETFs. 

We announced a partnership with DoubleLine Capital LP, one of the world’s foremost fixed-income asset managers. Not 

only will funds and ETFs managed by DoubleLine be a compelling addition to our lineup, they will highlight CI’s overall 

expertise in fixed income and our extensive lineup of mandates. With about $40 billion under management in this asset 

class, we are strengthening our position as a leader in income investing and our ability to meet investors’ growing need 

for high-quality income solutions, particularly for retirement. 

On the subject of retirement, we have bolstered our expertise by partnering with Joseph Coughlin, the world’s leading 

thinker on aging, longevity and retirement and their implications for investing and financial planning. Dr. Coughlin is 

advising CI and financial advisors on how to better serve aging and retired clients, helping position us as the leading 

provider of retirement solutions to the Canadian marketplace.

Finally, we are doing a great deal of work behind the scenes to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our business, 

with one example being the introduction of next-generation analytics to support our sales teams.

Annual Financial Report  | 13 |  December 31, 2019

EXPANDING OUR WEALTH MANAGEMENT PLATFORM 

The goal of expanding our wealth management platform is driven by our belief that the role of the adviser is more 

important than ever. The current pandemic and its impact on the economy, markets and personal finances further 

demonstrate the worth of a trusted advisor to clients – including avoiding emotional decision-making and adapting their 

financial plans to changed circumstances. The breadth and depth of capabilities that CI has at its disposal today uniquely 

position us to be a market leader in wealth management. 

As our clients’ lives become increasingly complex and digital, our vision for the future of wealth management centers on 

the skills of human advisors enabled by best-in-class technology and using technology to provide a spectrum of advisory 

options for clients, depending on their needs. 

In September 2019, Assante and WealthBar launched Assante Connect, a digital service that provides Assante clients with 

the simplicity and convenience of online investing with the option for additional, personalized advice.

Through WealthBar, we acquired Snap Projections, which helps wealth professionals build customized wealth and 

retirement plans for their clients. The simplicity of the tool will allow for basic financial planning for clients who may not 

have benefited from such a service before. 

In our strategic partnership with d1g1t, we will utilize their enterprise wealth management platform across our advisory 

businesses, providing a modern advisory technology solution that supports advanced portfolio analytics for high-net-

worth clients. This platform will help us scale up the high-value services that set us apart.

Our Canadian wealth management businesses, Assante, Stonegate and WealthBar, experienced strong sales and asset 

growth in 2019, ending the year with record assets under advisement. They have also performed in an exemplary fashion 

during this turbulent first quarter in supporting clients and keeping them informed. This, combined with Assante and 

Stonegate’s comprehensive approach to wealth planning, have kept their clients on course.

Annual Financial Report  | 14 |  December 31, 2019

GLOBALIZING OUR COMPANY

Scale is becoming increasingly important in our industry and is difficult to achieve in Canada alone. That is why we are 

globalizing our company. In addition, we know that many investors, especially high-net-worth clients, have homes and 

business interests in other countries and they want support in all aspects of their financial lives. This strategy also helps 

us secure access to global talent to complement our existing capabilities. 

We believe the U.S. market provides the most attractive opportunity for global expansion, due to its size, proximity, low 

barriers to entry and similarity to the Canadian market. As a starting point, we chose to target the registered investment 

advisor (RIA) sector because it accounts for almost a quarter of the U.S. wealth market and is its fastest-growing segment. 

We initiated this strategy with agreements to acquire majority interests in two U.S. RIA firms: Surevest Wealth 

Management of Phoenix and One Capital Management of Westlake Village, California. We are also making a strategic 

investment in The Cabana Group of Fayetteville, Arkansas and have signed a letter of intent to acquire another RIA firm. 

We believe CI is a natural owner of these businesses for a few reasons. In addition to having extensive experience 

operating wealth management businesses, we have a unique value proposition compared to others that are currently in 

the market. We have scale across many of the key functions, can provide financial planning asset allocation and investment 

management capabilities, and we are well-capitalized and offer a permanent capital solution for these owners. 

Our intention is to create the industry’s leading RIA platform by selectively pursuing acquisitions of fast-growing firms in 

strategically attractive markets and market segments, and leveraging economies of scale. Additionally, this initiative will 

also allow us to provide a true cross-border service experience for our clients.

Our partnerships with Dr. Coughlin, DoubleLine and Adams Street are also part of this globalization initiative, in the 

sense that we are accessing some of the best specialized expertise in the world to enhance our products and services. 

Annual Financial Report  | 15 |  December 31, 2019

COST DISCIPLINE 

As we transform and reposition our company, boosting our efficiency and productivity across the business is critical. 

Our efforts to attain efficiencies in 2019 were seen in our $33 million reduction in selling, general and administrative 

(SG&A) expenses year over year, driven by a structural shift of expenses to align with our strategic priorities. Controlling 

costs allows us to focus our investments on technology and higher-growth areas and products. Our cost discipline has 

continued into 2020 and put CI in a strong position ahead of the global downturn resulting from COVID-19. 

RETURNING MONEY TO SHAREHOLDERS

CI has an impressive track record of returning money to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases, thanks 

to our high levels of free cash flow. In 2018, we revised our capital allocation policy to put an increased emphasis on 

buybacks, given the attractive valuations of our shares. We bought back 22.6 million shares worth $447.3 million in 2019, 

decreasing our average share count 9% year over year and bringing the total number of shares repurchased over the last 

two years to more than 51 million.

We also paid $170.8 million in dividends in 2019, for a total of $618 million returned to shareholders during the fiscal year. 

OUR FUTURE

Since I joined CI last September, we have worked to strengthen our internal culture and the efficiency of our operations, 

introduced a new corporate strategy, and launched a series of initiatives to support and execute that strategy. 

As we look ahead, we are secure in the breadth and depth of our investment expertise. We have a diverse and 

comprehensive mix of products and we continue to improve our offerings and enhance our capabilities. We are 

committed to partnering with advisors to provide investors with the highest-quality advice – the importance of which 

was recently brought home. 

Annual Financial Report  | 16 |  December 31, 2019

For many companies, the future is now extremely uncertain. However, at CI, our financial strength, cost discipline, 

investment in high-growth areas and strong free cash flow are allowing us to continue to execute our strategy and we are 

confident that CI will emerge from the downturn as a stronger, more competitive company.

I would like to thank our employees for their exceptional efforts and dedication at a difficult time, our advisors for 

their trusted partnership, and you, our shareholders, for your conviction as owners of CI. In spite of the current market 

environment, I could not be more excited about what the future holds for our firm.

Sincerely,

Kurt MacAlpine 

Chief Executive Officer

March 31, 2020

Annual Financial Report  | 17 |  December 31, 2019

 
 
 
CORPORATE 
SOCIAL  
RESPONSIBILITY

Annual Financial Report  | 18 |  December 31, 2019

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.

MEMBERSHIPS 

Signatory to the UNPRI

The United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment (UNPRI) is the world’s leading 

proponent  of  responsible  investment.  It  encourages  investors  to  use  responsible 

investment to enhance returns and better manage risks.

Associate Member of the RIA

The Responsible Investment Association (RIA) is Canada’s membership association for 

responsible  investment.  RIA  members  believe  that  the  integration  of  environmental, 

social and governance (ESG) factors into the selection and management of investments 

can provide superior risk-adjusted returns while contributing to positive societal change.

Annual Financial Report  | 19 |  December 31, 2019

COMMITMENT to Corporate Governance and Integrity

CI’s Board of Directors and management are committed to maintaining a high standard of governance in compliance with 

the governance guidelines of the Canadian Securities Administrators and best practices recommendations of the Canadian 

Coalition for Good Governance.

•   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  issues  of  risk  management  through  the  board’s  Audit  and  Risk 

Committee, and governance through its Governance, Human Resources and Compensation Committee. 

•   CI  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, as well as sales practices.

SPOTLIGHT:  
CI MSCI WORLD ESG IMPACT FUND 

In October 2019, CI launched CI First Asset MSCI World ESG Impact ETF (NEO: CESG 
& NEO: CESG.B) and CI MSCI World ESG Impact Fund. These funds represent further 
progress on CI’s commitment to responsible investing and mark the first time that CI has 

offered a dedicated solution for our clients aimed at addressing environmental, social and 

governance areas. The funds also specifically exclude two additional groups: companies 

that own fossil fuel reserves used for energy purposes and companies that have been 

involved in severe controversial events. Additionally, the funds invest in companies that 

are having a positive impact on the environment and society through their products and 
services. These impact areas are aligned with 15 of the 17 United Nations Sustainable 
Development Goals, which represent a blueprint for stimulating action in areas of critical 
importance for humanity and the planet through to 2030.

Annual Financial Report  | 20 |  December 31, 2019

•   CI has established formal Ethical Reporting Procedures through which employees can anonymously report questionable 

conduct and concerns to the Board’s Lead Director.

•   CI employees are required to complete annual Security Awareness Training.

COMMITMENT to Responsible Investing

•   As a signatory to the United Nations-supported Principles for Responsible Investment (UNPRI), CI Investments believes 

that responsible investing plays a role in achieving the best possible risk-adjusted returns for our funds.

•   CI Investments has a formal Responsible Investment Policy that addresses the integration of environmental, social and 

governance (ESG) factors into the investment decision-making process. In addition, in recognition of the prohibitions 

contained  within  the  United  Nations  Anti-Personnel  Landmines  Convention  and  the  United  Nations  Convention  on 

Cluster Munitions, CI Investments will not knowingly directly invest in companies associated with the production, use 

or distribution of such weapons. 

•   CI  Investments’  responsible  investment  program  includes  our  six  in-house  investment  teams:  Signature  Global  Asset 

Management, Cambridge Global Asset Management, Harbour Advisors, CI Multi-Asset Management, Sentry Investment 

Management and CI First Asset Investment Management. Approximately 70% of CI Investments’ assets under management 

are now covered by our Responsible Investment Policy.

CORE  
COMPONENTS

•  Responsible Investment Policy

•  Investment Exclusions

•  Minimum ESG Ranking Criteria

•  Third-Party ESG Data

•  Dedicated Responsible  

Investment Team

PROCESS

Step 1:  

In-house portfolio managers have 
continual access to third-party ESG data.

Step 2:  

Investment exclusions list provided to 
in-house portfolio managers and external 
sub-advisors on an ongoing basis.

Step 3:  

In-house portfolio managers provided 
with customized ESG screens of 
portfolios with flagged holdings on 
an ongoing basis by CI’s Responsible 
Investment Team.

Step 4:  

In-house portfolio managers review 
material flagged holdings and document 
findings.

Step 5:  

Monitoring by CI’s Responsible 
Investment Team.

Annual Financial Report  | 21 |  December 31, 2019

COMMITMENT to Our Employees

•   CI provides extensive training and learning opportunities to its employees and supports those who pursue education and 

training on their own initiative. We invested over $480,000 in employee development and training in 2019.

•   Our Women’s Mentoring Program sees high-potential women paired with a senior leader for 18 months. It boasts over 

125 mentee graduates since inception and has been profiled as an industry best practice; our Women’s Mentoring Alumni 

Program continues the development of these mentees. CI built on the success of this program by launching MentorCity, 

an additional mentoring program open to men and women.

•   Our training initiatives give employees access to a variety of tools and resources to support skills development, including 

eLearning  courses  and  classroom-based  workshops.  One  example  is  our  Ready  to  Lead  Management  Development 

Program, which has over 170 graduates since 2014. 

•   We  continue  to  celebrate  the  contributions  of  long-serving  employees  through  the  CI  Service  Recognition  Program. 

Employees are awarded “milestone days,” which are additional paid days off that are given out when they reach certain 

employment anniversaries.

•   We provide opportunities for students to gain experience and exposure to the working world. In 2019, we hired over 50 

summer students and 35 co-op students. 

SPOTLIGHT:  
CI DIVERSITY DAY 

In 2019, CI hosted a Diversity Day, where 

employees had the opportunity to share 

their traditions and heritage with colleagues 

through cultural items, music and 

cuisine. Hundreds of our employees 

attended during their lunch. Said 

one, “I haven’t had such an amazing 

work experience in my career.”

Annual Financial Report  | 22 |  December 31, 2019

COMMITMENT to Communities

CI is committed to supporting communities across Canada and to being a good corporate citizen. In 2019, we contributed 

$800,000 through company and employee donations and sponsorships. We also proudly continued with our Ray Day 

Program, which allows CI employees to dedicate one work day of the year to volunteer and support a cause of their choice. 

Below are a few highlights from CI’s community contributions in 2019.

SickKids GetLoud Rally  
and March

Second Harvest

CI was a Premium Sponsor of SickKids 
GetLoud, a campaign to help build a new 
SickKids hospital in 
Toronto, and raised 
over $20,000 from 
employees across 
the company. 

RAISED OVER  
$20,000

CI served as a Platinum Sponsor of Toronto 
Taste, an annual Second Harvest event that 
supports its mission to feed families, support 
communities and protect the environment. 
Throughout the year, CI employees also 
fundraised and donated over $11,500 – enough 
money for 23,000 meals for those in need. 

DONATED 
 OVER  
$11,500

Niemann-Pick Canada

For the third year in a row, CI was the top sponsor for Niemann-Pick Canada (NP 
Canada), with employee donations totaling nearly $125,000. Niemann-Pick is a genetic 
disease that harms critical organs and lowers an individual’s quality of life and life 
expectancy, and NP Canada is currently funding research into this disease at SickKids 
Hospital in Toronto, the National Institute of Health in Maryland, the University of 
Michigan in Ann Arbor, and 
the University of Notre Dame 
in South Bend. The amount 
raised in 2019 will cover 
almost an entire year’s cost of 
the NP Canada lab at SickKids. 

RAISED NEARLY $125,000

Annual Financial Report  | 23 |  December 31, 2019

DONATED  
$22,000

The Arthritis Society

In 2019, CI donated $22,000 to the Arthritis 
Society and has been a supporter of the 
organization since 2008. These funds will 
contribute to cutting-edge research, proactive 
advocacy and innovative solutions that will 
deliver better health outcomes for people 
affected by arthritis.  

Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada

CI continued to support the  
Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada in 2019, 
donating a total of $28,000 in post-secondary 
scholarships. These scholarships were  
funded by donations from CI’s leadership  
team and were given to young people  
who are living in, or have recently left,  
the care of the child welfare system.

$28,000 

IN POST-SECONDARY SCHOLARSHIPS 

Other organizations  

CI and our employees  

supported in 2019  

included:

Wilfrid Laurier University

CI is proud to partner with Wilfrid Laurier 
University in preparing Canada’s next 
generation of financial managers and to 
provide support for the “Building Canada’s Best 
Business School” fundraising campaign. In 2019, 
CI donated $50,000 as part of a larger $500,000 
commitment to supporting the finance 
program at the Lazaridis School of Business and 
Economics and to establishing the CI Financial 
Finance Lab. 

DONATED  
$50,000, 
$500,000 
COMMITMENT

PART OF A LARGER 

Annual Financial Report  | 24 |  December 31, 2019

Annual Financial Report  | 25 |  December 31, 2019

SPOTLIGHT:  INVESTMENT IN DISRUPTION  VENTURES LP In 2019, CI was proud to invest $2 million in Disruption Ventures LP, Canada’s first venture capital fund established by women with a focus on supporting female entrepreneurs.“By investing in female entrepreneurs, we are proudly supporting an overlooked yet dynamic group and helping to foster an innovative and prosperous Canadian economy. Our investment in Disruption Ventures also nurtures the development of a valuable support network for women entrepreneurs and women-led businesses by connecting them to venture capitalists, to each other and to companies such as CI.”Sheila Murray,  Director, CI FinancialCOMMITMENT to Environmental Sustainability

SPOTLIGHT:  
CI WINS A LIVING CITY IMPACT 
AWARD FOR WORK WITH 
THE TORONTO AND REGION 
CONSERVATION FOUNDATION 

In 2019, CI continued our partnership with the Toronto 

and Region Conservation Foundation, the charitable arm 

of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), an organization with a vision 

to create a cleaner, greener and healthier Living City. In 2019, we were proud to be the 
recipient of the Living City Impact Award for Business Excellence as recognition of our 
contributions towards advancing this vision. 

SPOTLIGHT: RAY DAYS 

CI provides employees with one paid day off per year, known as a Ray Day, to volunteer with a 

community organization or charity of their choice. This program was named in memory of CI’s 

former Chairman and CEO Ray Chang, who was well known for his commitment to philanthropy. 

The program is designed to give employees the ability to contribute to the community in a way 
that matters to them. 529 employees used their Ray Day to give back to the community in 2019. 
We also provided employees with three unique opportunities to use their Ray Day in support  
of environmental causes, an increase from the two opportunities we provided in 2018. A total  
of 239 employees took part in these events in 2019.

Annual Financial Report  | 26 |  December 31, 2019

Ray Days70 CI employees participated in a Ray Day at The Meadoway, removing invasive 

species and planting new plants and shrubs.

The first such opportunity was a shoreline 
clean-up, when 89 employees travelled 
to Toronto’s Marie Curtis Park to cover 

that negatively impacts the biodiversity of 

the local ecosystem. The third opportunity 

was at The Meadoway in Toronto, a 

1.1 kilometres of the shore, collecting an 

16-kilometre stretch of land weaving 

incredible 620 kilograms of garbage to help 

through a prominent hydro corridor set 

preserve the park’s natural ecosystem. 

to be rehabilitated into urban green space 

Following this event, another 80 employees 
headed to Tommy Thompson Park in 
Toronto to remove invasive plant species 

to promote community connectivity and 

increase ecological diversity. 70 employees 

participated, removing over 363 kilograms 

and support park maintenance, ensuring the 

of invasive species and planting 1,200 native 

integrity of the park’s natural ecosystem, 

plants and shrubs. 

including its native plant species and 

bird and butterfly populations. The team 

removed 509 kilograms of Phragmites 

Australis, an invasive species of vegetation 

Annual Financial Report  | 27 |  December 31, 2019

CI INVESTMENTS INC.

CI  Investments  (“CI”)  is  one  of  Canada’s  largest  investment  management 

companies,  proudly  partnering  with  more  than  30,000  financial  advisors  to 

serve over 1.4 million investors who put their trust in us to help them achieve 

their financial goals. We firmly believe in the value of advice, as well as the 

benefits of active management and responsible investing. 

Our  comprehensive  product  lineup  features  a  broad  selection  of 

portfolio  managers  and  investment  styles  and  a  wide  choice  of 

mandates  covering  various  regions,  asset  classes  and  industries, 

offered  through  a  variety  of  structures,  including  exchange-

traded funds (“ETFs”), mutual and segregated funds, managed 

solutions and alternative investments. 

Our strength is rooted in the expertise and experience of 

our portfolio managers who represent the full spectrum 

of investment disciplines, from value to growth. Our in-

house investment management teams are Signature 

Global  Asset  Management,  Harbour  Advisors, 

Cambridge  Global  Asset  Management,  Sentry 

Investment  Management,  CI  Multi-Asset 

Management and CI First Asset Investment 

Management.  We  also  service  the 

institutional  marketplace  through 

our  dedicated  CI 

Institutional 

Asset Management division.

SUBSIDIARY 
PROFILES

Annual Financial Report  | 28 |  December 31, 2019

CI  offers  ETFs  through  our  CI  First  Asset  division,  an  established  leader  in  the  Canadian  ETF  marketplace,  with  a  track 

record  of  introducing  market-leading  investment  methodologies.  Its  focus  is  on  delivering  better  risk-adjusted  returns 

than the broad market through a comprehensive suite of smart beta and actively managed ETF solutions. CI First Asset 

continues  to  differentiate  itself  from  competitors  by  offering  one  of  the  largest  lineups  of  actively  managed  ETFs  in 

Canada, leveraging the considerable portfolio management talent within CI Investments. In early 2020, CI completed the 

acquisition of WisdomTree Investments, Inc.’s Canadian ETF business, WisdomTree Asset Management Canada, Inc., and 

we are now managing these funds as part of our extensive lineup of high-quality ETF solutions through our affiliate, CI ETF 

Investment Management Inc.

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

levels – demonstrates the interest in ETFs by advisors and their clients. This is seen in the fact that 2019 was the second 

year in a row in which Canadian ETFs outsold mutual funds. CI is well positioned as an expert in ETFs and is poised for 

continued growth and leadership in the industry. 

2019 Operating Highlights

•   CI Liquid Alternatives™ reached $1 billion in assets 

•   CI launched CI Mosaic ETF Portfolios, mutual funds of 

under management (“AUM”) in September 2019, less 

ETFs that combine actively managed asset allocation 

than a year after launching. CI’s success in this market 

and risk management with the diversity and cost-

has made us one of the top two managers of liquid 

effectiveness of ETFs. This product also allows 

alternative funds in Canada.

advisors who cannot sell ETFs to offer their clients 

•   The CI First Asset ETF lineup posted record growth, with 

access to ETFs.  

AUM increasing 95% from $4.2 billion to $8.6 billion. This 

•   As part of CI’s ongoing initiative to streamline our 

outpaced the overall Canadian ETF Industry, which grew 

product lineup and operations, making it easier for 

by 31%. CI First Asset ETF inflows of $3.5 billion represented 

advisors and investors to do business with us, CI merged 

13% of industry totals.

30 funds into other investment mandates and simplified 

•   CI launched a high interest savings ETF and mutual 

the operation of its preferred pricing program. 

fund, as well as an ESG-focused mutual fund and ETF, 

•   For 2019, CI investments funds continued to be 

further diversifying our product lineup. CI First Asset 

recognized for consistently strong risk-adjusted 

High Interest Savings ETF attracted $1.4 billion in AUM 

performance. CI received 38 FundGrade A+ Awards, 

in less than seven months, becoming the Canadian 

as presented by Fundata Canada Inc., and seven 2019 

ETF industry’s most successful launch of 2019. These 

Canada Lipper Fund Awards from Refinitiv.

launches represent our practice of launching mandates 

in multiple structures so that investors can access our 

expertise in the structure that they prefer.

Annual Financial Report  | 29 |  December 31, 2019

 
Private Counsel LP

ASSANTE WEALTH MANAGEMENT (CANADA) LTD. AND CI PRIVATE COUNSEL LP

Assante  Wealth  Management  (Canada)  Ltd.  (“Assante”)  is  one  of  Canada’s  largest  professional  services  firms  in  wealth 

management and planning, supporting more than 880 advisors located in communities throughout the country. Assante’s 

services are offered through Assante Capital Management, an investment dealer, and Assante Financial Management, a 

mutual fund dealer.

CI Private Counsel, our high-net-worth discretionary investment counsel business, is made up of Assante Private Client, 

which supports Assante Wealth Management advisors, and Stonegate Private Counsel, which provides integrated wealth 

planning and investment advice to ultra-high-net-worth and high-net-worth clients across Canada.

Assante and CI Private Counsel continue to achieve consistent growth and have $49.1 billion in assets under advisement (“AUA”), 

as at December 31, 2019. Our success 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, our advisors provide a comprehensive and integrated approach to wealth management.

Across  our  lines  of  business,  we  also  support  our  advisors  by  providing  advanced  solutions,  including  Evolution  Private 

Managed Accounts, a program managed by CI Investments and available exclusively through Assante advisors.

2019 Operating Highlights
•   Recruited a number of established advisor teams, 

adding over $1 billion to AUA. 

•   Achieved record assets in 2019 through continued 

growth in the high-net-worth segment, with the total 
value of households investing more than $1 million 
with us representing 48.4% of our total AUA (as at 
December 31, 2019).

•   Launched a competitive marketing campaign, This is 
Why We’re Here, to demonstrate the life-changing 
value of the services provided by Assante advisors. 
•   Launched digital advice platform Assante Connect, 

providing another option for the delivery of advice in 
the Assante network.

•   Continued to digitally transform our business through 
strategic investments in e-signature and workflow 
technology as well as financial planning software.
•   Ranked #1 in the 2019 Investment Executive Dealer 

Report Card for full-service and mutual fund dealers, 
and #2 in the 2019 J.D. Power Full-Service Investor 
Satisfaction Study.

•   Kicked off the d1g1t wealth management project that 
will introduce a market-leading wealth management 
platform powered by institutional-grade analytics 
and risk management tools, enabling our advisors and 
investment counsellors to elevate the quality of advice 
and demonstrate value to clients.

Annual Financial Report  | 30 |  December 31, 2019

 
 
•   Reduced Private Client management fees and 

restructured the Assante private client fee schedule to 
a “cost-plus” model.  

•   Introduced an innovative, tax-efficient, market-leading 

cash distribution policy.

•   Continued to expand the breadth of investment 
mandates by introducing three liquid alternative 
investment options along with other CI fund 
capabilities, including CI’s new High Interest  
Savings Account.

Annual Financial Report  | 31 |  December 31, 2019

2019 Operating Highlights
•   Total AUM growth of 200% to $3.0 billion.
•   Automation of options settlement and clearing  

  in Canada and the U.S.
•   Recognized by the Globe and Mail as one of  
  the top two discount brokerages in Canada  
  for 2019.

•   Active participant in CI’s overall digital  

  transformation roadmap and its  
  digital investment service provider. 

•   Elevated mobile app experience and  
  added easy-to-use interface to  
  enhance convenient trading. 

BBS SECURITIES INC. AND VIRTUAL BROKERS

BBS  Securities 

Inc. 

(“BBS”) 

is  a  Canadian  financial 

technology company and a registered investment/broker 

dealer that provides a wide range of innovative brokerage, 

trading and investment services to a diverse client base of 

portfolio managers, broker dealers, institutional and retail 

investors.

Through our online brokerage division, Virtual Brokers, BBS 

provides  services  using  a  proprietary  system  that  offers 

innovative trading platforms to the retail Canadian market.

BBS offers a diverse range of brokerage services, including 

clearing, custody, settlement and trade execution services 

for all investment types, multiple trading platforms, access 

to  new  issues  and  IPOs  and  risk  monitoring  to  a  wide 

range  of  customers  (from  registered  portfolio  managers 

to retail clients). We leverage our technological capability 

to provide online brokerage and trade execution services 

to individual investors, active traders and institutions.

Annual Financial Report  | 32 |  December 31, 2019

GSFM PTY LIMITED

GSFM  PTY  LTD.  (“GSFM”)  is  a  leading  manager  and 

distributor of investment funds to institutional and retail 

investors in Australia. The firm was founded in 2007 and 

today we manage approximately A$17.7 billion in assets, as 

at December 31, 2019.

GSFM partners with high-calibre investment managers in 

Australia and globally to offer unique investment strategies 

to  the  Australian  market.  We  have  formed  relationships 

2019 Operating Highlights
•   Purchased equity stake in Redpoint Investment 
Management (“Redpoint”) and commenced 
distributing Redpoint’s industrials and global 
infrastructure funds. Redpoint was established in 
2011 and the investment team has been managing 
quantitative Australian and global equity 
strategies for over 20 years.

•   Developed and launched the new  

with eight investment managers – New York-based Epoch 

GSFM brand.

•   Commenced distributing the Munro 

Concentrated Global Growth Fund and 
the Man Diversified Alternatives Fund.

•   Was awarded new institutional  
fixed-income mandates totalling 
$830 million.

Investment Partners, Los Angeles-based Payden & Rygel, 

London-based  Man  Group,  Toronto-based  Cambridge 

Global  Asset  Management  (a  division  of  CI  Investments 

Inc.),  and  Australian-based  managers  Munro  Partners, 

Redpoint  Investment  Management,  Tribeca  Investment 

Partners and Triple3 Partners. Each offers a differentiated 

investment strategy in their specialist asset classes. These 

mandates  span  Australian  equities,  global  equities,  fixed 

income, infrastructure, alternatives and volatility.

CI  Financial  owns  86%  of  GSFM,  and  GSFM  executives 

hold a 14% equity stake.

Annual Financial Report  | 33 |  December 31, 2019

 
 
WEALTHBAR FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

WealthBar Financial Services Inc. (“WealthBar”) is an online 

The firm operates two advisor channels, including Assante 

wealth  management  and  financial  planning  platform 

Connect,  which  launched  in  2019  exclusively  for  clients 

that  believes  the  investing  experience  should  not  be 

of  Assante  advisors.  This  digital  wealth  management 

determined  by  how  much  an  investor  has.  Whether  it’s 

platform  pairs  seasoned  portfolio  managers  with  digital 

$1,000 or $1 million, we give clients access to professionally 

advice services to help advisors scale their business and 

managed investments and financial advice. 

augment  their  offerings.  The  other  is  PPI  Valet,  which 

delivers a far-ranging suite of investment options for PPI 

Founded  in  2014,  we  have  approximately  $400  million 

advisors and their clients.

in  AUM,  as  at  December  31,  2019.  Our  “hybrid  model” 

combines  technology  with  professional  advice  for  a 

We  also  operate  Snap  Projections  Inc.,  which  offers 

personalized experience. 

intuitive  financial  planning  software  that  helps  wealth 

Through our online platform, investors can access a mix 

plans  for  their  clients.  The  acquisition  of  Snap  reflects 

of  ETF  and  Private  Investment  Portfolios.  These  Private 

our  vision  of  ensuring  all  Canadians  can  access  quality 

Investment  Portfolios  are  unique  in  the  Canadian  robo-

financial planning as we continue to expand the advisor 

professionals  build  customized  wealth  and  retirement 

advisor  market  and  are  designed  to  perform  while 

side of our business.

mitigating  risk  through  enhanced  diversification,  using  a 

range  of  asset  combinations  including  equities,  bonds, 

WealthBar  is  majority  owned  by  CI  Financial,  with 

REITs, preferred shares and other financial strategies.

WealthBar executives holding a 25% equity stake.

2019 Operating Highlights
•   Acquired by CI Financial in January 2019 and became an active participant in CI’s overall  

digital transformation roadmap.

•   Grew total AUM by more than 50% to approximately $400 million.
•   Acquired Snap Projections Inc. in October 2019.
•   Launched Assante Connect, a new online investing platform specifically designed  

for clients of Assante Wealth Management advisors. 

•   Named Best Robo-Advisor as part of the 2019 Benzinga Fintech Listmakers awards.

Annual Financial Report  | 34 |  December 31, 2019

Annual Financial Report  | 35 |  December 31, 2019

Management’s  
Discussion and Analysis
December 31, 2019

CI FINANCIAL CORP.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

| FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS |

[millions of dollars,
except share amounts]

Assets under management

Assets under advisement

Total assets

Average assets under

management

Management fees

Total revenues

Selling, general & administrative

Trailer fees

Net income
Adjusted net income1

Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share
Adjusted earnings per share1

Free cash flow1

Return on equity2

As at and for the quarters ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Sep. 30, 2019

Jun. 30, 2019 Mar. 31, 2019 Dec. 31, 2018

132,130

49,759

181,889

129,998

47,383

177,381

130,186

46,606

176,792

131,309

45,644

176,953

124,360

41,813

166,173

130,920

129,784

131,133

128,887

129,316

464.4

534.7

113.8

145.7

147.3

147.5

0.66

0.65

0.66

465.6

527.5

124.6

146.5

138.8

139.0

0.60

0.60

0.60

468.5

530.3

124.8

148.1

111.5

138.5

0.47

0.47

0.58

459.5

526.8

126.1

144.6

140.0

140.0

0.58

0.58

0.58

474.2

529.2

123.5

149.1

140.4

140.3

0.57

0.57

0.57

168.3

144.7

146.5

143.5

156.5

37.8%

37.6%

37.8%

37.7%

37.1%

%
change
quarter-
over-
quarter

% 
change 
year-
over-
year

2

5

3

1

—

1

(9)

(1)

6

6

10

8

10

16

6

19

9

1

(2)

1

(8)

(2)

5

5

16

14

16

8

Dividends paid per share

Dividend yield

0.18

3.3%

0.18

3.7%

0.18

3.4%

0.18

3.9%

0.18

4.2%

—

—

Average shares outstanding

224,961,509

232,140,211

238,255,145

241,946,976

246,810,100

Shares outstanding

221,792,541

228,161,314

235,693,761

240,375,825

243,721,650

Share price

High

Low

Close

Change in share price

Total shareholder return

12-month shareholder return

Market capitalization
P/E Ratio2

Long-term debt (including the

current portion)

Net debt1
Net debt to adjusted EBITDA1

22.24

18.26

21.71

12.3%

13.2%

30.2%

4,815

9.0

1,604

1,383

1.56

21.97

18.00

19.33

(9.4%)

(8.6%)

(2.1%)

4,410

8.3

1,569

1,341

1.62

21.57

17.96

21.34

17.0%

18.0%

(5.7%)

5,030

9.1

1,525

1,270

1.51

19.44

16.92

18.24

5.6%

6.6%

(30.6%)

4,384

7.7

1,529

1,268

1.50

20.68

16.47

17.28

(15.7%)

(14.9%)

(38.9%)

4,212

7.3

1,504

1,255

1.51

(3)

(3)

1

1

12

9

8

2

3

(4)

(9)

(9)

8

11

26

14

23

7

10

3

1 Adjusted net income, adjusted earnings per share, free cash flow, net debt, EBITDA, and adjusted EBITDA are not standardized earnings 
measures prescribed by IFRS. Descriptions of these measures, as well as others, and reconciliations to the nearest IFRS measures, where 
necessary, are provided in the “Non-IFRS Measures” section of this MD&A. 
2 Trailing 12 months, calculated using adjusted net income.

1 December 31, 2019
Annual Financial Report  | 37 |  December 31, 2019
Q4 Financial Report

| MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS |

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) dated February 13, 2020 presents an analysis of the financial position of 

CI Financial Corp. and its subsidiaries (“CI”) as at December 31, 2019, compared with December 31, 2018, and the results of 

operations for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2019, compared with the quarter and year ended December 31, 2018

and the quarter ended September 30, 2019.

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 GSFM Pty Limited (“GSFM”). First Asset Investment Management Inc., formerly a subsidiary of CI Investments, was amalgamated 

on July 1, 2019. 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”), as well as the operating 

results and financial position of BBS Securities Inc. (“BBS”) and WealthBar Financial Services Inc. (“WealthBar”).

This MD&A contains forward-looking statements concerning anticipated future events, results, circumstances, performance or 

expectations with respect to CI Financial Corp. (“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 references to future periods, 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’s 

control.   Although  management  believes  that  the  expectations  reflected  in  such  forward-looking  statements  are  based  on 

reasonable assumptions, such statements involve risks and uncertainties. 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.  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 or discussed in CI’s disclosure materials filed with applicable securities regulatory authorities from time to time. 

The foregoing list is not exhaustive and the reader is cautioned to consider these and other factors carefully and not to place 

undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Other than as specifically required by applicable law, CI undertakes no obligation 

to update or alter any forward-looking statement after the date on which it is made, whether to reflect new information, future 

events or otherwise.

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.

3 December 31, 2019
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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS| MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS |

TABLE 1: SELECTED ANNUAL INFORMATION

[millions, except per share amounts]

Management fees

Total revenue

Selling, general & administrative

Total expenses

Income before income taxes

Income taxes

Non-controlling interest

Net income available to shareholders

Adjusted net income1
Free cash flow1

Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share
Adjusted earnings per share1

Adjusted EBITDA1

Total assets

Gross debt
Net debt1

Average shares outstanding

Shares outstanding

Share price

Fiscal Years Ending December 31

2019

2018

2017

$1,857.9

$2,119.2

$489.3

$1,392.4

$726.8

$189.3

-$0.9

$538.4

$565.0

$603.1

$2.30

$2.29

$2.41

$2,004.2

$2,236.4

$512.6

$1,393.1

$843.3

$225.5

$0.4

$617.5

$617.5

$655.5

$2.38

$2.38

$2.38

$1,897.1

$2,111.3

$451.6

$1,303.6

$807.7

$258.8

-$0.2

$549.1

$628.4

$648.4

$2.08

$2.08

$2.38

$850.5

$906.2

$891.8

$4,368

$1,604

$1,383

234.3

221.8

$21.71

$4,292

$1,504

$1,255

259.3

243.7

$17.28

$4,345

$1,118

$861

264.4

271.9

$29.77

Market capitalization
$8,094
1Adjusted net income, adjusted earnings per share, free cash flow, 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.

$4,815

$4,212

4 December 31, 2019
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TABLE 2: SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY RESULTS

[millions of dollars, except per share amounts]

2019

2018

INCOME STATEMENT DATA

Management fees

Administration fees

Other revenues

Total revenues

Selling, general & administrative

Trailer fees

Investment dealer fees

Deferred sales commissions paid

Interest and lease finance

Amortization and depreciation

Other expenses

Total expenses

Q4

Q3

Q2

Q1

Q4

Q3

Q2

Q1

464.4

465.6

468.5

459.5

474.2

509.9

506.3

513.7

59.4

10.8

54.9

7.0

53.6

8.2

52.4

14.9

51.8

3.2

50.2

8.9

47.5

10.8

48.1

11.7

534.7

527.5

530.3

526.8

529.2

569.0

564.6

573.5

113.8

145.7

124.6

146.5

124.8

148.1

126.1

144.6

123.5

149.1

128.9

160.6

46.9

2.4

14.2

8.2

2.3

43.2

2.6

13.8

8.2

2.4

42.4

3.1

13.7

8.3

37.4

40.8

4.6

13.7

8.2

1.6

40.5

3.9

12.4

5.4

3.1

40.1

4.1

11.6

5.2

0.8

127.3

159.6

37.6

132.9

162.0

37.7

5.6

9.9

5.1

1.6

8.5

9.3

4.9

2.1

333.6

341.3

377.9

339.6

337.8

351.2

346.7

357.4

Income before income taxes

201.1

186.2

152.4

187.2

191.3

217.8

218.0

216.2

Income taxes

Non-controlling interest

53.8

(0.3)

47.4

(0.2)

40.9

(0.3)

47.2

(0.1)

51.0

—

59.5

0.1

58.0

0.1

57.0

0.1

Net income attributable to shareholders

147.5

139.0

111.9

140.0

140.3

158.2

159.9

159.0

Earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

0.66

0.65

0.60

0.60

0.47

0.47

0.58

0.58

0.57

0.57

0.62

0.62

0.61

0.60

0.59

0.59

Dividends paid per share

0.1800

0.1800

0.1800

0.1800

0.1800

0.2350

0.3525

0.3525

5 December 31, 2019
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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS| MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS |

BUSINESS OVERVIEW

CI is a diversified wealth management firm and through CI Investments, one of Canada’s largest independent investment fund 

companies. The principal business of CI is the management, marketing, distribution and administration of investment products 

for Canadian investors. CI also provides financial advice, tax, retirement, estate and wealth planning services to clients of Assante, 

CIPC, and WealthBar. In addition, CI has asset management operations in Australia 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 

investment funds and other fee-earning investment products. The Asset Administration segment derives its revenue principally 

from fees and commissions from ongoing service and on the sale of investment funds and other financial products.

BUSINESS STRATEGY

CI provides wealth and investment management services and earns fee revenue on its assets under management (“AUM”) and 

assets under administration (“AUA”). Management believes that client goals and asset growth can be achieved by focusing on 

the following factors: quality and diversity of products offered by CI; experience and depth of investment managers; service 

levels provided to dealers and investors; and the skill and knowledge of its employees. 

CI offers investors a wide range of investment products through a network of investment dealers, mutual fund dealers, and 

insurance agents, which include advisors with AWM. Acquisitions of fund management companies and years of product 

innovation and development have allowed CI to offer investors a broad selection of investment products. 

CI uses in-house teams and external investment managers to provide portfolio management services. 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. 

As CI evolves to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing investment industry, it continues to make significant investments in 

key areas of the business to drive growth and broaden revenue opportunities,  while prudently controlling expenditures.

These investments are guided by three strategic priorities, announced in November 2019:

•  Modernize the asset management business

• 

Expand the wealth management platform

•  Globalize the company.

In executing its strategy, the firm is leveraging its strategic foundation comprised of People, Technology, Speed and Financial 

Strength. By deploying its human capital and capabilities, driving advanced technology into everything the firm does, 

embedding new ways of working to be faster and more nimble, and maximizing the benefits of its financial strength, CI intends 

to maintain and grow its leadership in the asset management and wealth management industries. 

6 December 31, 2019
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KEY PERFORMANCE DRIVERS

The key performance indicator for the Asset Management segment is the level of AUM, and for the Asset Administration segment, 

the level of AUA. Assets Under Advisement includes both AUA (assets under administration) and assets held by clients of advisors 

with Stonegate Private Counsel. Total assets are comprised of AUM and Assets Under Advisement. CI’s AUM and AUA are primarily 

driven by fund performance, as well as gross sales and redemptions of investment products. As most of CI’s revenues and expenses 

are based on daily asset levels throughout the year, average assets for a particular period are critical to the analysis of CI’s financial 

results. While some expenses, such as trailer fees, vary directly with the level of AUM, a portion of CI’s expenses do not, such as 

a portion of overhead, discretionary spend, and deferred sales commissions. Over the long term, CI manages the level of its 

discretionary spend to be consistent with, or below, the growth in its revenue. In any given period, CI may choose to make 

investments in people or technology that benefit the long-term growth of the company.

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, operating cash flow, free cash 

flow, EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, EBITDA margin, adjusted EBITDA margin, dealer gross margin, net debt, asset management margin, 

and SG&A efficiency margin. Descriptions of these non-IFRS measures and reconciliations to IFRS are provided below.

7 December 31, 2019
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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 net of 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

[millions of dollars, except per share amounts]

Net Income

Add:

Restructuring provision

Less:

Non-controlling interest

Adjusted net income

Adjusted earnings per share

OPERATING CASH FLOW AND FREE CASH FLOW

Quarter
ended
Dec. 31, 2019
147.3

Quarter
ended
Sep. 30, 2019
138.8

Quarter
ended
Dec. 31, 2018
140.4

Year
ended
Dec. 31, 2019
537.5

Year
ended
Dec. 31, 2018
617.8

—

—

(0.3)

147.5

0.66

(0.2)

139.0

0.60

—

—

140.3

0.57

26.6

—

(0.9)

565.0

2.41

0.4

617.5

2.38

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, the timing of interest payments depends on terms in specific debt instruments, and tax installments 

paid may differ materially from the cash tax accrual.

Free cash flow is calculated as operating cash flow adjusted for provisions. CI uses this measure, among others, when determining 

how to deploy capital.

8 December 31, 2019
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TABLE 4: OPERATING CASH FLOW AND FREE CASH FLOW

[millions of dollars]

Cash provided by operating activities

Add:

Income taxes paid

Interest paid

Less:

Net change in non-cash working capital

Operating cash flow

Add:

Restructuring provision

Free cash flow

Quarter
ended
Dec. 31, 2019
157.0

Quarter
ended
Sep. 30, 2019
127.7

Quarter
ended
Dec. 31, 2018
178.3

Year
ended
Dec. 31, 2019
558.0

Year
ended
Dec. 31, 2018
608.2

43.0

10.8

42.5

168.3

—

168.3

69.6

12.4

65.0

144.7

—

144.7

57.7

12.4

91.8

156.5

—

156.5

205.6

49.5

231.9

581.2

21.9

603.1

240.5

38.3

231.5

655.5

—

655.5

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  amortization  and  depreciation.  This  permits  comparisons  of  companies  within  the 

industry,  normalizing  for  different  financing  methods  and  levels  of  taxation.  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. Please note that effective January 1, 2019, CI adopted IFRS 16, an accounting standard that requires 

lessees to recognize assets and liabilities for leases longer than 12 months. This change impacts EBITDA by replacing lease expense 

with interest and depreciation, which are not included in EBITDA. This accounting change was not adopted retroactively - further 

information can be found in Note 2 of the Notes to Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

9 December 31, 2019
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TABLE 5: EBITDA, ADJUSTED EBITDA AND ADJUSTED EBITDA MARGIN

[millions of dollars, except per share amounts]

Net Income

Add:

Interest and lease finance

Provision for income taxes

Amortization and depreciation

EBITDA

EBITDA per share

Add:

  Restructuring provision

Less:

Non-controlling interest

Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA per share

Total revenue

Adjusted EBITDA Margin

NET DEBT

Quarter
ended
Dec. 31, 2019
147.3

Quarter
ended
Sep. 30, 2019
138.8

Quarter
ended
Dec. 31, 2018
140.4

Year
ended
Dec. 31, 2019
537.5

Year
ended
Dec. 31, 2018
617.8

14.2

53.8

8.2

223.5

0.99

—

(0.2)

223.7

0.99

534.7

41.8%

13.8

47.4

8.2

208.2

0.90

—

—

208.2

0.90

12.4

51.0

5.4

209.1

0.85

55.4

189.3

32.9

815.1

3.48

43.1

225.5

20.5

906.9

3.50

—

35.0

—

0.1

209.0

0.85

(0.4)

850.5

3.63

0.7

906.2

3.50

527.5

39.5%

529.2

39.5%

2,119.2

2,236.4

40.1%

40.5%

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 6: NET DEBT

[millions of dollars]

Current portion of long-term debt

Long-term debt

Less:

Cash and short-term investments

Marketable securities, excluding BBS’ securities owned, at market

Add:

Regulatory capital and non-controlling interests

Net Debt

DEALER GROSS MARGIN

As at

As at

Dec. 31, 2019

Dec. 31, 2018

449.5

1,155.0

1,604.5

118.4

118.2

14.7

1,382.6

—

1,503.7

1,503.7

137.2

133.0

21.7

1,255.3

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 

Q4 Financial Report 10 December 31, 2019
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(all figures before inter-segment eliminations). 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

ASSET MANAGEMENT MARGIN

Quarter
ended
Dec. 31, 2019
104.9

Quarter
ended
Sep. 30, 2019
99.8

Quarter
ended
Dec. 31, 2018
94.2

Year
ended
Dec. 31, 2019
397.4

Year
ended
Dec. 31, 2018
372.4

84.2

20.7

19.7%

80.1

19.7

19.8%

75.4

18.7

19.9%

318.7

78.7

298.0

74.3

19.8%

20.0%

CI assesses the overall performance of the asset management segment using a trailing 12-month asset management margin, 

where deferred sales commissions, trailer fees, and SG&A expenses are deducted from management fees and measured as a 

percentage of management fees (all figures are before inter-segment eliminations). This removes distortion caused by other 

revenues and expenses, eliminates the financing impact of back-end load funds, and 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.

TABLE 8: ASSET MANAGEMENT MARGIN

[millions of dollars - trailing 12 months]

Management fees

Less:

Deferred sales commissions paid

Trailer fees

Net management fees

Less:

SG&A expenses

Asset management margin

SG&A EFFICIENCY MARGIN

Quarter ended
Dec. 31, 2019

Quarter ended
Sep. 30, 2019

Quarter ended
Jun. 30, 2019

Quarter ended
Mar. 31, 2019

Quarter ended
Dec. 31, 2018

1,857.9

1,867.7

1,912.0

1,949.9

2,004.2

13.5

615.8

1,228.6

387.5

841.1

45.3%

15.0

618.5

1,234.3

397.3

836.9

44.8%

16.5

632.8

1,262.8

403.7

859.1

44.9%

19.1

644.8

1,286.0

407.3

878.7

45.1%

23.1

662.8

1,318.2

414.7

903.4

45.1%

CI uses a trailing 12-month SG&A efficiency margin to assess its costs relative to management fees earned, net of deferred sales 

commissions and trailer fees, which are not directly controllable by CI. SG&A expenses are subtracted from these net management 

fees and the remainder is measured as a percentage of net management fees. Using a trailing 12-month margin eliminates any 

seasonality associated with SG&A expenses. 

Q4 Financial Report 11 December 31, 2019
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TABLE 9: SG&A EFFICIENCY MARGIN

[millions of dollars - trailing 12 months]

Management fees

Less:

Deferred sales commissions paid

Trailer fees

Net management fees

Less:

SG&A expenses

SG&A efficiency margin

ASSETS AND SALES

Quarter ended
Dec. 31, 2019

Quarter ended
Sep. 30, 2019

Quarter ended
Jun. 30, 2019

Quarter ended
Mar. 31, 2019

Quarter ended
Dec. 31, 2018

1,857.9

1,867.7

1,912.0

1,949.9

2,004.2

13.5

615.8

15.0

618.5

16.5

632.8

19.1

644.8

23.1

662.8

1,228.6

1,234.3

1,262.8

1,286.0

1,318.2

387.5

841.1

68.5%

397.3

836.9

67.8%

403.7

859.1

68.0%

407.3

878.7

68.3%

414.7

903.4

68.5%

CI is one of Canada’s largest independent investment fund companies with assets under management of $132.1 billion and assets 

under advisement of $49.8 billion at December 31, 2019, as shown in Table 10. Assets under advisement are comprised of AUA 

and assets held by clients of advisors with Stonegate Private Counsel. Assets under management increased 6% year over year 

due to fund performance, partially offset by net redemptions of funds. The 19% increase in assets under advisement from last 

year was due to fund performance, net sales, advisor recruitment, and the acquisition of WealthBar. Total assets, which include 

mutual, segregated, separately managed accounts, structured products, exchange-traded funds, pooled funds and assets under 

advisement, were $181.9 billion at December 31, 2019, up $15.7 billion from $166.2 billion at December 31, 2018. 

TABLE 10: TOTAL ASSETS

[billions of dollars]

Assets under management
Assets under advisement1

Total assets

As at

As at

December 31, 2019

December 31, 2018

% change

132.1

49.8

181.9

124.4

41.8

166.2

6

19

9

1Includes $29.4 billion and $25.2 billion of assets managed by CI and held by clients of advisors with Assante and Stonegate in 2019 and 2018, 

respectively.

Supported by low interest rates and healthy corporate fundamentals, global equity markets advanced in the fourth quarter 

and registered solid results for 2019, with many finishing the year close to their all-time highs. The MSCI World Index rose 

6.5% in Canadian dollar terms during the last three months of 2019, bringing its gain for the year to 22.4%. And despite 

ongoing trade uncertainty and the developing impeachment process in the United States, the S&P 500 Index, a broad measure 

of the U.S. equity market, was up 6.9% for the quarter and finished 2019 with an increase of 25.2% (CAD), including dividends.

Canadian equities also advanced in 2019, with supportive business conditions and strong commodity prices boosting results 

for most sectors. The benchmark S&P/TSX Composite Index climbed 3.2% in the fourth quarter, capping off a 22.8% gain for 

the year.

Q4 Financial Report 12 December 31, 2019
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The change in AUM during each of the past five quarters is detailed in Table 11 and a breakdown of CI’s sales is provided in 

Table 12. 

TABLE 11: CHANGE IN ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT

[billions of dollars]

Quarter ended
Dec. 31, 2019

Quarter ended
Sep. 30, 2019

Quarter ended
Jun. 30, 2019

Quarter ended
Mar. 31, 2019

Quarter ended
Dec. 31, 2018

Assets under management, beginning

129.998

130.186

131.309

124.360

136.526

Gross sales

Redemptions

Net sales

Acquisitions (divestitures)

Fund performance

Assets under management, ending

Average assets under management

4.489

6.388

(1.898)

—

4.030

132.130

130.920

3.577

5.116

(1.539)

—

1.351

129.998

129.784

2.908

5.375

(2.467)

(0.560)

1.904

130.186

131.133

3.596

5.860

(2.265)

—

9.214

131.309

128.887

3.023

5.742

(2.719)

—

(9.447)

124.360

129.316

CI reported $1.9 billion in overall net redemptions for the fourth quarter of 2019. CI’s Canadian retail business, excluding 

products closed to new investors, had $0.4 billion in net redemptions, representing an improvement of $1.0 billion over the 

third quarter of 2019 and an improvement of $1.9 billion over the fourth quarter of 2018. CI’s Canadian institutional business 

had $1.5 billion in net redemptions, a large proportion of which related to a client that brought assets in-house. CI’s 

international business had net sales of $0.2 billion for the fourth quarter of 2019, while CI’s closed business, comprised 

primarily of segregated fund contracts that are no longer available for sale, had $0.2 billion in net redemptions for the quarter.

TABLE 12: SALES BREAKDOWN

[millions of dollars]

Canadian Business

   Retail

   Institutional

International Business

   Retail

   Institutional

Closed Business

Total

Quarter ended December 31, 2019

Quarter ended December 31, 2018

Gross Sales

Redemptions

Net Sales

Gross Sales

Redemptions

Net Sales

3,830

383

4,213

79

190

269

8

4,489

4,241

1,853

6,093

33

8

41

253

6,388

(411)

(1,469)

(1,881)

46

182

228

(245)

(1,898)

2,160

414

2,574

225

209

434

15

4,491

802

5,294

76

99

175

274

3,023

5,742

(2,331)

(389)

(2,720)

150

110

260

(259)

(2,719)

Q4 Financial Report 13 December 31, 2019

Annual Financial Report  | 48 |  December 31, 2019

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS| MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS |

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended December 31, 2019

For the year ended December 31, 2019, CI reported net income attributable to shareholders of $538.4 million ($2.30 per share) 

versus $617.5 million ($2.38 per share) for the year ended December 31, 2018. The second quarter of 2019 included a restructuring 

provision of $26.6 million ($35.0 million before tax) related to severances and technology write downs. Excluding the provision, 

CI’s net income attributable to shareholders was $565.0 million ($2.41 per share) for 2019. The year-over-year decrease in adjusted 

net income was primarily a result of lower management fees due to lower average AUM.

CI’s total revenue was $2,119.2 million in 2019, a decrease of 5.2% when compared to total revenue of $2,236.4 million in 2018. 

Similar to net income, the decrease was primarily due to a decrease in management fees, as average AUM declined 5.1%.

For the year ended December 31, 2019, SG&A expenses were $489.3 million, down 4.5% from $512.6 million for the year ended 

2018. While CI has been selectively investing in high-growth opportunities and other initiatives, the decrease in SG&A from last 

year was partially a result of management’s efforts to contain discretionary expenses in the legacy side of its asset management 

business. SG&A also decreased due to a change in accounting methodology, which is detailed in Note 2 to the Notes to Consolidated 

Financial Statements.

As a percentage of average AUM, SG&A expenses were 0.376%, up slightly from 0.374% last year. The increase in the SG&A rate 

from last year was due to average AUM decreasing at a faster rate than SG&A. 

During 2019, CI paid $12.8 million in deferred sales commissions, compared with $22.1 million in 2018. Consistent with the 

Canadian mutual fund industry, CI’s sales into deferred load funds have been steadily decreasing over the past decade.

Interest expense of $55.4 million was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared with $43.1 million for the year 

ended December 31, 2018. The change in interest expense reflected the addition of lease interest expense beginning in the first 

quarter of 2019 (relating to the adoption of IFRS 16), as well as the changes in average debt levels and interest rates, as discussed 

under the Liquidity and Capital Resources section. 

For 2019, CI recorded $189.3 million in income tax expense for an effective tax rate of 26.0%, compared to $225.5 million, or 

26.7%, in 2018. The effective tax rate for 2019 was lower due to tax recoveries. Please note that CI’s effective tax rate may differ 

from its statutory tax rate, which is currently 26.5%, as a result of some expenses being nondeductible or partially deductible, 

or some revenue items not being fully taxable.

Quarter Ended December 31, 2019

For the quarter ended December 31, 2019, CI reported net income attributable to shareholders of $147.5 million ($0.66 per 

share) up from $140.3 million ($0.57 per share) for the quarter ended December 31, 2018 and from $139.0 million ($0.60 per 

share) for the quarter ended September 30, 2019. The increase from both comparable periods was due to lower SG&A costs, 

gains on marketable securities, and higher administration fees. 

Q4 Financial Report 14 December 31, 2019
Annual Financial Report  | 49 |  December 31, 2019

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS| MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS |

CI’s total revenue was $534.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2019, an increase of 1.0% when compared to total revenue of $529.2 

million in the same period in 2018. On a consecutive quarter basis, total revenue increased 1.4%. The increase for both periods 

was due to higher administration fees and gains on marketable securities.

For the quarter ended December 31, 2019, SG&A expenses were $113.8 million, down 7.9% from $123.5 million in the same 

quarter of 2018 and down 8.7% from $124.6 million in the prior quarter. As with the annual results discussed earlier, the change 

in SG&A from last year was primarily a result of efforts to contain costs, as well as a change in accounting methodology.

As an annualized percentage of average AUM, SG&A expenses were 0.345%, down significantly from 0.379% for the fourth quarter 

of last year and from 0.381% for the prior quarter. 

In the fourth quarter of 2019, CI paid $2.4 million in deferred sales commissions, compared with $3.9 million in the same quarter 

of 2018 and $2.6 million in the prior quarter. Consistent with the Canadian mutual fund industry, CI’s sales into deferred load 

funds have been steadily decreasing over the past decade.

Interest expense of $14.2 million was recorded for the quarter ended December 31, 2019 compared with $12.4 million for the 

quarter ended December 31, 2018 and $13.8 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2019. The change in interest expense 

from the same quarter last year reflected the addition of lease interest expense beginning in the first quarter of 2019 (relating 

to the adoption of IFRS 16), as well as the changes in average debt levels and interest rates, as discussed earlier. 

For the fourth quarter of 2019, CI recorded $53.8 million in income tax expense for an effective tax rate of 26.8% compared to 

$51.0 million, or 26.6%, in the fourth quarter of 2018, and $47.4 million, or 25.4%, in the prior quarter.  

ASSET MANAGEMENT SEGMENT

The Asset Management segment is CI’s principal business segment and its operating results are presented in Table 13.

TABLE 13: RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - ASSET MANAGEMENT SEGMENT

[millions of dollars]

Management fees

Other revenue

Total revenue

Selling, general and administrative

Trailer fees

Deferred sales commissions paid

Amortization and depreciation

Other expenses

Total expenses

Quarter
ended
Dec. 31, 2019
464.4

Quarter
ended
Sep. 30, 2019
465.6

Quarter
ended
Dec. 31, 2018
474.2

Year
ended
Dec. 31, 2019
1,857.9

Year
ended
Dec. 31, 2018
2,004.2

2.0

466.4

88.7

153.7

2.6

5.6

1.1

(2.1)

463.5

98.6

154.4

2.8

5.6

1.8

(5.0)

469.2

5.7

2.3

1,863.7

2,006.5

98.4

156.3

4.1

4.5

3.0

387.5

615.8

13.5

22.3

38.7

414.7

662.8

23.1

16.6

7.4

251.6

263.1

266.3

1,077.9

1,124.7

Non-controlling interest

Income before taxes and non-segmented items

0.3

214.5

0.2

200.2

0.1

202.8

0.7

785.0

0.5

881.2

Q4 Financial Report 15 December 31, 2019
Annual Financial Report  | 50 |  December 31, 2019

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS| MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS |

Year Ended December 31, 2019

Revenues

Revenues from management fees were $1,857.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, a decrease of 7.3% from $2,004.2 

million for the year ended December 31, 2018. The decrease in management fees was mainly due to the 5.1% decrease in average 

AUM as well as a decline in the management fee rate. The management fee rate has been generally declining due to a change 

in CI’s mix of business towards newer products with lower pricing, products that do not pay trailer fees, as well as new pricing 

initiatives intended to keep CI’s products competitive. Net management fees (management fees less trailer fees and deferred 

sales commissions) as a percentage of average AUM were 0.944%, down from 0.961% for 2018. 

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2019, other revenue was $5.7 million versus $2.3 million for the twelve months 

ended December 31, 2018. The increase in other revenue from the prior year was mainly due to unrealized gains on marketable 

securities.

Expenses

SG&A expenses for the Asset Management segment were $387.5 million for 2019, compared with $414.7 million for 2018. The 

decrease from last year was primarily due to ongoing efforts to contain SG&A in the asset management segment, as well as the 

adoption of IFRS 16. As a percentage of average AUM, SG&A expenses were 0.298% for the year ended December 31, 2019, down 

slightly from 0.302% for the year ended December 31, 2018. 

Trailer fees were $615.8 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019, down from $662.8 million for the twelve 

months ended December 31, 2018. Net of inter-segment amounts, this expense was $584.9 million for the 2019 versus $631.2 

million for 2018. The decrease related to the change in average AUM as well as the change in asset mix towards products that 

do not pay trailer fees. 

In 2019, before inter-segment eliminations, CI paid $13.5 million in deferred sales commissions, compared with $23.1 million in 

2018. CI’s sales into deferred load funds have been steadily decreasing over the past decade.

Other expenses for the year ended December 31, 2019 were $38.7 million, compared to $7.4 million for the year ended December 

31, 2018. As discussed earlier, the second quarter of 2019 included a restructuring provision, of which $32.4 million (before tax) 

related to the asset management segment.

The asset management margin for the 2019 was 45.3% compared to 45.1% in 2018. CI was able to hold the annual margin relatively 

steady through cost containment measures in response to declining fees. During periods of declining AUM and/or fee rates, CI’s 

management will respond by strategically reducing SG&A. Another measure that CI uses to assess its costs is the SG&A efficiency 

margin.  This  measure  differs  from  asset  management  margin  as  it  is  calculated  as  a  percentage  of  net  management  fees 

(management fees less trailers and deferred sales commissions), and measures CI’s profitability without regard to purchase option 

preferences available to clients. CI’s 2019 SG&A efficiency margin was 68.5%, unchanged from 68.5% in 2018. The calculations 

and definitions of asset management margin and SG&A efficiency margin can be found in the “Non-IFRS Measures” section. 

Q4 Financial Report 16 December 31, 2019
Annual Financial Report  | 51 |  December 31, 2019

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS| MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS |

Income before taxes and non-segmented items for CI’s principal segment was $785.0 million for the year ended December 31, 

2019, down 10.9% from $881.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2018.  Excluding the restructuring provision discussed 

earlier, income before taxes and non-segmented items was $817.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2019.

Quarter Ended December 31, 2019

Revenues

Revenues from management fees were $464.4 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2019, a decrease of 2.1% from $474.2 

million for the quarter ended December 31, 2018 and a decrease of 0.3% from $465.6 million for the quarter ended September 

30, 2019. The decrease in management fees from both quarters was due to a decline in the management fee rate. Net management 

fees (management fees less trailer fees and deferred sales commissions) as a percentage of average AUM were 0.934%, down 

from 0.963% for the fourth quarter last year and from 0.943% for the prior quarter. 

For  the  quarter  ended  December  31,  2019,  other  revenue  was  $2.0  million  versus  $(5.0)  million  for  the  quarter  ended 

December 31,  2018  and  $(2.1)  million  for  the  quarter  ended  September  30,  2019.  The  increase  in  other  revenue  from  the 

comparable quarters was mainly due to unrealized gains on marketable securities.

Expenses

SG&A expenses for the Asset Management segment were $88.7 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2019, compared 

with $98.4 million for the fourth quarter in 2018 and $98.6 million for the prior quarter. The decrease from the same quarter last 

year was primarily due to management’s efforts to contain costs in this segment, as well as the adoption of IFRS 16. As a percentage 

of average AUM, SG&A expenses were 0.269% for the quarter ended December 31, 2019, down from 0.302% for the quarter 

ended December 31, 2018, and down from 0.301% the quarter ended September 30, 2019. 

Trailer fees were $153.7 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2019, down 1.7% from $156.3 million for the quarter ended 

December 31, 2018 and down 0.5% from $154.4 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2019. Net of inter-segment amounts, 

this expense was $145.7 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2019 versus $149.1 million for the fourth quarter of 2018 

and $146.5 million for the third quarter of 2019. The decrease from both comparable periods related to a change in asset mix 

towards products that do not pay trailer fees. 

In the fourth quarter of 2019, before inter-segment eliminations, CI paid $2.6 million in deferred sales commissions, compared 

with $4.1 million in the same quarter of 2018 and $2.8 million in the prior quarter. CI’s sales into deferred load funds have been 

steadily decreasing over the past decade.

Other expenses for the quarter ended December 31, 2019 were $1.1 million, compared to $3.0 million for the quarter ended 

December 31, 2018 and $1.8 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2019. The fourth quarter of last year included $1.2 

million in tax-related interest and penalties.

Q4 Financial Report 17 December 31, 2019
Annual Financial Report  | 52 |  December 31, 2019

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS| MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS |

The asset management margin for the fourth quarter of 2019 was 47.3% compared to 45.4% in the fourth quarter of 2018 and 

45.1% in the prior quarter. The improvement in CI’s quarterly asset management margin was mainly due to cost containment 

measures in response to declining fees. On a trailing 12-month basis, CI’s asset management margin was 45.3%, relatively steady 

when compared with 45.1% for the same period last year. CI’s current quarter SG&A efficiency margin was 71.2%, up from 68.6%

in the fourth quarter of last year and from 68.0% in the prior quarter. The calculations and definitions of asset management 

margin and SG&A efficiency margin can be found in the “Non-IFRS Measures” section. 

Income before taxes and non-segmented items for CI’s principal segment was $214.5 million for the quarter ended December 31, 

2019, up 5.8% from $202.8 million in the same period in 2018 and up 7.1% from $200.2 million in the previous quarter. 

ASSET ADMINISTRATION SEGMENT

The Asset Administration segment operating results are presented in Table 14.

TABLE 14: RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - ASSET ADMINISTRATION SEGMENT

Quarter
ended
Dec. 31, 2019
104.9

Quarter
ended
Sep. 30, 2019
99.8

Quarter
ended
Dec. 31, 2018
94.2

Year
ended
Dec. 31, 2019
397.4

Year
ended
Dec. 31, 2018
372.4

[millions of dollars]

Administration fees

Other revenue

Total revenue

Selling, general and administrative

Investment dealer fees

Amortization and depreciation

Other expenses

Total expenses

8.8

113.7

25.2

84.2

2.7

1.3

9.1

108.9

26.0

80.1

2.6

0.6

8.3

102.4

25.1

75.4

1.0

0.1

113.3

109.2

101.6

35.1

432.5

101.7

318.7

10.5

5.1

436.0

(2.1)

(1.4)

32.3

404.7

97.8

298.0

3.9

0.3

400.0

—

4.6

Non-controlling interest

Income before taxes and non-segmented items

(0.9)

1.4

(0.4)

—

—

0.8

Year Ended December 31, 2019

Revenues

Administration fees were $397.4 million for 2019, an increase of 6.7% from $372.4 million for 2018. The change in administration 

fees from last year related to the change in assets under administration at Assante and the addition of WealthBar in January of 

this year. Net of inter-segment amounts, administration fee revenue was $220.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, 

up from $197.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2018.

For the year ended December 31, 2019, other revenue was $35.1 million, up from $32.3 million for the year ended December 

31, 2018. Other revenue consists mainly of non-advisor-related activities.

Q4 Financial Report 18 December 31, 2019
Annual Financial Report  | 53 |  December 31, 2019

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS| MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS |

Expenses

Investment  dealer  fees  were  $318.7  million  for  2019  compared  to  $298.0  million  for  2018.  Similar  to  administration  fees, 

investment dealer fees generally fluctuate with assets under administration. Net of inter-segment amounts, investment dealer 

fees were $173.3 million, up from $155.9 million for last year. 

As discussed in the “Non-IFRS Measures” section of this MD&A and as set out in Table 7, dealer gross margin was $78.7 million

or 19.8% of administration fee revenue for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to $74.3 million or 20.0% for the year 

ended December 31, 2018. 

SG&A expenses for the segment were $101.7 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019 compared to $97.8 million

for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018. The increases in SG&A related to strategic investments in this segment of CI’s 

business.

Other expenses were $5.1 million for 2019, up from $0.3 million for 2018. As discussed earlier, the second quarter of 2019 included 

a restructuring provision, of which $2.6 million related to the asset administration segment.

The  Asset  Administration  segment  had  income  before  taxes  and  non-segmented  items  of  $(1.4)  million  for  the  year  ended 

December 31, 2019, compared to $4.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. 

Quarter Ended December 31, 2019

Revenues

Administration fees were $104.9 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2019, an increase of 11.4% from $94.2 million for 

the same period a year ago and an increase of 5.1% from $99.8 million for the prior quarter. The change in administration fees 

from the fourth quarter last year related to the change in assets under administration at Assante and the addition of WealthBar 

in  January  of  this  year.  Net  of  inter-segment  amounts,  administration  fee  revenue  was  $59.4  million  for  the  quarter  ended 

December 31, 2019, up from $51.8 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2018 and up from $54.9 million for the quarter 

ended September 30, 2019. 

For the quarter ended December 31, 2019, other revenue was $8.8 million, up from $8.3 million for the quarter ended December 

31, 2018 and down slightly from the prior quarter. Other revenue consists mainly of non-advisor-related activities.

Expenses

Investment dealer fees were $84.2 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2019 compared to $75.4 million for the fourth

quarter of 2018 and $80.1 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2019. Net of inter-segment amounts, investment dealer 

fees were $46.9 million, up from $40.5 million for the same quarter last year and up from $43.2 million for the prior quarter. 

As discussed in the “Non-IFRS Measures” section of this MD&A and as set out in Table 7, dealer gross margin was $20.7 million

or 19.7% of administration fee revenue for the quarter ended December 31, 2019 compared to $18.7 million or 19.9% for the 

fourth quarter of 2018 and $19.7 million or 19.8% for the previous quarter.

Q4 Financial Report 19 December 31, 2019
Annual Financial Report  | 54 |  December 31, 2019

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS| MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS |

SG&A expenses for the segment were $25.2 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2019 compared to $25.1 million in the 

fourth quarter of 2018 and $26.0 million in the third quarter of 2019. The year-over-year increase in SG&A related to strategic 

investments in this segment of CI’s business.

Other expenses were $1.3 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2019, up from $0.1 million in the same quarter of 2018 

and from $0.6 million in the third quarter of 2019. 

The Asset Administration segment had income before taxes and non-segmented items of $1.4 million for the quarter ended 

December 31, 2019, compared to $0.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2018 and $0.0 million for the prior quarter.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

CI generated $603.1 million of free cash flow in 2019, compared to $655.5 million for 2018. Reconciliations of free cash flow to 

cash provided by operating activities are provided in the “Non-IFRS Measures” section and set out in Table 4.

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

CI’s  cash  flows  may  fluctuate,  primarily  in  the  first  quarter,  as  a  result  of  the  balance  of  cash  income  taxes  and  incentive 

compensation related to the prior year being paid at the end of February.

TABLE 15: SUMMARY OF CASH FLOWS

[millions of dollars]

Free cash flow

Less:

Investments in marketable securities, net of marketable securities sold

Capital expenditures

Share repurchases, net of shares issued

Dividends paid

Debt repaid / (drawn)

Working capital and other items

Net change in cash

Cash at January 1

Cash at December 31

Year ended
Dec. 31, 2019

Year ended
Dec. 31, 2018

603.1

(25.2)

12.4

447.3

170.8

(99.5)

116.2

622.0

(18.8)

137.2

118.4

655.5

(4.2)

11.7

656.5

295.4

(384.7)

68.2

642.9

12.6

124.6

137.2

During 2019, CI invested $11.5 million in marketable securities and received proceeds of $36.7 million from the disposition of 

marketable securities. Excluding BBS’ securities owned, at market, the fair value of CI’s investments as of December 31, 2019

was $118.2 million. This was comprised of seed capital investments in CI funds and strategic investments.

Q4 Financial Report 20 December 31, 2019
Annual Financial Report  | 55 |  December 31, 2019

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS| MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS |

During the year ended December 31, 2019, CI invested $12.4 million in capital assets, up from $11.7 million in the year ended

December 31, 2018. These investments related primarily to leasehold improvements and technology. 

During the twleve months ended December 31, 2019, CI repurchased 22.6 million shares under its normal course issuer bid at a 

total cost of $447.3 million, or $19.76 per share. CI had 221,792,541 shares outstanding at the end of December, which differs 

from CI’s TSX-listed shares outstanding, 222,438,437, due to restricted employee shares held in trust.

CI paid dividends of $170.8 million during the year. The Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.18 per share, 

payable on July 15, 2020, to shareholders of record on June 30, 2020. 

The statement of financial position for CI at December 31, 2019 reflected total assets of $4.368 billion, an increase of $75.6 million

from $4.292 billion at December 31, 2018. This change was primarily due to the lease accounting change discussed earlier and 

detailed in Note 2 of the Notes to Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, as well as the addition of WealthBar.

CI’s cash and cash equivalents decreased by $18.8 million in 2019 to $118.4 million as of December 31, 2019. Accounts receivable 

and prepaid expenses increased by $13.4 million to $170.2 million as of December 31, 2019.  Capital assets increased by $1.0 

million during the twelve months ended December 31, 2019 as a result of $12.4 million in capital additions less $11.5 million in 

amortization.

Total liabilities increased by $9.2 million during the year to $2.868 billion at December 31, 2019. The largest factors impacting 

liabilities were an increase in debt and lease liabilities (due to the change in lease accounting discussed earlier), offset by a 

decrease in dividends payable, as CI had declared six quarters of dividends in August of 2018.

At December 31, 2019, CI had $1,575.0 million in outstanding debentures with a weighted average interest rate of 3.17% and a 

carrying value of $1,569.5 million. During the year, CI issued $350.0 million debentures due July 22, 2024 at a 3.215% interest 

rate, which was primarily used to pay down its credit facility at the time. On December 31, 2019, CI had drawn $35.0 million 

against its $700 million credit facility. Principal repayments on any drawn amounts are only required at the maturity of the facility, 

which is December 11, 2021. 

Net debt, as discussed in the “Non-IFRS Measures” section and as set out in Table 6, was $1,383 million at December 31, 2019, 

up from $1,255 million at December 31, 2018. The average gross debt level for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019

was $1,587 million, compared to $1,415 million for the same period last year.

At December 31, 2019, CI was in a positive working capital position. This, in addition to the availability of its credit facility, reflects 

the ability of CI to meet its cash flow requirements.

CI’s ratios of debt to adjusted EBITDA and net debt to adjusted EBITDA were 1.8 to 1 and 1.6 to 1, respectively. CI was within its 

financial covenants with respect to its credit facility, which required that the debt to EBITDA ratio remain below 3.0 to 1, and 

assets under management not fall below $85 billion, based on a rolling 30-day average. 

Shareholders’ equity was $1.494 billion at December 31, 2019, an increase of $63.9 million from December 31, 2018.

Q4 Financial Report 21 December 31, 2019
Annual Financial Report  | 56 |  December 31, 2019

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS| MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS |

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 and the Company’s Risk Management Committee, 

comprising senior executives from CI’s core business and operating units. The Board has delegated primary responsibility for 

oversight of risk management to the Audit and Risk Committee of the Board of Directors.

The Risk Management Committee monitors, evaluates and manages risk to provide reasonable assurance to the Board that CI’s 

business strategies and activities are consistent with its risk appetite. Risk updates are regularly provided to the Audit and Risk 

Committee of CI’s Board.  

CI has developed an enterprise-wide approach to identifying, measuring, monitoring 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 to assess the likelihood and impact of occurrence of a particular risk event. Once risks have been identified and rated, 

strategies and procedures are developed to minimize, transfer or avoid negative consequences. These risk mitigation processes 

are implemented and monitored with each business unit.

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.

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 investment 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 meet its financial obligations.

Q4 Financial Report 22 December 31, 2019
Annual Financial Report  | 57 |  December 31, 2019

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS| MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS |

MARKET RISK FOR THE ASSET MANAGEMENT SEGMENT

At December 31, 2019, approximately 27% 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’s fund managers invest in a well-diversified portfolio of securities across issuers, 

durations and maturities, which reduces risk. CI estimates that a 100 basis point change in interest rates across the yield curve 

would cause a change of approximately $30 million to $40 million in annual pre-tax earnings in the Asset Management segment.

At December 31, 2019, about 43% 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 42% 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 

approximately $15 million to $30 million in the Asset Management segment’s annual pre-tax earnings.

About 68% of CI’s assets under management were held in equity securities at December 31, 2019, 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 their expertise in particular market niches, sectors and products and to reduce issuer-specific 

risk through diversification. CI estimates that a 10% change in the value of equities would cause a change of approximately $40 

million to $50 million in annual pre-tax earnings.

Please note that exposures and sensitivities do not account for currency hedging that portfolio managers may employ. There 

are risks and limitations with relying on models and it is possible that actual results may differ from those presented above.

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 for 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.

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 gain of $1.4 

million before income taxes and non-segmented items for the quarter ended December 31, 2019). Investment advisors regularly 

review their client portfolios to assess market risk and consult with clients to make appropriate changes to mitigate it. 

POLITICAL AND MACRO-ECONOMIC RISK

CI’s performance is directly affected by the performance of the financial markets which may be influenced by various political, 

demographic and macro-economic conditions or events, including any political change and uncertainty in the United States and 

globally. 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 

Q4 Financial Report 23 December 31, 2019
Annual Financial Report  | 58 |  December 31, 2019

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS| MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS |

corresponding decline in performance, which could negatively impact CI’s business and impede the growth of CI’s assets under 

management and revenue.

STRATEGIC RISK 

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 identifying acquisition opportunities, 

developing new business lines, introducing new products, and implementing cost control strategies.

Part of CI’s strategy includes strategic acquisitions and investments in growth opportunities. Strategic acquisitions may benefit 

CI through increasing fee earning assets, broadening CI’s distribution relationships, enhancing CI’s business capabilities and 

capturing cost synergies.  CI embarks on a thorough due diligence process prior to any acquisition; however, there can be no 

assurances that the anticipated benefits of any acquisition will be achieved.  The success of an acquisition is contingent upon 

many factors, including retaining key employees, securing assets acquired, obtaining legal and regulatory approvals, integrating 

operations and vendor relationships, and having favourable economic conditions.  

COMPETITION RISK

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,  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 remains 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.

Q4 Financial Report 24 December 31, 2019
Annual Financial Report  | 59 |  December 31, 2019

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS| MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS |

DISTRIBUTION RISK

CI  distributes  its  investment  products  through  a  number  of  distribution  channels,  including  brokers,  independent  financial 

planners and insurance advisors. CI’s access to these distribution channels is impacted by the strength of the relationship with 

certain business partners and the level of competition faced from the financial institutions that own those channels. While CI 

continues to develop and enhance existing relationships, there can be no assurance that CI will, in the future, enjoy the level 

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

REDEMPTION RISK

CI earns revenue primarily from management fees earned for advising and managing investment fund assets. The level of these 

assets  is  dependent  on  (i)  sales;  (ii)  redemptions;  and  (iii)  investment  performance.  Sales  and  redemptions  may  fluctuate 

depending on market and economic conditions, investment preference, or other factors.

Significant redemptions could adversely affect investor fund returns by impacting market values and increasing transaction costs 

or taxable distributions, which could negatively impact the prospects and operating results of CI.

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 ongoing 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 right to carry on an existing business. CI may incur significant 

costs in connection with such potential liabilities.

Q4 Financial Report 25 December 31, 2019
Annual Financial Report  | 60 |  December 31, 2019

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS| 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. CI has, more recently, been expanding its online footprint by automating its product and service delivery systems 

and acquiring digital platforms. The use of information technology and the internet, email messaging and other online capabilities, 

however,  exposes  CI  to  information  security  risk  that  could  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  stores  on  or  transmits  through  its  information  technology  systems.  Any  information  technology  event,  such  as  a 

cybersecurity breach or intrusion into CI’s information technology systems, or failure to implement sufficient controls, could result 

in unauthorized access to sensitive or confidential information, loss or theft of data, operational disruption, regulatory actions, 

legal liability or reputational harm. 

CI actively monitors this risk and continues to develop and implement technology-enabled controls to protect against cyber 

threats that are becoming increasingly 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. CI is dependent 

on the efficiency and effectiveness of the technology it uses to secure its information technology environment and keeping pace 

with a continuously evolving information technology landscape. Malfunction of any technology used by CI or inability to keep 

pace with evolving cybersecurity advancements may increase CI’s exposure to cybersecurity risk.

CI’s business is also 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.

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. 

Q4 Financial Report 26 December 31, 2019
Annual Financial Report  | 61 |  December 31, 2019

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS| 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.

KEY PERSONNEL RISK

The success of CI is dependent to a significant degree upon the contributions of senior management. The loss of any of these 

individuals, or an inability to attract, retain and motivate sufficient numbers of qualified senior management personnel, 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 person” insurance with respect to any of its directors, 

officers or key employees and has no current plans to do so.

The success of CI is also dependent upon, among other things, the skills and expertise of its human resources, including the 

management and investment personnel 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 focus on asset growth 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.

Q4 Financial Report 27 December 31, 2019
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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS| MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS |

INSURANCE RISK

CI maintains various types of insurance which include financial institution bonds, errors and omissions insurance, directors’, 

trustees’ and officers’ liability insurance, agents’ insurance, general commercial liability insurance, and cyber 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.

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.

LIQUIDITY RISK FOR THE ASSET MANAGEMENT SEGMENT

CI is also exposed to the risk of its investment funds not being able to meet their redemption obligations due to an inability to 

liquidate the underlying assets in a timely manner. This could be caused by insufficient liquid assets in the fund, an unexpected 

spike  in  redemptions  triggered  by  negative  market  information,  sentiment  or  contagion,  adverse  liquidity  conditions  in  the 

financial markets, procedural issues that may delay the liquidation of securities or other factors. Inability to meet its redemption 

obligations may lead to legal liability, regulatory action and reputational damage. CI has robust mechanisms in place to monitor 

and maintain adequate liquidity in its investment fund portfolios at all times. However, CI has no control over extreme market 

events that may result in the sudden loss of liquidity or trigger a run on the funds.

Q4 Financial Report 28 December 31, 2019
Annual Financial Report  | 63 |  December 31, 2019

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS| MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS |

CAPITAL RISK

Certain subsidiaries of CI are subject to minimum regulatory capital requirements. This may require CI to keep sufficient cash 

and other liquid assets on hand to maintain capital requirements rather than using them in connection with its business. Failure 

to maintain required regulatory capital by CI may subject it to fines, suspension or revocation of registration by the relevant 

securities regulator. A significant operating loss by a registrant subsidiary or an unusually large charge against regulatory capital 

could adversely affect the ability of CI to expand or even maintain its present level of business, which could have a material 

adverse effect on CI’s business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects.

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.

SHARE CAPITAL

As at December 31, 2019, CI had 221,792,541 shares outstanding.

Employee Incentive Share Option Plan: At December 31, 2019, 5.6 million options to purchase shares were outstanding, of which 

4.8 million options were exercisable at prices ranging from $27.44 to $35.88.

Restricted Share Unit (“RSU”) Plan: 657,304 RSUs were outstanding as at December 31, 2019.

Deferred Share Unit (“DSU”) Plan: 21,366 DSUs were outstanding as at December 31, 2019.

Additional details about the above Plans can be found in Note 6 to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

The table that follows summarizes CI’s contractual obligations at December 31, 2019.

PAYMENTS DUE BY YEAR

[millions of dollars]

Long-term debt

Leases

Total

Total

1,610.0

82.3

1,692.3

1 year
or less

450.0

13.9

463.9

2

235.0

13.5

248.5

3

—

12.8

12.8

4

325.0

12.7

337.7

More than
5 years
250.0

16.8

266.8

5

350.0

12.6

362.6

Q4 Financial Report 29 December 31, 2019
Annual Financial Report  | 64 |  December 31, 2019

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS| MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS |

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

The December 31, 2019 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 Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. Note 3 

provides a discussion regarding the methodology used for business acquisitions. Note 5 provides a discussion regarding the 

recoverable amount of CI’s provision for other liabilities and contingencies.

NEW ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Effective January 1, 2019, CI adopted IFRS 16 using the modified retrospective approach.  Under this approach CI recognized the 

lease liability based on the remaining lease payments discounted using CI’s incremental borrowing rate as at January 1, 2019.  CI 

also  recognized  the  right-of-use  asset  as  at  the  date  of  initial  application,  as  if  IFRS  16  had  always  been  applied  since  the 

commencement date of the lease, discounted using CI’s incremental rate of borrowing as at January 1, 2019. Comparative figures 

were not restated for the 2018 reporting period, as permitted under the specific transitional provisions in the standard. The 

reclassifications and adjustments arising from the new leasing rules are therefore recognized in the opening balance sheet on 

January 1, 2019. Please refer to Note 2 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.

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, 2019. 

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, 2019 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, 2019. 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, 2019, there have been no changes to the internal controls 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.

Q4 Financial Report 30 December 31, 2019
Annual Financial Report  | 65 |  December 31, 2019

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSISConsolidated  
Financial Statements
December 31, 2019

CI FINANCIAL CORP.

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT
Independent Auditor’s Report

TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF CI FINANCIAL CORP.

Opinion 

We have audited the consolidated financial statements of CI Financial Corp. and its subsidiaries (the Company), which comprise 

the consolidated statements of financial position as at December 31, 2019 and 2018, and the consolidated statements of income 

and comprehensive income, consolidated statements of changes in shareholders’ equity and consolidated statements of cash 

flows for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, and notes to the consolidated financial statements, including a summary 

of significant accounting policies. 

In our opinion,  the accompanying  consolidated financial  statements present fairly, in  all  material respects, the consolidated 

financial  position  of  the  Company  as  at  December  31,  2019  and  2018,  and  its  consolidated  financial  performance  and  its 

consolidated cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 in accordance with International Financial Reporting 

Standards (IFRSs). 

Basis for Opinion 

We conducted our audit in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards. Our responsibilities under those 

standards are further described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Consolidated Financial Statements section 

of our report. We are independent of the Company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit 

of the consolidated financial statements in Canada, and we have fulfilled our ethical responsibilities in accordance with these 

requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Other Information

Management is responsible for the other information. The other information comprises:

•  Management’s Discussion & Analysis.

• 

The information, other than the consolidated financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon, in the Annual Report.

Our opinion on the consolidated financial statements does not cover the other information and we do not express any form of 

assurance conclusion thereon. 

In connection with our audit of the consolidated financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information, and in 

doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the consolidated financial statements or our 

knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated.

We  obtained  Management’s  Discussion  &  Analysis  prior  to  the  date  of  this  auditor’s  report.  If,  based  on  the  work  we  have 

performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We 

have nothing to report in this regard.

Q4 Financial Report 32 December 31, 2019
Annual Financial Report  | 67 |  December 31, 2019

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT
Independent Auditor’s Report

The Annual Report is expected to be made available to us after the date of the auditor’s report. If based on the work we will 

perform on this other information, we conclude there is a material misstatement of other information, we are required to report 

that fact to those charged with governance.

Responsibilities of Management and Those Charged with Governance for the Consolidated Financial Statements 

Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with 

IFRSs, 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.

In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is responsible for assessing the Company’s ability to continue 

as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting 

unless management either intends to liquidate the Company or to cease operations, or has no realistic alternative but to do so. 

Those charged with governance are responsible for overseeing the Company’s financial reporting process.

Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Consolidated Financial Statements 

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements as a whole are free from 

material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable 

assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with Canadian generally 

accepted auditing standards will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or 

error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic 

decisions of users taken on the basis of these consolidated financial statements. 

As part of an audit in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards, we exercise professional judgment and 

maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit. We also: 

• 

Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to fraud 

or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and 

appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is 

higher  than  for  one  resulting  from  error,  as  fraud  may 

involve  collusion,  forgery, 

intentional  omissions, 

misrepresentations, or the override of internal control. 

•  Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit 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 Company’s internal 

control. 

• 

Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related 

disclosures made by management.

• 

Conclude on the appropriateness of management’s use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the audit 

evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt 

Q4 Financial Report 33 December 31, 2019
Annual Financial Report  | 68 |  December 31, 2019

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT
Independent Auditor’s Report

on the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required 

to draw attention in our auditor’s report to the related disclosures in the consolidated financial statements or, if such 

disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the 

date of our auditor’s report. However, future events or conditions may cause the Company to cease to continue as a 

going concern.

• 

Evaluate  the  overall  presentation,  structure,  and  content  of  the  consolidated  financial  statements,  including  the 

disclosures, and whether the consolidated financial statements represent the underlying transactions and events in a 

manner that achieves fair presentation.

•  Obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the financial information of the entities or business activities 

within the Company to express an opinion on the consolidated financial statements. We are responsible for the direction, 

supervision and performance of the group audit. We remain solely responsible for our audit opinion.

We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the 

audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit.

We also provide those charged with governance with a statement that we have complied with relevant ethical requirements 

regarding independence, and to communicate with them all relationships and other matters that may reasonably be thought to 

bear on our independence, and where applicable, related safeguards.

The engagement partner on the audit resulting in this independent auditor’s report is Gary Chin.

Toronto, Canada
February 13, 2020

Q4 Financial Report 34 December 31, 2019
Annual Financial Report  | 69 |  December 31, 2019

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION

[in thousands of Canadian dollars]
ASSETS

Current

Cash and cash equivalents

Client and trust funds on deposit

Investments [note 12]

Accounts receivable and prepaid expenses

Income taxes receivable

Total current assets

Capital assets, net [note 4]

Right-of-use assets [note 2]

Intangibles [notes 3 and 5]

Other assets [notes 2 and 8]

Total assets

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

Current

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities [note 2]

Current portion of provision for other liabilities [note 8]

Dividends payable [note 10]

Client and trust funds payable

Current portion of long-term debt [note 7]

Current portion of lease liabilities [note 2]

Total current liabilities

Deferred lease inducement [note 2]

Long-term dividends payable [note 10]

Long-term debt [note 7]

Provision for other liabilities [note 8]

Deferred income taxes [notes 2 and 11]

Lease liabilities [note 2]

Total liabilities

Equity

Share capital [note 9(a)]

Contributed surplus

Deficit [note 2]

Accumulated other comprehensive income

Total equity attributable to the shareholders of the Company

Non-controlling interests [note 3]

Total equity

Total liabilities and equity

(see accompanying notes)

On behalf of the Board of Directors:

As at
December 31, 2019
$

As at
December 31, 2018
$

118,360

364,964

138,412

170,156

25,841

817,733

45,954

44,882

3,388,482

70,755

4,367,806

245,267

14,643

79,845

368,348

449,509

11,348

1,168,960

—

—

1,154,985

18,493

464,841

61,171

2,868,450

1,944,311

23,435

(474,013)

255

1,493,988

5,368

1,499,356

4,367,806

137,160

365,520

168,122

156,798

8,891

836,491

44,985

—

3,370,341

40,399

4,292,216

253,518

14,591

175,290

370,756

—

—

814,155

11,320

43,822

1,503,733

20,177

466,083

—

2,859,290

2,125,130

25,270

(720,600)

277

1,430,077

2,849

1,432,926

4,292,216

William T. Holland
Director

Tom P. Muir
Director

Q4 Financial Report 35 December 31, 2019
Annual Financial Report  | 70 |  December 31, 2019

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the years ended December 31
For the years ended December 31

[in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts]

REVENUE

Management fees

Administration fees

Redemption fees

Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

Other income [note 6]

EXPENSES

Selling, general and administrative [note 18]

Trailer fees

Investment dealer fees

Deferred sales commissions

Amortization and depreciation [notes 2 and 19]

Interest and lease finance [notes 2 and 7]

Other [notes 6 and 8]

Income before income taxes

Provision for income taxes [notes 2 and 11]

Current

Deferred

Net income for the year

Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests

Net income attributable to shareholders

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations

Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

Comprehensive income for the year

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests

Comprehensive income attributable to shareholders

Basic earnings per share attributable to shareholders [note 9(e)]

Diluted earnings per share attributable to shareholders [note 9(e)]

(see accompanying notes)

2019

$

1,857,918

220,444

11,060

10,788

19,017

2018

$

2,004,151

197,591

14,851

(8,115)

27,887

2,119,227

2,236,365

489,272

584,879

173,350

12,814

32,891

55,422

43,794

1,392,422

726,805

188,831

450

189,281

537,524

(872)

538,396

(22)

(22)

537,502

(872)

538,374

$2.30

$2.29

512,564

631,243

155,871

22,113

20,546

43,054

7,674

1,393,065

843,300

229,009

(3,556)

225,453

617,847

371

617,476

808

808

618,655

371

618,284

$2.38

$2.38

Q4 Financial Report 36 December 31, 2019
Annual Financial Report  | 71 |  December 31, 2019

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
For the years ended December 31
For the years ended December 31

Share 
capital
 [note 9(a)]

Contributed
surplus

Deficit 
[note 2]

Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income

[in thousands of Canadian dollars]

$

$

$

Balance, January 1, 2019

2,125,130

25,270

(730,663)

Comprehensive income

Dividends declared [note 10]

—

—

—

—

538,396

(31,483)

Shares repurchased, net of tax

(193,570)

— (250,263)

Business combination [note 3]

—

—

Issuance of share capital for equity-

based plans, net of tax
Compensation expense for

equity-based plans, net of tax

12,751

(12,751)

—

10,916

—

—

—

Change during the year

(180,819)

(1,835)

256,650

Balance, December 31, 2019

1,944,311

23,435

(474,013)

$

277

(22)

—

—

—

—

—

(22)

255

Total
shareholders’ 
equity

Non-
controlling
interests

$

$

Total
equity

$

1,420,014

2,849

1,422,863

538,374

(31,483)

(443,833)

—

—

10,916

73,974

(872)

(875)

537,502

(32,358)

— (443,833)

4,266

4,266

—

—

2,519

—

10,916

76,493

1,493,988

5,368

1,499,356

Balance, January 1, 2018

2,360,257

22,058

(478,702)

(531)

1,903,082

2,478

1,905,560

Comprehensive income

Dividends declared [note 10]

—

—

Shares repurchased, net of tax

(243,180)

—

617,476

— (449,919)

— (409,455)

Issuance [notes 8 and 9]

534

—

Issuance of share capital for equity-

based plans, net of tax
Compensation expense for

equity-based plans, net of tax

7,519

(7,113)

—

10,325

—

—

—

Change during the year

(235,127)

3,212

(241,898)

Balance, December 31, 2018

2,125,130

25,270

(720,600)

(see accompanying notes)

808

618,284

371

618,655

—

—

—

—

—

808

277

(449,919)

(652,635)

534

406

10,325

— (449,919)

— (652,635)

—

—

—

534

406

10,325

(473,005)

371

(472,634)

1,430,077

2,849

1,432,926

Q4 Financial Report 37 December 31, 2019

Annual Financial Report  | 72 |  December 31, 2019

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

For the years ended December 31
For the years ended December 31

[in thousands of Canadian dollars]

OPERATING ACTIVITIES (*)

Net income for the period

Add (deduct) items not involving cash

Realized and unrealized (gain) loss on investments

Fair value adjustment to put option and contingent consideration

Equity-based compensation

Amortization and depreciation

Deferred income taxes

Impairment loss on intangibles [note 8]

Cash provided by operating activities before net change in operating assets and liabilities

Net change in operating assets and liabilities

Cash provided by operating activities

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Purchase of investments

Proceeds on sale of investments

Additions to capital assets

Increase in other assets

Additions to intangibles

Cash paid to settle put option and contingent liability [note 8]

Acquisition of subsidiary, net of cash acquired [note 3]

Cash used in investing activities

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Repayment of long-term debt

Issuance of long-term debt

Repurchase of share capital

Issuance of share capital

Payment of lease liabilities

Dividends paid to shareholders [note 10]

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests

Cash used in financing activities

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents during the year

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

(*) Included in operating activities are the following:

Interest paid

Income taxes paid

(see accompanying notes)

Q4 Financial Report 38 December 31, 2019
Annual Financial Report  | 73 |  December 31, 2019

2019

$

2018

$

537,524

617,847

(10,788)

—

14,701

32,891

450

6,442

581,220

(23,211)

558,009

(11,503)

36,741

(12,351)

(26,032)

(4,425)

(2,667)

(26,077)

(46,314)

(591,500)

690,959

(447,293)

—

(11,036)

(170,750)

(875)

(530,495)

(18,800)

137,160

118,360

49,548

205,592

8,115

(1,144)

13,728

20,557

(3,556)

—

655,547

(47,336)

608,211

(17,768)

21,960

(11,709)

(2,824)

(4,359)

(13,694)

—

(28,394)

(222,000)

606,667

(656,907)

406

—

(295,405)

—

(567,239)

12,578

124,582

137,160

38,289

240,519

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2019 and 2018 • [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts]

CI Financial Corp. [“CI”] is a publicly listed company (TSX: CIX) incorporated under the laws of the Province of Ontario and has its 

registered office and principal place of business located at 2 Queen Street East, Toronto, 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 13, 2020.

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 and all its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis after elimination 

of intercompany transactions and balances. Subsidiaries are entities over which CI has control, 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.  

CI’s principal subsidiaries are as follows:

• 

CI Investments Inc. [“CI Investments”], Assante Wealth Management (Canada) Ltd. [“AWM”], BBS Securities Inc. [“BBS”] and 

their respective subsidiaries. Effective, July 1, 2019, First Asset Capital Corp. amalgamated with CI Investments.

• 

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  statements  of 

financial position to reflect the non-controlling interest’s share of the net assets of Marret.

• 

CI holds a controlling 86% interest in GSFM Pty Limited [“GSFM”] with put and call options over the remaining 14% minority 

interest. CI considers the non-controlling interest in GSFM to have already been acquired and consolidates 100% of the 

income and comprehensive income in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. GSFM has an 

interest  in  a  joint  arrangement  classified  as  a  joint  operation.  The  consolidated  financial  statements  include  GSFM’s 

recognition of its share of the joint operation’s assets, liabilities, income and comprehensive income.

Hereinafter, CI and its subsidiaries are referred to as CI.

Q4 Financial Report 39 December 31, 2019
Annual Financial Report  | 74 |  December 31, 2019

DECEMBER 31, 2019 and 2018  •  [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2019 and 2018 • [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts]

CI manages a range of mutual funds, segregated funds, structured products and other funds that meet the definition of structured 

entities under IFRS. CI earns fees for providing management and administrative services to these investment funds. Fees are 

calculated on assets under management in these funds, which totalled $132.1 billion as at December 31, 2019 [2018 – $124.4 

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.

REVENUE RECOGNITION

Revenue is recognized when control of the goods or services are transferred to CI at an amount that reflects the consideration 

to which CI expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. 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 security holders 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

Classification and measurement of financial assets

CI classifies its financial assets as fair value through profit or loss [“FVPL”] and amortized cost. CI had no financial assets classified 

as fair value through other comprehensive income [“FVOCI”] during the year ended December 31, 2019.

The classification of financial assets at initial recognition depends on the financial asset’s contractual cash flow characteristics 

and CI’s business model for managing them. With the exception of trade receivables, that do not contain a significant financing 

component and are measured at  the transaction  price in  accordance with IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts  with Customers

[“IFRS 15”], all financial assets are initially measured at fair value adjusted for transaction costs.

Financial assets classified as FVPL are carried at fair value in the consolidated statements of financial position and any gains or 

losses are recorded in net income in the period in which they arise. Financial assets classified as FVPL include cash and cash 

equivalents, investments and other assets.

Q4 Financial Report 40 December 31, 2019
Annual Financial Report  | 75 |  December 31, 2019

DECEMBER 31, 2019 and 2018  •  [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2019 and 2018 • [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts]

Financial assets are classified at amortized cost using the effective interest method if they meet the following conditions and are 

not designated as FVPL:

• 

• 

they are held within a business model whose objective is to hold the financial assets and collect its contractual cash flows

the contractual terms of the financial assets give rise to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the 

principal amount outstanding

Financial assets classified at amortized cost include client and trust funds on deposit, accounts receivable and other assets.

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.

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.

Investments

Investments include BBS’s securities owned, at market, principally for the purpose of selling or repurchasing in the near term. 

Securities owned, at market, are classified as FVPL and are initially recognized on the consolidated statements of financial position 

at fair value with transaction costs expensed as incurred. Subsequent realized and unrealized gains and losses are included in 

administration fees income in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income in the period in which they 

arise.  Securities transactions are recorded on a trade date basis.  Market value is based on quoted prices where an active market 

exists. For securities in non-active markets, market value is based on valuation techniques and management’s best estimate of 

fair value. 

Also included in investments are marketable securities that consist of CI’s seed capital investments in CI mutual funds and strategic 

investments. Investments in 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  and  recorded  in  net  income.  Distributions  from  mutual  fund  securities  are  recorded  as  other  income. 

Distributions that are reinvested increase the cost base of the mutual fund investments.

Q4 Financial Report 41 December 31, 2019
Annual Financial Report  | 76 |  December 31, 2019

DECEMBER 31, 2019 and 2018  •  [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2019 and 2018 • [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts]

Impairment of financial assets

CI recognizes a loss allowance for expected credit losses on financial assets that are measured at amortized cost.  At each reporting 

date, the loss allowance for the financial asset is measured at an amount equal to the lifetime expected credit losses if the credit 

risk on the financial asset has increased significantly since initial recognition. If at the reporting date, the financial asset has not 

increased significantly since initial recognition, the loss allowance is measured for the financial asset at an amount equal to 12 

months of expected credit losses.  For trade receivables, CI applies the simplified approach to providing for expected credit losses, 

which allows for the use of a lifetime expected credit loss provision. Impairment losses on financial assets carried at amortized 

cost  are  reversed  in  subsequent  periods  if  the  amount  of  the  loss  decreases  and  is  related  to  an  event  occurring  after  the 

impairment was recognized.

Classification and measurement of financial liabilities

CI classifies its financial liabilities as FVPL and amortized cost. Financial liabilities are initially measured at fair value, and, where 

applicable, adjusted for transaction costs unless the financial liability is classified at FVPL. Subsequently, financial liabilities are 

measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method except for derivatives and financial liabilities designated at FVPL, 

which are carried subsequently at fair value with gains or losses recognized in net income. Financial liabilities classified at FVPL 

include derivative financial instruments included in long-term debt and a contingent consideration payable included in provision 

for other liabilities.  All other financial liabilities are measured at amortized cost.

Derivative financial instruments and hedge accounting

CI may use derivative financial instruments such as interest rate swaps and forward foreign exchange contracts to manage its  

interest rate and foreign currency risk related to long-term debt.  Derivative financial instruments are initially recognized at fair 

value  on  the  date  a  derivative  contract  is  entered  into  and  are  subsequently  remeasured  at  fair  value.  The  accounting  for 

subsequent changes depends on whether the derivative is designated as a hedging instrument, and if so, the nature of the item 

being hedged and the type of hedge relationship designated. 

To qualify for hedge accounting, the hedging relationship must meet all of the following requirements:

• 

• 

• 

there is an economic relationship between the hedged item and the hedging instrument

the effect of credit risk does not dominate the value changes that result from that economic relationship

the hedge ratio of the hedging relationship is the same as that resulting from the quantity of the hedged item that the entity 

actually hedges and the quantity of the hedging instrument that the entity actually uses to hedge that quantity of hedged 

item

CI entered into an interest rate swap designated as a fair value hedge to manage the effect of changes in interest rates relating 

to its fixed-rate debentures. The swap involves exchanging interest payments without exchanging the notional amount on which 

the payments are based. The exchange of payments is recorded as an adjustment to interest expense on the hedged item.  Changes 

in the fair value of the swap are recorded in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income in other expenses, 

together with any changes in the fair value of the hedged liability attributable to the hedged risk as an offset. 

Q4 Financial Report 42 December 31, 2019
Annual Financial Report  | 77 |  December 31, 2019

DECEMBER 31, 2019 and 2018  •  [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2019 and 2018 • [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts]

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

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.

COLLATERALIZED SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS

CI engages in securities lending and borrowing to facilitate the securities settlement process and to maximize revenue by acting 

as an agent for such transactions. These transactions are typically short-term in nature, with interest being received on the cash 

delivered. These transactions are collateralized by either cash, letters of credit or other collateral and are subject to daily margin 

calls for any deficiency between the market value of the security given and the amount of collateral received. CI manages its 

credit exposure by establishing and monitoring aggregate limits by counterparty for these transactions. CI’s securities lending 

and borrowing transactions are recorded in accounts receivable and prepaid expenses and accounts payable and accrued liabilities.

CAPITAL ASSETS

Capital assets are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation. These assets are depreciated over their estimated useful lives 

as follows:

Computer hardware  

Straight-line over three years

Office equipment  

Straight-line over five years

Leasehold improvements    

Straight-line over the term of the lease

Q4 Financial Report 43 December 31, 2019
Annual Financial Report  | 78 |  December 31, 2019

DECEMBER 31, 2019 and 2018  •  [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2019 and 2018 • [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts]

LEASES

CI assesses at inception whether a contract contains a lease that conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a 

period of time in exchange for consideration. All leases are accounted for by recognizing a right-of-use asset and a lease liability 

except for leases of low value assets and leases with a duration of 12 months or less.

Right-of-use assets

CI recognizes right-of-use assets at the commencement date of the lease. Right-of-use assets are measured at cost, less any 

accumulated depreciation and impairment losses, and adjusted for any remeasurement of lease liabilities. The cost of right-of-

use assets includes the amount of lease liabilities recognized, initial direct costs incurred, and lease payments made at or before 

the commencement date less any incentives received. Right-of-use assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the shorter 

of their estimated useful life and the lease term.

Lease liabilities

At the commencement date of the lease, CI recognizes lease liabilities measured at the present value of lease payments to be 

made over the lease term. The lease payments include in substance fixed payments less any lease incentives receivable, variable 

payments that depend on an index or a rate, and amounts expected to be paid under residual value guarantees. The lease 

payments also include the exercise price of a purchase option reasonably certain to be exercised by CI and payments of penalties 

for terminating a lease, if the lease term reflects CI exercising the option to terminate. The variable lease payments that do not 

depend on an index or a rate are recognized as expense in the period on which the event or condition that triggers the payment 

occurs.

In calculating the present value of lease payments, CI uses the incremental borrowing rate at the lease commencement date if 

the interest rate implicit in the lease is not readily determinable. After the commencement date, the amount of lease liabilities 

is increased to reflect the accretion of interest and reduced for the lease payments made. In addition, the carrying amount of 

lease liabilities is remeasured if there is a modification, a change in the lease term, a change in the in-substance fixed lease 

payments or a change in the assessment to purchase the underlying asset.

Short-term leases and lease of low-value assets

CI applies the short-term lease recognition exemption to its short-term leases of equipment and property leases (i.e., those leases 

that have a lease term of 12 months or less from the commencement date and do not contain a purchase option). CI also applies 

the lease of low-value assets recognition exemption to leases of equipment that are considered of low value (i.e. below $5,000). 

Lease payments on short-term leases and leases of low-value assets are recognized as an expense on a straight-line basis over 

the lease term.

Q4 Financial Report 44 December 31, 2019
Annual Financial Report  | 79 |  December 31, 2019

DECEMBER 31, 2019 and 2018  •  [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2019 and 2018 • [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts]

Sub-leases

CI  enters into lease agreements as an intermediate lessor with respect to some of its leased properties. When CI is an intermediate 

lessor, the head lease and the sub-lease are accounted for as two separate contracts. The sub-lease is classified as a finance or 

operating lease by reference to the right-of-use asset arising from the head lease.

Amounts due from lessees under finance leases are recognized as other assets at the amount of CI’s net investment in the leases.   

Finance  lease  income  is  recognized  over  the  lease  term  using  the  effective  interest  rate.  Payments  received  reduce  the  net 

investment in the lease.

Rental income from operating leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the relevant 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 

12 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 indefinite life fund contracts at least annually for potential impairment 

by comparing the recoverable amount with their carrying amounts. CI will evaluate the carrying amount of fund contracts 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 a period of up to 25 years. Fund management contracts 

with a finite life are amortized on a straight-line basis over a period of up to 20 years. The amortization period depends 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.

Q4 Financial Report 45 December 31, 2019
Annual Financial Report  | 80 |  December 31, 2019

DECEMBER 31, 2019 and 2018  •  [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2019 and 2018 • [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts]

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.

EQUITY-BASED COMPENSATION

CI uses the fair value method to account for equity-settled employee incentive share options and restricted share units [“RSUs”] 

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. Upon vesting of the RSUs, the amount accumulated 

in contributed surplus for the RSUs is reclassified to share capital. 

CI has a deferred share unit plan for directors. The value of the compensation at the date of grant is recognized immediately as 

compensation  with  a  corresponding  increase  in  accounts  payable  and  accrued  liabilities.  At  each  consolidated  statement  of 

financial position date, the liability is revalued with an offset to compensation expense. 

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.

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 tax laws enacted or substantively enacted as at the consolidated statements of financial position dates. 

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 

Q4 Financial Report 46 December 31, 2019
Annual Financial Report  | 81 |  December 31, 2019

DECEMBER 31, 2019 and 2018  •  [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2019 and 2018 • [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts]

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 as at the consolidated 

statements of financial position dates. 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 as at the consolidated statements of financial position dates.  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 flows are translated at average exchange rates during the period, whereas cash and cash 

equivalents are translated at the spot exchange rate in effect as at the consolidated statements of financial position dates.

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 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 

Q4 Financial Report 47 December 31, 2019
Annual Financial Report  | 82 |  December 31, 2019

DECEMBER 31, 2019 and 2018  •  [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2019 and 2018 • [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts]

costs  that  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 8.

(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  pricing  model  which  requires  the  use  of  assumptions.  Further  details  regarding  the 

assumptions used in the option pricing model are provided in Note 9[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.

(vi) Leases

CI determines the lease term as the non-cancellable term of the lease, together with any period covered by an option to extend 

the lease if it is reasonably certain to be exercised, or any periods covered by an option to terminate the lease, if it is reasonably 

certain not to be exercised.

CI has the option, under some of its leases to lease the assets for additional terms. CI applies judgment in evaluation whether it 

is reasonably certain to exercise the option to renew. That is, it considers all relevant factors that create an economic incentive 

for it to exercise the renewal. After the commencement date, CI reassesses the lease term if there is a significant event or change 

in circumstances that is within its control and affects its ability to exercise or not to exercise the option to renew.

Q4 Financial Report 48 December 31, 2019
Annual Financial Report  | 83 |  December 31, 2019

DECEMBER 31, 2019 and 2018  •  [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2019 and 2018 • [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts]

2.  NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS 

[A] IFRS 16 

IFRS 16, Leases [“IFRS 16”], replaces the previous lease standard, IAS 17, Leases [“IAS 17”], and related Interpretations. IFRS 16 

sets out the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases and requires lessees to account 

for all leases under a single on-balance sheet model.

Effective January 1, 2019, CI adopted IFRS 16 using the modified retrospective approach. Under this approach, CI recognized the 

lease liability based on the remaining lease payments discounted using CI’s incremental borrowing rate as at January 1, 2019.  CI 

also  recognized  the  right-of-use  asset  as  at  the  date  of  initial  application,  as  if  IFRS  16  had  always  been  applied  since  the 

commencement date of the lease, discounted using CI’s incremental rate of borrowing as at January 1, 2019. Comparative figures 

were not restated for the 2018 reporting period, as permitted under the specific transitional provisions in the standard. The 

reclassifications  and  adjustments  arising  from  the  new  leasing  rules  are  therefore  recognized  in  the  opening  consolidated 

statements of financial position on January 1, 2019. 

The  adoption  of  IFRS  16  resulted  in  CI  reporting  higher  interest  and  depreciation  expenses  and  lower  selling,  general  and 

administrative expenses as of the effective date. Non-IFRS measures such as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and 

amortization are positively impacted as a result.

Upon adoption of IFRS 16, CI recognized lease liabilities in relation to leases previously classified as operating leases under the 

principles of IAS 17. CI elected to apply the following practical expedients:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

apply a single discount rate to a portfolio of leases with reasonably similar characteristics

not recognize leases whose term ends within 12 months of initial application

exclude initial direct costs from the measurement of the right-of-use assets as at the date of initial application

not recognize leases of low value

the use of hindsight in determining the lease term where the contract contains options to extend or terminate the lease

On transition to IFRS 16, CI assessed the classification of its sub-leased properties with reference to the right-of-use asset and 

concluded that its sub-leased properties previously classified as operating leases under IAS 17 should be accounted for as finance 

leases under IFRS 16.

Q4 Financial Report 49 December 31, 2019
Annual Financial Report  | 84 |  December 31, 2019

DECEMBER 31, 2019 and 2018  •  [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2019 and 2018 • [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts]

The following summarizes the impact of adopting IFRS 16 as at January 1, 2019:

Assets

Right-of-use assets

Other assets

Total assets

Liabilities

Accounts payable and other liabilities

Current portion of lease liabilities

Non-current lease liabilities

Deferred lease inducement

Deferred tax liability

Total liabilities

Deficit

January 1, 2019

$

52,381

2,396

54,777

(1,805)

10,872

70,758

(11,320)

(3,665)

64,840

(10,063)

The lease liabilities as at January 1, 2019 can be reconciled to the operating lease commitments as at December 31, 2018 as 

follows:

Operating lease commitments as at December 31, 2018

Less:

Lease commitments related to short-term leases

Add:

Payments in optional extension periods considered reasonably certain to be exercised

Gross lease liability as at January 1, 2019

Weighted average incremental borrowing rate as at January 1, 2019

Present value of lease liability recognized as at January 1, 2019

Current lease liabilities

Non-current lease liabilities

$

90,050

(168)

4,507

94,389

4.2%

81,630

10,872

70,758

Q4 Financial Report 50 December 31, 2019
Annual Financial Report  | 85 |  December 31, 2019

DECEMBER 31, 2019 and 2018  •  [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2019 and 2018 • [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts]

The following shows the carrying amounts of CI’s right-of-use assets and lease liabilities and the movements during the year 

ended December 31, 2019:

As at January 1, 2019

Additions

Depreciation expense

Interest expense

Payments

Translation

As at December 31, 2019

Right-of-use assets

Property
leases

Equipment
leases

$

50,240

1,291

(7,812)

—

—

(8)

$

2,141

—

(970)

—

—

—

Total

$

52,381

1,291

(8,782)

—

—

(8)

43,711

1,171

44,882

Lease
liabilities

$

81,630

1,934

—

3,207

(14,243)

(9)

72,519

CI recognized rent expense from short-term leases of $886, leases of low-value assets of $155 and variable lease payments of 

$12,869 during the year ended December 31, 2019.

Included in other income is finance income of $109 received from sub-leasing right-of-use assets.

[B]  IFRIC 23

Effective January 1, 2019, CI adopted IFRIC Interpretation 23, Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments [“IFRIC 23”], which clarifies 

the accounting treatment used to reflect uncertainty in the recognition and measurement of income taxes. IFRIC 23 specifically 

addresses the following:

•  whether an entity considers uncertain tax treatments separately

• 

• 

• 

the assumptions an entity makes about the examination of tax treatments by taxation authorities

how an entity determines taxable profit (tax loss), tax bases, unused tax losses, unused tax credits and tax rates

how an entity considers changes in facts and circumstances

CI has considered the impact of IFRIC 23 on the recognition and measurement of uncertainties over income tax treatments across 

the jurisdictions in which it operates. CI has determined that there is no cumulative effect to opening deficit, or other appropriate 

components of equity upon adoption.

Q4 Financial Report 51 December 31, 2019
Annual Financial Report  | 86 |  December 31, 2019

DECEMBER 31, 2019 and 2018  •  [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2019 and 2018 • [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts]

3.  BUSINESS ACQUISITION

WealthBar Financial Services Inc.

On  January  23,  2019,  CI  acquired  75%  of  the  outstanding  shares  and  debt  obligations  of  WealthBar  Financial  Services  Inc., 

[“WealthBar”]  a  leading  Canadian  online  wealth  management  and  financial  planning  platform,  for  all  cash  consideration  of 

$23,653. 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 January 23, 2019, at fair value, are as follows:

Cash and cash equivalents

Accounts receivable and prepaid expenses

Income taxes receivable

Capital assets

Right-of-use asset

Fund administration contracts

Intangible - technology

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

Lease liability

Deferred income taxes

Fair value of identifiable net assets

Non-controlling interest (25% of identifiable net assets)

Goodwill on acquisition

Total acquired cost

$

81

416

226

113

248

4,000

15,000

(401)

(262)

(2,356)

17,065

(4,266)

10,854

23,653

The acquired fund administration contracts with a fair value of $4,000 have a finite life of 10 years. The technology acquired has 

a fair value of $15,000 and an estimated useful life of 10 years. The goodwill on acquisition is not deductible for income taxes. 

Goodwill of $10,854 relates to the asset administration segment. 

Snap Projections Inc.

On October 16, 2019, WealthBar acquired 100% of the outstanding shares of Snap Projections Inc.   The  acquisition was accounted 

for using the acquisition method of accounting. The estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed  and the 

results of operations have been consolidated from the date of the transaction. 

Surevest Wealth Management

On  January 24, 2020, CI  acquired a  majority stake in  Surevest  Wealth  Management, a  Phoenix-based  registered investment 

advisory firm. The estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed will be included in the interim consolidated 

financial statements as at March 31, 2020.

Q4 Financial Report 52 December 31, 2019
Annual Financial Report  | 87 |  December 31, 2019

DECEMBER 31, 2019 and 2018  •  [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2019 and 2018 • [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts]

WisdomTree

On November 7, 2019, CI reached an agreement to acquire 100% of the outstanding shares of WisdomTree Asset Management 

Canada, Inc. [“WisdomTree”], the investment fund manager of WisdomTree’s Canadian exchange-traded funds.  The details of 

the acquisition are being finalized and is expected to close on February 18, 2020.

One Capital Management LLC

On December 23, 2019, CI reached an agreement to acquire a majority stake in One Capital Management, LLC. The details of the 

acquisition are being finalized and is expected to close in March, 2020.

Q4 Financial Report 53 December 31, 2019
Annual Financial Report  | 88 |  December 31, 2019

DECEMBER 31, 2019 and 2018  •  [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2019 and 2018 • [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts]

4.  CAPITAL ASSETS

Capital assets consist of the following:

Cost

Balance, December 31, 2017

Additions

Retired

Balance, December 31, 2018

Additions

Acquired

Retired

Balance, December 31, 2019

Accumulated depreciation

Balance, December 31, 2017

Depreciation

Retired

Balance, December 31, 2018

Depreciation

Acquired

Retired

Balance, December 31, 2019

Carrying amounts

At December 31, 2017

At December 31, 2018

At December 31, 2019

Computer
hardware

$

Office
equipment

Leasehold
improvements

$

$

16,184

3,662

(2,257)

17,589

3,151

141

(1,678)

19,203

10,892

3,466

(2,257)

12,101

3,927

66

(1,674)

14,420

5,292

5,488

4,783

16,022

1,938

—

17,960

2,337

51

(6)

74,452

6,109

(7)

80,554

6,863

28

—

20,342

87,445

13,124

1,199

—

14,323

1,405

21

(6)

39,401

5,300

(7)

44,694

6,159

20

—

15,743

50,873

2,898

3,637

4,599

35,051

35,860

36,572

Total

$

106,658

11,709

(2,264)

116,103

12,351

220

(1,684)

126,990

63,417

9,965

(2,264)

71,118

11,491

107

(1,680)

81,036

43,241

44,985

45,954

Q4 Financial Report 54 December 31, 2019
Annual Financial Report  | 89 |  December 31, 2019

DECEMBER 31, 2019 and 2018  •  [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2019 and 2018 • [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts]

5.  INTANGIBLES

Cost

Fund
administration
contracts

Fund
management
contracts finite
life

Fund
management
contracts
indefinite life

Other
intangibles

$

$

$

$

Goodwill

$

Total

$

Balance, December 31, 2017

1,521,318

44,500

50,157

1,779,957

51,757

3,447,689

Acquired

Translation

Additions

283

(496)

—

Balance, December 31, 2018

1,521,105

Acquired

Translation

Additions

Retired

11,670

(1,502)

—

—

—

—

—

44,500

5,000

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

50,157

1,779,957

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

Balance, December 31, 2019

1,531,273

49,500

50,157

1,779,957

Accumulated amortization

Balance, December 31, 2017

Amortization

Balance, December 31, 2018

Acquired

Amortization

Retired

Balance, December 31, 2019

Carrying amounts

At December 31, 2017

At December 31, 2018

At December 31, 2019

Remaining term

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

1,521,318

1,521,105

1,531,273

21,224

2,030

23,254

—

2,467

—

25,721

23,276

21,246

23,779

27,341

2,033

29,374

—

2,022

—

31,396

22,816

20,783

18,761

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

1,779,957

1,779,957

1,779,957

—

—

4,359

56,116

16,300

—

4,425

(12,664)

64,177

23,284

5,582

28,866

(1,826)

6,823

(4,398)

29,465

28,473

27,250

34,712

283

(496)

4,359

3,451,835

32,970

(1,502)

4,425

(12,664)

3,475,064

71,849

9,645

81,494

(1,826)

11,312

(4,398)

86,582

3,375,840

3,370,341

3,388,482

 N/A

 8.9 – 9.9 yrs 

7.3 – 13.9 yrs 

 N/A

 0.3 – 9.8 yrs

CI has two groups of cash-generating units [“CGUs”] for the purpose of assessing the carrying amount of the allocated goodwill 

being the asset management and asset administration operating segments as described in Note 16. Goodwill of $1,309,008 is 

allocated to the asset management segment and $222,265 is allocated to the asset administration segment as at December 31, 

2019  [2018  –  $1,310,510  and  $210,595,  respectively].  Within  the  asset  management  segment,  CI  has  indefinite  life  fund 

management contracts of $1,779,957 as at December 31, 2019 and 2018.

The recoverable amounts of the CGUs are based on a fair value less cost to sell calculation. The fair value was determined using 

the discounted cash flow method, based on estimated future cash flows over a 10-year period with a terminal value for the period 

thereafter. CI uses a 10-year period to reflect the expected growth strategies for the various contracts acquired in addition to the 

fact that it may take several years to fully integrate operations and benefit from synergies. The key assumptions used in the 

Q4 Financial Report 55 December 31, 2019
Annual Financial Report  | 90 |  December 31, 2019

DECEMBER 31, 2019 and 2018  •  [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2019 and 2018 • [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts]

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 3-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 forecast 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, 2019 and 2018.  A discount rate of 11.38% – 13.88% per annum has been applied to the recoverable 

amount calculation as at December 31, 2019 [2018 – 8.3% – 12.5%].  

The calculation of the recoverable amount exceeds the carrying amount of goodwill and indefinite life fund management contracts 

as at December 31, 2019 and 2018.

6.  OTHER ASSETS, INCOME AND EXPENSE

Other assets as at December 31, 2019 consist mainly of 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, 2019, the carrying amount of employee share purchase loans is $3,933 [2018 – $5,188] 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, 2019, the shares held as collateral have a market value of approximately $4,763 [2018 – 

$5,865]. 

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 method 

to  amortize  the  forgiven  amount.  The  forgiven  amount  is  included  in  selling,  general  and  administrative  expenses.  As  at 

December 31, 2019, loans to investment advisors of $19,135 [2018 – $16,039] 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 in the year ended December 

31, 2018, also includes the fair value adjustment to the put option discussed in Note 8. Other expenses consist mainly of the 

provisions as discussed in Note 8 as well as expenses incurred by Marret. 

Q4 Financial Report 56 December 31, 2019
Annual Financial Report  | 91 |  December 31, 2019

DECEMBER 31, 2019 and 2018  •  [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2019 and 2018 • [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts]

7.  LONG-TERM DEBT

Long-term debt consists of the following:

Credit facility

Prime rate loan

Bankers’ acceptances

LIBOR loan (USD $193,000)

Debenture principal amount

Interest rate

Issued date

Maturity date

2.645%

December 7, 2015

December 7, 2020

2.775% November 25, 2016

November 25, 2021

3.520%

3.215%

July 20, 2018

July 22, 2019

July 20, 2023

July 22, 2024

3.904% September 27, 2017

September 27, 2027

$450 million

$200 million

$325 million

$350 million

$250 million

Long-term debt

Current portion of long-term debt

CREDIT FACILITY

2019

$

—

35,000

—

35,000

449,509

199,512

323,616

348,101

248,756

1,569,494

1,604,494

449,509

2018

$

24,500

—

259,000

283,500

449,032

199,278

323,297

—

248,626

1,220,233

1,503,733

—

CI has a $700,000 revolving credit facility with three Canadian chartered banks. Loans are made by the banks under a three-year 

revolving credit facility, with the outstanding principal balance due upon maturity on December 11, 2021. Amounts may be

borrowed 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, 2019 and 2018, CI had not accessed the facility by way of letters of credit.

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 3:1 and that CI’s assets under management not fall below $85 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. 

On January 28, 2019, the forward exchange contract entered into on December 24, 2018 with a Canadian chartered bank to pay 

Canadian dollars $259,690 and receive U.S. dollars $193,666 matured. Hedge accounting was not applied to the forward foreign 

Q4 Financial Report 57 December 31, 2019
Annual Financial Report  | 92 |  December 31, 2019

DECEMBER 31, 2019 and 2018  •  [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2019 and 2018 • [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts]

exchange contract, as the fair value changes are offset in net income with the foreign exchange revaluation of the U.S. denominated 

debt.

DEBENTURES

On July 22, 2019, CI completed an offering pursuant to which it issued $350,000 principal amount of debentures due July 22, 

2024 at par [the “2024 Debentures”]. Interest on the 2024 Debentures is paid semi-annually in arrears at a rate of 3.215%. The 

proceeds, net of transaction costs, were used to repay outstanding indebtedness under the credit facility.

On February 2, 2017, CI entered into an interest rate swap agreement with a Canadian chartered bank to swap the semi-annual 

fixed rate payments on the 2021 Debentures for floating rate payments. Based on the terms of the agreement, CI pays a rate 

equivalent to the three-month Canadian bankers’ acceptance rate plus a spread of 138.4 basis points. The rates are reset quarterly 

and paid semi-annually to match the fixed payment obligations of the 2021 Debentures. The swap agreement terminates on the 

maturity date of the 2021 Debentures unless terminated by CI at an earlier date. As at December 31, 2019, the fair value of the 

interest rate swap agreement was an unrealized loss of $2,388 [2018 – $4,959] and is included in long-term debt in the consolidated 

statements of financial position. CI has not experienced any hedge ineffectiveness, as the terms of the interest rate swap match 

the terms of the debenture. 

Interest paid on the debentures is paid semi-annually.  During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, interest paid is as 

follows:

Debenture interest paid

$450 million

$200 million

$325 million

$350 million

$250 million

Interest rate

Issued date

Maturity date

2.645% December 7, 2015

December 7, 2020

2.775% November 25, 2016 November 25, 2021

3.520%

3.215%

July 20, 2018

July 22, 2019

July 20, 2023

July 22, 2024

3.904% September 27, 2017 September 27, 2027

2019

$

11,903

6,841

11,440

4,861

9,760

44,805

2018

$

11,903

6,402

5,143

—

9,760

33,208

Issuance costs and the issuance discount are amortized over the term of the debentures using the effective interest method. The 

amortization expense related to the discount and transaction costs for CI’s issued debentures for the year ended December 31, 

2019 was $1,302 [2018 – $947], which is included in other expenses. CI may, at its option, redeem the 2020 Debentures, the 

2021 Debentures, the 2023 Debentures, the 2024 Debentures and the 2027 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, 44.0, 36.0, 44.5 and 44.5 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 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 

Q4 Financial Report 58 December 31, 2019
Annual Financial Report  | 93 |  December 31, 2019

DECEMBER 31, 2019 and 2018  •  [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2019 and 2018 • [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts]

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. 

8.  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

2019

$

34,768

35,214

(36,504)

(342)

33,136

14,643

2018

$

98,595

3,151

(54,838)

(12,140)

34,768

14,591

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 years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, no 

insurance proceeds were received, related to the settlement of legal claims. 

Q4 Financial Report 59 December 31, 2019
Annual Financial Report  | 94 |  December 31, 2019

DECEMBER 31, 2019 and 2018  •  [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2019 and 2018 • [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts]

PUT OPTION AND CONTINGENT CONSIDERATION 

Included in provision for other liabilities as at December 31, 2019, is a provision for the fair value of the put option granted to 

minority interest shareholders for the acquisition of GSFM of $7,573, including foreign exchange translation adjustments [2018 

– $11,438]. During 2019, GSFM shareholders exercised their put to CI and a total of 50 thousand shares were purchased for an 

equivalent Canadian cash value of $2,667 [2018 -  30 thousand shares for Canadian cash value of $2,565]. In addition, during 

2019, the put option liability was reduced by $569 [2018 – $1,167] representing dividends paid by GSFM to non-controlling 

shareholders. The fair value was reduced $1,144 during 2018 to reflect lower forecasted earnings estimates with an offset to 

other income.  No adjustments to fair value were made during 2019.

During 2018, CI made payments of $11,663, in cash - $11,129 and shares - $534, related to contingent consideration that was 

payable for the First Asset acquisition. As at December 31, 2018, all contingent consideration related to this acquisition has been 

paid.

RESTRUCTURING

During the year ended December 31, 2019, CI recorded a provision for restructuring of $35,000 related to severance and the 

write-down of software intangibles that were retired. As at December 31, 2019, a provision of $6,485 remains.

In 2017, CI recorded provisions of $39,000, primarily for restructuring, integration and legal costs related to the acquisition of 

Sentry and BBS. As at December 31, 2019, a provision of $2,400 remains [2018 – $5,756].

REMEDIATION

In 2015, CI discovered an administrative error and recorded a provision of $10,750, net of recoveries for the cost to remediate. 

As at December 31, 2019, a net recovery of $3,793 remains [2018 – $3,550].

Q4 Financial Report 60 December 31, 2019
Annual Financial Report  | 95 |  December 31, 2019

DECEMBER 31, 2019 and 2018  •  [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2019 and 2018 • [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts]

9.  SHARE CAPITAL

A summary of the changes to CI’s share capital for the years ended December 31 is as follows:

[A] AUTHORIZED AND ISSUED

Authorized

An unlimited number of common shares of CI

Issued

Common shares, balance, December 31, 2017

Issuance for acquisition of subsidiary

Issuance of share capital on exercise of share options

Issuance of share capital on vesting of restricted share units

Share repurchases, net of tax

Common shares, balance, December 31, 2018

Issuance of share capital on vesting of restricted share units

Share repurchases, net of tax

Common shares, balance, December 31, 2019

Number of shares
[in thousands]

Stated value
$

271,884

2,360,257

17

58

283

(28,521)

243,721

711

(22,640)

221,792

534

1,700

5,819

(243,180)

2,125,130

12,751

(193,570)

1,944,311

During the year ended December 31, 2019, 21,950 thousand shares [2018 – 27,951 thousand shares] were repurchased under 

a normal course issuer bid at an average cost of $19.78 per share for total consideration of $434,236 [2018 – $22.93 per share 

for  total  consideration  of  $640,787].  Deficit  was  increased  by  $243,211  during  the  year  ended  December 31,  2019  [2018  – 

$398,279] for the cost of the shares repurchased in excess of their stated value.

During the year ended December 31, 2019, 690 thousand shares [2018 – 570 thousand shares] were repurchased for CI’s restricted 

share unit plan at an average cost of $18.92 per share for total consideration of $13,057 [$9,597 after tax] [2018 – $28.28 per 

share for total consideration of $16,120 [$11,848 net of tax]]. Deficit was increased by $7,052 during the year ended December 31, 

2019 [2018 – 11,177] 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 743 thousand options [2018 - 78 thousand options] to employees. The fair value method of accounting 

is used for the valuation of the 2019 and 2018 share option grants. Compensation expense is recognized over the vesting period, 

assuming an estimated average forfeiture rate of 12.7% for the year [2018 - 0.0%], 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 2019 and 2018 option grants was estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing 

model with the following weighted-average assumptions:

Q4 Financial Report 61 December 31, 2019
Annual Financial Report  | 96 |  December 31, 2019

DECEMBER 31, 2019 and 2018  •  [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2019 and 2018 • [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts]

Year of grant

# of options granted [in thousands]

Vesting terms

Dividend yield

Expected volatility (*)

Risk-free interest rate

Expected life [years]

Forfeiture rate

Fair value per stock option

Exercise price

(*) Based on historical volatility of CI’s share price

2019

213

2019

530

2018

78

At end of year 5 1/3 at end of years 3, 4 and 5

1/3 at end of years 1, 2 and 3

3.792%

17%

2.238%

6.8

0%

$2.48

$18.99

3.792%

17%

5.044% - 5.085%

16%

2.182% - 2.238%

2.285% - 2.363%

5.2 - 6.8

13%

$2.23 - $2.48

$18.99

2.9 - 3.7

0%

$2.23 - $2.45

$28.67

The maximum number of shares that may be issued under the Share Option Plan is 14,000 thousand shares. As at December 31, 

2019, there are 5,584 thousand shares [2018 – 6,958 thousand 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 $18.99 to $35.88 per share and expire at 

dates up to 2029.

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

Options outstanding, December 31, 2017

Options exercisable,  December 31, 2017

Options granted

Options exercised (*)

Options cancelled

Options outstanding, December 31, 2018

Options exercisable,  December 31, 2018

Options granted

Options cancelled

Options outstanding, December 31, 2019

Options exercisable, December 31, 2019

Number of options

[in thousands]

8,073

5,014

78

(609)

(584)

6,958

5,789

743

(2,117)

5,584

4,758

Weighted average
exercise price

$

31.84

33.03

28.67

27.42

31.98

32.18

32.97

18.99

34.28

29.63

31.26

(*) Weighted-average share price of options exercised was nil during the year ended December 31, 2019 [2018 - $29.54]

The equity-based compensation expense under the Share Option Plan for the year ended December 31, 2019 of $513 [2018 – 

$975] has been included in selling, general and administrative expenses. 

Q4 Financial Report 62 December 31, 2019
Annual Financial Report  | 97 |  December 31, 2019

DECEMBER 31, 2019 and 2018  •  [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2019 and 2018 • [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts]

Options outstanding and exercisable as at December 31, 2019 are as follows:

Exercise price

$

18.99

27.44

28.63

28.67

33.96

35.88

18.99 to 35.88

[C] RESTRICTED SHARE UNITS

Number of
options outstanding

Weighted average
remaining contractual life

[in thousands]

[years]

Number of options
exercisable

[in thousands]

704

477

2,001

51

2,131

220

5,584

9.2

2.2

1.1

3.2

0.1

0.3

1.8

—

389

2,001

17

2,131

220

4,758

CI has an employee restricted share unit plan [the “RSU Plan”] for senior executives and other key employees. Compensation 

expense is recognized and recorded as contributed surplus based upon the market value of the restricted share units [“RSUs”] 

at the grant date. Forfeitures of RSUs reduce compensation expense to the extent contributed surplus was previously recorded 

for such awards. On vesting of RSUs, share capital is credited for the amounts initially recorded as contributed surplus to reflect 

the issuance of share capital. 

During the year ended December 31, 2019, CI granted 736 thousand RSUs [2018 - 579 thousand RSUs], including 39 thousand 

RSUs  granted,  to  reflect  dividends  declared  on  the  common  shares  [2018  -  38  thousand  RSUs].  Also  during  the  year  ended 

December  31,  2019,  711  thousand  RSUs  were  exercised,  and  32  thousand  RSUs  were  forfeited  [2018  -  284  thousand  RSUs 

exercised,  and  24  thousand  RSUs  forfeited].  During  the  year  ended  December  31,  2019,  CI  credited  contributed  surplus  for 

$14,188, related to compensation expense recognized for the RSUs [2018 - $12,753]. As at December 31, 2019, 657 thousand 

RSUs are outstanding [2018 - 664 thousand RSUs]. 

CI uses a Trust to hold CI’s common shares, to fulfill obligations to employees arising from the RSU Plan. The common shares held 

by the Trust are not considered to be outstanding for the purposes of basic and diluted earnings per share calculations.

[D] DEFERRED SHARE UNITS

The deferred share unit plan [the “DSU Plan”] was established in March 2017, whereby directors may elect to receive all or a 

portion of their quarterly compensation in either cash or deferred share units [“DSUs”]. The DSUs fully vest on the grant date 

and an expense is recorded based upon the market value of the DSUs at the grant date with an offset included in accounts payable 

and accrued liabilities. At the end of each period, the change in the fair value of the DSUs is recorded as an expense with an offset 

recorded to the liability. DSUs can only be redeemed for cash once the holder ceases to be a director of CI.   

During the year ended December 31, 2019, 6 thousand DSUs were granted, and nil DSUs were exercised, [2018 - 2 thousand

DSUs, and 12 thousand exercised]. An expense of $195 was recorded during the year ended December 31, 2019, [2018 - $(217)]. 

As at December 31, 2019, included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities, is an accrual of $464 for amounts to be paid under 

the DSU Plan [2018 - $269]. 

Q4 Financial Report 63 December 31, 2019
Annual Financial Report  | 98 |  December 31, 2019

DECEMBER 31, 2019 and 2018  •  [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2019 and 2018 • [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts]

[E] 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:

2019

2018

Net income attributable to shareholders of the Company basic and diluted

$538,396

$617,476

Denominator:

Weighted average number of common shares - basic

Weighted average effect of dilutive stock options and RSU awards (*)

Weighted average number of common shares - diluted

Net earnings per common share attributable to shareholders

Basic

Diluted

234,273

976

235,249

259,253

329

259,582

$2.30

$2.29

$2.38

$2.38

(*)  The determination of the weighted average number of common shares - diluted excludes 5,584 thousand shares related to stock options 

that were anti-dilutive for the year ended December 31, 2019 [2018 - 6,958 thousand shares].

[F] MAXIMUM SHARE DILUTION

The following table presents the maximum number of shares that would be outstanding if all the outstanding options were 

exercised and if all RSU awards vested as at January 31, 2020:

[in thousands]

Shares outstanding at January 31, 2020

RSU awards

Options to purchase shares

220,239

577

5,495

226,311

Q4 Financial Report 64 December 31, 2019
Annual Financial Report  | 99 |  December 31, 2019

DECEMBER 31, 2019 and 2018  •  [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2019 and 2018 • [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts]

10. DIVIDENDS

The following dividends were paid by CI during the year ended December 31, 2019:

Record date

December 31, 2018

March 31, 2019

June 30, 2019

September 30, 2019

Paid during the year ended December 31, 2019

Payment date

Cash dividend

per share             

Total dividend
amount

January 15, 2019

April 15, 2019

July 15, 2019

October 15, 2019

$

0.18

0.18

0.18

0.18

$

43,899

43,285

42,461

41,105

170,750

The following dividends were declared but not paid as at December 31, 2019:

Record date

December 31, 2019

March 31, 2020

Declared and accrued as at December 31, 2019

Payment date

Cash dividend

per share             

Total dividend
amount

January 15, 2020

April 15, 2020

$

0.18

0.18

$

39,923

39,922

79,845

The following dividends were paid by CI during the year ended December 31, 2018:

Record date

December 31, 2017

January 31, 2018

February 28, 2018

March 31, 2018

April 30, 2018

May 31, 2018

June 30, 2018

July 31, 2018

September 30, 2018

Paid during the year ended December 31, 2018

Payment date

Cash dividend

per share             

Total dividend
amount

January 15, 2018

February 15, 2018

March 15, 2018

April 13, 2018

May 15, 2018

June 15, 2018

July 13, 2018

August 15, 2018

October 15, 2018

$

0.1175

0.1175

0.1175

0.1175

0.1175

0.1175

0.1175

0.1175

0.1800

$

31,957

31,736

31,706

31,344

31,170

30,996

30,616

30,513

45,534

295,572

Q4 Financial Report 65 December 31, 2019
Annual Financial Report  | 100 |  December 31, 2019

DECEMBER 31, 2019 and 2018  •  [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2019 and 2018 • [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts]

The following dividends were declared but not paid as at December 31, 2018:

Record date

December 31, 2018

March 31, 2019

June 30, 2019

September 30, 2019

December 31, 2019

Declared and accrued as at December 31, 2018

 11. INCOME TAXES

Payment date

Cash dividend

per share             

Total dividend
amount

January 15, 2019

April 15, 2019

July 15, 2019

October 15, 2019

January 15, 2020

$

0.18

0.18

0.18

0.18

0.18

$

43,824

43,822

43,822

43,822

43,822

219,112

The following are the major components of income tax expense for the years ended December 31:

Consolidated Statements 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 (net)

Income tax expense reported in the consolidated statements of income

2019

$

2018

$

189,438

(607)

188,831

450

450

189,281

229,138

(129)

229,009

(3,556)

(3,556)

225,453

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 in income taxes resulting from

Recovery of prior years’ provisions for settled tax items

Other, net

Income tax expense reported in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income

2019

%

26.5

(0.6)

0.1

26.0

2018

%

26.5

—

0.2

26.7

Q4 Financial Report 66 December 31, 2019
Annual Financial Report  | 101 |  December 31, 2019

DECEMBER 31, 2019 and 2018  •  [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2019 and 2018 • [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts]

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, 2019:

Opening 
retained 
earnings 
adjustments 
[note 2]

December 31, 2018

Deferred income tax liabilities

Fund contracts

Right-of-use assets

Other

$

483,776

—

27

Total deferred income tax liabilities

483,803

Deferred income tax assets

Equity-based compensation

Non-capital loss carryforwards

Provision for other liabilities

Lease liabilities

Other

Total deferred income tax assets

Net deferred income tax liabilities

12,465

1,444

2,910

—

901

17,720

466,083

$

—

17,267

635

17,902

—

—

—

21,567

—

21,567

(3,665)

Recognized
in net
income

Business 
acquisition 
[note 3]

$

$

(2,425)

(5,401)

6,392

(1,434)

785

912

(220)

(2,404)

(957)

(1,884)

450

1,345

—

4,404

5,749

—

2,760

—

—

—

2,760

2,989

Recognized
in equity

and FX December 31, 2019

$

—

—

—

—

(300)

—

—

—

1,316

1,016

(1,016)

$

482,696

11,866

11,458

506,020

12,950

5,116

2,690

19,163

1,260

41,179

464,841

Significant components of CI’s deferred income tax liabilities and assets are as follows at December 31, 2018:

December 31, 2017

Recognized in
net income

$

$

488,482

1,413

489,895

8,762

3,202

5,099

2,439

19,502

470,393

(4,706)

(1,386)

(6,092)

2,834

(1,758)

(2,189)

(1,423)

(2,536)

(3,556)

Recognized in
other
comprehensive
income

Recognized in
equity and FX December 31, 2018

$

—

—

—

—

—

—

102

102

(102)

$

—

—

—

869

—

—

(217)

652

(652)

$

483,776

27

483,803

12,465

1,444

2,910

901

17,720

466,083

Deferred income tax liabilities

Fund contracts

Other

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

Q4 Financial Report 67 December 31, 2019
Annual Financial Report  | 102 |  December 31, 2019

DECEMBER 31, 2019 and 2018  •  [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2019 and 2018 • [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts]

12. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

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

Investments

Other assets

Amortized cost

Client and trust funds on deposit

Accounts receivable

Other assets

Total financial assets

Financial liabilities

Fair value through profit or loss

Provisions for other liabilities

Amortized cost

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

Provision for other liabilities

Dividends payable

Client and trust funds payable

Long-term debt

Total financial liabilities

December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018

$

$

118,360

138,412

26,856

364,964

159,760

39,564

847,916

137,160

168,122

9,507

365,520

137,979

23,006

841,294

8,650

11,438

242,176

24,486

79,845

368,348

1,604,494

2,327,999

222,233

23,330

219,112

370,756

1,503,733

2,350,602

CI’s  investments  as  at  December 31,  2019  and  2018  include  CI’s  marketable  securities  which  are  comprised  of  seed  capital 

investments in CI’s mutual funds and strategic investments. 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’s mutual fund 

securities that are valued daily are classified as level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.  Mutual fund securities and strategic investments 

that are valued less frequently are classified as level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. CI’s investments as at December 31, 2019, also 

include securities owned, at market, consisting of money market, equity securities and bonds. Money market and equity securities 

are valued based on quoted prices and are classified as level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. Bonds are valued using a market 

comparison technique to fair value these instruments using observable broker quotes and are classified as level 2 in the fair value 

hierarchy. There have been no transfers between level 1 and level 2 during the year.

Q4 Financial Report 68 December 31, 2019
Annual Financial Report  | 103 |  December 31, 2019

DECEMBER 31, 2019 and 2018  •  [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2019 and 2018 • [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts]

Investments consist of the following as at December 31, 2019:

Marketable securities

Securities owned, at market

Total investments

Investments consist of the following as at December 31, 2018:

Marketable securities

Securities owned, at market

Total investments

Total

$

118,243

20,169

138,412

Total

$

132,953

35,169

168,122

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

$

40,588

20,169

60,757

$

74,003

—

74,003

$

3,653

—

3,653

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

$

56,603

35,169

91,772

$

72,697

—

72,697

$

3,653

—

3,653

Included in other assets are long-term private equity strategic investments of $26,856 [2018 - $9,507] valued using level 3 inputs. 

Included in provision for other liabilities, as at December 31, 2019 is put option payable on non-controlling interest of $7,573 

[2018 - $11,438] carried at fair value and classified as level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. Long-term debt as at December 31, 

2019 includes debentures with a fair value of $1,586,136 [2018 - $1,208,715], as determined by quoted market prices, which 

have been classified as level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

13. 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 price 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 loss due to the volatility of interest rates.

Foreign exchange risk is the risk of loss due to volatility of foreign exchange rates.

Price risk is the risk of loss due to changes in prices and volatility of financial instruments.

Q4 Financial Report 69 December 31, 2019
Annual Financial Report  | 104 |  December 31, 2019

DECEMBER 31, 2019 and 2018  •  [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2019 and 2018 • [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts]

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 $35,000 [2018 – $283,500] is borrowed at a floating interest rate. In 2017, CI entered into an interest rate swap agreement 

with a Canadian chartered bank to swap the semi-annual fixed rate payments on the 2021 Debentures $200,000 principal amount 

for floating rate payments. 

Based on the amount borrowed under the credit facility and the 2021 Debentures as at December 31, 2019, each 0.50% increase 

or  decrease  in  interest  rates  would  result  in  annual  interest  expense  increasing  or  decreasing  by  $1,175  [2018  –  $2,418], 

respectively.

(ii) Foreign exchange risk

CI is exposed to foreign exchange risk primarily from its investment in foreign subsidiaries operating in the United States, Australia 

and Hong Kong and from CI’s investments denominated in U.S. dollars.

The following table provides the impact on net income and other comprehensive income [“OCI”] of a 10% change in the value 

of foreign currencies with respect to CI’s net financial assets as at December 31, 2019:

United States dollar

Australian dollar

Hong Kong dollar

10% strengthening
of foreign exchange
rate on net income

10% strengthening of
foreign exchange
rate on OCI

10% weakening of
foreign exchange
rate on net income

10% weakening of
foreign exchange
rate on OCI

12,489

645

106

—

(313)

—

(12,489)

(645)

(106)

—

313

—

The following table provides the impact on net income and OCI of a 10% change in the value of foreign currencies with respect 

to CI’s net financial assets as at December 31, 2018:

10% strengthening
of foreign exchange
rate on net income

10% strengthening of
foreign exchange
rate on OCI

10% weakening of
foreign exchange
rate on net income

10% weakening of
foreign exchange
rate on OCI

10,213

485

104

—

(584)

—

(10,213)

(485)

(104)

—

584

—

United States dollar

Australian dollar

Hong Kong dollar

[iii] Price risk

CI incurs price risk through its investments of $138,412  [2018 – $168,122]. Based on the carrying amount of these assets, an 

increase or decrease in prices by 10% would result in estimated gains or losses of $13,841 [2018 - $16,812], respectively.

Q4 Financial Report 70 December 31, 2019
Annual Financial Report  | 105 |  December 31, 2019

DECEMBER 31, 2019 and 2018  •  [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2019 and 2018 • [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts]

[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.

CI’s liabilities have contractual maturities, excluding interest payments, as follows:

Total

$

2020

$

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

242,176

242,176

Dividends payable

Client and trust funds payable

79,845

79,845

368,348

368,348

2021

2022

2023

2024

2027

$

—

—

—

$

—

—

—

$

—

—

—

$

—

—

—

$

—

—

—

Long-term debt

Put option

Total

[C] CREDIT RISK

1,610,000

450,000

235,000

— 325,000

350,000

250,000

7,573

2,525

2,524

2,307,942

1,142,894

237,524

2,524

2,524

—

—

—

325,000

350,000

250,000

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. Expected credit losses associated 

with CI’s financial assets are insignificant.

As at December 31, 2019, financial assets of $591,144 [2018 – $536,012], represented by client and trust funds on deposit of 

$364,964 [2018 – $365,520], accounts receivable of $159,760 [2018 – $137,979] and other assets of $66,420 [2018 – $32,513], 

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. 

 CI’s accounts receivable consist primarily of management fees receivable, amounts due to CI from the government agencies with 

respect to input tax credits and other short-term receivables due within 90 days. 

Q4 Financial Report 71 December 31, 2019
Annual Financial Report  | 106 |  December 31, 2019

DECEMBER 31, 2019 and 2018  •  [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2019 and 2018 • [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts]

Securities lending and borrowing agreements consist of the following as at December 31, 2019:

Loaned or delivered as collateral

Borrowed or received as collateral

Securities lending and borrowing agreements consist of the following as at December 31, 2018:

Loaned or delivered as collateral

Borrowed or received as collateral

Cash

$

10,958

13,051

Cash

$

4,898

11,618

Securities

$

11,176

13,657

Securities

$

5,535

11,506

CI uses securities lending and borrowing to facilitate the securities settlement process. These transactions are typically short-

term in nature, fully collateralized by either cash or securities and subject to daily margin calls for any deficiency between the 

market value of the security given and the amount of collateral received. CI manages its credit exposure by establishing and 

monitoring aggregate limits by counterparty for these transactions.  Cash loaned or delivered as collateral is included in accounts 

receivable and cash borrowed or received as collateral is included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities. 

Other assets consist mainly of 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. 

14. 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 comprise 

shareholders’ equity and long-term debt (including the 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, 

2019, cash and cash equivalents of $12,810 [2018 - $20,226] were 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, 2019 and December 31, 2018, CI met its capital requirements.

Q4 Financial Report 72 December 31, 2019
Annual Financial Report  | 107 |  December 31, 2019

DECEMBER 31, 2019 and 2018  •  [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2019 and 2018 • [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts]

CI’s capital consists of the following:

Shareholders’ equity

Long-term debt

Total capital

15. COMMITMENTS

LEASE COMMITMENTS

As at

As at

December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018

$

1,493,988

1,604,494

3,098,482

$

1,430,077

1,503,733

2,933,810

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:

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025 and thereafter

ADVISOR SERVICES AGREEMENTS

$

13,939

13,461

12,808

12,692

12,647

16,780

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.

Q4 Financial Report 73 December 31, 2019
Annual Financial Report  | 108 |  December 31, 2019

DECEMBER 31, 2019 and 2018  •  [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2019 and 2018 • [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts]

16. 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, 

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  WealthBar,  BBS  and  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, 2019 is as follows:

Asset
management

Asset
administration

Intersegment
eliminations

Management fees

Administration fees

Other income
Total revenue

Selling, general and administrative

Trailer fees

Investment dealer fees

Deferred sales commissions

Amortization and depreciation

Other expenses
Total expenses

Income before income taxes
and non-segmented items

Interest and lease finance

Provision for income taxes
Net income for the year

Identifiable assets

Indefinite life intangibles

Goodwill

Fund contracts

Total assets

$

1,857,918

—

5,738

1,863,656

387,534

615,786

—

13,526

22,350

38,714

1,077,910

$

—

397,396

35,127

432,523

101,738

—

318,683

—

10,541

5,080

436,042

785,746

(3,519)

473,075

583,501

1,309,008

1,779,957

3,562,040

222,265

—

805,766

Q4 Financial Report 74 December 31, 2019
Annual Financial Report  | 109 |  December 31, 2019

$

—

(176,952)

—

Total

$

1,857,918

220,444

40,865

(176,952)

2,119,227

—

(30,907)

(145,333)

(712)

—

—

489,272

584,879

173,350

12,814

32,891

43,794

(176,952)

1,337,000

—

—

—

—

—

782,227

(55,422)

(189,281)

537,524

1,056,576

1,531,273

1,779,957

4,367,806

DECEMBER 31, 2019 and 2018  •  [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2019 and 2018 • [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts]

Segmented information as at and for the year ended December 31, 2018 is as follows:

Asset
management

Asset
administration

Intersegment
eliminations

Management fees

Administration fees

Other income

Total revenue

Selling, general and administrative

Trailer fees

Investment dealer fees

Deferred sales commissions

Amortization and depreciation

Other expenses

Total expenses

Income before income taxes
and non-segmented items

Interest

Provision for income taxes

Net income for the year

Identifiable assets

Indefinite life intangibles

Goodwill

Fund contracts

Total assets

$

2,004,151

—

2,308

2,006,459

414,742

662,829

—

23,140

16,649

7,386

$

—

372,357

32,315

404,672

97,822

—

298,024

—

3,897

288

$

—

(174,766)

—

Total

$

2,004,151

197,591

34,623

(174,766)

2,236,365

—

(31,586)

(142,153)

(1,027)

—

—

512,564

631,243

155,871

22,113

20,546

7,674

1,124,746

400,031

(174,766)

1,350,011

881,713

4,641

432,264

558,890

1,310,510

1,779,957

3,522,731

210,595

—

769,485

—

—

—

—

—

886,354

(43,054)

(225,453)

617,847

991,154

1,521,105

1,779,957

4,292,216

Q4 Financial Report 75 December 31, 2019
Annual Financial Report  | 110 |  December 31, 2019

DECEMBER 31, 2019 and 2018  •  [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2019 and 2018 • [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts]

17. 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

2019

$

6,976

1,827

8,803

2018

$

6,453

2,847

9,300

18. SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

Included  in  selling,  general  and  administrative  expenses  [“SG&A”]  are  salaries  and  benefits  of  $265,908  for  the  year  ended 

December 31, 2019  [2018  -  $279,728].  Other SG&A  of  $223,364  for the year ended  December 31, 2019, primarily  includes 

marketing and information technology expenses as well as professional and regulatory fees [2018 - $232,836].

19. AMORTIZATION AND DEPRECIATION

The following table provides details of amortization and depreciation:

Depreciation of capital assets

Depreciation of right-of-use assets

Amortization of intangibles

Amortization of debenture transaction costs

Total amortization and depreciation

20. COMPARATIVE FIGURES

2019

$

11,491

8,786

11,312

1,302

32,891

2018

$

9,954

—

9,645

947

20,546

Certain comparative figures have been reclassified to conform to the consolidated financial statement presentation in the current 

year.

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.

Q4 Financial Report 76 December 31, 2019
Annual Financial Report  | 111 |  December 31, 2019

DECEMBER 31, 2019 and 2018  •  [in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts] NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS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
100 Adelaide Street West
Toronto, Ontario  M5H 1S3

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 14, 2019, the Toronto Stock Exchange (the “TSX”) accepted CI’s notice 
of  intention  to  commence  a  normal  course  issuer  bid  through  the  facilities  of  the 
TSX. Under the bid, CI may purchase up to 21,728,299 of its shares at the prevailing 
market  price.  Common  shares  may  be  purchased  by  CI  or  purchased  by  a  trustee 
to  satisfy  obligations  under  equity-based  compensation  plans  for  CI.  All  common 
shares purchased by CI (but not those purchased by such a trustee) will be cancelled. 
Purchases under the bid will terminate on June 17, 2020, or on such earlier date as CI 
completes its purchases or provides notice of termination. As of April 30, 2020, CI 
has acquired an aggregate of 20,792,487 shares under the normal course issuer bid at 
an average price of $20.00 per share. Shareholders may obtain a copy of the Notice, 
without charge, by contacting the Corporate Secretary of CI. The Corporation intends 
to renew its Normal Course Issuer Bid effective June 18, 2020, subject to receipt of 
approval from the TSX.

Digital Report

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

Annual General Meeting

Virtual-only Annual Meeting of Shareholders

This  Annual  General  Meeting  of  Shareholders  will  be  held  at  2  p.m.  EDT  on  
June  18,  2020.  The  meeting  will  be  held  in  a  virtual-only  format  by  way  of  live  
audio webcast.

Instructions on how to access the webcast and vote at the virtual meeting will be 
posted on www.cifinancial.com.

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.

20-04-74150_E (05/20)