Empire Life
Annual Report 2017

Plain-text annual report

The Empire Life Insurance Company Annual Report 2017 TABLE OF CONTENTS Financial Highlights Message from the Chairman of the Board Message from the President and Chief Executive Officer Sources of Earnings Management Discussion and Analysis Management's Responsibility for Financial Reporting Independent Auditor's Report Appointed Actuary's Report Consolidated Statements of Financial Position Consolidated Statements of Operations Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements Intangible Assets Insurance Payables Insurance Receivables 1. Description of Company and Summary of Operations 2. Significant Accounting Policies 3. Financial Instruments 4. 5. Other Assets 6. Property and Equipment 7. 8. Segregated Funds 9. 10. Insurance Contract Liabilities and Reinsurance Assets/Liabilities 11. Accounts Payable and Other Liabilities 12. Employee Benefit Plans 13. Subordinated Debt 14. Insurance Premiums 15. Fee Income 16. Benefits and Expenses 17. Operating Expenses 18. Income Taxes 19. Earnings Per Share 20. Capital Stock 21. Dividends 22. Shareholders' Equity Entitlement 23. Supplementary Participating Policyholder Information 24. Segmented Information 25. Commitments and Contingencies 26. Related Party Transactions 27. Capital Management 28. Risk Management Glossary of Terms Participating Account Management Policy Participating Policyholder Dividends and Bonus Policy Corporate Governance Over Risk Management Corporate Information Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 6 7 8 9 11 14 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 53 53 67 70 71 71 72 72 74 74 78 78 84 85 85 85 86 86 89 89 90 90 90 91 93 94 94 95 109 111 113 115 116 2017 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 281.9% MCCSR ratio as at December 31, 2017 Product diversifi cation Strength of our capital base Product diversifi cation Our Minimum Continuing Capital and Surplus Requirements (MCCSR) ratio is well above the minimum requirements set by the industry regulator. A high MCCSR ratio demonstrates our long-term ability to pay claims and our prudent capital management. What is an MCCSR ratio? An MCCSR ratio of 100% means that a company has adequate capital to meet obligations to its policyholders. The Offi ce of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions of Canada (OSFI) requires life insurance companies to maintain an MCCSR ratio of at least 120% and expects them to have a target ratio of at least 150%. Financial ratings These fi nancial ratings give you an independent opinion of our fi nancial strength as an insurer and our ability to meet policyholder obligations. by premium and fee income for the 12 months ended December 31, 2017 Empire Life is well-diversifi ed across three product lines: Wealth Management 35.0% Employee Benefi ts 31.2% Individual Insurance 33.8% A (Excellent) A.M. Best Company (as at June 1, 2017) Financial Strength Rating: A Issuer Rating: A Subordinated Debt Rating: A (low) DBRS (as at May 24, 2017) Note: The selected fi nancial information presented above is derived from the audited fi nancial statements of The Empire Life Insurance Company and Management’s Discussion and Analysis included in the Empire Life 2017 Annual Report. Common Shareholders’ Net Income 2017 (in millions) $170.9 Common Shareholders’ Net Income 2016 (in millions): $152.7 Net Premium and Fee Income 2017 (in millions) $1,091.0 Net Premium and Fee Income 2016 (in millions): $1,109.9 Total Assets Under Management 2017 (in millions) $17,578.3 Total Assets Under Management 2016 (in millions): $16,051.0 MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD Empire Life had another strong year in 2017. In addition to delivering positive results, the company continued to make advances in the areas of corporate governance and risk management, technology, and people. Good corporate governance and transparency are fundamental to good business. The Board is pleased with the heightened focus management has placed on governance and enterprise risk management to promote a healthy culture aligned with the company’s mission and core values. In 2017, the company prepared for new regulatory changes, including LICAT, the Life Insurance Capital Adequacy Test requirements that came into effect on January 1, 2018 and new accounting rules, IFRS 17 coming into effect in 2021. These new measures and reporting frameworks are intended to better align capital and risk measures with business realities and ensure consistency and transparency in reporting. Debt issues have become a regular part of the business strategy to strengthen an already solid capital base while continuing to meet the insurance and wealth management needs of Canadians. Empire Life issued $200 million in subordinated debentures in September and $100 million in rate reset preferred shares in November to parent company E-L Financial Corporation Limited. It has been said that technology, and the rapid pace of digitization, is levelling playing fields. The Board is confident in the strategic direction of company leadership and pleased with the progress being made in developing new online tools and refining processes to make it simple, fast and easy for advisors and customers to buy products and receive service. One of Empire Life’s many areas of strength is its investment management expertise. In 2017, the company augmented the depth and breadth of experience of its investment team, adding new team members with varied mandates. The team now manages almost $17 billion in both general and segregated fund assets. I would like to recognize and thank both the management and employees of Empire Life for their contributions to the company’s success in 2017. In an era when digital capabilities, artificial intelligence, and predictive analytics are cited as key advantages, the true competitive advantage for any financial services organization is its people-the employees who drive innovation and deliver personal, high-touch service to customers and advisors. Behind any great company is a critical group of individuals who collectively steer and guide the decisions of management in the best interests of its stakeholders. We are very fortunate to have a highly qualified and engaged Board of Directors whose members generously give their time and expertise to provide oversight and guidance to management. I thank them for their dedication and active participation. My family has held an ownership position in Empire Life for more than 60 years. We are proud of how this company has grown to become one of the leading life insurance companies in Canada. I look forward to seeing Empire Life continue to flourish and grow in the years ahead. Duncan N. R. Jackman Chairman of the Board February 27, 2018 Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 8 MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER It was safe, at this time last year, to predict that political and economic events would continue to surprise us through 2017. Uncertainty is becoming the new normal. Political turmoil was constant during the year, but did not cause an economic slowdown nor dampen the enthusiasm in the stock market. The S&P 500 index closed 2017 on an all-time high. In Canada, the S&P/TSX composite index also increased, although early weakness in oil prices meant it trailed U.S. and international markets. We are now starting to see interest rates rise. The Bank of Canada, for the first time in seven years, increased the bank rate, not once, but twice in 2017. There was a further rate hike in January 2018, and there may be more to come. A rising interest rate environment is positive for the insurance industry as we hold large fixed income portfolios that ultimately benefit from higher yields. The downside for consumers is higher debt service costs. Despite the uncertainty, Empire Life remains focused on offering Canadian consumers solid products, running an efficient and effective business, and investing in high-quality assets with value that persevere through turbulent times. Financial results and investment performance I would like to highlight a few of the items detailed in our financial results. In 2017 we issued subordinated debentures and rate reset preferred shares. These were significant events for Empire Life on a number of fronts. They strengthened our capital base. This will enable us to continue to invest in product development, digital assets and continuous process improvements. Our goal is to lower the cost of doing business and deliver on commitments to our customers. The additional capital contributed to our very strong Minimum Continuing Capital and Surplus Requirements (“MCCSR”) ratio of 281.9% as at December 31, 2017. This was up from 248.3% at the end of 2016. A strong capital base provides us with the ability to weather any negative changes in the economic environment. Our investment management team has always used a conservative, value-oriented and disciplined investment style to guide our investment decisions. Over the long term this approach provides downside protection and builds wealth. By year-end, our assets under management, including segregated funds, mutual funds, participating insurance policies and general assets, increased by 9.5% over December 31, 2016 levels to reach $17.6 billion. Common shareholders’ net income increased by 11.9% to $170.9 million, compared to $152.7 million in 2016. This resulted in earnings per share (basic and diluted) of $173.53 compared to $155.03 the previous year. Net income for the individual life & health insurance product line fell to $45.9 million from $83.1 million in 2016. This was primarily due to a number of reserve changes and lower than planned sales of life insurance products in 2017. Results for our wealth management business continued to shine with wealth management net income climbing to $83.4 million from $62.1 million in 2016. Employee benefits net income doubled from $10.0 million in 2016 to $20.0 million in 2017. The substantial increase in net income in the employee benefit line of business was the result of an extensive underwriting and pricing review. We have also improved claims management practices and enhanced our fraud detection systems. Our customers Our mission is to make it possible for middle-income families, small business owners and their employees to obtain our insurance protection and investment products in a way that is simple, fast and easy. Financial security is what we seek to deliver. By staying focused on process improvement, technology, innovation and strategic partnerships, Empire Life has made great strides in fulfilling that mission. Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 9 MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER 2017 Product and Service Innovation More Canadians than ever are looking for simple solutions to their retirement and estate planning needs. Early last year, we introduced a new payment option for participating whole life insurance policies. It allows customers to pay for their policies in as few as eight years. Later in the year we launched our Class Plus 3.0 segregated fund product. This product has reinforced our commitment to the guaranteed withdrawal benefit market as it provides customers with a guaranteed lifetime income while still providing potential for market growth. We launched our new Life & Money Matters website to answer the most common questions Canadians have at different life stages about money and financial planning. It also helps connect them with a licensed life insurance advisor in their area if they want advice or have other questions. Research has shown that investors with an advisor accumulate more assets than those without an advisor[1]. Our Fast & Full® online applications are being continuously improved. We want to enhance convenience and provide a better experience for our customers and advisors. A big step in that direction was the introduction of fully digital delivery of insurance contracts, and the first 100% digital application for segregated funds offered in Canada. These online applications are making it simple, fast and easy for clients to review information or apply for life insurance and segregated funds while meeting with their advisor in person or while speaking with them over the phone. Support for working families Last June, Empire Life partnered with Express Scripts Canada® to deliver a specialty drug program that will help employers contain drug benefit costs and provide employees with better options for managing and understanding complex health conditions. We also announced the new Empire Life Voyageur Global Benefits portfolio, administered by Met Life, a world leader in providing expat benefits. Under the program, customers have access to the full expat solution or, for those with employees working on short-term assignment outside of Canada, to the International Business Travel Medical product. Another exciting development for our Group line of business was the introduction of a new option for small business owners to blend life insurance and critical illness insurance in their benefit program. Empire Life is the first insurance carrier to offer this option in the Canadian insurance market. At the close of the year, we announced a new strategic partnership with Benefits by Design (BBD). We are looking forward to working with this national group benefits administrator to serve their customers across Canada. A word of thanks Making and keeping promises is the foundation of what we do and it would not have been possible without the ongoing support and guidance of our Board of Directors, under the stewardship of Chairman, Mr. Duncan Jackman. On behalf of my Executive Leadership team, I express gratitude to the Board, our distribution partners, and to each and every Empire Life employee whose loyalty and hard work ensures we fulfill the promises we make to our customers. Mark Sylvia President and Chief Executive Officer February 27, 2018 [1] Source: The Investment Funds Institute of Canada - August 2016 Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 10 SOURCES OF EARNINGS Source of earnings is a methodology for identifying and quantifying the various sources of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) income of a life insurance company. It presents shareholders’ net income in a different format from the traditional income statement form and provides a better understanding of the Company’s sources of profit for each major product line. Expected Profit from In-Force Business This source of earnings represents the profit the Company expects to generate on in-force business if experience is in line with the Company’s best estimate assumptions for mortality, morbidity, persistency, investment returns, expenses and taxes. Impact of New Business Writing new business typically adds economic value to a life insurance company. However, as of the point of sale, new business may have a positive or negative impact on earnings. A negative impact (new business strain) will result when the assumptions used in determining the profits in the actuarial liabilities at the point of sale exceeds the expected profit margin assumed in the product pricing. The impact of new business also includes any excess acquisition expenses not covered by product pricing at the point of issue. Experience Gains and Losses This item represents gains or losses due to the difference between actual experience and the best estimate assumptions. Management Actions and Changes in Assumptions This component includes earnings generated by management actions during the year (e.g. acquisition or sale of a block of business, changes to product price, fees or asset mix, etc.) or the impact of changes in assumptions or methodology used for the calculation of actuarial liabilities for in-force business. Other This item includes any source of earnings from operations not included above. Earnings on Surplus This component represents the pre-tax earnings on the shareholders’ capital and surplus funds. Source of Earnings by Line of Business For the year ended December 31 Wealth Management Employee Benefits Individual Insurance Capital and Surplus Total (in millions of dollars) 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 Expected profit on in-force business $ 118.0 $ 99.9 $ 21.8 $ 20.0 $ 42.7 $ 39.6 Impact of new business Experience gains & losses Management actions and changes in assumptions Earnings on operations before income taxes Earnings on surplus Income before income tax Income taxes Shareholders’ Net Income (8.7) 8.6 (6.5) 8.5 (7.0) (19.9) 110.9 — 82.1 — (9.5) 11.7 3.2 27.2 — (7.7) (5.2) 7.0 14.1 — (3.8) (4.4) (1.0) 29.3 36.0 70.5 — 53.2 121.1 — 182.5 159.5 (22.0) (15.2) 15.9 32.6 32.2 40.3 — 27.5 — 208.6 217.2 (2.7) 27.5 (2.7) $ 110.9 $ 82.1 $ 27.2 $ 14.1 $ 70.5 $ 121.1 $ 27.5 $ (2.7) $ 236.1 $ 214.5 27.5 20.0 7.2 4.1 14.8 30.9 6.1 (1.1) 55.6 54.0 $ 83.5 $ 62.1 $ 20.0 $ 10.0 $ 55.7 $ 90.2 $ 21.4 $ (1.6) $ 180.5 $ 160.6 Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 11 SOURCES OF EARNINGS Wealth Management Wealth Management’s 2017 earnings on operations were higher than the level achieved in 2016. In 2017 there was an increase in expected profit on in-force business primarily from higher fee income as a result of growth in the segregated fund business and higher stock markets relative to 2016. There were lower 2017 losses resulting from management actions and changes in assumptions compared to 2016 levels. In 2017 and 2016 there were updates to the assumptions for general fund annuities. In 2017, this primarily related to annuitant mortality assumptions for immediate annuity business. In 2016, this primarily related to investment return assumptions and refinements to the modelling of preferred share investment cash flows for deferred and immediate annuity business. The experience gains (losses) primarily relate to investment experience as a result of the appreciation or depreciation in the value of interest and credit sensitive assets matching the fixed interest immediate and deferred annuities in the Wealth Management product line. This experience has been favourable for both 2017 and 2016. These items were partly offset by lower earnings from higher new business strain primarily driven by higher expenses and higher segregated fund gross sales in 2017. Employee Benefits Employee Benefit’s earnings on operations were higher than the level achieved in 2016. In 2017 there was an increase in earnings from improvement in experience gains primarily related to improved health claims relative to 2016. In 2017 there was an increase in earnings from expected profit on in-force business primarily as a result of improved mix of inforce business to more profitable contracts. These items were partly offset by lower earnings from the update of policy liability assumptions. These updates, which were favourable in both 2017 and 2016, were primarily due to a favourable assumption update for the group long-term disability policy liability. The lower earnings from the impact of new business relates primarily to higher cost of acquiring new business in 2017 compared to 2016. Individual Insurance The decrease in Individual Insurance earnings on operations was primarily due to lower experience gains and lower gains from management actions in 2017. For 2017 unfavourable surrender and lapse experience more than offset favourable experience from stock markets. For 2016 rising interest rates and improved stock markets more than offset unfavourable surrender and lapse experience. Management actions and changes in assumptions were favourable in both 2017 and 2016, but were lower in 2017. Management actions to improve asset/liability matching occurred in 2017 and 2016 resulting in a gain in both years. Management made changes to the bond portfolios in both years to reduce the mismatch between the liability and asset portfolio. Empire Life increased its investment in real estate limited partnership units early in 2017 and in 2016. This investment is used to match long-term insurance contract liabilities. Management actions were lower in 2017 than 2016 primarily due to higher gains from increased investment in real estate limited partnership units and changes to the bond portfolios during 2016. In 2017, the update of policy liability assumptions was slightly unfavourable compared to a net favourable update in 2016. In 2017 losses from assumption updates primarily related to the net investment assumptions for 2017. The primary change in the net investment assumptions for 2017 is related to a refinement to the projection of equity assets backing the non-participating liability segment valuation at 2017 year-end, to reflect a reduced reliance on these assets in the future, with a corresponding increased reliance on fixed income instruments. This assumption change results in lower overall future yields and greater policy liabilities. There were also losses from refinements to lapse/ premium assumptions for 2017, which were primarily related to universal life projected premiums and lapse rates. Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 12 SOURCES OF EARNINGS These items were partly offset by mortality assumptions, which benefited from changes in experience and a revised mortality improvement scale provided by the Canadian Institute of Actuaries that was adopted into the valuation. Other policy liability assumption updates for 2017 were primarily related to refinements to the modelling of reinsurance treaties. In 2016 gains from assumption updates primarily related to refinements to the modelling of reinsurance treaties and improved mortality assumptions. These were partly offset by losses from the assumption updates related to lapse and net investment assumptions. The refinements to lapse/premium assumptions for 2016 were primarily related to emerging lapse rate experience for increasing renewal lapse rates on renewable Term 10 business. The update in investment return assumptions for 2016 was primarily due to regular updates to reinvestment rates and credit spreads for the Canadian Asset Liability Method (“CALM”) valuation model for future reinvestment assumptions. Other policy liability assumption updates for 2016 were primarily related to refinements to the modelling of reinsurance treaties. Lower earnings in the individual insurance product line from the impact of new business were primarily driven by the impact of higher new business expenses incurred relative to 2016. These items were partly offset by the profitability of the Individual insurance inforce business, which has improved in 2017 as a result of previous asset and liability management strategies. Capital & Surplus Earnings from Capital and Surplus in 2017 were higher than 2016 primarily due lower cost of the hedging program which was predominately as a result of the moderate rise in Canadian stock prices in 2017 compared to relatively steeper price increases in 2016. In addition, income from investments increased in 2017 compared to 2016 primarily because of higher assets in surplus. These items were partly offset by increased interest expense due to Empire Life’s issuance of a total of $400 million of subordinated debt made up of $200 million issued during the fourth quarter of 2016 and $200 million issued during the third quarter of 2017. Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 13 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS This MD&A is dated as of February 27, 2018. This document has been prepared for the purpose of providing Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) of the operating results and financial condition of The Empire Life Insurance Company (“Empire Life” or the “Company”) for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016. This MD&A should be read in conjunction with the Company’s December 31, 2017 consolidated financial statements, which form part of The Empire Life Insurance Company 2017 Annual Report dated February 27, 2018. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as set out in the Handbook of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada. Unless otherwise noted, both the consolidated financial statements and this MD&A are expressed in Canadian dollars. MD&A contains forward-looking information and involves numerous risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, those described in the “Risk Factors” section of the Annual Information Form which is available at www.sedar.com. No assurance can be given that results, performance or achievement expressed in, or implied by, any of the forward- looking information will occur, or, if they do, that any benefits may be derived from them. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. See Forward-Looking Statements and Information section in this report. The financial statements of the Company are prepared in compliance with IFRS, which is generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) as set out in the Handbook of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada. This MD&A makes reference to certain non-GAAP measures. These measures are not recognized measures under IFRS and do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS. They are therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Rather, these measures are provided as additional information to complement IFRS measures by providing further understanding of the Company’s results of operations from management’s perspective. Accordingly, they should not be considered in isolation nor as a substitute for analysis of the Company’s financial information reported under IFRS. See Non-GAAP Measures section in this report. Financial Analysis Overview (in millions of dollars except per share amounts) Common shareholders' net income Earnings per share - basic and diluted Return on common shareholders' equity (quarters annualized) ("ROE") Fourth quarter 2017 2016 $ $ 48.3 49.03 $ $ 13.8% 52.5 53.34 $ $ 17.1% Year 2017 170.9 173.53 $ $ 2016 152.7 155.03 12.8% 13.1% Empire Life reported fourth quarter common shareholders’ net income of $48.3 million for 2017, compared to $52.5 million for fourth quarter 2016. The decrease in earnings for the fourth quarter of 2017 compared to 2016 is primarily as a result of lower gains in the Individual Insurance product line partly offset by improved operating performance in the Wealth Management product line. Full year common shareholders’ net income was $170.9 million compared to $152.7 million in 2016 primarily due to improved operating performance in the Wealth Management and Employee Benefits product lines and lower hedge costs, partially offset by lower gains in the Individual Insurance product line. Despite the higher net income for the full year 2017, ROE was lower than full year 2016 due to higher levels of common shareholders’ equity during 2017 compared to 2016. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 See Non-GAAP Measures Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 14 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS The following table provides a breakdown of the sources of earnings1 for the fourth quarter and year. Sources of Earnings (in millions of dollars) Expected profit on in-force business Impact of new business Experience gains (losses) Management actions and changes in assumptions Other Earnings on operations before income taxes Earnings on surplus Income before income tax Income taxes Shareholders’ net income Dividends on preferred shares Common shareholders’ net income Fourth quarter 2017 2016 $ 53.0 $ (7.9) 8.2 4.4 — 57.8 8.5 66.3 14.8 51.5 3.2 39.9 $ (5.5) 34.5 5.5 — 74.4 (1.1) 73.3 18.6 54.7 2.2 Year 2017 182.5 $ (22.0) 15.9 32.2 — 208.6 27.5 236.1 55.6 180.5 9.6 $ 48.3 $ 52.5 $ 170.9 $ 2016 159.5 (15.2) 32.6 40.3 — 217.2 (2.7) 214.5 54.0 160.6 7.9 152.7 The expected profit on in-force business for the fourth quarter and year increased by 32.8% and 14.4% respectively. The growth for the fourth quarter and the year was primarily from growth in management and guarantee fees in the Wealth Management product line. The impact of new business was primarily driven by higher new business expenses incurred in the Individual insurance product line relative to 2016. The experience gains (losses) for the fourth quarter were favourable in both years primarily in the Individual Insurance product line due to improved stock markets in 2017 and rising interest rates and strongly improved stock markets in 2016.These items also had a favourable impact on experience gains (losses) for the full year in 2017 and 2016. Experience gains (losses) also benefited from favourable health claims results in the Employee Benefits product line in 2017. These favourable items were partly offset by unfavourable surrender and lapse experience in the Individual insurance product line in the fourth quarter and year during both 2017 and 2016. Gains from management actions in the Individual Insurance product line primarily resulted from improved matching of assets and liabilities during the fourth quarter and year in both 2017 and 2016. In both 2017 and 2016, the update of policy liability assumptions did not have a significant impact on common shareholders’ net income. Earnings on surplus increased primarily due to lower costs from Empire Life’s hedging program due to stable Canadian stock prices in 2017 compared to rising Canadian stock prices in 2016 and higher investment income due to higher assets in surplus in 2017. Capital Securities Preferred Shares & Subordinated Debentures As at (in millions of dollars) Preferred shares Preferred shares Subordinated debentures Subordinated debentures Subordinated debentures Date issued December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 January 2016 November 2017 May 2013 December 2016 September 2017 $ $ $ $ $ 149.5 $ 100.0 300.0 $ 200.0 $ 200.0 149.5 n/a 300.0 200.0 n/a Empire Life has issued private and public securities to strengthen its capital position and fund new business growth since May 2013. In the first quarter of 2016 Empire Life issued $149.5 million of preferred shares. The holders are entitled to receive fixed non-cumulative quarterly dividends yielding 5.75% annually for the period ending on April 17, 2021. After that the dividend rate will be reset every five years at a rate equal to the 5-year Government of Canada Bond yield plus 4.99%. In the fourth quarter of 2017 Empire Life issued $100 million preferred shares to E-L Financial Corporation Limited (E-L). E-L is entitled to receive non-cumulative quarterly dividends yielding 4.9% annually for the period ending January 17, 2023. After that the dividend rate will be reset at the 5-year Government of Canada rate at that time plus 3.24%. In the fourth quarter 2016 Empire Life issued $200 million principal amount of unsecured subordinated debentures with a maturity date at December 16, 2026. The interest rate on the debentures is 3.383% 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 See Non-GAAP Measures Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 15 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS paid semi-annually until December 16, 2021. After that the interest rate will be the 3-month Canada deposit offer rate plus 1.95% from December 16, 2021 to December 16, 2026. In the third quarter of 2017 Empire Life issued $200 million principal amount of unsecured subordinated debentures with a maturity date of March 15, 2028. The interest rate on the debentures is 3.664% paid semi-annually until March 15, 2023. After that the interest rate will be the 3- month Canada deposit offer rate plus 1.53% from March 15, 2023 to March 15, 2028. The issuances of the debentures in 2016 and 2017 have increased the interest paid relative to the fourth quarter of 2016 and year 2016. Empire Life may call for redemption on or after May 31, 2018, subject to OSFI approval, the subordinated debenture issued in May 2013. Empire Life has three major product lines (Wealth Management, Employee Benefits and Individual Insurance) and maintains distinct accounts for Capital and Surplus. A discussion of each product line’s 2017 net income compared to 2016 is shown in the Product Line Results sections later in this report. Selected Financial Information Income Statement Financial Information (in millions of dollars) Revenue Net premium income Fees income Investment income Realized gain on FVTPL investments Realized gain on available for sale investments including impairment write downs Fair value change in FVTPL investments Total Revenue Expenses Benefits and expenses Income and other taxes Total Expenses Net income after tax Participating policyholders' portion Shareholders' net income Dividends on preferred shares Common shareholders’ net income For the years ended December 31 2017 2016 2015 $ 834.2 $ 881.5 $ 256.8 281.2 57.2 5.8 239.4 1,674.6 228.4 254.9 20.1 11.7 11.9 1,408.5 835.2 216.8 259.2 42.3 19.1 (85.7) 1,286.9 $ 1,424.6 $ 1,178.1 $ 1,138.8 74.1 1,498.7 175.9 (4.6) 73.2 1,251.3 157.2 (3.4) $ 180.5 $ 160.6 $ 9.6 170.9 7.9 152.7 45.6 1,184.4 102.5 (6.1) 108.6 — 108.6 Return on common shareholders' equity 12.8% 13.1% 10.2% Revenue volatility was primarily driven by the impact of market interest rate movements on fair value change in fair value through profit or loss (“FVTPL”) investments. The impact of this on net income is significantly reduced due to a corresponding change in insurance contract liabilities (included in Benefits and expenses in the above table). 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 See Non-GAAP Measures Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 16 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS Balance Sheet Financial Information (in millions of dollars) Assets Total Cash and Investments Other assets Segregated fund assets Total Assets Liabilities Insurance contract liabilities Reinsurance liabilities Subordinated debt Other liabilities Segregated fund policy liabilities Total Liabilities Total Equity Total Liabilities & Equity Other Financial Information (in millions of dollars) Assets under management2 General fund assets2 Segregated fund assets2 Mutual fund assets2 Subordinated debt Preferred shares Available regulatory capital Tier 1 Tier 2 Total Required regulatory capital MCCSR Ratio Cash dividends per share Preferred shares series 1 Preferred shares series 3 Common shares As at December 31 2017 2016 2015 $ $ $ 8,559.4 $ 7,604.8 $ 153.2 8,681.9 175.4 8,082.0 6,859.0 136.7 7,367.8 17,394.5 $ 15,862.2 $ 14,363.5 5,364.9 $ 5,003.5 $ 4,798.7 650.8 698.3 278.1 8,681.9 15,674.0 533.4 498.6 294.6 8,082.0 14,412.1 530.8 299.1 215.2 7,367.8 13,211.6 1,720.5 1,450.1 1,151.9 $ 17,394.5 $ 15,862.2 $ 14,363.5 As at December 31 2017 2016 2015 $ 8,712.6 $ 7,780.2 $ 8,681.9 8,082.0 183.7 698.3 249.5 188.9 498.6 149.5 $ $ $ $ $ 1,409.3 $ 1,206.1 $ 931.5 2,340.8 707.2 1,913.3 830.5 $ 770.7 $ 708.1 281.9% 248.3% 200.8% For the years ended December 31 2017 2016 2015 1.4375 0.2584 $ $ — $ 1.3183 $ — $ — $ — — — 6,995.7 7,367.8 171.4 299.1 — 917.6 504.4 1,422.0 During 2016, Empire Life’s MCCSR ratio increased by 26 percentage points from the issuance of $200 million of subordinated debentures and 20 percentage points from the issuance of $149.5 million of preferred shares. During 2017, Empire Life’s MCCSR ratio increased by 16 percentage points from the issuance of $200 million of subordinated debentures and 17 percentage points from the issuance of $100 million of preferred shares. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 See Non-GAAP Measures Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 17 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS The following tables provide a summary of Empire Life results by major product line for three months ended December 31 and year for 2017 and 2016. A discussion of results is provided in the Product Line section of the MD&A (figures in MD&A may differ due to rounding): For the three months ended December 31 Wealth Management Employee Benefits Individual Insurance Capital and Surplus Total (in millions of dollars) 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 Revenue Net premium income Fee income Investment income Realized gain (loss) on FVTPL investments Realized gain (loss) on available for sale investments including impairment write downs Fair value change in FVTPL investments Total Revenue Expenses Benefits and expenses Income and other taxes Total Expenses $ 33.5 $ 39.0 $ 81.9 $ 85.2 $ 94.6 $ 98.3 $ — $ — $ 210.0 $ 222.5 67.3 10.0 55.5 10.4 0.3 (2.4) 2.5 1.1 — — — 0.1 13.6 124.7 (10.1) 92.4 96.8 6.9 103.7 81.7 2.2 83.9 1.0 86.6 75.6 4.4 80.0 2.5 0.9 — — — 49.2 0.2 45.8 0.3 16.9 0.1 11.6 70.1 77.2 58.3 68.7 8.4 8.3 (3.1) (8.6) 5.6 (2.7) (0.1) — 4.4 (3.1) 4.4 (3.1) (2.8) 85.8 244.7 396.8 (358.2) (205.6) 0.4 18.9 2.5 2.5 259.5 626.8 (368.6) (24.9) 71.6 5.5 77.1 372.9 (255.9) 6.9 15.4 379.8 (240.5) 6.8 2.9 9.7 2.9 (0.2) 2.7 552.0 21.0 573.0 (99.7) 22.9 (76.8) Net income (loss) after tax $ 21.0 $ 8.5 $ 6.6 $ 8.7 $ 17.0 $ 34.9 $ 9.2 $ (0.2) $ 53.8 $ 51.9 Participating policyholders' portion Dividends on preferred shares Common shareholders' net income 2.3 3.2 (2.8) 2.2 $ 48.3 $ 52.5 For the twelve months ended December 31 Wealth Management Employee Benefits Individual Insurance Capital and Surplus Total (in millions of dollars) 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 Revenue Net premium income Fee income Investment income Realized gain (loss) on FVTPL investments Realized gain (loss) on available for sale investments including impairment write downs Fair value change in FVTPL investments Total Revenue Expenses Benefits and expenses Income and other taxes Total Expenses $ 135.5 $ 175.8 $ 330.6 $ 338.9 $ 368.1 $ 366.8 $ — $ — $ 834.2 $ 881.5 246.0 39.5 217.5 41.1 10.2 3.7 2.4 (0.2) 0.3 9.8 3.7 0.6 0.3 1.0 182.6 175.8 0.3 55.4 0.1 34.3 256.8 281.2 228.4 254.9 69.4 48.0 (14.9) (28.3) 57.2 20.1 — (0.2) 0.1 (0.2) (0.2) — 5.9 12.1 5.8 11.7 19.6 443.0 332.1 27.5 359.6 (4.2) (0.5) 0.4 429.8 344.4 353.2 213.0 833.2 21.6 613.2 347.7 20.0 367.7 308.8 15.6 324.4 329.5 13.7 343.2 763.9 23.4 787.3 490.5 39.6 530.1 7.6 54.3 19.9 7.7 27.6 (5.9) 239.4 11.9 12.3 1,674.6 1,408.5 10.4 1,424.6 1,178.1 (0.1) 74.1 73.2 10.3 1,498.7 1,251.3 Net income after tax $ 83.4 $ 62.1 $ 20.0 $ 10.0 $ 45.9 $ 83.1 $ 26.7 $ 2.0 $ 175.9 $ 157.2 Participating policyholders' portion Dividends on preferred shares Common shareholders' net income 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 See Non-GAAP Measures Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 18 (4.6) 9.6 (3.4) 7.9 $ 170.9 $ 152.7 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS Total Revenue (in millions of dollars) Revenue Net premium revenue Investment income Fair value change in FVTPL investments including realized amounts Realized gain (loss) on AFS investments including impairment write downs Fee and other income Total Revenue Fourth quarter 2017 2016 Year 2017 $ $ 210.0 $ 222.5 $ 834.2 $ 77.2 265.1 4.4 70.1 68.7 (371.3) (3.0) 58.2 281.2 296.6 5.8 256.8 626.8 $ (24.9) $ 1,674.6 $ 2016 881.5 254.9 32.0 11.7 228.4 1,408.5 The increase in total revenue for the fourth quarter of 2017 and for the full year is primarily attributable to the impact of market interest rate movements on investments that are held at market value. The fair value change and the realized amounts are included in fair value through the profit and loss (FVTPL). Net premium revenue for the quarter and year decreased primarily due to lower fixed interest annuity premiums. Management believes that customers are choosing equity products rather than more conservative fixed interest products due to the recent appreciation in the equity markets and low interest rates. Investment income has increased for the quarter and year. The increase is as a result of a combination of factors including a larger investment portfolio, slightly higher interest rate on new investments and a change in asset mix to include higher yielding securities. In 2017, the FVTPL assets experienced a net gain for the fourth quarter and year, while 2016 FVTPL assets experienced a net loss for the fourth quarter and a net gain for the year. The year over year increase in net gains is due to a decrease in long term interest rates in 2017 versus an increase in the fourth quarter of 2016 and relatively stable long term rates for the full year in 2016. Realized gain (loss) on AFS investments including impairment write downs was minimal for the quarter and the year of 2017 and 2016. The result for 2017 was primarily due to the sale of AFS equities, versus the sale of AFS bonds in 2016. These gains and losses are in common shareholders net income and are included in investment experience comments for each of the impacted product lines (see Product Line Results sections later in this report). The assets sold primarily backed capital and surplus. Fee income for the quarter and year increased by 20.4% and 12.4% respectively in 2017 relative to 2016 primarily due to growth in segregated fund management fees and segregated fund guarantee fees. This is discussed in Product Line Results - Wealth Management section later in this report. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 See Non-GAAP Measures Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 19 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS Total Benefits and Expenses (in millions of dollars) Benefits and expenses Net benefits and claims Net change in insurance contract liabilities Change in investment contracts provision Policy dividends Operating expenses Net commissions Interest expense Fourth quarter 2017 2016 Year 2017 $ 132.1 $ 318.1 — 8.8 41.0 45.8 6.2 151.6 $ 560.8 $ (357.5) (1.0) 8.2 40.1 56.3 2.6 478.9 0.2 30.4 155.4 180.7 18.2 2016 592.7 207.3 — 28.6 145.0 195.2 9.3 Total benefits and expenses $ 552.0 $ (99.7) $ 1,424.6 $ 1,178.1 A substantial portion of the Benefits and expense change is driven by the impact that market interest rate movements have on the net change in insurance contract liabilities. Excluding market related changes Total benefits and expenses for the quarter and year have not changed materially since 2016. Major benefit and expense items are discussed below. Net benefits and claims variability is dependent on the claims incurred. Generally, claims rise year over year due to growth of the insurance blocks. Net benefits and claims for the fourth quarter and year were lower than the comparable period in 2016 primarily due to lower Employee benefits claims. Variability in claims amounts does not, in isolation, impact net income as insurance contract liabilities are released when claims occur. The insurance contract liabilities released may be larger or smaller than the claims incurred depending on whether claims experience has been more or less than what was estimated for the insurance contract liabilities. Claims experience is the combination of claims incurred compared to claims expected in product pricing and in insurance contract liabilities. Year over year claims experience is discussed in each of the impacted product lines (see Product Line Results sections later in this report). Net change in insurance contract liabilities varies with many factors including new business sold, claims incurred, surrender and lapse experience, assumptions about the future, and changes in the market value of assets matching insurance contract liabilities. For the quarter and year, the main reason for the change in insurance contract liabilities from 2016 was as a result of the fair value change in assets (described above in the Total Revenue section) matching the liabilities. Variability in the net change in insurance contract liabilities amounts does not, in isolation, impact net income as it must be looked at in concert with other lines of the statement of operations. Policy holder dividends increased as a result of a natural maturing of the participating policy holder liabilities. Operating expenses for the quarter and year have increased primarily as a result of the ongoing modernization of operating systems and expenses related to adapting to regulatory changes. Net commission for the quarter and year have decreased primarily as a result of lower Individual Insurance new premium sales. Interest expenses for the quarter and year have increased primarily as a result of higher levels of subordinated debt during 2017. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 See Non-GAAP Measures Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 20 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS Product Line Results - Wealth Management (in millions of dollars) Assets under management3 General fund annuities3 Segregated fund assets3 Mutual funds3 (in millions of dollars) Selected financial information Net fixed interest annuity premiums Segregated fund gross sales3 Segregated fund net sales3 Segregated fund fee income Mutual fund gross sales3 Mutual fund net sales3 Mutual fund fee income As at December 31 2017 2016 $ 971.9 $ 8,661.1 183.7 Year 2017 970.0 8,061.1 188.9 2016 Fourth quarter 2017 2016 $ 33.4 $ 309.5 39.0 $ 135.5 $ 326.2 1,112.1 175.8 1,027.5 56.0 66.4 9.0 (3.5) 0.8 91.7 54.3 6.3 (0.7) 0.7 139.8 241.9 26.6 (21.5) 3.0 157.3 213.4 33.3 7.6 2.9 62.1 Net income after tax $ 21.0 $ 8.6 $ 83.4 $ Assets in Empire Life general fund annuities increased by 0.2%, while segregated fund assets increased by 7.4% and mutual fund assets decreased by 2.8% during the last 12 months. While the demand for fixed interest immediate and deferred annuities increased in 2016, demand in the fourth quarter and year of 2017 has been tempered by the low interest rate environment. The growth in segregated funds over the last 12 months was attributable to increased stock markets and positive net sales from new products introduced in 2014 and 2017. Mutual fund assets under management decreased as a result of lower than anticipated mutual fund sales combined with the closure of three mutual funds in the third quarter of 2017. Premium revenue for the Wealth Management product line is composed solely of new deposits on fixed interest annuities and excludes deposits on the segregated fund and mutual fund products. For the fourth quarter and year new fixed interest annuity deposits decreased compared to the comparable periods in 2016. Management believes that customers are choosing equity products rather than more conservative fixed interest products due to the recent stability in the equity markets and low interest rates. For the fourth quarter of 2017 segregated fund gross sales were down 5.1% compared to 2016, primarily due to 75% maturity guarantee product sales which decreased by $11.2 million from the fourth quarter in 2016. For the full year of 2017 segregated fund gross sales were up 8.2% compared to 2016, primarily due to 75% maturity guarantee product sales which increased by $57.0 million from the full year in 2016. The products with 100% maturity guarantees and the products with Guaranteed Minimum Withdrawal Benefit (“GMWB”) also decreased from the fourth quarter 2016, but increased for the full year from the level achieved in 2016. Empire Life closed its segregated fund products that existed on October 31, 2014 to new policies and on November 3, 2014 launched a new suite of investment products including a new segregated funds family and a new version of its “GMWB” product. Fees charged to the customer on the new product line are higher than those for the former product line. The new product line’s pricing and features are Empire Life’s response to the economic, regulatory and competitive landscape in the segregated fund product marketplace. On October 23, 2017, Empire Life launched another new version of its GMWB product which is more capital efficient than the previous product, resulting in overall lower costs for the consumer. The industry segregated fund sales in 2017 were up approximately 9.7% from 2016, while Empire Life’s sales have increased 8.2% over the same period. Mutual fund gross sales for the quarter increased from the fourth quarter in 2016 but were lower than 2016 for the full year. Empire Life continues to explore various strategic alternatives with respect to its mutual fund business. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 See Non-GAAP Measures Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 21 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS For the fourth quarter and year segregated fund fee income increased by 22.0% and 13.3%, relative to the same period in 2016. The increase was primarily due to growth in segregated fund management fees and guarantee fees. Improved stock markets since the fourth quarter of 2016 have also resulted in higher average assets under management and management fees earned relative to 2016. The following table provides a breakdown of the sources of earnings4 for the fourth quarter and year for Wealth Management. Sources of Earnings4 - Wealth Management (in millions of dollars) Expected profit on in-force business Impact of new business Experience gains (losses) Management actions and changes in assumptions Earnings on operations before income taxes Income taxes Shareholders’ net income Fourth quarter 2017 2016 Year 2017 $ 36.4 $ 25.4 $ 118.0 $ (2.3) 0.7 (7.0) 27.9 6.9 (2.0) 7.3 (19.9) 10.8 2.2 (8.7) 8.6 (7.0) 110.9 27.5 $ 21.0 $ 8.6 $ 83.4 $ 2016 99.9 (6.5) 8.5 (19.9) 82.1 20.0 62.1 The expected profit on in-force business for the fourth quarter and the year increased primarily from higher fee income as a result of growth in the business and higher stock markets relative to 2016. The impact of new business was primarily driven by higher expenses and higher segregated fund gross sales in the full year of 2017. The experience gains (losses) primarily relate to investment experience as a result of the appreciation or depreciation in the value of interest and credit sensitive assets matching the fixed interest immediate and deferred annuities in the Wealth Management product line. This experience has been favourable for the fourth quarter and full year during 2017 and 2016. In 2017 and 2016 there were updates to the assumptions for general fund annuities in the fourth quarter. In 2017, this primarily related to annuitant mortality assumptions for immediate annuity business. In 2016, this primarily related to investment return assumptions and refinements to the modelling of preferred share investment cash flows for deferred and immediate annuity business. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 See Non-GAAP Measures Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 22 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS Product Line Results - Employee Benefits (in millions of dollars) Selected financial information Annualized premium sales5 Net premium revenue Net (loss) income after tax Fourth quarter 2017 2016 $ $ 15.8 $ 81.9 6.6 $ 9.0 $ 85.2 8.6 $ Year 2017 43.1 $ 330.6 20.0 $ 2016 44.1 338.9 10.0 For the fourth quarter and year, annualized premium sales for Employee Benefits increased by 75.6% and decreased 2.3% respectively in 2017 relative to 2016. In-force premium revenue decreased 3.9% and 2.5% for the same periods respectively. Empire Life continues to focus on profitable sales in the employee benefits market where price competition continues for all major product lines. The following table provides a breakdown of the sources of earnings6 for the fourth quarter and year for Employee Benefits. Sources of Earnings6 - Employee Benefits (in millions of dollars) Expected profit on in-force business Impact of new business Experience gains (losses) Management actions and changes in assumptions Earnings on operations before income taxes Income taxes Shareholders’ net income Fourth quarter 2017 2016 5.3 $ (3.2) 3.6 3.2 8.9 2.3 4.8 $ (3.2) 3.1 7.0 11.7 3.1 Year 2017 21.8 $ (9.5) 11.7 3.2 27.2 7.2 6.6 $ 8.6 $ 20.0 $ $ $ 2016 20.0 (7.7) (5.2) 7.0 14.1 4.1 10.0 Expected profit for the fourth quarter and year increased primarily as a result of improved mix of inforce business to more profitable contracts. The impact of new business relates primarily to the cost of acquiring new business. Fourth quarter and year improvement in experience gains primarily related to improved health claims relative to 2016. As Empire Life balances claims management with customer experience it cannot predict whether claims improvement will continue. In both 2017 and 2016, the update of policy liability assumptions was favourable primarily due to a favourable assumption update for the group long-term disability policy liability in the fourth quarter. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 See Non-GAAP Measures Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 23 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS Product Line Results - Individual Insurance (in millions of dollars) Selected financial information Annualized premium sales7 Net premium revenue Net income (loss) after tax Net income after tax shareholders' portion Net loss after tax policyholders' portion Net income (loss) after tax Fourth quarter 2017 2016 $ $ $ 8.1 $ 94.6 17.3 $ (0.3) 17.0 $ 13.5 $ 98.2 38.3 $ (3.3) 35.0 $ Year 2017 31.9 $ 368.1 55.7 $ (9.8) 45.9 $ 2016 41.5 366.8 90.2 (7.1) 83.1 For the fourth quarter and year new premium sales decreased from the comparable period in 2016 primarily due to the change in product mix offering by Empire Life from Universal Life to term insurance and tax changes effective January 1, 2017. The net premium revenue decreased in the fourth quarter of 2017 compared to the same period in 2016, but increased slightly for the full year as a result of higher in-force business since the fourth quarter of 2016. Empire Life’s recently launched EstateMax® participating policy sales are lower in the fourth quarter of 2017 and for the year than in the fourth quarter and year of 2016 as a result of product modifications launched late in the first quarter. EstateMax® is distributed through professional financial advisors aimed at providing simple estate planning solutions to Canadian baby boomers. In recent years, Empire Life has been shifting its product mix toward shorter- term products such as term life, while increasing prices on long-term products, due to the low long-term interest rate environment. During the fourth quarter of 2016 Empire Life decided to stop selling universal life insurance products but will continue to administer its in-force block of universal life insurance products. The following table provides a breakdown of the sources of earnings8 for the fourth quarter and year for Individual Insurance (excludes policyholders’ portion). Sources of Earnings8- Individual Insurance (excl. policyholders' portion) (in millions of dollars) Fourth quarter Year 2017 2016 2017 2016 Expected profit on in-force business Impact of new business Experience gains (losses) Management actions and changes in assumptions Earnings on operations before income taxes Income taxes Shareholders’ net income $ 11.3 $ (2.4) 3.9 8.2 21.0 3.7 9.7 $ (0.3) 24.1 18.4 51.9 13.6 42.7 $ (3.8) (4.4) 36.0 70.5 14.8 $ 17.3 $ 38.3 $ 55.7 $ 39.6 (1.0) 29.3 53.2 121.1 30.9 90.2 The profitability of the Individual insurance inforce business has improved as a result of previous asset and liability management strategies. The impact of new business was primarily driven by higher new business expenses incurred in the Individual insurance product line relative to 2016. The experience gains for the fourth quarter were favourable in both years primarily due to improved stock markets in 2017 and rising interest rates and improved stock markets in 2016. These items also had a favourable impact on experience gains for the full year in 2017 and 2016. The experience gains from rising interest rates and stock markets were partially offset by unfavourable surrender and lapse experience in the fourth quarter of both 2017 and 2016 and for the full year in 2016. For the full year in 2017 unfavourable surrender and lapse experience more than offset favourable experience from stock markets. Management actions to improve asset/liability matching occurred in the fourth quarter and year of 2017 and 2016 resulting in a gain in both years. Management continued to make changes to the bond portfolios in the fourth quarter and year to reduce the mismatch between the liability and asset portfolio. Management made similar changes to the bond portfolio in the fourth quarter and year of 2016. Empire Life increased its investment in real estate limited partnership units early in 2017 and 2016 years. This investment is used to match long-term insurance contract liabilities. For the full year gains from management actions were lower in 2017 than 2016 primarily due to higher gains from increased investment in real estate limited partnership units and changes to the bond portfolios during 2016. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 See Non-GAAP Measures Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 24 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS In 2017, the update of policy liability assumptions in the fourth quarter was slightly unfavourable compared to a net favourable update in 2016. The following table provides a breakdown of the components of this amount: (in millions of dollars) Components of pretax income increase from update of policy liability assumptions Lapse/premium assumptions Net investment assumptions Mortality Other Total gain (loss) from update of policy liability assumptions (excludes policyholders' portion) Year 2017 2016 $ $ (18.9) $ (32.6) 16.1 34.6 (0.8) $ (25.4) (14.4) 9.4 40.9 10.5 The refinements to lapse/premium assumptions for 2017 were primarily related to universal life projected premiums and lapse rates. The refinements to lapse/premium assumptions for 2016 were primarily related to emerging lapse rate experience for increasing renewal lapse rates on renewable Term 10 business. The primary change in the net investment assumptions for 2017 is related to a refinement to the projection of equity assets backing the non-participating liability segment valuation at 2017 year-end, to reflect a reduced reliance on these assets in the future, with a corresponding increased reliance on fixed income instruments. This assumption change results in lower overall future yields and greater policy liabilities. The update in investment return assumptions for 2016 was primarily due to regular updates to reinvestment rates and credit spreads for the Canadian Asset Liability Method (“CALM”) valuation model for future investment assumptions. Mortality assumptions benefited from changes in experience and a revised mortality improvement scale provided by the Canadian Institute of Actuaries that was adopted into the valuation. Other policy liability assumption updates for 2017 and 2016 were primarily related to refinements to the modelling of reinsurance treaties. Long-term interest rate movements are demonstrated in the following table. Interest rate movement 30 year Canadian federal government bond yield End of period Beginning of period Change during period 30 year Province of Ontario spread End of period Beginning of period Change during period 30 year A rated corporate spread (including financials) End of period Beginning of period Change during period 30 year A rated financials spread End of period Beginning of period Change during period 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 See Non-GAAP Measures Fourth quarter 2017 2016 Year 2017 2016 2.26 % 2.47 % (0.21)% 0.70 % 0.80 % (0.10)% 1.32 % 1.46 % (0.14)% 1.87 % 1.99 % (0.12)% 2.31 % 1.67 % 0.64 % 0.90 % 1.00 % (0.10)% 1.60 % 1.73 % (0.13)% 2.01 % 2.26 % (0.25)% 2.26 % 2.31 % (0.05)% 0.70 % 0.90 % (0.20)% 1.32 % 1.60 % (0.28)% 1.87 % 2.01 % (0.14)% 2.31 % 2.16 % 0.15 % 0.90 % 1.05 % (0.15)% 1.60 % 1.92 % (0.32)% 2.01 % 2.19 % (0.18)% Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 25 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS Interest rate movements impact both bond asset fair values and insurance contract liabilities. In the fourth quarter and year of 2017, the decrease in interest rates (including spreads described above) caused higher bond prices, which resulted in a bond asset fair value gain. Stock market movements are demonstrated in the following table. Stock market movement S&P/TSX Composite Index End of period Beginning of period Fourth quarter 2017 2016 Year 2017 2016 16,209.1 15,634.9 15,287.6 14,725.9 16,209.1 15,287.6 15,287.6 13,010.0 Percentage change during period 3.7% 3.8% 6.0% 17.5% S&P 500 Index End of period Beginning of period Percentage change during period 2,673.6 2,519.4 2,238.8 2,168.3 2,673.6 2,238.8 2,238.8 2,043.9 6.1% 3.3% 19.4% 9.5% In the fourth quarter and year of 2017 the increase in stock markets caused common share asset fair value gains. However, the impact of these gains is significantly reduced by increased insurance contract liabilities. Results - Capital and Surplus (in millions of dollars) Net income (loss) after tax Net income (loss) after tax shareholders' portion Net income after tax policyholders' portion Net income (loss) after tax Fourth quarter 2017 2016 $ $ 6.6 $ 2.6 9.2 $ (0.8) $ 0.5 (0.3) $ Year 2017 21.5 $ 5.2 26.7 $ 2016 (1.7) 3.6 1.9 In addition to the three major lines of business, Empire Life maintains distinct accounts for the investment income attributable to Shareholders’ Capital and Surplus and to Policyholders’ Surplus. The following table provides a breakdown of the sources of earnings9 for the fourth quarter and year for Capital and Surplus (excludes policyholders’ portion). Sources of Earnings9 - Capital and Surplus (excludes policyholders' portion) Fourth quarter Year (in millions of dollars) Income from investments Gains (losses) on hedging instruments Interest and other expenses Earnings (losses) before income taxes Income taxes Shareholders’ net income (loss) 2017 2016 2017 18.9 $ 8.3 $ 56.4 $ (3.7) (6.7) 8.5 $ 1.9 6.6 $ (6.6) (2.8) (1.1) $ (0.3) (0.8) $ (8.9) (19.9) 27.6 $ 6.1 21.5 $ 2016 45.5 (37.9) (10.4) (2.8) (1.1) (1.7) $ $ $ Income from investments increased in the fourth quarter and year of 2017 compared to fourth quarter and year of 2016 primarily because of higher assets in surplus. During the fourth quarter and year of 2017, Empire Life experienced lower losses on its hedging program primarily due to the moderate rise in Canadian stock prices in 2017 compared to relatively steeper price increases in 2016 (discussed in the Risk Management section later in this report). Increased interest expense was due to Empire Life’s issuance of a total of $400 million of subordinated debt made up of $200 million issued during the fourth quarter of 2016 and $200 million issued during the third quarter of 2017. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 See Non-GAAP Measures Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 26 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS Common Shareholder Dividends The declaration and payment of common shareholder dividends and the amount thereof are at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Common shareholder dividends are reviewed on a quarterly basis and will depend upon various factors, including the results of operations, the economic environment and the financial condition of the Company taking into account regulatory restrictions on the payment of shareholder dividends, as well as any other factors deemed relevant by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors declared a dividend of $10.151501 per common share on February 27, 2018 to all common shareholders of record March 12, 2018 payable April 3, 2018. (in millions of dollars) Common shareholder dividends paid $ For the years ended December 31, 2017 — $ 2016 — $ 2015 — Total Cash Flow (in millions of dollars) Cash Flow provided from (used for) Operating activities Investing activities Financing activities Net change in cash and cash equivalents Year 2017 297.4 $ (651.6) 279.6 (74.6) $ $ $ 2016 292.3 (453.7) 330.5 169.1 Net change in cash and cash equivalents was minus $74.6 million made up of the following items: • • • The increase in cash provided from operating activities in 2017 was primarily due to higher cash inflows related to changes in working capital levels in 2017. The decrease in cash from investing activities was primarily due to the timing of investment of the proceeds from the 2017 and 2016 subordinated debt and preferred share issues. The decrease in cash from financing activities in 2017 relative to 2016 was primarily due to the issuance of $200 million of subordinated debentures and $100 million of preferred shares in 2017 compared to the issuance of $200 million of subordinated debentures and $149.5 million of preferred shares in 2016. For an analysis of liquidity for Empire Life, see note 10(e) and note 28(b) to the 2017 consolidated financial statements. Financial Instruments Empire Life buys investment quality bonds to support, to a very large extent, the liabilities under the insurance and annuity policies of Empire Life. Empire Life’s investment strategy also includes the use of publicly-listed “large cap” common stocks to support the liabilities under its insurance policies. Cash flows arising from these financial instruments are intended to match the liquidity requirements of Empire Life’s policies, within the limits prescribed by Empire Life. Empire Life is subject to market risk on these financial instruments. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 See Non-GAAP Measures Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 27 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS Empire Life is also subject to credit risk on these financial instruments which could result in a financial loss should the other party fail to discharge an obligation. This credit risk is derived primarily from investments in bonds, debentures, preferred shares, short-term investments and mortgages. Empire Life manages market risk exposure mainly through investment limits and oversight of its in-house investment managers and external investment firms by the Chief Investment Officer, Asset Management Committee and Investment Committee of the Board. The Investment Committee actively monitors the portfolio size and asset mix. Empire Life has a semi-static hedging program as part of its approach to managing this risk. Empire Life manages credit risk by applying its investment guidelines established by the Investment Committee of the Board of Directors. The investment guidelines establish minimum credit ratings for issuers of bonds, debentures and preferred share investments, and provide for concentration limits by issuer of such debt instruments. Management and Board committees review credit quality relative to investment purchases and also monitor the credit quality of invested assets over time. Management reports regularly to the Investment Committee of Empire Life’s Board on the credit risk to which the portfolio is exposed. Empire Life manages credit risk with respect to derivatives by applying limits and credit rating restrictions established by the Investment Committee in its investment guidelines, which set out permitted derivatives and permitted uses for derivatives, as well as limits to the use of these instruments. In particular, no leverage is permitted in the use of derivatives and strict counterparty credit restrictions are imposed, with total credit exposure limited to $100 million. Additional information regarding financial instruments is included in notes 2(d), 3, 10(c), and 28 to the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017. Capital Resources Dec 31 2017 Sep 30 2017 Jun 30 2017 Mar 31 2017 Dec 31 2016 MCCSR Ratio 281.9% 274.2% 249.2% 258.0% 248.3% Empire Life continues to maintain a strong balance sheet and capital position. Empire Life’s debentures and preferred shares are rated by DBRS Limited (“DBRS”) and A.M. Best Company, Inc. (“A.M. Best”). On May 24, 2017, DBRS confirmed its ratings of Empire Life including its issuer rating of “A” (sixth highest of 20 categories), its subordinated debt rating of “A (low)” (seventh highest of 20 categories), its financial strength rating of “A” (sixth highest of 22 categories) and its Preferred Share rating of Pfd-2 (fifth highest of 18 categories). All ratings have a stable trend. According to DBRS, the assigned ratings reflect Empire Life’s maintenance of market share, good earnings ability, increased capitalization level, fixed charge coverage, conservative investment portfolio and negligible intangibles on the balance sheet. On June 1 2017, A.M. Best confirmed its ratings of Empire Life including its “A Excellent” financial strength rating (third highest of 16 categories) its “a” long term issuer credit rating (sixth highest of 21 categories), its “bbb+” Subordinated Debt rating (eighth highest of 21 categories), and its “bbb” Preferred Share rating (ninth highest of 21 categories). All ratings have a stable trend. According to A.M. Best, the ratings reflect Empire Life's favourable risk-adjusted capital position, consistently positive operating results, high credit quality investment portfolio and a diversified revenue stream in Canada with multiple lines of business. Empire Life’s risk-based regulatory capital ratio, as measured by MCCSR, of 281.9% as at December 31, 2017 continues to be significantly above the requirements set by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions Canada (“OSFI”) as well as Empire Life’s minimum internal targets. The increase in the MCCSR ratio for the fourth quarter was primarily due to strong earnings for the quarter and a $100 million preferred share issue on November 1, 2017. The increase in capital since the fourth quarter 2016 was primarily due to Empire Life’s issuance of $200 million principal amount of unsecured subordinated debentures on September 15, 2017, the issuance of $100 million preferred shares and strong earnings for the four quarters ending December 31, 2017. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 See Non-GAAP Measures Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 28 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (millions of dollars) Available regulatory capital Tier 1 Tier 2 Total Required regulatory capital Dec 31 2017 Sep 30 2017 Jun 30 2017 Mar 31 2017 1,409.3 $ 1,310.5 $ 1,248.8 $ 1,248.2 $ 931.5 877.1 741.8 713.2 2,340.8 $ 2,187.6 $ 1,990.6 $ 1,961.4 $ Dec 31 2016 1,206.1 707.2 1,913.3 830.5 $ 797.9 $ 798.7 $ 760.1 $ 770.7 $ $ $ The increase in Tier 1 available regulatory capital in the fourth quarter of 2017 was primarily due to Empire Life’s issuance of $100 million of preferred shares and to net income partly offset by an increase in the negative reserves which increase Tier 1 and decrease Tier 2 capital. The increase in Tier 2 available regulatory capital for the fourth quarter of 2017 is primarily due to inclusion of a greater portion of Empire Life’s subordinated debt as Tier 2 available regulatory capital and the increase in negative reserves. The amount of the subordinated debt that qualifies as Tier 2 is subject to the maximum allowed by regulatory guidelines and depends on the amount of Tier 1 available regulatory capital. Regulatory capital requirements increased during the fourth quarter of 2017 from higher market risk and insurance company risk such as lapse risk due to a decrease in long-term interest rates and segregated fund guarantees as a result of normal business growth. Effective January 1, 2018, MCCSR has been replaced by the Life Insurance Capital Adequacy Test (LICAT). The LICAT is intended to improve the quality of available capital and provide a better alignment of the risk measures with the long-term economics of the life insurance business. The LICAT will behave differently under various economic scenarios when compared to MCCSR. As a result LICAT ratios are not comparable to the MCCSR ratio. Empire Life will report LICAT ratios beginning with the first quarter reporting period in 2018.The company has a strong capital position under MCCSR and will continue to have a strong capital position under the LICAT framework. Other Comprehensive Income (in millions of dollars) Other comprehensive income (loss) Less: Participating Policyholders Other comprehensive income (loss), attributable to shareholders Fourth quarter 2017 15.8 $ 1.3 17.1 $ 2016 (15.8) $ (0.3) (16.1) $ $ $ Year 2017 4.3 $ 3.2 7.5 $ 2016 3.1 (1.7) 1.4 Other comprehensive income (OCI) increased in the fourth quarter and year in 2017. The increase for the fourth quarter was primarily due to higher unrealized fair value increases relating to AFS investments. The increase is primarily due to a decrease in long term interest rates in 2017 in most of the fixed income AFS asset classes during the fourth quarter of 2017 compared to an increase in long term interest rates for the fourth quarter in 2016. In 2016, this was partly offset by a large gain in the fourth quarter of 2016 on the re-measurement of the liability component of post-employment defined benefit (“DB”) plans resulting from increased interest rates in the fourth quarter of 2016. Unrealized fair value increases and decreases on AFS bonds in OCI do not impact MCCSR. Re-measurement of DB plans does not immediately impact MCCSR as each quarter’s re-measurement gain or loss is amortized over 12 quarters for MCCSR purposes. Industry Dynamics and Management’s Strategy Empire Life’s operations are organized by product line with each line of business having responsibility for product development, marketing, distribution and customer service within their particular markets. This structure recognizes that there are distinct marketplace dynamics in each of the three major product lines. Management believes this structure enables each line of business to develop strategies to achieve the enterprise-wide objectives of business 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 See Non-GAAP Measures Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 29 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS growth and expense management while recognizing the unique business environment in which each operates. The lines of business are supported by corporate units that provide product pricing, administrative and technology services to the lines of business, manage invested assets, and oversee enterprise risk management policies. Based on general fund and segregated fund assets, Empire Life is among the 10 largest life insurance companies in Canada. Empire Life has approximately 7% market share of Segregated Funds, 1% market share for employee benefits and 1.8% market share for new life insurance premiums. To be priced competitively in the marketplace while simultaneously providing acceptable long-term financial contribution to shareholders, Empire Life, as a mid-sized company, must find a way to continue to be cost competitive with the larger companies that have some natural economy of scale advantages. In order to improve its unit expenses, management’s enterprise-wide strategic focus has been on achieving profitable growth in its selected markets and on expense management. Empire Life has focused exclusively on the Canadian marketplace and, within it, on particular market segments where management feels there are opportunities to build solid, long-term relationships with independent distribution partners by offering competitive products and more personal service. By focusing on particular market segments and by being seen by these independent advisors as a viable alternative to broadly focused competitors, management believes these solid relationships will enable profitable growth. The Wealth Management product line at Empire Life is comprised of segregated fund products, guaranteed interest products and mutual funds. These products compete against products offered by a variety of financial institutions. A key element of any competitive strategy in this market is providing a competitive rate of return to clients. The value- oriented equity investment strategy used by Empire Life has focused on developing long-term performance in the fund marketplace. Management will continue to improve competitiveness by focusing on long-term performance, providing low cost products to customers along with broadened distribution reach. Empire Life continued to achieve strong growth in assets under management from its segregated fund business as a result of net new sales and equity market appreciation. Empire Life is continuing to monitor and manage GMWB risk exposure and the competitive landscape for this product The fourth quarter 2017 Empire Life launched a new version of its GMWB product which is more capital efficient and reduces the amount of risk to Empire Life while still offering a competitive guaranteed income solution to customers at lower fees. Within the broader employee benefits marketplace in Canada, Empire Life continues to focus on the small group employer market with fewer than 200 employees representing the majority of Canadian companies. This niche strategy coupled with an ongoing focus on balancing growth and profit has enabled Empire Life to be cost competitive within this market segment and is expected to enable this product line to grow its market share while generating acceptable returns. Individual Insurance products are very long-term in nature and consequently can be subject to new business strain. New business strain occurs when the provision for adverse deviation included in the actuarial policy liabilities exceeds the profit margin in the product pricing. At current reinsurance price levels in the Canadian market place, a company may reduce new business strain and improve profitability in the short term by opting to increase the amount of insurance risk reinsured to third parties. Mortality trends continue to be favourable for life insurance products. Rather than give up the future earnings that would emerge if the trend in mortality improvement witnessed in recent decades continues, Empire Life continues to utilize lower than average levels of reinsurance with the resultant negative impact on short-term earnings. Low long-term interest rates continue to have an unfavourable impact on this product line. In the past few years, industry prices for longer term life insurance products have increased. Empire Life has also increased prices for these products and has focused its growth efforts on shorter term products, such as 10 year renewable term life insurance. Because of the reasonable long-term returns of this product line, management continues to focus on steady growth, technology development and process improvement in order to continue to have a cost structure that allows us to compete while generating an acceptable long-term financial contribution. Empire Life is continuously reviewing its Individual Insurance product mix to improve profitability, reduce interest rate risk, reduce required regulatory capital, develop web-based products and processes, and improve the customer and advisor experience. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 See Non-GAAP Measures Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 30 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS Risk Management Empire Life is a financial institution offering Wealth Management, Employee Benefits and Individual Insurance products. The Company is exposed to a number of risks as a result of its business activities. The goal of the Company’s risk management process is to ensure that the operations that expose it to risk are consistent with the Company’s strategy, business objectives and risk philosophy while maintaining an appropriate risk/reward balance and enhancing stakeholder value. When making decisions about risk taking and risk management, Empire Life considers: • • • • The need to meet the expectations of its customers, shareholders and creditors and to protect the commitments that have been made to them; The need to be adequately compensated for the capital deployed to support business activities and strategic objectives; The need to protect its brand; and The need to maintain its targeted financial strength rating. Empire Life’s risk appetite defines the aggregate level of risk the Company is willing to take to achieve its business strategies. The risk appetite supports the pursuit of shareholder value but does not compromise the Company’s ability to pay claims and fulfil policyholder commitments. Empire Life’s risk management framework is structured based on a number of guiding principles: • • • • Due to the long term nature of the majority of its commitments, the Company accepts capital market risk provided it is managed within specific risk tolerances and limits. The Company takes a low risk, value-oriented approach to managing its investments - it accepts credit and alternative asset risk provided it is rewarded through appropriately enhanced returns; The Company manages liquidity across the business to provide a high level of confidence that all obligations (to customers, creditors and shareholders) will be met when they fall due; The Company accepts insurance risks provided they are properly priced and managed in order to deliver value to its customers and shareholders; The Company is forward-looking in its business planning and takes a prudent approach to capital management. It strives to have a high level of confidence that capital is sufficient to support planned activities into the future; • Management is active in industry committees and, through a network of oversight functions, monitors the landscape so that the Company is appropriately positioned to manage regulatory, tax, accounting and actuarial changes; The Company accepts that operational risks are a part of doing business and knows that risk management is a key part of decision-making. It protects its business and customers by engaging in cost effective risk mitigation; and The Company expects ethical conduct by all of its employees and acts with integrity at all times. • • The Board of Directors oversees and monitors the Company’s risk management framework, processes and practices and reviews and approves the Company’s Enterprise Risk Management Framework and overall risk appetite. Senior management shares responsibility and accountability for risk management across the organization. This enables a cross-functional perspective on risk management, enhanced by the frequency of contact across the management team. The Company has an Asset Management Committee with responsibility for overseeing the management of corporate policies established by both the Investment Committee and Risk and Capital Committee of the Board. More information related to governance can be found under the Corporate Governance over Risk Management section of Empire Life’s 2017 annual report. Risk management policy development is centralized under the leadership of the Chief Risk Officer and applies to all business units. The Chief Risk Officer is a member of the Asset Management Committee and has Board reporting responsibility with respect to risk and capital management. All risk management policies and procedures are regularly reviewed for relevance and changes in the risk environment. Accountability, application, day-to-day management and procedural elements are the responsibility of area management, supported by business unit compliance officers and the risk management department. There is senior management representation and oversight on various interdisciplinary risk control committees. The Company formally establishes and documents its values and risk tolerances through several company-wide policies including a code of business 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 See Non-GAAP Measures Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 31 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS conduct, corporate disclosure principles, enterprise risk management, capital management and whistleblower policies. The Company’s strategic risk management policies (including those related to product design and pricing, investment policies and capital management) are also approved by its Board, or a Board committee. Caution Related to Sensitivities In the sections that follow, the Company provides sensitivities and risk exposure measures for certain risks. These include sensitivities due to specific changes in market prices and interest rates, based on market prices, interest rates, assets, liabilities and business mix in place as at the calculation dates. The sensitivities are calculated independently for each risk factor, assuming that all other risk variables remain constant. Actual results can differ materially from these estimates for a variety of reasons, including the interaction among these factors when more than one factor changes; changes in actuarial and investment return and future investment activity assumptions; actual experience differing from the assumptions; changes in business mix, effective tax rates and other market factors; and the general limitations of the Company’s internal models used for purposes of these calculations. Changes due to new sales or maturities, asset purchases/sales, or other management actions could also result in material changes to these reported sensitivities. For these reasons, the sensitivities should only be viewed as directional estimates of the underlying sensitivities for the respective factors based on the assumptions outlined, and should not be viewed as predictors for the Company’s future net income, OCI, and capital sensitivities. Changes in risk variables in excess of the ranges illustrated may result in other than proportionate impacts. Market Risk Empire Life has equity market risk related to its segregated fund products and from equity assets backing life insurance liabilities. Empire Life has a semi-static hedging program. The objective of the hedging program is to partially protect Empire Life from possible future MCCSR ratio declines that might result from adverse stock market price changes. The hedging program currently employs put options and short positions on key equity indices. The extent of options used is monitored and managed on an ongoing basis, giving consideration to equity risk and the level of available capital. There is income statement volatility from this hedging program. Based on current equity market levels, Empire Life has required capital for MCCSR purposes related to segregated fund guarantees, but does not have policy liabilities related to these guarantees on its balance sheet. Therefore a by-product of hedging MCCSR exposure is income statement volatility, as the gains or losses from hedging instruments are not offset by changes in policy liabilities related to segregated fund guarantees on the income statement. During the fourth quarter and year of 2017, Empire Life experienced a hedge cost of $2.7 million and a $6.6 million after tax respectively on its hedging program primarily due to stable Canadian stock prices. This compares to hedge cost of $4.8 million and $27.8 million respectively for the comparable period in 2016 primarily due to rising Canadian stock prices in 2016. Empire Life’s MCCSR ratio is also sensitive to stock market volatility, due primarily to liability and capital requirements related to segregated fund guarantees. As of December 31, 2017, Empire Life had $8.7 billion of segregated fund assets and liabilities. Of this amount, approximately $8.4 billion have guarantees. The following table provides a percentage breakdown by type of guarantee: Percentage of segregated fund liabilities with: 75% maturity guarantee and a 75% death benefit guarantee 75% maturity guarantee and a 100% death benefit guarantee 100% maturity and death benefit guarantees (with a minimum of 15 years between deposit and maturity date) 100% maturity and death benefit guarantees (guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefit (GMWB)) Dec 31 2017 Dec 31 2016 2.1% 48.1% 6.6% 43.2% 1.2% 49.7% 6.1% 43.0% 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 See Non-GAAP Measures Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 32 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS All Empire Life segregated fund guarantees are policy-based (not deposit-based), thereby generally lowering Empire Life’s stock market sensitivity relative to products with deposit-based guarantees. Policy-based guarantees consider all of the deposits in the customer’s policy (whether the fund value is below or above the guaranteed amount) to arrive at an overall net guarantee payment, whereas deposit-based guarantees consider only the deposits where the fund value is below the guaranteed amount and ignores all the deposits in the customer’s policy where the fund value is above the guaranteed amount. Therefore, generally policy-based guarantees pay less than deposit-based guarantees. For segregated fund guarantee insurance contract liabilities the level of sensitivity is highly dependent on the level of the stock market at the time of performing the estimate. If period-end stock markets are high relative to market levels at the time that segregated fund policies were issued, the sensitivity is reduced. If period-end stock markets are low relative to market levels at the time that segregated fund policies were issued, the sensitivity is increased. The segregated fund regulatory capital and liability framework includes the use of "zero floors" (i.e., negative liability amounts are not permitted so zero is used instead, as described below) and other regulatory constraints, and this often makes the sensitivity impacts non-linear. Generally as stock markets and interest rates rise the magnitude of the negative liabilities will also rise. In the first table below, Empire Life discloses the sensitivity of net income to changes in segregated fund guarantee insurance contract liabilities. There is a net loss resulting from a 20% and a 30% decrease at December 31, 2017 and at December 31, 2016, but otherwise the amounts shown in the table are nil. These liabilities (present value of future benefits and expenses minus the present value of future fee revenue) are calculated using stochastic modeling techniques based on a range of future economic scenarios. The liabilities are the greater of: (i) the average of the amounts determined in the worst 20% of the scenarios; and (ii) zero. For the nil amounts shown in this table, the liability for Empire Life was negative. Therefore, the alternative level of zero is applied in these tests (zero floor) resulting in a net income impact of nil. Based on stock market levels at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the sensitivity of Empire Life shareholders’ net income to changes in segregated fund guarantee insurance contract liabilities resulting from stock market increases and decreases is as follows: Sensitivity to segregated fund guarantees: (in millions of dollars after tax) December 31, 2017 Shareholders' net income December 31, 2016 Shareholders' net income Increase Decrease 20% 10% 10% 20% 30% $ nil $ nil $ nil $ (34.4) $ (160.2) $ nil $ nil $ nil $ (9.7) $ (117.2) Empire Life’s equity market sensitivity for segregated fund guarantees in a 20% and 30% stock market decline has increased primarily as a result of growth in segregated funds and mix of assets. The impact of stock market changes on the segregated fund guarantee liabilities is not linear. As noted earlier, Empire Life also has equity market risk related to its equity assets backing life insurance liabilities. Based on stock market levels as at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the sensitivity of Empire Life shareholders’ net income (including changes in segregated fund guarantee insurance contract liabilities) resulting from stock market increases and decreases is as follows (excluding the effect of Empire Life’s equity risk hedging program): Sensitivity excluding equity risk hedge (in millions of dollars after tax) December 31, 2017 Shareholders' net income December 31, 2016 Shareholders' net income Increase Decrease 20% 10% 10% 20% 30% $ $ 48.7 50.6 $ $ 24.3 25.3 $ $ (24.3) $ (83.1) $ (235.8) (25.3) $ (60.3) $ (196.2) The equity risk hedging program provides relief in adverse scenarios, but may incur losses in positive scenarios. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 See Non-GAAP Measures Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 33 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS The December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 amounts in the following table include the effect of Empire Life’s equity risk hedging program (described above): Sensitivity including equity risk hedge (in millions of dollars after tax) December 31, 2017 Shareholders' net income December 31, 2016 Shareholders' net income Increase Decrease 20% 10% 10% 20% 30% $ $ 48.2 36.0 $ $ 23.9 17.7 $ $ (22.4) $ (74.0) $ (209.6) (15.7) $ (35.6) $ (147.7) Empire Life also has a reinsurance agreement to cede a portion of Empire Life’s segregated fund death benefit exposure. All Empire Life segregated fund policyholders with death benefit guarantees of at least $2 million are included in this agreement. Empire Life does not reinsure any other insurer’s segregated fund products. Based on stock market levels on the dates indicated below the sensitivity of Empire Life’s MCCSR ratio to stock market increases and decreases for all Empire Life stock market exposures, including segregated fund guarantees, is as follows (excluding the effect of Empire Life’s equity risk hedging program): Excluding Equity Risk Hedge MCCSR Sensitivity to stock markets December 31, 2017 MCCSR Ratio December 31, 2016 MCCSR Ratio Increase Decrease 20% 10% 10% 20% 30% (0.9) (0.7) (0.3) (0.2) (19.4) (12.1) (42.6) (35.3) (58.8) (40.1) The December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 amounts in the following table include the effect of Empire Life’s equity risk hedging program (described below): Including Equity Risk Hedge MCCSR Sensitivity to stock markets December 31, 2017 MCCSR Ratio December 31, 2016 MCCSR Ratio Increase Decrease 20% 10% 10% 20% 30% (5.1) (5.4) (2.4) (2.6) (17.7) (9.7) (38.7) (30.4) (50.1) (30.2) The amount at risk related to segregated fund maturity guarantees and segregated fund death benefit guarantees and the resulting actuarial liabilities and MCCSR required capital for Empire Life segregated funds is as follows: Segregated Funds Withdrawal Benefit > Fund Value Maturity Guarantee > Fund Value Death Benefit > Fund Value Actuarial MCCSR (in millions of dollars) Fund Value Amount At Risk Fund Value Amount At Risk Fund Value Amount At Risk Liabilities Required Capital December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 $ $ 2,708.3 $ 2,529.8 $ 688.5 $ 627.1 $ 30.9 $ 36.5 $ 0.7 $ 1.2 $ 409.1 $ 323.7 $ 3.2 $ nil $ 4.2 $ nil $ 174.3 150.5 The first six columns of the above table show all segregated fund policies where the future withdrawal benefit, future maturity guarantee, or future death benefit guarantee is greater than the fund value. The amount at risk represents the excess of the future withdrawal benefit, future maturity guarantee or future death benefit guarantee amount over the fund value for these policies. The withdrawal benefit amounts in the above table relate to GMWB products. The GMWB withdrawal benefit amount at risk represents the amount that could be paid by Empire Life to GMWB policyholders if the net return on each GMWB policyholder’s assets is zero for the remainder of each GMWB policyholder’s life, based on life expectancy. As at December 31, 2017, the aggregate amount at risk for all three categories of risk is $692.4 million. At December 31, 2016, the aggregate amount at risk for these three categories of risk was $632.5 million. For these three categories of risk, the amount at risk is not currently payable. Payment is contingent on future outcomes including fund performance, deaths, deposits, withdrawals and maturity dates. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 See Non-GAAP Measures Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 34 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS The level of actuarial liabilities and required regulatory capital in the above table is calculated based on the probability that Empire Life will ultimately have to make payment to the segregated fund policyholders for any fund value deficiency that may exist on future payments to GMWB policyholders, or upon future maturity of the segregated fund policies, or upon future death of the segregated fund policyholders. The amounts at risk at December 31, 2017 increased from the December 2016 levels for GMWB withdrawal benefit exposure primarily due to GMWB sales volume in 2017. The quarterly update of segregated fund policy data on our stochastic model resulted in an increase in required regulatory capital. In addition, Empire Life’s MCCSR ratio is sensitive to changes in market interest rates. The impact of an immediate 50 basis point decrease in interest rates and a 50 basis point decrease in assumed initial reinvestment rate (“IRR”) for non-participating insurance business and segregated fund guarantees for December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, is shown in the table below. This assumes no change in the ultimate reinvestment rate (“URR”). The first column below excludes the impact of market value changes in AFS bonds. The AFS bonds provide a natural economic offset to the interest rate risk attributable to Empire Life’s product liabilities. The second column below shows the impact if the AFS bonds were sold to realize the gains from a 50 basis point decrease in interest rates. Sensitivity To Market Interest Rates: December 31, 2017 MCCSR Ratio December 31, 2016 MCCSR Ratio Before The Sale of AFS Assets After The Sale of AFS Assets 50 bps Decrease 50 bps Decrease (23.4) (19.5) (16.6) (14.5) Operational Risk Operational risk relates to the uncertainty arising from larger than expected losses or damages as a result of inadequate or failed internal processes, people and systems, or from external events. Operational risk is naturally present in all of the Company’s business activities and encompasses a broad range of risks, including legal disputes, regulatory compliance failures, technology failures, business interruption, information security and privacy breaches, human resources management failures, processing errors, modelling errors, theft and fraud, and damage to physical assets. The following is a further description of key operational risks and their associated risk management strategies. (1) Legal and Regulatory Risk The Company is governed by the Insurance Companies Act (“ICA”) and supervised by OSFI and is also subject to various requirements imposed by legislation and regulation in each of the provinces and territories of Canada applicable to insurance companies and companies providing other financial services. Material changes in the regulatory framework could have an adverse effect on the Company. Failure to comply with regulatory requirements or public expectations could adversely impact the Company’s reputation and ability to conduct business. The Company is subject to litigation from time to time, in the normal course of business, and currently has a number of outstanding lawsuits. There can be no assurance that the present or any future litigation will not have a material adverse effect on the Company. The Company’s corporate compliance department, headed by the Chief Compliance Officer, oversees the regulatory compliance framework. This framework promotes risk-based management of compliance and regulatory risk and includes Company-wide policies, operating guidelines, programs to promote awareness of laws and regulations impacting the Company, ongoing monitoring of emerging legal issues and regulatory changes and employee education programs that include anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing, privacy and information security risk management as well as reporting breaches and the Company’s code of business conduct. The framework is supported by a network of business unit compliance officers as well as the corporate legal services department. The Chief Compliance Officer reports regularly to the Conduct Review Committee of the Board on the state of compliance, key compliance risks and emerging regulatory trends. General Counsel reports regularly to the Audit Committee of the Board on litigation activity. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 See Non-GAAP Measures Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 35 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (2) Model Risk The Company uses models to support many business functions including investment analysis, product development and pricing, valuation of policy liabilities, planning, asset/liability management, capital management, project management and risk management. The risk of inappropriate use or interpretation of the Company’s models or their output, or the use of deficient models, data or assumptions could result in financial losses or inappropriate decision making. The Company has developed management and mitigation processes related to model use and oversight of models to limit financial, operational and strategic impacts from an error or misinterpretation of model results. Senior management has overall responsibility and accountability for models in use to support activities within their business area. (3) Human Resources Risk Competition for qualified employees, including executives, is intense both in the financial services industry and non- financial industries. If the Company is unable to retain and attract qualified employees and executives, the results of its operations and financial condition, including its competitive position, could be adversely affected. To mitigate this risk, the Company has a number of human resources policies, processes and practices in place. Management reports regularly to the Human Resources Committee of the Board on succession planning and employee development programs as well as compensation practices and programs, all of which are designed to attract, motivate and retain high-performing and high-potential employees. (4) Third-Party Risk The Company obtains many different types of services from a number of third-party services providers and has outsourced certain business functions or processes to third parties. Should these third parties fail to deliver services in compliance with contractual or other service arrangements, the Company’s business may be adversely impacted. To mitigate this risk, the Company has established a Company-wide outsourcing risk management policy that provides guidance when considering, entering into or managing existing outsourcing arrangements commensurate with the risks associated with the service provider and the nature of the arrangement. Annually, management reports to the Conduct Review Committee of the Board on outsourcing activities including details on those arrangements deemed to be most material to the Company. (5) Technology, Information Security and Business Continuity Risk The Company relies on technology in virtually all aspects of its business and operations including the creation and support of new products and services, and the nature of life insurance business necessitates a substantial investment in technology. Operational integrity, data integrity and security of information and systems infrastructure are all relied upon for normal business operations. Disruptions due to system failure, information security breaches, privacy breaches, cyber-attacks, human errors, natural disasters, criminal activity, fraud or the loss of certain software licensing agreements could have a material adverse impact on the Company. The Company has an enterprise-wide business continuity and disaster recovery program overseen by the Business Continuity Planning Team and the Chief Technology Officer. The program includes policies, plans and procedures designed so that, to the extent practically possible, key business functions can continue and normal operations can resume effectively and efficiently should a major disruption occur. Each business unit is accountable for preparing and maintaining detailed business continuity plans and processes. The Company establishes and regularly tests business continuity and disaster recovery plans and maintains off-site backup facilities and failover capability designed to minimize downtime and accelerate system recovery. Information security breaches, including various forms of cyber-attack, could occur and may result in inappropriate disclosure or use of personal or confidential information. To mitigate this risk, the Company has an information security program overseen by the Chief Technology Officer. This program consists of a number of standards, procedures and guidelines focused on protecting information and computer systems. An incident management process is in place for monitoring and managing security events. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 See Non-GAAP Measures Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 36 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS Privacy breaches could occur and may result in unauthorized disclosure or use of private and confidential information. To manage this risk, the Company has a privacy program overseen by the Chief Privacy Officer. The program includes policies and standards, ongoing monitoring of emerging privacy legislation and a network of business unit privacy officers. Processes have been established to provide guidance to employees on the handling of personal information and the reporting of privacy incidents and issues to appropriate management for response and resolution. Business and Strategic Risk Business and strategic risk relates to the uncertainty in future earnings and capital related to the potential inability to implement appropriate business plans and strategies, make decisions, allocate resources, manage distribution or adapt to changes in business environment, such as the competitive landscape, regulatory and tax changes or changes in accounting and actuarial standards. The Company regularly reviews and adapts its business strategies and plans in consideration of changes in the external business environment, economic, political and regulatory environment. The Company’s financial performance is dependent upon its ability to implement and execute business strategies and plans for growth. The Company’s business strategies and plans are designed to align with risk appetite, capital position and financial performance objectives. The Company periodically reassesses risk appetite taking into consideration the economic, regulatory and competitive environments in which it operates. The current environment requires the Company to adapt rapidly to new opportunities and challenges and to refine its strategies accordingly. If the Company fails to revise its strategies on a timely basis or adapt to the changing environment, it may not be able to achieve its growth objectives. The Company’s business strategies and plans are dependent on the successful execution of organizational and strategic initiatives designed to support the growth of its business. The ability to effectively manage these changes and prioritize initiatives directly affects the Company’s ability to execute these strategies. Identifying and implementing the right set of initiatives is critical to achieving the Company’s business plan targets. Failure to implement these initiatives could also lead to cost structure challenges. Successful execution of the Company’s business strategies and plans depends on a number of factors including its ability to (i) generate sufficient earnings to maintain an adequate level of capital; (ii) generate sustained investment performance; (iii) meet regulatory requirements; (iv) manage risk exposures effectively; (v) attract and retain customers and distributors;(vi) have the right set of products; and (vii) reduce operating expenses while maintaining the ability to hire, retain and motivate key personnel. The Company’s business and strategic plans are reviewed and discussed by its senior management team and are subject to approval by the Board of Directors, which also receives regular updates on implementation progress against key business plan objectives. The Board and its subcommittees receive regular updates on key risks. In addition to the discussion of risks included in this MD&A, a comprehensive discussion of the material risks that impact Empire Life is included in Empire Life’s Annual Information Form available at www.sedar.com. Additional disclosures of Empire Life’s sensitivity to risks are included in note 28 to the 2017 consolidated financial statements. Disclosure Controls and Procedures The Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by the Company under Canadian securities laws is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the specified time periods, and include controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information is accumulated and communicated to management on a timely basis to allow appropriate decisions regarding public disclosure. Under the supervision of management, an evaluation was carried out on the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2017. Based on that evaluation, management concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as at December 31, 2017. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 See Non-GAAP Measures Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 37 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS Internal Control over Financial Reporting Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of consolidated financial statements for external purposes in accordance with IFRS. Under the supervision of management, an evaluation of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was carried out as at December 31, 2017. Based on that evaluation, management concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as at December 31, 2017. No changes were made in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the year ended December 31, 2017, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Critical Accounting Estimates Empire Life’s significant accounting policies are described in note 2 to the consolidated financial statements. Certain of these policies require management to make estimates and assumptions about matters that are inherently uncertain. The most critical of these accounting estimates for Empire Life are the valuation of policy liabilities, financial instrument classification, pension and other employee future benefits and the determination of allowances for impaired investments. Policy Liabilities The determination of policy liabilities requires best estimate assumptions that cover the remaining life of the policies for mortality, morbidity, investment returns, persistency, expenses, inflation and taxes and include consideration of related reinsurance effects. Due to the long-term risks and measurement uncertainties inherent in the life insurance business, a margin for adverse deviation from best estimates is included in each assumption. These margins allow for possible deterioration in future experience and provide for greater confidence that policy liabilities are adequate to pay future benefits. The resulting provisions for adverse deviations have the effect of increasing policy liabilities and decreasing the income that otherwise would have been recognized at policy inception. A range of allowable margins is prescribed by the Canadian Institute of Actuaries. Assumptions are reviewed and updated at least annually and the impact of changes in those assumptions is reflected in earnings in the year of the change. Empire Life’s sensitivities to risks related to policy liabilities are included in note 28 to the consolidated financial statements. Financial Instrument Classification Management judgment is used to classify financial instruments as fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL), available for sale (AFS) or loans and receivables. Most financial assets supporting insurance contract liabilities and investment contract liabilities are designated as FVTPL. Most financial assets supporting capital and surplus and participating accounts are classified as AFS. Loans and receivables support both contract liabilities and capital and surplus. The designation of a financial instrument as FVTPL or AFS dictates whether unrealized fair value changes are reported in net income or other comprehensive income. Additional information regarding financial instrument classification is included in notes 2(d), 3(a), 3(b), and 10(c). Pension and Other Employee Future Benefits Pension and other employee future benefits expense is calculated by independent actuaries using assumptions determined by management. The assumptions made affect the pension and other employee future benefits expense included in net income. If actual experience differs from the assumptions used, the resulting experience gain or loss is recorded in OCI. Additional information regarding pension and other employee future benefits is included in notes 2(j), and 12. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 See Non-GAAP Measures Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 38 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS Provision for Impaired Investments Empire Life maintains a prudent policy in setting the provision for impaired investments. When there is no longer reasonable assurance of full collection of loan principal and loan interest related to a mortgage or policy contract loan, management establishes a specific provision for loan impairment and charges the corresponding reduction in carrying value to income in the period the impairment is identified. In determining the estimated realizable value of the investment, management considers a number of events and conditions. These include the value of the security underlying the loan, geographic location, industry classification of the borrower, an assessment of the financial stability of the borrower, repayment history and an assessment of the impact of current economic conditions. Changes in these circumstances may cause subsequent changes in the estimated realizable amount of the investment and changes in the specific provision for impairment. Available for sale securities are subject to a regular review for losses that are significant or prolonged. Objective evidence of impairment exists if there has been a significant or prolonged decline in the fair value of the investment below its cost or if there is a significant adverse change in the technological, market, economic or legal environment in which the issuer operates or the issuer is experiencing financial difficulties. Outlook The Canadian economy performed better than expected in 2017, GDP growth is estimated at 3% for the full year, the Canadian dollar appreciated from 1.34 to 1.277 per U.S. dollar and unemployment fell from 6.7% to 5.7%, the lowest it has been since the 1970’s. Consumer spending continued at a strong pace for the year and business investment in machinery and equipment was also up over 2016. Although the uncertainty surrounding the North American Free Trade agreement (NAFTA) and credit tightening in the housing market had the opposite effect on the Canadian economy, the strong U.S. economy and renewed growth in the European and Asian economies had an overall positive impact on Canada’s economy. The Bank of Canada reversed its interest rate reductions from 2015 and raised rates twice during the year with the overnight rate up from 0.5% to 1% in 2017 and another 0.25% increase in the first month of 2018. The Canadian Federal Bond yield curve flattened with the 5-year increasing from 1.11% to 1.86% in 2017 and the 30 year decreasing slightly from 2.31% to 2.26% in 2017. Corporate and provincial bond spreads also decrease slightly during 2017. Interest rates have overall been lower than typical levels for several years. The Individual insurance product lines generally perform better with rising long term interest rates. The Global equity markets were very strong in 2017 with the MSCI up over 20%, for the year. The S&P 500 stock index was up 19.4% and the S&P/TSX composite index was up 6.0% for the year. Stock market conditions impact the in-force profit margins and new business growth for the segregated fund and mutual fund portions of Empire Life’s Wealth Management product line. Looking forward to 2018, the global economy is expected to continue its growth at a similar pace. The tax reductions in the U.S. will stimulate the U.S. economy with growth estimates at 2.5% up from 2.1% originally forecast. The Canadian economy is expected to continue to grow as well but at a slower pace than in 2017. The forecast is at approximately 2% compared to an estimate of 3% in 2017. The western provinces are expected to continue to grow at a pace of 2% to 3% depending on the price of agriculture and the price of resource products such as oil and gas and forestry. Provinces in central Canada are expected to experience continued growth barring negative consequences from the NAFTA negotiations. The atlantic provinces are expected to grow at a more moderate pace of 1%. Short- term interest rates are expected to rise in the U.S. as well as in Canada even with the uncertainties surrounding NAFTA. Overall the Canadian economy is well positioned to support continued growth of all Empire Life’s product lines. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 See Non-GAAP Measures Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 39 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS The individual insurance market grew modestly in 2017 even with the challenge of the persistent low long-term interest rate environment that followed the financial crisis. Empire Life has decreased its emphasis on long-term life insurance products in favor of shorter term products, such as 10 year renewable term life insurance. Long-term interest rates, product mix and product pricing are expected to continue to be challenges for Empire Life’s Individual Insurance product line in 2018. The segregated fund product line continued to grow in 2017, fees will likely be impacted by competition going forward. Empire Life will develop low cost efficient products delivered digitally to satisfy consumer needs. Within the employee benefits product line, although highly concentrated Empire Life will continue to penetrate its niche market to grow the business. As noted under the Capital Resources section, OSFI published its - Life Insurance Capital Adequacy Test (LICAT) Guidelines on November 27, 2017. This new Guideline establishes a new risk based regulatory capital framework for life insurance companies and replaces the current MCCSR Guideline effective January 1, 2018. LICAT is intended to improve the quality of capital available and provide a better alignment of risk measures with the long-term economics of the insurance business. This new Guideline was developed in consultation with the Life Insurance Industry and OSFI. OSFI is also reviewing the overall approach for determining capital requirements for segregated fund guarantee risks. Changes to the capital required for products with guaranteed income may ultimately impact the industry’s ability to offer these products at reasonable prices to the consumer. OSFI has indicated that the effective date for the Guideline for segregated fund guarantee is January 1, 2021 to incorporate the potential impact of IFRS 17. OSFI is continuing to review the application of Non- Viable Contingent Capital (NVCC) for life insurance companies. If NVCC applied, new preferred shares and subordinated debentures issued after the transition date would have to be compliant with the new regime to qualify as capital. The International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) issued IFRS 17, Accounting Standards for Insurance Contracts, in May 2017. IFRS 17 will include fundamental changes from the CALM method (equivalent to IFRS 4 Insurance Contracts) that Empire Life currently applies for the valuation of insurance contracts and revenue recognition. The IASB has also granted a temporary exemption from the application of IFRS 9 Financial Instruments to allow insurance companies the ability to implement both IFRS 17 and IFRS 9 effective 2021. IFRS 9 applies to the measurement of financial assets, the expected credit loss model and hedge accounting. For insurance contracts and financial instruments accounting, the goal is global consistency under IFRS as opposed to the differing approaches in each country that exist today. The adoption of IFRS 17 and IFRS 9 will be a significant initiative for Empire Life and for the industry. Empire Life is currently assessing the impact that IFRS 17 and IFRS 9 will have on the company’s consolidated financial statements as well as developing a plan to implement the changes required to be ready to report under the new standards by January 1, 2021. The Canadian Securities Administrators (“CSA”) has increased disclosure requirements for mutual fund companies, including point of sale requirements and customer relationship model initiatives. Mutual fund fees continue to be an area of interest for Canadian securities regulators. The CSA commissioned independent third-party research that will assess the impact of commissions and embedded (trailer) fees on mutual fund flows. This research will support CSA policy decisions concerning Canada's current mutual fund fee structure. Empire Life continues to monitor these developments and assess the possible impact to the insurance industry at some future date. The industry is also improving the oversight of Managing General Agents (“MGAs”) and their advisors. Life insurance companies, including Empire Life, commonly contract with MGAs as a key component of the distribution chain for insurance and wealth management products. In 2013, the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association (“CLHIA”) developed a new Insurer-MGA Relationship guideline (effective January 1, 2015). The Guideline describes desired outcomes and related practices in five general areas, including, perform due diligence prior to entering into a contract with an MGA, clearly set out roles and responsibilities in the contract, commit to a culture of treating customers fairly, monitor the performance of the MGA and retain ultimate responsibility. The industry is also considering establishing a licensing regime for all distribution firms. The licensing of distribution firms would clarify the accountability for the distribution partners to adhere to the insurer’s code of conduct and provide on-going monitoring of the advisors activities. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 See Non-GAAP Measures Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 40 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS Government pension reform including the Federal Pooled Registration Pension Plan program and the proposed Ontario Registered Pension Plan are expected to reduce future demand for private sector retirement savings products, having an adverse impact on banks, mutual fund companies, life insurance companies and advisors. In 2016 changes were made to the tax rules that deal with the exemption status of certain life insurance policies effective on January 1, 2017. The exemption test is aimed at distinguishing between (and tax differently) policies that are designed as protection versus those that are designed primarily as investments. The new exempt test represents a significant change to the tax regime that existed over the past 30 years. These changes required all life insurance companies to review the design and the pricing of their life insurance product offerings. Empire Life either modified or withdrew certain product offerings to comply with the new tax rules. Quarterly Results The following table summarizes various financial results on a quarterly basis for the most recent eight quarters: (in millions of dollars, except earnings per share) 2017 2017 2017 2017 2016 2016 2016 2016 Dec 31 Sep 30 Jun 30 Mar 31 Dec 31 Sep 30 Jun 30 Mar 31 Revenue $ 626.8 $ 134.5 $ 503.5 $ 409.8 $ (24.9) $ 452.9 $ 564.6 $ 416.0 Common shareholders' net income $ 48.3 $ 39.1 $ 33.4 $ 50.2 $ 52.5 $ 38.1 $ 24.8 $ 37.2 Earnings per share - basic and diluted $ 49.03 $ 39.67 $ 33.91 $ 50.91 $ 53.34 $ 38.67 $ 25.21 $ 37.81 For the fourth quarter of 2017, total revenue at Empire Life increased from negative $24.9 million in 2016 to $627.1 million. The increase in total revenue is primarily attributable to the impact of market interest rate movements on Fair value change in fair value through profit and loss (“FVTPL”) investments. Revenue includes a change in FVTPL investments including realized amounts which often causes large revenue volatility. For example revenue for the fourth quarter of 2016 was reduced by FVTPL adjustment of a $371.4 million loss compared to a $161.8 million gain in the second quarter 2017 and a $213.9 million loss in the third quarter of 2017. The FVTPL assets experienced a net gain of $265.1 million caused primarily by declining interest rates for the fourth quarter of 2017. The FVTPL assets experienced a $371.4 million loss for the fourth quarter of 2016 due primarily to increasing interest rates. Realized gain (loss) on available for sale investments (“AFS”) including impairment write downs was minimal for the fourth quarter of 2017 and 2016. The result for both years was primarily due to the sale of AFS bonds. Fee income for the fourth quarter of 2017 increased by 20.4% relative to the fourth quarter of 2016, primarily due to the growth in segregated fund management fees and guarantee fees. For the fourth quarter of 2017, net income was lower relative to 2016 primarily as a result of lower gains in the Individual Insurance product line partly offset by improved operating performance in the Wealth Management product line. The Individual insurance business has realized significant gains in other quarters in 2017 and 2016 primarily attributable to improved stock market conditions, a favourable update of policy liability assumptions for the Individual Insurance business and management actions to improve asset/liability matching in 2017 and 2016. Empire Life improved its matching position in 2017 and throughout 2016 by increasing its investment in real estate limited partnership units during the first and fourth quarters of 2017 and the first nine months of 2016 and by making changes to its bond investments. The improved matching position resulted in a gain in the first and fourth quarters of 2017 and all four quarters of 2016 from updating insurance contract liabilities. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 See Non-GAAP Measures Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 41 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS Net income variability during the most recent eight quarters was often driven by long-term interest rate movements. Long-term interest rates decreased resulting in unfavourable net income in the Individual Insurance product line during the fourth and second quarters of 2017 and the second quarter of 2016. Long term-interest rates increased resulting in favourable net income in the Individual Insurance product line during the third quarter of 2017 and the fourth quarter of 2016. In addition, unfavourable Individual Insurance surrender and lapse experience lowered net income in all of the periods shown in the above table. During the first and fourth quarters of 2017 and the first and third quarters of 2016, Empire Life achieved strong year over year growth in the Wealth Management product line net income. This product line’s strong result was primarily due to the growth in segregated fund management fees and growth in segregated fund guarantee fees related to GMWB products. Strong fee income was primarily due to the positive impact of favourable stock market conditions on management fees earned, strong segregated fund sales and higher GMWB prices. Net income from the Employee Benefits line has improved in 2017 quarters, after being fairly volatile during 2016 quarters from higher claims than expected. Overall, Employee Benefits typically represents less than 10% of the Company’s net income. Forward-Looking Statements and Information Certain statements in this MD&A about the Company’s current and future plans, expectations and intentions, results, market share growth and profitability, strategic objectives or any other future events or developments constitute forward-looking statements and information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The words “may”, “will”, “would”, “should”, “could”, “expects”, “plans”, “intends”, “trends”, “indications”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “estimates”, “predicts”, “likely” or “potential” or the negative or other variations of these words or other comparable words or phrases, are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information. Although management believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking statements and information are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements and information because there can be no assurance that they will prove to be correct. By their nature, such forward-looking statements and information are subject to various risks and uncertainties, which could cause the actual results and expectations to differ materially from the anticipated results or expectations expressed. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, market risks including equity risks, hedging risks, interest rate risks, foreign exchange rate risks; liquidity risks; credit risks including counterparty risks; insurance risks including mortality risks, policyholder behaviour risks, expense risks, morbidity risks, product design and pricing risks, underwriting and claims risks, reinsurance risks; operational risks, including legal and regulatory risks, model risks, human resources risks, third-party risks, technology, information security and business continuity risks; and business risks, including risks with respect to competition, risks with respect to financial strength, capital adequacy risks, risks with respect to distribution channels, risks with respect to changes to applicable income tax legislation, risks with respect to litigation, risks with respect to reputation, risks with respect to risk management policies, risks with respect to intellectual property, risks with respect to significant ownership of common shares. Please see the section titled “Risk Factors” in Empire Life’s Annual Information Form available at www.sedar.com for more details on these risks. Material factors or assumptions that were applied in drawing a conclusion or making an estimate set out in the forward-looking statements and information include that the general economy remains stable; assumptions on interest rates, mortality rates and policy liabilities; and capital markets continue to provide access to capital. These factors are not intended to represent a complete list of the factors that could affect the Company; however, these factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements made herein or in the documents reproduced herein. To the extent any forward-looking information in this MD&A constitutes future-oriented financial information or financial outlooks within the meaning of securities laws, such information is being provided to demonstrate potential benefits and readers are cautioned that this information may not be appropriate for any other purpose. Future-oriented financial information and financial outlooks are, without limitation, based on the assumptions and subject to the risks set out above. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 See Non-GAAP Measures Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 42 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS The forward-looking information contained herein is expressly qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement. When relying on the Company’s forward-looking statements and information to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors, assumptions and other uncertainties and potential events. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this forward-looking information, which is given as of the date hereof or the date indicated, and to not use such forward-looking information for anything other than its intended purpose. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements and information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise after the date of this document, except as required by law. Non-GAAP Measures The Company uses non-GAAP measures including source of earnings, annualized premium sales, assets under management, mutual fund gross and net sales and segregated fund gross and net sales to provide investors with supplemental measures of its operating performance and to highlight trends in its core business that may not otherwise be apparent when relying solely on IFRS financial measures. The Company also believes that securities analysts, investors and other interested parties frequently use non-GAAP measures in the evaluation of issuers. The Company’s management also uses non-GAAP measures in order to facilitate operating performance comparisons from period to period, to prepare annual operating budgets and to determine components of management compensation. Sources of earnings breaks down Empire Life earnings into several categories which are useful to assess the performance of the business. These categories include expected profit from in-force business, impact of new business, experience gains and losses, management actions and changes in assumptions, and earnings on surplus. The sources of earnings components are reconciled to net income, see Overview section earlier in this report. Annualized premium sales is used as a method of measuring sales volume. It is equal to the premium expected to be received in the first twelve months for all new individual insurance and employee benefit policies sold during the period. Mutual fund gross and net sales and segregated fund gross and net sales are also used as measures of sales volume. Empire Life believes that these measures provide information useful to its shareholders and policyholders in evaluating Empire Life’s underlying financial results. Assets under management is a non-GAAP measure of the assets managed by Empire Life, which includes general fund assets, mutual fund assets and segregated fund assets. They represent the total assets of Empire Life and the assets its customers invest in. Empire Life believes that these measures provide information useful to its shareholders and policyholders in evaluating Empire Life’s underlying financial results. The following table provides a reconciliation of assets under management to total assets in Empire Life’s financial statements. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 See Non-GAAP Measures Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 43 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS Reconciliation of Assets Under Management (in millions of dollars) Assets under management General fund assets Segregated fund assets Total assets per financial statements Mutual fund assets Assets under management The above table includes the following amounts held by Empire Life’s DB plans. (in millions of dollars) DB Plan Assets Segregated fund assets Mutual fund assets As at December 31 2017 2016 $ 8,712.6 $ 8,681.9 17,394.5 183.7 7,780.2 8,082.0 15,862.2 188.9 $ 17,578.2 $ 16,051.1 As at December 31 2017 2016 $ 198.3 $ 13.1 195.0 12.6 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 See Non-GAAP Measures Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 44 MANAGEMENT'S RESPONSIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL REPORTING The consolidated financial statements in this annual report have been prepared by management, who is responsible for their integrity, objectivity and reliability. This responsibility includes selecting and applying appropriate accounting policies, making judgements and estimates, and ensuring information contained throughout the annual report is consistent with these statements. The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and the accounting requirements of the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions, Canada (OSFI). The Company maintains a system of internal control over financial reporting which is designed to provide reasonable assurance that assets are safeguarded, expenditures are made in accordance with authorizations of management and directors, transactions are properly recorded, and the financial records are reliable for preparing the consolidated financial statements in accordance with (IFRS). Under the supervision of management, an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was carried out as at December 31, 2017. Based on that evaluation, management concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as at December 31, 2017. The Board of Directors, acting through the Audit Committee which is comprised of directors who are not officers or employees of the Company, oversees management’s responsibility for financial reporting and for internal control systems. The Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing the consolidated financial statements and annual report and recommending them to the Board of Directors for approval. The Audit Committee meets with management, internal audit and the external auditors to discuss audit plans, internal controls over accounting and financial reporting processes, auditing matters, and financial reporting issues. The Appointed Actuary is appointed by the Board of Directors and is responsible for ensuring that the assumptions and methods used in the valuation of the policy liabilities are in accordance with accepted actuarial practice and regulatory requirements. The Appointed Actuary is required to provide an opinion regarding the appropriateness of the policy liabilities at the consolidated statement of financial position date to meet all policyholder obligations of the Company. Examination of supporting data for accuracy and completeness and analysis of Company assets for their ability to support the amount of policy liabilities are important elements of the work required to form this opinion. The Appointed Actuary is also required each year to analyze the financial condition of the Company and prepare a report for the Board of Directors. The analysis tests the capital adequacy of the Company under adverse economic and business conditions for the current year and the next four years. PricewaterhouseCoopers’ responsibility as external auditors is to report to the policyholders, shareholders and OSFI regarding the fairness of presentation of the Company’s annual consolidated financial statements. The external auditors have full and free access to, and meet periodically with, the Audit Committee to discuss their audit. The Independent Auditor’s Report outlines the scope of their examination and their opinion. Mark Sylvia President and Chief Executive Officer Kingston, Ontario February 27, 2018 Ron Friesen Senior Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer Kingston, Ontario February 27, 2018 Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 45 INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT To the Policyholders and Shareholders of The Empire Life Insurance Company We have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements of The Empire Life Insurance Company and its subsidiary, which comprise the consolidated statements of financial position as at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 and the consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, changes in equity, and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes, which comprise a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information. Management’s responsibility for the consolidated financial statements Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these consolidated financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, and for such internal control as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of consolidated financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. Auditor’s responsibility Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we comply with ethical requirements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free from material misstatement. An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity’s preparation and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained in our audits is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion. Opinion In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of The Empire Life Insurance Company and its subsidiary as at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 and their financial performance and their cash flows for the years then ended in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Chartered Professional Accountants, Licensed Public Accountants Toronto, Ontario February 27, 2018 Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 46 APPOINTED ACTUARY'S REPORT To the Policyholders and Shareholders of The Empire Life Insurance Company I have valued the policy liabilities and reinsurance liabilities of The Empire Life Insurance Company for its Consolidated statements of financial position at December 31, 2017 and their change in the Consolidated statements of operations for the year then ended in accordance with accepted actuarial practice in Canada including selection of appropriate assumptions and methods. In my opinion, the amount of policy liabilities net of reinsurance liabilities, makes appropriate provision for all policy obligations and the Consolidated financial statements fairly present the results of the valuation. Dan Doyle, FSA, FCIA, MAAA Fellow, Canadian Institute of Actuaries Kingston, Ontario February 27, 2018 Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 47 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION (in thousands of Canadian dollars) As at December 31 Assets Cash and cash equivalents (Note 3) Investments Short-term investments (Note 3) Bonds (Note 3) Preferred shares (Note 3) Common shares (Note 3) Derivative assets (Note 3) Mortgages (Note 3) Loans on policies (Note 3) Policy contract loans (Note 3) 2017 2016 $ 294,238 $ 368,873 127,742 6,473,608 408,261 905,934 1,399 221,973 51,692 74,603 102,874 5,521,172 285,184 929,611 3,855 264,309 47,969 80,944 Total cash and cash equivalents and investments 8,559,450 7,604,791 Accrued investment income Insurance receivables (Note 4) Other assets (Note 5) Property and equipment (Note 6) Intangible assets (Note 7) Segregated fund assets (Note 8) Total assets Liabilities Accounts payable and other liabilities (Note 11) Insurance payables (Note 9) Current income taxes payable Reinsurance liabilities (Note 10) Insurance contract liabilities (Note 10) Investment contract liabilities Policyholders' funds on deposit Provision for profits to policyholders Deferred income taxes (Note 18) Subordinated debt (Note 13) Segregated fund policy liabilities Total liabilities Equity Preferred shares (Note 20) Common shares (Note 20) Contributed surplus Retained earnings Accumulated other comprehensive income Total equity Total liabilities and equity $ $ 43,219 46,294 18,837 26,545 18,310 40,551 53,097 39,680 27,683 14,341 8,681,892 17,394,547 $ 8,082,033 15,862,176 99,374 $ 81,472 1,629 650,801 5,364,865 16,643 33,886 31,347 13,766 698,291 8,681,892 15,673,966 249,500 985 19,387 1,433,319 17,390 1,720,581 79,600 97,135 32,536 533,357 5,003,450 13,903 32,957 29,555 8,989 498,603 8,082,033 14,412,118 149,500 985 19,387 1,267,049 13,137 1,450,058 $ 17,394,547 $ 15,862,176 Duncan N. R. Jackman Chairman of the Board Mark Sylvia President and Chief Executive Officer The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 48 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (in thousands of Canadian dollars except per share amounts and shares authorized and outstanding) For the year ended December 31 Revenue Gross premiums (Note 14) Premiums ceded to reinsurers (Note 14) Net premiums (Note 14) Investment income (Note 3) Fair value change in fair value through profit or loss assets Realized gain (loss) on fair value through profit or loss assets sold Realized gain (loss) on available for sale assets including impairment write downs (Note 3) Fee income (Note 15) Total revenue Benefits and expenses Gross benefits and claims paid (Note 16) Claims recovery from reinsurers (Note 16) Gross change in insurance contract liabilities (Note 16) Change in insurance contract liabilities ceded (Note 16) Change in investment contracts provision Policy dividends Operating expenses (Note 17) Commissions Commission recovery from reinsurers Interest expense Total benefits and expenses Premium tax Investment and capital tax Net income before income taxes Income taxes (Note 18) Net income Less: net income (loss) attributable to participating policyholders Shareholders' net income (loss) Less: preferred share dividends declared (Note 21) Common shareholders' net income Earnings per share - basic and diluted (Note 19) (2,000,000 shares authorized; 985,076 shares outstanding) 2017 2016 $ 964,589 $ 1,002,252 (130,375) 834,214 281,221 239,407 57,188 5,816 256,759 1,674,605 635,371 (74,622) 361,415 117,444 243 30,436 155,399 183,322 (2,572) 18,164 (120,752) 881,500 254,913 11,873 20,114 11,739 228,369 1,408,508 665,420 (72,670) 204,767 2,531 40 28,564 145,004 197,651 (2,492) 9,297 1,424,600 1,178,112 19,583 3,842 226,580 50,680 175,900 $ (4,666) 180,566 9,630 170,936 $ 173.53 $ 19,529 3,996 206,871 49,705 157,166 (3,439) 160,605 7,884 152,721 155.03 $ $ $ The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 49 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (in thousands of Canadian dollars) For the year ended December 31 Net income Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes: Items that may be reclassified subsequently to net income: Unrealized fair value change on available for sale investments (Note 18) Fair value change on available for sale investments reclassified to net income, including impairment write downs (Note 18) Net unrealized fair value increase (decrease) Items that will not be reclassified to net income: Remeasurements of post-employment benefit liabilities (Note 18) Total other comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to: Participating policyholders Shareholders Total 2017 2016 $ 175,900 $ 157,166 10,174 (3,922) 6,252 (1,999) 4,253 6,287 (8,553) (2,266) 5,400 3,134 $ $ $ 180,153 $ 160,300 (7,906) $ 188,059 180,153 $ (1,710) 162,010 160,300 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 50 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (in thousands of Canadian dollars) For the year ended December 31 2017 2016 Preferred shares (Note 20) $ 249,500 $ — $ 249,500 $ 149,500 $ — $ 149,500 Shareholders' Policyholders' Total Shareholders' Policyholders' Total Common shares (Note 20) Contributed surplus Retained earnings Retained earnings - beginning of year Net income (loss) Preferred share dividends declared Preferred share issue costs net of income tax (Note 20) Retained earnings - end of period 985 19,387 1,224,066 180,566 (9,630) — — — 985 985 19,387 19,387 — — 985 19,387 42,983 (4,666) — — 1,267,049 1,075,120 175,900 (9,630) 160,605 (7,884) — (3,775) 46,422 (3,439) — — 1,121,542 157,166 (7,884) (3,775) 1,395,002 38,317 1,433,319 1,224,066 42,983 1,267,049 Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) - beginning of year Other comprehensive income (loss) Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) - end of period 4,993 7,493 8,144 (3,240) 13,137 4,253 12,486 4,904 17,390 3,588 1,405 4,993 6,415 1,729 8,144 10,003 3,134 13,137 Total equity $ 1,677,360 $ 43,221 $ 1,720,581 $ 1,398,931 $ 51,127 $ 1,450,058 Composition of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) - end of period Unrealized gain (loss) on available for sale financial assets Remeasurements of post-employment benefit liabilities Shareholder portion of policyholders' accumulated other comprehensive income Total accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) $ 20,934 $ 5,844 $ 26,778 $ 11,287 $ 9,239 $ 20,526 (8,903) (485) (9,388) (7,014) (375) (7,389) 455 (455) — 720 (720) — $ 12,486 $ 4,904 $ 17,390 $ 4,993 $ 8,144 $ 13,137 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 51 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (in thousands of Canadian dollars) For the year ended December 31 Operating activities Net income Non-cash items affecting net income: Change in contract liabilities Change in reinsurance liability Fair value change in fair value through profit or loss assets Realized (gain) loss on assets including impairment write downs on available for sale assets Amortization related to discount on debt instruments Amortization related to property and equipment and intangible assets (Notes 6 & 7) Deferred income taxes (Note 18) Other items Cash provided from (used for) operating activities Investing activities Portfolio investments Purchases and advances Sales and maturities Loans on policies Advances Repayments (Increase) decrease in short-term investments Purchase of property and equipment and intangible assets (Notes 6 & 7) Cash provided from (used for) investing activities Financing activities Dividends paid to preferred shareholders (Note 21) Interest paid on subordinated debt Preferred share issue (Note 20) Preferred share issue costs net of income tax (Note 20) Debt Issue (Note 13) Cash provided from (used for) financing activities Net change in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of year (Note 3) Cash and cash equivalents - end of period (Note 3) Supplementary cash flow information related to operating activities: Income taxes paid, net of (refunds) Interest income received Dividend income received 2017 2016 $ 175,900 $ 157,166 361,658 117,444 (239,407) (63,004) (76,494) 7,999 5,504 7,802 297,402 204,807 2,531 (11,873) (31,853) (77,215) 5,065 (639) 44,273 292,262 (2,585,569) 1,966,955 (2,319,608) 1,946,146 (9,890) 12,532 (24,868) (10,830) (8,177) 11,151 (69,222) (13,953) (651,670) (453,663) (8,596) (11,071) 100,000 — 199,300 279,633 (74,635) 368,873 294,238 $ 77,810 $ 162,832 42,525 (5,735) (8,610) 149,500 (3,775) 199,124 330,504 169,103 199,770 368,873 12,370 139,405 35,150 $ $ The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 52 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (in thousands of Canadian dollars except for per share amounts, shares authorized and outstanding and where otherwise stated) 1. Description of Company and Summary of Operations The Empire Life Insurance Company (the “Company” or “Empire Life”) was founded in 1923 when it was organized under a provincial charter in Toronto. Authorization to continue as a federal corporation was obtained in 1987. The Company underwrites life and health insurance policies and provides segregated funds, mutual funds and annuity products for individuals and groups across Canada. The Company is a subsidiary of E-L Financial Corporation Limited (the "Parent” or “E-L”). The head office, principal address and registered office of the Company are located at 259 King Street East, Kingston, Ontario, K7L 3A8. Empire Life is a Federally Regulated Financial Institution, regulated by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions, Canada (OSFI). Empire Life became a public company on August 5, 2015 and registered as a public issuer with the Ontario Securities Commission. The Company established a mutual fund subsidiary in 2011, Empire Life Investments Inc. (ELII). ELII became a registered Investment Funds Manager on January 5, 2012. The head office for ELII is located at 165 University Avenue, 9th Floor, Toronto, Ontario, M5H 3B8. These Consolidated Financial Statements were approved by the Company’s Board of Directors (the Board) on February 27, 2018. 2. Significant Accounting Policies (a) Basis of preparation The annual Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2017 have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). These Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared on a fair value measurement basis, with the exception of certain assets and liabilities. Insurance contract liabilities and Reinsurance assets/ liabilities are measured on a discounted basis in accordance with accepted actuarial practice. Investment contract liabilities, Mortgages, Policy contract loans and Loans on policies are carried at amortized cost. Certain other assets and liabilities are measured on a historical cost basis, as explained throughout this note. All amounts included in the Consolidated Financial Statements are presented in thousands of Canadian dollars except for per share amounts and where otherwise stated. These Consolidated Financial Statements also comply with the accounting requirements of OSFI, none of which are an exception to IFRS. (b) Basis of consolidation The Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements include the assets, liabilities, results of operations and cash flows of the Company and its wholly-owned and controlled subsidiary, ELII. The Company owns 100% of the voting shares and maintains control of its subsidiary. The Company controls an entity when the Company is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Company. They are deconsolidated from the date that control ceases. The financial statements of ELII are prepared for the same reporting period as the Company, using consistent accounting policies. All significant inter-company transactions, balances, income and expenses are eliminated in full on consolidation. (c) Critical accounting estimates and judgements The preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements, in accordance with IFRS, requires management to make judgements and estimates and form assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as at the date of the Consolidated Financial Statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the year. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates its judgements, estimates and critical assumptions in relation to assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. Actual results could differ from these estimates and changes in estimates are recorded in the accounting period in which they are determined. Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 53 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (in thousands of Canadian dollars except for per share amounts, shares authorized and outstanding and where otherwise stated) The Company considers the following items to be particularly susceptible to changes in estimates and judgements: (i) Insurance-related liabilities Liabilities for insurance contracts are determined using the Canadian Asset Liability Method (CALM), which incorporates best-estimate assumptions for mortality, morbidity, policy lapses, surrenders, future investment yields, policy dividends, administration costs and margins for adverse deviation. These assumptions are reviewed at least annually and are updated to reflect actual experience and market conditions. Changes in the assumptions and margins for adverse deviation can have a significant impact on the valuation of insurance related liabilities. Additional information regarding insurance-related liabilities is included in Notes 2(e), 2(k),10 and 28. (ii) Financial instruments classification Management judgement is used to classify financial instruments as fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL), available for sale (AFS) or loans and receivables. Most financial assets supporting insurance contract liabilities and investment contract liabilities are designated as FVTPL. Most financial assets supporting capital and surplus and participating accounts are classified as AFS. Loans and receivables support both contract liabilities and capital and surplus. The designation of a financial instrument as FVTPL or AFS dictates whether unrealized fair value changes are reported in Net income or Other comprehensive income (OCI). Additional information regarding financial instrument classification is included in Notes 2(d), 3(a), 3(b) and 10(c). (iii) Pension and other post-employment benefits Pension and other employee future benefits expense is calculated by independent actuaries using assumptions determined by management. The assumptions made affect the pension and other employee future benefits expense included in Net income. If actual experience differs from the assumptions used, the resulting experience gain or loss is recorded in OCI. Additional information regarding pension and other post-employment benefits is included in Notes 2(j) and 12. (iv) Impairment AFS securities and loans and receivables are reviewed at each quarter-end reporting period to identify and evaluate investments that show indications of possible impairment. For AFS securities and loans and receivables, impairment losses are recognized if there is objective evidence of impairment as a result of an event that reduces the estimated future cash flows of the instrument and the impact can be reliably estimated. Objective evidence of impairment includes, but is not limited to, bankruptcy or default, delinquency by a debtor, and specific adverse conditions affecting an industry or a region. In addition, for equity securities, a significant or prolonged decline in the fair value of a security below its cost is objective evidence of impairment. For these purposes management considers a significant decline to be 20% or greater and a prolonged period to be 12 months or greater. The decision to record a write-down, its amount and the period in which it is recorded could change if management’s assessment of those factors were different. Impairment write-downs on debt securities are not recorded when impairment is due to changes in market interest rates, if future contractual cash flows associated with the debt security are still expected to be recovered. Additional information regarding impairment is included in Notes 2(d), 3(b), 10(c) and 28(c). Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 54 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (in thousands of Canadian dollars except for per share amounts, shares authorized and outstanding and where otherwise stated) (d) Financial instruments (i) Fair value Fair value is the amount of consideration that would be agreed upon in an arm’s length transaction between knowledgeable, willing parties who are under no compulsion to act. When a financial instrument is initially recognized, its fair value is generally the value of the consideration paid or received. Subsequent to initial recognition, the fair value of a financial asset or liability quoted in an active market is generally the closing price. For financial instruments such as cash equivalents and short-term investments that have a short duration, the carrying value of these instruments approximates fair value. Fair value measurements used in these Consolidated Financial Statements have been classified by using a fair value hierarchy based upon the transparency of the inputs used in making the measurements. The three levels of the hierarchy are: Level 1 - Fair value is based on unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in an active market. The types of financial instruments classified as level 1 generally include cash and exchange traded common and preferred shares and derivatives. Level 2 - Fair value is based on quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, valuation that is based on significant observable inputs, or inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated with observable market data through correlation or other means. The types of financial instruments classified as level 2 generally include cash equivalents, government bonds, certain corporate and private bonds, short-term investments, certain common shares (real estate limited partnership units) and over the counter derivatives. Level 3 - Fair value is based on valuation techniques that require one or more significant inputs that are not based on observable market inputs. These unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s expectations about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. All of the Company’s financial instruments requiring fair value measurement meet the requirements of Level 1 or Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. (ii) Cash and cash equivalents and investments Cash and cash equivalents are short-term, highly liquid investments that are subject to insignificant changes in value and are readily convertible into known amounts of cash. Cash equivalents comprise financial assets with maturities of three months or less from the date of acquisition. Short-term investments comprise financial assets with maturities of greater than three months and less than one year when acquired. Most financial assets supporting insurance contract liabilities and investment contract liabilities are designated as FVTPL. These assets may be comprised of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, bonds and debentures, common and preferred shares, futures, forwards and options. Changes in the fair value of these financial assets are recorded in Fair value change in FVTPL assets in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in the period in which they occur. Most financial assets supporting capital and surplus and participating accounts are classified as AFS. These assets may be comprised of short-term investments, bonds and debentures or common and preferred shares. AFS assets are carried at fair value in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. Except for foreign currency gains/losses on monetary AFS assets and impairment losses, any changes in the fair value are recorded, net of income taxes, in OCI. Gains and losses realized on sale or maturity of AFS assets are reclassified from OCI to Realized gain (loss) on AFS assets in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 55 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (in thousands of Canadian dollars except for per share amounts, shares authorized and outstanding and where otherwise stated) Loans and receivables may include mortgage loans, loans on policies and policy contract loans. These assets are recorded at amortized cost, using the effective interest rate method, net of provisions for impairment losses, if any. Mortgage loans are secured by real estate. Loans on policies and policy contract loans are secured by policy values. Loans and receivables are defined as non- derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in active markets. All transactions are recorded on the trade date. Transaction costs are expensed for FVTPL instruments and capitalized for all others. (iii) Derivative financial instruments The Company uses derivative financial instruments to manage exposure to foreign currency, equity and other market risks associated with certain assets and liabilities. Derivative financial assets and liabilities are classified as FVTPL. Therefore, they are initially recorded at fair value on the acquisition date and subsequently revalued at their fair value as at each reporting date. Derivative financial instruments with a positive fair value are disclosed as derivative assets while derivative financial instruments with a negative fair value are disclosed as other liabilities. Changes in fair value are recorded, in Fair value change in FVTPL assets, in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. (iv) Impairment All investments other than FVTPL instruments are assessed for impairment at each reporting date. Impairment is recognized in net income (loss), when there is objective evidence that a loss event has occurred which has impaired the estimated future cash flows of an asset. (1) AFS debt instruments An AFS debt instrument would be identified as impaired when there is objective evidence suggesting that timely collection of the contractual principal or interest is no longer reasonably assured. This may result from a breach of contract by the issuer, such as a default or delinquency in interest or principal payments, or evidence that the issuer is in significant financial difficulty. Impairment is recognized through Net income (loss). Impairment losses previously recorded through Net income (loss) are reversed if the fair value subsequently increases and the increases can be objectively related to an event occurring after the impairment loss was recognized. (2) AFS equity instruments Objective evidence of impairment exists if there has been a significant or prolonged decline in the fair value of the investment below its cost or if there is a significant adverse change in the technological, market, economic or legal environment in which the issuer operates or the issuer is experiencing financial difficulties. The accounting for an impairment that is recognized in Net income (loss) is the same as described for AFS debt instruments above with the exception that impairment losses previously recognized in net income (loss) cannot be subsequently reversed through Net income (loss). Any subsequent increase in value is recorded in OCI. (3) Loans and receivables Mortgages and loans are individually evaluated for impairment in establishing the allowance for impairment. Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 56 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (in thousands of Canadian dollars except for per share amounts, shares authorized and outstanding and where otherwise stated) Objective evidence of impairment exists if there is no longer reasonable assurance of full collection of loan principal or loan interest related to a mortgage, policy contract loan or a loan on a policy. Events and conditions considered in determining if there is objective evidence of impairment include the value of the security underlying the loan, geographic location, industry classification of the borrower, an assessment of the financial stability and credit worthiness of the borrower, repayment history and an assessment of the impact of current economic conditions. If objective evidence of impairment is found, allowances for credit losses are established to adjust the carrying value of these assets to their net recoverable amount and the impairment loss is recorded in Net income (loss). If, in a subsequent period, the amount of the impairment loss decreases and the decrease can be objectively related to an event occurring after the impairment was recognized, the impairment loss is reversed by adjusting the allowance account and the reversal is recognized in Net income (loss). (v) Derecognition A financial asset is derecognized when the contractual rights to its cash flows expire or the Company has transferred its economic rights to the asset and substantially all risks and rewards. In instances where substantially all risks and rewards have not been transferred or retained, the assets are derecognized if the asset is not controlled through rights to sell or pledge the asset. (vi) Other Insurance receivables and trade accounts receivables have been classified as loans or receivables and are carried at amortized cost. Trade accounts receivables are presented as Other assets. Accounts payable and other liabilities (excluding derivative liabilities) and Insurance payables have been classified as other financial liabilities and are carried at amortized cost. For these financial instruments, carrying value approximates fair value due to their short term nature. (vii)Securities lending The Company engages in securities lending through its custodian as lending agent. Loaned securities are not derecognized and continue to be reported within Investments in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position, as the Company retains substantial risks and rewards and economic benefits related to the loaned securities. For further details, refer to Note 3(e). (e) Reinsurance The Company enters into reinsurance agreements in order to limit its exposure to significant losses. The Company has a Reinsurance Risk Management policy which requires that such arrangements be placed with well-established, highly rated reinsurers. Reinsurance is measured consistently with the amounts associated with the underlying insurance contracts and in accordance with the terms of each reinsurance treaty. Amounts due to or from reinsurers with respect to premiums received or claims paid are included in Insurance receivables and Insurance liabilities in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. Premiums for reinsurance ceded are presented as Premiums ceded to reinsurers in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Reinsurance recoveries on claims incurred are recorded as Claims recovery from reinsurers in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The reinsurers’ share of Insurance contract liabilities is recorded as Reinsurance assets or Reinsurance liabilities in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position at the same time as the underlying insurance contract liability to which it relates. Reinsurance assets are reviewed for impairment at each reporting date or more frequently when an indication of impairment arises during the reporting year. Impairment occurs when objective evidence exists that not all amounts due under the terms of the contract will be received. If a reinsurance asset is determined to be impaired, it would be written down to its recoverable amount and the impairment loss would be recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Gains or losses on buying reinsurance are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations immediately at the date of purchase and are not amortized. Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 57 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (in thousands of Canadian dollars except for per share amounts, shares authorized and outstanding and where otherwise stated) (f) Property and equipment Property and equipment comprises own use land, buildings, leasehold improvements and furniture and equipment. All classes of assets are carried at cost less accumulated amortization including any impairment losses, except for land, which is not subject to amortization. Cost includes all expenditures that are directly attributable to the acquisition of an asset. Subsequent costs are included in the asset’s carrying amount only when it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the Company and the cost can be measured reliably. Amortization is calculated to write down the cost of property and equipment to their residual values over their estimated useful lives as follows: Land Building Furniture and equipment Leasehold improvements No amortization Five percent (declining balance) Three to five years (straight-line) Remaining lease term (straight-line) Amortization is included in Operating expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The estimated useful lives, residual values and amortization methods are reviewed at each year-end, with the effect of any changes in estimate accounted for on a prospective basis. Impairment reviews are performed when there are indicators that the carrying value may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized for the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds its expected recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. Impairment losses are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. (g) Intangible assets Intangible assets include computer software, related licenses and software development costs, which are carried at cost less accumulated amortization and any impairment losses. Amortization of intangible assets is calculated using the straight-line method to allocate the costs over their estimated useful lives, which are generally between three and seven years. Amortization is included in Operating expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. For intangible assets under development, amortization begins when the asset is available for use. The Company does not have intangible assets with indefinite useful lives. Changes in the expected useful life or the expected pattern of consumption of future economic benefits embodied in the asset are accounted for by changing the amortization period or method, as appropriate, and are treated as changes in accounting estimates. Impairment reviews are performed when there are indicators that the carrying value may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized for the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds its expected recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. For the purposes of assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are separately identifiable cash flows. Impairment losses are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 58 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (in thousands of Canadian dollars except for per share amounts, shares authorized and outstanding and where otherwise stated) (h) Segregated funds Certain insurance contracts allow the policyholder to invest in segregated investment funds managed by the Company for the benefit of these policyholders. Although the underlying assets are registered in the Company's name and the policyholder has no direct access to the specific assets, the contractual arrangements are such that the segregated fund policyholder bears the risk and rewards of the fund's investment performance. Segregated fund assets are not available to pay liabilities of the general fund. The assets of these funds are carried at their period-end fair values. The Company records a segregated fund policy liability equal to the fair value of the assets and any guarantees are recorded as an insurance contract liability. The Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations includes fee income earned for management of the segregated funds, as well as expenses related to the acquisition, investment management, administration and death benefit, maturity benefit and withdrawal guarantees of these funds. See Note 8 for details on segregated fund assets and changes in segregated fund assets. The Company provides minimum guarantees on certain segregated fund contracts. These include minimum death, maturity and withdrawal benefit guarantees which are accounted for as insurance contracts. The actuarial liabilities associated with these minimum guarantees are recorded within Insurance contract liabilities. Sensitivity of the Company’s liability for segregated fund guarantees to market fluctuations is disclosed in Note 28(a)(1). (i) Subordinated debt Subordinated debt is recorded at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method. Interest on subordinated debt is reported as Interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. (j) Employee benefits The Company provides employee pension benefits through either a defined benefit or a defined contribution component of its pension plan. The Company discontinued new enrolments in the defined benefit component effective October 1, 2011 and introduced a defined contribution component effective January 1, 2012 for new enrolments and for any existing employees who chose to transfer from the defined benefit component. The Company also provides other post-employment benefits. (i) Pension benefits The defined benefit plan defines an amount of pension benefit that an employee will receive on retirement, dependent on factors such as age, years of service and compensation. The liability recognized in the balance sheet in respect of the defined benefit component is the present value of the defined benefit obligation at the end of the reporting period less the fair value of plan assets. The defined benefit obligation is calculated annually by independent qualified actuaries using the projected unit credit method. The present value of the defined benefit obligation is determined by discounting the estimated future cash outflows using current interest rates of high-quality corporate bonds. Defined benefit expense includes the net interest on the net defined benefit liability (asset) calculated using a discount rate based on market yields on high quality bonds as of prior-year end. Actuarial gains and losses arising from experience adjustments and changes in actuarial assumptions are charged or credited to OCI in the period in which they arise, and remain in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI). Past-service costs are recognized immediately in net income. The defined contribution component of the Plan is a component under which the Company pays fixed contributions into a separate entity. The Company has no legal or constructive obligations to pay further contributions if the fund does not hold sufficient assets to pay employees the benefits relating to employee service in the current and prior periods. The contributions are recognized as employee benefit expense when they are due. Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 59 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (in thousands of Canadian dollars except for per share amounts, shares authorized and outstanding and where otherwise stated) (ii) Other post-employment benefits The Company also provides other post-employment benefits to their retirees. The entitlement to these benefits is conditional on the employee remaining in service up to retirement age and the completion of a minimum service period. The expected costs of these benefits are accrued over the period of employment using the same accounting methodology as used for defined benefit pension plans. Actuarial gains and losses arising from experience adjustments and changes in actuarial assumptions are charged or credited to OCI in the period in which they arise and remain in AOCI. These obligations are valued annually by independent qualified actuaries and are not funded. (iii) Termination benefits Termination benefits are payable when employment is terminated before the normal retirement date or whenever an employee accepts voluntary redundancy in exchange for these benefits. The Company recognizes termination benefits when it is demonstrably committed to either terminating the employment of current employees according to a detailed formal plan without realistic possibility of withdrawal or providing termination benefits as a result of an offer made to encourage voluntary redundancy. (k) Insurance and investment contracts (i) Product classification Insurance contracts are those contracts that transfer significant insurance risk at the inception of the contract. Insurance risk is transferred when the Company agrees to compensate a policyholder if a specified uncertain future event (other than a change in a financial variable) adversely affects the policyholder and the insurance contract has commercial substance. Any contracts not meeting the definition of an insurance contract under IFRS are classified as investment contracts or service contracts, as appropriate. Products issued by the Company that transfer significant insurance risk have been classified as insurance contracts in accordance with IFRS 4 Insurance Contracts. Otherwise, products issued by the Company are classified as either investment contracts in accordance with IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement or service contracts in accordance with IAS 18 Revenue. The Company defines significant insurance risk as the possibility of paying at least 2% more than the benefits payable if the insured event did not occur. When referring to multiple contract types, the Company uses the terminology policy liabilities. Once a contract has been classified as an insurance contract, it remains an insurance contract for the remainder of its lifetime, even if the insurance risk reduces significantly during this period, unless all rights and obligations are extinguished or expire. Investment contracts, however, can be reclassified as insurance contracts after inception if insurance risk becomes significant. The Company classifies its insurance and investment contracts into three main categories: short-term insurance contracts, long-term insurance contracts and investment contracts. (1) Insurance contracts The Company’s insurance contract liabilities are determined using accepted actuarial practices according to standards established by the Canadian Institute of Actuaries (CIA) and the requirements of OSFI. The Company uses CALM for valuation of insurance contracts, which satisfies the IFRS 4 Insurance Contracts requirements for eligibility for use under IFRS. (a) Short-term insurance contracts These contracts include both annuity products and group benefits. The annuity products classified as short-term insurance contracts are guaranteed investment options that provide for a fixed rate of return over a fixed period. Contracts include certain guarantees that are initiated upon death of the annuitant. The liabilities are determined using CALM. Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 60 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (in thousands of Canadian dollars except for per share amounts, shares authorized and outstanding and where otherwise stated) The group benefits classified as short-term insurance contracts include short-term disability, health and dental benefits. Benefits are typically paid within one year of being incurred. Liabilities for unpaid claims are estimated using statistical analysis and Company experience for claims incurred but not reported. (b) Long-term insurance contracts These contracts include insurance products, annuity products and group benefits. In all cases, liabilities represent an estimate of the amount that, together with estimated future premiums and investment income, will be sufficient to pay future benefits, dividends, expenses and premium taxes on policies in force. The insurance products so classified are life insurance and critical illness that provide for benefit payments related to death, survival or the occurrence of a critical illness. Terms extend over a long duration. The annuity products classified as long-term insurance contracts include both annuities that provide for income payments for the life of the annuitant and guarantees associated with the Company’s segregated fund products. The group benefits classified as long-term insurance contracts are life benefits which are payable upon death of the insured and disability benefits that provide for income replacement in case of disability. The determination of long-term insurance contract liabilities requires best estimate assumptions that cover the remaining life of the policies. Due to the long-term risks and measurement uncertainties inherent in the life insurance business, a margin for adverse deviation from best estimates is included in each assumption. These margins allow for possible deterioration in future experience and provide for greater confidence that insurance contract liabilities are adequate to pay future benefits. The resulting provisions for adverse deviation have the effect of increasing insurance contract liabilities and decreasing the income that otherwise would have been recognized at policy inception. Assumptions are reviewed and updated at least annually and the impact of changes in those assumptions is reflected in Gross change in insurance contract liabilities and/or Change in insurance contract liabilities ceded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in the year of the change. Annually, the Appointed Actuary determines whether insurance contract liabilities (for both short-term and long-term categories) are sufficient to cover the obligations and deferred acquisition costs that relate to policies in force as at the date of the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. A number of valuation methods are applied, including CALM, discounted cash flows and stochastic modeling. Aggregation levels and the level of prudence applied in assessing liability adequacy are consistent with requirements of the CIA. Any adjustment is recorded as a Gross change in insurance contract liabilities and/or Change in insurance contract liabilities ceded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. (2) Investment contracts These contracts include annuity products that do not involve the transfer of significant insurance risk, either at inception or during the life of the contract. For the Company, products so classified are limited to term certain annuities that provide for income payments for a specified period of time. Investment contract liabilities are recognized when contracts are entered into and deposits are received. These liabilities are initially recognized at fair value, and subsequently they are carried at amortized cost based on expected future cash flows using the effective interest rate method. The expected future cash flows are re-estimated at each reporting date and the carrying amount of the financial liability is recalculated as the present value of estimated future cash flows using the financial liability’s original effective interest rate. Any adjustment is immediately recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Deposits and withdrawals are recorded in Investment contract liabilities on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 61 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (in thousands of Canadian dollars except for per share amounts, shares authorized and outstanding and where otherwise stated) (ii) Premiums Gross premiums for all types of insurance contracts are recognized as revenue when due and collection is reasonably assured. When premiums are recognized, actuarial liabilities are computed, with the result that benefits and expenses are matched with such revenue. Annuity premiums are comprised solely of new deposits on general fund products with a guaranteed rate of return and exclude deposits on segregated fund and investment contract products. (iii) Benefits and claims paid Benefits are recorded as an expense when they are incurred. Annuity payments are expensed when due for payment. Health insurance claims are accounted for when there is sufficient evidence of their existence and a reasonable assessment can be made of the monetary amount involved. Benefits and claims paid include the direct costs of settlement. Reinsurance recoveries are accounted for in the same period as the related claim. (iv) Deferred acquisition costs Distribution costs of segregated funds having a deferred sales charge are deferred and amortized over the term of the related deposits or the applicable period of such sales charge, as appropriate. These deferred costs form part of Insurance contract liabilities on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. The costs deferred in the period and amortization of deferred costs form part of the Gross change in insurance contract liabilities on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. (l) Participating policies The Company maintains an account in respect of participating policies (“participating account”), separate from those maintained in respect of other policies, in the form and manner determined by OSFI under sections 456-464 of the Insurance Companies Act. The participating account includes all policies issued by the Company that entitle its policyholders to participate in the profits of the participating account. The Company has discretion as to the amount and timing of dividend payments which take into consideration the continuing solvency of the participating account. Dividends are paid annually, with a few older plans paying dividends every five years as per contractual provisions. Participating policyholder dividends are recognized as Policy dividends expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. At the end of the reporting period all participating insurance contract liabilities, both guaranteed and discretionary, are held within Insurance contract liabilities, Policyholders’ funds on deposit and Provision for profits to policyholders. All participating policy reinsurance ceded at the end of the reporting period is held within Reinsurance assets or Reinsurance liabilities. Net income (loss) attributable to participating policyholders is shown on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to participating policyholders is shown on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. The participating policyholders’ portion of Retained earnings and Accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) is reported separately in the Policyholders’ equity section of the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity. Supplementary participating policyholder information is reported in Note 23. (i) Investment policy The investments in the participating account are subject to limits established by the Insurance Companies Act and to investment guidelines established by the Investment Committee of the Board. The investment guidelines are designed to limit overall investment risk by defining investment objectives, eligible investments, diversification criteria, exposure, concentration and asset quality limits for eligible investments. Interest rate risk is managed through Investment Committee established limits and regular reporting by management to the Investment Committee and the Board. The Asset Management Committee oversees sensitivity to interest rates. The objective is to maximize investment yields while managing the default, liquidity and reinvestment risks at acceptable and measurable low levels. Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 62 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (in thousands of Canadian dollars except for per share amounts, shares authorized and outstanding and where otherwise stated) (ii) Investment income allocation Investment income is recorded directly to each asset segment. When there is a deficiency of funds over assets, a portion of investment income is allocated to the Shareholders’ Capital and Surplus segment from the participating account’s asset segments in proportion to the deficiency of funds over assets of each segment. When there is an excess of funds over assets, a portion of investment income is allocated from the Shareholders’ Capital and Surplus segment to the participating account’s asset segments in proportion to the excess of funds over assets of each segment. (iii) Expense allocation For purposes of allocation of profits to the participating account, expenses associated directly with the participating account will be attributed to the participating account. Expenses arising from or varying directly with various functional activities are charged to the participating account in proportion to statistics appropriate to each cost centre. Expenses incurred by overhead cost centres are charged to the participating account in proportion to expenses directly charged. Investment expenses are allocated monthly to the participating account in proportion to the Company’s total funds at the beginning of each month. Premium taxes are allocated in proportion to taxable premiums. Other taxes, licenses, and fees are allocated to lines of business using cost centre methods. (iv) Income tax allocation For the purpose of allocation of profits to the participating account, income taxes are allocated to the participating account in proportion to total taxable income for the Company. (m) Fee income Fee income includes investment management, policy administration and guarantee fees that are recognized on an accrual basis, and surrender charges that are recognized as incurred. Fee income earned for investment management, administration and guarantees of the investment funds is based on the funds’ closing net asset values. (n) Investment income Interest income is recognized using the effective interest rate method. Fees that are an integral part of the effective yield of the financial asset are recognized as an adjustment to the effective interest rate of the instrument. Dividend income is recognized when the right to receive payment is established, which is usually the ex- dividend date. Interest income and dividend income are included in Investment income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for all financial assets. (o) Income taxes Income tax expense for the period is comprised of current and deferred tax. Tax is recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations except to the extent that it relates to items recognized in OCI or directly in equity. In these cases, the tax is recognized in OCI or directly in equity, respectively. Current tax assets and liabilities for the current and prior periods are measured at the amount expected to be recovered from or paid to the taxation authorities. The tax rates and tax laws used to compute the amount are those that are enacted or substantively enacted at the end of each reporting period. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recorded for the expected future income tax consequences of events that have been reflected in the consolidated financial statements. Deferred income taxes are provided for using the liability method. Under the liability method, deferred income taxes are recognized for all significant temporary differences between tax and financial statement bases for assets and liabilities and for certain carry-forward items. Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 63 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (in thousands of Canadian dollars except for per share amounts, shares authorized and outstanding and where otherwise stated) Deferred income tax assets are recognized only to the extent that, in the opinion of management, it is probable that the deferred income tax assets will be realized. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates, on the date of their substantive enactment. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset if there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax liabilities and assets and they relate to income taxes levied by the same tax authority on the same taxable entity. (p) Foreign currency translation The Company uses the Canadian dollar as both its functional and presentational currency. Foreign currency transactions are accounted for at the exchange rates prevailing at the date of the transactions. Gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions, and from the translation of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies, are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. For monetary financial assets designated as AFS, translation differences are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Translation differences on non-monetary items, such as foreign denominated AFS common equities, are recognized in OCI and included in the AFS component within AOCI. On derecognition of an AFS non-monetary financial asset, the cumulative exchange gain or loss previously recognized in AOCI is recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. (q) Comprehensive income Comprehensive income consists of Net income and OCI. OCI includes items that may be reclassified subsequently to Net income: Unrealized fair value change on AFS investments, net of amounts reclassified to net income and the Amortization of loss on derivative investments designated as cash flow hedges. OCI also includes items that will not be reclassified to net income: Remeasurements of post- employment benefit liabilities. All OCI amounts are net of taxes. (r) Provisions Provisions are recognized when the Company has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of past events, it is probable that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation and the amount can be reliably estimated. If the outflow of economic benefits is not probable, a contingent liability is disclosed unless the possibility of an outflow of economic benefits is remote. Any change in estimate of a provision is recorded in Net income. Provisions are not recognized for future operating losses. Provisions are measured as the present value of the expected expenditures to settle the obligation using a discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the obligation. (s) Leases The Company leases certain property and equipment. The Company does not have substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership and these leases are therefore classified as operating leases. Payments made under operating leases are charged to Net income on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. (t) Earnings per share (EPS) Basic EPS is calculated by dividing the Net income (loss) for the period attributable to common shareholders of the Company by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. The Company does not have any potentially dilutive instruments. As a result, diluted EPS are the same as basic EPS. Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 64 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (in thousands of Canadian dollars except for per share amounts, shares authorized and outstanding and where otherwise stated) (u) Accounting changes (i) New accounting pronouncements adopted in 2017 (1) Amendments to IAS 12 Income Taxes In January 2016, the IASB issued amendments to clarify the requirements for recognizing deferred tax assets on unrealized losses. The amendments clarify the accounting for deferred tax where an asset is measured at fair value and that fair value is below the asset’s tax base. They also clarify certain other aspects of accounting for deferred tax assets. Adoption of the amendment on January 1, 2017 did not have a significant impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements. (2) Amendments to IAS 7 Statement of Cash Flows In January 2016, the IASB issued an amendment to IAS 7 introducing an additional disclosure that will enable users of financial statements to evaluate changes in liabilities arising from financing activities. The amendment is part of the IASB’s Disclosure Initiative, which continues to explore how financial statement disclosure can be improved. Adoption of the amendment on January 1, 2017 did not have a significant impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements. (ii) New accounting pronouncements issued but not yet effective (1) IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers The IASB has issued a new standard for the recognition of revenue which is effective on January 1, 2018. This will replace IAS 18 Revenue which covers contracts for goods and services and IAS 11 Construction Contracts which covers construction contracts. The new standard is based on the principle that revenue is recognized when control of a good or service transfers to a customer. The standard permits either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective approach for the adoption. Management has completed their analysis of IFRS 15 and has assessed that there are no material impacts to the Company and the Consolidated Financial Statements. (2) IFRS 9 Financial Instruments IFRS 9, effective for periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018 with retrospective application replaces IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement with a new mixed measurement model having only two measurement categories of amortized cost and FVTPL for financial assets. Under IFRS 9, all financial assets currently within the scope of IAS 39 will be measured at either amortized cost or FVTPL. Classification will depend on the business model and the contractual cash flow characteristics of the financial asset. All equity instruments will be measured at FVTPL. A debt instrument is measured at amortized cost only if it is held to collect the contractual cash flows and the cash flows represent principal and interest, otherwise it is measured at FVTPL. For financial liabilities designated as at FVTPL, the change in the fair value attributable to changes in the liability’s credit risk is recognized in OCI unless it gives rise to an accounting mismatch in profit or loss. On September 12, 2016, the IASB published an amendment to IFRS 4 Insurance Contracts (subsequently changed to IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts). The amendment provides two different solutions for insurance companies relating to IFRS 9, both of which are optional: • • a temporary exemption from IFRS 9 for entities that meet specific requirements (applied at the reporting entity level); and the ‘overlay approach’. Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 65       NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (in thousands of Canadian dollars except for per share amounts, shares authorized and outstanding and where otherwise stated) The Company will apply the temporary exemption for periods beginning before January 1, 2021, which allows continued application of IAS 39 instead of adopting IFRS 9, if the Company’s activities are ‘predominantly connected with insurance’. To assess whether activities are ‘predominantly connected with insurance’ two criteria were satisfied: • • Carrying amount of liabilities arising from contracts within IFRS 17’s scope is significant, compared to the total carrying amount of liabilities; and Comparison of total carrying amount of liabilities connected with insurance with the total carrying amount of all of its liabilities. Liabilities connected with insurance include segregated fund liabilities measured at FVTPL applying IAS 39, and liabilities that arise because the insurer issues or fulfils obligations arising from those insurance and segregated fund contracts. The second test is passed if the resulting percentage is either: greater than 90%; or if it is less than or equal to 90% but greater than 80%, and the insurer is not engaged in a significant activity unconnected with insurance. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of IFRS 9 and related amendment to IFRS 17 on its Consolidated Financial Statements. (3) IFRS 16 Leases In January 2016, the IASB published IFRS 16 which is effective January 1, 2019. The new standard requires the capitalization of all leases by recognizing the present value of the lease payments and showing them as lease assets, and recognizing a financial liability representing an obligation to make future lease payments. The Company is evaluating the impact of IFRS 16 on its Consolidated Financial Statements. (4) IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts IFRS 17 was issued in May 2017 as replacement for IFRS 4 Insurance Contracts. It requires a current measurement model where estimates are re-measured each reporting period. Contracts are measured using the building blocks of: • • • discounted probability-weighted cash flows; an explicit risk adjustment; and a contractual service margin (“CSM”) representing the unearned profit of the contract which is recognized as revenue over the coverage period. The standard allows a choice between recognizing changes in discount rates either in the income statement or directly in other comprehensive income. The choice is likely to reflect how insurers account for their financial assets under IFRS 9.  An optional, simplified premium allocation approach is permitted for the liability for the remaining coverage for short duration contracts, which are often written by non-life insurers.  There is a modification of the general measurement model called the ‘variable fee approach’ for certain contracts written by life insurers where policyholders share in the returns from underlying items. When applying the variable fee approach the entity’s share of the fair value changes of the underlying items is included in the CSM. The results of insurers using this model are therefore likely to be less volatile than under the general model.  IFRS 17 is effective for reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2021, with comparative figures required to be restated. The Company is evaluating the impact of IFRS 17 on its Consolidated Financial Statements. Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 66         NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (in thousands of Canadian dollars except for per share amounts, shares authorized and outstanding and where otherwise stated) 3. Financial Instruments (a) Summary of Cash and cash equivalents and investments The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents and investments are as follows: As at Asset category December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Fair value through profit or loss Available for sale Total carrying value Fair value through profit or loss Available for sale Total carrying value $ 21,587 $ — $ 21,587 $ 14,278 $ Cash and cash equivalents Cash Cash equivalents Total cash and cash equivalents Short-term investments Canadian federal government Canadian provincial governments Canadian municipal governments Corporate Total short-term investments Bonds Canadian federal government Canadian provincial governments Canadian municipal governments Total Canadian government bonds Canadian corporate bonds by industry sector: Energy Materials Industrials Consumer discretionary Consumer staples Health care Financial services Communications Utilities Real estate Infrastructure Total Canadian corporate bonds 272,651 294,238 13,960 — — 34,962 48,922 120,161 2,983,416 98,191 3,201,768 64,591 10,287 57,934 21,882 87,811 82,202 557,368 79,167 349,863 916 281,085 1,593,106 — — 44,937 33,883 — — 78,820 392,076 415,016 83,547 890,639 66,800 — 60,443 28,859 77,108 22,352 384,757 47,987 67,884 — 31,905 788,095 272,651 294,238 58,897 33,883 — 34,962 127,742 512,237 3,398,432 181,738 4,092,407 131,391 10,287 118,377 50,741 164,919 104,554 942,125 127,154 417,747 916 312,990 2,381,201 354,595 368,873 4,983 — 3,963 24,045 32,991 81,516 2,614,635 78,743 2,774,894 50,679 10,716 54,162 17,037 78,747 69,543 504,027 45,101 317,114 6,726 278,675 1,432,527 — $ — — 69,883 — — — 69,883 288,200 310,369 72,819 671,388 43,649 — 33,343 27,028 65,110 22,084 343,255 28,148 42,408 — 37,338 642,363 14,278 354,595 368,873 74,866 — 3,963 24,045 102,874 369,716 2,925,004 151,562 3,446,282 94,328 10,716 87,505 44,065 143,857 91,627 847,282 73,249 359,522 6,726 316,013 2,074,890 Total bonds 4,794,874 1,678,734 6,473,608 4,207,421 1,313,751 5,521,172 Total preferred shares - Canadian 396,257 12,004 408,261 274,871 10,313 285,184 Common shares Canadian common shares Canadian real estate limited partnership units U.S. Other Total common shares Total derivative assets Loans and receivables Mortgages Loans on policies Policy contract loans 687,095 56,414 743,509 582,582 66,969 649,551 91,894 39,655 30,346 848,990 1,399 — — — — — 530 56,944 — — — — 91,894 39,655 30,876 905,934 1,399 221,973 51,692 74,603 75,594 181,600 22,866 862,642 3,855 — — — — — — 66,969 — — — — 75,594 181,600 22,866 929,611 3,855 264,309 47,969 80,944 Total financial instruments $ 6,384,680 $ 1,826,502 $ 8,559,450 $ 5,750,653 $ 1,460,916 $ 7,604,791 Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 67 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (in thousands of Canadian dollars except for per share amounts, shares authorized and outstanding and where otherwise stated) The following table presents the fair value of cash and cash equivalents and investments classified by the fair value hierarchy: As at December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Level 1 Level 2 Total fair value Level 1 Level 2 Total fair value Fair value through profit or loss: Cash and cash equivalents Short-term investments Bonds Preferred shares Common shares Derivative assets Available for sale: Short-term investments Bonds Preferred shares Common shares Loans and Receivables Mortgages Loans on policies Policy contract loans Total $ 21,587 $ 272,651 $ 294,238 $ 14,278 $ 354,595 $ 368,873 — — 48,922 48,922 4,794,874 4,794,874 — — 32,991 32,991 4,207,421 4,207,421 396,257 757,096 1,398 — — 12,004 56,944 — 91,894 1 396,257 848,990 1,399 78,820 78,820 1,678,734 1,678,734 — — 12,004 56,944 274,871 787,048 3,265 — — 10,313 66,969 — 75,594 590 274,871 862,642 3,855 69,883 69,883 1,313,751 1,313,751 — — 10,313 66,969 — — — 224,982 224,982 51,692 74,603 51,692 74,603 — — — 269,171 269,171 47,969 80,944 47,969 80,944 $ 1,245,286 $ 7,317,173 $ 8,562,459 $ 1,156,744 $ 6,452,909 $ 7,609,653 The fair value of mortgages has been calculated by discounting cash flows of each mortgage at a discount rate appropriate to its remaining term to maturity. The discount rates are determined based on regular competitive rate surveys. The fair values of Loans on policies and Policy contract loans approximates their carrying values, due to the life insurance contracts that secure them. The classification of a financial instrument into a level is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the determination of the fair value. There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 and there were no Level 3 investments during the year ended December 31, 2017 or during the year ended December 31, 2016. For additional information on the composition of the Company’s invested assets and analysis of the Company’s risks arising from financial instruments refer to Note 28 Risk Management. (b) Impairments (i) Loans and receivables Investments in individual assets have been reduced by the following specific allowances for impairment: As at Impaired Loans Mortgages Policy contract loans Total December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Recorded investment Allowance for impairment Carrying value Recorded investment Allowance for impairment Carrying value $ $ 6,935 $ 2,984 $ 3,951 $ 6,649 $ 3,152 $ 813 490 323 813 502 7,748 $ 3,474 $ 4,274 $ 7,462 $ 3,654 $ 3,497 311 3,808 The Company holds collateral with a fair value of $3,950 (2016 $3,500) in respect of these mortgages and $323 (2016 $311) in respect of these policy contract loans as at December 31, 2017. Mortgage loans are secured by real estate, and policy contract loans are secured by life insurance. Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 68 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (in thousands of Canadian dollars except for per share amounts, shares authorized and outstanding and where otherwise stated) Continuity of allowance for loan impairment: Allowance - beginning of year Provision for loan impairment Write-off of loans Allowance - end of year $ $ 2017 3,654 $ 123 (303) 3,474 $ 2016 3,125 529 — 3,654 The Company has recorded interest income of $801 (2016 $789) on these assets. (ii) Available for sale For the year-ended December 31, 2017, the Company reclassified a pre-tax loss of $825 from OCI to Net income due to write downs of impaired AFS common and preferred shares (2016 $777). Management considers these assets to be impaired due to the length of time that the fair value was less than the cost and/or the extent and nature of the loss. For additional information on the fair values of the Company’s AFS investments, refer to Note 3 (a). For analysis of the Company’s risks arising from financial instruments, refer to Note 28. (c) Investment income Investment income is comprised of the following: For the year ended December 31 Interest income Dividend income Other Provision for loan impairment Investment income 2017 238,979 $ 41,013 1,352 (123) 2016 218,589 35,970 883 (529) 281,221 $ 254,913 $ $ Included in interest income is $69,346 (2016 $53,134) relating to assets not classified as FVTPL. (d) Derivative financial instruments The values of derivative instruments are set out in the following table. The use of derivatives is measured in terms of notional principal amounts, which serve as the basis for calculating payments and are generally not actual amounts that are exchanged. As at December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Notional principal Fair value assets Fair value liabilities Notional principal Fair value assets Fair value liabilities Exchange-traded Equity index futures Equity options Over-the-counter Foreign currency forwards Total $ $ 43,970 $ 430,124 640 $ 758 168 $ 128,708 $ 1,471 $ — 325,348 1,794 32,757 1 506,851 $ 1,399 $ 723 891 $ 28,247 590 482,303 $ 3,855 $ 213 — 25 238 All contracts mature in less than one year. Fair value asset amounts are reported on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as Derivative assets. Fair value liability amounts are reported on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as part of Accounts payable and other liabilities. Fair value of exchange traded derivatives is determined based on Level 1 inputs. Foreign currency forward contracts are valued based primarily on the contract notional amount, the difference between the contract rate and the forward market rate for the same currency, interest rates and credit spreads. Contracts for which counterparty credit spreads are observable and reliable, or for which the credit- related inputs are determined not to be significant to fair value, are classified as Level 2. For analysis of the Company’s risks arising from financial instruments, refer to Note 28. Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 69 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (in thousands of Canadian dollars except for per share amounts, shares authorized and outstanding and where otherwise stated) (e) Securities Lending During March 2017, the Company entered into a securities lending agreement with its custodian. Under this agreement, the custodian may lend securities from the Company’s portfolio to other institutions, as approved by the Company, for periods of time. In addition to a fee, the Company receives collateral which exceeds the market value of the loaned securities, which is retained by the Company until the underlying security has been returned to the Company. In the event that any of the loaned securities are not returned to the custodian, at its option the custodian may either restore to the Company securities identical to the loaned securities or it will pay to the Company the value of the collateral up to but not exceeding the market value of the loaned securities on the date on which the loaned securities were to have been returned (“Valuation Date”) to the custodian. If the collateral is not sufficient to allow the custodian to pay such market value to the Company, the custodian shall indemnify the Company only for the difference between the market value of the securities and the value of such collateral on the Valuation Date. As a result, there is no significant exposure to credit risk associated with this securities lending agreement. Income recognized from securities lending activities was as follows: For the year ended General funds Segregated funds Total December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 $ $ 442 $ 1,088 1,530 $ — — — As at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the aggregate fair values of the Company's securities loaned and the collateral received were as follows: As at General Funds Value of securities loaned Value of collateral received Segregated Funds Value of securities loaned Value of collateral received Total Value of securities loaned Value of collateral received 4. Insurance Receivables As at December 31 Due from policyholders Due and accrued from reinsurers Fees receivable Other Insurance receivables December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 648,470 $ 661,833 $ 1,170,420 $ 1,195,410 $ 1,818,890 $ 1,857,243 $ 2017 4,690 $ 20,534 17,169 3,901 46,294 $ — — — — — — 2016 4,050 26,461 17,844 4,742 53,097 All amounts are expected to be recovered within one year of the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position date. These financial instruments are short-term in nature and their fair values approximate carrying values. Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 70 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (in thousands of Canadian dollars except for per share amounts, shares authorized and outstanding and where otherwise stated) 5. Other Assets Other assets consist of the following: As at December 31 Trade accounts receivable Prepaid expenses Other assets 2017 12,399 $ 6,438 18,837 $ 2016 33,731 5,949 39,680 $ $ All amounts are expected to be recovered within one year of the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position date. These financial instruments are short-term in nature and their fair values approximate carrying value. 6. Property and Equipment Cost As at January 1, 2016 Additions Disposals As at December 31, 2016 Additions Disposals As at December 31, 2017 Amortization As at January 1, 2016 Charge for the year Disposals As at December 31, 2016 Charge for the year Disposals As at December 31, 2017 Carrying amount December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 $ $ $ $ $ $ Land Buildings Furniture and equipment Leasehold improvements Total 2,318 $ 13,038 $ 30,806 $ 6,397 $ — — 2,318 — — — — 13,038 — — 6,577 — 37,383 3,494 — 822 — 7,219 837 — 2,318 $ 13,038 $ 40,877 $ 8,056 $ — $ (3,410) $ (19,525) $ (5,713) $ — — — — — (476) — (3,886) (458) — (2,712) — (22,237) (4,534) — (439) — (6,152) (477) — — $ (4,344) $ (26,771) $ (6,629) $ 2,318 $ 2,318 $ 8,694 $ 9,152 $ 14,106 $ 15,146 $ 1,427 $ 1,067 $ 52,559 7,399 — 59,958 4,331 — 64,289 (28,648) (3,627) — (32,275) (5,469) — (37,744) 26,545 27,683 There were no asset impairments in 2017 or 2016. Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 71 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (in thousands of Canadian dollars except for per share amounts, shares authorized and outstanding and where otherwise stated) 7. Intangible Assets Cost As at January 1, 2016 Additions Disposals As at December 31, 2016 Additions Disposals As at December 31, 2017 Amortization As at January 1, 2016 Charge for the year Disposals As at December 31, 2016 Charge for the year Disposals As at December 31, 2017 Carrying amount December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Intangible assets $ $ $ $ $ $ 49,839 6,554 — 56,393 6,499 — 62,892 (40,614) (1,438) — (42,052) (2,530) — (44,582) 18,310 14,341 There were no asset impairments during 2017 or 2016. 8. Segregated Funds (a) The following table identifies segregated fund assets by category of asset: As at December 31 Cash Short-term investments Bonds Common and preferred shares Other assets Less segregated funds held within general fund investments Total 2017 $ 14,820 $ 657,405 1,535,675 6,488,017 25,758 8,721,675 2016 19,777 385,771 1,668,044 5,990,431 54,212 8,118,235 (39,783) (36,202) $ 8,681,892 $ 8,082,033 Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 72 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (in thousands of Canadian dollars except for per share amounts, shares authorized and outstanding and where otherwise stated) (b) The following table presents the investments of the segregated funds measured on a recurring basis at fair value classified by the fair value hierarchy: As at December 31 Cash Short-term investments Bonds Level 1 2017 Level 2 Total Level 1 2016 Level 2 $ 14,820 $ — $ 14,820 $ 19,777 $ — $ — — 657,405 1,535,675 2,750 657,405 1,535,675 6,488,017 — — 5,989,979 385,771 1,668,044 452 Total 19,777 385,771 1,668,044 5,990,431 Common and preferred shares 6,485,267 Total $ 6,500,087 $ 2,195,830 $ 8,695,917 $ 6,009,756 $ 2,054,267 $ 8,064,023 There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2, and there were no Level 3 investments during the year ended December 31, 2017 or during the year ended December 31, 2016. (c) The following table presents the change in segregated fund assets: For the year ended December 31 Segregated fund assets - beginning of year Additions to segregated funds: Amount received from policyholders Interest Dividends Other income Net realized gains on sale of investments Net unrealized increase in fair value of investments Deductions from segregated funds: Amounts withdrawn or transferred by policyholders Management fees and other operating costs Net change in segregated funds held within general fund investments 2017 2016 $ 8,082,033 $ 7,367,823 1,415,827 1,349,159 54,684 171,200 26,209 445,782 14,698 67,562 125,173 29,340 277,602 286,056 2,128,400 2,134,892 1,277,474 247,486 1,524,960 1,194,885 224,700 1,419,585 (3,581) (1,097) Segregated fund assets - end of year $ 8,681,892 $ 8,082,033 (d) Empire Life's exposure to segregated fund guarantee risk Segregated fund products issued by Empire Life contain death, maturity, and withdrawal benefit guarantees. Market price fluctuations impact the Company's estimated liability for those guarantees. Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 73 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (in thousands of Canadian dollars except for per share amounts, shares authorized and outstanding and where otherwise stated) 9. Insurance Payables As at December 31 Claims due and accrued Payable to agents Premiums paid in advance Due to reinsurance companies Other Insurance payables 2017 40,902 $ 7,172 1,582 12,897 18,919 81,472 $ 2016 54,625 12,050 1,902 12,151 16,407 97,135 $ $ Of the above total, $2,755 (2016 $2,985) is expected to be settled more than one year after the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position date. Most of these financial instruments are short-term in nature and their fair value approximates carrying values. 10. Insurance Contract Liabilities and Reinsurance Assets/Liabilities (a) Nature and composition of insurance contract liabilities and related reinsurance Insurance contract liabilities include life, health and annuity contracts on a participating and non-participating basis. Changes in actuarial assumptions are made based on emerging and evolving experience with respect to major factors affecting estimates of future cash flows and consideration of economic forecasts of investment returns, industry studies and requirements of the CIA and OSFI. Insurance contract liabilities represent the amounts that, together with estimated future premiums and investment income, will be sufficient to pay estimated future benefits, dividends, expenses, and premium taxes on policies in force. Insurance contract liabilities are determined using accepted actuarial practice according to standards established by the CIA and the requirements of OSFI. The Company reinsures excess risks with Canadian regulated reinsurance companies. The reinsurance assets (liabilities) are determined based on both the premiums expected to be paid by the Company under reinsurance agreements over the duration of the insurance contracts that they support and the insurance claims expected to be received by the Company when an insured event occurs under those insurance contracts. The liability position of some of the reinsurance is due to the excess of future premiums payable over the expected benefit of reinsurance. The change in reinsurance liability is primarily related to the Company's revised mortality assumptions, which reduce the present value of insurance claims expected to be recovered from the reinsurance companies. The Company enters into reinsurance agreements only with reinsurance companies that have an independent credit rating of "A-" or better from A.M. Best. Reinsurance transactions do not relieve the original insurer of its primary obligation to policyholders. Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 74 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (in thousands of Canadian dollars except for per share amounts, shares authorized and outstanding and where otherwise stated) The Company is active in most life insurance and annuity product lines across Canada and does not operate in foreign markets. The table below shows the concentration of insurance contract liabilities and related reinsurance assets (liabilities) by type of contract: As at December 31 Participating Individual Life Annuity Non-participating Individual Life Health Annuity Non-participating Group Life Health Annuity Segregated fund deferred acquisition costs 2017 Reinsurance (assets) liabilities Net Gross insurance contract liabilities 2016 Reinsurance (assets) liabilities Net Gross insurance contract liabilities $ 608,434 $ 1,779 $ 610,213 $ 554,486 $ (406) $ 554,080 130 — 130 179 — 179 3,492,508 731,720 4,224,228 3,191,047 625,926 3,816,973 189,959 908,642 24,594 184,909 50,018 (94,329) (5,776) (9,917) 184,183 898,725 (838) (66,167) — — 23,756 118,742 50,018 168,981 915,889 23,289 191,582 52,631 (94,329) (94,634) (8,800) (11,036) 160,181 904,853 (757) (71,570) — — 22,532 120,012 52,631 (94,634) Total $ 5,364,865 $ 650,801 $ 6,015,666 $ 5,003,450 $ 533,357 $ 5,536,807 The Company expects to pay $5,284,855 (2016 $4,933,196) of Insurance contract liabilities and $645,503 (2016 $531,976) of Reinsurance liabilities more than one year after the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position date. The remaining balance is expected to be settled within one year. The following segregated fund deferred acquisition costs are included in Insurance contract liabilities: Segregated funds deferred acquisition costs - beginning of year Deferred during year Amortized during year Segregated funds deferred acquisition costs - end of year 2017 94,633 $ 34,403 (34,707) 94,329 $ 2016 95,234 34,171 (34,772) 94,633 $ $ Of the above total, $35,560 (2016 $37,775) is expected to be amortized during the next year. Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 75 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (in thousands of Canadian dollars except for per share amounts, shares authorized and outstanding and where otherwise stated) (b) Change in insurance contract liabilities and reinsurance assets/liabilities For the year ended December 31 2017 Reinsurance (assets) liabilities Gross insurance contract liabilities Net Gross insurance contract liabilities 2016 Reinsurance (assets) liabilities Net Balance - beginning of year $ 5,003,450 $ 533,357 $ 5,536,807 $ 4,798,683 $ 530,826 $ 5,329,509 Changes in methods and assumptions Improvements in mortality/morbidity experience Lapse/premium assumption updates Update of investment return assumptions Model enhancements and other changes Normal changes New business In-force business Balance - end of year (199,360) 12,889 186,179 5,985 (13,181) 18,874 (15,843) 31,764 12,543 (6,356) (3,300) 25,408 39,148 (3,045) 36,103 32,906 (3,523) 29,383 (35,576) (3,724) (39,300) (44,247) 44 (44,203) 44,643 499,671 (107) (67,844) 44,536 431,827 79,275 120,912 (10,939) 10,762 68,336 131,674 $ 5,364,865 $ 650,801 $ 6,015,666 $ 5,003,450 $ 533,357 $ 5,536,807 Net changes in methods and assumptions summarized in the above tables are further explained as follows: Improvements for mortality experience for 2017 are primarily related to the individual life business, along with a smaller benefit from Group Long-Term Disability (Group LTD) business, offset by a small deterioration in mortality for immediate annuities. Improvements for mortality experience for 2016 are primarily related to the individual life business, which was offset by a small deterioration in mortality for immediate annuities. The 2017 lapse/premium assumption change is primarily related to the updated premium projections and related policyholder lapse rates for universal life policies. The lapse rate assumption update for 2016 was primarily related to an increase of lapse experience on renewable term 10 business. The remainder was related to regular experience updates for term to 100 and 20-pay life policies. The primary change in the net investment assumptions for 2017 is related to a refinement to the projection of equity assets backing the non-participating liability segment valuation at 2017 year-end, to reflect a reduced reliance on these assets in the future, with a corresponding increased reliance on fixed income instruments. This assumption change results in lower overall future yields and greater policy liabilities. The update in investment return assumptions for 2016 was primarily due to regular updates to reinvestment rates and credit spreads for the Canadian Asset Liability Method (“CALM”) valuation model for future investment assumptions. The investment return assumption for 2016 was primarily due to regular updates to reinvestment rates and credit spreads for the CALM valuation as well as enhancements to the modeling of preferred shares cash flows for deferred and immediate annuity business. Model enhancements and other changes for 2017 are primarily related to enhancements to the modeling of reinsurance treaties and terms for individual life insurance. Model enhancements and other changes for 2016 related to enhancements to the modeling of reinsurance treaties and terms for individual life insurance and updates to Group LTD termination rate experience study. In addition, maintenance expense unit costs for individual life business increased slightly as a result of changes in expense allocations related to sales and inforce business. Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 76 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (in thousands of Canadian dollars except for per share amounts, shares authorized and outstanding and where otherwise stated) (c) Mix of assets allocated to insurance, annuity, investment contract liabilities and equity Cash and cash equivalents & Short-term investments $ 239,613 $ 17,127 $ 256 $ 164,984 $ 421,980 As at December 31, 2017 Insurance liabilities Annuity liabilities Investment contract liabilities Equity and other liabilities Total Bonds Mortgages Preferred shares Common shares Derivative assets Loans on policies Policy contract loans Other Total 4,019,295 37,046 34,362 848,991 641 51,692 346 23,272 522,808 182,206 201,342 — — — 27,416 6,698 7,806 2,721 3,006 — — — 409 100 1,923,699 6,473,608 — 169,551 56,943 758 — 46,432 123,135 221,973 408,261 905,934 1,399 51,692 74,603 153,205 $ 5,255,258 $ 957,597 $ 14,298 $ 2,485,502 $ 8,712,655 As at December 31, 2016 Insurance liabilities Annuity liabilities Investment contract liabilities Equity and other liabilities Total Cash and cash equivalents & Short-term investments $ 114,547 $ 15,006 $ 218 $ 341,976 $ 471,747 Bonds Mortgages Preferred shares Common shares Derivative assets Loans on policies Policy contract loans Other Total 3,628,303 45,574 28,043 862,642 2,061 47,969 335 36,126 488,382 215,600 199,822 — — — 30,848 6,430 7,102 3,135 2,906 — — — 449 93 1,397,385 5,521,172 — 54,413 66,969 1,794 — 49,312 132,703 264,309 285,184 929,611 3,855 47,969 80,944 175,352 $ 4,765,600 $ 956,088 $ 13,903 $ 2,044,552 $ 7,780,143 Provisions made for anticipated future losses of principal and interest on investments and included as a component of policy liabilities are $162,600 (2016 $155,700). (d) Fair value of insurance and investment contract liabilities and reinsurance assets/liabilities In the absence of an active market for the sale of insurance and investment contract liabilities and reinsurance assets/liabilities, the actuarially determined values provide a reasonable approximation of their fair value. Investment contract liabilities are term certain annuities with a relatively short duration. (e) Liquidity The Company defines liquid assets as high quality marketable investments that may be easily sold, meaning there exists an active market and observable prices for the investments. Liquid asset values are based on fair value as at December 31. The Company defines cash demands or demand liabilities as those policyholder obligations that may be called on immediately at the discretion of the policyholder. More specifically, demand liabilities include cash surrender values under whole life insurance products as well as current accumulated values of annuity products. Amounts would be gross of any surrender charge or market value adjustment allowed under the terms of the contract. Demand liabilities are determined as though all such policyholders made their call at the same time and as such cannot be readily compared to insurance contract liabilities that are determined based on actuarial assumptions associated with lapse as well as other decrements. Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 77 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (in thousands of Canadian dollars except for per share amounts, shares authorized and outstanding and where otherwise stated) The Company maintains a high level of liquid assets so that cash demands can be readily met. The Company’s liquidity position is as follows: As at December 31 Assets: Cash and cash equivalents & Short-term investments Canadian federal and provincial bonds Other readily-marketable bonds and stocks Total liquid assets Liabilities: Demand liabilities with fixed values Demand liabilities with market value adjustments Total liquidity needs 11. Accounts Payable and Other Liabilities Accounts payable and other liabilities consist of: As at December 31 Accounts payable Post-employment benefit liability (Note 12) Accrued interest on subordinated debt Derivative liabilities (Note 3d) Other Accounts payable and other liabilities 2017 2016 421,980 $ 3,910,669 3,178,008 7,510,657 $ 663,105 $ 1,170,871 1,833,976 $ 471,747 3,294,720 2,807,447 6,573,914 624,818 1,141,199 1,766,017 2017 51,841 $ 26,590 3,297 891 16,755 99,374 $ 2016 42,806 20,505 1,087 238 14,964 79,600 $ $ $ $ $ $ Of the above total, $26,590 (2016 $20,505) is expected to be settled more than one year after the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position date. In the absence of an active market for post-employment benefit liabilities, the actuarially determined value provides a reasonable approximation of fair value. Derivative liabilities are carried at fair value, as disclosed in Note 3(d). All other amounts are short-term in nature and their fair value approximates carrying value. 12. Employee Benefit Plans Empire Life sponsors pension and other post-employment benefit plans for eligible employees. The Empire Life Insurance Company Staff Pension Plan (the Plan) consists of a defined benefit component and a defined contribution component. The Company discontinued enrolments in the defined benefit component effective October 1, 2011. The Company has supplemental arrangements that provide defined pension benefits in excess of statutory limits. In addition to pension benefits, the Company also provides for post-employment health and dental care coverage and other future benefits to qualifying employees and retirees. The defined benefit component of the Plan is a final average salary pension plan, which provides benefits to members in the form of a guaranteed level of pension payable for life. The level of benefits provided depends on members’ age, length of service and their salary in the final years leading up to retirement. Pensions generally do not receive inflationary increases once in payment. In the past, however, the Company has provided ad-hoc pension increases on its defined benefit staff pension plan. Increases take place at the discretion of the Board. The pension benefit payments are from trustee-administered funds. Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 78 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (in thousands of Canadian dollars except for per share amounts, shares authorized and outstanding and where otherwise stated) The Company’s staff pension plan is governed by the Pension Benefits Act of the Province of Ontario, as amended, which requires that the plan sponsor fund the defined benefits determined under the plan. The Company’s supplemental employee retirement benefit plan is governed by provisions of the plan, which requires that the plan sponsor fund the defined benefits determined under the plan. The amount of funds contributed to these defined benefit pension plans by Empire Life is determined by an actuarial valuation of the Plans. Under the defined contribution component, contributions are made in accordance with the provisions of the Plan documents. A pension committee, composed of selected senior members of Empire Life's management and that of its parent, E-L Financial Corporation, oversees the Pension Plan of the Company. The Pension Committee reports to the Human Resources Committee of the Board three times each year. The Audit Committee of the Board approves the audited annual financial statements of the Pension Plan. The other post-employment benefit plan provides for health, dental care, and other future defined benefits to qualifying employees and retirees. It is unfunded and the Company meets the benefit payment obligation as it falls due. In the absence of an active market for post-employment benefit obligations, the actuarially determined values provide a reasonable approximation of their fair value. Plan assets are carried at fair value. The following tables present financial information for the Company’s defined benefit plans: As at December 31 Present value of obligations Fair value of plan assets Post-employment benefit asset (liability) Pension benefits Other post-employment benefits 2017 2016 2017 227,019 $ 218,059 $ 9,697 $ 210,126 207,281 — 2016 9,727 — (16,893) $ (10,778) $ (9,697) $ (9,727) $ $ The post-employment benefit asset (liability), net of the cumulative impact of the asset ceiling, is included in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position in Accounts payables and other liabilities (Note 11). The movement in the present value of the defined benefit obligations over the year is as follows: Pension benefits Other post-employment benefits As at December 31 2017 2016 2017 Present value of defined benefit obligation - beginning of year $ 218,059 $ 209,311 $ 9,727 $ Current service cost Interest expense Decrease (increase) in net income before tax Remeasurements (Gain) loss from changes in demographic assumptions (Gain) loss from changes in financial assumptions Actuarial (gain) loss from member experience Decrease (increase) in OCI before tax Employee contributions Benefits paid 5,903 8,544 14,447 2,542 7,549 (2,431) 7,660 1,577 (14,724) 6,233 8,635 14,868 — 888 177 1,065 1,707 (8,892) Present value of defined benefit obligation - end of year $ 227,019 $ 218,059 $ — 359 359 — 306 (257) 49 — (438) 9,697 $ 2016 9,684 13 367 380 — 154 (98) 56 — (393) 9,727 Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 79 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (in thousands of Canadian dollars except for per share amounts, shares authorized and outstanding and where otherwise stated) The movement in the fair value of the Plan’s defined benefit assets over the year is as follows: As at December 31 Pension benefits 2017 2016 Fair value of defined benefit assets - at beginning of year $ 207,281 $ 195,310 Interest income Administrative expense Increase (decrease) in net income before tax Remeasurements Return on plan assets, excluding amounts included in interest income Increase (decrease) in OCI before tax Employer contributions Employee contributions Benefits paid Fair value of defined benefit assets - end of year 8,189 (827) 7,362 4,983 4,983 3,647 1,577 8,138 (780) 7,358 8,487 8,487 3,311 1,707 (14,724) (8,892) $ 210,126 $ 207,281 The actual return on defined benefit assets net of administrative expense, for the year ended December 31, 2017 was a gain of $12,345 (2016 gain of $15,845). The following table summarizes income, expense and remeasurement activity for the Company’s defined benefit plans: For the year ended December 31 Operating expense Current service cost Interest expense Interest income on plan assets Administrative expense Decrease (increase) in net income before tax Remeasurements Return on plan assets, excluding amounts included in interest income (Gain) loss from changes in demographic assumptions (Gain) loss from changes in financial assumptions Actuarial (gain) loss from member experience Decrease (increase) in OCI before tax (Note 18(d)) Pension benefits Other post-employment benefits 2017 2016 2017 2016 $ $ $ $ 5,903 $ 6,233 $ — $ 8,544 (8,189) 827 8,635 (8,138) 780 359 — — 7,085 $ 7,510 $ 359 $ (4,983) $ (8,487) $ — $ 2,542 7,549 (2,431) — 888 177 — 306 (257) 2,677 $ (7,422) $ 49 $ 13 367 — — 380 — — 154 (98) 56 Defined benefit plan expense is recognized in Operating expenses. Remeasurements in the defined benefit plan are included in OCI. Operating expenses also include $1,251 (2016 $927) of employer contributions related to the defined contribution component of the Plan. Expected contributions (including both employer and employee amounts) to the Company’s defined benefit pension plans for the year ending December 31, 2018 are approximately $4,830. Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 80 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (in thousands of Canadian dollars except for per share amounts, shares authorized and outstanding and where otherwise stated) The Plan invests primarily in Empire Life segregated and mutual funds. The fair value of the underlying assets of the funds and other investments are included in the following table: As at December 31 Equity Canadian Consumer discretionary Consumer staples Energy Financials Industrials Information technology Materials Real estate Telecom services Utilities Total Canadian Foreign Total equity Debt Government of Canada Provincial governments Municipal governments Canadian corporations Total debt Cash, cash equivalent, accruals Mutual funds Other Total fair value of assets 2017 2016 $ 5,115 9,580 16,742 28,825 10,811 3,052 6,895 1,101 2,297 1,709 86,127 36,896 123,023 18,519 14,369 433 31,670 64,991 5,399 8,775 7,938 2% $ 5% 8% 14% 5% 1% 3% 1% 1% 1% 41% 18% 59% 9% 7% 0% 15% 31% 3% 4% 3% 3,525 7,763 17,421 28,284 9,937 7,219 2,875 — 6,730 2,554 86,308 36,805 123,113 11,038 14,662 490 33,819 60,009 6,783 8,863 8,513 2% 4% 9% 15% 5% 3% 1% 0% 3% 1% 43% 18% 61% 5% 7% 0% 16% 28% 3% 4% 4% $ 210,126 100% $ 207,281 100% Fair value is determined based on Level 1 inputs for equities and Level 2 inputs for debt. The following weighted average assumptions were used in actuarial calculations: As at December 31 Defined benefit obligation as at December 31: Discount rate - defined benefit obligation Discount rate - net interest Inflation assumption Rate of compensation increase Average increase to industrial wage Assumed health care cost trend rates at December 31: Initial health care cost trend rate Cost trend rate declines to Year ultimate health care cost trend rate is reached Pension benefits Other post-employment benefits 2017 2016 2017 2016 3.6% 4.0% 2.0% 3.0% 3.0% n/a n/a n/a 4.0% 4.2% 2.0% 3.5% 3.0% n/a n/a n/a 3.5% 3.8% n/a n/a n/a 7.0% 4.5% 2026 3.8% 4.0% n/a n/a n/a 7.3% 4.5% 2026 Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 81 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (in thousands of Canadian dollars except for per share amounts, shares authorized and outstanding and where otherwise stated) Assumptions (in number of years) relating to future mortality, to determine the defined benefit obligation and the net benefit cost for the defined benefit pension plans are as follows: As at December 31 Males aged 65 at measurement date Females aged 65 at measurement date Males aged 40 at measurement date Females aged 40 at measurement date 2017 21.72 24.45 23.61 26.15 2016 21.64 24.08 22.98 25.27 The following table provides the sensitivity of the defined benefit pension and other post-employment benefit obligations to changes in significant actuarial assumptions. For each sensitivity test, the impact of a reasonably possible change in a single factor is shown with other assumptions left unchanged. In practice, this is unlikely to occur, and changes in some of the assumptions may be correlated. When calculating the sensitivity of the defined benefit obligation to significant actuarial assumptions the same method has been applied as when calculating the Post-employment benefit liability recognized within the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. As at December 31, 2017 Discount rate Rate of compensation increase Health care cost increase Claim rate Life expectancy As at December 31, 2016 Discount rate Rate of compensation increase Health care cost increase Claim rate Life expectancy Impact on pension benefits Impact on other post employment benefits Increase Decrease Increase Decrease Change in assumption 1% 1% 1% 10% 1 year (28,891) 11,819 n/a n/a 5,890 40,939 (10,088) n/a n/a (5,820) (972) n/a 1,176 915 489 1,170 n/a (986) (916) (477) Impact on pension benefits Impact on other post employment benefits Increase Decrease Increase Decrease Change in assumption 1% 1% 1% 10% (26,091) 12,094 n/a n/a 35,166 (10,577) n/a n/a 1 year 5,321 (5,437) (964) n/a 1,138 905 449 1,163 n/a (956) (905) (438) The weighted average duration, in number of years, of the defined benefit obligations are: As at December 31 Staff pension plan Supplemental employee retirement plan Other post-employment benefits 2017 2016 15 11 11 14 10 11 Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 82 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (in thousands of Canadian dollars except for per share amounts, shares authorized and outstanding and where otherwise stated) Risks Through its defined benefit pension plan and the other post-employment benefit plan, the Company is exposed to a number of risks, the most significant of which are detailed below: Asset volatility The Plan obligations are calculated using a discount rate set with reference to corporate bond yields; if Plan assets underperform this yield, this will create a deficit. The pension plan holds a significant proportion of equities, which are expected to outperform corporate bonds in the long-term while producing volatility and risk in the short-term. The following table summarizes the potential impact on OCI of a change in global equity markets regarding assets in Empire Life's pension plan. The Company uses a 10% increase or decrease in equity markets as a reasonably possible change in equity markets. The Company has also disclosed the impact of a 20% increase or decrease in its equity market sensitivity. Shareholders' other comprehensive income Policyholders' other comprehensive income Shareholders' other comprehensive income Policyholders' other comprehensive income As at December 31, 2017 10% Increase 10% Decrease 20% Increase 20% Decrease 9,220 $ 442 $ (9,220) $ (442) $ 18,439 $ (18,439) 885 $ (885) As at December 31, 2016 10% Increase 10% Decrease 20% Increase 20% Decrease 9,499 $ 456 $ (9,499) $ (456) $ 18,998 $ (18,998) 912 $ (912) $ $ $ $ The following tables summarize the potential impact on OCI as a result of a change in interest rates on assets in Empire Life's pension plan. Shareholders' other comprehensive income Policyholders' other comprehensive income Shareholders' other comprehensive income Policyholders' other comprehensive income As at December 31, 2017 50 bps Increase 50 bps Decrease 100 bps Increase 100 bps Decrease (1,532) $ (74) $ 1,777 $ 86 $ (2,823) $ (136) $ 3,805 183 As at December 31, 2016 50 bps Increase 50 bps Decrease 100 bps Increase 100 bps Decrease (1,491) $ (72) $ 1,716 $ 83 $ (2,757) $ (133) $ 3,657 176 $ $ $ $ Changes in bond yields A decrease in corporate bond yields will increase Plan obligations, although this will be partially offset by an increase in the value of the Plans’ bond holdings. Life expectancy The majority of the Plans’ obligations are to provide benefits for the life of the member, so increases in life expectancy will result in an increase in the Plans’ liabilities. Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 83 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (in thousands of Canadian dollars except for per share amounts, shares authorized and outstanding and where otherwise stated) In case of the funded plans, the Pension Committee ensures that the investment positions are managed in accordance with the investment philosophy outlined in the investment policy approved by the Human Resources Committee of the Board. The fundamental philosophy is to achieve acceptably high investment return over the long term without jeopardizing the level of security of the members’ benefits and without introducing too much volatility into the Company’s future expense. The Company's objective is to match assets to the pension obligations by investing in equities as well as fixed interest securities. The Company monitors how the duration and the expected yield of the investments are matching the expected cash outflows arising from the pension obligations. The Plan has not changed the processes used to manage its risks from previous periods. Investments are well diversified, such that the failure of any single investment would not have a material impact on the overall level of assets. The Plan invests primarily in Canadian Bonds and Equities through its' ownership of units in Empire Life segregated and mutual funds. The Company believes that equities offer the best returns over the long term with an acceptable level of risk. The last triennial valuation on the Staff Pension Plan was completed in August 2017, as at December 31, 2016. The next triennial valuation will be completed in 2020, as at December 31, 2019. 13. Subordinated Debt On September 15, 2017, the Company issued $200,000 principal amount of unsecured subordinated debentures with a maturity date of March 15, 2028. The interest rate from September 15, 2017 until March 15, 2023 is 3.664%, and the rate from March 15, 2023 until March 15, 2028 is equal to the 3-month Canadian Deposit Offering Rate plus 1.53%. Interest is payable semi-annually at September 15 and March 15 until March 15, 2023, quarterly thereafter with the first such payment on June 15, 2023. The Company may call for redemption of the debentures on or after March 15, 2023 subject to the approval of OSFI. The holders have no right of redemption. The fair value of these debentures is $201,482 as of December 31, 2017 (as of December 31, 2016 $ nil), and is within level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. The fair value is provided by a third party bond pricing service. On December 16, 2016, the Company issued $200,000 principal amount of unsecured subordinated debentures with a maturity date of December 16, 2026. The interest rate from December 16, 2016 until December 16, 2021 is 3.383%, and the rate from December 16, 2021 until December 16, 2026 is equal to the 3-month Canadian Deposit Offering Rate plus 1.95%. Interest is payable semi-annually at December 16 and June 16 until December 16, 2021, quarterly thereafter with the first such payment on March 16, 2022. The Company may call for redemption of the debentures on or after December 16, 2021 subject to the approval of OSFI. The holders have no right of redemption. The fair value of these debentures is $201,126 as of December 31, 2017 (as of December 31, 2016 $199,870), and is within level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. The fair value is provided by a third party bond pricing service. On May 31, 2013, the Company issued $300,000 principal amount of unsecured subordinated debentures with a maturity date of May 31, 2023. The interest rate from May 31, 2013 until May 31, 2018 is 2.870%, and the rate from May 31, 2018 until May 31, 2023 is equal to the 3-month Canadian Deposit Offering Rate plus 1.05%. Interest is payable semi-annually at May 31 and November 30 until May 31, 2018, quarterly thereafter with the first such payment on August 31, 2018. The Company may call for redemption of the debentures on or after May 31, 2018 subject to the approval of OSFI. The holders have no right of redemption. The fair value of these debentures is $301,050 as of December 31, 2017 (as of December 31, 2016 $301,062), and is within level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. The fair value is provided by a third party bond pricing service. The debentures are subordinated in right of payment to all policy contract liabilities of the Company and all other senior indebtedness of the Company. Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 84 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (in thousands of Canadian dollars except for per share amounts, shares authorized and outstanding and where otherwise stated) 14. Insurance Premiums For the year ended December 31 Gross 2017 Reinsurance ceded Net Gross 2016 Reinsurance ceded Life premiums Health premiums Total life and health premiums Annuity premiums Total insurance premiums $ 476,813 $ (101,011) $ 375,802 $ 470,115 $ (93,167) $ 352,031 828,844 135,745 (29,161) (130,172) (203) 322,870 698,672 135,542 356,057 826,172 176,080 (27,337) (120,504) (248) $ 964,589 $ (130,375) $ 834,214 $ 1,002,252 $ (120,752) $ Net 376,948 328,720 705,668 175,832 881,500 15. Fee Income For the year ended December 31 Investment management, policyholder administration and guarantee fees Surrender charges and other miscellaneous fees Fee income 16. Benefits and Expenses (a) Insurance contract benefits and claims paid 2017 247,135 $ 9,624 256,759 $ 2016 219,152 9,217 228,369 $ $ For the year ended December 31 Gross 2017 Reinsurance ceded Net Gross 2016 Reinsurance ceded Life claims Health claims Total life and health claims Annuity benefits Benefits and claims paid $ 191,284 $ (55,750) $ 135,534 $ 185,379 $ (53,948) $ 245,111 436,395 198,976 (16,888) (72,638) (1,984) 228,223 363,757 196,992 267,921 453,300 212,120 (16,261) (70,209) (2,461) $ 635,371 $ (74,622) $ 560,749 $ 665,420 $ (72,670) $ Net 131,431 251,660 383,091 209,659 592,750 (b) Change in insurance contract liabilities and reinsurance ceded For the year ended December 31 Gross 2017 Reinsurance ceded Net Gross 2016 Reinsurance ceded Net Life Health Total life and health Annuity $ 356,714 $ 107,898 $ 464,612 $ 188,221 $ 4,342 $ 192,563 14,305 371,019 (9,604) 8,427 116,325 1,119 22,732 487,344 (8,485) 11,911 200,132 4,635 (3,215) 1,127 1,404 8,696 201,259 6,039 Change in insurance contract liabilities $ 361,415 $ 117,444 $ 478,859 $ 204,767 $ 2,531 $ 207,298 Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 85 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (in thousands of Canadian dollars except for per share amounts, shares authorized and outstanding and where otherwise stated) 17. Operating Expenses Operating expenses include the following: For the year ended December 31 Salary and benefits expense Professional services Rent, leasing and maintenance Amortization of property and equipment and intangibles Other Total 2017 90,184 $ 16,277 12,588 7,999 28,351 2016 83,428 16,077 12,450 5,065 27,984 155,399 $ 145,004 $ $ Significant components of other expenses include travel, advertising, and office supplies and services. 18. Income Taxes (a) Income tax expense The Company’s income tax expense includes provisions for current and deferred taxes as follows: For the year ended December 31 Current income tax expense Deferred income tax expense (benefit) Relating to the origination and reversal of temporary differences Income tax expense 2017 45,176 $ 5,504 50,680 $ $ $ During 2017 the Company paid income tax installments totaling $77,810 (2016 $12,370). (b) Variance from statutory provision Income taxes provided varies from the expected statutory provision as follows: For the year ended December 31 Net income before income taxes Income tax provision at statutory rates Increase (decrease) resulting from: Tax paid on dividends Miscellaneous Income tax expense 2017 226,580 $ 60,429 (9,047) (702) 50,680 $ $ $ 2016 50,344 (639) 49,705 2016 206,871 55,214 (7,343) 1,834 49,705 The current enacted corporate tax rates as they impact the Company in 2017 stand at 26.67% (2016 26.69%). Expected future tax rates are as follows: 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 26.75% 26.72% 26.69% 26.69% 26.69% The impact of future enacted corporate tax rates has been taken into consideration in the deferred tax calculation. Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 86 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (in thousands of Canadian dollars except for per share amounts, shares authorized and outstanding and where otherwise stated) (c) Deferred income taxes In certain instances the tax basis of assets and liabilities differs from the carrying amount. These differences will give rise to deferred income taxes, which are reflected on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. These differences arise in the following items: As at December 31 Insurance contracts Portfolio investments Taxes recoverable in future years Post-employment benefit plans Other, net Deferred income tax asset (liability) 2017 (10,296) $ (5,557) — 7,092 (5,005) (13,766) $ $ $ Of the above total, $10,600 is expected to be paid (2016 $4,827 paid) more than one year after the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position date. The net movement on the deferred income tax account is as follows: For the year ended December 31 Deferred income tax asset (liability) - beginning of year Deferred tax asset from preferred share issue (Note 20) Deferred income tax benefit (expense) Statement of operations Other comprehensive income Deferred income tax asset (liability) - end of year 2017 (8,989) $ — (5,504) 727 (13,766) $ $ $ 2016 (7,041) (5,584) 3,698 5,475 (5,537) (8,989) 2016 (7,910) 248 639 (1,966) (8,989) Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 87 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (in thousands of Canadian dollars except for per share amounts, shares authorized and outstanding and where otherwise stated) (d) Income taxes included in other comprehensive income Other comprehensive income (loss) is presented net of income taxes. The following income tax amounts are included in each component of total OCI. For the year ended December 31 Before tax 2017 Tax provision (recovery) After tax Before tax 2016 Tax provision (recovery) After tax Unrealized fair value change on available for sale investments Fair value change on available for sale investments reclassified to net income, including impairment write downs Remeasurements of post-employment benefit liabilities (Note 12) $ 13,873 $ 3,699 $ 10,174 $ 8,576 $ 2,289 $ 6,287 (5,818) (1,896) (3,922) (11,740) (3,187) (8,553) Total other comprehensive income (loss) $ 5,329 $ 1,076 $ 4,253 $ (2,726) (727) (1,999) 7,366 4,202 $ 1,966 1,068 $ 5,400 3,134 The following income tax amounts are included in each component of shareholders’ OCI: For the year ended December 31 Before tax 2017 Tax provision (recovery) After tax Before tax 2016 Tax provision (recovery) After tax $ 13,568 $ 3,618 $ 9,950 $ 3,465 $ 925 $ 2,540 Unrealized fair value change on available for sale investments Fair value change on available for sale investments reclassified to net income, including impairment write downs Remeasurements of post-employment benefit liabilities (Note 12) Shareholder portion of policyholder other comprehensive income (loss) Total other comprehensive income (loss) $ 9,832 $ 2,339 $ 7,493 $ 1,886 $ (792) (2,576) (368) (489) (687) (103) (303) (8,759) (2,358) (6,401) (1,889) 7,024 1,875 (265) 156 5,149 117 1,405 39 481 $ The following income tax amounts are included in each component of policyholders’ OCI: For the year ended December 31 Before tax 2017 Tax provision (recovery) After tax Before tax 2016 Tax provision (recovery) After tax Unrealized fair value change on available for sale investments Fair value change on available for sale investments reclassified to net income, including impairment write downs Remeasurements of post-employment benefit liabilities (Note 12) Shareholder portion of policyholder other comprehensive income (loss) (Note 23) $ 305 $ 81 $ 224 $ 5,111 $ 1,364 $ 3,747 (5,026) (1,407) (3,619) (2,981) (829) (2,152) (150) 368 (40) 103 (110) 265 342 (156) 91 (39) 587 $ 251 (117) 1,729 Total other comprehensive income (loss) $ (4,503) $ (1,263) $ (3,240) $ 2,316 $ Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 88 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (in thousands of Canadian dollars except for per share amounts, shares authorized and outstanding and where otherwise stated) 19. Earnings Per Share Earnings per share (EPS) is calculated by dividing common shareholders' net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. The preferred shares issued in 2017 and 2016 (refer to Note 20) do not dilute EPS as the preferred shares are not convertible into common shares. Details of the calculation of the net income and the weighted average number of shares used in the EPS computations are as follows: For the year ended December 31 Basic and diluted EPS Common shareholders' net income Weighted average number of common shares outstanding Basic and diluted EPS 20. Capital Stock 2017 2016 $ $ 170,936 $ 985,076 173.53 $ 152,721 985,076 155.03 As at December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Shares authorized Shares issued and outstanding Amount Shares authorized Shares issued and outstanding Amount Preferred shares Series 1 Series 3 Common shares unlimited unlimited 2,000,000 5,980,000 $ 4,000,000 $ 149,500 100,000 unlimited 5,980,000 $ 149,500 — — $ 985,076 $ 985 2,000,000 985,076 $ — 985 In the fourth quarter of 2017, Empire Life issued to E-L Financial Corporation Limited 4,000,000 Non-Cumulative Rate Reset Preferred Shares, Series 3 (Series 3 Preferred Shares) at $25 per share. Holders of Series 3 Preferred Shares are entitled to receive fixed non-cumulative quarterly dividends yielding 4.90% annually, as and when declared by the Board of Directors of Empire Life, for the initial period ending on and including January 17, 2023. Thereafter, the dividend rate will be reset every five years at a rate equal to the 5-year Government of Canada bond yield plus 3.24%. Holders of Series 3 Preferred Shares will have the right, at their option, to convert their shares into Non-Cumulative Floating Rate Preferred Shares, Series 4 (Series 4 Preferred Shares), subject to certain conditions, on January 17, 2023 and on January 17 every five years thereafter. Holders of the Series 4 Preferred Shares will be entitled to receive non-cumulative quarterly floating dividends, as and when declared by the Board of Directors of Empire Life, at a rate equal to the three-month Government of Canada Treasury Bill yield plus 3.24%. In the first quarter of 2016, Empire Life issued to the public 5,980,000 Non-Cumulative Rate Reset Preferred Shares, Series 1 (Series 1 Preferred Shares) at $25 per share. Holders of Series 1 Preferred Shares are entitled to receive fixed non-cumulative quarterly dividends yielding 5.75% annually, as and when declared by the Board of Directors of Empire Life, for the initial period ending on and including April 17, 2021. Thereafter, the dividend rate will be reset every five years at a rate equal to the 5-year Government of Canada bond yield plus 4.99%. Holders of Series 1 Preferred Shares will have the right, at their option, to convert their shares into Non- Cumulative Floating Rate Preferred Shares, Series 2 (Series 2 Preferred Shares), subject to certain conditions, on April 17, 2021 and on April 17 every five years thereafter. Holders of the Series 2 Preferred Shares will be entitled to receive non-cumulative quarterly floating dividends, as and when declared by the Board of Directors of Empire Life, at a rate equal to the three-month Government of Canada Treasury Bill yield plus 4.99%. The cost of issuance of the Series 1 Preferred Shares, $5,150 less $1,375 of income tax, was charged to retained earnings. Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 89 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (in thousands of Canadian dollars except for per share amounts, shares authorized and outstanding and where otherwise stated) 21. Dividends Dividend declaration date Shares issued and outstanding Dividend rate per share Total dividend ($ 000's) Dividend payment date Common shareholder dividends For the year ended December 31, 2016, no common shareholder dividends were declared or paid. For the year ended December 31, 2017, no common shareholder dividends were declared or paid. Preferred shareholder dividends Series 1 February 25, 2016 April 28, 2016 July 28, 2016 October 27, 2016 February 24, 2017 April 26, 2017 July 27, 2017 October 26, 2017 5,980,000 $ 5,980,000 $ 5,980,000 $ 5,980,000 $ 5,980,000 $ 5,980,000 $ 5,980,000 $ 5,980,000 $ 0.240200 $ 0.359375 $ 0.359375 $ 0.359375 $ 0.359375 $ 0.359375 $ 0.359375 $ 0.359375 $ 1,436 April 17, 2016 2,149 July 17, 2016 2,149 October 17, 2016 2,149 January 17, 2017 2,149 April 17, 2017 2,149 July 17, 2017 2,149 October 17, 2017 2,149 January 17, 2018 Series 3 December 6, 2017 4,000,000 $ 0.258425 $ 1,034 January 17, 2018 On February 27, 2018, subsequent to the date of these Consolidated Financial Statements, the Board approved the following cash dividends: • • • $10,000 ($10.151501 per share) on the issued and outstanding Common Shares, payable on April 3, 2018 $2,149 ($0.359375 per share) on the issued and outstanding Series 1 Preferred Shares, payable on April 17, 2018 $1,225 ($0.306250 per share) on the issued and outstanding Series 3 Preferred Shares, payable on April 17, 2018 22. Shareholders' Equity Entitlement Shareholders’ entitlement to $3,736 (2016 $4,357) of shareholders’ equity is contingent upon future payment of dividends to participating policyholders. 23. Supplementary Participating Policyholder Information As at December 31 Assets backing participating account equity Assets backing participating account liabilities 2017 $ $ 43,221 $ 676,033 $ 2016 51,127 618,314 Transfers to shareholders’ account In 2017, the Company transferred $2,061 (2016 $1,860), equal to 7.8% (2016 7.8%) of the distributable participating profits, from the participating account to the shareholders' account. Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 90 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (in thousands of Canadian dollars except for per share amounts, shares authorized and outstanding and where otherwise stated) 24. Segmented Information The Company operates in the Canadian life insurance industry and follows a product line management approach for internal reporting and decision making. A description of the product lines is as follows: The Wealth Management product line includes segregated funds, mutual funds, guaranteed interest rate annuities and annuities providing income for life. The Employee Benefits product line offers group benefit plans to employers for medical, dental, disability, and life insurance coverage of their employees. The Individual Insurance product line includes both non-participating and participating individual life and health insurance products. Capital and Surplus is made up of assets held in the shareholders’ and participating policyholders’ equity accounts and other corporate items not allocated to other segments. Operating results are segmented into three product lines along with the Company’s capital and surplus as follows: For the year ended December 31, 2017 Wealth Management Employee Benefits Individual Insurance Capital & Surplus Total Net premiums from external customers $ 135,542 $ 330,563 $ 368,109 $ — $ Interest income Total investment income Fair value change in fair value through profit or loss assets Realized gain (loss) on fair value through profit or loss assets Realized gain (loss) on available for sale assets including impairment write downs Fee income from external customers Net benefits and claims Net change in insurance contract liabilities Change in investment contract provision Policy dividends Amortization of property and equipment and intangibles Total operating expenses Net commission expense Interest expense Premium tax Investment and capital tax Income tax expense (recovery) Net income (loss) after tax 30,103 39,496 19,455 2,373 48 245,997 196,992 (8,485) 243 — 2,950 57,086 86,231 — — — 27,453 83,391 6,359 3,703 (465) 315 52 10,189 233,436 (47) — — 1,959 42,300 33,087 — 8,458 — 7,175 19,948 154,843 182,585 213,054 69,367 (247) 250 130,321 487,391 — 30,436 3,090 54,291 61,432 — 11,125 3,842 8,388 45,892 47,674 55,437 7,363 (14,867) 5,963 323 — — — — — 1,722 — 18,164 — — 7,664 26,669 834,214 238,979 281,221 239,407 57,188 5,816 256,759 560,749 478,859 243 30,436 7,999 155,399 180,750 18,164 19,583 3,842 50,680 175,900 Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 91 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (in thousands of Canadian dollars except for per share amounts, shares authorized and outstanding and where otherwise stated) For the year ended December 31, 2016 Wealth Management Employee Benefits Individual Insurance Capital & Surplus Total Net premiums from external customers $ 175,832 $ 338,908 $ 366,760 $ — $ Interest income Total investment income Fair value change in fair value through profit or loss assets Realized gain (loss) on fair value through profit or loss assets Realized gain (loss) on available for sale assets including impairment write downs Fee income from external customers Net benefits and claims Net change in insurance contract liabilities Change in investment contract provision Policy dividends Amortization of property and equipment and intangibles Total operating expenses Net commission expense Interest expense Premium tax Investment and capital tax Income tax expense (recovery) Net income (loss) after tax 31,983 41,125 (4,290) (173) (162) 217,430 209,659 6,039 40 — 1,562 47,053 84,883 — — — 20,008 62,080 6,074 3,723 322 647 (158) 9,767 258,986 (4,392) — — 1,218 41,333 33,558 — 9,604 — 4,124 9,996 150,642 175,785 21,692 47,979 6 1,035 124,105 205,651 — 28,564 2,285 55,489 76,718 — 9,925 3,996 25,689 83,120 29,890 34,280 (5,851) (28,339) 12,053 137 — — — — — 1,129 — 9,297 — — (116) 1,970 881,500 218,589 254,913 11,873 20,114 11,739 228,369 592,750 207,298 40 28,564 5,065 145,004 195,159 9,297 19,529 3,996 49,705 157,166 Assets are segmented into three product lines along with the Company’s capital and surplus as follows: Assets excluding segregated funds Segregated funds Total assets Assets excluding segregated funds Segregated funds Total assets For the year ended December 31, 2017 Wealth Management Employee Benefits Individual Insurance Capital & Surplus Total 971,895 $ 153,012 $ 5,102,246 $ 2,485,502 $ 8,712,655 8,661,094 — 20,798 — 8,681,892 9,632,989 $ 153,012 $ 5,123,044 $ 2,485,502 $ 17,394,547 For the year ended December 31, 2016 Wealth Management Employee Benefits Individual Insurance Capital & Surplus Total 969,991 $ 152,586 $ 4,613,014 $ 2,044,552 $ 7,780,143 8,061,128 — 20,905 — 8,082,033 9,031,119 $ 152,586 $ 4,633,919 $ 2,044,552 $ 15,862,176 $ $ $ $ While specific general fund assets are nominally matched against specific types of general fund liabilities or held in the shareholders’ and policyholders’ equity accounts, all general fund assets are available to pay all general fund liabilities, if required. Segregated fund assets are not available to pay liabilities of the general fund. Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 92 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (in thousands of Canadian dollars except for per share amounts, shares authorized and outstanding and where otherwise stated) 25. Commitments and Contingencies Investment Commitments In the normal course of business, outstanding investment commitments are not reflected in the Consolidated Financial Statements. In January 2016 the Company made a $20,000 commitment to purchase additional units in a real estate limited partnership. Draws on this commitment are payable on demand up to and including July 31, 2018. In January 2016, there was a capital call of $2,000 in this real estate limited partnership. In June 2016, there was a capital call of $6,667 in this real estate limited partnership. In July 2016, there was a capital call of $1,666 in this real estate limited partnership. In February 2017, there was a capital call of $1,094 in this real estate limited partnership. In March 2017, there was a capital call of $6,288 in this real estate limited partnership. At December 31, 2017 there remained $2,285 (December 31, 2016, $9,667) of outstanding cash calls to purchase units in the real estate limited partnership. Lease commitments The Company has entered into various operating leases as lessee for office space and certain computer and other equipment. Operating lease payments in 2017 were $3,185 (2016 $2,884). The future aggregate minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows: As at December 31 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 (and thereafter) 2017 — 2,779 2,691 1,724 971 4,841 2016 2,934 2,880 2,816 1,694 5,647 — $ 13,006 $ 15,971 Other contingencies The Company operates in the insurance industry and is subject to legal proceedings in the normal course of business. While it is not practicable to forecast or determine the final results of all pending or threatened legal proceedings, management does not believe that such proceedings (including litigation) will have a material effect on its results and financial position. The Company by-laws provide indemnification to its current and former directors, officers and employees to the extent permitted by law, against contractual indemnities and liabilities arising from their service to the Company. The broad general nature of these indemnification by-laws does not permit a reasonable estimate of the maximum potential amount of any liability. In certain cases, the Company would have recourse against third parties with respect to the foregoing items and the Company also maintains insurance policies that may provide coverage against certain of these items. Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 93 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (in thousands of Canadian dollars except for per share amounts, shares authorized and outstanding and where otherwise stated) 26. Related Party Transactions The Company is a 98.3% owned subsidiary of E-L Financial Services Limited (ELFS) which in turn is a 100.0% owned subsidiary of E-L Financial Corporation Limited (E-L). E-L owns, directly and indirectly through ELFS, 99.3% of the common shares of Empire Life. The Company’s ultimate controlling party is The Honourable Henry N. R. Jackman together with a trust created in 1969 by his father, Henry R. Jackman. In the normal course of business, the Company enters into transactions with E-L and other companies under common control or common influence involving the leasing of office property, investment management services and miscellaneous office services. The amounts earned and expensed were not significant. Some directors and officers have insurance and investment policies underwritten by the Company. In the fourth quarter of 2017, the Company issued 4,000,000 Non-Cumulative Rate Reset Preferred Shares, Series 3 to E-L Financial Corporation Limited at $25 per share.  Refer to Note 20 for further details. Compensation of key management personnel Key management personnel are comprised of directors and executive officers of the Company. The remuneration of key management personnel is as follows: For the year ended December 31 Salaries and other short-term and long-term employee benefits Post-employment benefits Total $ $ 2017 6,715 $ 433 7,148 $ 2016 6,554 524 7,078 Post-employment benefits are comprised of employer current service costs for pension and other post- employment benefits. 27. Capital Management The Company aims to manage its regulatory capital in order to meet the regulatory capital adequacy requirements of the Insurance Companies Act (Canada) as established and monitored by OSFI. Under the guidelines established by OSFI, the Company’s regulatory capital consists of two tiers. The Company’s Tier 1 regulatory capital includes common shares, contributed surplus, retained earnings and participating policyholders’ equity. Tier 2 regulatory capital includes the accumulated unrealized gains on AFS equity securities, net of tax, negative reserves on insurance contract liabilities and subordinated debt. OSFI’s target Tier 1 and total regulatory capital ratios for Canadian life insurance companies are 105% and 150% respectively. As at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 the Company was in compliance with these ratios. As at December 31 Tier 1 Regulatory Capital Tier 2 Regulatory Capital Total Regulatory Capital 2017 1,409,253 $ 931,530 2,340,783 $ 2016 1,206,134 707,205 1,913,339 $ $ Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 94 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (in thousands of Canadian dollars except for per share amounts, shares authorized and outstanding and where otherwise stated) 28. Risk Management The Company is exposed to risks arising from its investing activities and its insurance operations and to general reputation risk associated with these activities and its ability to manage specific risks. The following sections describe the principal risks and associated risk management strategies for the risks that management considers to be most significant in terms of likelihood and the potential adverse impact on the Company: market, liquidity, credit and insurance. Caution related to sensitivities In the sections that follow, the Company provides sensitivities and risk exposure measures for certain risks. These include sensitivities due to specific changes in market prices and interest rates, based on the market prices, interest rates, assets, liabilities and business mix in place as at the calculation dates. The sensitivities are calculated independently for each risk factor, assuming that all other risk variables remain constant. Actual results can differ materially from these estimates for a variety of reasons, including the interaction among these factors when more than one factor changes; changes in actuarial and investment return and future investment activity assumptions; actual experience differing from the assumptions; changes in business mix, effective tax rates and other market factors; and the general limitations of the Company’s internal models used for purposes of these calculations. Changes due to new sales or maturities, asset purchases/sales, or other management actions could also result in material changes to these reported sensitivities. For these reasons, the sensitivities should only be viewed as directional estimates of the underlying sensitivities for the respective factors based on the assumptions outlined, and should not be viewed as predictors for the Company’s future Net income, OCI, and capital sensitivities. Changes in risk variables in excess of the ranges illustrated may result in other than proportionate impacts. (a) Market risk Market risk is the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices such as interest rates, trading prices of equities, real estate and other securities, credit spreads and foreign exchange rates. Market risk is directly influenced by the volatility and liquidity in the markets in which the related financial instruments are traded, expectations of future price and yield movements and the composition of the Company’s investment portfolio. Under the Canadian insurance accounting and regulatory regime the Company’s results for any period reflect equity market values and interest rates at the end of the period through mark-to-market accounting. Consequently, a decline in public equity market values or changes in interest rates or spreads could result in material changes to net income attributed to shareholders, increases to regulatory capital requirements and reduction in the Company’s capital ratios. The Company buys investment quality bonds to support, to a very large extent, the liabilities under the insurance and annuity policies of the Company. The Company’s investment strategy also includes the use of publicly-listed “large cap” common stocks to support the liabilities under its insurance policies. Cash flows arising from these investments are intended to match the liquidity requirements of the Company’s policies, within the limits prescribed by the Company. However, if the Company does not achieve the expected returns underlying the pricing of its products, its operating results may be adversely affected. Furthermore, a decrease in the fair value of the Company's common stock portfolio results in reduced shareholders’ equity, reduced policyholders’ surplus and a reduced Minimum Continuing Capital and Surplus Requirements (MCCSR) position. Regulatory pressure to increase capital escalates as the MCCSR position approaches OSFI’s supervisory minimum. Net income would also be reduced if the declines in value are realized through dispositions or recognized in provisions for impairment. The Company manages this risk exposure mainly through investment limits and oversight of its investment managers by the Chief Investment Officer, the Asset Management Committee, and the Investment Committee of the Board. The Investment Committee actively monitors the portfolio size and asset mix. Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 95 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (in thousands of Canadian dollars except for per share amounts, shares authorized and outstanding and where otherwise stated) The Company’s general fund investments are subject to limits established by the Insurance Companies Act and to investment guidelines established by the Investment Committee of the Board. The investment guidelines are designed to limit overall investment risk by defining investment objectives, eligible investments, diversification criteria, exposure, concentration and asset quality limits for eligible investments by segment. The Investment Committee receives monthly reporting on general fund asset mix and performance by segment, derivatives matching, segregated fund asset mix and performance, and investment transactions for all funds. In addition, on at least a quarterly basis, management and the Company’s investment managers report to the Investment Committee, and through the Investment Committee to the Board, on portfolio content, asset mix, the Company’s matched position, the performance of general and segregated funds and compliance with the investment guidelines. The Company has an Asset Management Committee, which meets regularly and reports at least quarterly to the Investment Committee of the Board. The mandate of the Asset Management Committee includes monitoring of the matched position of Empire’s investments in relation to its liabilities within the various segments of the Company’s operations. The matching process is designed to require that assets supporting policy liabilities closely match the timing and amount of policy obligations, and to plan for the appropriate amount of liquidity in order to meet its financial obligations as they fall due. Asset segmentation guidelines, which are reviewed regularly with the Investment Committee, have been established to govern these activities. The Asset Management Committee reports regularly to the Investment Committee on the Company’s matched positions, asset mixes, and investment allocation decisions relative to the Company’s asset segments. The Company has established a Capital Management Policy, capital management levels that exceed regulatory minimums and Dynamic Capital Adequacy Testing (DCAT) that takes into account the potential effect of adverse investment-risk scenarios (including adverse market conditions and adverse interest rates) on the Company’s capital position and liquidity. Management monitors its MCCSR position on a regular basis and reports at least quarterly to the Board on the Company’s MCCSR. For the Company, the most significant market risks are equity risk, interest rate risk and foreign exchange rate risk. (1) Equity risk The Company’s investment portfolio consists primarily of bonds and equity securities and the fair value of its investments varies according to changes in general economic and securities market conditions, including volatility and declines in equity markets. Equity market volatility could occur as a result of general market volatility or as a result of specific social, political or economic events. A decline in securities markets could have an adverse impact on the return on assets backing capital, capital adequacy, and the management fees collected on segregated fund contracts, mutual funds and on index funds within universal life contracts and insurance policy liabilities and capital requirements, particularly in respect of segregated fund guarantees. The risk of fluctuation of the market value of the Company’s segregated funds and mutual funds is generally assumed by the policyholders and unit holders, respectively. Market value variations of such assets will result in variations in the income of the Company to the extent fees are determined in relation to the value of such funds. A significant and steady decline of the securities markets may result in net losses on such products which could adversely affect the Company. Additionally, certain of the Company’s segregated fund products contain guarantees upon death, maturity or withdrawal, where the guarantee may be triggered by the market performance of the underlying funds. If a significant market decline is experienced, the resulting increased cost of providing these guarantees could have an adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, MCCSR position and results of operations. The Company has reinsured a portion of its segregated fund death benefit guarantee. During the fourth quarter of 2014, the Company initiated a semi-static, economic hedging program. The objective of the economic hedging program is to partially protect the Company from possible future MCCSR ratio declines that might result from adverse stock market price changes. The program presently employs put options and futures on Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 96 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (in thousands of Canadian dollars except for per share amounts, shares authorized and outstanding and where otherwise stated) key equity indices. Improper use of these instruments could have an adverse impact on earnings. The Company manages this risk by applying limits established by the Investment Committee in its investment guidelines, which set out permitted derivatives and permitted uses for derivatives, as well as limits to the use of these instruments. In particular, no leverage is permitted in the use of derivatives and strict counterparty credit restrictions are imposed, with total credit exposure to all counterparties limited to $100 million. The Company has an Equity Risk Hedging Policy to support general fund economic hedging programs. The policy outlines objectives, risk limits and authorities associated with its economic hedging activities. Management monitors its economic hedging activities on a regular basis and reports, at least quarterly, to the Risk and Capital Committee of the Board on the status of the economic hedging program. The Company uses stochastic models to monitor and manage risk associated with segregated fund guarantees and establishes policyholder liability provisions in accordance with standards set forth by the CIA. Product development and pricing policies also require consideration of portfolio risk and capital requirements in the design, development and pricing of the products. The Asset Management Committee reports quarterly to the Risk and Capital Committee of the Board on the nature and value of the Company’s segregated fund guarantee liabilities, including potential top- up exposure and capital requirements. The following table summarizes the estimated potential impact on the Company of a change in global equity markets. The Company uses a 10% increase or decrease in equity markets as a reasonably possible change in equity markets. The Company has also disclosed the impact of a 20% increase or decrease in its equity market sensitivity. The amounts in the following table include the effect of Empire Life’s general fund equity risk economic hedging program (described above). For segregated fund guarantees the level of sensitivity is highly dependent on the level of the stock market at the time of performing the estimate. If period end equity markets are high relative to market levels at the time that segregated fund policies were issued, the sensitivity is reduced. If period end equity markets are low relative to market levels at the time that segregated fund policies were issued, the sensitivity is increased. The amounts shown below for segregated fund guarantees represent the impact on shareholders’ net income. Shareholders' net income (including segregated fund guarantees)* $ 23,878 $ (22,351) $ 48,202 $ (74,015) Policyholders' net income Shareholders' other comprehensive income Policyholders' other comprehensive income $ nil $ nil $ nil $ nil $ $ 2,278 $ 1,892 $ (2,278) $ (1,892) $ 4,556 $ 3,784 $ (4,556) (3,784) As at December 31, 2017 10% Increase 10% Decrease 20% Increase 20% Decrease Shareholders' net income (including segregated fund guarantees)* $ 17,682 $ (15,674) $ 36,045 $ (35,579) Policyholders' net income Shareholders' other comprehensive income Policyholders' other comprehensive income $ nil $ nil $ nil $ nil $ $ 2,340 $ 2,563 $ (2,340) $ (2,563) $ 4,680 $ 5,126 $ (4,680) (5,126) As at December 31, 2016 10% Increase 10% Decrease 20% Increase 20% Decrease *Includes the estimated impact on fee income net of trailer commissions after tax for a three month period Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 97 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (in thousands of Canadian dollars except for per share amounts, shares authorized and outstanding and where otherwise stated) For the life insurance business, the Company’s policy is to use equity investments to cover a portion of the estimated insurance liability cash flows of non-participating life and universal life products beyond 20 years following the balance sheet date. The value of the liabilities supported by these equities depends on assumptions about the future level of equity markets. The best- estimate return assumptions for equities are primarily based on long-term historical averages of total returns (including dividends) for the Canadian equity market, which is 9.1% (2016 9.1%). The Company uses an assumption of 7.6% (2016 7.6%) to include provisions for moderate changes in equity rates of return determined in accordance with Canadian actuarial standards of practice. The returns are then reduced by margins to determine the net returns used in the valuation. Changes in the current market would result in changes to these assumptions. The impact of an immediate change in equity markets is described above. If the change in equity markets persisted for one year, then a change to the actuarial future equity market return assumption would be made. For non-participating insurance business, a 1.0% decrease in future equity market returns would result in an increase to policy liabilities thereby reducing Net income by approximately $117,500 (2016 $111,600). The following table identifies the concentration of the Company's common equity holdings in Empire Life's investment portfolios: As at December 31 Holdings of common equities in the 10 issuers to which the Company had the greatest exposure Percentage of total cash and investments Exposure to the largest single issuer of common equities Percentage of total cash and investments (2) Interest rate risk $ $ 2017 2016 382,479 $ 330,213 4.5% 91,894 $ 1.1% 4.5% 75,594 1.0% Interest rate risk arises when economic losses are incurred due to the need to reinvest or divest during periods of changing interest rates. Changes in interest rates, as a result of the general market volatility or as a result of specific social, political or economic events, could have an adverse effect on the Company’s business and profitability in several ways. Certain of the Company’s product offerings contain guarantees and, if long-term interest rates fall below those guaranteed rates, the Company may be required to increase policy liabilities against losses, thereby adversely affecting its operating results. Interest rate changes can also cause compression of net spread between interest earned on investments and interest credited to customers, thereby adversely affecting the Company’s operating results. Rapid declines in interest rates may result in, among other things, increased asset calls and mortgage prepayments and require reinvestment at significantly lower yields, which could adversely affect earnings. Additionally, during periods of declining interest rates, bond redemptions generally increase, resulting in the reinvestment of such funds at lower current rates. Rapid increases in interest rates may result in, among other things, increased surrenders. Fluctuations in interest rates may cause losses to the Company due to the need to reinvest or divest during periods of changing interest rates, which may force the Company to sell investment assets at a loss. In addition, an interest rate sensitivity mismatch between assets and the liabilities that they are designated to support could have an adverse effect on the Company’s financial position and operating results. Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 98 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (in thousands of Canadian dollars except for per share amounts, shares authorized and outstanding and where otherwise stated) The following tables summarize the estimated immediate financial impact on Net income and OCI as a result of an immediate change in interest rates. Shareholders' net income Policyholders' net income Shareholders' other comprehensive income Policyholders' other comprehensive income Shareholders' net income Policyholders' net income Shareholders' other comprehensive income Policyholders' other comprehensive income $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ As at December 31, 2017 50 bps Increase 50 bps Decrease 100 bps Increase 100 bps Decrease 12,803 $ (14,265) $ 24,312 $ (30,187) 174 $ (189) $ 333 $ (396) (41,379) $ 48,891 $ (75,245) $ 105,294 (1,744) $ 1,928 $ (3,306) $ 4,038 As at December 31, 2016 50 bps Increase 50 bps Decrease 100 bps Increase 100 bps Decrease 8,451 $ 169 $ (9,438) $ (184) $ 16,030 $ (19,995) 323 $ (33,479) $ 39,351 $ (61,087) $ (1,586) $ 1,745 $ (3,014) $ (386) 84,574 3,649 The computation of policy liabilities takes into account projected investment income net of investment expenses from the assets supporting policy liabilities, and investment income expected to be earned on reinvestments. The assets supporting the policy liabilities are segmented from the assets backing shareholders’ and policyholders’ equity. For life and health insurance, the projected cash flows from the assets supporting policy liabilities are combined with estimated future reinvestment rates based on both the current economic outlook and the Company’s expected future asset mix. In order to provide a margin that recognizes the mismatch of assets and liabilities, the cash flows are subjected to tests under a wide spectrum of possible reinvestment scenarios, and the policy liabilities are then adjusted to provide for credible adverse future scenarios. In order to match the savings component of policy liabilities that vary with a variety of indices and currencies, the Company maintains certain equity, bond and currency financial instruments as part of its general fund assets. Asset-liability mismatch risk for these liabilities is monitored on a daily basis. For the life insurance business, where the insurance contract liabilities have a longer term than most available bonds and mortgages, the Company needs to reinvest net cash flows arising in the future to extend the duration of its assets. Under Canadian actuarial standards of practice, the yields assumed for these future reinvestments are related to current interest rates, the current economic outlook and the Company’s expected future asset mix. The reinvestment assumption grades from the initial reinvestment rate (IRR) assumption to the ultimate reinvestment rate (URR) assumption over the rolling 40-year period following the balance sheet date. The estimated impact of an immediate change in interest rates is described above. If interest rates increase or decrease during the next year, then a change to the IRR assumption would be required to take into account the then-current economic outlook. For non-participating insurance business, a 1.0% decrease in interest rates would cause a decrease in reinvestment assumption for the next 40-years, resulting in an increase to policy liabilities thereby reducing net income by approximately $55,700 (2016 $47,400). This assumes no change in the URR assumption. Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 99 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (in thousands of Canadian dollars except for per share amounts, shares authorized and outstanding and where otherwise stated) For investment income expected to be earned on reinvestments beyond the rolling 40-year period, the Company uses an URR assumption. Under Canadian actuarial standards of practice, the URR assumption is prescribed as a long-term ultimate risk-free reinvestment rate of 3.2% plus a maximum amount for credit spreads minus asset default rates of 0.8%. The prescribed level of the URR assumption may be periodically changed by the actuarial standards setting body. As interest rates are currently lower than they were when the current URR assumptions were set, there may be a downward bias if the rates were to be updated. In order to provide a margin that recognizes the longer-term mismatch, the cash flows are subjected to tests under a wide spectrum of possible reinvestment scenarios, and the insurance contract liabilities are then adjusted to provide for credible adverse future scenarios. The Company uses an URR of 4.0% (2016 4.0%) to adjust for credible adverse scenarios. For annuity business, where the timing and amount of the benefit obligations can be more readily determined, the matching of the asset and liability cash flows is tightly controlled. A sudden increase or decrease in interest rates would have a negligible effect on future profits from annuity business currently in force. For annuity business, the impact a 1.0% decrease in assumed IRR has on policy liabilities and subsequently on Net income is negligible as a result of the matching process described above. Interest rate risk in Empire Life's investment portfolio is managed through Investment Committee established limits and regular reporting by management to the Investment Committee and the Board. The Company’s investment guidelines establish investment objectives and eligible interest rate sensitive investments, as well as establish diversification criteria, exposure, concentration and asset quality limits for these investments. The Asset Management Committee oversees sensitivity to interest rates. The objective is to maximize investment yields while managing the default, liquidity and reinvestment risks at acceptable levels and within risk tolerances. Product development and pricing policies and practices also require consideration of interest rate risk in the design, development and pricing of the products. (3) Foreign exchange rate risk Foreign exchange rate risk arises when the fair value of cash flows of a financial instrument fluctuate due to changes in exchange rates. This can create an adverse effect on earnings and equity when measured in the Company’s functional currency. The Company’s primary foreign currency exposure arises from portfolio investments denominated in US dollars. A 10% fluctuation in the US dollar would have an impact of approximately $ nil (2016 $ 11,095) on shareholders' Net income, $ nil (2016 $ nil) on shareholders’ OCI and $ nil (2016 $ nil) on policyholders’ OCI. The Company’s exposure to foreign currency risk in its financial liabilities is not material. The Company uses derivative instruments, including futures contracts and foreign currency forward contracts, to manage foreign exchange risks. Improper use of these instruments could have an adverse impact on earnings. The Company manages this risk by applying limits established by the Risk and Capital Committee in its investment guidelines, which set out permitted derivatives and permitted uses for derivatives, as well as limits to the use of these instruments. In particular, no leverage is permitted in the use of derivatives and strict counterparty credit restrictions are imposed, with total credit exposure to all counterparties limited to $100 million. The Company has a Foreign Exchange Risk Management Policy which outlines objectives, risk limits and authority associated with any foreign exchange rate exposure. Oversight and management of this policy falls under the responsibility of the Asset Management Committee, which reports exposures and any breaches to the Investment Committee of the Board. Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 100 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (in thousands of Canadian dollars except for per share amounts, shares authorized and outstanding and where otherwise stated) (b) Liquidity risk Liquidity risk is the risk that an entity will not be able to fund all cash outflow commitments or obligations as they fall due or that, in order to fund commitments, an entity may have to sell assets at depressed prices resulting in losses at time of sale. Cash outflows could be in the form of benefit payments to policyholders, expenses, asset purchases and interest on debt. The majority of the Company’s obligations relate to its policy liabilities, the duration of which varies by line of business and expectations relating to key policyholder actions or events (i.e. cash withdrawal, mortality, and morbidity). The remaining obligations of the Company relate to the subordinated debt (refer to Note 13 - Subordinated Debt) and to ongoing operating expenses as they fall due, which are expected to settle in a very short period of time. The Company’s liquidity risk management strategy is to ensure that there will be sufficient cash to meet all financial commitments and obligations as they become due. The Company’s liquidity risk management program is monitored by management and by the Board of the Company through regular reporting to the Investment Committee. The Company monitors its cash flow obligations and meets its liquidity needs by holding high quality marketable investments that may be easily sold, if necessary, and by maintaining a portion of investments in cash and short-term investments. The Company maintains a liquidity policy requiring an assessment of the Company’s liquidity risk and specific procedures so that liquidity needs are met. Compliance with the policy is monitored by the Asset Management Committee and exposures and breaches are reported to the Investment Committee of the Board. The Company’s current liquidity position as at December 31 is provided in a table in Note 10(e). Based on the Company’s historical cash flows and current financial performance, management believes that the cash flows from the Company’s operating activities will continue to provide sufficient liquidity for the Company to satisfy debt service obligations and to pay other expenses. The following table shows details of the expected maturity profile of the Company's undiscounted obligations with respect to its financial liabilities and estimated cash flows of policy liabilities.  Policy liability cash flows include estimates related to the timing and payment of death and disability claims, policy maturities, annuity payments, policyholder dividends, amounts on deposit, commission and premium taxes offset by contractual future premiums and fees on in-force business.  Recoveries from reinsurance agreements are also reflected.  Segregated fund liabilities are excluded from this analysis.  These estimated cash flows are based on the best estimate assumptions, with margins for adverse deviations, used in the determination of policy liabilities.  The actuarial and other policy liability amounts included in the Company's 2017 Consolidated Financial Statements are based on the present value of the estimated cash flows.  Due to the use of assumptions, actual cash flows will differ from these estimates. Insurance contract liabilities Investment contract liabilities Subordinated debt Preferred shares Accounts payable and Other liabilities Total liabilities Operating lease commitments As at December 31, 2017 1 year or less 1 - 5 years 5 - 10 years Over 10 years Total $ 86,298 $ 250,921 $ 528,013 $ 18,998,295 $ 19,863,527 2,018 21,374 13,496 222,242 345,428 2,779 8,553 80,950 175,389 11,013 526,826 6,248 5,980 553,155 91,857 26,590 5,397 205,180 — — 21,948 860,659 280,742 259,845 1,205,595 19,208,872 21,286,721 3,979 — 13,006 Total $ 348,207 $ 533,074 $ 1,209,574 $ 19,208,872 $ 21,299,727 Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 101 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (in thousands of Canadian dollars except for per share amounts, shares authorized and outstanding and where otherwise stated) Insurance contract liabilities Investment contract liabilities Subordinated debt Preferred shares Accounts payable and Other liabilities Total liabilities Operating lease commitments As at December 31, 2016 1 year or less 1 - 5 years 5 - 10 years Over 10 years Total $ 72,467 $ 218,061 $ 531,530 $ 18,003,489 $ 18,825,547 1,784 15,376 8,596 220,540 318,763 2,934 7,864 46,884 160,087 7,191 4,794 530,518 — 20,505 3,986 — — — 18,428 592,778 168,683 248,236 440,087 1,087,347 18,007,475 19,853,672 8,220 4,297 520 15,971 Total $ 321,697 $ 448,307 $ 1,091,644 $ 18,007,995 $ 19,869,643 The Asset Management Committee, which meets regularly, monitors the matched position of the Company’s investments in relation to its liabilities within the various segments of its operations. The matching process is designed to require that assets supporting policy liabilities closely match, to the extent possible, the timing and amount of policy obligations, and to plan for the appropriate amount of liquidity in order to meet its financial obligations as they fall due. The Company maintains a portion of its investments in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments to meet its short-term funding requirements. As at December 31, 2017, 4.9% (2016 6.2%) of cash and investments were held in these shorter duration investments. (c) Credit risk Credit risk is the possibility of loss from amounts either owed by financial counterparties, such as debtors, reinsurers and other financial institutions, or in connection with issuers of securities held in an asset portfolio. The Company is subject to credit risk which arises from debtors or counterparties who are unable to meet their obligations under debt or derivative instruments. This credit risk is derived primarily from investments in bonds, debentures, preferred shares, cash and cash equivalents, mortgages and from reinsurers under reinsurance agreements. The Company manages this risk by applying its investment guidelines and product design and pricing risk management policy established by the Investment Committee and Risk and Capital Committee of the Board respectively. The investment guidelines establish minimum credit ratings for issuers of bonds, debentures and preferred share investments, and provide for concentration limits by issuer of such debt instruments. Management and Board committees review credit quality relative to investment purchases and also monitor the credit quality of invested assets over time. Management reports regularly to the Investment Committee of the Company’s Board on the credit risk to which the portfolio is exposed. The Reinsurance Risk Management Policy (along with supporting material in the Product Design and Pricing Risk Management Policy) establishes reinsurance objectives and limits, and requires ongoing evaluation of reinsurers for financial soundness. The Company enters into long-term reinsurance agreements only with reinsurance companies that have a credit rating of “A-” or better. Credit risk analysis includes the consideration of credit spreads.  From an investment perspective, when buying credit the Company is guided by two principles; first that there is a high likelihood of return of principal and second that there is an acceptable return on investment.  The Company looks to obtain a risk/reward balance that aligns with its objectives and risk philosophy.  When determining insurance contract liabilities, credit spreads and changes in credit spreads are reflected in the interest rate assumption. Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 102 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (in thousands of Canadian dollars except for per share amounts, shares authorized and outstanding and where otherwise stated) The Company has the following assets that are exposed to credit risk: As at December 31 Cash and cash equivalents Short-term investments Bonds Preferred shares Derivative assets Mortgages Reinsurance Loans on policies Policy contract loans Accrued investment income Insurance receivables Trade accounts receivable Total 2017 $ 294,238 $ 127,742 6,473,608 408,261 1,399 221,973 85,638 51,692 74,603 43,219 46,294 12,399 2016 368,873 102,874 5,521,172 285,184 3,855 264,309 95,473 47,969 80,944 40,551 53,097 33,731 $ 7,841,066 $ 6,898,032 Mortgages, Loans on policies and Policy contract loans are fully or partially secured. The Company has made provision in its Consolidated Statements of Financial Position for credit losses. Provisions have been made partly through reduction in the value of the assets (see Note 3(b)) and partly through a provision in policy liabilities (see Note 10(c)). Concentration of credit risk (1) Bonds and debentures The concentration of the Company’s bond portfolio by investment grade is as follows: As at December 31 AAA AA A BBB (and lower ratings) Total 2017 2016 Fair value % of Fair value Fair value % of Fair value $ 529,856 659,816 4,301,025 982,911 8% $ 10% 67% 15% 380,423 591,132 3,689,809 859,808 $ 6,473,608 100% $ 5,521,172 7% 11% 66% 16% 100% Credit ratings are normally obtained from Standard & Poor's (S&P) and Dominion Bond Rating Service (DBRS). In the event of a split rating, the lower rating is used. Issues not rated by a recognized rating agency (i.e. S&P, DBRS, or Moody's) are rated internally by the Investment Department.  The internal rating assessment is documented referencing suitable comparable investments rated by recognized rating agencies and/or methodologies used by recognized rating agencies. Provincial bonds represent the largest concentration in the bond portfolio, as follows: As at December 31 Provincial bond holdings Percentage of total bond holdings 2017 2016 $ 3,398,432 $ 2,925,004 52.5% 53.0% Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 103 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (in thousands of Canadian dollars except for per share amounts, shares authorized and outstanding and where otherwise stated) The following table profiles the bond portfolio by contractual maturity, using the earliest contractual maturity date: As at December 31 1 year or less 1 - 5 years 5 - 10 years Over 10 years Total 2017 2016 Fair value % of Fair value Fair value % of Fair value $ 340,940 596,228 731,086 4,805,354 5% $ 9% 11% 75% 59,872 586,444 637,529 4,237,327 $ 6,473,608 100% $ 5,521,172 1% 11% 12% 76% 100% The following table discloses the Company's holdings of fixed income securities in the 10 issuers (excluding the federal government) to which the Company had the greatest exposure, as well as exposure to the largest single issuer of corporate bonds. As at December 31 2017 2016 Holdings of fixed income securities* in the 10 issuers (excluding federal governments) to which the Company had the greatest exposure Percentage of total cash and investments Exposure to the largest single issuer of corporate bonds Percentage of total cash and investments *Fixed income securities includes bonds, debentures, preferred shares and short term investments. $ $ 4,192,708 $ 3,534,308 49.0% 46.5% 173,269 $ 154,112 2.0% 2.0% (2) Preferred shares The Company’s preferred share investments are all issued by Canadian companies, with 1% (2016 1%) of these investments rated as P1 and the remaining 99% (2016 99%) rated as P2. (3) Mortgages Mortgages in the province of Ontario represent the largest concentration with $221,973 or 100% (2016 $264,309 or 100%) of the total mortgage portfolio. (d) Insurance risk The Company provides a broad range of life insurance, health insurance and wealth management products, employee benefit plans, and financial services that are concentrated by product line as follows: (millions of dollars) Wealth Management Employee Benefits Individual Insurance Capital & Surplus Total For the year ended December 31 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 Net premium income Fee and other income Total $ 135.5 $ 175.8 $ 330.6 $ 338.9 $ 368.1 $ 366.8 $ — $ — $ 834.2 $ 881.5 246.0 217.5 10.2 9.8 0.3 1.0 0.3 0.1 256.8 228.4 $ 381.5 $ 393.3 $ 340.8 $ 348.7 $ 368.4 $ 367.8 $ 0.3 $ 0.1 $ 1,091.0 $ 1,109.9 Insurance risk is the risk that actual experience related to claims, benefit payments, expenses, cost of embedded product options and cost of guarantees associated with insurance risks, does not emerge as expected. The Company is exposed to various insurance risks as a result of the business it writes, including: mortality, policyholder behaviour (termination or lapse), expenses, morbidity, longevity, product design and pricing risk, underwriting and claims risk and reinsurance risk. The Company regularly evaluates its exposure to foreseeable risks through stress testing techniques including DCAT analysis. Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 104 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (in thousands of Canadian dollars except for per share amounts, shares authorized and outstanding and where otherwise stated) The principal risk the Company faces under insurance contracts is the risk that experience on claims, policy lapses and operating expenses will not emerge as expected. To the extent that emerging experience is more favourable than assumed in the valuation, income will emerge. If emerging experience is less favourable, losses will result. Therefore, the objective of the Company is to establish sufficient insurance liabilities to cover these obligations with reasonable certainty. The computation of insurance liabilities and related reinsurance recoverable requires “best estimate” assumptions covering the remaining life of the policies. Assumptions in use are based on past experience, current internal data, external market indices and benchmarks which reflect current observable market trends and other published information. These assumptions are made for mortality, morbidity, longevity, lapse, expenses, inflation and taxes. Due to the long-term risks and measurement uncertainties inherent in the life insurance business, a margin for adverse deviations from best estimates is calculated separately for each variable and included in policy liabilities. These margins are intended to allow for possible deterioration in experience and to provide greater confidence that policy liabilities are adequate to pay future benefits. The effect of these margins is to increase policy liabilities over the best estimate assumptions. The margins for adverse deviation used by the Company are within the target range established by the CIA. A correspondingly larger margin is included in the insurance contract liabilities if an assumption is susceptible to change or if there is more uncertainty about the best estimate assumption. Each margin is reviewed annually for continued appropriateness. Policy liability assumptions are reviewed and updated at least annually by the Company’s Appointed Actuary. The impact of changes in those assumptions is reflected in earnings in the year of the change. Details related to the changes in assumptions are also discussed with the Audit Committee of the Board. The methods for arriving at the most important of these assumptions are outlined below. Also included are measures of the Company’s estimated net income sensitivity to changes in best estimate assumptions in the non-participating insurance liabilities, based on a starting point and business mix as of December 31, 2017. For participating business it is assumed that changes will occur in policyholder dividend scales corresponding to changes in best estimate assumptions such that the net change in participating insurance contract liabilities is immaterial. (1) Mortality The Company carries out annual internal studies of its own mortality experience. The valuation mortality assumptions are based on a combination of this experience and recent CIA industry experience. An increase in the rate of mortality will lead to a larger number of claims (and claims could occur sooner than anticipated), which for life insurance, will increase expenditures and reduce profits for the shareholders. For non-participating insurance business, a 2.0% increase in the best estimate mortality assumption would increase policy liabilities thereby decreasing Net income by approximately $13,300 (2016 $9,700). For annuity business, lower mortality (or longevity) is financially adverse so a 2.0% decrease in the best estimate mortality assumption would increase policy liabilities thereby decreasing Net income by approximately $3,600 (2016 $4,000). (2) Policyholder behaviour (termination or lapse) Policy termination (lapse) and surrender assumptions are based on a combination of the Company’s own internal termination studies (conducted annually) and recent CIA industry experience. Separate policy termination assumptions are used for permanent cash-value business, for renewable term insurance, term insurance to age 100 and for universal life insurance. In setting policy termination rates for renewable term insurance, it is assumed that extra lapses will occur at each renewal point and that healthy policyholders are more likely to lapse at that time than those who have become uninsurable. Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 105 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (in thousands of Canadian dollars except for per share amounts, shares authorized and outstanding and where otherwise stated) Acquisition costs may not be recovered fully if lapses in the early policy years exceed those in the actuarial assumptions. An increase in policy termination rates early in the life of the policy would tend to reduce profits for shareholders. An increase in policy termination rates later in the life of the policy would tend to increase profits for shareholders if the product is lapse supported (such as term insurance to age 100), but decrease shareholder profits for other types of policies. For non-participating insurance and annuity business a 10.0% adverse change in the lapse assumption would result in an increase to policy liabilities thereby decreasing Net income by approximately $134,200 (2016 $118,400). For products where fewer terminations would be financially adverse to the Company, the change is applied as a decrease to the lapse assumption. Alternatively, for products where more terminations would be financially adverse to the Company, the change is applied as an increase to the lapse assumption. (3) Expenses Policy liabilities provide for the future expense of administering policies in force, renewal commissions, general expenses and taxes. Expenses associated with policy acquisition and issue are specifically excluded. The future expense assumption is derived from internal cost studies and includes an assumption for inflation. An increase in the level of expenses would result in an increase in expenditure thereby reducing profits for the shareholders. For non-participating insurance business and annuity business combined, a 5% increase in the maintenance expense assumption would result in an increase to policy liabilities thereby reducing net income by approximately $4,600 (2016 $5,900). (4) Morbidity The Company carries out annual internal studies of its own morbidity experience where morbidity refers to both the rates of accident or sickness and the rates of recovery from the accident or sickness. The valuation assumptions are based on a combination of internal experience and recent CIA industry experience. For individual critical illness business, the incidence rates (or rates of accident or sickness) are the key assumption related to morbidity. An increase in incidence rates would result in an increase in the number of claims which increases expenditures and reduces shareholders’ profits. For group long-term disability business the termination rates (or rates of recovery) are the key assumption related to morbidity. A decrease in termination rates would result in disability claims persisting longer which increases expenditures. For non-participating insurance business where morbidity is a significant assumption, a 5% adverse change in the assumption would result in an increase to policy liabilities thereby reducing Net income by approximately $6,500 (2016 $6,500). (5) Product design and pricing risk The Company is subject to the risk of financial loss resulting from transacting insurance business where the costs and liabilities assumed in respect of a product exceed the expectations reflected in the pricing of the product. This risk may be due to an inadequate assessment of market needs, a poor estimate of the future experience of several factors, such as mortality, morbidity, lapse experience, future returns on investments, expenses and taxes, as well as the introduction of new products that could adversely impact the future behaviour of policyholders. For certain types of contracts, all or part of this risk may be shared with or transferred to the policyholder through dividends and experience rating refunds or through the fact that the Company can adjust the premiums or future benefits if experience turns out to be different than expected. For other types of contracts, the Company assumes the entire risk and thus must carry out a full valuation of the commitments in this regard. Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 106 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (in thousands of Canadian dollars except for per share amounts, shares authorized and outstanding and where otherwise stated) The Company manages product design and pricing risk through a variety of enterprise-wide programs and controls. The key programs and controls are described as follows. The Company has established policy liabilities in accordance with standards set forth by the CIA. Experience studies (both Company-specific and industry level) are factored into ongoing valuation, renewal and new business processes so that policy liabilities, as well as product design and pricing, take into account emerging experience. The Company has established an active capital management process that includes a Capital Management Policy and capital management levels that exceed regulatory minimums. As prescribed by regulatory authorities, the Appointed Actuary conducts DCAT and reports annually to the Audit Committee on the Company’s financial condition, outlining the impact on capital levels should future experience be adverse. The Company has also developed a Product Design and Pricing Risk Management Policy for each of its major product lines. This policy, which is established by management and approved by the Risk and Capital Committee of the Board, defines the Company’s product design and pricing risk management philosophy. The policy sets out product design and pricing approval authorities, product concentration limits, and required product development monitoring processes and controls. (6) Underwriting and claims risk The Company is subject to the risk of financial loss resulting from the selection and underwriting of risks to be insured and from the adjudication and settlement of claims. Many of the Company’s individual insurance and group disability products provide benefits over the policyholder’s lifetime. Actual claims experience may differ from the mortality and morbidity assumptions used to calculate the related premiums. Catastrophic events such as earthquakes, acts of terrorism or an influenza pandemic in Canada could result in adverse claims experience. In addition to the risk management controls described above under Product Design and Pricing Risk, the Company also manages underwriting and claims risk through its Underwriting and Liability Risk Management Policy for each of its major product lines. This policy is established by management and approved by the Risk and Capital Committee of the Board. Together, these policies define the Company’s underwriting and claims management philosophy. These policies also set out product line insurance risk tolerances, underwriting criteria, underwriting and liability concentration limits, claims approval requirements, underwriting and claims processes and controls, approval authorities and limits, and ongoing risk monitoring requirements. The Company uses reinsurance to mitigate excessive exposure to adverse mortality and morbidity experience. Management reviews and establishes retention limits for its various product lines and the Board approves changes to these retention limits. (7) Reinsurance risk The Company is subject to the risk of financial loss due to inadequate reinsurance coverage or a default of a reinsurer. Amounts reinsured per life vary according to the type of protection and the product. The Company also maintains a catastrophe reinsurance program, which provides protection in the event that multiple insured lives perish in a common accident or catastrophic event. Although the Company relies on reinsurance to mitigate excessive exposure to adverse mortality and morbidity experience, reinsurance does not release it from its primary commitments to its policyholders and it is exposed to the credit risk associated with the amounts ceded to reinsurers. The availability and cost of reinsurance are subject to prevailing reinsurance market conditions, both in terms of price and availability, which can also affect earnings. The Reinsurance Risk Management Policy establishes reinsurance objectives and limits, and requires ongoing evaluation of reinsurers for financial soundness. As reinsurance does not release a company from its primary commitments to its policyholders, an ongoing oversight process is critical. Management reports annually to the Risk and Capital Committee of the Board on reinsurance activities. Most of the Company’s individual life reinsurance (with the exception of its renewable term products) is on an excess basis (with a $500 retention limit), meaning the Company retains 100% of the risk up to $500 in face amount. With the Company’s renewable term products, however, all amounts over $100 are reinsured at an 80% level, meaning that the Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 107 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (in thousands of Canadian dollars except for per share amounts, shares authorized and outstanding and where otherwise stated) Company retains only 20% of the risk on coverage over $100, to a maximum retention of $500. In addition the Company also retains a maximum of $100 on individual accidental death policies. Retention amounts are lower for group business but are in addition to those noted for individual business. A portion of Empire Life’s segregated fund death benefit exposure is reinsured. All Empire Life segregated fund policyholders with death benefit guarantees of at least $2 million are included in this agreement. As a result of this reinsurance strategy, the Company utilizes lower than average levels of reinsurance, compared to Canadian competitors, and absorbs the resultant negative impact on short-term earnings due to additional sales strain. The Company does not have any assumed reinsurance business. Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 108 GLOSSARY OF TERMS (unaudited) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI) A separate component of shareholders’ and policyholders’ equity which includes net unrealized gains and losses on available for sale securities, unamortized gains and losses on cash flow hedges, unrealized foreign currency translation gains and losses and remeasurement of post-employment benefit liabilities. These items have been recognized in comprehensive income, but excluded from net income. Active Market An active market is a market in which the items traded are homogeneous, willing buyers and sellers can normally be found at anytime and prices are available to the public. Available For Sale (AFS) Finance Assets Non-derivative financial assets that are designated as AFS or that are not classified as loans and receivables, held to maturity investments, or held for trading. Most financial assets supporting capital and surplus are classified as AFS. Canadian Asset Liability Method (CALM) The prescribed method for valuation of policy liabilities in Canada. CALM is a prospective basis of valuation which uses the full gross premium for the policy, the estimated expenses and obligations under the policy, current expected experience assumptions plus a margin for adverse deviations, and scenario testing to assess interest rate risk and market risks. Canadian Institute of Actuaries (CIA) As the national organization of the Canadian actuarial profession, the CIA means to serve the public through the provision by the profession of actuarial services and advice of the highest quality. The CIA ensures that the actuarial services provided by its members meet accepted professional standards; and assists actuaries in Canada in the discharge of their professional responsibilities. Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association (CLHIA) The Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association (CLHIA) is an organization representing life insurance and health insurance providers in Canada. The industry develops guidelines, voluntarily and proactively, to respond to emerging issues and to ensure consumer interests are protected. Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada (CPA Canada) Canada's not-for-profit association for Chartered Professional Accountants (CPA) provides information and guidance to its members, students and capital markets. Working in collaboration with its provincial member organizations, CPA Canada supports the setting of accounting, auditing and assurance standards for business, not-for-profit organizations and government, and develops and delivers education programs. Earnings on Surplus This source of earnings represents the pre-tax earnings on the shareholders’ capital and surplus funds. Effective Interest Method The effective interest method is a method of calculating the amortized cost of a financial asset or a financial liability and of allocating the interest income or interest expense over the relevant period. The effective interest rate is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash payments or receipts through the expected life of the financial instrument or, when appropriate, a shorter period to the net carrying amount of the financial asset or financial liability. Expected Profit from In-Force Business This source of earnings represents the profit Empire Life expects to generate on in-force business if experience is in line with the Empire Life’s best estimate assumptions for mortality, morbidity, persistency, investment returns, expenses and taxes. Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 109 GLOSSARY OF TERMS (unaudited) Experience Gains and Losses This source of earnings represents gains or losses due to the difference between actual experience and the best estimate assumptions. Fair Value Through Profit or Loss (FVTPL) Invested assets are classified as financial instruments at FVTPL if they are held for trading, or if they are designated by management under the fair value option. Most financial assets supporting insurance contract liabilities and investment contract liabilities are classified as FVTPL. Impact on New Business Writing new business typically adds economic value to a life insurance company. At the point of sale, new business may have a positive or negative impact on earnings. A negative impact (new business strain) will result when the provision for adverse deviation included in the actuarial liabilities at the point of sale exceeds the expected profit margin in the product pricing. The impact of new business also includes any excess acquisition expenses not covered by product pricing at the point of issue. International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Refers to the international accounting standards that were adopted in Canada, effective January 1, 2011; these are now Canadian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (CGAAP) for publicly accountable enterprises. Life Insurance Capital Adequacy Test (LICAT) The LICAT measures the capital adequacy of an insurer and is one of several indicators used by OSFI to assess an insurer's financial condition. The LICAT Ratio is the ratio of eligible capital to the base solvency buffer, each as calculated under OSFI's published guidelines. Management Actions and Changes in Assumptions This source of earnings component includes earnings generated by management actions during the year (e.g. acquisition or sale of a block of business, changes to product price, fees or asset mix, etc.) or the impact of changes in assumptions or methodology used for the calculation of actuarial liabilities for in-force business. Minimum Continuing Capital and Surplus Requirements (MCCSR) The ratio of the available regulatory capital of a life insurance company to its required regulatory capital, each as calculated under the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions’ (OSFI) published guidelines. Other Comprehensive Income (OCI) Unrealized gains and losses, primarily on financial assets backing Capital and Surplus, are recorded as Other Comprehensive Income (“OCI”) or Other Comprehensive Loss (“OCL”). When these assets are sold or written down the resulting gain or loss is reclassified from OCI to net income. Remeasurements of post-employment benefit liabilities are also recorded as OCI or OCL. These remeasurements will not be reclassified to net income and will remain in AOCI. Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions Canada (OSFI) The primary regulator of federally chartered financial institutions and federally administered pension plans in Canada. OSFI’s mission is to safeguard policyholders, depositors and pension plan members from undue loss. Participating Policies The participating account includes all policies issued by the Company that entitle its policyholders to participate in the profits of the participating account. The Company has discretion as to the amount and timing of dividend payments which take into consideration the continuing solvency of the participating account. Return on Common Shareholders' Equity (ROE) A profitability measure that presents the net income available to common shareholders as a percentage of the average capital deployed to earn the income. Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 110 PARTICIPATING ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT POLICY Purpose The Participating Account Management Policy sets out the management objectives for oversight of the participating account of The Empire Life Insurance Company (“Empire Life” or the “Company”). Scope This policy applies to all policies issued in the participating account of Empire Life that entitle its policyholders to participate in the profits of the participating account. Most policies are credited with dividends annually, while a few older plans receive the dividends every five years as per contractual provisions. Policy Description of the Participating Account and its Policies Empire Life maintains an account in respect of participating policies (“participating account”), separate from those maintained in respect of other policies, in the form and manner determined by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions under section 456 of the Insurance Companies Act. The participating account includes all policies issued by Empire Life that entitle its policyholders to participate in the profits of the participating accounting. Empire Life does not maintain sub-accounts within the participating account for life, disability and annuity plans, other funds, or blocks of business acquired from other companies. Empire Life does not have any closed blocks of participating business established as part of the demutualization of a mutual company into a shareholder company. Investment Policy The general fund investments in the participating account are subject to limits established by the Insurance Companies Act and to investment guidelines established by the Investment Committee of Empire Life’s Board of Directors (the “Board”). The investment guidelines are designed to limit overall investment risk by defining investment objectives, eligible investments, diversification criteria, exposure, concentration and asset quality limits for eligible investments. Interest rate risk is managed through Investment Committee established limits and regular reporting by management to the Investment Committee and the Board. The Asset Management Committee oversees sensitivity to interest rates. The objective is to maximize investment yields while managing the default, liquidity and reinvestment risks at acceptable and measurable low levels. Within the participating account, Empire Life has established three asset segments to nominally match the investments to the specific type of liabilities or surplus as follows: Protection Par, Miscellaneous Insurance Par and Policyholders’ Surplus. Each asset segment is assigned specific assets in an amount approximately equal to its total liabilities or surplus. Each asset segment is also subject to asset segmentation guidelines established by the Asset Management Committee and approved by the Investment Committee. The Investment Committee receives monthly reporting on general fund asset mix and performance and investment transactions for all funds by asset segment. In addition, on at least a quarterly basis, management and the Company’s investment managers report to the Investment Committee, and through the Investment Committee to the Board of Directors, on portfolio content, asset mix, the Company’s matched position, the performance of general and segregated funds, and compliance with the investment guidelines. The investment guidelines are reviewed at least annually by the Board. Investment Income Allocation Investment income is recorded directly to each asset segment. A portion of investment income is allocated to or from the Shareholders’ Capital and Surplus segment from or to the participating account’s asset segments in proportion to the deficiency or excess of funds over assets of each segment. Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 111 PARTICIPATING ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT POLICY Expense Allocation General expenses are allocated to the participating account using cost centre methods. Expenses associated directly with the participating account are so charged. Expenses arising from or varying directly with various functional activities are charged to the participating account in proportion to statistics appropriate to each cost centre. Expenses incurred by overhead cost centers are charged to the participating account in proportion to expenses directly charged. Investment expenses are allocated monthly to the participating account in proportion to the Company’s total funds at the beginning of each month. Premium taxes are allocated in proportion to taxable premiums. Other taxes, licenses, and fees are allocated to lines of business using cost centre methods. Income Tax Allocation Income taxes are allocated to the participating account in proportion to total taxable income for the Company. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are treated consistently between participating and non-participating accounts. Surplus Management The level of surplus in the participating account will be managed by Company management taking into consideration the continuing solvency of the participating account, the participating account’s ability to fulfill all of its contractual obligations and the extent to which existing participating business is financing new participating business. Transfers to Shareholder Accounts It is Empire Life’s intention to transfer the full permitted percentage of distributable participating profits to the shareholder accounts as allowed by section 461 of the Insurance Companies Act. Appointed Actuary Annually, the Board will consider the Appointed Actuary’s opinion on the continuing fairness of this policy to participating policyholders. Process to Approve (and Frequency) This policy is reviewed annually by the Vice President & Product Actuary. All non-material amendments must be approved by the Chief Actuary. Material amendments must be approved by the Board. The principal factors that would be expected to change the policy include changes in legislation, regulation of participating account, accepted actuarial practice, capital requirements, taxation and accounting rules or fundamental changes to the circumstances of the Company. This policy will also be reviewed if the Company decides to stop accepting new business in the participating account. Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 112 PARTICIPATING POLICYHOLDER DIVIDENDS AND BONUS POLICY Purpose The Participating Policyholder Dividends and Bonus Policy (the “dividend policy”) sets out the process for determining, recommending and declaring dividends for policies issued in the participating account of The Empire Life Insurance Company (“Empire Life” or the “Company”). Scope This dividend policy applies to all policies issued in the participating account of Empire Life that entitle its policyholder to participate in the profits of the participating account. Most policies are credited with dividends annually, while a few older plans receive the dividends every five years as per contractual provisions. Policy Dividends are Declared at the Discretion of the Board The aggregate amount of dividend and allocation of the dividend to the different classes of participating policies is declared annually at the discretion of the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Empire Life under section 464(1) of the Insurance Companies Act. Before declaring the aggregate amount of dividend, the Board will consider Company management’s recommendations for policyholder dividends and the Appointed Actuary’s opinion on the conformity of the proposed dividend to this policy and its fairness to participating policyholders. Company management’s recommendations and the Appointed Actuary’s opinions shall be prepared in compliance with applicable legislative and regulatory requirements, and generally accepted actuarial practice with such changes as determined by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions. Principal Factors that Affect the Aggregate Amount of Dividends The aggregate amount of dividends will reflect operating income on all participating life, annuity and disability coverages, dividends on deposit, participating paid-up additions and participating term additions, as well as income attributable to surplus in the participating account. The aggregate amount of dividends will also be influenced by considerations such as, solvency of the participating account, its ability to fulfill all contractual obligations, the extent to which surplus in the participating account is financing new business, changes in legislation, regulation of the participating account, taxation, accounting rules or fundamental changes in the circumstances of the Company. Principal Sources of Income The principal sources of income considered for determining the aggregate amount of dividends are investment income, asset defaults, mortality, lapses, expenses and taxes. The actual experience of the participating account will be reviewed annually by Company management. The sources of income may be adjusted to smooth fluctuations in experience and provide for transitions during periods of major change over a period not to exceed five years. The Company uses a temporary contribution to policyholder surplus philosophy, so that contributions to policyholder surplus from participating account income are expected to be returned to policyholders over the lifetime of the policy. Since actual experience cannot be known in advance, the aggregate amount of dividends and allocation of the dividends cannot be guaranteed. As a result, dividends will increase or decrease depending on actual experience. Dividend Allocation Policyholders participate in this distribution through the setting of dividend scales, which allocate the aggregate amount of dividends among different dividend classes. The Company establishes dividend classes for participating policyholders based on the original pricing assumptions used when setting the guaranteed values provided by the policies. The Company uses a combination of factor-based and pricing methods when setting the dividend scale to allocate the aggregate amount of dividends among different dividend classes. The basic concept of this method is to allocate the aggregate amounts of dividends among dividend classes in the same proportion as the policies are considered to have contributed to the aggregate amount of dividends over the long term. The fundamental objective in the allocation of dividends is the maintenance of reasonable equity between dividend classes and between generations of policyholders, taking into account practical considerations and limits. Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 113 PARTICIPATING POLICYHOLDER DIVIDENDS AND BONUS POLICY Company management will review the underlying experience, assumptions and procedures for participating dividend scales annually. Material changes in actual experience will be passed through to participating policyholders within two years of the experience change to the extent that they are not anticipated in the current dividend scale. Company management will prepare a written report which describes the underlying experience, assumptions and procedures for the proposed dividend scale recommendations. The dividend scales may also be adjusted to reflect specific policyholder behaviour, such as experience for lapses or for policy loans taken at guaranteed rates. For certain blocks of policies, the policyholder dividend scale may be determined using methods which are designed to approximate the contribution to income of those blocks. Termination dividends are not payable under any participating policies issued by Empire Life. Appointed Actuary Annually, the Board will consider the Appointed Actuary’s opinion on the continuing fairness of this policy to participating policyholders. Process to Approve (and Frequency) This policy is reviewed annually by the Vice President & Product Actuary. All non-material amendments must be approved by the Chief Actuary. Material amendments must be approved by the Board. The principal factors that would be expected to change the policy include changes in legislation, regulation of participating account, accepted actuarial practice, capital requirements, taxation and accounting rules or fundamental changes to the circumstances of the Company. This policy will also be reviewed if the Company decides to stop accepting new business in the participating account. Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 114 CORPORATE GOVERNANCE OVER RISK MANAGEMENT The Empire Life Insurance Company (the “Company”) is a stock company that has both shareholders and participating policyholders. The Company also has a mutual fund subsidiary, Empire Life Investments Inc. (“ELII”). Pursuant to the Insurance Companies Act (Canada) (the “Act”) each holder of one or more participating policies is entitled to one vote in the election of policyholders’ directors, and each shareholder is entitled to one vote per share held in the election of shareholders’ directors. At least one-third of directors are elected as policyholder directors and the balance are elected as shareholder directors. The Company is governed by the Act, which contains provisions concerning corporate governance. The Company’s governance system is supported by internal audit, internal risk management, corporate compliance, external audit by an independent chartered accountants firm, and examination by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions Canada (“OSFI”). Management is responsible for identifying risks and determining their impact upon the Company. Management is also responsible for establishing appropriate policies, procedures, and controls to mitigate risks. The Company has an internal risk management committee, which reports to the Risk and Capital Committee of the Board of Directors and an internal risk management department, led by the Chief Risk Officer, which supports enterprise risk management activities across the Company. An internal audit function is responsible for assessing the adequacy and adherence to the systems of internal control. The results of internal audit’s reviews are reported to management and to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors regularly throughout the year. Management is supervised in the completion of these responsibilities by the Board of Directors and its Committees. Senior management of the Company reports regularly to the Board on its risk management policies and procedures. The Board of Directors has plenary power. The Board’s responsibility is to oversee the conduct of the business and affairs of the Company including oversight and monitoring of the Company’s risk management. The Board discharges these responsibilities directly and through delegation to Board Committees and management. The Board met seven times in 2017 and is scheduled to meet at least six times in 2018. The risk management functions overseen by the Board include those relating to market risk (including interest rate risk, equity risk, real estate risk and foreign exchange rate risk), liquidity risk, credit risk, insurance risk (including mortality risk, policyholder behavior (termination or lapse) risk, expense risk, morbidity risk as well as product design and pricing risk, underwriting and claims risk and reinsurance risk), operational risk (including legal and regulatory risk, model risk, human resources risk, third party risk and technology, information security and business continuity risk) and business and strategic risk. Please see the section titled “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Information Form available at www.sedar.com for more details on these risks. Primary responsibility for oversight of some of these risks is delegated to five standing Committees of the Board, whose roles and responsibilities are specifically defined. Those not delegated to a standing Committee remain with the Board. The following is a brief summary of some of the key responsibilities of the five Committees. The Audit Committee has statutory responsibility under the Act to oversee, on behalf of the Board, the Company’s financial reporting, accounting and financial reporting systems and internal controls. The Committee also oversees work related to stress testing. The Investment Committee assists the Board in monitoring the Company’s investment and lending policies, standards and procedures and in monitoring the Company’s investment activities and portfolios. Some of the activities of the Investment Committee are prescribed by the Company’s Investment Guidelines, which reflect the requirements of the Act. The Committee also monitors the Company’s asset/liability management activities. The Human Resources Committee is responsible for reviewing and monitoring the Company’s human resources practices, including employee and executive compensation, manpower and pension and benefit plans. The Conduct Review Committee is responsible for oversight of procedures established to identify material related party transactions pursuant to the Act. The Committee also monitors certain corporate policies, including procedures with respect to the Company’s Code of Business Conduct, conflicts of interest, the Company’s personal trading policy, confidentiality of information, consumer complaints and outsourcing. The Risk and Capital Committee is responsible for oversight of the Company’s risk and capital management activities. The Committee also monitors capital utilization as well as risk identification and assessment in accordance with approved risk management policies and the approved risk appetite framework. Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 115 CORPORATE INFORMATION Corporate Head Office 259 King Street East Kingston, Ontario Canada K7L 3A8 1 877 548-1881 info@empire.ca www.empire.ca RETAIL SALES OFFICES WESTERN CANADA Vancouver Retail Sales Office N302-5811 Cooney Road, North Tower Richmond, British Columbia V6X 3M1 604 232-5557 1 888 627-3591 Calgary Retail Sales Office 100-1401 1st Street S.E. Calgary, Alberta T2G 2J3 403 269-1000 1 800 656-2878 Winnipeg Retail Sales Office 200-5 Donald Street Winnipeg, Manitoba R3L 2T4 204 452-9138 1 866 204-1001 GROUP SALES OFFICES WESTERN CANADA Vancouver Group Sales Office N302-5811 Cooney Road, North Tower Richmond, British Columbia V6X 3M1 604 232-5558 1 800 547-0628 Calgary Group Sales Office 100-1401 1st Street S.E. Calgary, Alberta T2G 2J3 403 262-6386 1 888 263-6386 The Empire Life Insurance Company is a member of Assuris. Assuris is the not for profit organization that protects Canadian policyholders in the event their life insurance company fails. Details about Assuris’ protection are available at www.assuris.ca or by calling the Assuris Information Centre at 1 866 878-1225. ONTARIO Burlington Retail Sales Office 601-5500 North Service Road Burlington, Ontario L7L 6W6 905 335-6558 1 888 548-4729 Toronto Retail Sales Office 200 -36 York Mills Road Toronto, Ontario M2P 2E9 416 494-0900 1 888 548-4729 QUEBEC Montréal Retail Sales Office 1600-600 de Maisonneuve Boulevard W. Montréal, Quebec H3A 3J2 514 842-9151 1 800 371-9151 Québec Retail Sales Office 100-1220 Lebourgneuf Boulevard Québec, Quebec G2K 2G4 418 628-1220 1 888 816-1220 QUEBEC Montréal Group Sales Office 1600A-600 de Maisonneuve Boulevard W. Montréal, Quebec H3A 3J2 514 842-0003 1 800 561-3738 ONTARIO Burlington Group Sales Office 601-5500 North Service Road Burlington, Ontario L7L 6W6 905 335-6558 1 800 663-9984 Toronto Group Sales Office 200-36 York Mills Road Toronto, Ontario M2P 2E9 416 494-6834 1 800 361-7980 Ottawa Group Sales Office Northwood Executive Centre 43 Auriga Street, Suite 129 Nepean, Ontario K2E 7Y8 613 548-1881 ext. 8636 1 877 548-1881 ext. 8636 Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 116 BOARD OF DIRECTORS SHAREHOLDERS' DIRECTORS POLICYHOLDERS' DIRECTORS HONORARY CHAIRMAN John F. Brierley 1, 2, 5 Corporate Director Edward M. Iacobucci 1, 2, 3 Dean, Faculty of Law University of Toronto Duncan N.R. Jackman 3, 5 Chairman of the Board Mark J. Fuller 2, 3, 5 The Honourable Henry N.R. Jackman President and Chief Executive Officer Honorary Chairman Ontario Pension Board The Empire Life Insurance Company Harold W. Hillier 1, 2, 4 Corporate Director HONORARY DIRECTOR The Right Honourable John N. Turner Mark Sylvia President and Chief Executive Officer The Empire Life Insurance Company The Empire Life Insurance Company Clive P. Rowe 4, 5 Partner Oskie Capital Stephen J.R. Smith 4, 5 Chairman and President First National Financial LP Mark M. Taylor 1, 4 Corporate Director Jacques Tremblay 3, 5 Partner Oliver Wyman Actuarial Consulting 1 Member of Audit Committee 2 Member of Conduct Review Committee 3 Member of Human Resources Committee 4 Member of Investment Committee 5 Member of Risk and Capital Committee Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 117 CORPORATE MANAGEMENT Mark Sylvia President and Chief Executive Officer Richard Carty General Counsel and Senior Vice-President, Human Resources Richard Cleaver Senior Vice-President and Chief Technology Officer Ron Friesen Senior Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer Edward Gibson Senior Vice-President and Chief Actuary Ian Hardacre Senior Vice-President and Chief Investment Officer Sean Kilburn Senior Vice-President, Retail Steve Pong Senior Vice-President, Group Solutions Empire Life - Annual Report 2017 118 E M P I R E L I F E A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 7 EMPIRE LIFE ANNUAL REPORT 2017 The Empire Life Insurance Company (Empire Life) is a proud Canadian company that has been in business since 1923. We offer individual and group life and health insurance, investment and retirement products, including mutual funds through our wholly-owned subsidiary Empire Life Investments Inc. Empire Life is among the top 10 life insurance companies in Canada1 and is rated A (Excellent) by A.M. Best Company2. Our mission is to make it simple, fast and easy for Canadians to get the investment, insurance and group benefits coverage they need to build wealth, generate income, and achieve financial security. Follow Empire Life on Twitter @EmpireLife or visit our website, www.empire.ca for more information. 1 Based on general fund and segregated fund assets in Canada as at December 31, 2016 as reported in regulatory filings 2 As at June 1, 2017. For the latest rating, access www.ambest.com Transfer Agent and Registrar AST Trust Company (Canada) (formerly known as CST Trust Company) 1 Toronto Street, Suite 1200 Toronto, Ontario, M5C 2V6 Phone 416-682-3860 Toll Free 800-387-0825 www.astfinancial.com/ca-en Stock Exchange Listing Preferred Shares, Series 1 EML.PR.A Reporting Procedure for Accounting and Auditing Matters If you have a complaint regarding accounting, internal controls or auditing matters or a concern regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters, you should submit your written complaint or concern to: Mr. John Brierley The Empire Life Insurance Company 259 King Street East Kingston, ON, K7L 3A8 Email: jfbrierley@sympatico.ca Phone: 905-338-7290 You may submit your complaint or concern anonymously. Your submission will be kept confidential and will be treated in accordance with the Company’s policy for reporting accounting and auditing matters. ® Registered trademark of The Empire Life Insurance Company. ™ Trademark of The Empire Life Insurance Company. Policies are issued by The Empire Life Insurance Company. Insurance & Investments – Simple. Fast. Easy.® www.empire.ca info@empire.ca A-0004-EN-02/18 

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