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Power Financial Corp

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FY2017 Annual Report · Power Financial Corp
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2017
Annual Report

 
 
 
 
This Annual Report is intended to provide shareholders and other interested persons with 
information concerning Power Financial Corporation. For further information concerning the 
Corporation, shareholders and other interested persons should consult the Corporation’s disclosure 
documents, such as its most recent Annual Information Form and Management’s Discussion 
and Analysis. Copies of the Corporation’s continuous disclosure documents can be obtained from its 
website at www.powerfinancial.com, from www.sedar.com, or from the Office of the Secretary at the 
addresses shown at the end of this report.

Readers should also review the note further in this report, in the section entitled Review of Financial 
Performance, concerning the use of Forward-Looking Statements, which applies to the entirety 
of this Annual Report.

In addition, selected information concerning the business, operations, financial condition, financial 
performance, priorities, ongoing objectives, strategies and outlook of Power Financial subsidiaries 
and associates is derived from public information published by such subsidiaries and associates and 
is provided here for the convenience of the shareholders of Power Financial. For further information 
concerning such subsidiaries and associates, shareholders and other interested persons should 
consult the websites of, and other publicly available information published by, such subsidiaries 
and associates.

All figures mentioned in this report are in Canadian dollars and as of December 31, 2017, unless 
otherwise noted.

NON-IFRS FINANCIAL MEASURES AND PRESENTATION

Net earnings attributable to common shareholders are comprised of:

•  adjusted net earnings attributable to common shareholders; and

•  other items, which include the after-tax impact of any item that in management’s judgment would 
make the period-over-period comparison of results from operations less meaningful. Other items 
include the Corporation’s share of items presented as other items by a subsidiary or a jointly 
controlled corporation.

Management uses these financial measures in its presentation and analysis of the financial 
performance of Power Financial and its holdings, and believes that they provide additional 
meaningful information to readers in their analysis of the results of the Corporation and its holdings. 
Adjusted net earnings, as defined by the Corporation, assist the reader in comparing the current 
period’s results to those of previous periods, as items that are not considered to be part of ongoing 
activities are excluded from this non-IFRS financial measure.

Adjusted net earnings attributable to common shareholders and adjusted net earnings per share 
are non-IFRS financial measures that do not have a standard meaning and may not be comparable 
to similar measures used by other entities. For a reconciliation of these non-IFRS financial measures 
to results reported in accordance with IFRS, see the Reconciliation of IFRS and non-IFRS financial 
measures section further in this report.

ABBREVIATIONS

The following abbreviations are used throughout this report:

Power Financial or the Corporation 
(Power Financial Corporation)

adidas (adidas AG)

Lifeco or Great-West Lifeco 
(Great-West Lifeco Inc.)

LON (London Stock Exchange)

Table of Contents
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 1

GROUP ORGANIZATION CHART 2

BME (Madrid Stock Exchange)

London Life (London Life Insurance Company)

DIRECTORS’ REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS 4 

Burberry (Burberry Group plc)

Canada Life  
(The Canada Life Assurance Company)

Mackenzie or Mackenzie Investments 
(Mackenzie Financial Corporation)

Ontex (Ontex N.V.)

China AMC (China Asset Management Co., Ltd.)

EBR (Euronext Brussels)

EPA (Euronext Paris)

GBL (Groupe Bruxelles Lambert)

GEA (GEA Group)

Great-West Financial or  
Great-West Life & Annuity  
(Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Company)

Great-West Life  
(The Great-West Life Assurance Company)

IFRS  
(International Financial Reporting Standards)

IGM or IGM Financial (IGM Financial Inc.)

Investment Planning Counsel  
(Investment Planning Counsel Inc.)

PanAgora or PanAgora Asset Management 
(PanAgora Asset Management, Inc.)

Pargesa (Pargesa Holding SA)

Parjointco (Parjointco N.V.)

Parques  
(Parques Reunidos Servicios Centrales, S.A.)

Portag3 or Portag3 Ventures  
(Portag3 Ventures Limited Partnership)

Power Corporation  
(Power Corporation of Canada)

Putnam or Putnam Investments  
(Putnam Investments, LLC)

SGS (SGS SA)

SIX (Swiss Stock Exchange)

Total (Total SA)

Investors Group (Investors Group Inc.)

Umicore (Umicore, NV/SA)

Irish Life (Irish Life Group Limited)

Wealthsimple (Wealthsimple Financial Corp.)

LafargeHolcim (LafargeHolcim Ltd)

XETR (XETRA Stock Exchange)

GREAT-WEST LIFECO 8

IGM FINANCIAL 10

PARGESA GROUP 12

RESPONSIBLE MANAGEMENT 14

REVIEW OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE 16

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 48

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED  

 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 53

FIVE-YEAR FINANCIAL SUMMARY 117

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 118

OFFICERS 119

CORPORATE INFORMATION 120

This is Power Financial

Q U I C K   FA C T S [1]

K E Y   P R I N C I P L E S

$1.7B

Net earnings attributable  
to common shareholders

$2.1B

Adjusted net earnings 
attributable  
to common shareholders

$24.7B

12.3%

Market capitalization 

Return on equity [2]

Long-term perspective 
——— • ———
Leading franchises with attractive  
growth profiles
——— • ———
Strong governance oversight
——— • ———
Prudent, risk-aware  approach  
to risk management

GREAT-WEST LIFECO AND IGM FINANCIAL, OUR OPERATING COMPANIES, HAVE

THE PARGESA GROUP

$843B

Assets under 
management

$1.5T

Assets under 
administration

30 MILLION+

Customer  
relationships

26,800

Employees

12,200

Financial advisors

Significant  
shareholdings  
in global industrial  
and services  
companies 
based in Europe

D I V I D E N D S   D E C L A R E D   P E R   C O M M O N   S H A R E

[IN DOLLARS]

$1.40

$1.40

$1.49

$1.57

$1.65

4.8% 

Dividend yield

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

F I N A N C I A L   H I G H L I G H T S

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
[IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS]

Net earnings – attributable to common shareholders

Net earnings – per common share

Adjusted net earnings [3] – attributable to common shareholders

Adjusted net earnings [3] – per common share

Consolidated assets [4]

Consolidated assets and assets under management [4]

Shareholders’ equity [5]

Book value per common share

Common shares outstanding [in millions]

2017

1,717

2.41

2,135

2.99

440,224

847,820

20,513

24.77

713.9

2016

1,919

2.69

2,136

2.99

418,407

793,033

19,481

23.69

713.3

[ 1]  As of December 31, 2017. 

[ 4]  Comparative figures have been retrospectively adjusted. Refer to Note 16 of the 2017 

[ 2]  Return on equity is calculated using adjusted net earnings. 

[ 3]  Adjusted net earnings is a non-IFRS financial measure. Please refer to the reconciliation  

of IFRS and non-IFRS financial measures in the Review of Financial Performance.

Consolidated Financial Statements.

[ 5]  Represents preferred and common shareholders’ equity.

POWER FINANCIAL CORPOR ATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

1

Power Financial is a diversified 

international management and 

holding company that holds 

interests substantially in the 

financial services sector in Canada, 

the United States and Europe. 

It also has substantial holdings 

in global industrial and services 

companies based in Europe. 

The Corporation is listed on the 

Toronto Stock Exchange  

(TSX: PWF).

[1]  Return on shareholders’ equity is calculated using  

adjusted net earnings.

[2]  As of February 9, 2018.

Group 
Organization
Chart

[3]  Power Corporation, Power Financial’s parent company, also 
holds a 13.9% interest in China AMC. Power Corporation and 
Mackenzie hold a combined 27.8% interest in China AMC.

[4]  As of January 19, 2018.

[5]  Power Financial directly holds 63% of Portag3, and both  
Great-West Lifeco and IGM Financial hold equal interests 
of 18.5%.

[6]  Power Financial directly holds 10.8% of Wealthsimple, 

and Portag3 and IGM Financial also hold 29.4% and 37.1%, 
respectively. 

[7]  Through its wholly owned subsidiary, Power Financial  
Europe B.V., Power Financial holds a 50% interest in 
Parjointco. Parjointco holds an equity interest of 55.5%  
and a voting interest of 75.4% in Pargesa.

[8]  Described as Economic operating income by Pargesa.

Percentages represent participating equity interest and voting 
interest (unless otherwise indicated) at December 31, 2017.

Adjusted net earnings is a non-IFRS financial measure.

2

POWER FINANCIAL CORPOR ATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

67.7%

EQUITY

65%

VOTING

   4.0%

$2,149M

2017 net earnings 
attributable to  
common shareholders

$2,647M

2017 adjusted net earnings 
attributable to  
common shareholders

$34.7B

13.4% 

Market  
capitalization

2017 return on  
shareholders’ 
equity [1]

$1.35T

Total assets  
under 
administration

GREAT-WEST 
FINANCIAL
100%

GREAT-WEST LIFE 
100%

PUTNAM  INVESTMENTS 

95.9%
EQUITY

100%
VOTING

LONDON LIFE
100%

PANAGORA ASSET 
MANAGEMENT [2]
92.7%
EQUITY

100%
VOTING

CANADA LIFE
100%

IRISH LIFE
100%

3.8% 

61.5%

27.8% [7]

$602M 

2017 net earnings  
available to  
common shareholders

$728M 

2017 adjusted net earnings 
available to  
common shareholders

$10.6B 

15.6% 

$157B 

Market  
capitalization 

2017 return on 
shareholders’  
equity [1] 

Total assets  
under 
management 

SF382M

2017 net earnings

SF384M 

2017 adjusted net earnings [8]

SF7.2B 

SF10.85B 

Market capitalization

Net asset value

MACKENZIE 
INVESTMENTS
100% 

INVESTORS  
GROUP
100% 

INVESTMENT 
PLANNING
COUNSEL [4]
100% 

GROUPE BRUXELLES LAMBERT

50%

EQUITY

51.8%

VOTING

13.9% 

CHINA AMC [3]

PORTAG3 
VENTURES [5]

WEALTHSIMPLE [6]

POWER FINANCIAL CORPOR ATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

3

Directors’ Report  
to Shareholders

The year 2017 was significant for Power Financial, 

providing a number of tangible proof points 

validating the strategies our group companies 

have been pursuing for the past several years.

Financial Services

THE PATH WE ARE ON

Within IGM, both Investors Group and Mackenzie are cases 

It became evident a number of years ago that changes in 

in point.

technology, consumer expectations and regulatory focus 

would change business models in financial services. Success 

would be reserved to those organizations that could provide 

clients with best-of-breed products, services and advice, 

delivered by the means and at the times that best suited them, 

with full transparency regarding price and risk.

In 2017, Investors Group experienced its best fund sales in 

over a decade and gained market share. This followed several 

years of material price reductions, transparent fee disclosure, 

enhanced product offerings, heavy investments in technology 

infrastructure and a change in advisor recruiting strategy. 

The story at Mackenzie is very similar. After several years of 

The different businesses that make up Great-West Lifeco and 

investing in people, products, sales and service, technology 

IGM Financial embarked upon transformation strategies which 

and branding, in 2017 Mackenzie experienced its best 

involved augmenting their talent pools, their technology 

investment product flows in over 10 years, gained share and 

platforms and their product and service offerings, while also 

increased profitability.

reducing their prices in many instances.

Great-West Lifeco’s Empower Retirement is another example.

One of the consequences of such strategies was an increase in 

Empower is the second-largest provider of defined contribution 

the rate of growth of expenses to levels well above the historic 

plans (such as 401(k) plans) in the United States, managing 

levels achieved by our companies. Our group made difficult 

the retirement accounts of over 8.3 million Americans and with 

choices in the face of significant external headwinds, including 

US$530 billion on its platform. Empower was created from 

the negative impact of record low interest rates on the 

the combination of the defined contribution businesses of 

profitability of our insurance products, declining fee levels 

Great-West Financial, Putnam and J.P. Morgan. For the past 

on mutual funds and other investment products, a shift of 

few years, earnings at Empower were reduced materially as 

investment monies towards lower-cost passive products versus 

the company spent heavily on the integration of the three 

the actively managed products managed by our companies, 

businesses, migrating all clients on to one system and 

and higher required capital levels and oversight costs resulting 

automating processes to improve the client experience and 

from regulatory requirements.

productivity. Empower has been winning new business in 

The resulting impact has been a reduction in the rate of growth 

in profitability of our companies over the past several years.

We are as convinced today as we were a few years back as to 

the wisdom of such choices. They are consistent with our 

historic and ongoing objective of creating superior shareholder 

value over the long term.

The opportunities to help meet the financial, physical and 

mental well-being needs of large populations will remain 

attractive for many decades to come, both from a business 

perspective and as a vital role to be played in society. Our 

companies are well placed to serve the needs of such 

populations in the future, occupying leading positions in almost 

all of the markets in which we operate. But we can only seize 

such opportunities if we transform our business models.

While the transformation journeys are by no means complete, 

a number of our businesses reached inflection points in 2017 

following several years of investment and change. They 

enjoyed marked improvements in client experience, gained 

market share and achieved improving financial metrics.

the market for the past few years at a rate which is far greater 

than its current market share, and in 2017 profitability grew 

strongly through revenue growth and productivity gains. 

It is now poised to grow organically and through potential 

consolidation of a fragmented industry.

Power Financial, Great-West Lifeco and IGM Financial are also 

actively supporting the group’s Fintech strategy, which has the 

dual objective of providing an attractive return on the capital 

invested and of helping our existing financial services 

businesses transform their models and enrich their clients’ 

experiences. We anticipate continuing to support this strategy, 

and are very encouraged by the progress of companies such 

as Wealthsimple, Personal Capital, Portag3, and the many 

investee companies associated with our group.

POWER FINANCIAL CORPOR ATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

5

From a value creation perspective, our Fintech investments are 

unlikely to produce operating income from their activities for 

several years, and are in fact more likely to create operating 

losses. Value creation in such early stage ventures is usually 

measured using other metrics than bottom line profit. We will 

continue to provide meaningful information and metrics and 

look to incorporate other measures to reflect progress on 

these activities.

THE PATH FORWARD

Pargesa/GBL

GBL initiated a rebalancing of its portfolio in 2012 with a view 

to strengthen the portfolio’s growth profile and consequently 

optimize its potential for long-term value creation. This 

transformation has been pursued through a significant 

portfolio rotation, with disposals and acquisitions totalling 

€14 billion. It has led to a substantial shift from high-yielding 

assets in the energy and utilities sectors into growth assets in 

the industrial, business services and consumer goods sectors 

Power Financial’s value creation agenda within financial services 

having greater exposure to long-term growth trends.

is entering a new phase and will be focused on three priorities:

•  Continue the internal transformations with the goal of 

GBL has consistently invested behind megatrends that should 

support growing revenues of its portfolio companies and thus 

having additional businesses break out and translate their 

contribute to further value creation. Most recent investments 

past investments into market gains and profit growth;

are reflective of its strategy and include: sustainability and 

•  Reduce the rate of expense growth across the group; and

resource scarcity – Umicore; health and lifestyle – GEA, 

•  Place a greater emphasis on capital deployment and 

re-deployment to shift our overall portfolio of businesses to 

provide higher growth potential and greater potential return 

on capital.

Parques and Burberry; and the shift in demographics and 

economic power towards emerging markets – Ontex.

Financial Results

On the latter point, our group has a long and successful history 

of using M&A to create shareholder value, and has remained 

active during the past five years. We believe that adding 

Power Financial’s net earnings [1] were $1,717 million or 

$2.41 per share for the year ended December 31, 2017, 

compared with $1,919 million or $2.69 per share in 2016.

complementary businesses or shedding business activities will 

Adjusted net earnings [1, 2] were $2,135 million or 

be an important tool in realizing our profit potential and value 

$2.99 per share, matching the $2.99 per share in 2016.

creation objectives.

China AMC

The Power group has had a long history of participating in the 

Chinese market and, in August, it entered a new phase with 

the support of its long-term partner CITIC Securities. 

IGM Financial acquired a 13.9 per cent interest in China AMC 

and Power Corporation added 3.9 per cent to its existing 

10 per cent interest. We believe experience and long-term 

Contributions to Power Financial’s adjusted net earnings were:

In millions

Great-West Lifeco

IGM Financial

Pargesa

2017

2016

$1,791

$1,821

$428

$131

$452

$119

Net earnings and adjusted net earnings in 2017 reflect a 

$175 million loss at Lifeco on estimated hurricane claims, 

the Corporation’s share being $123 million.

relationships with strong local partners will serve us best in 

Dividends declared by Power Financial were $1.65 per 

pursuing opportunities in this large and dynamic market. 

common share, an increase of 5.1 per cent, compared with 

Mackenzie and PanAgora (a very successful quantitative 

$1.57 per share in 2016. On March 23, 2018, the Board of 

investment management company which is part of our group) 

Directors announced a 5 per cent increase in the quarterly 

have seized on the opportunity early, each working with 

dividend on the Corporation’s common shares, from 

China AMC to launch products: Mackenzie offering a China 

$0.4125 to $0.4330 per share.

AMC sub-advised fund to the Canadian market and PanAgora 

advising a China AMC product for the Chinese market.

Power Financial ended the year with a strong capital base, 

enhanced by a $250 million preferred share issue in May 2017, 

and a healthy liquidity position with cash and short-term 

investments of $1.05 billion. Power Financial’s strong capital 

base and liquidity will ensure we will be in a position to support 

our companies as they navigate the path forward.

[ 1]  Attributable to common shareholders.

[ 2]  Please refer to the reconciliation of IFRS and non-IFRS financial measures in the Review  

of Financial Performance.

6

POWER FINANCIAL CORPOR ATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

Shareholder Engagement

The Power Financial Group

Our companies continued to enhance their efforts in 2017 to 

Since Power Financial’s inception, it has created value through 

communicate with their shareholders. In November, each of 

a focus on managing to some basic principles:

Great-West Lifeco, IGM Financial and Pargesa held investor 

days for analysts and shareholders. Power Financial continued 

to meet with shareholders during the year, both one-on-one 

and in group presentations. Our group companies did likewise.

We have an objective of taking our shareholder engagement to 

the next level to assist shareholders in their understanding of our 

strategies, our opportunities, our challenges and our progress.

Board of Directors

•  take a long-term perspective and investment horizon

•  build industry leaders

•  focus on high-growth, high-ROE (return on equity) products 

and market segments

•  employ a disciplined, fact-based approach to 

decision making 

•  use prudence, be risk aware and maintain strong 

balance sheets 

At the May 2018 Annual Meeting of the Corporation, shareholders 

will be asked to elect Ms. Susan J. McArthur and Mr. Siim A. 

Vanaselja to the Board.

We invest in high-quality, socially responsible companies with 

sustainable franchises. Our companies have a long and proud 

history of contributing to the well-being of the communities in 

which they operate. The principles underlying our approach to 

Ms. McArthur is Managing Partner at GreenSoil Investments, 

responsible management are outlined later in this report and 

a private equity firm, a position she has held since 2013. 

on www.PowerFinancialCSR.com.

She has 25 years of experience in international and domestic 

investment banking. Ms. McArthur is also a director of 

Great-West Lifeco and IGM Financial and of a number of 

their operating companies.

Mr. Vanaselja served as Executive Vice-President and Chief 

Financial Officer of BCE Inc. and Bell Canada, from 2001 to 

2015. Prior to that, he was a Partner with KPMG Canada in 

Toronto. Mr. Vanaselja has also been a member of the Board of 

Directors of Great-West Lifeco and a number of its operating 

companies since 2014.

Mrs. Louise Roy and Mr. Raymond Royer will not stand for 

As we look forward, we do so with a conviction that the need 

for the financial services offered by Power Financial’s group 

of companies will continue to grow and evolve. Power Financial 

is well positioned to respond to opportunities ahead.

Your Directors and management seek to deliver attractive 

long-term shareholder returns. In most any environment, 

companies with strong balance sheets, sound financial 

management and prudent liquidity will be best positioned to 

seize upon the most attractive opportunities. At the Power 

Financial group of companies, we seek opportunities to grow 

our business organically and capitalize on acquisitions that 

re-election to the Corporation’s Board of Directors. Mrs. Roy 

are strategic as well as accretive.

has been a member of the Board since 2010. Mr. Royer has been 

a member of the Board since the Corporation's inception in 

1984; he is currently Chairman of the Audit Committee and the 

Compensation Committee, and serves on the Governance and 

Nominating Committee and the Related Party and Conduct 

Review Committee. The Directors wish to thank Mrs. Roy and 

Mr. Royer, on behalf of the shareholders, for their important 

contributions to the Board.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Your Directors wish to express gratitude, on behalf of the 

shareholders, for the important contribution made by 

the management and the employees of our Corporation 

and our group companies to the strong results achieved 

in 2017, and we look forward to 2018.

Signed,

Signed,

Signed,

R. Jeffrey Orr 
President and 
Chief Executive Officer 

March 23, 2018

Paul Desmarais, Jr., o.c., o.q. 
Executive Co-Chairman 
of the Board 

André Desmarais, o.c., o.q.
Executive Co-Chairman 
of the Board

POWER FINANCIAL CORPOR ATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

7

Great-West Lifeco

Great-West Lifeco Inc. is an international financial services 

holding company with interests in life insurance, health 

insurance, retirement and investment services, asset 

management and reinsurance businesses. Great-West Lifeco 

has operations in Canada, the United States and Europe 

through Great-West Life, London Life, Canada Life,  

Irish Life, Great-West Financial, Putnam Investments and 

PanAgora. Great-West Lifeco and its companies have 

$1.35 trillion in total assets under administration.

Net earnings 
attributable to common shareholders

[in millions of dollars]

Adjusted net earnings
attributable to common shareholders

[in millions of dollars]

Total assets  
under administration
[in billions of dollars]

2,278

2,546

2,762

2,641

2,149

2,052

2,546

2,762

2,685

2,647

758

1,063

1,213

1,248

1,350

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

   2013 [1]

2014

2015

2016

2017

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

[1]  Described as operating earnings (a non-IFRS 

financial measure) by Lifeco.

Canada

Europe

United States

United States • Europe • Asia

Great-West Life is a leading 
Canadian insurer, with interests in 
life insurance, health insurance, 
investment, savings and retirement 
income and reinsurance businesses, 
primarily in Canada and Europe.

In Canada, Great-West Life and its 
subsidiaries, London Life and 
Canada Life, offer a broad portfolio 
of financial and benefit plan 
solutions and serve the financial 
security needs of 13 million people.

Canada Life and its Irish Life 
subsidiary in Europe provide a 
broad range of protection and 
wealth management products, 
including: payout annuities, 
investments and group insurance in 
the United Kingdom; investments 
and individual insurance in the Isle 
of Man; insurance, pension and 
investment products in Ireland; and 
pensions, critical illness and 
disability insurance in Germany.

$180 billion  
Total assets under administration

$13.6 billion  
Sales

$1,074 million  
Net earnings

13 million  
Customer relationships

$13.5 million contributed to 
communities in Canada

$255 billion  
Total assets under administration

$21.9 billion  
Insurance and annuities sales

$1,152 million  
Net earnings

Top 4 provider of payout 
annuities in the U.K.

No. 1 pension, investment and  
life insurance provider in Ireland

Great-West Financial provides life 
insurance, annuities and executive 
benefits products. Its Great-West 
Investments unit offers fund 
management, investment and 
advisory services. Its Empower 
Retirement arm serves all 
segments of the employer-
sponsored retirement plan market: 
small, mid-size and large corporate 
clients, government plans, 
non-profit entities and private-label 
record-keeping clients. Empower 
also offers individual retirement 
accounts.

US$557 billion  
Total assets under administration

8.8 million retirement, 
insurance and annuity customers

No. 1 in government deferred- 
compensation market by assets 
and participants

No. 2 defined contribution record 
keeper in the U.S. by participants

Putnam is a U.S.-based global asset 
manager, offering investment 
management services across a 
range of asset classes, including 
fixed income, equity – both U.S. and 
global – global asset allocation and 
alternatives, including absolute 
return, risk parity and hedge funds. 
Putnam’s investment performance 
was ranked in the “top ten” among 
investment firms in all time periods 
(one, five, ten years) in Barron’s Best 
Fund Families of 2017.

The firm’s affiliate PanAgora is a 
premier provider of institutional 
investment solutions, including 
alternatives, risk premia – including 
risk parity – and active strategies, 
spanning all major asset classes 
and risk ranges.

US$171 billion  
Total assets under management

180+ investment professionals

100+ mutual funds available

80 years of investment experience

150+ institutional mandates

168,000 advisors distribute 
Putnam products

Total assets under administration

$1.35 TRILLION

2017 adjusted net earnings
attributable to common shareholders

$2,647 MILLION

2017 return on shareholders’ equity [1]

13.4%

GREAT-WEST LIFECO

GREAT-WEST 
LIFE 
100%

GREAT-WEST 
FINANCIAL 
100%

PUTNAM 
INVESTMENTS  
95.9%

LONDON LIFE  
100%

CANADA LIFE  
100%

IRISH LIFE  
100%

PANAGORA  
92.7%*

* As of February 9, 2018

[1]  Return on shareholders’ equity is  

calculated using adjusted net earnings.

POWER FINANCIAL CORPOR ATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

9

  
IGM Financial

IGM Financial Inc. is one of Canada’s premier 

personal financial services companies with 

$157 billion in total assets under management. 

The company serves the financial needs of 

Canadians through multiple businesses, each 

operating distinctly within the advice segment 

of the financial services market. The company 

is committed to building on its record of 

delivering long-term growth and value to 

its clients and shareholders.

Net earnings 
available to common shareholders

[in millions of dollars]

Adjusted net earnings
available to common shareholders

[in millions of dollars]

Total assets under management
[in billions of dollars]

762

753

772

771

602

764

826

796

737

728

132

142

134

143

157

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

Investors Group is committed 
to comprehensive planning 
delivered through long-term 
client and consultant relationships. 
The company provides advice 
and services to approximately 
one million Canadians through a 
network of consultants located 
across Canada.

$88.0 billion  
Total assets under management

$9.7 billion  
Mutual fund gross sales

2,124 Consultant practices*  
advise on 95% of assets under 
management

98% of Consultant practices hold 
the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) 
or Financial Planner (F.Pl.) 
designation or are enrolled in  
the programs

*  Consultant practices are teams led 

by consultants with greater than four 
years' experience.

Mackenzie Investments provides 
investment management and 
related services through diversified 
investment solutions, using 
proprietary investment research 
and experienced investment 
professionals to deliver its various 
product offerings. The company 
distributes its investment services 
through multiple distribution 
channels to both retail and 
institutional investors.

Investment Planning Counsel is an 
integrated financial services 
company focused on providing 
Canadians with high-quality 
financial products, services and 
advice. The company is dedicated 
to providing independent financial 
advisors with the tools, products 
and support they need to build a 
successful business and serve a 
wide range of clients.

$64.6 billion  
Total assets under management

$9.2 billion  
Mutual fund gross sales

Investment products offered 
through 30,000+ third-party 
advisors and institutional clients

70% of Mackenzie mutual fund 
assets rated 3, 4 or 5 Star by 
Morningstar

$5.4 billion  
Assets under management

$889 million 
Mutual fund gross sales

$27.6 billion  
Assets under administration

Partners with approximately  
800 advisors across the country

Total assets under management

$157 BILLION

2017 adjusted net earnings 
available to common shareholders

$728 MILLION

2017 return on shareholders’ equity [1]

15.6%

IGM FINANCIAL

INVESTORS  
GROUP 
100%

MACKENZIE  
INVESTMENTS 
100%

INVESTMENT  
PLANNING  
COUNSEL 
100%*

* As of January 19, 2018

CHINA AMC 
13.9%

[1]  Return on shareholders’ equity is 

calculated using adjusted net earnings.

POWER FINANCIAL CORPOR ATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

11

Pargesa 
Group

Power Financial, through its wholly 

owned subsidiary, Power Financial 

Europe B.V., and the Frère family group  

of Belgium each hold a 50 per cent 

interest in Parjointco, a Netherlands-

based company. Parjointco’s sole  

holding is a 55.5 per cent equity interest 

(75.4 per cent of the voting rights)  

in Pargesa Holding SA, the Pargesa 

group’s parent company based in  

Geneva, Switzerland.

Pargesa, through its subsidiary, 

Groupe Bruxelles Lambert, has holdings 

in global industrial and services 

companies based in Europe.

2017 adjusted net earnings [1]

SF384 MILLION

Net asset value

SF10.85 BILLION

PARGESA

50.0% [2]
GROUPE  
BRUXELLES LAMBERT

IMERYS 
53.8%

SGS  
16.6%

LAFARGE 
HOLCIM  
9.4%

PERNOD  
RICARD  
7.5%

ADIDAS  
7.5%

UMICORE  
17.0%

TOTAL  
0.6%

BURBERRY  
6.5%

ONTEX 
19.9%

GEA 
4.3%

PARQUES 
21.2%

[1]  Described as Economic operating income by Pargesa.

[2]  Representing 51.8% of the voting rights.

GBL’s Investment
As of December 31, 2017

Key 2017 Financial Data
[in millions of euros, unless otherwise indicated]

Imerys is the world leader  
in mineral-based specialty 
solutions for industry.

€3,366 million

Capital/voting rights
53.8% / 67.5%

Market capitalization 
Revenues 
Current operating income 

SGS is the world leader 
in inspection, verification, 
testing and certification.

€2,751 million

Capital and voting rights
16.6% 

[SF million]
Market capitalization 
Revenues 
Adjusted operating income 

LafargeHolcim is the leading 
global construction materials  
and solutions company.

€2,693 million

Capital and voting rights
9.4% 

[SF million]
Market capitalization 
Net sales 
Recurring EBITDA 

Pernod Ricard is the world’s 
number two player in wines and 
spirits, holding a leading  
position globally.

€2,625 million

Capital/voting rights
7.5% / 10.9%

Market capitalization 
Net sales 
Profit from recurring operations 

As at June 30, 2017 company's year-end

adidas is the European leader  
in sports equipment.

Umicore is a leader in materials 
technology and recycling of 
precious metals.

€2,623 million

Capital and voting rights
7.5% 

€1,503 million

Capital and voting rights
17.0% 

Market capitalization 
Net sales 
Operating profit 

Market capitalization 
Revenues (excluding metal) 
Recurring EBITDA 

6,252 
4,598 
648

19,397 
6,349 
969

33,350 
26,129 
5,990

31,121 
9,010 
2,394

34,970 
21,218 
2,070

8,838 
2,916 
599

Total is an integrated global oil 
and gas group with a presence 
in chemicals.

€746 million

Capital/voting rights
0.6% /1.2%

Market capitalization 
Sales [US$ million] 
Adjusted net operating income  

116,447
171,493

from business segments [US$ million]  11,936

Burberry is a global  
luxury brand with a distinctive 
British heritage.

Ontex is a leading international 
personal hygiene solutions 
provider.

GEA is one of the largest 
suppliers of process technology 
to the food industry.

Parques Reunidos is a leading 
operator of leisure parks with  
a global presence.

€557 million

Capital and voting rights
6.5% 

€454 million

Capital and voting rights
19.9%

€328 million

Capital and voting rights
4.3% 

€254 million

Capital and voting rights
21.2% 

[£ million]
Market capitalization 
Revenues 
Adjusted operating profit 

As at March 31, 2017 company's year-end

Market capitalization 
Revenues 
Adjusted profit 

Market capitalization 
Revenues 
Operating EBITDA 

Market capitalization 
Revenues 
Recurrent EBITDA 

As at September 30, 2017 company's year-end

EBITDA  is a non-IFRS financial measure.

7,675 
2,766 
459

2,271 
2,355 
131

7,702 
4,605 
564

1,033 
579 
174

POWER FINANCIAL CORPOR ATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

13

Responsible Management

Creating Value

Our success as a business is inextricably linked to our ability to manage responsibly and work 

together to create a more sustainable and inclusive future. By investing in high-quality and 

responsibly managed companies, we not only create long-term value for our shareholders but 

also help our customers, employees, business partners and communities to prosper and grow.

E M P LOY E E S / 
A DV I S O R S
$7.1 billion 
in salaries and  
other benefits,  
and commissions

C U S TO M E R S
$30+ billion 
in benefits paid 

Our 
Group’s 
Impact 
in 2017

C O M M U N I T I E S
  $48 million [1] 
in charitable  
contributions

S U P P L I E R S /   
G OV E R N M E N T S
$4.0 billion 
for goods and services, 
and taxes paid  
to various levels of 
government

S H A R E H O L D E R S
$2.0 billion 
in dividends paid 

[1]  Including contributions made by Power Corporation, Power Financial's parent company.

14

POWER FINANCIAL CORPOR ATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

Responsible Management

Creating Jobs and Economic Prosperity

Promoting Health and Wellness

The Power Financial group of companies has a global and 

Great-West Lifeco’s health and life insurance business is helping 

diverse employee base of 26,800 people. In 2017, our group 

thousands of Canadians manage their personal wellness. 

paid out $7.1 billion in salaries and other benefits, and 

Working together with other healthcare partners, they are 

commissions, and $4.0 billion in payments to suppliers 

improving the accessibility and affordability of group benefits, 

and various levels of government. Together, these funds 

providing education on physical health, and developing greater 

impact hundreds of communities where we are present. 

understanding of mental health through the Great-West Life 

Our investments in training and new technologies are also 

Centre for Mental Health in the Workplace, which celebrated its 

developing the local talent and intellectual capital of 

10th anniversary in 2017. 

our people.

Enabling Financial Security

In 2017 in Canada, Great-West Life and its companies helped 

families cope with loss, paying out more than $2.4 billion in 

life insurance benefits and provided income for more than 

Having the knowledge, skills and confidence to make informed 

78,000 people who became disabled and could no longer work. 

financial decisions is critical to the financial well-being of 

Benefits paid to Canadian customers have totalled $9.4 billion 

Canadians. Through the innovative products and services 

in 2017.

provided by our operating subsidiaries Great-West Lifeco 

and IGM Financial, and by the “fintech” companies in which 

we invest, such as Wealthsimple, we are helping Canadians of 

all horizons plan for their long-term financial security. 

We also invest in other businesses that promote health and 

wellness. For instance, Dialogue, a technology start-up we 

invest in through Diagram, offers to its customers’ employees 

an online access to healthcare professionals who can provide 

In 2017, Great-West Life, together with London Life and Canada 

virtual consultations, diagnoses and treatment plans. Dialogue 

Life, made over $858 million of annuity payments, helping 

Canadians fund their retirement with a secure income 

helps employees to better manage their physical and mental 

health, while contributing to employers’ efforts to reduce their 

stream, and helped over 30,000 employers provide benefit 

overall healthcare costs and absenteeism.

plans and 9,000 employers offer retirement savings plans 

for their employees.

Supporting Social Inclusion

IGM Financial’s subsidiary - Investors Group, has more certified 

Our group companies’ community investments are breaking 

financial planners working with clients than any other Canadian 

down barriers to social inclusion. We believe we must do our 

financial services firm, touching the lives of nearly one million 

part to fight inequality and marginalization through better 

people. Furthermore, Investors Group continues to make a 

health and education, community development, environmental 

significant contribution to improving financial literacy of youth 

protection, and access to arts and culture. 

and their parents, having contributed $3.9 million since 1995 to 

support and promote financial literacy programs for Canadian 

children and teens.

In 2017, community investment contributions by our group 

companies (including our parent, Power Corporation) 

totalled more than $48 million and, together, they supported 

2,000 community organizations in Canada alone. 

Many community organizations benefit from the active 

To learn more about our Corporate Social Responsibility 

involvement of our employees, who we encourage to share 

programs and initiatives: 

www.PowerFinancialCSR.com

their experience and expertise through volunteering with 

non-profit organizations. 

POWER FINANCIAL CORPOR ATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

15

Review of Financial Performance

ALL TABULAR AMOUNTS ARE IN MILLIONS OF CANADIAN DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED.

MARCH 23, 2018
This Annual Report is intended to provide interested shareholders and others with selected information concerning Power Financial Corporation. For further 
information concerning the Corporation, shareholders and other interested persons should consult the Corporation’s disclosure documents, such as its Annual 
Information Form and Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A). Copies of the Corporation’s continuous disclosure documents can be obtained on the 
Corpo ration’s website at www.powerfinancial.com, at www.sedar.com, or from the office of the Secretary at the addresses shown at the end of this report.

FORWARD-LOOKING  STATEMENTS › Certain  statements  in  this  document,  other 

and illiquid securities, risks associated with financial instruments, changes in accounting 

than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements based on certain 

policies  and  methods  used  to  report  financial  condition  (including  uncertainties 

assumptions and reflect the Corporation’s current expectations, or with respect to 

associated  with  significant  judgments,  estimates  and  assumptions),  the  effect  of 

disclosure regarding the Corporation’s public subsidiaries, reflect such subsidiaries’ 

applying future accounting changes, business competition, operational and reputational 

disclosed  current  expectations.  Forward-looking  statements  are  provided  for 

risks, technological changes, cybersecurity risks, changes in government regulation 

the  purposes  of  assisting  the  reader  in  understanding  the  Corporation’s  financial 

and legislation, changes in tax laws, unexpected judicial or regulatory proceedings, 

performance, financial position and cash flows as at and for the periods ended on 

catastrophic  events,  the  Corporation’s  and  its  subsidiaries’  ability  to  complete 

certain dates and to present information about management’s current expectations and 

strategic transactions, integrate acquisitions and implement other growth strategies, 

plans relating to the future and the reader is cautioned that such statements may not 

and the Corporation’s and its subsidiaries’ success in anticipating and managing the 

be appropriate for other purposes. These statements may include, without limitation, 

foregoing factors.

statements regarding the operations, business, financial condition, expected financial 

results,  performance,  prospects,  opportunities,  priorities,  targets,  goals,  ongoing 

objectives, strategies and outlook of the Corporation and its subsidiaries, as well as the 

outlook for North American and international economies for the current fiscal year and 

subsequent periods. Forward-looking statements include statements that are predictive 

in nature, depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, or include words such as 

“expects”, “anticipates”, “plans”, “believes”, “estimates”, “seeks”, “intends”, “targets”, 

“projects”, “forecasts” or negative versions thereof and other similar expressions, or 

future or conditional verbs such as “may”, “will”, “should”, “would” and “could”.

The reader is cautioned to consider these and other factors, uncertainties and potential 

events  carefully  and  not  to  put  undue  reliance  on  forward-looking  statements. 

Information contained in forward-looking statements is based upon certain material 

assumptions  that  were  applied  in  drawing  a  conclusion  or  making  a  forecast  or 

projection, including management’s perceptions of historical trends, current conditions 

and expected future developments, as well as other considerations that are believed 

to  be  appropriate  in  the  circumstances,  including  that  the  list  of  factors  in  the 

previous paragraph, collectively, are not expected to have a material impact on the 

Corporation and its subsidiaries. While the Corporation considers these assumptions 

By  its  nature,  this  information  is  subject  to  inherent  risks  and  uncertainties  that 

to be reasonable based on information currently available to management, they may 

may be general or specific and which give rise to the possibility that expectations, 

prove to be incorrect.

forecasts, predictions, projections or conclusions will not prove to be accurate, that 

assumptions may not be correct and that objectives, strategic goals and priorities will 

not be achieved. A variety of factors, many of which are beyond the Corporation’s 

and its subsidiaries’ control, affect the operations, performance and results of the 

Corporation and its subsidiaries and their businesses, and could cause actual results 

to differ materially from current expectations of estimated or anticipated events or 

results. These factors include, but are not limited to: the impact or unanticipated impact 

of general economic, political and market factors in North America and internationally, 

fluctuations in interest, inflation and foreign exchange rates, monetary policies, business 

investment and the health of local and global equity and capital markets, management 

of market liquidity and funding risks, risks related to investments in private companies 

Other  than  as  specifically  required  by  applicable  Canadian  law,  the  Corporation 

undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events 

or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made, or to reflect the 

occurrence of unanticipated events, whether as a result of new information, future 

events or results, or otherwise.

Additional information about the risks and uncertainties of the Corporation’s business 

and material factors or assumptions on which information contained in forward-looking 

statements is based is provided in its disclosure materials, including its most recent 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis and its most recent Annual Information Form, 

filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada and available at www.sedar.com.

Readers are reminded that a list of the abbreviations used throughout can be found on the inside front cover of this Annual Report. In addition, the following 

abbreviations are used in the Review of Financial Performance and in the Financial Statements and Notes thereto: Audited Consolidated Financial Statements 

of  Power  Financial  and  Notes  thereto  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2017  (the  2017  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  or  the  Financial  Statements).

16

POWER FINANCIAL CORPOR ATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

Overview

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION
Power  Financial,  a  subsidiary  of  Power  Corporation,  is  a  diversified 
international  management  and  holding  company  that  holds  interests 
substantially in the financial services sector in Canada, the U.S. and Europe. 
Founded in 1984 with the ambition of creating an integrated financial services 
group, Power Financial has remained committed to the growth and evolution 
of its primary holdings through its controlling interests in Lifeco and IGM and 
investment in Pargesa. As a holding company, Power Financial’s objective is 
to create long-term shareholder value. 

Since  its  formation,  Power  Financial  has  remained  committed  to  driving 
growth and value primarily within the financial services sector. The leadership 
of  Power  Financial  has  prudently  focused  on  protecting  and  increasing 
long-term shareholder value through its risk-aware strategy:

 „ Holding significant investments in a limited number of companies with the 

potential for growth;

 „ Supporting operating subsidiaries to develop leading positions within 

their industries;

 „ Working with strong management teams toward sustainable earnings, 

profitable growth, and long-term shareholder value; and

 „ Maintaining healthy balance sheets to protect shareholder value in slower 

economic periods or seize new opportunities.

Value creation
Power Financial is committed to developing market-leading businesses that in turn create long-term shareholder value. Its investment approach is guided by 
three overriding principles, from identifying the right investment to the oversight and evaluation of each investee:

Investment Principles

 „ Invest in companies that have a long-term perspective and investment horizon

 „ Support operating companies’ management to build industry leaders

 „ Focus on high-growth and high return on equity products and market segments

 „ Perform a disciplined, fact-based analysis

Operating Principles

 „ Majority or significant level of ownership

 „ Focus on strategy, people and capital allocation

 „ Be prudent, risk-aware and focus on creating and maintaining a strong balance sheet

Governance Principles

 „ Active governance model through boards of subsidiaries

 „ Board composition is a combination of Power Financial executives and external directors

 „ Power Financial executives provide substantial industry and company knowledge

 „ External directors provide expertise and diverse perspectives

Current portfolio
Lifeco and IGM have become leaders across the insurance, asset management 
and wealth and retirement business lines across Canada, the U.S. and Europe. 
Power Financial has supported them through various acquisitions and the 
group strategically benefits through:

 „ Group-wide distribution of products and services;

 „ Collaborative product development;

 „ Shared technologies and back-office capabilities;

 „ Scale enhancement through key relationships and aggregated purchasing 

power; and

 „ Collaborative approach to important industry developments.

Power Financial, in partnership with Lifeco and IGM Financial, continue to 
collaborate on the future of the financial services market, which is rapidly 
changing. Recently, the group has developed a “fintech” strategy to invest 
in companies that have the potential to produce good returns. This strategy 
also enables the group to learn about new technology applications, how these 
disruptive business models will affect the current business and how to react 
to changes in the environment in order to be more effective.

Power Financial also holds jointly with the Frère Group of Belgium a controlling 
interest in Pargesa, a holding company which, through its subsidiary GBL, 
focuses  on  a  limited  number  of  significant  holdings  and  financial  pillar 
investments. The Pargesa group has positioned its portfolio of companies 
for long-term value creation and shares the values and prudent investing 
approach of Power Financial. This investment provides Power Financial with 
a vehicle to create value in the European market.

POWER FINANCIAL CORPOR ATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

17

REVIEW OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCELIFECO
Great-West Lifeco Inc., TSX: GWO; market capitalization of $34.7 billion, is an 
international financial services holding company with interests in life insurance, 
health insurance, retirement and investment services, asset management and 
reinsurance businesses. Lifeco has operations in Canada, the United States 
and Europe through Great-West Life, London Life, Canada Life, Great-West 
Financial,  Putnam  and  Irish  Life.  For  reporting  purposes,  Lifeco  has  four 
reportable segments, Canada, the United States, Europe and Corporate, which 
reflect geographic lines as well as the management and corporate structure 
at the companies.

In Canada, through the Individual Customer and Group Customer business 
units, Lifeco offers a broad portfolio of financial and benefit plan solutions 
for individuals, families, businesses and organizations, including life, disability 
and critical illness insurance products as well as wealth accumulation, annuity 
and other speciality products.

The European segment is comprised of two distinct business units, Insurance 
& Annuities and Reinsurance, which offer protection and wealth management 
products, including payout annuity products and reinsurance products.

IGM FINANCIAL
IGM Financial Inc., TSX: IGM; market capitalization of $10.6 billion, is a financial 
services company which serves the financial needs of Canadians through 
its  principal  subsidiaries,  each  operating  distinctly,  primarily  within  the 
advice segment of the financial services market. Its activities are carried out 
principally through its subsidiaries Investors Group, Mackenzie Investments 
and Investment Planning Counsel.

Investors Group offers an exclusive family of mutual funds and other investment 
vehicles, and a wide range of insurance, securities, mortgage products and other 
financial services. Investors Group provides its services through its exclusive 
network of consultants across Canada.

Mackenzie  Investments  is  an  investment  management  firm  providing 
investment advisory and related services. Mackenzie distributes its products 
and services primarily through a diversified distribution network of third-party 
financial advisors. In October 2017, IGM Financial combined the investment 
management functions of Investors Group and Mackenzie Investments to 
form a single global investment management organization to support both 
companies under Mackenzie Investments.

Investment  Planning  Counsel  is  an  independent  distributor  of  financial 
products, services and advice in Canada.

PARGESA AND GBL
Power Financial Europe B.V., a wholly owned subsidiary of Power Financial, 
and the Frère Group each hold a 50% interest in Parjointco. At December 31, 
2017, Parjointco held a 55.5% interest in Pargesa (SIX: PARG), representing 
75.4% of the voting rights.

Pargesa  is  a  holding  company,  which,  at  December  31,  2017,  held  a  50% 
interest in GBL, representing 51.8% of the voting rights. GBL, a Belgian holding 
company, is listed on the Brussels Stock Exchange (EBR: GBLB).

The United States segment operates two business units, Financial Services 
and Asset Management. Its Financial Services unit serves all segments of the 
employer-sponsored retirement plan market and offers employer-sponsored 
defined contribution plans, individual retirement accounts, enrolment services, 
communication materials, investment options and education services as well as 
fund management, investment and advisory services. The Asset Management 
unit,  Putnam,  provides  investment  management,  certain  administrative 
functions, and distribution services as well as offers a broad range of investment 
products, including equity, fixed income, absolute return and alternative 
strategies. PanAgora, a Putnam affiliate, offers a broad range of investment 
solutions using sophisticated quantitative techniques.

At December 31, 2017, Power Financial and IGM held interests of 67.7% and 
4.0%, respectively, in Lifeco’s common shares, representing approximately 
65% of the voting rights attached to all outstanding Lifeco voting shares. The 
Insurance Companies Act limits voting rights in life insurance companies to 65%.

On August 31, 2017, Mackenzie Investments completed its acquisition of a 13.9% 
interest in China AMC. Founded in 1998 as one of the first fund management 
companies in China, China AMC has developed and maintained its position 
among the market leaders in China’s asset management industry. Total assets 
under management, excluding subsidiary assets under management, were 
RMB¥870 billion (C$168 billion) at December 31, 2017. The investment, including 
transaction costs, was $638 million. 

On August 31, 2017, Power Financial’s parent company, Power Corporation, 
also completed the acquisition of an additional 3.9% interest in China AMC for 
$178 million, including transaction costs. Together with a 10% interest purchased 
in 2011, Power Corporation now directly holds a 13.9% equity interest. Power 
Corporation and Mackenzie Investments hold a combined 27.8% interest in 
China AMC. Power Corporation and IGM have significant influence and account 
for their interests as an associate using the equity method.

At December 31, 2017, Power Financial and Great-West Life, a subsidiary of 
Lifeco, held interests of 61.5% and 3.8%, respectively, in IGM’s common shares.

GBL is one of the largest listed holding companies in Europe. As a holding 
company focused on long-term value creation, GBL relies on a stable, family 
shareholder base. Its portfolio is comprised of global industrial and services 
companies, leaders in their market in which GBL plays its role of professional 
shareholder.

At December 31, 2017, GBL’s portfolio was comprised of investments in the following publicly traded companies:

 „ Imerys (EPA: NK) – mineral-based specialty solutions for industry

 „ Total (EPA: FP) – oil, gas and chemical industries

 „ SGS (SIX: SGSN) – testing, inspection and certification

 „ Burberry (LON: BRBY) – a global luxury brand

 „ LafargeHolcim (SIX: HOLN and EPA: LHN) – cement, aggregates and concrete

 „ Ontex (EBR: ONTEX) – disposable hygiene products

 „ Pernod Ricard (EPA: RI) – wines and spirits

 „ adidas (XETR: ADS) – design and distribution of sportswear

 „ Umicore (EBR: UMI) – materials technology and recycling of precious metals

 „ GEA (XETR: G1A) – supplier of equipment and project management  
for a wide range of processing industries primarily in the food and 
beverage sectors

 „ Parques (BME: PQR) – operation of regional leisure parks

18

POWER FINANCIAL CORPOR ATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

REVIEW OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCEPreviously,  GBL  made  a  distinction  between  “strategic  shareholdings” 
(investments usually greater than €1 billion) and “incubator” investments 
(investments ranging from €250 million to €1 billion with the potential of 
becoming strategic shareholdings). In 2017, it was decided by GBL to remove 
the distinction between strategic shareholdings and incubator investments 
when presenting its portfolio.

In addition, through its subsidiary Sienna Capital, GBL is developing a portfolio 
of private equity, debt and thematic funds.

At  December  31,  2017,  Pargesa’s  net  asset  value  was  SF10,851  million, 
compared with SF8,884 million at December 31, 2016. GBL’s net asset value 
at December 31, 2017, was €18,888 million compared with €16,992 million at 
December 31, 2016.

PORTAG3 AND WEALTHSIMPLE
Power Financial (along with IGM and Lifeco) controls Portag3, an investment 
fund  dedicated  to  backing  innovative  financial  services  companies. 
Portag3 holds a 29.4% equity interest in Wealthsimple, a technology-driven 
investment  manager  with  assets  under  administration  of  $1.7  billion  at 
December 31, 2017. In addition to the interest held indirectly through Portag3, 
Power Financial and IGM also held, at December 31, 2017, equity interests in 
Wealthsimple of 10.8% and 37.1%, respectively.

IFRS Basis of Presentation

The 2017 Consolidated Financial Statements of the Corporation have been 
prepared in accordance with IFRS and are presented in Canadian dollars.

Consolidated financial statements present, as a single economic entity, the 
assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and cash flows of the parent company 
and  its  subsidiaries.  The  consolidated  financial  statements  present  the 
financial results of Power Financial (parent) and Lifeco, IGM, Portag3 and 
Wealthsimple (Power Financial’s controlled operating subsidiaries) after the 
elimination of intercompany balances and transactions.

In the first and second quarters of 2017, Power Financial and IGM invested a 
total of $20 million and $42.6 million, respectively, in Wealthsimple. In the 
first quarter of 2018, Power Financial and IGM made further investments of 
$20 million and $45 million, respectively. To date, the group has invested 
$183 million in Wealthsimple.

Power Financial’s investment in Pargesa is held through Parjointco. Parjointco 
is a holding company jointly controlled by Power Financial and the Frère Group. 
Power Financial’s investment in Parjointco is accounted for using the equity 
method, in which the investment is initially recognized at cost and adjusted 
thereafter for:

 „ Power Financial’s share of:

 „ Net earnings or loss in Pargesa;

 „ Other comprehensive income or loss in Pargesa; and

 „ Pargesa’s other changes in equity.

 „ Dividends received from Parjointco.

The following table summarizes the accounting presentation for the Corporation’s holdings:

Control

Accounting Method

Controlling interest  
in the entity

Consolidation

Earnings and Other
Comprehensive Income

Consolidated with  
non-controlling interests

Impairment Testing

Impairment Reversal

Goodwill and indefinite life 
intangible assets are tested  
at least annually for impairment

Impairment of goodwill cannot  
be reversed

Impairment of intangible assets  
is reversed if there is evidence  
of recovery of value

Significant influence  
or joint control

Non-controlled  
portfolio investments

Equity method

Corporation’s share of earnings  
and other comprehensive income

Entire investment is tested for 
impairment

Reversed if there is evidence the 
investment has recovered its value

Available for sale (AFS)

Earnings consist of dividends 
received and gains or losses  
on disposals

The investments are marked  
to market through other 
comprehensive income

Earnings are reduced by 
impairment charges, if any

Impairment testing is done at  
the individual investment level

A subsequent recovery of value 
does not result in a reversal

A significant or prolonged decline 
in the value of the investment 
results in an impairment charge

A share price decrease subsequent 
to an impairment charge leads  
to a further impairment

POWER FINANCIAL CORPOR ATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

19

REVIEW OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCEAt December 31, 2017, the Corporation’s holdings were as follows:

Holdings

Lifeco [1]

IGM [2]

Pargesa [3]

Portag3 [4]

Wealthsimple [5]

% economic interest

Nature of investment

Accounting method

67.7

61.5

27.8

63.0

10.8

Controlling interest

Controlling interest

Joint control

Controlling interest

Controlling interest

Consolidation

Consolidation

Equity method

Consolidation

Consolidation

[1]  IGM also holds a 4.0% interest in Lifeco.

[2]  Great-West Life also holds a 3.8% interest in IGM.

[3]  Held through Parjointco, a jointly controlled corporation (50%).

[4]  Lifeco and IGM also hold equal interests of 18.5% in Portag3.

[5]  Portag3 and IGM also hold interests of 29.4% and 37.1%, respectively, in Wealthsimple.

At December 31, 2017, Pargesa’s holdings were as follows:

Holdings

GBL

Imerys

SGS

LafargeHolcim

Pernod Ricard

adidas

Umicore

Total

Burberry

Ontex

GEA

Parques [1]

% economic interest

Nature of investment

Accounting method

50.0

53.8

16.6

9.4

7.5

7.5

17.0

0.6

6.5

19.9

4.3

21.2

Controlling interest

Controlling interest

Portfolio investment

Portfolio investment

Portfolio investment

Portfolio investment

Portfolio investment

Portfolio investment

Portfolio investment

Portfolio investment

Portfolio investment

Significant influence

Consolidation

Consolidation

Available for sale

Available for sale

Available for sale

Available for sale

Available for sale

Available for sale

Available for sale

Available for sale

Available for sale

Equity method

[1]  On December 31, 2017, GBL acquired significant influence in Parques; prior to this GBL accounted for this portfolio investment as available for sale. 

This summary of accounting presentation should be read in conjunction with the following notes to the Corporation’s 2017 Consolidated Financial Statements:

 „ Basis of presentation and summary of significant accounting policies (Note 2);

 „ Investments (Note 5);

 „ Investments in jointly controlled corporations and associates (Note 7);

 „ Goodwill and intangible assets (Note 10); and

 „ Non-controlling interests (Note 19).

20

POWER FINANCIAL CORPOR ATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

REVIEW OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCENON-IFRS FINANCIAL MEASURES AND PRESENTATION
This review of financial performance presents and discusses financial measures which are not in accordance with IFRS. Management uses these financial 
measures in its presentation and analysis of the financial performance of Power Financial, and believes that they provide additional meaningful information 
to readers in their analysis of the results of the Corporation. The non-IFRS financial measures used herein are defined as follows:

Non-IFRS financial measure Definition

Purpose

Non-consolidated basis  
of presentation

Power Financial’s interests in Lifeco, IGM, Portag3 and Wealthsimple  
are accounted for using the equity method.

Used by the Corporation to present and analyze its results, financial 
position and cash flows.

Presents the holding company’s (parent) results separately from 
the results of its consolidated operating companies.

As a holding company, management reviews and assesses  
the performance of each operating company’s contribution.  
This presentation is useful to the reader to assess the impact  
of the contribution to adjusted net earnings for each subsidiary.

Assists in the comparison of the current period’s results to those of 
previous periods as items that are not considered to be a part of  
ongoing operations are excluded.

Identifies items that are not considered part of ongoing operations.  
The exclusion of these items assists management and the reader  
in assessing current results as these items are not reflective of 
ongoing operations.

Adjusted net earnings

Net earnings excluding the impact of Other items.

Other items

Adjusted net earnings  
per share

After-tax impact of any item that in management’s judgment would  
make the period-over-period comparison of results from operations less 
meaningful.

Includes the Corporation’s share of items presented as other items  
by a subsidiary or a jointly controlled corporation.

Earnings per share calculated using adjusted net earnings.

Assists reader in comparing adjusted net earnings on a per share basis.

Adjusted net earnings per share divided by the weighted average  
number of common shares outstanding.

These non-IFRS financial measures do not have a standard meaning and may not be comparable to similar measures used by other entities. Reconciliations 
of the non-IFRS basis of presentation with the presentation in accordance with IFRS are included throughout this review of financial performance.

Reconciliation of IFRS and non-IFRS Financial Measures
The following tables present a reconciliation of net earnings and earnings per share reported in accordance with IFRS to non-IFRS financial measures: adjusted 
net earnings, other items and adjusted net earnings per share. Adjusted net earnings and adjusted net earnings per share are presented in the section 
“Non-Consolidated Statements of Earnings”:

Twelve months ended December 31

Net earnings – IFRS financial measure [1]

Share of Other items, net of tax

Lifeco

IGM

Pargesa

Adjusted net earnings – Non-IFRS financial measure [1]

[1]  Available to common shareholders of Power Financial.

Twelve months ended December 31

Net earnings per share – IFRS financial measure [1]

Share of Other items, net of tax

Lifeco

IGM

Pargesa

Adjusted net earnings per share – Non-IFRS financial measure [1]

[1]  Available to common shareholders of Power Financial.

2017

1,717

340

78

−

418

2,135

2017

2.41

0.47

0.11

−

0.58

2.99

2016

1,919

31

(21)

207

217

2,136

2016

2.69

0.04

(0.03)

0.29

0.30

2.99

POWER FINANCIAL CORPOR ATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

21

REVIEW OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCEResults of Power Financial

This section presents:

 „ The “Consolidated Statements of Earnings in Accordance with IFRS”; and

 „ The “Non-Consolidated Statement of Earnings”, which present the contributions of operating subsidiaries and Pargesa to the net earnings and adjusted 

net earnings of Power Financial. 

Refer to the section “Non-IFRS Financial Measures and Presentation” for a description of the non-consolidated basis of presentation and a reconciliation of 
IFRS and non-IFRS Financial measures.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS IN ACCORDANCE WITH IFRS
Power Financial’s consolidated statements of earnings for the twelve-months ended December 31, 2017 are presented below. The Corporation’s operating 
segments are Lifeco, IGM and Pargesa. This table reflects the contributions from Lifeco, IGM and Pargesa to the net earnings attributable to Power Financial’s 
common shareholders.

Consolidated net earnings – Twelve months ended

December 31

REVENUES

Premium income, net

Net investment income

Fee income

Total revenues

EXPENSES

Total paid or credited to policyholders

Commissions

Operating and administrative expenses

Financing charges

Total expenses

Earnings before investments in jointly controlled corporations  

and associates, and income taxes

Share of earnings (losses) of investments in jointly controlled 

corporations and associates

Earnings before income taxes

Income taxes

Net earnings

ATTRIBUTABLE TO

Non-controlling interests

Perpetual preferred shareholders

Common shareholders of Power Financial

Lifeco

IGM

Pargesa

Corporate [1]

2017

2016

Power Financial
Consolidated net earnings

33,947

7,582

5,454

46,983

35,643

2,410

5,925

300

44,278

2,705

25

2,730

422

2,308

857

−

1,451

2,308

−

139

3,006

3,145

−

1,142

1,113

114

2,369

776

9

785

174

611

261

−

350

611

−

−

−

−

−

−

−

−

−

−

131

131

−

131

−

−

131

131

(22)

(111)

(117)

(250)

−

(77)

92

18

33

33,925

7,610

8,343

49,878

31,125

10,203

7,794

49,122

35,643

34,675

3,475

7,130

432

3,590

6,380

412

46,680

45,057

(283)

3,198

4,065

35

(248)

(12)

(236)

(154)

133

(215)

(236)

200

3,398

584

2,814

964

133

1,717

2,814

(98)

3,967

581

3,386

1,343

124

1,919

3,386

[1]  “Corporate” is comprised of the results of Portag3 and Wealthsimple, the Corporation’s investment activities, corporate operations and consolidation entries.

The Corporation evaluates the performance of each segment based on its contribution to adjusted net earnings. A discussion of the results of Lifeco, IGM and 
Pargesa is provided in the “Contribution to adjusted net earnings” section below.

22

POWER FINANCIAL CORPOR ATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

REVIEW OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCENON- CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
In this section, the contributions from Lifeco and IGM to the net earnings and adjusted net earnings attributable to Power Financial’s common shareholders 
are accounted for using the equity method.

Twelve months ended December 31

Adjusted net earnings [1]

Lifeco [2]

IGM [2]

Pargesa

Corporate operations

Dividends on perpetual preferred shares

Adjusted net earnings [3]

Other items [4]

Lifeco

IGM

Pargesa

Net earnings [3]

Earnings per share – basic [3]

Adjusted net earnings

Other items

Net earnings

2017

1,791

428

131

2,350

(82)

(133)

2,135

(340)

(78)

−

(418)

1,717

2.99

(0.58)

2.41

2016

1,821

452

119

2,392

(132)

(124)

2,136

(31)

21

(207)

(217)

1,919

2.99

(0.30)

2.69

[1]  For a reconciliation of Lifeco, IGM and Pargesa’s non-IFRS adjusted net earnings to their net earnings, refer to the “Contribution to adjusted net earnings” section below.

[2]  The contributions from Lifeco and IGM include an allocation of the results of Wealthsimple and Portag3, based on their respective interest.

[3]  Attributable to common shareholders.

[4]  See “Other items” section below.

2017 vs. 2016

Net earnings

$1,717 million or $2.41 per share, compared with $1,919 million or $2.69 per share in 2016, a decrease of 10.4%  
on a per share basis.

Adjusted net earnings

$2,135 million or $2.99 per share, comparable with the corresponding period in 2016.

Contribution to adjusted  
net earnings from Lifeco,  
IGM and Pargesa

Contribution of $2,350 million, compared with $2,392 million in 2016, a decrease of 1.8%.

A discussion of the results of the Corporation is provided in the sections “Contribution to adjusted net earnings”, “Corporate operations”, and “Other items” below.

POWER FINANCIAL CORPOR ATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

23

REVIEW OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCECONTRIBUTION TO ADJUSTED NET EARNINGS

LIFECO

Contribution to Power Financial

Twelve months ended December 31

Contribution to Power Financial’s [1]:

Adjusted net earnings

Other items

Net earnings

[1]  The average direct ownership of Power Financial in Lifeco was 67.7% for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Adjusted and net earnings by segment as reported by Lifeco

Twelve months ended December 31

CANADA

Individual Customer [1]

Group Customer [1]

Canada Corporate

UNITED STATES

Financial Services

Asset Management

U.S. Corporate

EUROPE

Insurance and Annuities

Reinsurance

Europe Corporate

LIFECO CORPORATE

Adjusted net earnings [2]

Other items

Net earnings [2]

2017

1,791

(340)

1,451

2017

589

641

(11)

1,219

357

(21)

(2)

334

947

190

(16)

1,121

(27)

2,647

(498)

2,149

2016

1,821

(31)

1,790

2016

617

564

37

1,218

333

(52)

(3)

278

927

277

11

1,215

(26)

2,685

(44)

2,641

[1]  Comparative figures have been reclassified to reflect the realignment of the Canadian operations into the individual and group business units.

[2]  Attributable to Lifeco common shareholders.

2017 vs. 2016

Adjusted net earnings

$2,647 million or $2.676 per share, compared with $2,685 million or $2.712 per share in 2016, a decrease of 
1.3% on a per share basis.

Adjusted net earnings includes an after-tax loss estimate recorded in the third quarter of 2017 of $175 million 
relating to Lifeco’s estimated claims resulting from the impact of recent hurricane activity which reduced Lifeco’s 
earnings per common share by $0.177.

24

POWER FINANCIAL CORPOR ATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

REVIEW OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCECANADA

I N D IVI D UA L C U S TO M ER

Adjusted net earnings for the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2017 
decreased by $28 million to $589 million, compared with the same period last 
year. The decrease was primarily due to:

 „ Lower contributions from investment experience and lower contributions 
from  insurance  contract  liability  basis  changes  and  less  favourable 
morbidity experience;

 „ Partially offset by lower new business strain, higher net fee income and 

favourable mortality experience.

G RO U P C U S TO M ER

Adjusted net earnings for the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2017 
increased by $77 million to $641 million, compared with the same period last 
year. The increase was primarily due to:

 „ Favourable morbidity experience and higher contributions from insurance 

contract liability basis changes;

R EI N S U R A N C E

Adjusted net earnings for the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2017 
decreased by $87 million to $190 million, compared with the same period 
last year. Included in this result is a loss of $175 million for estimated claims 
resulting from the impact of in-year hurricanes. Excluding this estimated 
loss, adjusted net earnings increased by $88 million over the same period 
last year, primarily due to:

 „ Favourable experience in the life and annuity business and higher impacts 

from new business gains;

 „ Favourable impact of changes to certain tax estimates;

 „ Partially offset by lower contributions of insurance contract liability basis 

changes and less favourable morbidity experience.

OTHER ITEMS
Adjusted net earnings in 2017 exclude a net charge of $498 million compared 
with a net charge of $44 million in the corresponding period in 2016. The other 
items in 2017 consist of:

 „ Partially offset by less favourable impacts of changes to certain income 

 „ Impact of the U.S. tax reform which resulted in a charge of $216 million:

tax estimates and less favourable mortality experience.

UNITED STATES

FI N A N C IA L S ERVI C E S

Adjusted net earnings for the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2017 
were  US$277  million  (C$357  million),  compared  with  US$250  million 
(C$333  million)  for  the  corresponding  period  in  2016.  The  increase  of 
US$27 million in the twelve-month period was due to:

 „ Higher  net  fee  income  and  lower  expenses  mostly  driven  by  lower 
integration  costs  and  an  expense  recovery  related  to  a  change  in  the 
future obligations for an employee pension plan;

 „ On December 22, 2017, the Tax Reconciliation Act was substantively 
enacted by the U.S. and is generally effective for tax years beginning 
on January 1, 2018. The legislation results in significant tax reform and 
revises the Internal Revenue Code which includes the lowering of the 
corporate federal income tax rate from 35% to 21% and modifies how 
the U.S. taxes multinational entities. The charge primarily relates to 
the revaluation of certain deferred tax balances and the impact on 
insurance contract liabilities and expense provisions. Based on Lifeco’s 
interpretation of the current legislation, adjusted net earnings in 2017 
would have been approximately $55 million to $60 million higher under 
the new tax regime.

 „ Partially offset by lower contributions from investment experience and 

 „ Restructuring charges of $160 million related to:

insurance contract liability basis changes.

A S S E T M A N AG EM ENT

Adjusted net loss for the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2017 was 
US$15 million (C$21 million), compared with US$39 million (C$52 million) for 
the corresponding period in 2016. The decrease of the adjusted net loss in 
the twelve-month period was due to:

 „ Increased fee revenue, driven by higher assets under management and 
higher contributions from investment experience, partially offset by less 
favourable impacts of changes to certain income tax estimates;

 „ Financing  and  other  expenses  for  the  twelve-month  period  ended 
December 31, 2017 increased by US$3 million to US$30 million, compared 
with the same period last year, primarily due to the positive impact of 
adjustments to certain income tax estimates in the prior year.

EUROPE

I N S U R A N C E A N D A N N U ITI E S

Adjusted net earnings for the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2017 
increased by $20 million to $947 million, compared with the same period last 
year. The increase was primarily due to:

 „ Lifeco  realigned  its  Canadian  operations  into  two  new  business 
units: one focused on individual customers and the other on group 
customers.  In  conjunction  with  this  realignment,  Lifeco  expects  to 
achieve $200 million pre tax of annual expense reductions. The expense 
reductions address costs across the Canadian operations and corporate 
functions primarily through a reduction in staff, exiting certain lease 
agreements and information system impairments. The realignment of 
Canadian operations resulted in a $126 million charge.

 „ Integration activities at Empower Retirement in the U.S. segment of 

$11 million.

 „ Integration activities and efforts primarily related to the Irish Life Health 
business strategy to support growth in the retail division resulted in a 
charge of $23 million.

 „ Net charge on sale of equity investment of $122 million:

 „ Lifeco entered into an agreement to sell an equity investment in Nissay 
Asset  Management  Corporation  (Nissay).  The  equity  investment  in 
Nissay  was  reclassified  to  assets  held  for  sale  and  the  net  charge 
on the sale of $122 million was recognized, including the write-off of an 
associated indefinite life intangible asset.

 „ The  impact  of  higher  new  business  volumes  and  contributions  from 

In 2016, Other items of $44 million consist of:

investment experience;

 „ A gain on the sale of the company’s Allianz Ireland holdings and the impact 

of changes to certain tax estimates;

 „ Partially offset by lower contributions from insurance contract liability basis 

changes and the impact of currency movements.

 „ Restructuring and integration activities primarily related to restructuring 
in the Asset Management business in the U.S. segment and integration 
activities in the Insurance and Annuity business in Europe.

The information above has been derived from Lifeco’s public disclosures.

POWER FINANCIAL CORPOR ATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

25

REVIEW OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCEIGM FINANCIAL

Contribution to Power Financial

Twelve months ended December 31

Contribution to Power Financial’s [1]:

Adjusted net earnings

Other items

Net earnings

[1]  The average direct ownership of Power Financial in IGM was 61.5% for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Adjusted and net earnings by segment as reported by IGM

Twelve months ended December 31

Investors Group

Mackenzie

Corporate and other

Adjusted net earnings (before interest, income taxes, preferred share dividends and other) [1]

Interest expense, income taxes, preferred share dividends and other

Adjusted net earnings [1, 2]

Other items

Net earnings [2]

[1]  Non-IFRS financial measures as described in IGM’s public disclosures.

[2]  Available to IGM common shareholders.

2017

428

(78)

350

2017

739

180

144

1,063

(335)

728

(126)

602

2016

452

21

473

2016

736

171

132

1,039

(302)

737

34

771

2017 vs. 2016

Adjusted net earnings

$728 million or $3.02 per share, compared with $737 million or $3.05 per share in 2016, a decrease of 1.0% on 
a per share basis.

Contributions from Investors Group and Mackenzie increased from the corresponding twelve-month period 
in 2016.

The share of earnings from Lifeco includes a charge in the third quarter of $7 million due to estimated claims 
related to hurricane activity.

INVESTORS GROUP
Adjusted net earnings for the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2017 
were $739 million, compared with $736 million in the corresponding period 
in 2016, due to:

MACKENZIE
Adjusted net earnings in the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2017 
were $180 million, compared with $171 million in the corresponding period in 
2016. The increase of $9 million is due to:

 „ An increase in fee revenue of $95 million, primarily resulting from an increase 
in management fees of $119 million due to an increase in average assets under 
management of 10.3%. Administration fees increased by $12 million due to 
an increase in assets under management, offset in part by fee reductions. 
Distribution fees decreased by $36 million due to decreases in distribution 
income from insurance products and a decrease in redemption fees;

 „ A decrease in net investment income of $30 million due to negative fair 

value adjustments on loans held;

 „ An increase in expenses of $62 million, due to an increase in commission-
related expenses, primarily resulting from an increase in assets under 
management, and an increase in non-commission expenses primarily due 
to Consultant network support and other business development efforts.

 „ An increase of $35 million in management fee revenue, primarily resulting 
from an increase in average assets under management of 8.5%, offset in 
part by a decline in the average management fee rate due to a change in 
composition of assets under management. Administration fees increased 
by $6 million;

 „ An increase in commission-related expenses of $9 million due to an increase 
in trailing commission expenses, primarily related to the increase in average 
mutual fund assets, offset in part by a decline in the effective trailing 
commission rates. Non-commission expenses increased by $19 million, due 
to a higher mutual fund sales volume;

 „ A decrease in net investment income of $3 million to $1 million in 2017. 
Net  investment  income  is  mainly  related  to  returns  on  proprietary 
investment funds.

26

POWER FINANCIAL CORPOR ATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

REVIEW OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCEASSETS AND INVESTMENT FUND ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT
Total assets under management were as follows:

December 31 
[In billions of dollars]

Investors Group

Mackenzie [1]

Corporate and other [2]

Total

2017

88.0

64.6

3.9

156.5

2016

81.2

57.7

3.8

142.7

[1]  Effective October 1, 2017, the Mackenzie segment has been redefined to exclude advisory mandates to Investors Group from assets under management; the comparatives 

have been restated to reflect this change.

[2]  Includes Investment Planning Counsel’s assets under management less an adjustment for assets sub-advised by Mackenzie on behalf of other segments.

Total average daily investment fund assets under management were as follows:

[In billions of dollars]

Investors Group

Mackenzie [1]

Corporate and other [2]

Total

Q4

87.2

55.8

5.1

Q3

83.8

53.5

5.1

Q2

85.0

54.2

5.1

2017

Q1

82.8

52.3

5.0

Q4

79.7

50.6

4.9

Q3

78.1

49.7

4.8

Q2

75.8

47.8

4.6

2016

Q1

73.5

46.7

4.5

148.1

142.4

144.3

140.1

135.2

132.6

128.2

124.7

[1]  Effective October 1, 2017, the Mackenzie segment has been redefined to exclude advisory mandates to Investors Group from assets under management; the comparatives 

have been restated to reflect this change.

[2]  Includes Investment Planning Counsel’s assets under management less an adjustment for assets sub-advised by Mackenzie on behalf of other segments.

OTHER ITEMS
Adjusted net earnings in 2017 excluded a net after-tax charge of $126 million 
in 2017 compared with a contribution of $34 million in 2016. Other items 
in 2017 consisted of:

 „ Total restructuring and other charges of $144 million which included:

 „ Severance and termination costs associated with the reduction of IGM’s 

 „ Pension plan one-time expense reduction of $37 million:

 „ A change in policy related to the granting of increases to certain pension 
benefits  paid  under  IGM’s  registered  pension  plan.  Although  IGM 
implemented a new policy that limits the possibility of future benefit 
increases, it may from time to time, at its discretion, increase the benefits 
paid to retired members of the plan.

region office footprint which resulted in a charge of $17 million;

 „ IGM’s proportionate share of Lifeco’s one-time charges of $19 million.

The  other  items  in  2016  consisted  of  a  favourable  change  in  income  tax 
provision estimates related to certain tax filings of $34 million.

The information above has been derived from IGM’s public disclosures.

 „ The  implementation  by  IGM  of  a  number  of  initiatives  to  assist  in 
its  operational  effectiveness,  which  resulted  in  the  recognition  of 
restructuring and other charges of $127 million. The initiatives included 
simplifying  IGM’s  reporting  structure,  expanding  the  IGM  shared 
services model, including joining the Investors Group and Mackenzie 
investment management functions, and offering a one-time voluntary 
retirement program.

As well, IGM decided to discontinue development of a new investment 
fund  accounting  system.  As  a  result  of  this  and  other  associated 
technology decisions, restructuring and other charges included a non-
cash charge of approximately $74 million after tax reflecting capitalized 
system development expenditures.

POWER FINANCIAL CORPOR ATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

27

REVIEW OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCEPARGESA

Contribution to Power Financial

Twelve months ended December 31 
[In millions of Canadian dollars]

Contribution to Power Financial’s [1]:

Adjusted net earnings

Other items

Net earnings

[1]  The average direct ownership of Power Financial in Pargesa was 27.8% for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Adjusted and net earnings as reported by Pargesa

Twelve months ended December 31
[In millions of Swiss francs]

Contribution from the portfolio to adjusted net earnings

Share of earnings of:

Imerys

Dividends:

LafargeHolcim

SGS

Pernod Ricard

Total

adidas

Umicore

Engie

Other [1]

Contribution from private equity activities and other investment funds

Net financing income (charges)

General expenses and taxes

Adjusted net earnings [2, 3]

Other items

Net earnings (loss) [3]

[1]  Consists of dividends from Burberry, Ontex, GEA and Parques.

[2]  Described by Pargesa as “Economic operating income”.

[3]  Attributable to Pargesa shareholders.

2017 vs. 2016

2017

131

−

131

2017

126

60

46

23

20

15

14

−

13

123

440

(20)

(36)

384

(2)

382

2016

119

(207)

(88)

2016

112

44

41

21

28

11

14

26

6

38

341

8

(28)

321

(353)

(32)

Adjusted net earnings

SF384 million, compared with SF321 million in 2016, an increase of 19.6%.

Other than the share of earnings of Imerys, a significant portion of Pargesa’s adjusted net earnings is composed of dividends from its non-consolidated 
investments, which are declared as follows:

 „ LafargeHolcim (second quarter)

 „ SGS (first quarter)

 „ Pernod Ricard (second and fourth quarters)

 „ Total (second, third and fourth quarters)

 „ adidas (second quarter)

 „ Umicore (second and third quarters)

 „ Burberry (second and fourth quarters)

 „ Ontex (second quarter)

 „ GEA (first quarter)

RESULTS
Adjusted net earnings in the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2017 
were  SF384  million,  an  increase  of  SF63  million,  compared  with  the 
corresponding period in 2016, mainly due to:

 „ The contribution from Imerys increased by SF14 million in the twelve-month 

period from SF112 million to SF126 million at December 31, 2017;

 „ An increase in the contribution from private equity activities and other 

investment funds of SF85 million in the twelve-month period;

 „ Non-cash charges of SF11 million included in net financing income (charges) 
during the twelve-month period due to the mark to market of derivative 
financial instruments related to convertible and exchangeable debentures 
issued  by  GBL,  compared  with  non-cash  gains  of  the  same  nature  of 
SF31 million in the corresponding period in 2016;

 „ Income  of  SF16  million  from  trading  and  derivative  activities  of  GBL 
in  managing  its  portfolio  in  the  twelve-month  period,  compared  with 
SF3 million in 2016; and

 „ Dividends from its principal holdings of SF191 million in the twelve-month 

period, comparable with the corresponding period in 2016.

28

POWER FINANCIAL CORPOR ATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

REVIEW OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCEOTHER ITEMS
There were no significant Other items in 2017. Other items of SF353 million in 
2016 primarily consisted of:

 „ Share of impairment charges of SF960 million on its holding of LafargeHolcim 

due to a significant decline in LafargeHolcim’s share price. 

 „ Pargesa’s share of a further impairment charge on Engie shares as well as 

 „ Pargesa’s share of a gain on disposal of a 1.8% equity interest in Total in 

a loss on disposal of Engie for a total amount of SF41 million.

the amount of SF667 million. 

The information above has been derived from Pargesa’s public disclosures.

The average exchange rates for the twelve-month periods ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 were as follows:

Euro/SF

SF/CAD

2017

1.1120

1.3190

2016

1.0900

1.3450

CORPORATE OPERATIONS
Corporate operations include income (loss) from investments, operating expenses, financing charges, depreciation and income taxes.

Twelve months ended December 31

Income (loss) from investments [1]

Operating and other expenses

Operating expenses

Financing charges

Depreciation

Income taxes [2]

Corporate operations

2017

12

(86)

(18)

(2)

12

(94)

(82)

Change %

2.0

(1.9)

2016

(18)

(77)

(18)

(2)

(17)

(114)

(132)

[1]  In the second quarter of 2017 Power Financial attained control of Wealthsimple. A gain was recognized, reflecting the Corporation’s investment in Wealthsimple at fair value.

[2]  Consists mainly of a reversal of a provision for withholding taxes payable on the eventual repatriation of cash from Power Financial Europe B.V. to Power Financial. 

The reversal is due to substantive enactment in 2017 of a withholding tax exemption on repatriation.

OTHER ITEMS (not included in adjusted net earnings)
The following table presents the Corporation’s share of Other items:

Twelve months ended December 31

Lifeco

Impact of U.S. tax reform

Restructuring charges [1]

Net charge on sale of an equity investment

Share of IGM’s other items

IGM

Restructuring and other charges

Pension plan

Reduction of income tax estimates

Share of Lifeco’s other items

Pargesa

Total – Gains on partial disposal

LafargeHolcim – Impairment charges

Engie – Impairment charge and loss on partial disposal

Other (charge) income

[1]  Amounts in comparative period have been reclassified.

For additional information, refer to the respective Lifeco, IGM or Pargesa “Other items” sections above.

2017

(146)

(107)

(83)

(4)

(340)

(88)

22

−

(12)

(78)

−

−

−

−

−

(418)

2016

−

(31)

−

−

(31)

−

−

21

−

21

175

(360)

(15)

(7)

(207)

(217)

POWER FINANCIAL CORPOR ATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

29

REVIEW OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCEFinancial Position

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (condensed)
The condensed balance sheets of Lifeco and IGM, and Power Financial’s non-consolidated balance sheet are presented below. This table reconciles the 
non-consolidated balance sheet, which is not in accordance with IFRS, with the condensed consolidated balance sheet of the Corporation at December 31, 2017.

Power Financial 
Consolidated balance sheets

Lifeco

IGM

and other [1]

2017

2016

Consolidation 
adjustments

December 31

ASSETS

Cash and cash equivalents

Investments

Investment – Lifeco

Investment – IGM

Investment – Parjointco

Investments – other jointly controlled corporations and associates

Funds held by ceding insurers

Reinsurance assets

Other assets [2]

Intangible assets

Goodwill

Investments on account of segregated fund policyholders

Total assets

LIABILITIES

Insurance and investment contract liabilities

Obligations to securitization entities

Debentures and other debt instruments

Other liabilities [2]

Insurance and investment contracts on account of segregated 

fund policyholders

Total liabilities

EQUITY

Perpetual preferred shares

Common shareholders’ equity

Non-controlling interests [3, 4]

Total equity

Total liabilities and equity

Power 
Financial

1,054

142

13,772

2,865

3,354

−

−

−

122

−

−

−

21,309

−

−

250

546

−

796

2,830

17,683

−

20,513

21,309

3,551

164,020

−

362

−

2

9,893

5,045

9,697

3,732

6,179

217,357

419,838

161,365

−

5,617

9,963

217,357

394,302

2,714

19,887

2,935

25,536

419,838

16,499

(17,422)

440,224

967

8,230

903

−

−

648

−

−

1,139

1,952

2,660

−

−

7,596

2,175

1,903

−

11,674

150

4,675

−

4,825

16,499

5,321

4,396

172,345

167,744

(251)

(47)

(14,675)

(3,227)

−

12

−

−

−

−

3,354

662

9,893

5,045

(39)

10,919

64

741

−

5,748

9,580

217,357

−

−

2,811

292

10,781

5,627

11,113

5,966

9,274

200,403

418,407

161,365

157,949

7,596

7,968

7,721

7,513

12,414

12,605

−

−

(74)

2

−

217,357

(72)

406,700

(2,864)

(24,562)

10,076

(17,350)

2,830

17,683

13,011

33,524

200,403

386,191

2,580

16,901

12,735

32,216

(17,422)

440,224

418,407

[1]  Consolidation adjustments and other includes Portag3 and Wealthsimple, as well as consolidation entries.

[2]  Comparative figures have been reclassified as described in Note 16 of the 2017 Consolidated Financial Statements.

[3]  Lifeco’s non-controlling interests include the Participating Account surplus in subsidiaries.

[4]  Non-controlling interests in consolidation adjustments represents non-controlling interests in the equity of Lifeco and IGM.

Total assets of the Corporation increased to $440.2 billion at December 31, 
2017, compared with $418.4 billion at December 31, 2016, mainly due to the 
impact of positive market movement and new business growth, partially offset 
by the negative impact of currency movements.

Liabilities increased to $406.7 billion at December 31, 2017, compared with 
$386.2 billion at December 31, 2016, mainly due to the following, as disclosed 
by Lifeco:

 „ Insurance  and  investment  contract  liabilities  increased  by  $3.4  billion, 
primarily due to the impact of new business, partially offset by the net 
impact of currency movements primarily driven by the strengthening of 
the Canadian dollar against the U.S. dollar, and changes in assumptions.

 „ Insurance and investment contract liabilities on account of segregated fund 
policyholders increased by $17.0 billion, primarily due to the combined 
impact of market value gains and investment income of $13.4 billion, the 
impact of currency movement of $2.5 billion and net deposits of $1.1 billion.

30

POWER FINANCIAL CORPOR ATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

REVIEW OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCENON- CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
In the non-consolidated basis of presentation shown below, Lifeco and IGM are presented by the Corporation using the equity method. These non-consolidated 
balance sheets, which are not in accordance with IFRS, enhance the information provided in this review of financial performance and assist the reader by 
identifying changes in Power Financial’s non-consolidated balance sheets.

December 31

ASSETS

Cash and cash equivalents [1]

Investment – Lifeco

Investment – IGM

Investment – Parjointco

Investments [2]

Other assets

Total assets

LIABILITIES

Debentures

Other liabilities

Total liabilities

EQUITY

Perpetual preferred shares

Common shareholders’ equity

Total equity

Total liabilities and equity

2017

2016

1,054

13,772

2,865

3,354

142

122

21,309

250

546

796

2,830

17,683

20,513

21,309

842

13,536

2,866

2,811

76

122

20,253

250

522

772

2,580

16,901

19,481

20,253

[1]  Cash equivalents include $281 million ($341 million at December 31, 2016) of fixed income securities with maturities of more than three months. In accordance with IFRS, 

these are classified in investments in the Consolidated Financial Statements.

[2]  Includes investments in Portag3 and Wealthsimple.

Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents held by Power Financial amounted to $1,054 million at December 31, 2017, compared with $842 million at the end of December 2016. 
Dividends declared on November 10, 2017 and paid on February 1, 2018 of $329 million are included in other liabilities. Dividends of $83 million declared 
on November 2, 2017 by IGM and received by the Corporation on January 31, 2018 are included in other assets (see “Non-consolidated Statements of Cash 
Flows” below for details).

Investments in Lifeco, IGM and Parjointco
The carrying value of Power Financial’s investments in Lifeco, IGM and Parjointco, accounted for using the equity method, increased to $19,991 million 
at December 31, 2017, compared with $19,213 million at December 31, 2016:

Carrying value, at the beginning of the year

Share of adjusted net earnings

Share of other items

Share of other comprehensive income (loss)

Dividends

Other, mainly related to effects of changes in ownership

Lifeco

IGM

Parjointco

Total

13,536

1,791

(340)

(245)

(983)

13

2,866

2,811

428

(78)

(12)

(333)

(6)

131

−

491

(78)

(1)

19,213

2,350

(418)

234

(1,394)

6

Carrying value, at December 31, 2017

13,772

2,865

3,354

19,991

POWER FINANCIAL CORPOR ATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

31

REVIEW OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE 
EQUITY

Preferred shares
Preferred shares of the Corporation consist of 11 series of Non-Cumulative 
Fixed Rate First Preferred Shares, two series of Non-Cumulative 5-Year Rate 
Reset First Preferred Shares, and two series of Non-Cumulative Floating Rate 
First Preferred Shares, with an aggregate stated capital of $2,830 million at 
December 31, 2017 (compared with $2,580 million at December 31, 2016). All 
series are perpetual preferred shares and are redeemable in whole or in part 
solely at the Corporation’s option from specified dates.

On May 26, 2017, the Corporation issued 10,000,000 5.15% Non-Cumulative 
First Preferred Shares Series V for gross proceeds of $250 million.

The terms and conditions of the outstanding First Preferred Shares are described 
in  Note  17  to  the  Corporation’s  2017  Consolidated  Financial  Statements.

Common shareholders’ equity
Common shareholders’ equity was $17,683 million at December 31, 2017, compared with $16,901 million at December 31, 2016:

Twelve months ended December 31

Common shareholders’ equity, at the beginning of the year

Changes in retained earnings

Net earnings before dividends on perpetual preferred shares

Dividends declared

Effects of changes in capital and ownership of subsidiaries, and other

Changes in reserves

Other comprehensive income (loss)

Foreign currency translation adjustments

Investment revaluation and cash flow hedges

Actuarial losses on defined benefit plans

Share of Pargesa and other associates

Share-based compensation

Issuance of common shares (601,819 shares in 2017 and 30,980 in 2016)  

under the Corporation’s Employee Stock Option Plan

Common shareholders’ equity at December 31

2017

16,901

1,850

(1,310)

(8)

532

(387)

177

(56)

493

2

229

21

17,683

2016

16,893

2,043

(1,244)

(156)

643

(988)

93

(127)

371

15

(636)

1

16,901

The book value per common share of the Corporation was $24.77 at December 31, 2017, compared with $23.69 at the end of 2016.

Outstanding number of common shares
As of the date hereof, there were 713,871,479 common shares of the Corporation outstanding, compared with 713,269,660 at December 31, 2016. At the date 
hereof, options were outstanding to purchase up to an aggregate of 11,147,365 common shares of the Corporation under the Corporation’s Employee Stock 
Option Plan.

Cash Flows

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (condensed)
The condensed cash flows of Lifeco and IGM, and Power Financial’s non-consolidated cash flows, are presented below. This table reconciles the non-consolidated 
statement of cash flows, which is not in accordance with IFRS, to the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows of the Corporation for the twelve-month 
period ended December 31, 2017.

Twelve months ended December 31

Cash flows from:

Operating activities

Financing activities

Investing activities

Effect of changes in exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents, at the beginning of the year

Cash and cash equivalents, at December 31

32

POWER FINANCIAL CORPOR ATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

Power Financial 
Consolidated cash flows

Lifeco

IGM

Consolidation 
adjustments
and other

2017

2016

6,757

(1,659)

(4,778)

(28)

292

3,259

3,551

658

170

(472)

−

356

611

967

(1,467)

1,364

168

−

65

(316)

(251)

7,255

(1,156)

(5,146)

(28)

925

4,396

5,321

6,900

(1,015)

(5,479)

(198)

208

4,188

4,396

Power 
Financial

1,307

(1,031)

(64)

−

212

842

1,054

REVIEW OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCEConsolidated cash and cash equivalents increased by $925 million in the 
twelve-month period ended December 31, 2017, compared with an increase 
of $208 million in the corresponding period in 2016.

Cash flows from investing activities resulted in a net outflow of $5,146 million 
in the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2017, compared with a net 
outflow of $5,479 million in the corresponding period in 2016.

Operating activities produced a net inflow of $7,255 million in the twelve-month 
period ended December 31, 2017, compared with a net inflow of $6,900 million 
in the corresponding period in 2016.

Cash flows from financing activities, which include dividends paid on the 
common and preferred shares of the Corporation and dividends paid by 
subsidiaries  to  non-controlling  interests,  represented  a  net  outflow  of 
$1,156 million in the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2017, compared 
with a net outflow of $1,015 million in the corresponding period in 2016.

The Corporation decreased its level of fixed income securities with maturities 
of more than three months, resulting in a net inflow of $60 million in the 
twelve-month period ended December 31, 2017, compared with a net inflow 
of $137 million in the corresponding period in 2016.

NON- CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
As Power Financial is a holding company, corporate cash flows are primarily comprised of dividends received from Lifeco, IGM and Parjointco and income 
(loss) from cash and cash equivalents, less operating expenses, financing charges, income taxes, and preferred and common share dividends.

The following non-consolidated statements of cash flows of the Corporation, which are not presented in accordance with IFRS, have been prepared to assist 
the reader as they isolate the cash flows of Power Financial, the parent company.

Twelve months ended December 31

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Dividends

Lifeco

IGM

Pargesa

Corporate operations, net of non-cash items

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Dividends paid on perpetual preferred shares

Dividends paid on common shares

Issuance of perpetual preferred shares

Issuance of common shares

Other (including share issue costs)

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Investments in Portag3 and Wealthsimple

Purchase of other investments and other

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents, at the beginning of the year

Cash and cash equivalents, at December 31

On  a  non-consolidated  basis,  cash  and  cash  equivalents  increased  by 
$212 million in the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2017, compared 
with a decrease of $28 million in the corresponding period in 2016.

Operating activities resulted in a net inflow of $1,307 million in the twelve-month 
period ended December 31, 2017, compared with a net inflow of $1,245 million 
in the corresponding period in 2016.

 „ Dividends paid by Lifeco on its common shares during the twelve-month 
period ended December 31, 2017 were $1.4680 per share, compared with 
$1.3840 in the corresponding period in 2016. In the twelve-month period 
ended December 31, 2017, the Corporation received dividends from Lifeco 
of $983 million, compared with $926 million in the corresponding period 
in  2016.  On  February  8,  2018,  Lifeco  announced  a  6%  increase  in  the 
quarterly dividend on its common shares, from $0.3670 to $0.3890 per 
share, payable on March 29, 2018.

2017

2016

983

333

78

1,394

(87)

1,307

(130)

(1,163)

250

18

(6)

(1,031)

(25)

(39)

(64)

212

842

1,054

926

333

75

1,334

(89)

1,245

(125)

(1,106)

−

1

−

(1,230)

(21)

(22)

(43)

(28)

870

842

 „ Dividends paid by IGM on its common shares during the twelve-month 
period ended December 31, 2017 were $2.25 per share, the same as in 
the  corresponding  period  in  2016.  In  the  twelve-month  period  ended 
December  31,  2017,  the  Corporation  received  dividends  from  IGM  of 
$333 million, the same as in the corresponding period in 2016.

 „ Pargesa declares and pays an annual dividend in the second quarter ending 
June 30. The dividend paid by Pargesa to Parjointco in 2017 amounted to 
SF2.44 per bearer share, compared with SF2.38 in 2016. The Corporation 
received dividends of $78 million (SF57 million) from Parjointco in 2017, 
compared with $75 million (SF56 million) in the corresponding period 
in 2016.

POWER FINANCIAL CORPOR ATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

33

REVIEW OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCEThe Corporation’s financing activities during the twelve-month period ended 
December 31, 2017 were a net outflow of $1,031 million, compared with a net 
outflow of $1,230 million in the corresponding period in 2016, and included:

 „ Dividends paid on preferred and common shares by the Corporation were 
$1,293 million, compared with $1,231 million in the corresponding period 
in 2016. In the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2017, dividends 
paid on the Corporation’s common shares were $1.63 per share, compared 
with $1.55 per share in the corresponding period in 2016.

 „ Perpetual preferred share issue of the Corporation of $250 million.

 „ Common shares issued for employee stock options exercised in the period 
of $18 million, compared with $1 million in the corresponding period in 2016.

The Corporation’s investing activities during the twelve-month period ended 
December 31, 2017 represented a net outflow of $64 million, compared with 
a net outflow of $43 million in the corresponding period in 2016.

Capital Management

As a holding company, Power Financial’s objectives in managing its capital 
are to:

 „ provide attractive long-term returns to shareholders of the Corporation;

 „ provide  sufficient  financial  flexibility  to  pursue  its  growth  strategy  to 
invest on a timely basis in its operating companies and other investments 
as opportunities present;

 „ maintain  a  capital  structure  that  matches  the  long-term  nature  of  its 

investments by maximizing the use of permanent capital; and

 „ maintain an appropriate credit rating to ensure stable access to capital 

markets.

The  Corporation  manages  its  capital  taking  into  consideration  the  risk 
characteristics and liquidity of its holdings. In order to maintain or adjust its 
capital structure, the Corporation may adjust the amount of dividends paid 
to shareholders, return capital to shareholders or issue capital.

The Board of Directors of the Corporation is responsible for capital management. 
Management  of  the  Corporation  is  responsible  for  establishing  capital 
management procedures and for implementing and monitoring its capital 
plans. The Board of Directors of the Corporation reviews and approves capital 
transactions such as the issuance, redemption and repurchase of common 
shares, perpetual preferred shares and debentures. The boards of directors 
of the Corporation’s subsidiaries, as well as those of Pargesa and GBL, govern 
and have responsibility for their respective company’s capital management.

With the exception of debentures and other debt instruments, the Corporation’s 
capital  is  permanent,  matching  the  long-term  nature  of  its  investments. 
The capital structure of the Corporation consists of: debentures, perpetual 
preferred shares, common shareholders’ equity, and non-controlling interests. 
The Corporation views perpetual preferred shares as a cost-effective source 
of permanent capital.

The Corporation’s consolidated capitalization includes the debentures, preferred shares and other debt instruments issued by its consolidated subsidiaries. 
Debentures and other debt instruments issued by Lifeco and IGM are non-recourse to the Corporation. The Corporation does not guarantee debt issued by 
its subsidiaries. Perpetual preferred shares and total equity accounted for 81% of consolidated capitalization at December 31, 2017.

December 31

DEBENTURES AND OTHER DEBT INSTRUMENTS

Power Financial

Lifeco

IGM

Consolidation adjustments

PREFERRED SHARES

Power Financial

Lifeco

IGM

EQUITY

Common shareholders’ equity

Non-controlling interests [1]

2017

250

5,617

2,175

(74)

7,718

7,968

2,830

2,714

150

2,864

5,694

17,683

10,147

27,830

41,492

2016

250

5,980

1,325

(42)

7,263

7,513

2,580

2,514

150

2,664

5,244

16,901

10,071

26,972

39,729

[1]  Represents the non-controlling equity interests of the Corporation’s subsidiaries excluding Lifeco and IGM’s preferred shares, which are shown in this table  

as preferred shares.

34

POWER FINANCIAL CORPOR ATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

REVIEW OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCEPower Financial
 „ The Corporation filed a short-form base shelf prospectus dated December 7, 
2016,  pursuant  to  which,  for  a  period  of  25  months  thereafter,  the 
Corporation may issue up to an aggregate of $3 billion of First Preferred 
Shares,  common  shares,  subscription  receipts  and  unsecured  debt 
securities, or any combination thereof. This filing provides the Corporation 
with the flexibility to access debt and equity markets on a timely basis.

 „ On May 26, 2017, the Corporation issued 10,000,000 5.15% Non-Cumulative 

First Preferred Shares Series V for gross proceeds of $250 million.

 „ On June 21, 2017, Great-West Lifeco Finance (Delaware) LP redeemed all 
of the $1 billion principal amount of its 5.691% subordinated debentures 
due June 21, 2067, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal 
amount of the debentures, plus any accrued interest up to but excluding 
the redemption date.

S U B S EQ U ENT E V ENT

 „ On  February  28,  2018,  Lifeco  issued  $500  million  of  10-year  3.337% 
debentures. The net proceeds were used by Lifeco to repay debenture 
maturities and for general corporate purposes.

Lifeco
 „ On February 8, 2017, Irish Life Assurance, a subsidiary of Lifeco, redeemed 
its  5.25%  €200  million  subordinated  debentures  at  their  principal 
amount  together with accrued interest.

 „ On May 18, 2017, Lifeco issued 8,000,000 5.15% Non-Cumulative First 

Preferred Shares Series T for gross proceeds of $200 million.

IGM Financial
 „ On January 26, 2017, IGM issued $400 million of 10-year 3.44% debentures 
and $200 million of 30-year 4.56% debentures. The net proceeds were 
used by IGM to assist its subsidiary, Mackenzie Investments, in financing 
a substantial portion of the acquisitions of a 13.9% interest in China AMC 
and for general corporate purposes.

 „ On  May  26,  2017,  Great-West  Lifeco  Finance  (Delaware)  LP  issued 
US$700 million principal amount of 4.15% senior unsecured notes that are 
fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Lifeco, maturing in 2047.

 „ On December 7, 2017, IGM issued $250 million of 30-year 4.115% debentures. 
The net proceeds were used by IGM to repay debenture maturities and for 
general corporate purposes.

RATINGS
The current rating by Standard & Poor’s (S&P) of the Corporation’s debentures 
is “A+” with a stable outlook. Dominion Bond Rating Service’s (DBRS) current 
rating on the Corporation’s debentures is “A (High)” with a stable rating trend.

Credit ratings are intended to provide investors with an independent measure 
of the credit quality of the securities of a corporation and are indicators 
of the likelihood of payment and the capacity of a corporation to meet its 
obligations in accordance with the terms of each obligation. Descriptions 
of the rating categories for each of the agencies set forth below have been 
obtained from the respective rating agencies’ websites. These ratings are not 
a recommendation to buy, sell or hold the securities of a corporation and do 
not address market price or other factors that might determine suitability of 
a specific security for a particular investor. The ratings also may not reflect 
the potential impact of all risks on the value of securities and are subject to 
revision or withdrawal at any time by the rating organization.

Risk Management

Power  Financial  is  a  diversified  international  management  and  holding 
company with interests in the financial services, asset management and other 
business sectors. Its principal holdings are a controlling interest in each of 
Lifeco and IGM and a joint controlling interest in Parjointco, which itself holds a 
controlling interest in GBL through Pargesa. As a result, the Corporation bears 
the risks associated with being a significant shareholder of these operating 
companies. A complete description of these risks is presented in their public 
disclosures. The respective boards of directors of Lifeco, IGM, Pargesa and GBL 
are responsible for the risk oversight function at their respective companies. 
The risk committee of the board of directors of Lifeco is responsible for its risk 
oversight, and the board of directors of IGM provides oversight and carries out 
its risk management mandate through various committees. Certain officers 
of the Corporation are members of these boards and committees of these 
boards and, consequently, in their role as directors, they participate in the 
risk oversight function at the operating companies.

RISK OVERSIGHT APPROACH
The Corporation believes that a prudent approach to risk is achieved through 
a governance model that focuses on the active oversight of its investments. 
The Board of Directors and executive officers of the Corporation have overall 
responsibility for risk management associated with the investment activities 
and operations of the holding company and maintain a comprehensive and 
appropriate set of policies and controls.

The  Corporation  is  not  subject  to  externally  imposed  regulatory  capital 
requirements; however, Lifeco and certain of its main subsidiaries and IGM’s 
subsidiaries are subject to regulatory capital requirements. 

The “A+” rating assigned to the Corporation’s debentures by S&P is the fifth 
highest of the 22 ratings used for long-term debt. A long-term debenture 
rated “A+” is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes 
in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher-rated 
categories; however, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment 
on the obligation is still strong.

The “A (High)” rating assigned to the Corporation’s debentures by DBRS is the 
fifth highest of the 26 ratings used for long-term debt. A long-term debenture 
rated “A (High)” implies that the capacity for repayment is substantial, but 
of lesser credit quality than AA, and may be vulnerable to future events, 
although qualifying negative factors are considered manageable.

The Board of Directors provides oversight and carries out its risk management 
mandate primarily through the following committees:

 „ The Audit Committee addresses risks related to financial reporting and 

cybersecurity.

 „ The  Compensation  Committee  considers  risks  associated  with  the 

Corporation’s compensation policies and practices.

 „ The Governance and Nominating Committee oversees the Corporation’s 
approach to appropriately address potential risks related to governance 
matters.

 „ The Related Party and Conduct Review Committee considers for approval 

transactions with related parties of the Corporation.

There  are  certain  risks  inherent  in  an  investment  in  the  securities  of  the 
Corporation and in the activities of the Corporation, including the following 
risks and others discussed elsewhere in this review of financial performance, 
which investors should carefully consider before investing in securities of the 
Corporation. The following is a review of certain risks that could impact the 
financial condition and financial performance, and the value of the equity of 
the Corporation. This description of risks does not include all possible risks, 
and there may be other risks of which the Corporation is not currently aware.

POWER FINANCIAL CORPOR ATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

35

REVIEW OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCESTRATEGIC RISK
Strategic  risk  arises  as  a  result  of  ineffective  strategic  decision  making, 
inadequate strategies or a lack of responsiveness to important changes to 
the business environment, including macroeconomic or country risk events, 
or changes to the regulatory environment. In addition, strategic risk includes 
risks  associated  with  the  Corporation’s  holding  company  structure  and 
potential future acquisitions.

The successful execution of the Corporation’s investment strategy is uncertain 
as it requires suitable opportunities, careful timing and business judgment. 
The Corporation’s approach consists in overseeing, through the Board of 
Directors, its operating businesses and investments which should generate 
long-term, sustainable growth in earnings and dividends. The Corporation 
aims to act like an owner with a long-term perspective and a strategic vision 
anchored in strong core values.

The Chief Executive Officer is responsible for developing the Corporation’s 
proposed strategic plans, in light of emerging opportunities and risks and with 
a view to the Corporation’s sustained profitable growth and long-term value 
creation, and for implementing the approved strategic plans. The Board of 
Directors is responsible for approving the long-term goals and objectives for 
the Corporation; and, after considering alternatives, approving the strategic 
plans developed by the Chief Executive Officer. The Board of Directors also 
monitors  senior  management’s  implementation  of  the  approved  plans; 
assesses the achievement of the Corporation’s goals and objectives; reviews 
and approves on at least an annual basis management’s financial plan; and 
reviews  and  approves  any  significant  transactions  and  strategic  capital 
management decisions regarding the Corporation.

LIQUIDITY RISK
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Corporation would not be able to meet all 
cash outflow obligations as they come due and also the inability to, in a timely 
manner, raise capital or monetize assets at normal market conditions.

As  a  holding  company,  Power  Financial’s  ability  to  meet  its  obligations, 
including  payment  of  interest,  other  operating  expenses  and  dividends, 
and to complete current or desirable future enhancement opportunities or 
acquisitions generally depends upon dividends from its principal subsidiaries 
and other investments, and its ability to raise additional capital. Dividends to 
shareholders of Power Financial are dependent on the operating performance, 
profitability, financial position and creditworthiness of its subsidiaries, jointly 
controlled  corporation  and  associates,  as  well  as  on  their  ability  to  pay 
dividends.  The  payment  of  interest  and  dividends  by  Power  Financial’s 
principal subsidiaries is subject to restrictions set out in relevant corporate 
and insurance laws and regulations, which require that solvency and capital 
ratios be maintained.

The Corporation regularly reviews its liquidity requirements and seeks to 
maintain a sufficient level of liquidity to meet its operating expenses, financing 
charges and payment of preferred share dividends for a reasonable period 
of time, as defined in its policies. The ability of Power Financial to arrange 
additional financing in the future will depend in part upon prevailing market 
conditions as well as the business performance of Power Financial and its 
subsidiaries. Although the Corporation has been able to access capital on 
financial markets in the past, there can be no assurance this will be possible 
in the future. The inability of Power Financial to access sufficient capital on 
acceptable terms could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s 
business, prospects, dividend paying capability and financial condition, and 
further enhancement opportunities or acquisitions.

Power Financial’s management of liquidity risk has not changed materially 
since December 31, 2016.

CREDIT RISK AND MARKET RISK
In order to maintain an appropriate level of available liquidity, the Corporation 
maintains a portfolio of financial instruments which can be a combination of cash 
and cash equivalents, fixed income securities, other investments (consisting of 
equity securities, investment funds and hedge funds) and derivatives which 
bear credit and market risks as described in the following sections.

36

POWER FINANCIAL CORPOR ATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

Credit risk
Credit risk is the potential for financial loss to the Corporation if a counterparty 
in a transaction fails to meet its payment obligations. Credit risk can be 
related to the default of a single debt issuer, variation of credit spreads on 
tradable fixed income securities and also to counterparty risk which relates 
to derivatives products.

Power Financial manages credit risk on its fixed income securities by adhering to 
an investment policy that establishes guidelines which provide exposure limits 
by defining admissible securities, minimum ratings and concentration limits.

Fixed income securities, which are included in investments and in cash and cash 
equivalents, consist primarily of bonds, bankers’ acceptances and highly liquid 
temporary deposits with Canadian chartered banks and banks in jurisdictions 
where the Corporation operates as well as bonds and short-term securities of, 
or guaranteed by, the Canadian or U.S. governments. The Corporation regularly 
reviews the credit ratings of its counterparties. The maximum exposure to credit 
risk on these financial instruments is their carrying value.

Derivatives can be also used mainly to mitigate foreign exchange exposures. 
Power Financial regularly reviews the credit ratings of derivative financial 
instrument counterparties. Derivative contracts are over-the-counter with 
counterparties that are highly rated financial institutions.

The  Corporation’s  exposure  to  and  management  of  credit  risk  related  to 
cash and cash equivalents, fixed income securities and derivatives have not 
changed materially since December 31, 2016.

Market risk
Market risk is the risk that the market value or future cash flows of an investment 
will fluctuate as a result of changes in market factors. Market factors include 
foreign exchange risk, interest rate risk and equity risk.

Foreign Exchange Risk
Foreign  exchange  risk  relates  to  the  Corporation  operating  in  different 
currencies and converting non-Canadian investments and earnings at different 
points in time at different foreign exchange levels when adverse changes in 
foreign currency exchange rates occur.

In  its  ongoing  operations,  the  Corporation  may  hold  cash  balances 
denominated in foreign currencies and thus be exposed to fluctuations in 
exchange rates. In order to protect against such fluctuations, the Corporation 
may from time to time enter into currency-hedging transactions with highly 
rated financial institutions. As at December 31, 2017, approximately 3% of the 
$1,054 million of Power Financial’s cash and cash equivalents and fixed income 
securities were denominated in U.S. dollars.

Power Financial’s debentures do not have exposure to currency risk.

Interest Rate Risk
Interest rate risk is the risk that the fair value of a financial instrument will 
fluctuate following changes in the interest rates.

At December 31, 2017, the sensitivity of the financial instruments portfolio to 
a change of 1% in interest rate was $3 million over a portfolio of $254 million. 
The majority of the portfolio matures in the next two years.

Power Financial’s financial instruments do not have significant exposure to 
interest rate risk.

Equity Risk
Equity risk is the potential loss associated with the sensitivity of the market 
price of a financial instrument arising from volatility in equity markets.

Most of Power Financial’s other investments are classified as available for 
sale.  Unrealized  gains  and  losses  on  these  investments  are  recorded  in 
other comprehensive income until realized. Other investments are reviewed 
periodically to determine whether there is objective evidence of an impairment 
in value. At December 31, 2017, the impact of a 5% decrease in the value of 
other investments would have been a $4 million unrealized loss recorded in 
other comprehensive income.

REVIEW OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCEPower Financial’s management of financial instruments risk has not changed 
materially since December 31, 2016. For a further discussion of the Corporation’s 
risk management, please refer to Note 21 to the Corporation’s 2017 Consolidated 
Financial Statements.

affect the Corporation’s reputation and result in penalties, fines and sanctions 
or increased oversight by regulators. The Corporation, in addition to complying 
with these laws, rules and regulations, must also monitor them closely so that 
changes therein are taken into account in the management of its activities.

OPERATIONAL RISK
Operational risk is defined as the risk of loss resulting from people, inadequate 
or failed internal processes and technologies, or external events. It includes 
the following type of risks: internal and external frauds, inadequate human 
resources practices, execution and processing errors, model risk, suppliers 
and  third-party  risk,  business  disruptions,  cybersecurity,  legal  risk  and 
regulatory compliance risk. Although operational risk cannot be eliminated 
entirely,  the  Corporation’s  risk  management  processes  are  designed  to 
manage these risks in a thorough and diligent manner.

The  Corporation  manages  operational  risk  by  adopting  and  applying  a 
series of corporate governance policies, procedures and practices such as 
human resource and compensation practice policies, a clawback policy for 
all officers, a code of business conduct and ethics for employees and third 
parties, business continuity procedures, related party transactions review and 
other corporate governance guidelines. The Corporation also has established 
a series of controls for financial reporting and disclosure purposes, and such 
controls, which are tested on a regular basis, can contribute to identifying 
and mitigating operational risks.

Cybersecurity risk
The Corporation is exposed to risks relating to cybersecurity, in particular 
cyber threats, which include cyber-attacks such as, but not limited to, hacking, 
computer viruses, unauthorized access to confidential, proprietary or sensitive 
information or other breaches of network or Information Technology (IT) 
security. The Corporation continues to monitor and enhance its defences 
and procedures to prevent, detect, respond to and manage cybersecurity 
threats,  which  are  constantly  evolving.  Consequently,  the  Corporation’s 
IT defences are continuously monitored and adapted to both prevent and 
detect  cyber-attacks,  and  then  recover  and  remediate.  Disruption  to 
information systems or breaches of security could result in a negative impact 
on the Corporation’s financial results or result in reputational damage.

Regulatory compliance risk
Regulatory compliance risk is the risk of the Corporation or its employees 
failing  to  comply  with  the  regulatory  requirements  in  effect  where  the 
Corporation does business, both in Canada and internationally. There are 
many laws, governmental rules and regulations, including financial reporting 
and disclosure rules that apply to the Corporation. Interpretation of these laws, 
rules and regulations by the Corporation, governmental agencies or the courts 
could result in situations of regulatory non-compliance and could adversely 

The  Corporation  ensures  that  the  tax  implications  of  all  of  its  strategic 
decisions  comply  with  its  legal  and  tax  reporting  obligations  as  well  as 
anticipating potential changes in the current legal framework to avoid any risk 
of non-compliance that could have adverse impacts.

REPUTATION RISK
Reputation risk is the risk that an activity undertaken by the Corporation 
would be judged negatively by its stakeholders or the public, whether that 
judgment is with or without basis, thereby impairing its image and resulting 
potentially in the loss of business, limited financing capacity, legal action or 
increased regulatory oversight. Reputation risk can arise from a number of 
events and is generally related to a deficiency in managing another risk. For 
example, non-compliance with laws and regulations as well as deficiencies in 
financial reporting and disclosures can have a significant reputational impact 
on the organization.

The Board of Directors of the Corporation has adopted a Code of Business 
Conduct and Ethics (the Code of Conduct, which includes the Corporation’s 
guidelines on Conflicts of Interest) as well as a Third Party Code of Conduct 
that govern the conduct of the Corporation’s directors, officers, employees, 
advisors, consultants and suppliers. The Board of Directors of the Corporation 
oversees compliance with the Code of Conduct through the Corporation’s 
General Counsel and Secretary who monitors compliance with the Code of 
Conduct. Directors and employees of the Corporation are required to confirm 
annually, and officers of the Corporation are required to confirm quarterly, 
their understanding of, and agreement to comply with, the Code of Conduct.

EMERGING RISKS
An emerging risk is a risk not well understood at the current time and for which 
the impacts on strategy and financial results are difficult to assess or are in 
the process of being assessed.

Monitoring emerging risks is an important component of risk management. 
Power Financial is actively monitoring emerging risks through: 

 „ Review  and  analysis  at  the  boards  and  committees  of  its  operating 
companies around the world where local executives describe the emerging 
risks in their respective environment. 

 „ The  Corporation’s  executive  officers  act  as  the  Corporation’s  risk 
management committee. They meet regularly to identify, analyse and 
review the Corporation’s risks and to implement strategies to mitigate 
these risks.

Financial Instruments and Other Instruments

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT
Fair value represents the amount that would be exchanged in an arm’s-length 
transaction between willing parties and is best evidenced by a quoted market 
price, if one exists. Fair values represent management’s estimates and are 
generally calculated using market information and at a specific point in time 
and may not reflect future fair values. The calculations are subjective in nature, 
involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment.

The Corporation’s assets and liabilities recorded at fair value and those for 
which fair value is disclosed have been categorized based upon the following 
fair value hierarchy:

 „ Level  1  inputs  utilize  observable,  unadjusted  quoted  prices  in  active 
markets  for  identical  assets  or  liabilities  that  the  Corporation  has  the 
ability to access.

 „ Level 2 inputs utilize other-than-quoted prices included in Level 1 that are 

observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.

 „ Level 3 inputs utilize one or more significant inputs that are not based on 
observable market inputs and include situations where there is little, if any, 
market activity for the asset or liability.

In  certain  cases,  the  inputs  used  to  measure  fair  value  may  fall  into 
different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, the level in the 
fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls has been 
determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair 
value measurement. The Corporation and its subsidiaries’ assessment of 
the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires 
judgment and considers factors specific to the asset or liability.

POWER FINANCIAL CORPOR ATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

37

REVIEW OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCEThe following table presents the carrying amounts and fair value of the Corporation and its subsidiaries’ assets and liabilities recorded or disclosed at fair 
value. The table distinguishes between assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring basis and those for which fair value is disclosed. The table 
excludes fair value information for financial assets and financial liabilities not measured at fair value if the carrying amount is a reasonable approximation of 
the fair value. Items excluded are: cash and cash equivalents, dividends, interest and accounts receivable, loans to policyholders, certain other financial assets, 
accounts payable, dividends and interest payable and certain other financial liabilities.

At December 31

ASSETS

Assets recorded at fair value

Bonds

Fair value through profit or loss

Available for sale

Mortgage loans

Fair value through profit or loss

Shares

Fair value through profit or loss

Available for sale

Investment properties

Funds held by ceding insurers

Derivative instruments

Other assets

Assets disclosed at fair value

Bonds

Loans and receivables

Mortgage loans

Loans and receivables

Shares

Available for sale [1]

Funds held by ceding insurers

Total

LIABILITIES

Liabilities recorded at fair value

Investment contract liabilities

Derivative instruments

Other liabilities

Liabilities disclosed at fair value

Obligations to securitization entities

Debentures and other debt instruments

Capital trust debentures

Deposits and certificates

Total

Carrying 
value

2017

Fair 
value

Carrying 
value

2016

Fair 
value

89,824

12,628

89,824

12,628

88,283

11,819

88,283

11,819

287

287

339

339

8,194

243

4,851

7,938

422

892

8,194

243

4,851

7,938

422

892

7,673

182

4,340

8,605

572

516

7,673

182

4,340

8,605

572

516

125,279

125,279

122,329

122,329

17,959

19,470

16,970

18,484

29,748

30,680

29,295

30,418

331

106

331

106

376

118

376

118

48,144

50,587

46,759

49,396

173,423

175,866

169,088

171,725

1,841

1,364

71

3,276

7,596

7,968

160

555

16,279

19,555

1,841

1,364

71

3,276

7,658

8,770

221

555

17,204

20,480

2,009

2,050

10

4,069

7,721

7,513

161

471

15,866

19,935

2,009

2,050

10

4,069

7,873

8,313

212

472

16,870

20,939

[1]  Fair value of certain shares available for sale cannot be reliably measured, therefore these investments are recorded at cost.

See  Note  26  to  the  Corporation’s  2017  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  for  additional  disclosure  of  the  Corporation’s  fair  value  measurement 
at December 31, 2017.

38

POWER FINANCIAL CORPOR ATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

REVIEW OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCEDERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
In  the  course  of  their  activities,  the  Corporation  and  its  subsidiaries  use 
derivative financial instruments. When using such derivatives, they only act 
as limited end-users and not as market makers in such derivatives.

The  use  of  derivatives  is  monitored  and  reviewed  on  a  regular  basis  by 
senior management of the Corporation and by senior management of its 
subsidiaries.  The  Corporation  and  its  subsidiaries  have  each  established 
operating policies, guidelines and procedures relating to the use of derivative 
financial instruments, which in particular focus on:

 „ prohibiting the use of derivative instruments for speculative purposes;

 „ documenting  transactions  and  ensuring  their  consistency  with  risk 

management policies;

 „ demonstrating the effectiveness of the hedging relationships; and

 „ monitoring the hedging relationships.

There were no major changes to the Corporation and its subsidiaries’ policies and procedures with respect to the use of derivative instruments in the 
twelve-month period ended December 31, 2017. The following table provides a summary of the Corporation and its subsidiaries’ derivatives portfolio:

December 31

Power Financial

Lifeco

IGM

2017

Maximum 
credit risk

Total
fair value

Notional

Maximum 
credit risk

2

384

36

420

422

2

14

(952)

8

(944)

(942)

17,229

4,094

21,323

21,337

1

528

43

571

572

2016

Total
fair value

1

(1,484)

5

(1,479)

(1,478)

Notional

17

16,589

3,269

19,858

19,875

In  2017,  there  was  a  decrease  of  $1.5  billion  in  the  notional  amount  of 
derivatives outstanding, primarily due to the expiration and settlement of 
foreign exchange contracts held by Lifeco that were cash flow hedges for 
$1.0 billion of Lifeco’s subordinated debentures, redeemed on June 21, 2017, 
as well as the maturity of the hedge related to IGM’s acquisition of China 
AMC, partially offset by regular hedging activities. The Corporation and its 
subsidiaries’ exposure to derivative counterparty risk (which represents the 
market value of instruments in a gain position) decreased to $422 million at 

December 31, 2017 from $572 million at December 31, 2016. The decrease is 
primarily due to the strengthening of the British pound against the U.S. dollar 
on cross-currency swaps that pay British pounds and receive U.S. dollars and 
to the expiration and settlement of foreign exchange contracts that paid euros 
and received British pounds.

See Note 25 to the Corporation’s 2017 Consolidated Financial Statements for 
additional information.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

GUARANTEES
In the normal course of their operations, the Corporation and its subsidiaries 
may  enter  into  certain  agreements,  the  nature  of  which  precludes  the 
possibility of making a reasonable estimate of the maximum potential amount 
the Corporation or subsidiary could be required to pay third parties, as some 
of these agreements do not specify a maximum amount and the amounts 
are dependent on the outcome of future contingent events, the nature and 
likelihood of which cannot be determined.

LETTERS OF CREDIT
In the normal course of its reinsurance business, Lifeco provides letters of 
credit to other parties or beneficiaries. A beneficiary will typically hold a 
letter of credit as collateral in order to secure statutory credit for insurance 
and investment contract liabilities ceded to or amounts due from Lifeco. 
Lifeco may be required to seek collateral alternatives if it is unable to renew 
existing letters of credit on maturity. See Note 31 to the Corporation’s 2017 
Consolidated Financial Statements.

Contingent Liabilities

The Corporation and its subsidiaries are from time to time subject to legal actions, including arbitrations and class actions, arising in the normal course of 
business. It is inherently difficult to predict the outcome of any of these proceedings with certainty, and it is possible that an adverse resolution could have a 
material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position of the Corporation. However, based on information presently known, it is not expected that any 
of the existing legal actions, either individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position of the Corporation.

POWER FINANCIAL CORPOR ATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

39

REVIEW OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCECommitments and Contractual Obligations

Payments due by period

Power Financial [1]

Lifeco [2]

IGM

Other

Total

Debentures and other debt instruments [3]

Obligations to securitization entities

Capital trust debentures

Deposits and certificates

Operating leases [4]

Purchase obligations [5]

Pension contributions [6]

Contractual commitments [7]

Total

Less than
1 year

1–5 years

More than
5 years

8

2,094

1,924

50

4,076

778

1,193

−

546

149

109

363

938

5

939

6,810

1

7,755

875

6,357

−

7

371

144

−

1

Total

264

8,076

10,393

51

251

5,043

1,659

−

6,953

18,784

6,361

46

150

2

394

−

−

−

8,014

7,596

150

555

914

253

363

939

4,076

7,755

6,953

18,784

[1]  Includes debentures of the Corporation of $250 million.

[2]  Subsequent to year-end, Lifeco issued $500 million of 10-year 3.337% debentures.

[3]  Please refer to Note 14 to the Corporation’s 2017 Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.

[4]  Includes office space and equipment used in the normal course of business. Lease payments are charged to operations over the period of use.

[5]  Purchase obligations are commitments of Lifeco to acquire goods and services, primarily related to information services.

[6]  Pension contributions include expected contributions to defined benefit and defined contribution pension plans as well as post-employment benefits and are subject to 
change, as contribution decisions are affected by many factors, including market performance, regulatory requirements and management’s ability to change funding 
policy. Funding estimates beyond one year are excluded due to variability on the assumptions required to project the timing of future contributions.

[7]  Represents commitments by Lifeco. These contractual commitments are essentially commitments to investment transactions made in the normal course of operations, 

in accordance with its policies and guidelines, which are to be disbursed upon fulfillment of certain contract conditions.

Income Taxes (non-consolidated basis)

The Corporation had, at December 31, 2017, non-capital losses of $151 million available to reduce future taxable income (including capital gains). These losses 
expire from 2028 to 2037. In addition, the Corporation has capital losses of $85 million that can be used indefinitely to reduce future capital gains. See also 
“Transactions with Related Parties” below.

40

POWER FINANCIAL CORPOR ATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

REVIEW OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCETransactions with Related Parties

Power  Financial  has  a  Related  Party  and  Conduct  Review  Committee 
composed entirely of Directors who are independent of management and 
independent of the Corporation’s controlling shareholder. The mandate of 
this Committee is to review proposed transactions with related parties of the 
Corporation, including its controlling shareholder, and to approve only those 
transactions that it deems appropriate and that are done at market terms 
and conditions.

In the normal course of business, Great-West Life and Putnam enter into 
various transactions with related companies which include providing group 
insurance benefits and sub-advisory services to other companies within the 
Power Financial group of companies. Such transactions are at market terms 
and conditions. These transactions are reviewed by the appropriate related 
party and conduct review committee.

Lifeco provides asset management and administrative services for employee 
benefit  plans  relating  to  pension  and  other  post-employment  benefits 
for employees of Power  Financial, and Lifeco and its subsidiaries. These 
transactions are at market terms and conditions and are reviewed by the 
appropriate related party and conduct review committee.

IGM enters into transactions with subsidiaries of Lifeco. These transactions 
are  in  the  normal  course  of  operations  and  include  (i)  providing  certain 
administrative services, (ii) distributing insurance products and (iii) the sale of 
residential mortgages to Great-West Life and London Life. These transactions 
are at market terms and conditions and are reviewed by the appropriate 
related party and conduct review committee.

In  2013,  the  Board  of  Directors  of  the  Corporation  approved  a  tax  loss 
consolidation  program  with  IGM.  This  program  allowed  Power  Financial 
to generate sufficient taxable income to use its non-capital losses which 
would otherwise have expired, while IGM received tax deductions which 
are used to reduce its taxable income. Under this program, the Corporation 
owned $2 billion of 4.50% secured debentures of IGM. These debentures 
represented the consideration obtained from the sale to IGM of $2 billion 
of 4.51% preferred shares issued to Power Financial from a wholly owned 
subsidiary. The Corporation had legally enforceable rights to settle these 
financial instruments on a net basis, these rights were exercised during the 
second quarter of 2017.

During October 2017, IGM obtained advanced tax rulings which permitted 
tax loss consolidation transactions with a subsidiary of Power Corporation, 
whereby shares of a subsidiary that has generated tax losses may be acquired 
by IGM. The acquisitions are expected to close in the fourth quarter of each 
year. IGM will recognize the benefit of the tax losses realized throughout 
the year. On December 29, 2017, IGM acquired shares of the subsidiary and 
recorded the benefit of the tax losses acquired.

See Note 29 to the Corporation’s 2017 Consolidated Financial Statements for 
more information.

Summary of Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgments

In the preparation of the financial statements, management of the Corporation 
and  the  managements  of  its  subsidiaries – Lifeco  and  IGM – are  required 
to  make  significant  judgments,  estimates  and  assumptions  that  affect 
the  reported  amounts  of  assets,  liabilities,  net  earnings,  comprehensive 
income and related disclosures. Key sources of estimation uncertainty and 
areas  where  significant  judgments  are  made  by  the  management  of  the 
Corporation and the managements of its subsidiaries include: the entities 
to be consolidated, insurance and investment contract liabilities, fair value 
measurements,  investment  impairment,  goodwill  and  intangible  assets, 
income taxes and employee future benefits. These are described in the notes 
to the Corporation’s 2017 Consolidated Financial Statements.

CONSOLIDATION
Management of the Corporation consolidates all subsidiaries and entities in 
which it has determined that the Corporation has control. Control is evaluated 
according to the ability of the Corporation to direct the relevant activities of 
the subsidiaries or other structured entities in order to derive variable returns. 
Management  of  the  Corporation  and  of  each  of  its  subsidiaries  exercise 
judgment in determining whether control exists. Judgment is exercised in 
the evaluation of the variable returns and in determining the extent to which 
the Corporation or its subsidiaries have the ability to exercise their power to 
affect variable returns.

INSURANCE AND INVESTMENT 
CONTRACT LIABILITIES
Insurance contract liabilities represent the amounts required, in addition to 
future premiums and investment income, to provide for future benefit payments, 
policyholder dividends, commission and policy administrative expenses for all 
insurance and annuity policies in force with Lifeco. The Appointed Actuaries of 
Lifeco’s subsidiaries are responsible for determining the amount of the liabilities 
in order to make appropriate provisions for Lifeco’s obligations to policyholders. 
The Appointed Actuaries determine the liabilities for insurance and investment 
contracts using generally accepted actuarial practices, according to the 
standards established by the Canadian Institute of Actuaries. The valuation 
uses the Canadian Asset Liability Method (CALM). This method involves the 
projection of future events in order to determine the amount of assets that 
must be set aside currently to provide for all future obligations and involves a 
significant amount of judgment.

In the computation of insurance contract liabilities, valuation assumptions 
have  been  made  regarding  rates  of  mortality  and  morbidity,  investment 
returns, levels of operating expenses, rates of policy termination and rates of 
utilization of elective policy options or provisions. The valuation assumptions 
use best estimates of future experience together with a margin for adverse 
deviation.  These  margins  are  necessary  to  provide  for  possibilities  of 
misestimation and/or future deterioration in the best estimate assumptions 
and provide reasonable assurance that insurance contract liabilities cover a 
range of possible outcomes. Margins are reviewed periodically for continued 
appropriateness.

Investment contract liabilities are measured at fair value determined using 
discounted cash flows utilizing the yield curves of financial instruments with 
similar cash flow characteristics.

Additional details regarding these estimates can be found in Note 12 to the 
Corporation’s 2017 Consolidated Financial Statements.

POWER FINANCIAL CORPOR ATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

41

REVIEW OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCEFAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT
The carrying values of financial assets necessarily reflect the prevailing market 
liquidity and the liquidity premiums embedded in the market pricing methods 
that the Corporation and its subsidiaries rely upon.

Fair value movement on the assets supporting insurance contract liabilities 
is a major factor in the movement of insurance contract liabilities. Changes 
in  the  fair  value  of  bonds  designated  or  classified  as  fair  value  through 
profit or loss that support insurance contract liabilities are largely offset by 
corresponding changes in the fair value of liabilities, except when the bond 
has been deemed impaired.

The following is a description of the methodologies used to determine fair value.

Investment properties
Fair values for investment properties are determined using independent 
qualified appraisal services and include adjustments by Lifeco management 
for material changes in property cash flows, capital expenditures or general 
market conditions in the interim period between appraisals. The determination 
of  the  fair  value  of  investment  properties  requires  the  use  of  estimates 
including future cash flows (such as future leasing assumptions, rental rates, 
capital and operating expenditures) and discount, reversionary and overall 
capitalization rates applicable to the asset based on current market conditions. 
Investment properties under construction are valued at fair value if such 
values can be reliably determined; otherwise, they are recorded at cost.

Bonds at fair value through profit or loss  
and available for sale
Fair values for bonds recorded at fair value through profit or loss or available 
for sale are determined with reference to quoted market bid prices primarily 
provided by third-party independent pricing sources. The Corporation and 
its subsidiaries maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the 
use  of  unobservable  inputs  when  measuring  fair  value.  The  Corporation 
and its subsidiaries obtain quoted prices in active markets, when available, 
for identical assets at the balance sheet dates to measure bonds at fair value 
in its fair value through profit or loss and available-for-sale portfolios. Where 
prices are not quoted in a normally active market, fair values are determined 
by valuation models.

The Corporation and its subsidiaries estimate the fair value of bonds not 
traded in active markets by referring to actively traded securities with similar 
attributes, dealer quotations, matrix pricing methodology, discounted cash 
flow analyses and/or internal valuation models. This methodology considers 
factors such as the issuer’s industry, the security’s rating, term, coupon rate 
and position in the capital structure of the issuer, as well as yield curves, credit 
curves, prepayment rates and other relevant factors. For bonds that are not 
traded in active markets, valuations are adjusted to reflect illiquidity, and such 
adjustments are generally based on available market evidence. In the absence 
of such evidence, management’s best estimate is used.

Shares at fair value through profit or loss  
and available for sale
Fair values for publicly traded shares are generally determined by the last 
bid price for the security from the exchange where it is principally traded. 
Fair values for shares for which there is no active market are typically based 
upon alternative valuation techniques such as discounted cash flow analysis, 
review of price movement relative to the market and utilization of information 
provided by the underlying investment manager. The Corporation and its 
subsidiaries maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use 
of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The Corporation and 
its subsidiaries obtain quoted prices in active markets, when available, for 
identical assets at the balance sheet dates to measure shares at fair value in 
its fair value through profit or loss and available-for-sale portfolios.

Mortgage loans and bonds classified 
as loans and receivables
The fair values disclosed for mortgage loans and bonds, classified as loans 
and receivables, are determined by discounting expected future cash flows 
using current market rates for similar instruments. Valuation inputs typically 
include benchmark yields and risk-adjusted spreads based on current lending 
activities and market activity.

IMPAIRMENT OF INVESTMENTS
Investments are reviewed regularly on an individual basis at the end of each 
reporting period to determine whether there is any objective evidence of 
impairment. The Corporation and its subsidiaries consider various factors in 
the impairment evaluation process, including, but not limited to, the financial 
condition  of  the  issuer,  specific  adverse  conditions  affecting  an  industry 
or region, decline in fair value not related to interest rates, bankruptcy or 
defaults, and delinquency in payments of interest or principal.

Investments are deemed to be impaired when there is no longer reasonable 
assurance of collection. The fair value of an investment is not a definitive 
indicator of impairment, as it may be significantly influenced by other factors, 
including the remaining term to maturity and liquidity of the asset. However, 
market price is taken into consideration when evaluating impairment.

For impaired mortgage loans and bonds classified as loans and receivables, 
provisions are established or impairments recorded to adjust the carrying 
value  to  the  net  realizable  amount.  Wherever  possible  the  fair  value  of 
collateral underlying the loans or observable market price is used to establish 
net realizable value. For impaired available-for-sale bonds, the accumulated 
loss recorded in other comprehensive income is reclassified to net investment 
income. Impairments on available-for-sale debt instruments are reversed if 
there is objective evidence that a permanent recovery has occurred. As well, 
when determined to be impaired, interest is no longer accrued and previous 
interest accruals are reversed to net investment income.

Impairment losses on available-for-sale shares are recorded to net investment 
income if the loss is significant or prolonged. Subsequent losses are also 
recorded directly in net investment income.

GOODWILL AND INDEFINITE LIFE 
INTANGIBLES IMPAIRMENT TESTING
Goodwill  and  indefinite  life  intangible  assets  are  tested  for  impairment 
annually or more frequently if events indicate that impairment may have 
occurred. Indefinite life intangible assets that were previously impaired are 
reviewed at each reporting date for evidence of reversal.

Goodwill and indefinite life intangible assets have been allocated to cash 
generating units or to groups of cash generating units (CGU), representing 
the lowest level that the assets are monitored for internal reporting purposes. 
Goodwill and indefinite life intangible assets are tested for impairment by 
comparing the carrying value of the CGU to the recoverable amount of the CGU 
to which the goodwill and indefinite life intangible assets have been allocated.

An impairment loss is recognized for the amount by which the asset’s carrying 
amount  exceeds  its  recoverable  amount.  The  recoverable  amount  is  the 
higher of the asset’s fair value less cost of disposal or value in use, which is 
calculated using the present value of estimated future cash flows expected 
to be generated.

42

POWER FINANCIAL CORPOR ATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

REVIEW OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCEPENSION PLANS AND OTHER  
POST-EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
The Corporation and its subsidiaries maintain funded defined benefit pension 
plans for certain employees and advisors, unfunded supplementary employee 
retirement plans (SERP) for certain employees, and unfunded post-employment 
health, dental and life insurance benefits to eligible employees, advisors 
and their dependants. The Corporation’s subsidiaries also maintain defined 
contribution pension plans for eligible employees and advisors.

The  defined  benefit  pension  plans  provide  pensions  based  on  length  of 
service and final average earnings. Expenses for defined benefit plans are 
actuarially determined using the projected unit credit method prorated on 
service based upon management of the Corporation and of its subsidiaries’ 
assumptions about discount rates, compensation increases, retirement ages 
of employees, mortality and expected health care costs. Any changes in these 
assumptions will impact the carrying amount of defined benefit obligations. 
The Corporation and its subsidiaries’ accrued benefit liability in respect of 
defined benefit plans is calculated separately for each plan by discounting the 
amount of the benefit that employees have earned in return for their service 
in current and prior periods and deducting the fair value of any plan assets.

 „ The Corporation and its subsidiaries determine the net interest component 
of the pension expense for the period by applying the discount rate used 
to measure the accrued benefit liability at the beginning of the annual 
period to the net accrued benefit liability. The discount rate used to value 
liabilities  is  determined  by  reference  to  market  yields  on  high-quality 
corporate bonds.

 „ If the plan benefits are changed, or a plan is curtailed, any past service costs 
or curtailment gains or losses are recognized immediately in net earnings.

 „ Net interest costs, current service costs, past service costs and curtailment 
gains or losses are included in operating and administrative expenses.

 „ Remeasurements arising from defined benefit plans represent actuarial 
gains and losses, and the actual return on plan assets, less interest calculated 
at the discount rate and changes in the asset ceiling. Remeasurements are 
recognized immediately through other comprehensive income and are not 
subsequently reclassified to net earnings.

 „ The accrued benefit asset (liability) represents the plan surplus (deficit).

 „ Payments to the defined contribution plans are expensed as incurred.

INCOME TAXES

Current income tax
Current income tax is based on taxable income for the year. Current tax 
liabilities  (assets)  for  the  current  and  prior  periods  are  measured  at  the 
amount expected to be paid to (recovered from) the taxation authorities 
using  the  rates  that  have  been  enacted  or  substantively  enacted  at  the 
balance sheet date. Current tax assets and current tax liabilities are offset if 
a legally enforceable right exists to offset the recognized amounts and the 
entity intends either to settle on a net basis or to realize the assets and settle 
the liabilities simultaneously.

Deferred income tax
Deferred income tax is the tax expected to be payable or recoverable on 
differences arising between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities 
in  the  financial  statements  and  the  corresponding  tax  basis  used  in  the 
computation of taxable income and on unused tax attributes, and is accounted 
for  using  the  balance  sheet  liability  method.  Deferred  tax  liabilities  are 
generally recognized for all taxable temporary differences and deferred tax 
assets are recognized to the extent that it is probable that future taxable 
profits will be available against which deductible temporary differences and 
unused tax attributes can be utilized.

Recognition of a deferred tax asset is based on the fact that it is probable 
that the entity will have taxable profits and/or tax planning opportunities 
available to allow the deferred income tax asset to be utilized. Changes in 
circumstances in future periods may adversely impact the assessment of 
the recoverability. The uncertainty of the recoverability is taken into account 
in  establishing  the  deferred  income  tax  assets.  The  Corporation  and  its 
subsidiaries’ financial planning process provides a significant basis for the 
measurement of deferred tax assets.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates expected to 
apply in the year when the asset is realized or the liability is settled, based 
on tax rates and tax laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted 
at the balance sheet date. Deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are 
offset if a legally enforceable right exists to net current tax assets against 
current tax liabilities and the deferred taxes relate to the same taxable entity 
and the same taxation authority.

The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each balance sheet 
date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient 
future taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the deferred 
tax asset to be utilized. Unrecognized deferred tax assets are reassessed at 
each balance sheet date and are recognized to the extent that it has become 
probable  that  future  taxable  profits  will  allow  the  deferred  tax  asset  to 
be recovered.

Deferred  tax  liabilities  are  recognized  for  taxable  temporary  differences 
arising on investments in subsidiaries, jointly controlled corporations and 
associates, except where the group controls the timing of the reversal of the 
temporary differences and it is probable that the temporary differences will 
not reverse in the foreseeable future.

Changes in Accounting Policies

There were no changes to the Corporation’s accounting policies for the year ended December 31, 2017.

POWER FINANCIAL CORPOR ATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

43

REVIEW OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCEFuture Accounting Changes

The Corporation and its subsidiaries continuously monitor the potential changes proposed by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and analyze 
the effect that changes in the standards may have on their consolidated financial statements when they become effective.

New standard

Summary of future changes

IFRS 15 – Revenue from  
Contracts with Customers  
(IFRS 15)

In May 2014, the IASB issued IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which provides a single model for entities to 
use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers. The model requires an entity to recognize revenue as the 
goods or services are transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the expected consideration. The revenue recognition 
requirements in IFRS 15 do not apply to the revenue arising from insurance contracts, leases and financial instruments. 

IFRS 16 – Leases 
(IFRS 16)

IFRS 17 – Insurance Contracts 
(IFRS 17)

This standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018. The Corporation and its 
subsidiaries have concluded that there will not be a material change in the timing of revenue recognition. The presentation 
of certain revenues and expenses in the financial statements will change between being reported on a gross versus net basis 
and others from net to gross basis. There is no significant net earnings impact, however, there is an approximate $100 million 
increase in Lifeco’s fee income and a corresponding increase in operating and administrative expenses. 

IFRS 15 also outlines various criteria for the eligibility of capitalizing contract costs. For the Corporation’s subsidiaries in 
the asset management industry, determining whether the customer is the fund or the end investor can impact whether 
costs should be capitalized as a cost of obtaining a contract with a customer or whether they should be assessed as a cost 
of fulfilling a contract with a customer. Significant judgment is required in determining whether fulfillment costs should be 
expensed or capitalized. IFRS 15 could therefore result in changes to the timing of recognition of certain commission-related 
expenses. Due to recent developments in the interpretation of the guidance on fulfillment costs, the Corporation and its 
subsidiaries continue to assess the impact to certain commission payments and related expenses.

The IASB issued IFRS 16, Leases, which requires a lessee to recognize a right-of-use asset representing its right to use 
the underlying leased asset and a corresponding lease liability representing its obligation to make lease payments for all 
leases. A lessee recognizes the related expense as depreciation on the right-of-use asset and interest on the lease liability. 
Short-term (less than 12 months) and low-value asset leases are exempt from these requirements.

The standard will be effective January 1, 2019. The Corporation and its subsidiaries are evaluating the impact of the 
adoption of this standard.

In May 2017, the IASB issued IFRS 17, Insurance Contracts, which will replace IFRS 4, Insurance Contracts. IFRS 17 sets 
out the requirements for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosures of insurance contracts a company 
issues and reinsurance contracts it holds. IFRS 17 introduces new measurement models depending on the nature of the 
insurance contracts. IFRS 17 requires entities to measure insurance contract liabilities on the balance sheet as the total of:

(a)  the fulfillment cash flows: the current estimates of amounts that Lifeco expects to collect from premiums and pay 

out for claims, benefits and expenses, including an adjustment for the timing and risk of those amounts; and

(b) the contractual service margin: the future profit for providing insurance coverage. 

The future profit for providing insurance coverage is recognized in profit or loss over time as the insurance coverage is 
provided. IFRS 17 also requires Lifeco to distinguish between groups of contracts expected to be profit making and groups 
of contracts expected to be onerous. Lifeco is required to update the fulfillment cash flows at each reporting date, using 
current estimates of the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows and discount rates.

Lifeco is currently in the planning phase of its project, which includes assessing the financial statement impacts of adopting 
IFRS 17, identifying potential business impacts, developing a detailed project plan, assessing resource requirements, and 
providing training to staff. The adoption of IFRS 17 is a significant initiative for Lifeco supported by a formal governance 
framework, for which substantial resources are being dedicated to ensure proper implementation.

The new standard is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2021. IFRS 17 will affect how Lifeco 
accounts for its insurance contracts and how it reports financial performance in the statements of earnings. Lifeco is 
currently assessing the impact that IFRS 17 will have on the financial statements. Lifeco expects this standard to have 
a significant impact on the timing of earnings recognition for the insurance contracts and a significant impact on how 
insurance contract results are presented and disclosed in the financial statements.

44

POWER FINANCIAL CORPOR ATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

REVIEW OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCENew standard

Summary of future changes

IFRS 9 – Financial Instruments 
(IFRS 9)

In July 2014, the IASB issued a final version of IFRS 9, Financial Instruments, which replaces IAS 39, Financial Instruments: 
Recognition and Measurement, the current standard for accounting for financial instruments. The standard was completed 
in three separate phases:

 „ Classification and measurement: this phase requires that financial assets be classified at either amortized cost or 
fair value on the basis of the entity’s business model for managing the financial assets and the contractual cash flow 
characteristics of the financial assets.

 „ Impairment methodology: this phase replaces the current incurred loss model for impairment of financial assets with 

an expected loss model.

 „ Hedge accounting: this phase replaces the current rule-based hedge accounting requirements in IAS 39 with guidance 

that more closely aligns the accounting with an entity’s risk management activities.

In September 2016, the IASB issued an amendment to IFRS 4, Insurance Contracts (IFRS 4). The amendment “Applying 
IFRS 9, Financial Instruments with IFRS 4, Insurance Contracts” provides qualifying insurance companies with two options 
to address the potential volatility associated with implementing the IFRS 9 standard before the new proposed insurance 
contract standard is effective. The two options are as follows:

 „ Deferral Approach: provides the option to defer implementation of IFRS 9 until the year 2021 or the effective date of 

the new insurance contract standard, whichever is earlier; or

 „ Overlay Approach: provides the option to recognize the volatility that could arise when IFRS 9 is applied within other 

comprehensive income, rather than profit or loss. 

The Corporation qualifies for the deferral approach and will be applying the deferral approach to allow adoption of both 
IFRS 9 and IFRS 17 simultaneously on January 1, 2021. 

In  October  2017,  the  IASB  issued  an  amendment  to  IFRS  9  that  certain  prepayable  financial  assets  with  negative 
compensation can be measured at amortized cost or fair value through other comprehensive income instead of fair value 
through profit or loss under a certain condition. 

The Corporation and its subsidiaries continue to evaluate the impact of the adoption of this standard with the adoption 
of IFRS 17.

Parjointco, a jointly controlled corporation which does not qualify for the exemption, will adopt IFRS 9 on January 1, 
2018. The Corporation, in accordance with the amendment of IFRS 4 to defer the adoption of IFRS 9, is permitted but not 
required to retain the accounting policies applied by an associate or a jointly controlled corporation which is accounted 
for using the equity method. 

Pargesa currently classifies the majority of its portfolio investments as available for sale. In accordance with IFRS 9, Pargesa 
has the choice to classify the majority of its portfolio investments as either fair value through profit or loss or elect the fair 
value through other comprehensive income option (FVTOCI). Under the FVTOCI option, unrealized gains and losses from 
fair value changes (including impairments) are recorded in other comprehensive income and not subsequently reclassified 
to net earnings. Pargesa has elected to classify the majority of its portfolio investments using the FVTOCI option. On 
January 1, 2018, these investments will continue to be recorded at fair value, however the accumulated unrealized gains 
in other comprehensive income will be permanently retained in equity.

The Corporation is finalizing its assessment as to whether it will retain Pargesa’s (through Parjointco) accounting policy 
in accordance with IFRS 9.

IFRIC 23 – Uncertainty  
over Income Tax Treatments 
(IFRIC 23)

In June 2017, the IASB issued IFRIC 23, Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments. The interpretation clarifies the application 
of the recognition and measurement requirements in IAS 12, Income Taxes, when there is uncertainty over income tax 
treatments. The interpretation is effective for periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019. The Corporation and its 
subsidiaries do not anticipate a significant impact from the adoption of this interpretation.

POWER FINANCIAL CORPOR ATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

45

REVIEW OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCEDisclosure Controls and Procedures

Based on their evaluations as at December 31, 2017, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Corporation’s disclosure 
controls and procedures were effective as at December 31, 2017.

Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

The Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting is designed to 
provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting 
and that the preparation of financial statements for external purposes is 
in  accordance  with  IFRS.  The  Corporation’s  management  is  responsible 
for  establishing  and  maintaining  effective  internal  control  over  financial 
reporting. All internal control systems have inherent limitations and may 
become ineffective because of changes in conditions. Therefore, even those 
systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance 
with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.

The Corporation’s management, under the supervision of the Chief Executive 
Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the 
Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as at December 31, 2017, 
based on the Internal Control – Integrated Framework (COSO 2013 Framework) 
published by The Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway 
Commission. Based on such evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the 
Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Corporation’s internal control 
over financial reporting was effective as at December 31, 2017.

There have been no changes in the Corporation’s internal control over financial 
reporting during the year ended December 31, 2017 which have materially 
affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Corporation’s internal 
control over financial reporting.

46

POWER FINANCIAL CORPOR ATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

REVIEW OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCESelected Annual Information

For the years ended December 31

Total revenues

Assets under administration [in billions]

Net earnings (attributable to common shareholders)

per share – basic

per share – diluted

Adjusted net earnings (attributable to common shareholders) [1]

per share – basic

Consolidated assets [2]

Total financial liabilities [2]

Debentures and other debt instruments

Shareholders’ equity

Book value per common share

Number of common shares outstanding [millions]

Dividends per share [declared]

Common shares

First preferred shares

Series A [3]

Series D

Series E

Series F

Series H

Series I

Series K

Series L

Series O

Series P [4]

Series Q [4]

Series R

Series S

Series T

Series V [5]

2017

49,878

1,521

1,717

2.41

2.40

2,135

2.99

440,224

23,522

7,968

20,513

24.77

713.9

1.6500

0.5067

1.3750

1.3125

1.4750

1.4375

1.5000

1.2375

1.2750

1.4500

0.5765

0.5673

1.3750

1.2000

1.0500

0.8792

2016

49,122

1,404

1,919

2.69

2.68

2,136

2.99

418,407

23,229

7,513

19,481

23.69

713.3

1.5700

0.4725

1.3750

1.3125

1.4750

1.4375

1.5000

1.2375

1.2750

1.4500

0.5765

0.5252

1.3750

1.2000

1.0500

−

2015

36,512

1,361

2,319

3.25

3.24

2,241

3.14

417,630

22,400

6,927

19,473

23.69

713.2

1.4900

0.4887

1.3750

1.3125

1.4750

1.4375

1.5000

1.2375

1.2750

1.4500

1.1000

−

1.3750

1.2000

1.0500

−

[1]  Adjusted net earnings and adjusted net earnings per share are non-IFRS financial measures. For a definition of these non-IFRS financial measures, please refer to the 

“Non-IFRS Financial Measures and Presentation” section in this review of financial performance.

[2]  2016 figures have been retrospectively adjusted as described in Note 16 to the Corporation’s 2017 Consolidated Financial Statements.

[3]  The Series A First Preferred Shares are entitled to a quarterly cumulative dividend at a floating rate equal to one quarter of 70% of the average prime rates quoted by 

two major Canadian chartered banks.

[4]  On February 1, 2016, 2,234,515 of its outstanding 11,200,000 Non-Cumulative 5-Year Rate Reset First Preferred Shares, Series P were converted, on a one-for-one 

basis, into Non-Cumulative Floating Rate First Preferred Shares, Series Q. The Series Q First Preferred shares are entitled to an annual non-cumulative dividend, payable 
quarterly at a floating rate equal to the 3-month Government of Canada Treasury Bill rate plus 1.60%. The dividend rate for the remaining 8,965,485 Series P shares was 
reset to an annual fixed rate of 2.31% or $0.144125 per share in cash dividends payable quarterly.

[5]  Issued in May 2017. The first dividend payment was made on October 31, 2017 in the amount of $0.55733 per share.

POWER FINANCIAL CORPOR ATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

47

REVIEW OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCEConsolidated Financial Statements

Consolidated Balance Sheets

December 31
[in millions of Canadian dollars]

ASSETS

Cash and cash equivalents [Note 4]

Investments [Note 5]

Bonds

Mortgage loans

Shares

Investment properties

Loans to policyholders

Funds held by ceding insurers [Note 6]

Reinsurance assets [Note 12]

Investments in jointly controlled corporations and associates [Note 7]

Owner-occupied properties and capital assets [Note 8]

Derivative financial instruments [Note 25]

Other assets [Note 9]

Deferred tax assets [Note 16]

Intangible assets [Note 10]

Goodwill [Note 10]

Investments on account of segregated fund policyholders [Note 11]

Total assets

LIABILITIES

Insurance contract liabilities [Note 12]

Investment contract liabilities [Note 12]

Obligations to securitization entities [Note 13]

Debentures and other debt instruments [Note 14]

Derivative financial instruments [Note 25]

Other liabilities [Note 15]

Deferred tax liabilities [Note 16]

Insurance and investment contracts on account of segregated fund policyholders [Note 11]

Total liabilities

EQUITY

Stated capital [Note 17]

Perpetual preferred shares

Common shares

Retained earnings

Reserves

Total shareholders’ equity

Non-controlling interests [Note 19]

Total equity

Total liabilities and equity

Approved by the Board of Directors

Signed,

Raymond Royer 
Director

48

Signed,

R. Jeffrey Orr 
Director

2017

5,321

120,411

30,035

8,768

4,851

8,280

172,345

9,893

5,045

4,016

1,174

422

8,332

991

5,748

9,580

217,357

440,224

2016
[Note 16]

4,396

117,072

29,634

8,231

4,340

8,467

167,744

10,781

5,627

3,103

1,128

572

7,758

1,655

5,966

9,274

200,403

418,407

159,524

155,940

1,841

7,596

7,968

1,364

9,380

1,670

217,357

406,700

2,830

826

15,381

1,476

20,513

13,011

33,524

440,224

2,009

7,721

7,513

2,050

8,581

1,974

200,403

386,191

2,580

805

14,849

1,247

19,481

12,735

32,216

418,407

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORTConsolidated Statements of Earnings

For the years ended December 31
[in millions of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts]

REVENUES

Premium income

Gross premiums written [Note 12]

Ceded premiums

Premium income, net

Net investment income [Note 5]

Regular net investment income

Change in fair value through profit or loss

Net investment income

Fee income

Total revenues

EXPENSES

Policyholder benefits

Insurance and investment contracts

Gross [Note 12]

Ceded

Total net policyholder benefits

Policyholder dividends and experience refunds

Change in insurance and investment contract liabilities

Total paid or credited to policyholders

Commissions

Operating and administrative expenses [Note 22]

Financing charges [Note 23]

Total expenses

Earnings before investments in jointly controlled corporations and associates, and income taxes

Share of earnings (losses) of investments in jointly controlled corporations and associates [Note 7]

Earnings before income taxes

Income taxes [Note 16]

Net earnings

ATTRIBUTABLE TO

Non-controlling interests [Note 19]

Perpetual preferred shareholders

Common shareholders

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE [Note 28]

Net earnings attributable to common shareholders

– Basic

– Diluted

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

2017

2016

38,284

(4,359)

33,925

6,172

1,438

7,610

8,343

49,878

30,801

(2,214)

28,587

1,800

5,256

35,643

3,475

7,130

432

46,680

3,198

200

3,398

584

2,814

964

133

1,717

2,814

2.41

2.40

35,050

(3,925)

31,125

6,297

3,906

10,203

7,794

49,122

28,315

(2,103)

26,212

1,502

6,961

34,675

3,590

6,380

412

45,057

4,065

(98)

3,967

581

3,386

1,343

124

1,919

3,386

2.69

2.68

49

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORTCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

For the years ended December 31
[in millions of Canadian dollars]

Net earnings

Other comprehensive income (loss)

ITEMS THAT MAY BE RECLASSIFIED SUBSEQUENTLY TO NET EARNINGS

Net unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale assets

Unrealized gains (losses)

Income tax (expense) benefit

Realized (gains) losses transferred to net earnings

Income tax expense (benefit)

Net unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges

Unrealized gains (losses)

Income tax (expense) benefit

Realized (gains) losses transferred to net earnings

Income tax expense (benefit)

Net unrealized foreign exchange gains (losses) on translation of foreign operations

Unrealized gains (losses) on translation

Unrealized gains (losses) on euro debt designated as hedge  

of net investments in foreign operations

Income tax (expense) benefit

Share of other comprehensive income of investments in  

jointly controlled corporations and associates

Income tax (expense) benefit

Total – items that may be reclassified

ITEMS THAT WILL NOT BE RECLASSIFIED SUBSEQUENTLY TO NET EARNINGS

Actuarial gains (losses) on defined benefit plans [Note 24]

Income tax (expense) benefit

Share of other comprehensive income (losses) of investments in  

jointly controlled corporations and associates

Total – items that will not be reclassified

Other comprehensive income (loss)

Comprehensive income

ATTRIBUTABLE TO

Non-controlling interests

Perpetual preferred shareholders

Common shareholders

2017

2,814

(32)

10

(29)

5

(46)

15

(5)

408

(160)

258

(499)

(90)

12

(577)

501

(1)

500

135

(90)

–

(2)

(92)

43

2,857

789

133

1,935

2,857

2016

3,386

117

(11)

(81)

12

37

107

(40)

2

(1)

68

(1,471)

42

(6)

(1,435)

367

–

367

(963)

(237)

60

1

(176)

(1,139)

2,247

855

124

1,268

2,247

50

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORTCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity

For the year ended December 31, 2017
[in millions of Canadian dollars]

Perpetual 
preferred 
shares

Common 
shares

Retained 
earnings

Share-based
 compensation

Other 
comprehensive 
income 
[Note 27]

Non- 
controlling 
interests

Total

Total 
equity

Stated capital

Reserves

Balance, beginning of year

2,580

805

14,849

157

1,090

1,247

12,735

32,216

Net earnings

Other comprehensive income (loss)

Comprehensive income

Issue of perpetual preferred shares 

[Note 17]

Dividends to shareholders

Perpetual preferred shares

Common shares

Dividends to non-controlling interests

Share-based compensation [Note 18]

Stock options exercised

Effects of changes in capital and 

ownership of subsidiaries, and other

–

–

–

250

–

–

–

–

–

–

Balance, end of year

2,830

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

21

–

826

1,850

–

1,850

–

(133)

(1,177)

–

–

–

(8)

15,381

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

49

(47)

–

159

–

218

218

–

–

–

–

–

–

9

–

218

218

–

–

–

–

49

(47)

9

964

(175)

789

–

–

–

(737)

18

44

162

2,814

43

2,857

250

(133)

(1,177)

(737)

67

18

163

1,317

1,476

13,011

33,524

For the year ended December 31, 2016
[in millions of Canadian dollars]

Perpetual 
preferred 
shares

Common 
shares

Retained 
earnings

Share-based 
compensation

Other 
comprehensive 
income 
[Note 27]

Non- 
controlling 
interests

Total

Total 
equity

Stated capital

Reserves

Balance, beginning of year

2,580

804

14,206

142

1,741

1,883

12,807

32,280

Net earnings

Other comprehensive loss

Comprehensive income (loss)

Dividends to shareholders

Perpetual preferred shares

Common shares

Dividends to non-controlling interests

Share-based compensation [Note 18]

Stock options exercised

Effects of changes in capital and 

ownership of subsidiaries, and other

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

1

–

2,043

–

2,043

(124)

(1,120)

–

–

–

(156)

Balance, end of year

2,580

805

14,849

–

–

–

–

–

–

59

(44)

–

157

–

(651)

(651)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(651)

(651)

–

–

–

59

(44)

1,343

(488)

855

–

–

(708)

22

44

3,386

(1,139)

2,247

(124)

(1,120)

(708)

81

1

–

(285)

(441)

1,090

1,247

12,735

32,216

51

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORTCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

For the years ended December 31
[in millions of Canadian dollars]

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Earnings before income taxes

Income tax paid, net of refunds

Adjusting items

Change in insurance and investment contract liabilities

Change in funds held by ceding insurers

Change in reinsurance assets

Change in fair value through profit or loss

Other

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Dividends paid

By subsidiaries to non-controlling interests

Perpetual preferred shares

Common shares

Issue of common shares by the Corporation [Note 17]

Issue of common shares by subsidiaries

Repurchase of common shares by subsidiaries

Issue of perpetual preferred shares by the Corporation [Note 17]

Issue of preferred shares by subsidiaries

Issue of debentures [Note 14]

Issue of euro-denominated debt [Note 14]

Redemption of debentures [Note 14]

Issue of senior notes [Note 14]

Change in other debt instruments

Change in obligations to securitization entities and other

INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES

Bond sales and maturities

Mortgage loan repayments

Sale of shares

Sale of investment properties

Change in loans to policyholders

Business acquisitions, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired [Note 3]

Investment in bonds

Investment in mortgage loans

Investment in shares

Deposit for investment in China AMC

Investments in jointly controlled corporations and associates [Note 7]

Investment in investment properties and other

Effect of changes in exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents

Increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

NET CASH FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES INCLUDES

Interest and dividends received

Interest paid

52

2017

3,398

(482)

4,391

857

830

(1,438)

(301)

7,255

(737)

(130)

(1,163)

(2,030)

18

131

(63)

250

200

850

–

(1,284)

925

22

(175)

(1,156)

27,217

2,837

3,505

72

(165)

(249)

(30,691)

(3,506)

(3,273)

–

(504)

(389)

(5,146)

(28)

925

4,396

5,321

5,634

549

2016

3,967

(442)

7,128

505

(567)

(3,906)

215

6,900

(710)

(125)

(1,106)

(1,941)

1

34

(423)

–

–

–

706

–

–

(23)

631

(1,015)

30,406

2,616

2,797

427

48

(33)

(34,506)

(3,847)

(2,949)

(193)

(36)

(209)

(5,479)

(198)

208

4,188

4,396

5,817

521

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORTNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(ALL TABULAR AMOUNTS ARE IN MILLIONS OF CANADIAN DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED.)

NOTE 1 Corporate Information

Power  Financial  Corporation  is  a  publicly  listed  company  (TSX:  PWF) 
incorporated and domiciled in Canada and located at 751 Victoria Square, 
Montréal, Québec, Canada, H2Y 2J3.

Power  Financial  is  a  diversified  international  management  and  holding 
company  that  holds  interests,  directly  or  indirectly,  in  companies  in  the 
financial services sector in Canada, the United States and Europe. Through 
its investment in Pargesa Holding SA, Power Financial also has substantial 
holdings based in Europe.

The  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  (financial  statements)  of 
Power  Financial  as  at  and  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2017  were 
approved by its Board of Directors on March 23, 2018. The Corporation is 
controlled by Power Corporation of Canada.

The financial statements of Power Financial as at December 31, 2017 have been 
prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards.

NOTE 2 Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The financial statements include the accounts of Power Financial and its 
subsidiaries  on  a  consolidated  basis  after  elimination  of  intercompany 
transactions and balances. Subsidiaries are entities the Corporation controls; 
(i) when the Corporation has power over the entity; (ii) it is exposed or has 
rights to variable returns from its involvement; and (iii) has the ability to affect 
those returns through its use of power over the entity. Subsidiaries of the 
Corporation are consolidated from the date of acquisition, being the date on 
which the Corporation obtains control, and continue to be consolidated until 
the date such control ceases. The Corporation reassesses whether or not it 
controls an entity if facts and circumstances indicate there are changes to 
one or more of the elements of control listed above.

The operating subsidiaries of the Corporation are:

 „ Lifeco, a public company in which the Corporation and IGM Financial hold 
67.7% and 4.0% of the common shares, respectively (67.9% and 4.0%, 
respectively, at December 31, 2016). Lifeco’s major operating subsidiary 
companies are Great-West Life, Great-West Life & Annuity, London Life, 
Canada Life, Irish Life and Putnam.

 „ IGM Financial, a public company in which the Corporation and Great-West 
Life hold 61.5% and 3.8% of the common shares, respectively (61.5% and 
3.8%, respectively, at December 31, 2016). IGM’s major operating subsidiary 
companies are Investors Group and Mackenzie.

 „ Portag3, an investment fund dedicated to backing innovative financial 
service  companies,  in  which  the  Corporation,  Lifeco  and  IGM  hold  a 
combined  100%  equity  interest.  Portag3  in  turn  holds  a  29.4%  equity 
interest  in  Wealthsimple,  a  technology-driven  investment  manager. 
In  addition,  the  Corporation  and  IGM  also  hold  equity  interests  in 
Wealthsimple of 10.8% and 37.1%, respectively.

The financial statements of Power Financial include the results of Lifeco and 
IGM Financial on a consolidated basis; the amounts shown in the consolidated 
balance sheets, consolidated statements of earnings, consolidated statements 
of comprehensive income, consolidated statements of changes in equity and 
consolidated statements of cash flows are derived from the publicly disclosed 
consolidated financial statements of Lifeco and IGM Financial, all as at and 
for the year ended December 31, 2017. Certain notes to Power Financial’s 
financial statements are derived from the notes to the financial statements 
of Lifeco and IGM Financial.

Jointly controlled corporations are entities in which unanimous consent is 
required for decisions relating to relevant activities. Associates are entities in 
which the Corporation exercises significant influence over the entity’s operating 
and financial policies, without having control or joint control. Investments in 
jointly controlled corporations and associates are accounted for using the equity 
method. Under the equity method, the share of net earnings (losses), other 
comprehensive income (loss) and the changes in equity of the jointly controlled 

corporations and associates are recognized in the consolidated statements of 
earnings, consolidated statements of comprehensive income and consolidated 
statements of changes in equity, respectively.

The Corporation holds a 50% (50% at December 31, 2016) interest in Parjointco, 
a  jointly  controlled  corporation  that  is  considered  to  be  a  joint  venture. 
Parjointco  holds  a  55.5%  (55.5%  at  December  31,  2016)  equity  interest 
in  Pargesa.  Accordingly,  the  Corporation  accounts  for  its  investment  in 
Parjointco using the equity method.

USE OF SIGNIFICANT JUDGMENTS, 
ESTIMATES AND ASSUMPTIONS
In the preparation of the financial statements, management of the Corporation 
and  management  of  its  subsidiaries  are  required  to  make  significant 
judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of 
assets, liabilities, net earnings, comprehensive income and related disclosures. 
Key sources of estimation uncertainty and areas where significant judgments 
have been made are listed below and are discussed throughout the notes in 
these financial statements, including:

 „ Management  consolidates  all  subsidiaries  and  entities  in  which  it  has 
determined that the Corporation has control. Control is evaluated according 
to the ability of the Corporation to direct the relevant activities of the 
subsidiaries or other structured entities in order to derive variable returns. 
Management  of  the  Corporation  and  each  of  its  subsidiaries  exercise 
judgment in determining whether control exists. Judgment is exercised 
in the evaluation of the variable returns and in determining the extent to 
which the Corporation or its subsidiaries have the ability to exercise their 
power to affect variable returns.

 „ Management  of  Lifeco  uses  judgment  to  evaluate  the  classification 
of  insurance  and  reinsurance  contracts  to  determine  whether  these 
arrangements should be accounted for as insurance, investment or service 
contracts.

 „ The  actuarial  assumptions  made  by  management  of  Lifeco,  such  as 
interest rates, inflation, policyholder behaviour, mortality and morbidity 
of policyholders, used in the valuation of insurance and certain investment 
contract  liabilities  in  accordance  with  the  CALM,  require  significant 
judgment and estimation (Note 12).

 „ The provision for future credit losses within Lifeco’s insurance contract 
liabilities is based on investment credit ratings. Lifeco’s practice is to use 
third-party independent credit ratings where available. Judgment is required 
by Lifeco’s management when setting credit ratings for instruments that do 
not have a third-party rating.

 „ In establishing the fair value of financial instruments, management of the 
Corporation and of its subsidiaries exercise judgment in the determination 
of fair value inputs, particularly those items categorized within Level 3 of 
the fair value hierarchy (Note 26).

53

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORTNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 2 Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

 „ Management of the Corporation and of its subsidiaries evaluate the synergies 
and future benefits for initial recognition and measurement of goodwill and 
intangible assets, as well as testing for impairment. The determination of 
the recoverable amount of the cash generating units (to which goodwill and 
intangible assets are assigned) relies upon valuation methodologies that 
require the use of estimates (Note 10).

 „ Cash generating unit groupings for goodwill and indefinite life intangible 
assets have been determined by management of the Corporation and of its 
subsidiaries as the lowest level at which the assets are monitored for internal 
reporting purposes. Management of the Corporation and of its subsidiaries 
use judgment in determining the cash generating units (Note 10).

 „ The actuarial assumptions used in determining the expense and defined 
benefit obligation for the Corporation and its subsidiaries’ pension plans 
and other post-employment benefits require significant judgment and 
estimation. Management of the Corporation and of its subsidiaries review 
the  previous  experience  of  its  plan  members  and  market  conditions, 
including interest rates and inflation rates, in evaluating the assumptions 
used in determining the expense for the current year (Note 24).

 „ The Corporation and its subsidiaries operate within various tax jurisdictions 
where significant management judgments and estimates are required 
when interpreting the relevant tax laws, regulations and legislation in the 
determination of the Corporation and of its subsidiaries’ tax provisions and 
the carrying amounts of its tax assets and liabilities (Note 16).

 „ Management  of  the  Corporation  and  of  its  subsidiaries  assess  the 
recoverability of the deferred tax asset carrying values based on future 
years’ taxable income projections and have assessed the carrying values of 
the deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2017 are recoverable (Note 16).

 „ Management of the Corporation and of its subsidiaries use judgment in 
determining the assets to be included in a disposal group. The Corporation 
uses estimates in the determination of the fair value for disposal groups 
(Note 9).

 „ Recognition of legal and other provisions resulting from a past event which, 
in the judgment of management of the Corporation and of its subsidiaries, 
will  result  in  a  probable  outflow  of  economic  resources  to  settle  the 
obligation. Management of the Corporation and of its subsidiaries use 
judgment to evaluate the possible outcomes and risks to determine the 
best estimate of the provision at the balance sheet date (Note 30).

 „ Management of Lifeco uses independent qualified appraisal services to 
determine the fair value of investment properties, which include judgments 
and estimates. These appraisals are adjusted by applying management 
judgments and estimates for material changes in property cash flows, 
capital expenditures or general market conditions (Note 5).

 „ The  determination  by  IGM’s  management  as  to  whether  securitized 
mortgages are derecognized requires judgment with respect to the extent 
to which the risks and rewards of ownership are transferred (Note 13).

 „ In  the  consolidated  statements  of  cash  flows,  purchases  and  sales  of 
portfolio investments are recorded within investment activities due to 
Lifeco management’s judgment that these investing activities are long 
term in nature.

 „ Management of Lifeco uses judgments to determine whether Lifeco retains 
the primary obligation with a client in sub-advisor arrangements. Where 
Lifeco retains the risks and benefits, revenues and expenses are recorded 
on a gross basis.

REVENUE RECOGNITION
Interest  income  is  accounted  for  on  an  accrual  basis  using  the  effective 
interest method for bonds and mortgage loans. Dividend income is recognized 
when the right to receive payment is established. This is the ex-dividend 
date for listed shares and usually the notification date or date when the 
shareholders have approved the dividend for private equity instruments. 
Interest income and dividend income are recorded in net investment income 
in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings (statements of earnings).

Lifeco
Premiums for all types of insurance contracts and contracts with limited 
mortality or morbidity risk are generally recognized as revenue when due 
and collection is reasonably assured.

Investment property income includes rents earned from tenants under lease 
agreements and property tax and operating cost recoveries. Rental income 
leases with contractual rent increases and rent-free periods are recognized on 
a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. Investment property income is 
included in net investment income in the statements of earnings.

Fee income primarily includes fees earned from the management of segregated 
fund assets, proprietary mutual fund assets, fees earned on administrative 
services only for Group health contracts, commissions and fees earned from 
management services. Fee income is recognized when the service is performed, 
the amount is collectible and can be reasonably estimated.

Lifeco  has  sub-advisor  arrangements  where  Lifeco  retains  the  primary 
obligation with the client. As a result, fee income earned is reported on a gross 
basis, with the corresponding sub-advisor expense recorded in operating and 
administrative expenses.

IGM Financial
Management fees are based on the net asset value of the investment fund 
or other assets under management and are recognized on an accrual basis 
as  the  service  is  performed.  Administration  fees  are  also  recognized  on 
an  accrual  basis  as  the  service  is  performed.  Distribution  fees  derived 
from  investment  fund  and  securities  transactions  are  recognized  on  a 
trade-date basis. Distribution fees derived from insurance and other financial 
services transactions are recognized on an accrual basis. These management, 
administration  and  distribution  fees  are  included  in  fee  income  in  the 
statements of earnings.

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
Cash and cash equivalents include cash, current operating accounts, overnight 
bank and term deposits and fixed income securities with an original term to 
maturity of three months or less.

INVESTMENTS
Investments include bonds, mortgage loans, shares, investment properties, 
and loans to policyholders of Lifeco. Investments are classified as either fair 
value through profit or loss, available for sale, held to maturity, loans and 
receivables, or as non-financial instruments based on management’s intention 
relating to the purpose and nature of the instruments or the characteristics 
of the investments. The Corporation and its subsidiaries currently have not 
classified any investments as held to maturity.

Investments in bonds (including fixed income securities), mortgage loans 
and shares normally actively traded on a public market or where fair value 
can be reliably measured are either designated or classified as fair value 
through profit or loss or classified as available for sale and are recorded on 
a trade-date basis.

54

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORTNOTE 2 Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

A financial asset is designated as fair value through profit or loss on initial 
recognition if it eliminates or significantly reduces an accounting mismatch. 
For Lifeco, changes in the fair value of financial assets designated as fair value 
through profit or loss are generally offset by changes in insurance contract 
liabilities, since the measurement of insurance contract liabilities is determined 
with reference to the assets supporting the liabilities.

A financial asset is classified as fair value through profit or loss on initial 
recognition if it is part of a portfolio that is actively traded for the purpose of 
earning investment income.

Fair value through profit or loss investments are recorded at fair value on the 
Consolidated Balance Sheets (balance sheets) with realized and unrealized 
gains and losses reported in the statements of earnings. Available-for-sale 
investments are recorded at fair value on the balance sheets with unrealized 
gains and losses recorded in other comprehensive income. Realized gains and 
losses are reclassified from other comprehensive income and recorded in net 
investment income in the statements of earnings when the available-for-sale 
investment is sold or impaired.

Investments  in  mortgage  loans  and  bonds  not  normally  actively  traded 
on a public market are classified as loans and receivables and are carried 
at amortized cost net of any allowance for credit losses. Impairments and 
realized  gains  and  losses  on  the  sale  of  investments  classified  as  loans 
and receivables are recorded in net investment income in the statements 
of earnings.

Investment properties consist of real estate held to earn rental income or for 
capital appreciation that have an insignificant portion that is owner-occupied 
or where there is no intent to occupy on a long-term basis. Properties that 
do  not  meet  these  criteria  are  classified  as  owner-occupied  properties. 
Investment properties are initially measured at cost and subsequently carried 
at fair value on the balance sheets. Change in fair value is recorded as net 
investment income in the statements of earnings. 

Loans to policyholders of Lifeco are classified as loans and receivables and 
measured at amortized cost. Loans to policyholders are shown at their unpaid 
principal balance and are fully secured by the cash surrender values of the 
policies. The carrying value of loans to policyholders approximates fair value.

Fair value measurement
The carrying values of financial assets necessarily reflect the prevailing market 
liquidity and the liquidity premiums embedded in the market pricing methods 
the Corporation and its subsidiaries rely upon.

Fair value movement on the assets supporting insurance contract liabilities is 
a major factor in the movement of insurance contract liabilities. Changes in the 
fair value of bonds designated or classified as fair value through profit or loss 
that support insurance contract liabilities are largely offset by corresponding 
changes in the fair value of these liabilities, except when the bond has been 
deemed impaired.

The following is a description of the methodologies used to determine fair 
value.

Bonds at fair value through profit or loss  
and available for sale
Fair values for bonds recorded at fair value through profit or loss or available 
for sale are determined with reference to quoted market bid prices primarily 
provided by third-party independent pricing sources. The Corporation and 
its subsidiaries maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use 
of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The Corporation and 
its subsidiaries obtain quoted prices in active markets, when available, for 
identical assets at the balance sheet dates to measure bonds at fair value in 
its fair value through profit or loss and available-for-sale portfolios. Where 
prices are not quoted in a normally active market, fair values are determined 
by valuation models.

The Corporation and its subsidiaries estimate the fair value of bonds not 
traded in active markets by referring to actively traded securities with similar 
attributes, dealer quotations, matrix pricing methodologies, discounted cash 
flow analyses and/or internal valuation models. These methodologies consider 
such factors as the issuer’s industry, the security’s rating, term, coupon rate 
and position in the capital structure of the issuer, as well as yield curves, credit 
curves, prepayment rates and other relevant factors. For bonds that are not 
traded in active markets, valuations are adjusted to reflect illiquidity, and such 
adjustments are generally based on available market evidence. In the absence 
of such evidence, management’s best estimate is used.

Shares at fair value through profit or loss  
and available for sale
Fair values for publicly traded shares are generally determined by the last 
bid price for the security from the exchange where it is principally traded. 
Fair values for shares for which there is no active market are typically based 
upon alternative valuation techniques such as discounted cash flow analysis, 
review of price movements relative to the market and utilization of information 
provided by the underlying investment manager. The Corporation and its 
subsidiaries maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use 
of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The Corporation and 
its subsidiaries obtain quoted prices in active markets, when available, for 
identical assets at the balance sheet dates to measure shares at fair value in 
its fair value through profit or loss and available-for-sale portfolios.

Mortgage loans and bonds classified as loans and receivables
The fair values disclosed for mortgage loans and bonds, classified as loans 
and receivables, are determined by discounting expected future cash flows 
using current market rates for similar instruments. Valuation inputs typically 
include benchmark yields and risk-adjusted spreads based on current lending 
activities and market activity.

Investment properties
Fair values for investment properties are determined using independent 
qualified appraisal services and include adjustments by Lifeco management 
for material changes in property cash flows, capital expenditures or general 
market conditions in the interim period between appraisals. The determination 
of  the  fair  value  of  investment  properties  requires  the  use  of  estimates 
including future cash flows (such as future leasing assumptions, rental rates, 
capital and operating expenditures) and discount, reversionary and overall 
capitalization rates applicable to the asset based on current market conditions. 
Investment properties under construction are valued at fair value if such 
values can be reliably determined; otherwise, they are recorded at cost.

Impairment
Investments are reviewed regularly on an individual basis at the end of each 
reporting period to determine whether there is any objective evidence of 
impairment. The Corporation and its subsidiaries consider various factors in 
the impairment evaluation process, including, but not limited to, the financial 
condition  of  the  issuer,  specific  adverse  conditions  affecting  an  industry 
or region, decline in fair value not related to interest rates, bankruptcy or 
defaults, and delinquency in payments of interest or principal.

Investments are deemed to be impaired when there is no longer reasonable 
assurance of collection. The fair value of an investment is not a definitive 
indicator of impairment, as it may be significantly influenced by other factors, 
including the remaining term to maturity and liquidity of the asset. However, 
market price is taken into consideration when evaluating impairment.

For impaired mortgage loans and bonds classified as loans and receivables, 
provisions are established or impairments recorded to adjust the carrying 
value  to  the  net  realizable  amount.  Wherever  possible,  the  fair  value  of 
collateral underlying the loans or observable market price is used to establish 
net realizable value. For impaired available-for-sale bonds, the accumulated 
loss recorded in other comprehensive income is reclassified to net investment 

55

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NOTE 2 Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

income. Impairments on available-for-sale debt instruments are reversed if 
there is objective evidence that a permanent recovery has occurred. As well, 
when determined to be impaired, interest is no longer accrued and previous 
interest accruals are reversed to net investment income.

Impairment losses on available-for-sale shares are recorded in net investment 
income if the loss is significant or prolonged. Subsequent losses are also 
recorded directly in net investment income.

Securities lending
Lifeco  engages  in  securities  lending  through  its  securities  custodians  as 
lending agents. Loaned securities are not derecognized, and continue to be 
reported within investments, as Lifeco retains substantial risks and rewards 
and economic benefits related to the loaned securities.

TRANSACTION COSTS
Transaction costs are expensed as incurred for financial instruments classified 
or  designated  as  fair  value  through  profit  or  loss.  Transaction  costs  for 
financial assets classified as available for sale or loans and receivables are 
added to the value of the instrument at acquisition, and recorded in net 
earnings using the effective interest method. Transaction costs for financial 
liabilities classified as other than fair value through profit or loss are deducted 
from the value of the instrument issued and recorded in net earnings using 
the effective interest method.

REINSURANCE CONTRACTS
Lifeco, in the normal course of business, is a user of reinsurance in order 
to  limit  the  potential  for  losses  arising  from  certain  exposures  and  a 
provider of reinsurance. Assumed reinsurance refers to the acceptance of 
certain insurance risks by Lifeco underwritten by another company. Ceded 
reinsurance refers to the transfer of insurance risk, along with the respective 
premiums, to one or more reinsurers who will share the risks. To the extent 
that assuming reinsurers are unable to meet their obligations, Lifeco remains 
liable to its policyholders for the portion reinsured. Consequently, allowances 
are made for reinsurance contracts which are deemed uncollectible.

Reinsurance contracts are insurance contracts and undergo the classification 
as described within the Insurance and Investment Contract Liabilities section 
of  this  note.  Assumed  reinsurance  premiums,  commissions  and  claim 
settlements, as well as the reinsurance assets associated with insurance and 
investment  contracts,  are  accounted  for  in  accordance  with  the  terms 
and conditions of the underlying reinsurance contract. Reinsurance assets are 
reviewed for impairment on a regular basis for any events that may trigger 
impairment. Lifeco considers various factors in the impairment evaluation 
process, including, but not limited to, collectability of amounts due under the 
terms of the contract. The carrying amount of a reinsurance asset is adjusted 
through an allowance account with any impairment loss being recorded in 
the statements of earnings.

Any gains or losses on buying reinsurance are recognized in the statement of 
earnings immediately at the date of purchase in accordance with the CALM.

Assets and liabilities related to reinsurance are reported on a gross basis in 
the balance sheets. The amount of liabilities ceded to reinsurers is estimated 
in a manner consistent with the claim liability associated with reinsured risks.

FUNDS HELD BY CEDING INSURERS/ 
FUNDS HELD UNDER REINSURANCE CONTRACTS
On the asset side, funds held by ceding insurers are assets that would normally 
be paid to Lifeco but are retained by the cedant to reduce potential credit risk. 
Under certain forms of reinsurance contracts it is customary for the cedant 
to retain amounts on a funds-withheld basis supporting the insurance or 
investment contract liabilities ceded. For the funds-withheld assets where 
the underlying asset portfolio is managed by Lifeco, the credit risk is retained 
by Lifeco. The funds-withheld balance where Lifeco assumes the credit risk is 
measured at the fair value of the underlying asset portfolio with the change 

in fair value recorded in net investment income. See Note 6 for funds held 
by ceding insurers that are managed by Lifeco. Other funds held by ceding 
insurers are general obligations of the cedant and serve as collateral for 
insurance contract liabilities assumed from cedants. Funds-withheld assets on 
these contracts do not have fixed maturity dates, their release generally being 
dependent on the run-off of the corresponding insurance contract liabilities.

On the liability side, funds held under reinsurance contracts consist mainly of 
amounts retained by Lifeco from ceded business written on a funds-withheld 
basis. Lifeco withholds assets related to ceded insurance contract liabilities 
in order to reduce credit risk.

OWNER- OCCUPIED PROPERTIES 
AND CAPITAL ASSETS
Owner-occupied  properties  and  capital  assets  are  carried  at  cost  less 
accumulated depreciation and impairments. Capital assets include equipment, 
furniture and fixtures. Depreciation is charged to write off the cost of assets, 
using the straight-line method, over their estimated useful lives, as follows: 
i) owner-occupied properties (10 to 50 years); and ii) capital assets (3 to 17 years).

Depreciation methods, useful lives and residual values are reviewed at least 
annually and adjusted if necessary. Owner-occupied properties and capital 
assets are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances 
indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.

OTHER ASSETS
Other assets include premiums in course of collection, accounts receivable 
and interest receivable, prepaid expenses, deferred acquisition costs and 
miscellaneous other assets which are measured at amortized cost. Deferred 
acquisition costs relating to investment contracts are recognized as assets 
if the costs are incremental and incurred due to the contract being issued. 
Deferred acquisition costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the term 
of the policy, not exceeding 20 years.

ASSETS HELD FOR SALE
Disposal groups of assets are classified as held for sale when the carrying 
amount will be recovered through a sale transaction rather than continuing 
use. The fair value of a disposal group is measured at the lower of its carrying 
amount and fair value less costs to sell. Any impairment loss for the disposal 
group is recognized as a reduction to the carrying amount of the disposal group.

Assets held for sale are included in other assets. Losses from assets held for 
sale are included in operating and administrative expenses.

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS, GOODWILL 
AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Business  combinations  are  accounted  for  using  the  acquisition  method. 
Goodwill represents the excess of purchase consideration over the fair value 
of net assets acquired. Following initial recognition, goodwill is measured at 
cost less any accumulated impairment losses.

Intangible assets comprise finite life and indefinite life intangible assets. Finite 
life intangible assets include the value of technology and software, certain 
customer contracts and deferred selling commissions. Finite life intangible 
assets are reviewed at least annually to determine if there are indicators 
of  impairment  and  assessed  as  to  whether  the  amortization  period  and 
method are appropriate. Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized on 
a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives as follows: i) technology 
and software (3 to 10 years); and ii) customer contract-related (9 to 30 years).

Commissions  paid  by  IGM  on  the  sale  of  certain  investment  funds  are 
deferred and amortized over their estimated useful lives, not exceeding a 
period of 7 years. Commissions paid on the sale of deposits are deferred 
and amortized over their estimated useful lives, not exceeding a period of 
5 years. When a client redeems units or shares in investment funds that are 
subject to a deferred sales charge, a redemption fee is paid by the client and 
is recorded as revenue by IGM. Any unamortized deferred selling commission 

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NOTE 2 Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

asset recognized on the initial sale of these investment fund units or shares is 
recorded as a disposal. IGM regularly reviews the carrying value of deferred 
selling commissions with respect to any events or circumstances that indicate 
impairment. Among the tests performed by IGM to assess recoverability is 
the comparison of the future economic benefits derived from the deferred 
selling commission asset in relation to its carrying value.

Indefinite life intangible assets include brands, trademarks and trade names, 
certain customer contracts, mutual fund management contracts and the 
shareholders’ portion of acquired future participating account profit. Amounts 
are classified as indefinite life intangible assets based on an analysis of all the 
relevant factors, and when there is no foreseeable limit to the period over 
which the asset is expected to generate net cash inflows. The identification 
of indefinite life intangible assets is made by reference to relevant factors 
such as product life cycles, potential obsolescence, industry stability and 
competitive position. Following initial recognition, indefinite life intangible 
assets are measured at cost less accumulated impairment losses.

Impairment testing
Goodwill  and  indefinite  life  intangible  assets  are  tested  for  impairment 
annually or more frequently if events indicate that impairment may have 
occurred. Indefinite life intangible assets that were previously impaired are 
reviewed at each reporting date for evidence of reversal.

Goodwill and indefinite life intangible assets have been allocated to cash 
generating units or to groups of cash generating units (CGU), representing 
the lowest level that the assets are monitored for internal reporting purposes. 
Goodwill and indefinite life intangible assets are tested for impairment by 
comparing the carrying value of the CGU to the recoverable amount of the 
CGU to which the goodwill and indefinite life intangible assets have been 
allocated.

An impairment loss is recognized for the amount by which the asset’s carrying 
amount  exceeds  its  recoverable  amount.  The  recoverable  amount  is  the 
higher of the asset’s fair value less cost of disposal or value in use, which is 
calculated using the present value of estimated future cash flows expected 
to be generated.

SEGREGATED FUNDS
Segregated fund assets and liabilities arise from contracts where all financial 
risks associated with the related assets are borne by policyholders and are 
presented separately in the balance sheets. The assets and liabilities are set 
equal to the fair value of the underlying asset portfolio. Investment income and 
change in fair value of the segregated fund assets are offset by corresponding 
changes in the segregated fund liabilities.

INSURANCE AND INVESTMENT CONTRACT LIABILITIES

Contract classification
When  significant  insurance  risk  exists,  Lifeco’s  products  are  classified 
at  contract  inception  as  insurance  contracts,  in  accordance  with  IFRS  4, 
Insurance Contracts (IFRS 4). Significant insurance risk exists when Lifeco 
agrees  to  compensate  policyholders  or  beneficiaries  of  the  contract  for 
specified uncertain future events that adversely affect the policyholder and 
whose amount and timing is unknown. Refer to Note 12 for a discussion of 
insurance risk.

In  the  absence  of  significant  insurance  risk,  the  contract  is  classified 
as an investment contract or service contract. Investment contracts with 
discretionary participating features are accounted for in accordance with IFRS 4 
and investment contracts without discretionary participating features are 
accounted for in accordance with IAS 39, Financial Instruments: Recognition and 
Measurement. Lifeco has not classified any contracts as investment contracts 
with discretionary participating features.

Investment  contracts  may  be  reclassified  as  insurance  contracts  after 
inception if insurance risk becomes significant. A contract that is classified 
as an insurance contract at contract inception remains as such until all rights 
and obligations under the contract are extinguished or expire.

Investment contracts are contracts that carry financial risk, which is the risk 
of a possible future change in one or more of the following: interest rate, 
commodity price, foreign exchange rate, or credit rating. Refer to Note 21 for 
a discussion on risk management.

Measurement
Insurance contract liabilities represent the amounts required, in addition 
to future premiums and investment income, to provide for future benefit 
payments, policyholder dividends, commission and policy administrative 
expenses  for  all  insurance  and  annuity  policies  in  force  with  Lifeco. 
The Appointed Actuaries of Lifeco’s subsidiary companies are responsible 
for determining the amount of the liabilities in order to make appropriate 
provisions for Lifeco’s obligations to policyholders. The Appointed Actuaries 
determine the liabilities for insurance and investment contracts using generally 
accepted actuarial practices, according to the standards established by the 
Canadian Institute of Actuaries. The valuation uses the CALM. This method 
involves the projection of future events in order to determine the amount of 
assets that must be set aside currently to provide for all future obligations 
and involves a significant amount of judgment.

In the computation of insurance contract liabilities, valuation assumptions 
have  been  made  regarding  rates  of  mortality  and  morbidity,  investment 
returns, levels of operating expenses, rates of policy termination and rates of 
utilization of elective policy options or provisions. The valuation assumptions 
use best estimates of future experience together with a margin for adverse 
deviation.  These  margins  are  necessary  to  provide  for  possibilities  of 
misestimation and for future deterioration in the best estimate assumptions 
and provide reasonable assurance that insurance contract liabilities cover a 
range of possible outcomes. Margins are reviewed periodically for continued 
appropriateness.

Investment contract liabilities are measured at fair value determined using 
discounted cash flows utilizing the yield curves of financial instruments with 
similar cash flow characteristics.

DERECOGNITION OF SECURITIZED MORTGAGES
IGM enters into transactions where it transfers financial assets recognized 
on  its  balance  sheets.  The  determination  of  whether  the  financial  assets 
are derecognized is based on the extent to which the risks and rewards of 
ownership are transferred.

If substantially all of the risks and rewards of a financial asset are not retained, 
IGM derecognizes the financial asset. The gains or losses and the servicing 
fee revenue for financial assets that are derecognized are reported in net 
investment income in the statements of earnings.

If all or substantially all risks and rewards are retained, the financial assets 
are not derecognized and the transactions are accounted for as secured 
financing transactions.

OTHER FINANCIAL LIABILITIES
Debentures and other debt instruments, and capital trust debentures are 
initially recorded on the balance sheets at fair value and subsequently carried 
at  amortized  cost  using  the  effective  interest  method  with  amortization 
expense recorded in financing charges in the statements of earnings. These 
liabilities are derecognized when the obligation is cancelled or redeemed.

Accounts  payable,  dividends  and  interest  payable,  and  deferred  income 
reserves are measured at amortized cost. Deferred income reserves related 
to investment contracts are amortized on a straight-line basis to recognize 
the initial policy fees over the policy term, not exceeding 20 years.

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NOTE 2 Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Provisions  are  recognized  within  other  liabilities  when  the  Corporation 
or its subsidiaries have a present obligation, either legal or constructive, 
as a result of a past event, and it is probable that an outflow of resources 
embodying  economic  benefits  will  be  required  to  settle  the  obligation 
and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount to settle the obligation. 
The amounts recognized for provisions are management of the Corporation 
and of its subsidiaries’ best estimate of the expenditures required to settle the 
obligation at the balance sheet date. The Corporation recognizes a provision 
for restructuring when a detailed formal plan for the restructuring has been 
established and that the plan has raised a valid expectation in those affected 
that the restructuring will occur.

PENSION PLANS AND  
OTHER POST-EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
The Corporation and its subsidiaries maintain funded defined benefit pension 
plans for certain employees and advisors, unfunded supplementary employee 
retirement plans (SERP) for certain employees, and unfunded post-employment 
health, dental and life insurance benefits to eligible employees, advisors and 
their  dependants.  The  Corporation’s  subsidiaries  also  maintain  defined 
contribution pension plans for eligible employees and advisors.

The  defined  benefit  pension  plans  provide  pensions  based  on  length  of 
service and final average earnings. Expenses for defined benefit plans are 
actuarially determined using the projected unit credit method prorated on 
service, based upon management of the Corporation and of its subsidiaries’ 
assumptions about discount rates, compensation increases, retirement ages 
of employees, mortality and expected health care costs. Any changes in these 
assumptions will impact the carrying amount of defined benefit obligations. 
The Corporation and its subsidiaries’ accrued benefit liability in respect of 
defined benefit plans is calculated separately for each plan by discounting the 
amount of the benefit that employees have earned in return for their service 
in current and prior periods and deducting the fair value of any plan assets.

The Corporation and its subsidiaries determine the net interest component 
of the pension expense for the period by applying the discount rate used to 
measure the accrued benefit liability at the beginning of the annual period 
to the net accrued benefit liability. The discount rate used to value liabilities 
is determined by reference to market yields on high-quality corporate bonds.

If the plan benefits are changed, or a plan is curtailed, any past service costs 
or curtailment gains or losses are recognized immediately in net earnings.

Net interest costs, current service costs, past service costs and curtailment 
gains or losses are included in operating and administrative expenses.

Remeasurements arising from defined benefit plans represent actuarial gains 
and losses, actual return on plan assets, less interest calculated at the discount 
rate,  and  changes  in  the  asset  ceiling.  Remeasurements  are  recognized 
immediately through other comprehensive income and are not subsequently 
reclassified to net earnings.

The accrued benefit asset (liability) represents the plan surplus (deficit) and 
is included in other assets (other liabilities).

Payments to the defined contribution plans are expensed as incurred.

INCOME TAXES
The income tax expense for the period represents the sum of current income 
tax and deferred income tax. Income tax is recognized as an expense or 
recovery in the statements of earnings, except to the extent that it relates 
to items that are not recognized in the statements of earnings (whether in 
other comprehensive income or directly in equity), in which case the income 
tax is also recognized in other comprehensive income or directly in equity.

Current income tax
Current income tax is based on taxable income for the year. Current tax 
liabilities (assets) for the current and prior periods are measured at the amount 
expected to be paid to (recovered from) the taxation authorities using the 
rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet 
date.  Current  tax  assets  and  current  tax  liabilities  are  offset,  if  a  legally 
enforceable right exists to offset the recognized amounts and the entity 
intends either to settle on a net basis, or to realize the assets and settle the 
liabilities simultaneously.

Deferred income tax
Deferred income tax is the tax expected to be payable or recoverable on 
differences arising between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities 
in  the  financial  statements  and  the  corresponding  tax  basis  used  in  the 
computation of taxable income and on unused tax attributes, and is accounted 
for  using  the  balance  sheet  liability  method.  Deferred  tax  liabilities  are 
generally recognized for all taxable temporary differences and deferred tax 
assets are recognized to the extent that it is probable that future taxable 
profits will be available against which deductible temporary differences and 
unused tax attributes can be utilized.

Recognition of deferred tax assets is based on the fact that it is probable that 
the entity will have taxable profits and/or tax planning opportunities available 
to allow the deferred tax asset to be utilized. Changes in circumstances in 
future periods may adversely impact the assessment of the recoverability. 
The uncertainty of the recoverability is taken into account in establishing 
the  deferred  tax  assets.  The  Corporation  and  its  subsidiaries’  financial 
planning process provides a significant basis for the measurement of deferred 
tax assets.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates expected to 
apply in the year when the asset is realized or the liability is settled, based 
on tax rates and tax laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted 
at the balance sheet date. Deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are 
offset, if a legally enforceable right exists to net current tax assets against 
current tax liabilities and the deferred taxes relate to the same taxable entity 
and the same taxation authority.

The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each balance sheet 
date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient 
future taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the deferred 
tax asset to be utilized. Unrecognized deferred tax assets are reassessed 
at  each  balance  sheet  date  and  are  recognized  to  the  extent  that  it  has 
become probable that future taxable profits will allow the deferred tax asset 
to be recovered.

Deferred  tax  liabilities  are  recognized  for  taxable  temporary  differences 
arising on investments in subsidiaries, jointly controlled corporations and 
associates, except where the group controls the timing of the reversal of the 
temporary differences and it is probable that the temporary differences will 
not reverse in the foreseeable future.

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The Corporation and its subsidiaries use derivative products as risk management 
instruments to hedge or manage asset, liability and capital positions, including 
revenues. The Corporation and its subsidiaries’ policy guidelines prohibit the 
use of derivative instruments for speculative trading purposes.

Derivatives are recorded at fair value on the balance sheets. The method 
of recognizing unrealized and realized fair value gains and losses depends 
on  whether  the  derivatives  are  designated  as  hedging  instruments.  For 
derivatives  that  are  not  designated  as  hedging  instruments,  unrealized 
and realized gains and losses are recorded in net investment income in the 
statements of earnings. For derivatives designated as hedging instruments, 
unrealized and realized gains and losses are recognized according to the 
nature of the hedged item.

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NOTE 2 Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Derivatives are valued using market transactions and other market evidence 
whenever possible, including market-based inputs to models, broker or dealer 
quotations  or  alternative  pricing  sources  with  reasonable  levels  of  price 
transparency. When models are used, the selection of a particular model 
to value a derivative depends on the contractual terms of, and specific risks 
inherent in, the instrument, as well as the availability of pricing information 
in  the  market.  The  Corporation  and  its  subsidiaries  generally  use  similar 
models to value similar instruments. Valuation models require a variety of 
inputs, including contractual terms, market prices and rates, yield curves, 
credit curves, measures of volatility, prepayment rates and correlations of 
such inputs.

To  qualify  for  hedge  accounting,  the  relationship  between  the  hedged 
item and the hedging instrument must meet several strict conditions on 
documentation, probability of occurrence, hedge effectiveness and reliability 
of measurement. If these conditions are not met, then the relationship does 
not qualify for hedge accounting treatment and both the hedged item and the 
hedging instrument are reported independently, as if there was no hedging 
relationship.

Where a hedging relationship exists, the Corporation and its subsidiaries 
document all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, 
as well as its risk management objectives and strategy for undertaking various 
hedge transactions. This process includes linking derivatives that are used in 
hedging transactions to specific assets and liabilities on the balance sheets 
or to specific firm commitments or forecasted transactions. The Corporation 
and its subsidiaries also assess, both at the hedge’s inception and on an 
ongoing basis, whether derivatives that are used in hedging transactions 
are  effective  in  offsetting  change  in  fair  values  or  cash  flows  of  hedged 
items. Hedge effectiveness is reviewed quarterly through correlation testing. 
Hedge accounting is discontinued when the hedge no longer qualifies for 
hedge accounting.

Fair value hedges
Fair value hedges are used to manage the exposure to change in fair value 
of a recognized asset or liability or an unrecognized firm commitment, or 
an identified portion of such an asset, liability or firm commitment, that is 
attributable to a particular risk and could affect profit or loss. For fair value 
hedges, change in fair value of both the hedging instrument and the hedged 
item are recorded in net investment income and consequently any ineffective 
portion of the hedge is recorded immediately in net investment income.

Cash flow hedges
Cash flow hedges are used to manage the exposure to variability in cash 
flows that is attributable to a particular risk associated with a recognized 
asset or liability or a highly probable forecast transaction and could affect 
profit or loss. For cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the change in fair 
value of the hedging instrument is recorded in other comprehensive income, 
while the ineffective portion is recognized immediately in net investment 
income.  Gains  and  losses  on  cash  flow  hedges  that  accumulate  in  other 
comprehensive income are recorded in net investment income in the same 
period the hedged item affects net earnings. Gains and losses on cash flow 
hedges are immediately reclassified from other comprehensive income to net 
investment income if and when it is probable that a forecasted transaction is 
no longer expected to occur.

Net investment hedges
Net investment hedges are used to manage the exposure to changes in 
the reporting entity’s share in the net share of a foreign operation. For net 
investment  hedges,  the  effective  portion  of  changes  in  the  fair  value 
of the hedging instrument is recorded in other comprehensive income while the 
ineffective portion is recognized immediately in net investment income. 
The unrealized foreign exchange gains (losses) on the instruments are recorded 
within other comprehensive income and will be reclassified into net earnings 
when the instruments are derecognized.

EMBEDDED DERIVATIVES
An embedded derivative is a component of a host contract that modifies 
the  cash  flows  of  the  host  contract  in  a  manner  similar  to  a  derivative, 
according  to  a  specified  interest  rate,  financial  instrument  price,  foreign 
exchange rate, underlying index or other variable. Embedded derivatives are 
treated as separate contracts and are recorded at fair value if their economic 
characteristics and risks are not closely related to those of the host contract 
and the host contract is not itself recorded at fair value through the statement 
of earnings. Embedded derivatives that meet the definition of an insurance 
contract are accounted for and measured as an insurance contract.

EQUITY
Preferred shares are classified as equity if they are non-redeemable or if 
they are retractable only at the Corporation’s option and if any dividends are 
discretionary. Costs that are directly attributable to the issue of share capital 
are recognized as a reduction from retained earnings, net of income tax.

Reserves  are  composed  of  share-based  compensation  and  other 
comprehensive  income.  Share-based  compensation  reserve  represents 
the vesting of options less options exercised. Other comprehensive income 
represents the total of the unrealized foreign exchange gains (losses) on 
translation  of  foreign  operations,  the  actuarial  gains  (losses)  on  benefit 
pension plans, the unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale investments, 
the unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, and the share of other 
comprehensive income of jointly controlled corporations and associates.

Non-controlling  interests  represent  the  proportion  of  equity  that  is 
attributable to minority shareholders of subsidiaries.

SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS
The  fair  value-based  method  of  accounting  is  used  for  the  valuation  of 
compensation expense for options granted to employees of the Corporation 
and  its  subsidiaries.  Compensation  expense  is  recognized  in  operating 
and  administrative  expenses  in  the  statements  of  earnings  over  the 
vesting  period  of  the  granted  options,  with  a  corresponding  increase  in 
share-based compensation reserve. When the stock options are exercised, 
the proceeds received, together with the amount recorded in share-based 
compensation reserve, are included in the stated capital of the entity issuing 
the corresponding shares.

The Corporation and its subsidiaries recognize a liability for cash-settled 
awards, including those granted under Performance Share Unit plans and 
Deferred Share Unit plans. Compensation expense is recognized in operating 
and administrative expenses in the statements of earnings, net of related 
hedges, and a liability is recognized on the balance sheets over the vesting 
period. The liability is remeasured at fair value at each reporting period with 
the change in the liability recorded in operating and administrative expenses. 

59

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORTNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 2 Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION
The  Corporation  and  its  subsidiaries  operate  with  multiple  functional 
currencies. The Corporation’s financial statements are prepared in Canadian 
dollars, which is the functional and presentation currency of the Corporation.

Assets  and  liabilities  denominated  in  foreign  currencies  are  translated 
into each entity’s functional currency at exchange rates prevailing at the 
balance sheet dates for monetary items and at exchange rates prevailing 
at the transaction date for non-monetary items. Revenues and expenses 
denominated in foreign currencies are translated into each entity’s functional 
currency at an average of daily rates. Realized and unrealized exchange gains 
and losses are included in net investment income.

Translation of net investment in foreign operations
Foreign operations are subsidiaries, jointly controlled corporations, associates 
and/or business units with functional currencies other than the Canadian 
dollar. Assets and liabilities are translated into Canadian dollars at the rate of 
exchange prevailing at the balance sheet dates and all revenues and expenses 
are  translated  at  an  average  of  daily  rates.  Unrealized  foreign  currency 
translation gains and losses on the Corporation’s net investment in its foreign 
operations are presented as a component of other comprehensive income. 
Unrealized  foreign  currency  translation  gains  and  losses  are  recognized 
proportionately in net earnings when there has been a disposal of a foreign 
operation.

POLICYHOLDER BENEFITS
Policyholder benefits include benefits and claims on life insurance contracts, 
maturity payments, annuity payments and surrenders. Gross benefits and 
claims for life insurance contracts include the cost of all claims arising during 
the year and settlement of claims. Death claims and surrenders are recorded 
on the basis of notifications received. Maturities and annuity payments are 
recorded when due.

LEASES
Leases that do not transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership 
are classified as operating leases. Payments made under operating leases, 
where the Corporation and its subsidiaries are the lessee, are recorded in net 
earnings over the period of use.

Where the Corporation and its subsidiaries are the lessor under an operating 
lease for its investment property, the assets subject to the lease arrangement 
are  presented  within  the  balance  sheets.  Income  from  these  leases  is 
recognized in the statements of earnings on a straight-line basis over the 
lease term.

Leases that transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to 
the lessee are classified as finance leases. Where the Corporation and its 
subsidiaries are the lessor under a finance lease, the investment is recognized 
as a receivable at an amount equal to the net investment in the lease which 
is the present value of the minimum lease payments due from the lessee 
presented within the balance sheets. Payments received from the lessee 
are apportioned between the recognition of finance lease income and the 
reduction of the finance lease receivable. Income from the finance leases is 
recognized in the statements of earnings at a constant periodic rate of return 
on net investment in the finance lease.

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
Basic earnings per common share is determined by dividing net earnings 
available  to  common  shareholders  by  the  weighted  average  number  of 
common shares outstanding for the year. Diluted earnings per common share is 
determined using the same method as basic earnings per common share, except 
that net earnings available to common shareholders and the weighted average 
number of common shares outstanding are adjusted to include the potential 
dilutive effect of outstanding stock options granted by the Corporation and its 
subsidiaries, as determined by the treasury stock method.

FUTURE ACCOUNTING CHANGES
The Corporation and its subsidiaries continuously monitor the potential changes proposed by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and analyze 
the effect that changes in the standards may have on their consolidated financial statements when they become effective.

New standard

Summary of future changes

In May 2014, the IASB issued IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which provides a single model for entities 
to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers. The model requires an entity to recognize 
revenue as the goods or services are transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the expected consideration. 
The revenue recognition requirements in IFRS 15 do not apply to the revenue arising from insurance contracts, leases 
and financial instruments.

This standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018. The Corporation and its 
subsidiaries have concluded that there will not be a material change in the timing of revenue recognition. The presentation 
of certain revenues and expenses in the financial statements will change between being reported on a gross versus net 
basis and others from net to gross basis. There is no significant net earnings impact, however, there is an approximate 
$100 million increase in Lifeco’s fee income and a corresponding increase in operating and administrative expenses.

IFRS 15 also outlines various criteria for the eligibility of capitalizing contract costs. For the Corporation’s subsidiaries in 
the asset management industry, determining whether the customer is the fund or the end investor can impact whether 
costs should be capitalized as a cost of obtaining a contract with a customer or whether they should be assessed as a cost 
of fulfilling a contract with a customer. Significant judgment is required in determining whether fulfillment costs should be 
expensed or capitalized. IFRS 15 could therefore result in changes to the timing of recognition of certain commission-related 
expenses. Due to recent developments in the interpretation of the guidance on fulfillment costs, the Corporation and its 
subsidiaries continue to assess the impact to certain commission payments and related expenses.

The IASB issued IFRS 16, Leases, which requires a lessee to recognize a right-of-use asset representing its right to use 
the underlying leased asset and a corresponding lease liability representing its obligation to make lease payments for all 
leases. A lessee recognizes the related expense as depreciation on the right-of-use asset and interest on the lease liability. 
Short-term (less than 12 months) and low-value asset leases are exempt from these requirements.

The standard will be effective January 1, 2019. The Corporation and its subsidiaries are evaluating the impact of the 
adoption of this standard.

IFRS 15 – Revenue from  
Contracts with Customers  
(IFRS 15)

IFRS 16 – Leases 
(IFRS 16)

60

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORTNOTE 2 Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

New standard

Summary of future changes

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

IFRS 17 – Insurance Contracts 
(IFRS 17)

In May 2017, the IASB issued IFRS 17, Insurance Contracts, which will replace IFRS 4, Insurance Contracts. IFRS 17 sets 
out the requirements for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosures of insurance contracts a company 
issues and reinsurance contracts it holds. IFRS 17 introduces new measurement models depending on the nature of the 
insurance contracts. IFRS 17 requires entities to measure insurance contract liabilities on the balance sheet as the total of:

(a)  the fulfillment cash flows: the current estimates of amounts that Lifeco expects to collect from premiums and pay 

out for claims, benefits and expenses, including an adjustment for the timing and risk of those amounts; and

(b) the contractual service margin: the future profit for providing insurance coverage.

The future profit for providing insurance coverage is recognized in profit or loss over time as the insurance coverage is 
provided. IFRS 17 also requires Lifeco to distinguish between groups of contracts expected to be profit making and groups 
of contracts expected to be onerous. Lifeco is required to update the fulfillment cash flows at each reporting date, using 
current estimates of the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows and discount rates.

Lifeco is currently in the planning phase of its project, which includes assessing the financial statement impacts of adopting 
IFRS 17, identifying potential business impacts, developing a detailed project plan, assessing resource requirements, and 
providing training to staff. The adoption of IFRS 17 is a significant initiative for Lifeco supported by a formal governance 
framework, for which substantial resources are being dedicated to ensure proper implementation.

The new standard is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2021. IFRS 17 will affect how Lifeco 
accounts for its insurance contracts and how it reports financial performance in the statements of earnings. Lifeco is 
currently assessing the impact that IFRS 17 will have on the financial statements. Lifeco expects this standard to have 
a significant impact on the timing of earnings recognition for the insurance contracts and a significant impact on how 
insurance contract results are presented and disclosed in the financial statements.

IFRS 9 – Financial Instruments 
(IFRS 9)

In July 2014, the IASB issued a final version of IFRS 9, Financial Instruments, which replaces IAS 39, Financial Instruments: 
Recognition and Measurement, the current standard for accounting for financial instruments. The standard was completed 
in three separate phases:

 „ Classification and measurement: this phase requires that financial assets be classified at either amortized cost or 
fair value on the basis of the entity’s business model for managing the financial assets and the contractual cash flow 
characteristics of the financial assets.

 „ Impairment methodology: this phase replaces the current incurred loss model for impairment of financial assets with 

an expected loss model.

 „ Hedge accounting: this phase replaces the current rule-based hedge accounting requirements in IAS 39 with guidance 

that more closely aligns the accounting with an entity’s risk management activities.

In September 2016, the IASB issued an amendment to IFRS 4, Insurance Contracts (IFRS 4). The amendment “Applying 
IFRS 9, Financial Instruments with IFRS 4, Insurance Contracts” provides qualifying insurance companies with two options 
to address the potential volatility associated with implementing the IFRS 9 standard before the new proposed insurance 
contract standard is effective. The two options are as follows:

 „ Deferral Approach: provides the option to defer implementation of IFRS 9 until the year 2021 or the effective date of 

the new insurance contract standard, whichever is earlier; or

 „ Overlay Approach: provides the option to recognize the volatility that could arise when IFRS 9 is applied within other 

comprehensive income, rather than profit or loss.

The Corporation qualifies for the deferral approach and will be applying the deferral approach to allow adoption of both 
IFRS 9 and IFRS 17 simultaneously on January 1, 2021. 

In  October  2017,  the  IASB  issued  an  amendment  to  IFRS  9  that  certain  prepayable  financial  assets  with  negative 
compensation can be measured at amortized cost or fair value through other comprehensive income instead of fair value 
through profit or loss under a certain condition.

The Corporation and its subsidiaries continue to evaluate the impact of the adoption of this standard with the adoption 
of IFRS 17.

Parjointco, a jointly controlled corporation which does not qualify for the exemption, will adopt IFRS 9 on January 1, 
2018. The Corporation, in accordance with the amendment of IFRS 4 to defer the adoption of IFRS 9, is permitted but not 
required to retain the accounting policies applied by an associate or a jointly controlled corporation which is accounted 
for using the equity method.

Pargesa currently classifies the majority of its portfolio investments as available for sale. In accordance with IFRS 9, Pargesa 
has the choice to classify the majority of its portfolio investments as either fair value through profit or loss or elect the fair 
value through other comprehensive income option (FVTOCI). Under the FVTOCI option, unrealized gains and losses from 
fair value changes (including impairments) are recorded in other comprehensive income and not subsequently reclassified 
to net earnings. Pargesa has elected to classify the majority of its portfolio investments using the FVTOCI option. On 
January 1, 2018, these investments will continue to be recorded at fair value, however the accumulated unrealized gains 
in other comprehensive income will be permanently retained in equity. 

The Corporation is currently finalizing its assessment as to whether it will retain Pargesa’s (through Parjointco) accounting 
policy in accordance with IFRS 9.

IFRIC 23 – Uncertainty  
over Income Tax Treatments 
(IFRIC 23)

In June 2017, the IASB issued IFRIC 23, Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments. The interpretation clarifies the application 
of the recognition and measurement requirements in IAS 12, Income Taxes, when there is uncertainty over income tax 
treatments. The interpretation is effective for periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019. The Corporation and its 
subsidiaries do not anticipate a significant impact from the adoption of this interpretation.

61

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORTNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 3 Business Acquisitions

WEALTHSIMPLE
On May 15, 2017, Power Financial satisfied conditions allowing the Corporation 
to appoint the majority of the board of directors of Wealthsimple and thus 
attained control of Wealthsimple, a technology-driven investment manager. 
This led to a gain being recognized in share of earnings (losses) of investments 
in jointly controlled corporations and associates in 2017 as a result of the 
investment in Wealthsimple being measured at fair value on the date control 

was attained. Previously, Wealthsimple was accounted for using the equity 
method. At December 31, 2017, Power Financial held on a non-diluted basis a 
77.3% equity interest (78.9% voting interest) in Wealthsimple.

During  the  fourth  quarter  of  2017,  the  Corporation  completed  its 
comprehensive evaluation of the fair value of the net assets acquired of 
Wealthsimple and the purchase price allocation.

The following table summarizes the aggregate amounts assigned to the assets acquired, goodwill and liabilities assumed:

Assets acquired and goodwill

Cash and cash equivalents

Other assets

Intangible assets

Goodwill

Less: liabilities assumed

Other liabilities

Deferred tax liabilities

Net assets acquired

Consideration

Fair value of the investment in Wealthsimple

Non-controlling interests, at fair value

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of 
the identifiable net assets acquired and is attributable to the future economic 
benefits arising from other assets acquired that are not individually identified 
and  separately  recognized  in  the  business  combination.  Goodwill  is  not 
deductible for tax purposes.

The revenues and net earnings of Wealthsimple in 2017 were not significant 
to these consolidated financial statements.

LIFECO

Financial Horizons Group
On July 31, 2017, Lifeco, through its wholly owned subsidiary Great-West Life, 
completed the acquisition of all the common shares of Financial Horizons 
Group Inc. (FHG), a Canadian managing general agency that offers access 
to  life  and  health  insurance,  employee  benefits,  pensions,  investments, 
structured  settlements  and  risk  management  products  and  services  to 
advisors across Canada.

NOTE 4 Cash and Cash Equivalents

December 31

Cash

Cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents

41

52

65

98

256

53

17

70

186

130

56

186

As at December 31, 2017, the comprehensive valuation of the fair value of 
the net assets acquired, including intangible assets and completion of the 
purchase price allocation, was finalized. The revenue and net earnings of 
FHG in 2017 were not significant to these consolidated financial statements.

Subsequent event – Retirement Advantage
On January 2, 2018, Lifeco, through its indirect wholly owned subsidiary 
The Canada Life Group (UK) Ltd., acquired Retirement Advantage, a financial 
services provider based in the United Kingdom that offers retirement and 
equity release services.

Due to the recent closing of the acquisition of Retirement Advantage, the 
valuation and initial purchase price allocation for the business combination 
are not complete as at the date of release of these financial statements. As a 
result, Lifeco has not provided amounts recognized as at the acquisition date 
for major classes of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including goodwill.

The allocation of the purchase price will be finalized after a comprehensive 
evaluation of the fair value of net assets acquired has been completed.

Net earnings from Retirement Advantage will not be significant to these 
consolidated financial statements.

2017

2,317

3,004

5,321

2016

1,658

2,738

4,396

At December 31, 2017, cash amounting to $246 million was restricted for use by subsidiaries ($185 million at December 31, 2016) primarily in respect of cash 
held in trust for reinsurance agreements or with regulatory authorities, cash held under certain indemnity arrangements, client monies held by brokers and 
cash held in escrow.

62

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORTNOTE 5 Investments

CARRYING VALUES AND FAIR VALUES
Carrying values and estimated fair values of investments are as follows:

December 31

Bonds

Designated as fair value through profit or loss[1]

Classified as fair value through profit or loss[1]

Available for sale

Loans and receivables

Mortgage loans

Loans and receivables

Classified as fair value through profit or loss [1]

Shares

Designated as fair value through profit or loss [1]

Available for sale [2]

Investment properties

Loans to policyholders

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Carrying
 value

87,988

1,836

12,628

17,959

2017

Fair 
value

87,988

1,836

12,628

19,470

Carrying 
value

85,697

2,586

11,819

16,970

2016

Fair 
value

85,697

2,586

11,819

18,484

120,411

121,922

117,072

118,586

29,748

287

30,035

8,194

574

8,768

4,851

8,280

30,680

29,295

287

339

30,967

29,634

8,194

574

8,768

4,851

8,280

7,673

558

8,231

4,340

8,467

30,418

339

30,757

7,673

558

8,231

4,340

8,467

172,345

174,788

167,744

170,381

[1]  A financial asset is designated as fair value through profit or loss on initial recognition if it eliminates or significantly reduces an accounting mismatch. For Lifeco, changes 
in the fair value of financial assets designated as fair value through profit or loss are generally offset by changes in insurance contract liabilities, since the measurement of 
insurance contract liabilities is determined with reference to the assets supporting the liabilities.

A financial asset is classified as fair value through profit or loss on initial recognition if it is part of a portfolio that is actively traded for the purpose of earning investment income.

[2]  Fair value of certain shares available for sale cannot be reliably measured, therefore these investments are held at cost.

BONDS AND MORTGAGES
Carrying value of bonds and mortgages due over the current and non-current term is as follows:

December 31, 2017

Bonds

Mortgage loans

December 31, 2016

Bonds

Mortgage loans

1 year or less

10,352

2,880

13,232

1 year or less

12,021

2,836

14,857

1-5 years

27,042

13,001

40,043

1-5 years

26,762

13,162

39,924

Term to maturity

Over 5 years

82,771

14,117

96,888

Term to maturity

Over 5 years

77,974

13,576

91,550

The table shown above excludes the carrying value of impaired bonds and mortgages, as the ultimate timing of collectability is uncertain.

Carrying value

Total

120,165

29,998

150,163

Carrying value

Total

116,757

29,574

146,331

63

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORTNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 5 Investments (continued)

IMPAIRED INVESTMENTS AND ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES
Carrying amount of impaired investments is as follows:

December 31

Impaired amounts by classification

Fair value through profit or loss

Available for sale

Loans and receivables

Total

2017

233

17

44

294

2016

283

10

82

375

The carrying amount of impaired investments includes bonds, mortgage loans and shares. The above carrying values for loans and receivables are net of 
allowances for credit losses of $41 million as at December 31, 2017 ($44 million as at December 31, 2016). The allowance for credit losses is supplemented by 
the provision for future credit losses included in insurance contract liabilities.

NET INVESTMENT INCOME

Year ended December 31, 2017

Regular net investment income

Investment income earned

Net realized gains

Net allowances for credit losses on loans and receivables

Other income (expenses)

Change in fair value through profit or loss

Net investment income

Year ended December 31, 2016

Regular net investment income

Investment income earned

Net realized gains

Net allowances for credit losses on loans and receivables

Other income (expenses)

Change in fair value through profit or loss

Net investment income

Bonds

4,301

40

2

–

4,343

865

5,208

Bonds

4,236

110

(7)

–

4,339

3,182

7,521

Mortgage
loans

Shares

Investment 
properties

Other

Total

955

81

(9)

(9)

1,018

(25)

993

265

17

–

–

282

579

861

318

–

–

(87)

231

176

407

421

6,260

–

–

(123)

298

(157)

141

138

(7)

(219)

6,172

1,438

7,610

Mortgage 
loans

Shares

Investment 
properties

Other

Total

985

67

(28)

(9)

1,015

(2)

1,013

267

5

–

–

272

959

1,231

325

–

–

(84)

241

61

302

543

6,356

–

–

(113)

430

(294)

136

182

(35)

(206)

6,297

3,906

10,203

Investment  income  earned  comprises  income  from  investments  that  are 
classified  as  available  for  sale,  loans  and  receivables  and  classified  or 
designated as fair value through profit or loss net of impairment charges. 
Investment income from bonds and mortgage loans includes interest income 
and  premium  and  discount  amortization.  Income  from  shares  includes 
dividends  and  distributions  from  equity  investment  funds.  Investment 

properties income includes rental income earned on investment properties, 
ground rent income earned on leased and sub-leased land, fee recoveries, 
lease cancellation income, and interest and other investment income earned 
on investment properties. Other income includes policyholder loan income, 
foreign exchange gains and losses, income earned from derivative financial 
instruments and other miscellaneous income.

INVESTMENT PROPERTIES
The carrying value of investment properties and changes in the carrying value of investment properties are as follows:

December 31

Balance, beginning of year

Additions

Change in fair value through profit or loss

Disposals

Foreign exchange rate changes and other

Balance, end of year

64

2017

4,340

339

176

(72)

68

4,851

2016

5,237

102

61

(427)

(633)

4,340

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORTNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 5 Investments (continued)

TRANSFERRED FINANCIAL ASSETS
Lifeco engages in securities lending to generate additional income. Lifeco’s 
securities custodians are used as lending agents. Collateral, which exceeds the 
fair value of the loaned securities, is deposited by the borrower with Lifeco’s 
lending  agent  and  maintained  by  the  lending  agent  until  the  underlying 
security has been returned. The fair value of the loaned securities is monitored 
on a daily basis by the lending agent, who obtains or refunds additional 
collateral as the fair value of the loaned securities fluctuates. There was no 

cash collateral included in the collateral deposited with Lifeco’s lending agent 
as at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016. In addition, the securities 
lending agent indemnifies Lifeco against borrower risk, meaning that the 
lending agent agrees contractually to replace securities not returned due to a 
borrower default. As at December 31, 2017, Lifeco had loaned securities (which 
are included in investments) with a fair value of $7,427 million ($7,520 million 
at December 31, 2016).

NOTE 6 Funds Held by Ceding Insurers

At  December  31,  2017,  Lifeco  had  amounts  on  deposit  of  $9,893  million 
($10,781 million at December 31, 2016) for funds held by ceding insurers on 
the balance sheets. Income and expenses arising from the agreements are 
included in net investment income on the statements of earnings.

In 2016, a subsidiary of Lifeco completed a portfolio transfer of approximately 
$1,300 million whereby investment contract liabilities and supporting bonds 
and cash were acquired. The portfolio of investment contract liabilities had 
been previously reinsured by Lifeco on a funds-withheld basis.

In 2016, Lifeco completed the transfer of approximately $1,600 million of annuity 
business from The Equitable Life Assurance Company acquired during 2015.

The details of the funds on deposit for certain agreements where Lifeco has credit risk are as follows:

CARRYING VALUES AND ESTIMATED FAIR VALUES

December 31

Cash and cash equivalents

Bonds

Other assets

Supporting:

Reinsurance liabilities

Surplus

ASSET QUALITY
The following table provides details of the carrying value of the bond portfolio by credit rating:

Bond portfolio by credit rating
December 31 

AAA

AA

A

BBB

BB and lower

Total bonds

Carrying 
value

132

7,806

106

8,044

7,777

267

8,044

Carrying 
value

214

8,391

118

8,723

8,218

505

8,723

2017

Fair 
value

132

7,806

106

8,044

7,777

267

8,044

2017

714

3,204

3,240

439

209

7,806

2016

Fair 
value

214

8,391

118

8,723

8,218

505

8,723

2016

618

3,792

3,300

476

205

8,391

65

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORTNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 7 Investments in Jointly Controlled Corporations and Associates

The carrying values of the investments in jointly controlled corporations and associates are as follows:

December 31

Parjointco

China AMC

Carrying value, beginning of year

Investments

Disposal

Share of earnings (losses)

Share of other comprehensive 

income (loss)

Dividends

Effect of change in ownership 

and other [1] [2]

Carrying value, end of year

2,811

–

–

131

491

(78)

(1)

3,354

–

638

–

9

11

(10)

–

648

Other

292

65

(208)

60

(3)

(6)

(186)

14

2017

Total

Parjointco

China AMC

3,103

703

(208)

200

499

(94)

(187)

4,016

2,610

–

–

(88)

379

(75)

(15)

2,811

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Other

295

36

–

(10)

(11)

(18)

–

292

2016

Total

2,905

36

–

(98)

368

(93)

(15)

3,103

[1]  On May 15, 2017, Power Financial attained control of Wealthsimple (Note 3). The investment in Wealthsimple is no longer accounted for as a jointly controlled corporation 

but is consolidated with the Corporation’s financial statements.

[2]  In 2017, Lifeco classified an investment in an associate within the disposal group of assets held for sale (Note 9).

PARJOINTCO
The  Corporation  holds  a  50%  interest  in  Parjointco,  a  jointly  controlled 
corporation. Parjointco holds a 55% equity interest in Pargesa (same as at 
December 31, 2016), representing 75.4% of the voting rights.

In 2016, due to a significant decline in the share price of LafargeHolcim Ltd, 
Groupe Bruxelles Lambert, a subsidiary of Pargesa, recorded impairment 
charges of €1,682 million on this investment. The Corporation’s share of this 
charge was $360 million and was included in share of earnings (losses) of 
investments in jointly controlled corporations and associates.

At  December  31,  2017,  the  net  asset  value  of  the  Corporation’s  indirect 
interest in Pargesa is approximately $3,875 million. The carrying value of the 
investment in Pargesa is $3,354 million. For the year ended December 31, 
2017,  revenue  of  Pargesa  was  SF5,547  million  (C$7,316  million)  and  net 
earnings attributable to Pargesa’s common shareholders was SF382 million 
(C$504 million). Other financial information for Pargesa can be obtained from 
its publicly available information.

CHINA AMC
On August 31, 2017, Mackenzie Investments, a subsidiary of IGM, completed 
its investment in China AMC, which resulted in a 13.9% interest for a total 
cost of $638 million. The $638 million is comprised of a cash payment made 
in 2017, conversion of a deposit made in 2016 and transaction costs. China 
AMC is an asset management company established in Beijing, China. IGM 
has determined that it has significant influence and therefore accounts for 
its interest as an associate using the equity method. Significant influence 
arises from board representation, participating in the policy making process, 
shared strategic initiatives including joint product launches and collaboration 
between management and investment teams.

Summarized financial information for China AMC as at December 31, 2017 and for the year then ended is as follows:

[in millions]

Balance sheet [1]

Assets

Liabilities

Comprehensive income [2]

Revenue

Net earnings attributable to common shareholders

Total comprehensive income

Canadian dollars

Chinese renminbi

1,827

405

752

263

207

9,464

2,097

3,913

1,367

1,077

[1]  Excludes preliminary fair value adjustments made at the time of acquisition of $3,182 million (RMB¥ 16,505 million).

[2]  Full-year comprehensive income is presented; however, the Corporation’s proportionate share of China AMC’s comprehensive income was effective August 31, 2017.

ALLIANZ IRELAND
In 2017, the investment in Allianz Ireland, an investment previously held through Lifeco’s indirect wholly owned subsidiary Irish Life with a carrying value of 
$192 million, was disposed of by Lifeco resulting in a gain of $16 million, recorded in net investment income.

66

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORTNOTE 8 Owner-Occupied Properties and Capital Assets

The carrying value and the changes in the carrying value of owner-occupied properties and capital assets are as follows:

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Owner-
occupied 
properties

Capital 
assets

2017

Total

Owner-
occupied 
properties

Capital 
assets

2016

Total

December 31

Cost, beginning of year

Additions

Disposal/retirements

Changes in foreign exchange rates and other

Cost, end of year

Accumulated amortization, beginning of year

Amortization

Disposal/retirements

Changes in foreign exchange rates and other

Accumulated amortization, end of year

Carrying value, end of year

787

75

(2)

(5)

855

(84)

(14)

–

1

(97)

758

1,329

2,116

113

(54)

(21)

188

(56)

(26)

1,367

2,222

(904)

(92)

18

27

(951)

416

(988)

(106)

18

28

(1,048)

1,174

776

26

(2)

(13)

787

(72)

(12)

–

–

(84)

703

The following table provides the carrying value of owner-occupied properties and capital assets by geographic location:

December 31

Canada

United States

Europe

NOTE 9 Other Assets

December 31

Premiums in course of collection, accounts receivable and interest receivable

Deferred acquisition costs

Pension benefits [Note 24]

Assets held for sale

Income taxes receivable

Trading account assets [Note 11]

Finance leases receivable

Prepaid expenses

Deposit for investment in China AMC [Note 7]

Other

2017

707

265

202

1,174

2017

5,502

633

193

169

170

723

350

155

–

437

1,240

2,016

137

(49)

1

163

(51)

(12)

1,329

2,116

(838)

(97)

46

(15)

(904)

425

(910)

(109)

46

(15)

(988)

1,128

2016

717

270

141

1,128

2016 [1]

5,056

597

214

–

184

516

273

155

193

570

[1]  Lifeco reclassified certain comparative figures to reflect the current presentation (Note 16).

8,332

7,758

Total other assets of $7,131 million as at December 31, 2017 ($6,390 million as at December 31, 2016) are to be realized within 12 months.

ASSETS HELD FOR SALE
Lifeco has agreed in principle to dispose of an investment previously accounted for using the equity method. The fair value of the assets held for sale at 
December 31, 2017 of $169 million comprise the carrying values of the investment and of a customer contract-related indefinite life intangible asset. Lifeco 
recognized a loss of $122 million ($202 million pre tax) on recognition of the assets held for sale in the statements of earnings. Subsequent to year-end, 
Lifeco executed the final sale agreement.

67

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORTNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 10 Goodwill and Intangible Assets

GOODWILL
The carrying value and changes in the carrying value of goodwill are as follows:

December 31

Balance, beginning of year

Business acquisitions [Note 3]

Changes in foreign exchange rates

Balance, end of year

Cost

Accumulated 
impairment

2017

Carrying 
value

Cost

Accumulated 
impairment

2016

Carrying 
value

10,479

(1,205)

9,274

10,451

(1,241)

9,210

286

(52)

–

72

286

20

95

(67)

–

36

95

(31)

10,713

(1,133)

9,580

10,479

(1,205)

9,274

INTANGIBLE ASSETS
The carrying value and changes in the carrying value of the intangible assets are as follows:

Indefinite life intangible assets

December 31, 2017

Cost, beginning of year

Additions

Transfer to assets held for sale [Note 9]

Changes in foreign exchange rates

Cost, end of year

Accumulated impairment, beginning of year

Impairment reversal [1]

Changes in foreign exchange rates

Accumulated impairment, end of year

Carrying value, end of year

Brands, 
trademarks 
and trade 
names

Customer 
contract-
related

Mutual fund 
management 
contracts

Shareholders’ 
portion of 
acquired 
future  
participating 
account profit

Total

1,264

2,938

741

354

5,297

39

–

(15)

–

(290)

(153)

–

–

–

–

–

–

39

(290)

(168)

1,288

2,495

741

354

4,878

(157)

(1,084)

20

5

–

65

(132)

(1,019)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

1,156

1,476

741

354

[1]  In 2017, Lifeco reversed an impairment charge of $20 million recorded in 2008 related to certain Putnam brands and trademarks.

Customer 
contract-
related

Mutual fund 
management 
contracts

Shareholders’ 
portion of 
acquired 
future 
participating 
account profit

Brands, 
trademarks 
and trade 
names

1,305

(41)

1,264

3,019

(81)

2,938

(162)

(1,116)

5

(157)

1,107

32

(1,084)

1,854

741

–

741

–

–

–

354

–

354

–

–

–

741

354

December 31, 2016

Cost, beginning of year

Changes in foreign exchange rates

Cost, end of year

Accumulated impairment, beginning of year

Changes in foreign exchange rates

Accumulated impairment, end of year

Carrying value, end of year

68

(1,241)

20

70

(1,151)

3,727

Total

5,419

(122)

5,297

(1,278)

37

(1,241)

4,056

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORTNOTE 10 Goodwill and Intangible Assets (continued)

Finite life intangible assets

December 31, 2017

Cost, beginning of year

Additions

Disposal/redemption

Changes in foreign exchange rates

Other, including write-off of assets fully amortized

Cost, end of year

Accumulated amortization, beginning of year

Amortization

Impairment [1]

Disposal/redemption

Changes in foreign exchange rates

Other, including write-off of assets fully amortized

Accumulated amortization, end of year

Carrying value, end of year

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Technology 
and 
software

Customer 
contract-
related

Deferred 
selling 
commissions

1,553

234

(28)

(36)

(111)

1,612

(841)

(148)

(108)

24

28

110

(935)

677

831

165

–

(10)

–

986

(460)

(53)

–

–

8

–

(505)

481

1,374

272

(53)

–

(164)

1,429

(648)

(207)

–

29

–

164

(662)

767

Other

216

3

–

2

–

221

(115)

(10)

–

–

–

–

Total

3,974

674

(81)

(44)

(275)

4,248

(2,064)

(418)

(108)

53

36

274

(125)

(2,227)

96

2,021

[1]  In 2017, IGM discontinued development of a new investment fund accounting system. As a result of this, and other associated technology decisions, IGM recorded an 
impairment charge of $92 million of capitalized software development costs. In addition, Lifeco recognized an impairment loss of $16 million on software assets. 
These charges were included in the restructuring and other expenses (Note 22).

December 31, 2016

Cost, beginning of year

Additions

Disposal/redemption

Changes in foreign exchange rates

Other, including write-off of assets fully amortized

Cost, end of year

Accumulated amortization, beginning of year

Amortization

Disposal/redemption

Changes in foreign exchange rates

Other, including write-off of assets fully amortized

Accumulated amortization, end of year

Carrying value, end of year

Technology 
and 
software

Customer 
contract-
related

Deferred 
selling 
commissions

Other

Total

1,331

247

–

(25)

–

1,553

(727)

(132)

–

18

–

(841)

712

810

42

–

(21)

–

831

(418)

(50)

–

8

–

(460)

371

1,356

235

(68)

–

(149)

1,374

(629)

(205)

37

–

149

(648)

726

231

1

(4)

(12)

–

216

(112)

(11)

3

5

–

3,728

525

(72)

(58)

(149)

3,974

(1,886)

(398)

40

31

149

(115)

101

(2,064)

1,910

69

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORTNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 10 Goodwill and Intangible Assets (continued)

ALLOCATION TO CASH GENERATING UNITS
Goodwill and indefinite life intangible assets have been assigned to CGUs as follows:

December 31

LIFECO

Canada [1]

Group Customer

Individual Customer

Europe

Insurance and Annuities

Reinsurance

United States

Financial Services

Asset Management

IGM

Investors Group

Mackenzie

Corporate

OTHER

2017

Goodwill

Intangible 
assets

Total

Goodwill

Intangible 
assets

1,594

2,772

2,078

1

194

–

1,443

1,251

143

104

9,580

354

619

227

–

–

1,462

–

1,003

23

39

1,948

3,391

2,305

1

194

1,462

1,443

2,254

166

143

1,594

2,590

2,047

1

205

–

1,443

1,251

143

–

354

619

216

–

–

1,841

–

1,003

23

–

3,727

13,307

9,274

4,056

13,330

2016

Total

1,948

3,209

2,263

1

205

1,841

1,443

2,254

166

–

[1]  Effective January 2017, Lifeco realigned its Individual Insurance, Wealth Management and Group Insurance business units in the Canada segment into two business units: 

Group Customer and Individual Customer. The realignment resulted in a change to comparative figures within these CGUs.

RECOVERABLE AMOUNT

Lifeco
For purposes of annual impairment testing, Lifeco allocates goodwill and 
indefinite  life  intangible  assets  to  its  CGUs.  Any  potential  impairment  of 
goodwill or indefinite life intangible assets is identified by comparing the 
recoverable amount to its carrying value. Recoverable amount is based on 
fair value less cost of disposal.

Fair  value  is  initially  assessed  with  reference  to  valuation  multiples  of 
comparable  publicly  traded  financial  institutions  and  previous  business 
acquisition  transactions.  These  valuation  multiples  may  include  price-to-
earnings or price-to-book measures for life insurers and asset managers. This 
assessment may give regard to a variety of relevant considerations, including 
expected growth, risk and capital market conditions, among other factors. 
The valuation multiples used in assessing fair value represent Level 2 inputs.

In the fourth quarter of 2017, Lifeco conducted its annual impairment testing of 
goodwill and indefinite life intangible assets based on the September 30, 2017 
asset balances. It was determined that the recoverable amounts of CGUs were 
in excess of their carrying values and there was no evidence of impairment.

Any reasonable changes in assumptions and estimates used in determining 
the recoverable amounts of the CGUs are unlikely to cause the carrying values 
to exceed their recoverable amounts.

IGM Financial
IGM  tests  whether  goodwill  and  indefinite  life  intangible  assets  are 
impaired by assessing the carrying amounts with the recoverable amounts. 
The recoverable amount of IGM’s CGUs is based on the best available evidence 
of fair value less cost of disposal. Fair value is initially assessed with reference 
to valuation multiples of comparable publicly traded financial institutions 
and previous business acquisition transactions. These valuation multiples 
may include price-to-earnings or other conventionally used measures for 
investment managers or other financial service providers (multiples of value to 
assets under management, revenues, or other measures of profitability). This 
assessment may give regard to a variety of relevant considerations, including 
expected growth, risk and capital market conditions, among other factors. 
The valuation multiples used in assessing fair value represent Level 2 inputs.

The  fair  value  less  cost  of  disposal  of  IGM’s  CGUs  was  compared  with 
the  carrying  amount  and  it  was  determined  there  was  no  impairment. 
Any reasonable changes in assumptions and estimates used in determining 
the recoverable amounts of the CGUs are unlikely to cause the carrying values 
to exceed their recoverable amounts.

70

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORTNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 11 Segregated Funds and Other Structured Entities

Lifeco offers segregated fund products in Canada, the U.S. and Europe that 
are referred to as segregated funds, separate accounts and unit-linked funds 
in  the  respective  markets.  These  funds  are  contracts  issued  by  insurers 
to  segregated  fund  policyholders  where  the  benefit  is  directly  linked  to 
the performance of the investments, the risks or rewards of the fair value 
movements and net investment income is realized by the segregated fund 
policyholders. The segregated fund policyholders are required to select the 
segregated funds that hold a range of underlying investments. While Lifeco 
has legal title to the investments, there is a contractual obligation to pass 
along the investment results to the segregated fund policyholder and Lifeco 
segregates these investments from those of the corporation itself.

In Canada and the U.S., the segregated fund and separate account assets 
are legally separated from the general assets of Lifeco under the terms of 
the  policyholder  agreement  and  cannot  be  used  to  settle  obligations  of 
Lifeco. In Europe, the assets of the funds are functionally and constructively 
segregated from those of Lifeco. As a result of the legal and constructive 
arrangements of these funds, the assets and liabilities of these funds are 
presented as investments on account of segregated fund policyholders and 
with an equal liability titled insurance and investment contracts on account 
of segregated fund policyholders in the balance sheets.

In circumstances where the segregated funds are invested in structured 
entities  and  are  deemed  to  control  the  entity,  Lifeco  has  presented  the 
non-controlling ownership interest within the segregated funds for the risk 
of policyholders as equal and offsetting amounts in the assets and liabilities. 
The  amounts  presented  within  are  $1,602  million  at  December  31,  2017 
($1,547 million at December 31, 2016).

Within the statements of earnings, all segregated fund policyholders’ income, 
including fair value changes and net investment income, is credited to the 
segregated  fund  policyholders  and  reflected  in  the  assets  and  liabilities 
on  account  of  segregated  fund  policyholders  within  the  balance  sheets. 
As these amounts do not directly impact the revenues and expenses of Lifeco, 
these amounts are not included separately in the statements of earnings.

SEGREGATED FUNDS AND GUARANTEE EXPOSURE
Lifeco  offers  retail  segregated  fund  products,  variable  annuity  products 
and unitized with profits products that provide for certain guarantees that 
are tied to the fair values of the investment funds. While these products are 
similar to mutual funds, there is a key difference from mutual funds as the 
segregated funds have certain guarantee features that protect the segregated 
fund policyholder from market declines in the underlying investments. These 
guarantees are Lifeco’s primary exposure on these funds. Lifeco accounts 
for these guarantees within insurance and investment contract liabilities in 
the financial statements. In addition to Lifeco’s exposure on the guarantees, 
the fees earned by Lifeco on these products are impacted by the fair value 
of these funds.

In Canada, Lifeco offers retail segregated fund products through Great-West 
Life,  London  Life  and  Canada  Life.  These  products  provide  guaranteed 
minimum death benefits and guaranteed minimum accumulation on maturity 
benefits.

In the U.S., Lifeco offers variable annuities with guaranteed minimum death 
benefits  through  Great-West  Financial.  For  the  standalone  guaranteed 
minimum death benefits business, most are a return of premium on death with 
the guarantee expiring at age 70. Great-West Financial in the U.S. also offers 
a guaranteed minimum death benefits feature that does not expire with age.

In Europe, Lifeco offers unitized with profits products through Canada Life 
and unit-linked products with investment guarantees through Irish Life. These 
products are similar to segregated fund products, but include pooling of 
policyholders’ funds and minimum credited interest rates.

Lifeco  also  offers  guaranteed  minimum  withdrawal  benefits  products  in 
Canada, the U.S. and Germany, and previously offered guaranteed minimum 
withdrawal  benefits  products  in  Ireland.  Certain  guaranteed  minimum 
withdrawal benefits products offered by Lifeco offer levels of death and 
maturity  guarantees.  At  December  31,  2017,  the  amount  of  guaranteed 
minimum withdrawal benefits products in force in Canada, the U.S., Ireland 
and Germany was $4,225 million ($3,917 million at December 31, 2016).

For  further  details  on  Lifeco’s  risk  and  guarantee  exposure  and  the 
management of these risks, refer to “Risk Management and Control Practices” 
section of Lifeco’s 2017 annual report.

The following presents further details of the investments, determined in accordance with the relevant statutory reporting requirements of each region of 
Lifeco’s operations, on account of segregated fund policyholders:

INVESTMENTS ON ACCOUNT OF SEGREGATED FUND POLICYHOLDERS

December 31

Cash and cash equivalents

Bonds

Mortgage loans

Shares and units in unit trusts

Mutual funds

Investment properties

Accrued income

Other liabilities

Non-controlling mutual fund interest

2017

13,300

42,270

2,610

93,465

54,658

11,520

217,823

373

(2,441)

1,602

217,357

2016

12,487

41,619

2,622

81,033

51,726

11,019

200,506

359

(2,009)

1,547

200,403

71

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORTNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 11 Segregated Funds and Other Structured Entities (continued)

INSURANCE AND INVESTMENT CONTRACTS ON ACCOUNT OF SEGREGATED FUND POLICYHOLDERS

Years ended December 31

Balance, beginning of year

Additions (deductions):

Policyholder deposits

Net investment income

Net realized capital gains on investments

Net unrealized capital gains on investments

Unrealized gains (losses) due to changes in foreign exchange rates

Policyholder withdrawals

Business and other acquisition

Segregated fund investment in General Fund

General Fund investment in segregated fund

Net transfer from General Fund

Non-controlling mutual fund interest

Balance, end of year

INVESTMENT INCOME ON ACCOUNT OF SEGREGATED FUND POLICYHOLDERS

Years ended December 31

Net investment income

Net realized capital gains on investments

Net unrealized capital gains on investments

Unrealized gains (losses) due to changes in foreign exchange rates

Total

Change in insurance and investment contract liabilities on account  

of segregated fund policyholders

Net

2017

200,403

24,885

2,704

5,298

5,361

2,523

(23,834)

–

(42)

(17)

21

55

16,954

217,357

2017

2,704

5,298

5,361

2,523

15,886

15,886

–

2016

198,194

21,358

2,379

4,275

6,311

(10,584)

(21,895)

193

8

(13)

20

157

2,209

200,403

2016

2,379

4,275

6,311

(10,584)

2,381

2,381

–

INVESTMENTS ON ACCOUNT OF SEGREGATED FUND POLICYHOLDERS (by fair value hierarchy level)

December 31, 2017

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

Investments on account of segregated fund policyholders [1]

136,469

70,034

12,572

219,075

[1]  Excludes other liabilities, net of other assets, of $1,718 million.

December 31, 2016

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

Investments on account of segregated fund policyholders [1]

125,829

63,804

12,045

201,678

[1]  Excludes other liabilities, net of other assets, of $1,275 million.

In 2017 certain foreign equity holdings valued at $629 million were transferred 
from Level 1 to Level 2 ($18 million were transferred from Level 2 to Level 1 at 
December 31, 2016), primarily based on Lifeco utilizing inputs in addition to 
quoted prices in active markets for certain foreign share holdings at year-end. 
Level 2 assets include those assets where fair value is not available from 
normal market pricing sources and where Lifeco does not have visibility 
through the underlying assets. Inputs are utilized in addition to quoted prices 
in active markets.

As at December 31, 2017, $8,521 million ($6,726 million at December 31, 2016) 
of the segregated funds were invested in funds managed by Investors Group 
and Mackenzie Investments, subsidiaries of IGM and related parties.

72

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORTNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 11 Segregated Funds and Other Structured Entities (continued)

The following presents additional information about Lifeco’s investments on account of segregated fund policyholders for which Lifeco has utilized Level 
3 inputs to determine fair value:

December 31

Balance, beginning of year

Total gains (losses) included in segregated fund investment income

Purchases

Sales

Transfers into Level 3

Transfers out of Level 3

Balance, end of year

Transfers into Level 3 are due primarily to decreased observability of inputs 
in valuation methodologies. Transfers out of Level 3 are due primarily to 
increased observability of inputs in valuation methodologies as evidenced 
by corroboration of market prices with multiple pricing vendors.

In  addition  to  the  segregated  funds,  Lifeco  has  interests  in  a  number  of 
structured  unconsolidated  entities  including  mutual  funds,  open-ended 
investment  companies,  and  unit  trusts.  These  entities  are  created  as 
investment strategies for its unit holders based on the directive of each 
individual fund.

Some of these funds are managed by related parties of Lifeco and Lifeco 
receives management fees related to these services. Management fees can 
be variable due to the performance of factors, such as markets or industries, 
in  which  the  fund  invests.  Fee  income  derived  in  connection  with  the 
management of investment funds generally increases or decreases in direct 
relationship with changes of assets under management, which is affected 
by prevailing market conditions, and the inflow and outflow of client assets.

2017

12,045

422

926

(943)

137

(15)

2016

11,765

(109)

584

(370)

175

–

12,572

12,045

Factors that could cause assets under management and fees to decrease 
include declines in equity markets, changes in fixed income markets, changes 
in interest rates and defaults, redemptions and other withdrawals, political 
and other economic risks, changing investment trends and relative investment 
performance. The risk is that fees may vary but expenses and recovery of 
initial expenses are relatively fixed, and market conditions may cause a shift 
in asset mix potentially resulting in a change in revenue.

Fee and other income earned by Lifeco resulting from Lifeco’s interests in these 
structured entities was $4,557 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 
($4,323 million in 2016).

Included within other assets (Note 9) at December 31, 2017 is $632 million 
($435 million at December 31, 2016) of investments by Lifeco in bonds and 
shares of Putnam-sponsored funds and $91 million ($81 million at December 31, 
2016) of investments in shares of sponsored unit trusts in Europe.

NOTE 12 Insurance and Investment Contract Liabilities

INSURANCE AND INVESTMENT CONTRACT LIABILITIES

December 31

Insurance contract liabilities

Investment contract liabilities

Gross 
liability

Reinsurance 
assets

2017

Net

Gross 
liability

Reinsurance 
assets

2016

Net

159,524

1,841

161,365

5,045

154,479

155,940

5,627

150,313

–

1,841

2,009

–

2,009

5,045

156,320

157,949

5,627

152,322

COMPOSITION OF INSURANCE AND INVESTMENT CONTRACT LIABILITIES AND RELATED SUPPORTING ASSETS
The composition of insurance and investment contract liabilities of Lifeco is as follows:

December 31

Participating

Canada

United States

Europe

Non-participating

Canada

United States

Europe

Gross 
liability

Reinsurance 
assets

36,430

11,155

1,286

30,031

28,814

53,649

161,365

(356)

15

–

475

272

4,639

5,045

2017

Net

36,786

11,140

1,286

29,556

28,542

49,010

Gross 
liability

Reinsurance 
assets

34,019

11,790

1,385

29,125

29,081

52,549

(443)

14

–

923

309

4,824

5,627

156,320

157,949

2016

Net

34,462

11,776

1,385

28,202

28,772

47,725

152,322

73

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORTNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 12 Insurance and Investment Contract Liabilities (continued)

The composition of the assets supporting liabilities and equity of Lifeco is as follows:

December 31, 2017

Participating liabilities

Canada

United States

Europe

Non-participating liabilities

Canada

United States

Europe

Other, including segregated funds

Total equity

Total carrying value

Fair value

December 31, 2016 [1]

Participating liabilities

Canada

United States

Europe

Non-participating liabilities

Canada

United States

Europe

Other, including segregated funds

Total equity

Total carrying value

Fair value

Bonds

Mortgage 
loans

Shares

Investment 
properties

Other

Total

17,262

5,220

928

19,486

23,400

33,037

15,165

5,706

8,485

447

27

3,777

4,268

3,569

943

669

120,204

22,185

121,715

23,005

5,032

–

110

2,027

–

262

881

552

8,864

8,906

1,641

–

48

134

–

2,810

72

146

4,010

5,488

173

4,607

1,146

13,971

215,876

18,463

36,430

11,155

1,286

30,031

28,814

53,649

232,937

25,536

4,851

263,734

419,838

4,851

263,734

422,211

Bonds

Mortgage 
loans

Shares

Investment 
properties

Other

Total

16,311

5,597

988

18,433

23,820

31,550

13,964

6,110

8,327

451

32

3,699

4,005

3,557

952

628

116,773

21,651

118,287

22,550

4,828

–

123

1,979

–

236

844

655

8,665

8,655

1,354

–

56

13

–

2,679

59

179

3,199

5,742

186

5,001

1,256

14,527

200,957

17,436

34,019

11,790

1,385

29,125

29,081

52,549

216,776

25,008

4,340

248,304

399,733

4,340

248,304

402,136

[1]  Lifeco reclassified certain comparative figures to reflect the current presentation [Note 16].

Cash flows of assets supporting insurance and investment contract liabilities 
are matched within reasonable limits. Changes in the fair values of these 
assets are essentially offset by changes in the fair value of insurance and 
investment contract liabilities.

Changes in the fair values of assets backing capital and surplus, less related 
income taxes, would result in a corresponding change in surplus over time in 
accordance with investment accounting policies.

74

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORTNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 12 Insurance and Investment Contract Liabilities (continued)

CHANGE IN INSURANCE CONTRACT LIABILITIES
The change in insurance contract liabilities during the year was the result of the following business activities and changes in actuarial estimates:

December 31, 2017

Balance, beginning of year

Impact of new business

Normal change in in-force business

Management actions and changes in assumptions

With Profits Fund conversion

Business movement from/to external parties

Impact of foreign exchange rate changes

Balance, end of year

Participating

Non-participating

Gross 
liability

Reinsurance 
assets

Net

Gross 
liability

Reinsurance 
assets

Net

Total net

47,176

(15)

2,442

61

(74)

–

(734)

48,856

(429)

47,605

108,764

6,056

102,708

150,313

–

(2)

92

–

–

(2)

(15)

2,444

(31)

(74)

–

(732)

6,550

(2,737)

(1,222)

74

(344)

(417)

210

(162)

(971)

–

–

253

6,340

(2,575)

(251)

74

(344)

(670)

6,325

(131)

(282)

–

(344)

(1,402)

(341)

49,197

110,668

5,386

105,282

154,479

Participating

Non-participating

December 31, 2016

Balance, beginning of year

Impact of new business

Normal change in in-force business

Management actions and changes in assumptions

Business movement from/to external parties

Impact of foreign exchange rate changes

Balance, end of year

Gross 
liability

Reinsurance 
assets

Net

Gross 
liability

Reinsurance 
assets

45,844

35

2,009

(229)

–

(483)

47,176

(403)

–

(26)

2

–

(2)

(429)

46,247

112,648

5,396

966

(135)

(113)

5,534

(326)

824

335

–

35

2,035

(231)

–

(481)

Net

Total net

107,114

153,361

5,722

142

(470)

(113)

5,757

2,177

(701)

(113)

(9,998)

(311)

(9,687)

(10,168)

47,605

108,764

6,056

102,708

150,313

Under fair value accounting, movement in the fair value of the supporting 
assets is a major factor in the movement of insurance contract liabilities. 
Changes in the fair value of assets are largely offset by corresponding changes 
in the fair value of liabilities. The change in the value of the insurance contract 
liabilities associated with the change in the value of the supporting assets is 
included in the normal change in the in-force business above.

2017
In  2017,  the  major  contributor  to  the  increase  in  net  insurance  contract 
liabilities was the impact of new business of $6,325 million. This was partially 
offset by decreases due to the impact of foreign exchange rate changes of 
$1,402 million, primarily due to the lower U.S. dollar, business movement from/
to external parties of $344 million and management action and changes in 
assumptions of $282 million.

Net non-participating insurance contract liabilities decreased by $251 million 
in  2017  due  to  Lifeco’s  management  actions  and  assumption  changes 
comprised of a $61 million decrease in Canada, a $200 million decrease in 
Europe and a $10 million increase in the United States.

The  decrease  in  Canada  was  primarily  due  to  updated  life  mortality 
assumptions of $148 million, updated morbidity assumptions of $49 million, 
updated economic assumptions of $41 million and modelling refinements of 
$5 million, partially offset by increases due to updated policyholder behaviour 
assumptions of $113 million, updated longevity assumptions of $59 million, 
updated provision for experience-rated funds of $8 million and updated 
provision for claims of $6 million.

The decrease in Europe was primarily due to updated longevity assumptions 
of $296 million and updated economic assumptions of $180 million, partially 
offset by increases due to updated life mortality assumptions of $128 million, 
updated expense and tax assumptions of $41 million, updated policyholder 
behaviour assumptions of $61 million, modelling refinements of $32 million, 
updated  provisions  for  claims  of  $7  million  and  updated  provisions  of 
$5 million.

The increase in the United States was primarily due to updated expense and 
tax assumptions of $62  million, partially offset by updated life mortality 
assumptions of $44 million and modeling refinements of $5 million.

Net participating insurance contract liabilities decreased by $31 million in 2017 
due to Lifeco’s management actions and assumption changes. The decrease 
was primarily due to updated provisions for future policyholder dividends of 
$4,409 million and expense and tax assumptions of $500 million, partially 
offset by increases due to lower investment returns of $4,257 million, updated 
mortality assumptions of $289 million, modelling refinements of $243 million 
and updated policyholder behaviour assumptions of $89 million.

2016
In 2016, the major contributors to the decrease in net insurance contract 
liabilities were the impact of foreign exchange rate changes of $10,168 million, 
primarily due to the lower British pound, and Lifeco’s management actions 
and  changes  in  assumptions  of  $701  million.  This  was  partially  offset  by 
increases due to the impact of new business of $5,757 million and the normal 
changes in the in-force business of $2,177 million, which was primarily due to 
the change in fair value.

Net non-participating insurance contract liabilities decreased by $470 million 
in  2016  due  to  Lifeco’s  management  actions  and  assumption  changes  
including a $56 million decrease in Canada, a $348 million decrease in Europe 
and a $66 million decrease in the United States.

The decrease in Canada was primarily due to updated morbidity assumptions 
of $86 million, updated provision for claims of $61 million, largely as a result 
of a decreased lag in reporting of Group health claims, updated longevity 
assumptions of $20 million and modelling refinements of $8 million, partially 
offset by increases due to updated expense and tax assumptions of $91 million, 
updated economic assumptions of $20 million and updated life mortality 
assumptions of $8 million.

75

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORTNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 12 Insurance and Investment Contract Liabilities (continued)

The decrease in Europe was primarily due to updated longevity assumptions 
of $207 million, updated economic assumptions of $165 million, modelling 
refinements of $30 million, updated morbidity assumptions of $17 million and 
updated policyholder behaviour assumptions of $9 million, partially offset 
by increases due to updated life mortality assumptions of $43 million and 
updated expense and tax assumptions of $40 million.

The discount rate for valuing the reinsurance asset was updated in Ireland. 
This change in accounting estimate increased gross liabilities and reinsurance 
assets by $360 million and had no impact on net liabilities or net earnings.

The decrease in the United States was primarily due to updated economic 
assumptions of $27 million, updated longevity assumptions of $19 million, 
updated life mortality assumptions of $17 million and modelling refinements 
of $3 million.

Net participating insurance contract liabilities decreased by $231  million 
in  2016  due  to  Lifeco’s  management  actions  and  assumption  changes. 
The decrease was primarily due to updated expense and tax assumptions of 
$153 million, higher investment returns of $102 million, provisions for future 
policyholder  dividends  of  $19  million,  updated  mortality  assumptions  of 
$13 million and updated morbidity assumptions of $2 million, partially offset by 
increases due to updated policyholder behaviour assumptions of $29 million 
and modelling refinements of $29 million.

CHANGE IN INVESTMENT CONTRACT LIABILITIES MEASURED AT FAIR VALUE

December 31

Balance, beginning of year

Normal change in in-force business

Investment experience

Management actions and changes in assumptions

Impact of foreign exchange rate changes

Balance, end of year

2017

2,009

(171)

93

(22)

(68)

1,841

The carrying value of investment contract liabilities approximates their fair value. No investment contract liabilities have been reinsured.

GROSS PREMIUM INCOME

December 31

Direct premiums

Assumed reinsurance premiums

Total

GROSS POLICYHOLDER BENEFITS

December 31

Direct

Assumed reinsurance

Total

2017

25,177

13,107

38,284

2017

16,947

13,854

30,801

2016

2,253

(220)

93

(46)

(71)

2,009

2016

23,772

11,278

35,050

2016

16,721

11,594

28,315

ACTUARIAL ASSUMPTIONS
In the computation of insurance contract liabilities, valuation assumptions 
have been made regarding rates of mortality/morbidity, investment returns, 
levels of operating expenses, rates of policy termination and rates of utilization 
of elective policy options or provisions. The valuation assumptions use best 
estimates of future experience together with a margin for adverse deviation. 
These margins are necessary to provide for possibilities of misestimation and/or 
future deterioration in the best estimate assumptions and provide reasonable 
assurance that insurance contract liabilities cover a range of possible outcomes. 
Margins are reviewed periodically for continued appropriateness.

The methods for arriving at these valuation assumptions are outlined below:

Mortality
A life insurance mortality study is carried out annually for each major block 
of insurance business. The results of each study are used to update Lifeco’s 
experience  valuation  mortality  tables  for  that  business.  When  there  is 
insufficient data, use is made of the latest industry experience to derive 
an  appropriate  valuation  mortality  assumption.  Improvement  scales  for 
life insurance and annuitant mortality are updated periodically based on 
population and industry studies, product specific considerations, as well as 
professional guidance. In addition, appropriate provisions have been made 
for future mortality deterioration on term insurance.

Annuitant mortality is also studied regularly and the results are used to modify 
established industry experience annuitant mortality tables.

Morbidity
Lifeco uses industry-developed experience tables modified to reflect emerging 
Lifeco  experience.  Both  claim  incidence  and  termination  are  monitored 
regularly and emerging experience is factored into the current valuation.

Property and casualty reinsurance
Insurance contract liabilities for property and casualty reinsurance written 
by London Reinsurance Group Inc. (LRG), a subsidiary of London Life, are 
determined using accepted actuarial practices for property and casualty 
insurers in Canada. The insurance contract liabilities have been established 
using cash flow valuation techniques, including discounting. The insurance 
contract liabilities are based on cession statements provided by ceding 
companies. In addition, insurance contract liabilities also include an amount for 
incurred but not reported losses which may differ significantly from the ultimate 
loss development. The estimates and underlying methodology are continually 
reviewed and updated, and adjustments to estimates are reflected in net 
earnings. LRG analyzes the emergence of claims experience against expected 
assumptions for each reinsurance contract separately and at the portfolio level. 
If necessary, a more in-depth analysis is undertaken of the cedant experience.

76

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORTNOTE 12 Insurance and Investment Contract Liabilities (continued)

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Policyholder dividends and adjustable policy features
Future  policyholder  dividends  and  other  adjustable  policy  features  are 
included  in  the  determination  of  insurance  contract  liabilities  with  the 
assumption that policyholder dividends or adjustable benefits will change 
in the future in response to the relevant experience. The dividend and policy 
adjustments  are  determined  consistent  with  policyholders’  reasonable 
expectations,  such  expectations  being  influenced  by  the  participating 
policyholder  dividend  policies  and/or  policyholder  communications, 
marketing  material  and  past  practice.  It  is  Lifeco’s  expectation  that 
changes will occur in policyholder dividend scales or adjustable benefits for 
participating or adjustable business respectively, corresponding to changes 
in the best estimate assumptions, resulting in an immaterial net change in 
insurance contract liabilities. Where underlying guarantees may limit the 
ability to pass all of this experience back to the policyholder, the impact of 
this non-adjustability on shareholders’ earnings is reflected in the changes 
in best estimate assumptions above.

RISK MANAGEMENT

Insurance risk
Insurance risk is the risk that the insured event occurs and that there are 
large  deviations  between  expected  and  actual  actuarial  assumptions, 
including mortality, persistency, longevity, morbidity, expense variations 
and investment returns.

Lifeco is in the business of accepting risk associated with insurance contract 
liabilities. Lifeco’s objective is to mitigate its exposure to risk arising from these 
contracts through product design, product and geographical diversification, 
the implementation of its underwriting strategy guidelines, and through the 
use of reinsurance arrangements.

Investment returns
The  assets  which  correspond  to  the  different  liability  categories  are 
segmented. For each segment, projected cash flows from the current assets 
and liabilities are used in the CALM to determine insurance contract liabilities. 
Cash flows from assets are reduced to provide for asset default losses. Testing 
under several interest rate and equity scenarios (including increasing and 
decreasing rates) is done to provide for reinvestment risk (refer to Note 21).

Expenses
Contractual policy expenses (e.g., sales commissions) and tax expenses are 
reflected on a best estimate basis. Expense studies for indirect operating 
expenses are updated regularly to determine an appropriate estimate of 
future operating expenses for the liability type being valued. Improvements 
in  unit  operating  expenses  are  not  projected.  An  inflation  assumption  is 
incorporated in the estimate of future operating expenses consistent with 
the interest rate scenarios projected under the CALM as inflation is assumed 
to be correlated with new money interest rates.

Policy termination
Studies to determine rates of policy termination are updated regularly to 
form the basis of this estimate. Industry data is also available and is useful 
where Lifeco has no experience with specific types of policies or its exposure 
is limited. Lifeco has significant exposures in respect of the T-100 and Level 
Cost of Insurance Universal Life products in Canada and policy renewal rates 
at the end of term for renewable term policies in Canada and Reinsurance. 
Industry experience has guided Lifeco’s assumptions for these products as 
Lifeco’s own experience is very limited.

Utilization of elective policy options
There are a wide range of elective options embedded in the policies issued by 
Lifeco. Examples include term renewals, conversion to whole life insurance 
(term insurance), settlement annuity purchase at guaranteed rates (deposit 
annuities)  and  guarantee  resets  (segregated  fund  maturity  guarantees). 
The assumed rates of utilization are based on Lifeco or industry experience 
when it exists and, when not, on judgment considering incentives to utilize the 
option. Generally, whenever it is clearly in the best interests of an informed 
policyholder to utilize an option, then it is assumed to be elected.

The following table provides information about Lifeco’s insurance contract liabilities’ sensitivities to its management’s best estimate of the approximate impact 
as a result of changes in assumptions used to determine Lifeco’s liability associated with these contracts.

Increase (decrease) in net earnings

Mortality – 2% increase

Annuitant mortality – 2% decrease

Morbidity – 5% adverse change

Investment returns

Parallel shift in yield curve

1% increase

1% decrease

Change in range of interest rates

1% increase

1% decrease

Change in equity markets

10% increase

10% decrease

Change in best estimate returns for equities

1% increase

1% decrease

Expenses – 5% increase

Policy termination and renewal – 10% adverse change

2017

(296)

(446)

(256)

–

–

150

(523)

48

(85)

439

(470)

(127)

(672)

2016

(281)

(384)

(242)

–

–

149

(491)

43

(50)

407

(438)

(117)

(608)

77

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORTNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 12 Insurance and Investment Contract Liabilities (continued)

Concentration risk may arise from geographic regions, accumulation of risks and market risk. The concentration of insurance risk before and after reinsurance 
by geographic region is described below.

December 31

Canada

United States

Europe

Gross 
liability

Reinsurance 
assets

66,461

39,969

54,935

161,365

119

287

4,639

5,045

2017

Net

66,342

39,682

50,296

Gross 
liability

Reinsurance 
assets

63,144

40,871

53,934

480

323

4,824

5,627

2016

Net

62,664

40,548

49,110

152,322

156,320

157,949

Reinsurance risk
Maximum limits per insured life benefit amount (which vary by line of business) 
are established for life and health insurance and reinsurance is purchased for 
amounts in excess of those limits.

Reinsurance contracts do not relieve Lifeco from its obligations to policyholders. 
Failure of reinsurers to honour their obligations could result in losses to Lifeco. 
Lifeco evaluates the financial condition of its reinsurers to minimize its exposure 
to significant losses from reinsurer insolvencies.

Reinsurance costs and recoveries as defined by the reinsurance agreement are 
reflected in the valuation with these costs and recoveries being appropriately 
calibrated to the direct assumptions.

Certain of the reinsurance contracts are on a funds-withheld basis where 
Lifeco retains the assets supporting the reinsured insurance contract liabilities, 
thus minimizing the exposure to significant losses from reinsurer insolvency 
on those contracts.

NOTE 13 Obligations to Securitization Entities

IGM securitizes residential mortgages through the Canada Mortgage and 
Housing Corporation (CMHC)-sponsored National Housing Act Mortgage-
Backed Securities (NHA MBS) Program and Canada Mortgage Bond (CMB) 
Program and through Canadian bank-sponsored asset-backed commercial 
paper (ABCP) programs. These transactions do not meet the requirements for 
derecognition as IGM retains prepayment risk and certain elements of credit 
risk. Accordingly, IGM has retained these mortgages on its balance sheets and 
has recorded offsetting liabilities for the net proceeds received as obligations 
to securitization entities which are carried at amortized cost.

IGM earns interest on the mortgages and pays interest on the obligations to 
securitization entities. As part of the CMB transactions, IGM enters into a swap 
transaction whereby IGM pays coupons on CMBs and receives investment 
returns on the NHA MBS and the reinvestment of repaid mortgage principal. 

A component of this swap, related to the obligation to pay CMB coupons and 
receive investment returns on repaid mortgage principal, is recorded as a 
derivative and had a positive fair value of $4 million at December 31, 2017 
(a negative fair value of $23 million in 2016).

Under the NHA MBS and CMB Programs, IGM has an obligation to make 
timely  payments  to  security  holders  regardless  of  whether  amounts  are 
received from mortgagors. All mortgages securitized under the NHA MBS and 
CMB Programs are insured by CMHC or another approved insurer under the 
program. As part of the ABCP transactions, IGM has provided cash reserves 
for credit enhancement which are carried at cost. Credit risk is limited to these 
cash reserves and future net interest income as the ABCP Trusts have no 
recourse to IGM’s other assets for failure to make payments when due. Credit 
risk is further limited to the extent these mortgages are insured.

December 31

Carrying value

NHA MBS and CMB Programs

Bank-sponsored ABCP

Total

Fair value

2017

Securitized 
mortgages

Obligations to 
securi tization 
entities

Net

Securitized 
mortgages

Obligations to 
securitization 
entities

4,462

3,076

7,538

7,650

4,471

3,125

7,596

7,658

(9)

(49)

(58)

(8)

4,942

2,673

7,615

7,838

4,987

2,734

7,721

7,873

2016

Net

(45)

(61)

(106)

(35)

The carrying value of obligations to securitization entities, which is recorded net of issue costs, includes principal payments received on securitized mortgages 
that are not due to be settled until after the reporting period. Issue costs are amortized over the life of the obligation using an effective interest method.

78

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORTNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 14 Debentures and Other Debt Instruments

December 31

DEBENTURES

POWER FINANCIAL

6.90% debentures, due March 11, 2033, unsecured

LIFECO

6.14% debentures due March 21, 2018, unsecured

4.65% debentures due August 13, 2020, unsecured

2.50% debentures due April 18, 2023 (€500 million), unsecured

1.75% debentures due December 7, 2026 (€500 million), unsecured

6.40% subordinated debentures due December 11, 2028, unsecured

6.74% debentures due November 24, 2031, unsecured

6.67% debentures due March 21, 2033, unsecured

6.625% deferrable debentures due November 15, 2034 (US$175 million), unsecured

5.998% debentures due November 16, 2039, unsecured

Subordinated debentures due May 16, 2046, bearing an interest rate of 2.538% plus the 
3-month LIBOR rate (US$300 million), with an interest rate swap to pay fixed interest 
of 4.68%, unsecured

Subordinated debentures due June 26, 2068, bearing an interest rate of 7.127% until first call 
par date of June 26, 2018 and, thereafter, at a rate equal to the Canadian 90-day bankers’ 
acceptance rate plus 3.78%, unsecured

5.25% subordinated debentures callable February 8, 2017 (€200 million), including associated 

fixed to floating swap, unsecured (redeemed during 2017)

Subordinated debentures due June 21, 2067, bearing an interest rate of 5.691% until first call 
par date of June 21, 2017 and, thereafter, at a rate equal to the Canadian 90-day bankers’ 
acceptance rate plus 1.49%, unsecured (redeemed during 2017)

IGM FINANCIAL

6.58% debentures 2003 Series, due March 7, 2018, unsecured

7.35% debentures 2009 Series, due April 8, 2019, unsecured

3.44% debentures 2017 Series, due January 26, 2027, unsecured

6.65% debentures 1997 Series, due December 13, 2027, unsecured

7.45% debentures 2001 Series, due May 9, 2031, unsecured

7.00% debentures 2002 Series, due December 31, 2032, unsecured

7.11% debentures 2003 Series, due March 7, 2033, unsecured

6.00% debentures 2010 Series, due December 10, 2040, unsecured

4.56% debentures 2017 Series, due January 25, 2047, unsecured

4.115% debentures 2017 Series, due December 9, 2047, unsecured

Debentures of IGM held by Lifeco as investments

Total debentures

OTHER DEBT INSTRUMENTS

LIFECO

Commercial paper and other short-term debt instruments with interest rates from 1.455%  

to 1.726% (0.670% to 0.792% at December 31, 2016), unsecured

Revolving credit facility with interest equal to LIBOR rate plus 0.70% (US$240 million) 

(US$220 million at December 31, 2016), unsecured

Senior notes due June 3, 2047, bearing an interest rate of 4.15% (US$700 million), unsecured

Total other debt instruments

Carrying 
value

2017

Fair  

value

Carrying 
value

2016

Fair  

value

250

200

499

752

749

100

193

393

218

342

339

202

529

830

786

128

270

542

269

460

250

200

499

706

704

100

193

392

231

342

328

211

549

778

718

128

261

523

240

441

378

376

402

345

500

510

–

–

150

375

400

125

150

175

150

200

200

250

–

–

151

398

402

157

205

235

204

255

214

249

499

285

999

150

375

–

125

150

175

150

200

–

–

536

277

994

159

421

–

156

203

229

199

244

–

–

(74)

6,675

(89)

7,622

(42)

7,085

(55)

7,885

126

302

865

1,293

7,968

126

302

720

1,148

8,770

133

295

–

428

133

295

–

428

7,513

8,313

79

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORTNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 14 Debentures and Other Debt Instruments (continued)

LIFECO
On February 8, 2017, Irish Life Assurance, a subsidiary of Lifeco, redeemed 
its 5.25%, $284 million (€200 million) subordinated debenture notes at their 
principal amount, together with accrued interest.

On May 26, 2017, Great-West Lifeco Finance (Delaware) LP issued $925 million 
(US$700 million) principal amount 4.15% senior unsecured notes that are fully 
and unconditionally guaranteed by Lifeco, maturing on June 3, 2047.

On  June  21,  2017,  Great-West  Lifeco  Finance  (Delaware)  LP  redeemed 
all $1 billion principal amount of its 5.691% subordinated debentures due 
June 21, 2067 at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of 
the debentures, plus accrued interest up to but excluding the redemption date. 
The debentures were hedged using a cross-currency swap designated as a 
cash flow hedge. Upon redemption of the debentures, the realized gain on the 
debentures and the realized loss on the hedging instrument were recorded in 

the statements of earnings with no impact on net earnings. The deferred taxes 
related to this cash flow hedge resulted in a reduction to other comprehensive 
income of $97 million.

Subsequent event
On February 28, 2018, Lifeco issued $500 million of 10-year 3.337% debentures.

IGM FINANCIAL
On January 26, 2017, IGM issued $400 million of 10-year 3.44% debentures 
and  $200  million  of  30-year  4.56%  debentures.  The  net  proceeds  were 
used by IGM to assist its subsidiary, Mackenzie Investments, in financing a 
substantial portion of the acquisition of an equity interest in China AMC and 
for general corporate purposes.

On December 7, 2017, IGM issued $250 million of 30-year 4.115% debentures.

The principal repayments on debentures and other debt instruments in each of the next five years and thereafter are as follows:

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

Thereafter

NOTE 15 Other Liabilities

December 31

Accounts payable

Bank overdraft

Dividends and interest payable

Income taxes payable

Deferred income reserve

Capital trust debentures

Deposits and certificates

Funds held under reinsurance contracts

Pension and other post-employment benefits [Note 24]

Other

778

375

500

–

–

6,361

2016 [1]

2,412

447

435

498

309

161

471

320

1,802

1,726

8,581

2017

3,064

435

468

472

303

160

555

373

1,762

1,788

9,380

[1]  Lifeco reclassified certain comparative figures to reflect the current presentation (Note 16).

Total Other liabilities of $6,701 million as at December 31, 2017 ($6,001 million as at December 31, 2016) are expected to be settled within 12 months.

80

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORTNOTE 15 Other Liabilities (continued)

CAPITAL TRUST DEBENTURES

December 31

CANADA LIFE CAPITAL TRUST (CLCT)

7.529% capital trust debentures due June 30, 2052, unsecured

Acquisition-related fair value adjustment

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Carrying 
Value

150

10

160

2017

Fair 
Value

221

–

221

Carrying 
Value

150

11

161

2016

Fair 
Value

212

–

212

CLCT, a trust established by Canada Life, had issued $150 million of Canada 
Life Capital Securities – Series B (CLiCS – Series B), the proceeds of which 
were used by CLCT to purchase Canada Life senior debentures in the amount 
of $150 million.

Distributions and interest on the capital trust debentures are classified as 
financing charges in the statements of earnings (see Note 23). The fair value 
for capital trust securities is determined by the bid-ask price.

Subject to regulatory approval, CLCT may redeem the CLiCS – Series B, in 
whole or in part, at any time.

NOTE 16 Income Taxes

EFFECTIVE INCOME TAX RATE
The Corporation’s effective income tax rate is derived as follows:

Years ended December 31
Percentage [%]

Combined statutory Canadian federal and provincial tax rates

Increase (decrease) in the income tax rate resulting from:

Non-taxable investment income

Lower effective tax rates on income not subject to tax in Canada

Share of (earnings) losses of investments in jointly controlled corporations and associates

U.S. tax reform impact of rate changes on deferred taxes

Other

Effective income tax rate

2017

26.8

(6.5)

(6.1)

(1.0)

4.0

–

17.2

2016

26.8

(5.0)

(5.5)

0.7

–

(2.4)

14.6

On December 22, 2017, H. R. 1, the Tax Reconciliation Act, was substantively 
enacted in the United States. The legislation, which was generally effective for 
tax years beginning on January 1, 2018, results in significant U.S. tax reform 
and revises the Internal Revenue Code by, among other things, lowering the 
corporate federal income tax rate from 35% to 21% and modifying how the 
U.S. taxes multinational entities.

The net impact for Lifeco of the revaluation of deferred tax balances due to 
the lowering of the corporate federal income tax rate from 35% to 21% was 
$135 million and the write-down of losses carried forward was $19 million for 
a total income tax expense of $154 million.

In addition, Lifeco recorded expenses of $119 million associated with U.S. tax 
reform, primarily related to the impact on actuarial liabilities. The income 
tax recovery associated with these expenses was $38 million. The impact of 
these U.S. tax reform items was a net decrease of $235 million to net earnings.

The revaluation of deferred tax balances, which are based on the Corporation’s 
and its subsidiaries’ best estimates and are included in the U.S. tax reform 
impact of rate changes on deferred taxes line item, increases the 2017 effective 
income tax rate by 4%. These estimates may require further adjustments as 
additional guidance from the U.S. Department of the Treasury is provided, 
the Corporation’s and its subsidiaries’ assumptions change, and as further 
information and interpretations become available. Changes in these estimates 
may impact the 2018 financial statements.

81

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORTNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 16 Income Taxes (continued)

INCOME TAXES
The components of income tax expense recognized in the statements of earnings are:

Years ended December 31

Current taxes

In respect of the current year

Recognition of previously unrecognized tax losses, tax credits or temporary differences

Adjustments in respect of prior years

Deferred taxes

Origination and reversal of temporary differences

Effect of change in tax rates or imposition of new taxes

Other

The following table shows current and deferred taxes relating to items not recognized in the statements of earnings:

Other 
comprehensive 
income

(13)

152

139

December 31

Current taxes (recovery)

Deferred taxes (recovery)

DEFERRED TAXES
Deferred taxes are attributable to the following items:

December 31

Loss carry forwards

Investments

Insurance and investment contract liabilities

Intangible assets

Other

Presented on the balance sheets as follows:

Deferred tax assets

Deferred tax liabilities

2017

2016

Other 
comprehensive 
income

(9)

(5)

(14)

412

–

(4)

408

17

130

29

176

584

2017

Equity

–

(10)

(10)

2017

1,147

(602)

(976)

(682)

434

(679)

991

(1,670)

(679)

521

(32)

(37)

452

146

(16)

(1)

129

581

2016

Equity

–

(1)

(1)

2016 [1]

1,779

(654)

(1,429)

(722)

707

(319)

1,655

(1,974)

(319)

[1]  Effective January 1, 2017, Lifeco classified the provision for tax uncertainties as current or deferred based on how a disallowance of the underlying uncertain tax 

treatment would impact the tax provision accrual as of the balance sheet date. Previously, tax uncertainties were booked as current. In addition, for its U.S. deferred 
tax balances, Lifeco continues to net deferred tax balances when Lifeco has the legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets and liabilities and the deferred 
tax balances relate to entities within the same consolidated tax group. Lifeco no longer considers the expected order of usage. Accordingly, Lifeco reclassified certain 
comparative figures to reflect the current presentation. The reclassification resulted in decreases to deferred tax assets of $252 million, deferred tax liabilities of 
$124 million, current income tax liabilities of $55 million and an increase in current income tax assets of $73 million at December 31, 2016. These reclassifications had 
no impact on the total equity or net earnings.

82

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORTNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As at December 31, 2017, the Corporation and its subsidiaries have non-capital 
losses of $372 million ($147 million in 2016) available to reduce future taxable 
income for which the benefits have not been recognized. These losses expire 
from 2018 to 2037. In addition, the Corporation and its subsidiaries have 
capital loss carry forwards of $155 million ($177 million in 2016) that can be 
used indefinitely to offset future capital gains for which the benefits have 
not been recognized. 

As at December 31, 2017, no deferred tax liability ($12 million in 2016) is 
recognized in respect to temporary differences associated with investments 
in subsidiaries and jointly controlled corporations as the Corporation and its 
subsidiaries are able to control the timing of the reversal of the temporary 
differences and it is probable that the temporary differences will not reverse 
in the foreseeable future.

NOTE 16 Income Taxes (continued)

Management of the Corporation and of its subsidiaries assess the recoverability 
of the deferred tax asset carrying values based on future years’ taxable income 
projections and believes the carrying values of the deferred tax assets as of 
December 31, 2017 are recoverable.

At  December  31,  2017,  Lifeco  has  recognized  a  deferred  tax  asset  of 
$1,132 million ($1,775 million at December 31, 2016) on tax loss carry forwards 
totalling $7,670 million ($7,285 million in 2016). Of this amount, $7,572 million 
expires between 2018 and 2037, while $98 million has no expiry date. Lifeco 
will realize this benefit in future years through a reduction in current income 
taxes payable.

One of Lifeco’s subsidiaries has had a history of recent losses. The subsidiary 
has a net deferred tax asset balance of $691 million (US$549 million) as at 
December 31, 2017 composed principally of net operating losses and future 
deductions  related  to  goodwill  which  has  been  previously  impaired  for 
accounting purposes. Management of Lifeco has concluded that it is probable 
that the subsidiary and other historically profitable subsidiaries with which 
it files or intends to file a consolidated United States income tax return will 
generate sufficient taxable income against which the unused United States 
losses and deductions will be utilized.

NOTE 17 Stated Capital

AUTHORIZED
The authorized capital of Power Financial consists of an unlimited number of First Preferred Shares, issuable in series; an unlimited number of Second Preferred 
Shares, issuable in series; and an unlimited number of common shares.

ISSUED AND OUTSTANDING

December 31

FIRST PREFERRED SHARES (PERPETUAL)

Series A [i]

Series D [ii]

Series E [ii]

Series F [ii]

Series H [ii]

Series I [ii]

Series K [ii]

Series L [ii]

Series O [ii]

Series P [ii]

Series Q [ii]

Series R [ii]

Series S [ii]

Series T [ii]

Series V [ii] [iii]

COMMON SHARES

Balance, beginning of year

Issued under Stock Option Plan

Balance, end of year

Number 
of shares

4,000,000

6,000,000

8,000,000

6,000,000

6,000,000

8,000,000

10,000,000

8,000,000

6,000,000

8,965,485

2,234,515

10,000,000

12,000,000

8,000,000

10,000,000

2017

Stated 
capital

$

100

150

200

150

150

200

250

200

150

224

56

250

300

200

250

2,830

Number 
of shares

4,000,000

6,000,000

8,000,000

6,000,000

6,000,000

8,000,000

10,000,000

8,000,000

6,000,000

8,965,485

2,234,515

10,000,000

12,000,000

8,000,000

–

713,269,660

601,819

713,871,479

805

21

826

713,238,680

30,980

713,269,660

2016

Stated 
capital

$

100

150

200

150

150

200

250

200

150

224

56

250

300

200

–

2,580

804

1

805

83

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORTNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 17 Stated Capital (continued)

First Preferred Shares
[i]  The Series A First Preferred Shares are entitled to a quarterly cumulative dividend, at a floating rate equal to one quarter of 70% of the average prime 
rates quoted by two major Canadian chartered banks and are redeemable at the Corporation’s option, at $25.00 per share, together with all declared 
and unpaid dividends to, but excluding, the date of redemption.

[ii]  The following First Preferred Shares series are entitled to non-cumulative preferential cash dividends payable quarterly. The Corporation may redeem 
for cash the First Preferred Shares in whole or in part, at the Corporation’s option, with all declared and unpaid dividends to, but excluding, the date of 
redemption. The dividends and redemption terms are as follows:

Cash dividends
payable quarterly

[$/share]

Earliest issuer
redemption date

Redemption
price

[$/share]

First Preferred Shares

Non-cumulative, fixed rate

Series D, 

Series E, 

Series F, 

Series H, 

Series I, 

Series K, 

Series L, 

Series O, 

Series R, 

Series S, 

Series V, 

5.50%

5.25%

5.90%

5.75%

6.00%

4.95%

5.10%

5.80%

5.50%

4.80%

5.15%

Non-cumulative, 5-year rate reset [1]

Series P, 

Series T, 

2.31%

4.20%

Non-cumulative, variable rate

0.343750

0.328125

0.368750

0.359375

0.375000

0.309375

0.318750

0.362500

0.343750

0.300000

0.321875

0.144125

0.262500

Currently redeemable

Currently redeemable

Currently redeemable

Currently redeemable

Currently redeemable

Currently redeemable

Currently redeemable

Currently redeemable

Currently redeemable

April 30, 2018

July 31, 2022

January 31, 2021

January 31, 2019

25.00

25.00

25.00

25.00

25.00

25.00

25.00

25.25

26.00

26.00

26.00

25.00

25.00

25.00

Series Q, 

3-month Government of Canada Treasury Bill + 1.60% [2]

Variable

January 31, 2021

[1]  The dividend rate will reset on the earliest issuer redemption date and every fifth year thereafter at a rate equal to the 5-year Government of Canada bond yield 

plus a reset spread (1.60% for Series P and 2.37% for Series T). The holders have the option to convert their shares into non-cumulative floating rate First Preferred 
Shares subject to certain conditions on the earliest redemption date and every fifth year thereafter at a rate equal to the 3-month Government of Canada Treasury 
Bill rate plus the reset spread indicated.

[2]  The holders have the option to convert their shares into Series P First Preferred Shares, subject to certain conditions, on January 31, 2021, and on every five years 

thereafter.

[iii]  On May 26, 2017, the Corporation issued 10,000,000 5.15% Non-Cumulative First Preferred Shares, Series V for proceeds of $250 million. The Series V 
First Preferred Shares are entitled to fixed non-cumulative preferential cash dividends at a rate equal to $1.2875 per share per annum. The Corporation 
may redeem for cash the Series V First Preferred Shares in whole or in part, at the Corporation’s option, at $26.00 per share if redeemed prior to July 31, 
2023, $25.75 per share if redeemed thereafter and prior to July 31, 2024, $25.50 per share if redeemed thereafter and prior to July 31, 2025, $25.25 per 
share if redeemed thereafter and prior to July 31, 2026 and $25.00 per share if redeemed thereafter, in each case together with all declared and unpaid 
dividends to, but excluding, the date of redemption. Share issue costs of $6 million in connection with the Series V First Preferred Shares were charged 
to retained earnings.

Common Shares
In 2017, 601,819 common shares (30,980 in 2016) were issued under the Corporation’s Employee Stock Option Plan for a consideration of $18 million ($1 million 
in 2016).

Dividends declared on the Corporation’s common shares in 2017 amounted to $1.65 per share ($1.57 per share in 2016).

84

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORTNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 18 Share-Based Compensation

STOCK OPTION PLAN
Under Power Financial’s Employee Stock Option Plan, 27,723,801 common shares are reserved for issuance. The plan requires that the exercise price of the 
option must not be less than the market value of a share on the date of the grant of the option. Generally, options granted vest on a delayed basis over periods 
beginning no earlier than one year from the date of grant and no later than five years from the date of grant. Outstanding options, which are not fully vested, 
have the following vesting conditions:

Year of grant

2013

2014

2014

2015

2015

2016

2016

2017

Options

140,543

225,552

543,464

441,336

921,267

462,019

1,077,593

1,482,744

Vesting conditions

Vest equally over a period of five years

Vest equally over a period of five years

Vest 50% after three years and 50% after four years

Vest equally over a period of five years

Vest 50% after three years and 50% after four years

Vest equally over a period of five years

Vest 50% after three years and 50% after four years

Vest 50% after three years and 50% after four years

A summary of the status of Power Financial’s Employee Stock Option Plan as at December 31, 2017 and 2016, and changes during the years ended on those 
dates is as follows:

Outstanding at beginning of year

Granted

Exercised

Forfeited

Outstanding at end of year

Options exercisable at end of year

2017

2016

Options

Weighted-average 
exercise price

Options

Weighted-average 
exercise price

10,409,648

1,486,550

(601,819)

(2,600)

11,291,779

$

32.04

35.33

29.75

34.38

32.59

8,773,932

1,666,696

(30,980)

–

10,409,648

5,997,261

30.84

5,371,583

$

32.06

31.85

29.05

–

32.04

30.28

The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 2017:

Range of exercise prices

$

25.07 – 26.37

28.13 – 29.95

30.18 – 31.59

32.32 – 32.58

32.65 – 34.42

34.46

35.36

37.12 – 37.13

38.35

Options outstanding

Options exercisable

Options

Weighted-average 
remaining life

Weighted-average 
exercise price

Options

Weighted-average 
exercise price

1,525,467

926,899

1,511,927

1,473,787

2,104,696

914,236

1,465,974

444,527

924,266

11,291,779

[yrs]

3.8

2.1

5.4

6.9

6.7

0.2

9.2

4.9

7.2

5.6

$

25.84

28.54

31.44

32.44

33.99

34.46

35.36

37.12

38.35

32.59

1,525,467

926,899

724,135

581,424

1,055,635

914,236

3,806

262,660

2,999

5,997,261

$

25.84

28.54

31.42

32.57

34.03

34.46

35.36

37.12

38.35

30.84

85

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORTNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 18 Share-Based Compensation (continued)

Compensation expense 
During the year ended December 31, 2017, Power Financial granted 1,486,550 options (1,666,696 options in 2016) under its Employee Stock Option Plan. 
The fair value of these options was estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions:

Dividend yield

Expected volatility

Risk-free interest rate

Expected life (years)

Fair value per stock option ($/option)

Weighted-average exercise price ($/option)

2017

4.1%

19.7%

1.4%

9

3.67

35.33

2016

4.2%

20.2%

1.1%

9

3.12

31.85

Expected volatility has been estimated based on the historical volatility of the Corporation’s share price over nine years, which is reflective of the expected 
option life.

Lifeco and IGM have also established stock option plans pursuant to which 
options may be granted to certain officers and employees. In addition, other 
subsidiaries of the Corporation have established share-based compensation 
plans. Compensation expense is recorded based on the fair value of the 
options or the fair value of the equity investments at the grant date, amortized 
over the vesting period. Total compensation expense relating to the stock 
options  granted  by  the  Corporation  and  its  subsidiaries  amounted  to 
$67 million in 2017 ($81 million in 2016) and is recorded in operating and 
administrative expenses in the statements of earnings.

PERFORMANCE SHARE UNIT PLAN
Power Financial established a Performance Share Unit (PSU) Plan for selected 
employees  and  officers  (participants)  to  assist  in  retaining  and  further 
aligning the interests of participants with those of the shareholders. Under 
the terms of the Plan, PSUs may be awarded annually and are subject to time 
and performance vesting conditions. The value of each PSU is based on the 
share price of the Corporation’s common shares. The PSUs are cash settled 
and vest over a three-year period. Participants can elect at the time of grant 
to receive a portion of their PSUs in the form of performance deferred share 
units (PDSUs) which also vest over a three-year period. PDSUs are redeemable 
when a participant is no longer an employee of the Corporation or any of its 
affiliates, or in the event of the death of the participant, by a lump-sum cash 
payment based on the value of the PDSU at that time. Additional PSUs and 
PDSUs are issued in respect of dividends payable on common shares based 
on the value of the PSU or PDSU at the dividend payment date. The carrying 
value of the PSU liability of $13 million ($10 million in 2016) is recorded within 
other liabilities.

DEFERRED SHARE UNIT PLAN
Power Financial established a Deferred Share Unit Plan for its Directors to 
promote a greater alignment of interests between Directors and shareholders 
of the Corporation. Under this Plan, Directors participating in the Plan will 
receive half of their annual retainer in the form of deferred share units and 
may elect to receive the remainder of their annual retainer and attendance 
fees entirely in the form of deferred share units, entirely in cash, or equally in 
cash and deferred share units. The number of deferred share units granted 
is  determined  by  dividing  the  amount  of  remuneration  payable  by  the 
five-day-average closing price on the Toronto Stock Exchange of the common 
shares of the Corporation on the last five days of the fiscal quarter (the value 
of a deferred share unit). A Director will receive additional deferred share units 
in respect of dividends payable on the common shares, based on the value 
of a deferred share unit on the date on which the dividends were paid on the 
common shares. A deferred share unit is payable, at the time a Director’s 
membership on the Board is terminated (provided the Director is not then 
a director, officer or employee of an affiliate of the Corporation), or in the 
event of the death of a Director, by a lump-sum cash payment, based on 
the value of a deferred share unit at that time. At December 31, 2017, the value 
of the deferred share units outstanding was $21 million ($18 million in 2016) 
and is recorded within other liabilities. Alternatively, Directors may participate 
in a Share Purchase Plan for Directors.

EMPLOYEE SHARE PURCHASE PROGRAM
Power Financial established an Employee Share Purchase Program, giving 
employees the opportunity to subscribe for up to 6% of their gross salary 
to purchase Subordinate Voting Shares of Power Corporation of Canada on 
the open market. Power Financial invests, on the employee’s behalf, up to 
an equal amount.

OTHER SHARE-BASED AWARDS OF SUBSIDIARIES
The  subsidiaries  of  the  Corporation  have  also  established  other  share-
based awards and performance share unit plans (plans) for their directors, 
management  and  employees.  Some  of  these  plans  are  cash  settled  and 
included within other liabilities on the balance sheets. Total compensation 
expense related to these subsidiary plans amounted to $62 million in 2017 
($25 million in 2016) and is recorded in operating and administrative expenses 
on the statements of earnings.

86

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORTNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 19 Non-Controlling Interests

The non-controlling interests of Lifeco and IGM and their subsidiaries reflected in the balance sheets are as follows:

December 31

Non-controlling interests, beginning of year

Net earnings attributable to non-controlling interests

Other comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interests

Dividends

Change in ownership interest and other [1]

Lifeco

IGM

10,984

749

(173)

(541)

238

1,751

215

(2)

(196)

(14)

2017

Total

12,735

964

(175)

(737)

224

Lifeco

IGM

11,011

1,060

(486)

(510)

(91)

1,796

283

(2)

(198)

(128)

2016

Total

12,807

1,343

(488)

(708)

(219)

Non-controlling interests, end of year

11,257

1,754

13,011

10,984

1,751

12,735

[1]  Change in ownership interest and other mainly relates to the repurchase and issuance of common and preferred shares by subsidiaries, and new non-controlling interests 

related to business acquisitions.

The carrying value of non-controlling interests consists of the following:

December 31

Common shareholders

Preferred shareholders

Participating account surplus

Lifeco

5,772

2,714

2,771

IGM

1,604

150

–

2017

Total

7,376

2,864

2,771

Lifeco

5,688

2,514

2,782

IGM

1,601

150

–

2016

Total

7,289

2,664

2,782

11,257

1,754

13,011

10,984

1,751

12,735

As at December 31, 2017, Power Financial and IGM held 67.7% and 4%, respectively, of Lifeco’s common shares, representing approximately 65% of the voting 
rights attached to the outstanding Lifeco voting shares.

Financial information of Lifeco and IGM as at and for the year ended December 31, 2017 can be obtained from their publicly available financial statements. 
Summarized financial information for Lifeco and IGM is as follows:

BALANCE SHEET

Assets

Liabilities

Equity

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Net earnings

Other comprehensive income (loss)

CASH FLOWS

Operating activities

Financing activities

Investing activities

[1]  Lifeco reclassified certain comparative figures to reflect the current presentation (Note 16).

Lifeco

419,838

394,302

25,536

2,308

(436)

6,757

(1,659)

(4,778)

2017

IGM

Lifeco [1]

16,499

11,674

4,825

399,733

374,725

25,008

611

11

658

170

(472)

2,956

(1,515)

6,254

(1,045)

(4,565)

2016

IGM

15,625

10,878

4,747

779

(50)

737

(75)

(1,034)

87

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORTNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 20 Capital Management

As a holding company, Power Financial’s objectives in managing its capital 
are to:

 „ provide attractive long-term returns to shareholders of the Corporation;

 „ provide sufficient financial flexibility to pursue its growth strategy to invest 
on a timely basis in its operating companies and other investments as 
opportunities present; and

 „ maintain an appropriate credit rating to ensure stable access to the capital 

markets.

The  Corporation  manages  its  capital  taking  into  consideration  the  risk 
characteristics and liquidity of its holdings. In order to maintain or adjust its 
capital structure, the Corporation may adjust the amount of dividends paid 
to shareholders, return capital to shareholders or issue capital.

The capital structure of the Corporation consists of debentures, perpetual 
preferred shares, common shareholders’ equity and non-controlling interests. 
The Corporation views perpetual preferred shares as a cost-effective source 

of permanent capital. The Corporation is a long-term investor and as such 
holds positions in long-term investments as well as cash and fixed income 
securities for liquidity purposes.

The  Board  of  Directors  of  the  Corporation  is  responsible  for  capital 
management. Management of the Corporation is responsible for establishing 
capital  management  procedures  and  for  implementing  and  monitoring 
its  capital  plans.  The  Board  of  Directors  of  the  Corporation  reviews  and 
approves capital transactions such as the issuance, redemption and repurchase 
of common shares, perpetual preferred shares and debentures. The boards 
of directors of the Corporation’s subsidiaries, as well as those of Pargesa 
and Groupe Bruxelles Lambert, govern and have the responsibility for their 
respective company’s capital management.

The Corporation itself is not subject to externally imposed regulatory capital 
requirements. However, Lifeco and certain of its main subsidiaries and IGM’s 
subsidiaries are subject to regulatory capital requirements and they manage 
their capital as described below.

LIFECO
Lifeco manages its capital on both a consolidated basis as well as at the 
individual operating subsidiary level. The primary objectives of Lifeco’s capital 
management strategy are:

 „ to maintain the capitalization of its regulated operating subsidiaries at a 
level that will exceed the relevant minimum regulatory capital requirements 
in the jurisdictions in which they operate;

 „ to maintain strong credit and financial strength ratings of Lifeco ensuring 

stable access to capital markets; and

 „ to provide an efficient capital structure to maximize shareholder value in 

the context of Lifeco’s operational risks and strategic plans.

Lifeco  has  established  policies  and  procedures  designed  to  identify, 
measure and report all material risks. Management of Lifeco is responsible 
for  establishing  capital  management  procedures  for  implementing  and 
monitoring the capital plan.

The target level of capitalization for Lifeco and its subsidiaries is assessed 
by  considering  various  factors  such  as  the  probability  of  falling  below 
the  minimum  regulatory  capital  requirements  in  the  relevant  operating 
jurisdiction, the views expressed by various credit rating agencies that provide 
financial strength and other ratings to Lifeco, and the desire to hold sufficient 
capital to be able to honour all policyholder and other obligations of Lifeco 
with a high degree of confidence.

Lifeco’s subsidiaries Great-West Life, Great-West Financial and entities based 
in Europe are subject to minimum regulatory capital requirements.

IGM FINANCIAL
IGM’s  capital  management  objective  is  to  maximize  shareholder  returns 
while  ensuring  that  IGM  is  capitalized  in  a  manner  which  appropriately 
supports regulatory capital requirements, working capital needs and business 
expansion. IGM’s capital management practices are focused on preserving 
the quality of its financial position by maintaining a solid capital base and a 
strong balance sheet. IGM regularly assesses its capital management practices 
in response to changing economic conditions.

IGM’s capital is primarily used in its ongoing business operations to support 
working capital requirements, long-term investments made by IGM, business 
expansion and other strategic objectives.

 „ In  Canada,  the  Office  of  the  Superintendent  of  Financial  Institutions 
(OSFI) has established a capital adequacy measurement for life insurance 
companies incorporated under the Insurance Companies Act (Canada) and 
their subsidiaries, known as the Minimum Continuing Capital and Surplus 
Requirements (MCCSR). As at December 31, 2017, the MCCSR ratio for 
Great-West Life was 241% (240% at December 31, 2016). Lifeco has been 
preparing for the implementation of the new regulatory capital framework 
for the Canadian insurance industry. OSFI will replace the current MCCSR 
guideline with the Life Insurance Capital Adequacy Test (LICAT) guideline, 
effective January 1, 2018. The first reporting period will be the first quarter 
of 2018.

 „ At December 31, 2017, the Risk-Based Capital ratio (RBC) of Great-West 
Life & Annuity, Lifeco’s regulated U.S. operating company, was estimated 
to be 487% of the Company Action Level set by the National Association 
of Insurance Commissioners. Great-West Life & Annuity reports its RBC 
ratio annually to U.S. insurance regulators.

 „ For  entities  based  in  Europe,  the  local  solvency  capital  regime  is  the 
Solvency II basis. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, all Lifeco’s European 
regulated entities met the capital and solvency requirements as prescribed 
under Solvency II.

 „ Other foreign operations and foreign subsidiaries of Lifeco are required 
to comply with local capital or solvency requirements in their respective 
jurisdictions. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, Lifeco maintained capital 
levels above the minimum local regulatory requirements in each of its 
other foreign operations.

The  IGM  subsidiaries  that  are  subject  to  regulatory  capital  requirements 
include investment dealers, mutual fund dealers, exempt market dealers, 
portfolio managers, investment fund managers and a trust company. These 
IGM subsidiaries are required to maintain minimum levels of capital based on 
either working capital, liquidity or shareholders’ equity. At December 31, 2017 
and  2016,  IGM  subsidiaries  have  complied  with  all  regulatory  capital 
requirements.

88

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORTNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 21 Risk Management

The Corporation and its subsidiaries have established policies, guidelines 
and procedures designed to identify, measure, monitor and mitigate risks 
associated  with  financial  instruments.  The  key  risks  related  to  financial 
instruments are liquidity risk, credit risk and market risk.

 „ Liquidity risk is the risk that the Corporation and its subsidiaries would not 

be able to meet all cash outflow obligations as they come due.

 „ Credit risk is the potential for financial loss to the Corporation and its 
subsidiaries if a counterparty in a transaction fails to meet its obligations.

 „ Market  risk  is  the  risk  that  the  market  value  or  future  cash  flows  of  a 
financial instrument may fluctuate as a result of changes in market factors. 
Market factors include three types of risks: foreign exchange risk, interest 
rate risk and equity risk.

This note to the financial statements includes estimates of sensitivities and 
risk exposure measures for certain risks, such as the sensitivity due to specific 
changes in interest rate levels projected and market prices as at the valuation 
date. Actual results can differ significantly from these estimates for a variety 
of reasons, including:

 „ assessment of the circumstances that led to the scenario may lead to 
changes in (re)investment approaches and interest rate scenarios considered;

 „ changes in actuarial, investment return and future investment activity 

assumptions;

 „ actual experience differing from the assumptions;

 „ changes in business mix, effective tax rates and other market factors;

 „ interactions among these factors and assumptions when more than one 

 „ Foreign exchange risk relates to the Corporation, its subsidiaries and 
its jointly controlled corporations and associates operating in different 
currencies and converting non-Canadian earnings at different points 
in time at different foreign exchange levels when adverse changes in 
foreign currency exchange rates occur.

 „ Interest rate risk is the risk that the fair value of future cash flows of a 
financial instrument may fluctuate because of changes in the market 
interest rates.

 „ Equity risk is the potential loss associated with the sensitivity of the 
market price of a financial instrument arising from volatility in equity 
markets.

POWER FINANCIAL

changes; and

 „ the general limitations of internal models.

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 above. Given the nature of these calculations, 
the Corporation cannot provide assurance that the actual impact on net 
earnings will be as indicated.

Liquidity risk, credit risk and market risk of Power Financial are discussed in the first section of this note. In subsequent sections, risks related to Lifeco and 
IGM are discussed.

LIQUIDITY RISK
Power Financial is a holding company. As such, corporate cash flows are 
principally made up of dividends received from its subsidiaries and a jointly 
controlled corporation, and income from investments, less operating expenses, 
financing charges, income taxes and payment of dividends to its common 
and preferred shareholders. The ability of Lifeco, IGM and Parjointco, which 
are also holding companies, to meet their obligations and pay dividends is 
dependent upon receipt of dividends from their own subsidiaries.

The Corporation regularly reviews its liquidity requirements and seeks to 
maintain a sufficient level of liquidity to meet its operating expenses, financing 
charges and payment of preferred share dividends for a reasonable period 
of time. The ability of Power Financial to arrange additional financing in the 
future  will  depend  in  part  upon  prevailing  market  conditions  as  well  as 
the business performance of Power Financial and its subsidiaries.

Principal repayments on debentures (other than those of Lifeco and IGM 
discussed below) of $250 million due after five years represent the only 
significant contractual liquidity requirement of Power Financial.

Power Financial’s management of liquidity risk has not changed materially 
since December 31, 2016.

CREDIT RISK
Fixed  income  securities  and  derivatives  are  subject  to  credit  risk. 
The  Corporation  mitigates  credit  risk  on  its  fixed  income  securities  by 
adhering to an investment policy that establishes guidelines which provide 
exposure  limits  by  defining  admissible  securities,  minimum  rating  and 
concentration limits.

Fixed income securities, which are included in investments and in cash and cash 
equivalents, consist primarily of bonds, bankers’ acceptances and highly liquid 
temporary deposits with Canadian chartered banks and banks in jurisdictions 
where Power Financial operates as well as bonds and short-term securities of, 
or guaranteed by, the Canadian or U.S. governments. The Corporation regularly 
reviews the credit ratings of its counterparties.The maximum exposure to credit 
risk on these financial instruments is their carrying value.

Derivatives can be used on a regular basis consistent with the risk management 
guidelines of the Corporation and are monitored by the Corporation for 
effectiveness  as  economic  hedges  even  if  specific  hedge  accounting 
requirements are not met. The Corporation regularly reviews the credit ratings 
of derivative financial instrument counterparties. Derivative contracts are 
over-the-counter with counterparties that are highly rated financial institutions.

Power  Financial’s  exposure  to  and  management  of  credit  risk  related  to 
cash and cash equivalents, fixed income securities and derivatives have not 
changed materially since December 31, 2016.

89

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORTNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 21 Risk Management (continued)

MARKET RISK
Power  Financial’s  financial  instruments  are  comprised  of  cash  and  cash 
equivalents, fixed income securities, derivatives and debentures.

risk through its subsidiary whose functional currency is the euro. Foreign 
currency translation gains and losses from Pargesa are recorded in other 
comprehensive income.

Foreign exchange risk
In managing its own cash and cash equivalents as well as fixed income securities 
Power Financial may hold cash balances denominated in foreign currencies 
and thus be exposed to fluctuations in exchange rates. In order to protect 
against such fluctuations, Power Financial may from time to time enter into 
currency-hedging transactions with highly rated financial institutions. As at 
December 31, 2017, approximately 3% of Power Financial’s cash and cash 
equivalents and fixed income securities were denominated in U.S. dollars.

Power Financial is exposed through Parjointco to foreign exchange risk as 
a result of Parjointco’s investment in Pargesa, a company whose functional 
currency is the Swiss franc. Pargesa itself is exposed to foreign exchange 

Interest rate risk
Power Financial’s financial instruments do not have significant exposure to 
interest rate risk.

Equity risk
Power Financial’s financial instruments do not have significant exposure to 
equity risk.

Pargesa  indirectly  holds  substantial  investments  classified  as  available 
for sale; unrealized gains and losses on these investments are recorded in 
other comprehensive income until realized. These investments are reviewed 
periodically to determine whether there is objective evidence of an impairment 
in value.

LIFECO

The risk committee of the board of directors of Lifeco is responsible for the oversight of Lifeco’s key risks.

LIQUIDITY RISK
Lifeco has the following policies and procedures in place to manage liquidity risk:

 „ Lifeco closely manages operating liquidity through cash flow matching 
of assets and liabilities and forecasting earned and required yields, to 
ensure consistency between policyholder requirements and the yield of 
assets. Approximately 67% (approximately 67% in 2016) of insurance and 
investment contract liabilities are non-cashable prior to maturity or subject 
to fair value adjustments.

 „ Management of Lifeco closely monitors the solvency and capital positions 
of its principal subsidiaries opposite liquidity requirements at the holding 
company. Additional liquidity is available through established lines of 
credit or via capital market transactions. Lifeco maintains $350 million 
of liquidity at its level through committed lines of credit with Canadian 
chartered banks. As well, Lifeco maintains a $150 million liquidity facility 
at Great-West Life, a US$500 million revolving credit agreement with a 
syndicate of banks for use by Putnam, and a US$50 million line of credit 
at Great-West Financial.

In the normal course of business, Lifeco enters into contracts that give rise to commitments of future minimum payments that impact short-term and long-term 
liquidity. The following table summarizes the principal repayment schedule of certain of Lifeco’s financial liabilities.

December 31, 2017

1 year

2 years

3 years

4 years

5 years

After 5 years

Total

Debentures and other debt instruments

Capital trust debentures [1]

Purchase obligations

Pension contributions

628

–

109

300

1,037

–

–

74

–

74

500

–

48

–

548

–

–

19

–

19

–

–

3

–

3

4,535

150

–

–

5,663

150

253

300

4,685

6,366

[1]  Payments due have not been reduced to reflect that Lifeco held capital trust securities of $37 million principal amount ($52 million carrying value).

Payments due by period

CREDIT RISK
Lifeco has the following policies and procedures in place to manage credit risk:

 „ Investment policies are in place that minimize undue concentration within 

issuers, connected companies, industries or individual geographies.

 „ Investment limits specify minimum and maximum limits for each asset class.

 „ Identification of credit risk through an internal credit risk rating system 
which includes a detailed assessment of an obligor’s creditworthiness. 
Internal  credit  risk  ratings  cannot  be  higher  than  the  highest  rating 
provided by certain independent ratings companies.

 „ Portfolios are monitored continuously, and reviewed regularly with the 
risk committee and the investment committee of the board of directors 
of Lifeco.

 „ Credit risk associated with derivative instruments is evaluated quarterly 
based on conditions that existed at the balance sheet date, using practices 
that are at least as conservative as those recommended by regulators. 
Lifeco  seeks  to  mitigate  derivative  credit  risk  by  setting  rating-based 
counterparty  limits  in  investment  policies  and  through  collateral 
arrangements where possible.

 „ Counterparties providing reinsurance to Lifeco are reviewed for financial 
soundness  as  part  of  an  ongoing  monitoring  process.  The  minimum 
financial strength of reinsurers is outlined in Lifeco’s Reinsurance Risk 
Management Policy. Lifeco seeks to minimize reinsurance credit risk by 
setting rating-based limits on net ceded exposure by counterparty as 
well  as  seeking  protection  in  the  form  of  collateral  or  funds-withheld 
arrangements where possible.

 „ Investment guidelines also specify collateral requirements.

90

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORTNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 21 Risk Management (continued)

Maximum exposure to credit risk
The following table summarizes Lifeco’s maximum exposure to credit risk related to financial instruments. The maximum credit exposure is the carrying value 
of the asset net of any allowances for losses.

December 31

Cash and cash equivalents

Bonds

Fair value through profit or loss

Available for sale

Loans and receivables

Mortgage loans

Loans to policyholders

Funds held by ceding insurers [1]

Reinsurance assets

Interest due and accrued

Accounts receivable

Premiums in course of collection

Trading account assets

Finance leases receivable

Other financial assets [2] [3]

Derivative assets

2017

3,551

89,898

12,347

17,959

22,185

8,280

9,893

5,045

1,334

2,154

1,159

723

350

554

384

2016

3,259

88,325

11,478

16,970

21,651

8,467

10,781

5,627

1,310

1,835

1,166

516

273

721

528

Total balance sheet maximum credit exposure

175,816

172,907

[1]  Includes $8,044 million as at December 31, 2017 ($8,723 million as at December 31, 2016) of funds held by ceding insurers where Lifeco retains the credit risk of the assets 

supporting the liabilities ceded (see Note 6).

[2]  Includes items such as income taxes receivable and miscellaneous other assets of Lifeco.

[3]  Lifeco reclassified certain comparative figures to reflect the current presentation (Note 16).

Credit risk is also mitigated by entering into collateral agreements. The amount 
and type of collateral required depends on an assessment of the credit risk of the 
counterparty. Guidelines have been implemented regarding the acceptability 
of types of collateral and the valuation parameters. Management of Lifeco  
monitors the value of the collateral, requests additional collateral when  
needed and performs an impairment valuation when applicable. Lifeco has 
$77 million of collateral received from counterparties as at December 31, 2017 
($149 million as at December 31, 2016) relating to derivative assets.

Concentration of credit risk
Concentrations  of  credit  risk  arise  from  exposures  to  a  single  debtor, 
a  group  of  related  debtors  or  groups  of  debtors  that  have  similar  credit 
risk characteristics in that they operate in the same geographic region or 
in similar industries. The characteristics of such debtors are similar in that 
changes in economic or political environments may impact their ability to 
meet obligations as they come due.

91

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORTNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 21 Risk Management (continued)

The following table provides details of the carrying value of bonds of Lifeco by issuer, industry sector and geographic distribution:

December 31, 2017

Bonds issued or guaranteed by:

Treasuries

Government-related

Agency securitized

Non-agency securitized

Financials

Communications

Consumer products

Energy

Industrials

Technology

Transportation

Utilities

Short-term bonds

December 31, 2016

Bonds issued or guaranteed by:

Treasuries

Government-related

Agency securitized

Non-agency securitized

Financials

Communications

Consumer products

Energy

Industrials

Technology

Transportation

Utilities

Short-term bonds

Canada

United States

Europe

Total

899

19,322

65

2,073

3,872

782

3,159

1,806

1,544

591

2,407

7,310

2,474

263

3,570

1,937

5,232

4,070

1,304

3,714

2,041

3,727

1,094

828

4,332

78

12,452

7,557

21

1,761

5,493

1,015

3,238

866

1,748

485

1,144

4,277

1,653

13,614

30,449

2,023

9,066

13,435

3,101

10,111

4,713

7,019

2,170

4,379

15,919

4,205

46,304

32,190

41,710

120,204

Canada

United States

Europe

Total

1,422

18,379

100

2,392

3,167

634

2,799

1,618

1,358

506

2,246

6,226

3,871

786

3,903

3,685

4,293

3,268

1,336

3,305

2,102

3,951

1,054

826

4,454

10

10,880

6,765

158

1,875

5,245

970

3,224

986

1,634

471

1,095

4,259

1,520

13,088

29,047

3,943

8,560

11,680

2,940

9,328

4,706

6,943

2,031

4,167

14,939

5,401

44,718

32,973

39,082

116,773

The following table provides details of the carrying value of mortgage loans of Lifeco by geographic location:

December 31, 2017

Canada

United States

Europe

December 31, 2016

Canada

United States

Europe

92

Single-family 
residential

Multi-family 
residential

Commercial

Total

2,139

–

–

2,139

4,163

2,190

413

6,766

6,840

3,257

3,183

13,280

13,142

5,447

3,596

22,185

Single-family 
residential

Multi-family 
residential

Commercial

Total

2,075

–

–

2,075

3,709

1,895

383

5,987

7,108

3,274

3,207

12,892

5,169

3,590

13,589

21,651

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORTNOTE 21 Risk Management (continued)

Asset quality

Bond Portfolio Quality
December 31 

AAA

AA

A

BBB

BB and lower

Total bonds

Derivative Portfolio Quality
December 31

Over-the-counter contracts (counterparty credit ratings):

AA

A

BBB

Exchange-traded

Total

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

2017

24,889

32,405

40,328

21,449

1,133

120,204

2017

135

235

13

1

384

2016

27,762

29,816

37,787

20,116

1,292

116,773

2016

221

288

16

3

528

Loans past due, but not impaired
Loans that are past due but not considered impaired are loans for which scheduled payments have not been received, but management of Lifeco has reasonable 
assurance of collection of the full amount of principal and interest due. The following table provides carrying values of the loans past due, but not impaired:

December 31

Less than 30 days

30–90 days

Greater than 90 days

Total

2017

1

–

1

2

2016

54

–

2

56

Future asset credit losses
The following outlines the future asset credit losses provided for in insurance contract liabilities. These amounts are in addition to the allowance for asset 
losses included with assets:

December 31

Participating

Non-participating

MARKET RISK

Foreign exchange risk
If the assets backing insurance and investment contract liabilities are not 
matched by currency, changes in foreign exchange rates can expose Lifeco 
to the risk of foreign exchange losses not offset by liability decreases. Lifeco 
has  net  investments  in  foreign  operations.  Lifeco’s  debt  obligations  are 
denominated in Canadian dollars, euros and U.S. dollars. In accordance with 
IFRS, foreign currency translation gains and losses from net investments 
in foreign operations, net of related hedging activities and tax effects, are 
recorded in other comprehensive income. Strengthening or weakening of the 
Canadian dollar spot rate compared to the U.S. dollar, British pound and euro 
spot rates impacts Lifeco’s total equity. Correspondingly, Lifeco’s book value 
per share and capital ratios monitored by rating agencies are also impacted.

2017

1,254

1,637

2,891

2016

1,155

1,791

2,946

The  following  policies  and  procedures  are  in  place  to  mitigate  Lifeco’s 
exposure to foreign exchange risk:

 „ Lifeco uses financial measures such as constant currency calculations to 

monitor the effect of currency translation fluctuations.

 „ Investments are normally made in the same currency as the liabilities 
supported by those investments. Segmented investment guidelines include 
maximum tolerances for unhedged currency mismatch exposures.

 „ For assets backing liabilities not matched by currency, Lifeco normally 
converts  the  assets  back  to  the  currency  of  the  liability  using  foreign 
exchange contracts.

 „ A 10% weakening of the Canadian dollar against foreign currencies would 
be  expected  to  increase  non-participating  insurance  and  investment 
contract liabilities and their supporting assets by approximately the same 
amount, resulting in an immaterial change to net earnings.

 „ A 10% strengthening of the Canadian dollar against foreign currencies 
would be expected to decrease non-participating insurance and investment 
contract liabilities and their supporting assets by approximately the same 
amount, resulting in an immaterial change in net earnings.

93

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORTNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 21 Risk Management (continued)

Interest rate risk
The  following  policies  and  procedures  are  in  place  to  mitigate  Lifeco’s 
exposure to interest rate risk:

 „ Lifeco uses a formal process for managing the matching of assets and 
liabilities. This involves grouping general fund assets and liabilities into 
segments. Assets in each segment are managed in relation to the liabilities 
in the segment.

 „ Interest rate risk is managed by investing in assets that are suitable for 

the products sold.

 „ Where  these  products  have  benefit  or  expense  payments  that  are 
dependent on inflation (inflation-indexed annuities, pensions and disability 
claims), Lifeco generally invests in real return instruments to hedge its real 
dollar liability cash flows. Some protection against changes in the inflation 
index is achieved as any related change in the fair value of the assets will be 
largely offset by a similar change in the fair value of the liabilities.

 „ For  products  with  fixed  and  highly  predictable  benefit  payments, 
investments are made in fixed income assets or real estate whose cash 
flows closely match the liability product cash flows. Where assets are not 
available to match certain period cash flows, such as long-tail cash flows, a 
portion of these are invested in equities and the rest are duration matched. 
Hedging instruments are employed where necessary when there is a lack of 
suitable permanent investments to minimize loss exposure to interest rate 
changes. To the extent these cash flows are matched, protection against 
interest rate change is achieved and any change in the fair value of the 
assets will be offset by a similar change in the fair value of the liabilities.

 „ For products with less predictable timing of benefit payments, investments 
are made in fixed income assets with cash flows of a shorter duration than 
the anticipated timing of benefit payments or equities, as described below.

 „ The risks associated with the mismatch in portfolio duration and cash flow, 
asset prepayment exposure and the pace of asset acquisition are quantified 
and reviewed regularly.

Projected cash flows from the current assets and liabilities are used in the 
CALM  to  determine  insurance  contract  liabilities.  Valuation  assumptions 
have  been  made  regarding  rates  of  returns  on  supporting  assets,  fixed 

income, equity and inflation. The valuation assumptions use best estimates 
of  future  reinvestment  rates  and  inflation  assumptions  with  an  assumed 
correlation together with margins for adverse deviation set in accordance 
with  professional  standards.  These  margins  are  necessary  to  provide 
for  possibilities  of  misestimation  and/or  future  deterioration  in  the  best 
estimate  assumptions  and  provide  reasonable  assurance  that  insurance 
contract liabilities cover a range of possible outcomes. Margins are reviewed 
periodically for continued appropriateness.

Projected cash flows from fixed income assets used in actuarial calculations 
are reduced to provide for potential asset default losses. The net effective 
yield rate reduction averaged 0.13% (0.14% in 2016). The calculation for future 
credit losses on assets is based on the credit quality of the underlying asset 
portfolio.

Testing  under  a  number  of  interest  rate  scenarios  (including  increasing, 
decreasing and fluctuating rates) is done to assess reinvestment risk. The total 
provision for interest rates is sufficient to cover a broader or more severe 
set of risks than the minimum arising from the current Canadian Institute of 
Actuaries-prescribed scenarios.

The range of interest rates covered by these provisions is set in consideration 
of long-term historical results and is monitored quarterly with a full review 
annually. An immediate 1% parallel shift in the yield curve would not have a 
material impact on Lifeco’s view of the range of interest rates to be covered 
by the provisions. If sustained however, the parallel shift could impact Lifeco’s 
range of scenarios covered.

The total provision for interest rates also considers the impact of the Canadian 
Institute of Actuaries-prescribed scenarios:

 „ At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the effect of an immediate 1% parallel 
increase in the yield curve on the prescribed scenarios results in interest 
rate changes to assets and liabilities that will offset each other with no 
impact to net earnings.

 „ At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the effect of an immediate 1% parallel 
decrease in the yield curve on the prescribed scenarios results in interest 
rate changes to assets and liabilities that will offset each other with no 
impact to net earnings.

Another way of measuring the interest rate risk associated with this assumption is to determine the effect on the insurance and investment contract liabilities 
impacting the shareholders’ net earnings of a 1% change in Lifeco’s view of the range of interest rates to be covered by these provisions. The following 
provides information on the effect of an immediate 1% increase or 1% decrease in the interest rates at both the low and high end of the range of interest rates 
recognized in the provisions:

December 31

Change in interest rates

2017

2016

1% increase

1% decrease

1% increase

1% decrease

Increase (decrease) in non-participating insurance and investment contract liabilities

Increase (decrease) in net earnings

(215)

150

720

(523)

(202)

149

677

(491)

94

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORTNOTE 21 Risk Management (continued)

Equity risk
Lifeco has investment policy guidelines in place that provide for prudent 
investment in equity markets with clearly defined limits to mitigate price risk.

The risks associated with segregated fund guarantees have been mitigated 
through a hedging program for lifetime Guaranteed Minimum Withdrawal 
Benefit guarantees using equity futures, currency forwards, and interest rate 
derivatives. For policies with segregated fund guarantees, Lifeco generally 
determines insurance contract liabilities at a conditional tail expectation 
of 75 (CTE75) level. In other words, Lifeco determines insurance contract 
liabilities at a level that covers the average loss in the worst 25% part of the 
loss distribution.

December 31

Change in equity values

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Some  insurance  and  investment  contract  liabilities  are  supported  by 
investment properties, common stocks and private equities, for example, 
segregated fund products and products with long-tail cash flows. Generally 
these liabilities will fluctuate in line with equity values. There will be additional 
impacts on these liabilities as equity values fluctuate. The following provides 
information on the expected impacts of a 10% increase or 10% decrease in 
equity values:

2017

2016

10% increase

10% decrease

10% increase

10% decrease

Increase (decrease) in non-participating insurance and investment contract liabilities

Increase (decrease) in net earnings

(58)

48

109

(85)

(51)

43

61

(50)

The best estimate return assumptions for equities are primarily based on long-term historical averages. Changes in the current market could result in changes 
to these assumptions and will impact both asset and liability cash flows. The following provides information on the expected impacts of a 1% increase or 1% 
decrease in the best estimate assumptions:

December 31

Change in best estimate return assumptions for equities

Increase (decrease) in non-participating insurance contract liabilities

Increase (decrease) in net earnings

IGM FINANCIAL

2017

2016

1% increase

1% decrease

1% increase

1% decrease

(542)

439

591

(470)

(504)

407

552

(438)

The board of directors of IGM provides oversight and carries out its risk management mandate through various committees.

LIQUIDITY RISK
IGM’s liquidity management practices include:

 „ Maintaining liquid assets and lines of credit to satisfy near-term liquidity needs.

 „ Ensuring effective controls over liquidity management processes.

 „ Performing regular cash forecasts and stress testing.

 „ Regular assessment of capital market conditions and IGM’s ability to access 

bank and capital market funding.

 „ Ongoing efforts to diversify and expand long-term mortgage funding sources.

 „ Oversight of liquidity by management and by committees of the board of 

directors of IGM.

A key liquidity requirement for IGM is the funding of commissions paid on 
the sale of investment funds. Commissions on the sale of investment funds 
continue to be paid from operating cash flows.

IGM also maintains sufficient liquidity to fund and temporarily hold mortgages 
pending sale or securitization to long-term funding sources and to manage 
any  derivative  collateral  requirements  related  to  the  mortgage  banking 
operation. Through its mortgage banking operations, residential mortgages 
are sold to third parties including certain mutual funds, institutional investors 
through private placements, Canadian bank-sponsored securitization trusts, 
and by issuance and sale of National Housing Act Mortgage-Backed Securities 
(NHA  MBS),  including  sales  to  Canada  Housing  Trust  under  the  Canada 
Mortgage Bond Program (CMB Program).

Certain  subsidiaries  of  IGM  are  approved  issuers  of  NHA  MBS  and  are 
approved sellers into the CMB Program. Capacity for sales under the CMB 
Program consists of participation in new CMB issues and reinvestment of 
principal repayments held in principal reinvestment accounts.

IGM maintains committed capacity within certain Canadian bank-sponsored 
securitization trusts.

95

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORTNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 21 Risk Management (continued)

IGM’s contractual maturities of certain liabilities were as follows:

December 31, 2017

Derivative financial instruments

Deposits and certificates

Obligations to securitization entities

Debentures

Pension contributions

Total contractual maturities

In addition to IGM’s current balance of cash and cash equivalents, liquidity 
is available through IGM’s lines of credit. IGM’s lines of credit with various 
Schedule I Canadian chartered banks totalled $825 million as at December 31, 
2017,  unchanged  from  December  31,  2016.  The  lines  of  credit  as  at 
December 31, 2017 consisted of committed lines of $650 million ($650 million 
in 2016) and uncommitted lines of $175 million ($175 million in 2016). IGM 
has  accessed  its  uncommitted  lines  of  credit  in  the  past;  however,  any 
advances made by the banks under the uncommitted lines are at the banks’ 
sole discretion. As at December 31, 2017 and 2016, IGM was not utilizing its 
committed lines of credit or its uncommitted lines of credit.

IGM’s liquidity position and its management of liquidity and funding risk have 
not changed materially since December 31, 2016.

CREDIT RISK
IGM’s cash and cash equivalents, securities holdings, mortgage portfolios and 
derivatives are subject to credit risk. IGM monitors its credit risk management 
practices on an ongoing basis to evaluate their effectiveness.

At  December  31,  2017,  IGM’s  cash  and  cash  equivalents  of  $967  million 
($611 million in 2016) consisted of cash balances of $88 million ($85 million 
in 2016) on deposit with Canadian chartered banks and cash equivalents 
of $879 million ($526 million in 2016). Cash equivalents are composed of 
Government  of  Canada  treasury  bills  totalling  $240  million  ($44  million 
in  2016),  provincial  government  treasury  bills  and  promissory  notes  of 
$253 million ($197 million in 2016), bankers’ acceptances and other short-term 
notes issued by Canadian chartered banks of $351 million ($247 million in 
2016), and highly rated corporate commercial paper of $35 million ($38 million 
in  2016).  IGM  manages  credit  risk  related  to  cash  and  cash  equivalents 
by adhering to its investment policy that outlines credit risk parameters 
and  concentration  limits.  IGM  regularly  reviews  the  credit  ratings  of  its 
counterparties.  The  maximum  exposure  to  credit  risk  on  these  financial 
instruments is their carrying value.

As at December 31, 2017, residential mortgages, recorded on IGM’s balance 
sheet, of $7.8 billion ($8.0 billion in 2016) consisted of $7.5 billion sold to 
securitization  programs  ($7.6  billion  in  2016),  $287  million  held  pending 
sale or securitization ($340 million in 2016) and $26 million related to IGM’s 
intermediary operations ($29 million in 2016).

IGM manages credit risk related to residential mortgages through:

 „ adhering to its lending policy and underwriting standards;

 „ its loan servicing capabilities;

 „ use of client-insured mortgage default insurance and mortgage portfolio 

default insurance held by IGM; and

 „ its  practice  of  originating  its  mortgages  exclusively  through  its  own 
network of Mortgage Planning Specialists and Investors Group Consultants 
as part of a client’s comprehensive financial plan.

96

Payments due by period

Demand

Less than
1 year

1–5 years

–

490

–

–

–

490

7

6

1,193

150

47

1,403

21

7

6,357

375

–

6,760

After
5 years

–

2

46

1,650

–

Total

28

505

7,596

2,175

47

1,698

10,351

In certain instances, credit risk is also limited by the terms and nature of 
securitization transactions as described below:

 „ Under the NHA MBS program totalling $4.5 billion ($4.9 billion in 2016),  
IGM  is  obligated  to  make  timely  payment  of  principal  and  coupons 
irrespective of whether such payments were received from the mortgage 
borrower. However, as required by the NHA MBS program, 100% of the 
loans are insured by an approved insurer.

 „ Credit  risk  for  mortgages  securitized  by  transfer  to  bank-sponsored 
securitization trusts totalling $3.1 billion ($2.7 billion in 2016) is limited to 
amounts held in cash reserve accounts and future net interest income, the 
fair values of which were $70 million ($55 million in 2016) and $42 million 
($45 million in 2016), respectively, at December 31, 2017. Cash reserve 
accounts are reflected on the balance sheets, whereas rights to future 
net interest income are not reflected on the balance sheets and will be 
recorded over the life of the mortgages. This risk is further mitigated 
by  insurance  with  16.4%  of  mortgages  held  in  ABCP  Trusts  insured  at 
December 31, 2017 (29.1% in 2016).

At  December  31,  2017,  residential  mortgages  recorded  on  the  balance 
sheet were 65.5% insured (73.9% in 2016). At December 31, 2017, impaired 
mortgages on these portfolios were $3 million ($3 million in 2016). Uninsured 
non-performing mortgages over 90 days on these portfolios were $1 million 
at December 31, 2017 ($1 million in 2016).

IGM also retains certain elements of credit risk on mortgage loans sold to 
the Investors Mortgage and Short Term Income Fund and to the Investors 
Canadian  Corporate  Bond  Fund  through  an  agreement  to  repurchase 
mortgages in certain circumstances benefiting the funds. These loans are 
not recorded on IGM’s balance sheet as IGM has transferred substantially all 
of the risks and rewards of ownership associated with these loans.

IGM regularly reviews the credit quality of the mortgages and the adequacy 
of the collective allowance for credit losses.

IGM’s collective allowance for credit losses was $1 million at December 31, 2017 
($1  million  in  2016),  and  is  considered  adequate  by  IGM’s  management 
to  absorb  all  credit-related  losses  in  the  mortgage  portfolios  based  on: 
i) historical credit performance experience and recent trends, ii) current 
portfolio credit metrics and other relevant characteristics, and iii) regular 
stress testing of losses under adverse real estate market conditions.

IGM’s exposure to and management of credit risk related to cash and cash 
equivalents,  fixed  income  securities  and  mortgage  portfolios  have  not 
changed materially since December 31, 2016.

IGM is exposed to credit risk through the derivative contracts it utilizes to 
hedge interest rate risk, to facilitate securitization transactions and to hedge 
market risk related to certain share-based compensation arrangements. These 
derivatives are discussed more fully under the market risk section below.

To the extent that the fair value of the derivatives is in a gain position, IGM is 
exposed to the credit risk that its counterparties fail to fulfill their obligations 
under these arrangements.

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORTNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 21 Risk Management (continued)

IGM’s derivative activities are managed in accordance with its investment 
policy,  which  includes  counterparty  limits  and  other  parameters  to 
manage counterparty risk. The aggregate credit risk exposure related to 
derivatives that are in a gain position of $34 million ($41 million in 2016) 
does not give effect to any netting agreements or collateral arrangements. 
The exposure to credit risk, considering netting agreements and collateral 
arrangements  and  including  rights  to  future  net  interest  income,  was 
$1 million at December 31, 2017 ($3 million in 2016). Counterparties are all 
Canadian Schedule I chartered banks and, as a result, management of IGM has 
determined that its overall credit risk related to derivatives was not significant 
at December 31, 2017. Management of credit risk related to derivatives has not 
changed materially since December 31, 2016.

MARKET RISK

Foreign exchange risk
IGM is exposed to foreign exchange risk on its investments in Personal Capital 
Corporation and China AMC.

Interest rate risk
IGM is exposed to interest rate risk on its loan portfolio and on certain of the 
derivative financial instruments used in IGM’s mortgage banking operations.

IGM  manages  interest  rate  risk  associated  with  its  mortgage  banking 
operations by entering into interest rate swaps with Canadian Schedule I 
chartered banks as follows:

 „ IGM has in certain instances funded floating rate mortgages with fixed 
rate Canada Mortgage Bonds as part of the securitization transactions 
under the CMB Program. As previously discussed, as part of the CMB 
Program, IGM is party to a swap whereby it is entitled to receive investment 
returns on reinvested mortgage principal and is obligated to pay Canada 
Mortgage Bond coupons. This swap had a positive fair value of $4 million 
(negative  $23  million  in  2016)  and  an  outstanding  notional  value  of 
$1.2 billion at December 31, 2017 ($1.0 billion in 2016). IGM enters into 
interest rate swaps with Canadian Schedule I chartered banks to hedge 

the risk that the interest rates earned on floating rate mortgages and 
reinvestment  returns  decline.  The  negative  fair  value  of  these  swaps 
totalled $4 million ($30 million in 2016), on an outstanding notional amount 
of $1.9 billion at December 31, 2017 ($2.1 billion in 2016). The net fair value 
of these swaps recorded on the balance sheet was nil at December 31, 2017 
($7 million in 2016) and has an outstanding notional amount of $3.1 billion 
at December 31, 2017 ($3.1 billion in 2016).

 „ IGM is exposed to the impact that changes in interest rates may have on 
the value of mortgages committed to or held pending sale or securitization 
to  long-term  funding  sources.  IGM  enters  into  interest  rate  swaps  to 
hedge the interest rate risk related to funding costs for mortgages held 
by IGM pending sale or securitization. The fair value of these swaps was 
$1 million (nil in 2016) on an outstanding notional amount of $137 million 
at December 31, 2017 ($123 million in 2016).

As at December 31, 2017, the impact to net earnings of a 100-basis-point 
increase  in  interest  rates  would  have  been  an  increase  of  approximately 
$1 million (almost nil in 2016). IGM’s exposure to and management of interest 
rate risk have not changed materially since December 31, 2016.

Equity risk
IGM is exposed to equity risk on its equity securities which are classified as 
either available for sale or fair value through profit or loss.

IGM  sponsors  a  number  of  deferred  compensation  arrangements  for 
employees  where  payments  to  participants  are  deferred  and  linked  to 
the performance of the common shares of IGM Financial Inc. IGM hedges 
its exposure to this risk through the use of forward agreements and total 
return swaps.

RISKS RELATED TO ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT
Risks related to the performance of the equity markets, changes in interest 
rates and changes in foreign currencies relative to the Canadian dollar can 
have a significant impact on the level and mix of assets under management. 
These changes in assets under management directly impact earnings of IGM.

NOTE 22 Operating and Administrative Expenses

2017

3,639

2,079

297

463

202

450

7,130

2016

3,581

2,023

302

411

–

63

6,380

IGM
In 2017, IGM implemented a number of initiatives to assist in IGM’s operational 
effectiveness resulting in restructuring and other charges of $191 million.

Years ended December 31

Salaries and other employee benefits

General and administrative expenses

Amortization, depreciation and impairment

Premium taxes

Loss on assets held for sale [Note 9]

Restructuring and other

RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER

LIFECO – CANADIAN BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION
In 2017, Lifeco recorded a restructuring charge for its Canadian operations 
transformation plan of $215 million pre tax within operating and administrative 
expenses  in  the  statements  of  earnings.  This  restructuring  is  in  respect 
of  activities  aimed  at  achieving  planned  expense  reductions  and  an 
organizational  realignment  to  respond  to  changing  customer  needs  and 
expectations in Canada. The expense reductions address costs across Lifeco’s 
Canadian operations and corporate functions, primarily through a reduction in 
staff, exiting of certain lease agreements and information system impairments. 
At December 31, 2017, the balance of the restructuring provision amounted to 
$120 million and is recorded in other liabilities.

97

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORTNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 23 Financing Charges

Years ended December 31

Interest on debentures and other debt instruments

Interest on capital trust debentures

Other

2017

385

11

36

432

2016

368

11

33

412

NOTE 24 Pension Plans and Other Post-Employment Benefits

CHARACTERISTICS, FUNDING AND RISK
The Corporation and its subsidiaries maintain funded defined benefit pension 
plans for certain employees and advisors as well as unfunded supplementary 
employee retirement plans (SERP) for certain employees. The Corporation’s 
subsidiaries also maintain defined contribution pension plans for eligible 
employees and advisors.

The defined benefit pension plans provide pensions based on length of service 
and final average earnings. For most plans, active plan participants share 
in the cost by making contributions in respect of current service. Certain 
pension payments are indexed either on an ad hoc basis or a guaranteed 
basis. The determination of the defined benefit obligation reflects pension 
benefits, in accordance with the terms of the plans, and assuming the plans 
are not terminated. The assets supporting the funded pension plans are 
held  in  separate  trusteed  pension  funds.  The  obligations  for  the  wholly 
unfunded plans are supported by assets of the Corporation or its subsidiaries, 
as applicable.

The significant defined benefit plans of Lifeco’s subsidiaries and IGM are 
closed to new entrants. New hires are only eligible for defined contribution 
benefits. As a result, defined benefit plan exposure will continue to be reduced 
in future years.

The defined contribution pension plans provide pension benefits based on 
accumulated employee and employer contributions. Contributions to these 
plans are a set percentage of employees’ annual income and may be subject 
to certain vesting requirements.

The Corporation and its subsidiaries also provide unfunded post-employment 
health, dental and life insurance benefits to eligible employees, advisors and 
their dependents. The obligations for these benefits are supported by assets 
of the Corporation or its subsidiaries, as applicable.

The Corporation and its subsidiaries have pension and benefit committees 
or  a  trusteed  arrangement  that  provides  oversight  for  the  benefit  plans. 
The benefit plans are monitored on an ongoing basis to assess the benefit, 
funding and investment policies, financial status, and funding requirements. 
Significant changes to benefit plans require approval.

The Corporation and its subsidiaries’ funding policy for the funded pension 
plans  is  to  make  annual  contributions  equal  to  or  greater  than  those 
required by the applicable regulations and plan provisions that govern the 
funding of the plans. Where funded plans have a net defined benefit asset, 
the Corporation and its subsidiaries determine if an economic benefit exists 
in the form of potential reductions in future contributions, the present value 
of future expenses to be paid from the plan and in the form of surplus refunds, 
where permitted by applicable regulation and plan provisions.

By their design, the defined benefit plans expose the Corporation and its 
subsidiaries  to  the  typical  risks  faced  by  defined  benefit  plans,  such  as 
investment performance, changes to the discount rates used to value the 
obligations, longevity of plan members, and future inflation. Pension and 
benefit  risk  is  managed  by  regular  monitoring  of  the  plans,  applicable 
regulations and other factors that could impact the expenses and cash flows 
of the Corporation and its subsidiaries.

98

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORTNOTE 24 Pension Plans and Other Post-Employment Benefits (continued)

PLAN ASSETS, BENEFIT OBLIGATION AND FUNDED STATUS

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31

CHANGE IN FAIR VALUE OF PLAN ASSETS

Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year

Interest income

Employee contributions

Employer contributions

Actual return on assets greater than interest income

Benefits paid

Settlement

Administrative expenses

Foreign exchange and other

Fair value of plan assets, end of year

CHANGE IN DEFINED BENEFIT OBLIGATION

Defined benefit obligation, beginning of year

Current service cost

Employee contributions

Interest cost

Actuarial (gains) losses on:

Financial assumption changes

Demographic assumption changes

Arising from member experience

Benefits paid

Past service cost and plan amendments

Settlement

Curtailment [1]

Foreign exchange and other

Defined benefit obligation, end of year

FUNDED STATUS

Fund deficit

Unrecognized amount due to asset ceiling (see below)

Accrued benefit liability

2017

2016

Defined  
benefit 
pension 
plans

Other post-
employment 
benefits

Defined  
benefit 
pension 
plans

Other post-
employment 
benefits

6,603

221

20

224

311

(344)

–

(8)

87

7,114

7,650

169

20

255

382

4

9

(344)

(53)

–

(34)

78

8,136

(1,022)

(92)

(1,114)

–

–

–

22

–

(22)

–

–

–

–

450

3

–

17

17

(9)

1

(22)

(1)

–

1

(2)

455

6,452

237

23

153

248

(258)

(19)

(13)

(220)

6,603

7,272

158

23

267

520

(13)

(30)

(258)

3

(19)

(14)

(259)

7,650

–

–

–

21

–

(21)

–

–

–

–

454

3

–

19

12

(8)

(1)

(21)

–

–

(7)

(1)

450

(455)

(1,047)

–

(91)

(455)

(1,138)

(450)

–

(450)

[1]  The impact of curtailments and termination benefits resulting from the Canadian restructuring at Lifeco were recognized as part of restructuring expenses and are not 

included in pension and other post-employment benefits expense.

The aggregate defined benefit obligation of pension plans is as follows:

December 31

Wholly or partly funded plans

Wholly unfunded plans

2017

7,621

515

2016

7,147

503

99

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORTNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 24 Pension Plans and Other Post-Employment Benefits (continued)

The net accrued benefit asset (liability) shown above is presented in these financial statements as follows:

December 31

Pension benefit assets [Note 9]

Pension and other post-employment benefit liabilities [Note 15]

Accrued benefit liability

Defined  
benefit 
pension 
plans

193

(1,307)

(1,114)

Other post-
employment 
benefits

–

(455)

(455)

2017

Total

193

(1,762)

(1,569)

Defined  
benefit 
pension 
plans

214

(1,352)

(1,138)

Other post-
employment 
benefits

–

(450)

(450)

2016

Total

214

(1,802)

(1,588)

Under International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (IFRIC) 
14, The Limit on a Defined Benefit Asset, Minimum Funding Requirements and 
their Interaction, the Corporation and its subsidiaries must assess whether the 
pension asset has economic benefit to the Corporation and its subsidiaries 
through future contribution reductions, the present value of future expenses 

to be paid from the plan, or surplus refunds; in the event the Corporation 
and its subsidiaries are not entitled to a benefit, a limit or “asset ceiling” is 
required on the balance sheet. The following provides a breakdown of the 
changes in the asset ceiling.

December 31

Asset ceiling, beginning of year

Interest on beginning-of-year asset ceiling

Change in asset ceiling

Asset ceiling, end of year

PENSION AND OTHER POST-EMPLOYMENT BENEFIT EXPENSE

December 31

Defined benefit current service cost

Net interest cost

Past service cost, plan amendments and curtailments [1]

Administration fees

Defined contribution current service cost

Expense recognized in net earnings

Actuarial losses recognized

Return on assets greater than interest income

Change in asset ceiling

Expense recognized in other comprehensive income

Total expense

2017

91

4

(3)

92

2016

83

3

5

91

2017

Other post-
employment 
benefits

Pension 
plans

2016

Other post-
employment 
benefits

Pension 
plans

169

38

(72)

8

76

219

395

(311)

(3)

81

300

3

17

(1)

–

–

19

9

–

–

9

28

158

33

(11)

13

68

261

477

(248)

5

234

495

3

19

(7)

–

–

15

3

–

–

3

18

[1]  IGM, at its discretion, may from time to time increase certain benefits paid to retired members of the plan. Under its previous policy, IGM had granted benefit increases in 
most years and its obligation included an estimate for future increases. IGM does not expect to grant benefit increases in the foreseeable future. As a result, IGM revalued 
its defined benefit obligation in 2017 and recognized a reduction to its obligation of $50 million as a decrease to pension and other post-employment benefit expense.

In 2017, the Corporation and its subsidiaries incurred $2 million of actuarial losses ($1 million of actuarial gains in 2016) for pension plan remeasurements 
not included in the table shown above. This relates to the share of actuarial gains (losses) for investments in jointly controlled corporations and associates.

100

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORTNOTE 24 Pension Plans and Other Post-Employment Benefits (continued)

ASSET ALLOCATION BY MAJOR CATEGORY WEIGHTED BY PLAN ASSETS

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31
Percentage [%]

Equity securities

Debt securities

All other assets

Defined benefit pension plans

2016

48

41

11

100

2017

45

42

13

100

No  plan  assets  are  directly  invested  in  the  Corporation’s  or  subsidiaries’ 
securities. Lifeco’s plan assets include investments in segregated and other 
funds managed by subsidiaries of Lifeco of $5,694 million at December 31, 2017 
($5,241 million at December 31, 2016) of which $5,616 million ($5,176 million 
at December 31, 2016) are included in the balance sheets. Plan assets do 

not include any property occupied or other assets used by Lifeco. IGM’s 
plan assets are invested in IGM’s mutual funds. A portion of Power Financial’s 
plan assets are invested in segregated funds managed by a subsidiary of Lifeco.

DETAILS OF DEFINED BENEFIT OBLIGATION

Portion of defined benefit obligation subject to future salary increases

December 31

Benefit obligation without future salary increases

Effect of assumed future salary increases

Defined benefit obligation

Allocation of defined benefit obligation by membership

December 31
Percentage [%]

Actives

Deferred vesteds

Retirees

Total

Weighted average duration of defined benefit obligation (in years)

CASH FLOW INFORMATION
The expected employer contributions for the year 2018 are as follows:

Funded (wholly or partly) defined benefit plans

Unfunded defined benefit plans

Defined contribution plans

Total

2017

2016

Defined  
benefit 
pension 
plans

7,351

785

8,136

Other post-
employment 
benefits

455

–

455

Defined  
benefit 
pension 
plans

6,901

749

7,650

Other post-
employment 
benefits

450

–

450

2017

2016

Defined  
benefit 
pension 
plans

Other post-
employment 
benefits

Defined  
benefit 
pension 
plans

Other post-
employment 
benefits

40

24

36

100

18.5

25

–

75

100

12.2

Pension 
plans

229

23

88

340

46

18

36

100

18.9

25

–

75

100

12.9

Other post-
employment 
benefits

–

23

–

23

101

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORTNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 24 Pension Plans and Other Post-Employment Benefits (continued)

ACTUARIAL ASSUMPTIONS AND SENSITIVITIES

Actuarial assumptions

December 31
Percentage [%]

Range of discount rates

To determine benefit cost

To determine accrued benefit obligation at year-end

Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit cost [1]

Discount rate

Rate of compensation increase

Weighted average assumptions used to determine accrued benefit obligation at year-end [1]

Discount rate

Rate of compensation increase

Weighted average healthcare trend rates [1]

Initial healthcare trend rate

Ultimate healthcare trend rate

Year ultimate trend rate is reached

[1]  Weighted based on the obligations of each plan.

Sample life expectancies based on mortality assumptions

December 31

Weighted average life expectancies based on mortality assumptions [1]:

Male

Age 65 in fiscal year

Age 65 for those age 35 in the fiscal year

Female

Age 65 in fiscal year

Age 65 for those age 35 in the fiscal year

[1]  Weighted based on the obligations of each plan.

2017

2016

Defined 
benefit 
pension 
plans

Other post-
employment 
benefits

Defined 
benefit 
pension 
plans

Other post-
employment 
benefits

3.2 – 4.1

3.1 – 3.6

3.7 – 4.1

3.5 – 3.8

3.8 – 4.3

3.2 – 4.1

3.9 – 4.3

3.7 – 4.1

3.4

3.3

3.2

3.2

3.9

–

3.5

–

5.1

4.5

2029

3.8

3.3

3.3

3.3

4.1

–

3.8

–

5.2

4.5

2029

2017

2016

Defined  
benefit 
pension 
plans

Other post-
employment 
benefits

Defined  
benefit 
pension 
plans

Other post-
employment 
benefits

22.9

25.0

24.8

26.8

22.3

23.9

24.7

26.2

22.8

25.0

24.7

26.7

22.3

23.9

24.6

26.1

Mortality  assumptions  are  significant  in  measuring  the  defined  benefit 
obligation for defined benefit plans. The period of time over which benefits 
are  assumed  to  be  paid  is  based  on  best  estimates  of  future  mortality, 
including allowances for mortality improvements. This estimate is subject 
to considerable uncertainty and judgment is required in establishing this 
assumption.  The  mortality  assumptions  applied  by  the  Corporation  and 

its subsidiaries take into consideration average life expectancy, including 
allowances for future longevity improvements as appropriate, and reflect 
variations in such factors as age, gender and geographic location.

The mortality tables are reviewed at least annually, and assumptions are in 
accordance with accepted actuarial practice. Emerging plan experience is 
reviewed and considered in establishing the best estimate for future mortality.

102

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORTNOTE 24 Pension Plans and Other Post-Employment Benefits (continued)

Impact of changes to assumptions on defined benefit obligation

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2017

Defined benefit pension plans:

Impact of a change to the discount rate

Impact of a change to the rate of compensation increase

Impact of a change to the rate of inflation

Other post-employment benefits:

Impact of a change to the discount rate

Impact of a change to assumed medical cost trend rates

1% increase

1% decrease

(1,298)

341

615

(50)

42

1,673

(298)

(543)

59

(36)

To measure the impact of a change in an assumption, all other assumptions were held constant. It would be expected that there would be interaction between 
at least some of the assumptions and therefore the sensitivity analysis presented may not be representative of the actual change.

NOTE 25 Derivative Financial Instruments

In the normal course of managing exposure to fluctuations in interest and foreign exchange rates, and to market risks, the Corporation and its subsidiaries 
are end-users of various derivative financial instruments. Contracts are either exchange traded or over-the-counter with counterparties that are credit-worthy 
financial intermediaries.

The following table summarizes the portfolio of derivative financial instruments of the Corporation and its subsidiaries at December 31:

December 31, 2017

DERIVATIVES NOT DESIGNATED AS ACCOUNTING HEDGES

Interest rate contracts

Swaps

Options purchased

Futures – long

Futures – short

Foreign exchange contracts

Forward contracts

Cross-currency swaps

Other derivative contracts

Equity contracts

Futures – long

Futures – short

Other forward contracts

CASH FLOW HEDGES

Interest rate contracts

Swaps

Foreign exchange contracts

Cross-currency swaps

Other derivative contracts

Forward contracts and total return swaps

NET INVESTMENT HEDGES

Foreign exchange contracts

Forward contracts

1 year 
or less

1–5 
years

Over 
5 years

Total

Maximum 
credit risk

Total
fair value

Notional amount

1,549

46

17

43

2,299

202

8

9

1,803

59

–

–

5,651

307

25

52

1,655

2,518

1,862

6,035

955

338

1,293

95

13

626

93

827

–

2,004

2,004

–

8,286

8,286

955

10,628

11,583

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

95

13

626

93

827

144

50

–

–

194

10

198

208

–

–

1

–

1

79

50

–

–

129

7

(930)

(923)

(1)

–

(1)

–

(2)

3,775

4,522

10,148

18,445

403

(796)

–

500

16

516

–

–

32

32

407

–

–

407

407

500

48

955

–

4,291

475

5,029

–

475

10,555

19,875

10

–

9

19

–

422

10

(123)

9

(104)

(42)

(942)

103

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORTNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 25 Derivative Financial Instruments (continued)

December 31, 2016

DERIVATIVES NOT DESIGNATED AS ACCOUNTING HEDGES

Interest rate contracts

Swaps

Options purchased

Futures – long

Futures – short

Foreign exchange contracts

Forward contracts

Cross-currency swaps

Options purchased

Other derivative contracts

Equity contracts

Futures – long

Futures – short

Other forward contracts

CASH FLOW HEDGES

Interest rate contracts

Swaps

Foreign exchange contracts

Forward contracts

Cross-currency swaps

Other derivative contracts

Forward contracts and total return swaps

NET INVESTMENT HEDGES

Foreign exchange contracts

Forward contracts

1 year 
or less

1–5 
years

Over 
5 years

Total

Maximum 
credit risk

Total
fair value

Notional amount

2,151

39

2

70

2,256

194

9

28

1,737

85

–

–

6,144

318

11

98

2,262

2,487

1,822

6,571

1,089

428

467

1,984

81

11

609

103

804

–

1,987

–

1,987

–

–

–

–

–

–

7,199

–

1,089

9,614

467

7,199

11,170

–

–

–

–

–

81

11

609

103

804

211

49

–

–

260

3

228

–

231

2

–

2

–

4

133

49

–

–

182

(7)

(1,265)

–

(1,272)

2

–

1

–

3

5,050

4,474

9,021

18,545

495

(1,087)

–

318

1,000

13

1,331

450

6,831

–

–

500

30

530

432

432

–

–

–

432

318

1,500

43

2,293

42

–

–

3

45

42

(4)

(436)

1

(397)

49

5,053

–

499

9,453

21,337

32

572

6

(1,478)

104

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORTNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 25 Derivative Financial Instruments (continued)

The amount subject to maximum credit risk is limited to the current fair value of 
the instruments which are in a gain position. The maximum credit risk represents 
the total cost of all derivative contracts with positive values and does not reflect 
actual or expected losses. The total fair value represents the total amount that 
the Corporation and its subsidiaries would receive (or pay) to terminate all 
agreements at year-end. However, this would not result in a gain or loss to the 
Corporation and its subsidiaries as the derivative instruments which correlate 
to certain assets and liabilities provide offsetting gains or losses.

As at December 31, 2017, Lifeco received assets of $77 million ($159 million in 
2016) as collateral for derivative contracts from counterparties.

INTEREST RATE CONTRACTS
Interest rate swaps, futures and options are used as part of a portfolio of 
assets to manage interest rate risk associated with investment activities and 
insurance and investment contract liabilities and to reduce the impact of 
fluctuating interest rates on the mortgage banking operations and intermediary 
operations. Interest rate swap agreements require the periodic exchange of 
payments without the exchange of the notional principal amount on which 
payments are based.

Call options grant the Corporation and its subsidiaries the right to enter into 
a swap with predetermined fixed-rate payments over a predetermined time 
period on the exercise date. Call options are used to manage the variability 
in future interest payments due to a change in credited interest rates and the 
related potential change in cash flows due to surrenders. Call options are also 
used to hedge minimum rate guarantees.

FOREIGN EXCHANGE CONTRACTS
Cross-currency swaps are used in combination with other investments to 
manage  foreign  currency  risk  associated  with  investment  activities,  and 
insurance and investment contract liabilities. Under these swaps, principal 
amounts  and  fixed  or  floating  interest  payments  may  be  exchanged  in 
different currencies. The Corporation and its subsidiaries may also enter into 
certain foreign exchange forward contracts to hedge certain product liabilities, 
cash and cash equivalents and cash flows. There was no ineffective portion 
of cash flow hedges during 2017.

OTHER DERIVATIVE CONTRACTS
Equity index swaps, futures and options are used to hedge certain product 
liabilities. Equity index swaps are also used as substitutes for cash instruments 
and are used to periodically hedge the market risk associated with certain 
fee income. Equity put options are used to manage the potential credit risk 
impact of significant declines in certain equity markets.

Forward agreements and total return swaps are used to manage exposure 
to fluctuations in the total return of common shares related to deferred 
compensation arrangements. Forward agreements and total return swaps 
require the exchange of net contractual payments periodically or at maturity 
without the exchange of the notional principal amounts on which the payments 
are based. Certain of these instruments are not designated as hedges. Change 
in fair value is recorded in operating and administrative expenses in the 
statements of earnings for those instruments not designated as hedges.

ENFORCEABLE MASTER NETTING AGREEMENTS   
OR SIMILAR AGREEMENTS
The  Corporation  and  its  subsidiaries  enter  into  the  International  Swaps  
and  Derivative  Association’s  (ISDA’s)  master  agreements  for  transacting 
over-the-counter derivatives. The Corporation and its subsidiaries receive 
and pledge collateral according to the related ISDA’s Credit Support Annexes. 
The ISDA’s master agreements do not meet the criteria for offsetting on the 
balance sheets because they create a right of set-off that is enforceable only 
in the event of default, insolvency, or bankruptcy.

For exchange-traded derivatives subject to derivative clearing agreements 
with exchanges and clearing houses, there is no provision for set-off at default. 
Initial margin is excluded from the table below as it would become part of a 
pooled settlement process.

Lifeco’s reverse repurchase agreements are also subject to right of set-off 
in the event of default. These transactions and agreements include master 
netting arrangements which provide for the netting of payment obligations 
between Lifeco and its counterparties in the event of default.

105

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORTNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 25 Derivative Financial Instruments (continued)

The following disclosure shows the potential effect on the balance sheets of financial instruments that have been shown in a gross position where right of 
set-off exists under certain circumstances that do not qualify for netting on the balance sheets.

December 31, 2017

Financial instruments (assets)

Derivative financial instruments

Reverse repurchase agreements [3]

Financial instruments (liabilities)

Derivative financial instruments

December 31, 2016

Financial instruments (assets)

Derivative financial instruments

Financial instruments (liabilities)

Derivative financial instruments

Related amounts 
not set off in the balance sheet

Gross amount 
of financial 
instruments 
presented in the 
balance sheet

Offsetting 
counterparty

 position [1]

Financial
collateral
received/
 pledged [2]

Net 
exposure

422

29

451

1,364

1,364

(359)

–

(359)

(359)

(359)

(26)

(29)

(55)

(359)

(359)

Related amounts 
not set off in the balance sheet

Gross amount 
of financial 
instruments 
presented in the 
balance sheet

Offsetting 
counterparty

 position [1]

Financial
collateral
received/
 pledged [2]

572

572

2,050

2,050

(379)

(379)

(379)

(379)

(131)

(131)

(403)

(403)

37

–

37

646

646

Net 
exposure

62

62

1,268

1,268

[1]  Includes counterparty amounts recognized on the balance sheets where the Corporation and its subsidiaries have a potential offsetting position (as described above) but 

does not meet the criteria for offsetting on the balance sheets, excluding collateral.

[2]  Financial collateral presented above excludes overcollateralization and, for exchange-traded derivatives, initial margin. Financial collateral received on reverse repurchase 

agreements is held by a third party. Total financial collateral, including initial margin and overcollateralization, received on derivative assets was $77 million ($159 million 
at December 31, 2016), received on reverse repurchase agreements was $29 million (nil at December 31, 2016), and pledged on derivative liabilities was $437 million 
($475 million at December 31, 2016).

[3]  Assets related to reverse repurchase agreements are included in bonds on the balance sheets.

106

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORTNOTE 26 Fair Value Measurement

The  following  table  presents  the  carrying  amounts  and  fair  value  of  the 
Corporation’s  assets  and  liabilities  recorded  or  disclosed  at  fair  value, 
including their levels in the fair value hierarchy using the valuation methods 
and assumptions described in the summary of significant accounting policies 
(Note 2) and below. Fair values are management’s estimates and are generally 
calculated using market conditions at a specific point in time and may not 
reflect future fair values. The calculations are subjective in nature, involve 
uncertainties and matters of significant judgment. The table distinguishes 
between assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring basis of 
those for which fair value is disclosed.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The table excludes fair value information for financial assets and financial 
liabilities not measured at fair value if the carrying amount is a reasonable 
approximation of the fair value. Items excluded are: cash and cash equivalents, 
dividends, interest and accounts receivable, loans to policyholders, certain 
other financial assets, accounts payable, dividends and interest payable and 
certain other financial liabilities.

December 31, 2017

ASSETS

Assets recorded at fair value

Bonds

Fair value through profit or loss

Available for sale

Mortgage loans

Fair value through profit or loss

Shares

Fair value through profit or loss

Available for sale

Investment properties

Funds held by ceding insurers

Derivative instruments

Other assets

Assets disclosed at fair value

Bonds

Loans and receivables

Mortgage loans

Loans and receivables

Shares

Available for sale [1]

Funds held by ceding insurers

Total

LIABILITIES

Liabilities recorded at fair value

Investment contract liabilities

Derivative instruments

Other liabilities

Liabilities disclosed at fair value

Obligations to securitization entities

Debentures and other debt instruments

Capital trust debentures

Deposits and certificates

Total

Carrying
value

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total
fair value

89,824

12,628

287

8,194

243

4,851

7,938

422

892

–

–

–

7,949

69

–

132

1

503

89,759

12,628

287

1

5

–

7,806

409

389

65

–

–

244

169

4,851

–

12

–

89,824

12,628

287

8,194

243

4,851

7,938

422

892

125,279

8,654

111,284

5,341

125,279

17,959

29,748

331

106

48,144

173,423

1,841

1,364

71

3,276

7,596

7,968

160

555

16,279

19,555

–

–

–

–

–

19,365

105

19,470

23,031

7,649

30,680

–

–

331

106

331

106

42,396

8,191

50,587

8,654

153,680

13,532

175,866

–

2

9

11

–

428

–

–

428

439

1,819

1,354

–

3,173

–

8,342

221

555

9,118

12,291

22

8

62

92

7,658

–

–

–

7,658

7,750

1,841

1,364

71

3,276

7,658

8,770

221

555

17,204

20,480

[1]  Fair value of certain shares available for sale cannot be reliably measured, therefore these investments are recorded at cost.

107

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORTNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 26 Fair Value Measurement (continued)

December 31, 2016

ASSETS

Assets recorded at fair value

Bonds

Fair value through profit or loss

Available for sale

Mortgage loans

Fair value through profit or loss

Shares

Fair value through profit or loss

Available for sale

Investment properties

Funds held by ceding insurers

Derivative instruments

Other assets

Assets disclosed at fair value

Bonds

Loans and receivables

Mortgage loans

Loans and receivables

Shares

Available for sale [1]

Funds held by ceding insurers

Total

LIABILITIES

Liabilities recorded at fair value

Investment contract liabilities

Derivative instruments

Other liabilities

Liabilities disclosed at fair value

Obligations to securitization entities

Debentures and other debt instruments

Capital trust debentures

Deposits and certificates

Total

Carrying
value

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total
fair value

88,283

11,819

339

7,673

182

4,340

8,605

572

516

–

–

–

7,583

53

–

214

3

302

88,282

11,819

339

9

–

–

8,391

566

213

1

–

–

81

129

4,340

–

3

1

88,283

11,819

339

7,673

182

4,340

8,605

572

516

122,329

8,155

109,619

4,555

122,329

16,970

29,295

376

118

46,759

169,088

2,009

2,050

10

4,069

7,721

7,513

161

471

15,866

19,935

–

–

–

–

–

18,355

129

18,484

22,580

7,838

30,418

–

–

376

118

376

118

40,935

8,461

49,396

8,155

150,554

13,016

171,725

–

1

10

11

–

428

–

–

428

439

1,989

2,023

–

4,012

–

7,885

212

472

8,569

12,581

20

26

–

46

7,873

–

–

–

7,873

7,919

2,009

2,050

10

4,069

7,873

8,313

212

472

16,870

20,939

[1]  Fair value of certain shares available for sale cannot be reliably measured, therefore these investments are recorded at cost.

There were no significant transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 in 2017 and 2016.

108

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORTNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 26 Fair Value Measurement (continued)

The Corporation’s assets and liabilities recorded at fair value and those for 
which fair value is disclosed have been categorized based upon the following 
fair value hierarchy:

 „ Level  1  inputs  utilize  observable,  unadjusted  quoted  prices  in  active 
markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Corporation has the ability 
to access. Assets and liabilities utilizing Level 1 inputs include actively 
exchange-traded equity securities, exchange-traded futures, and mutual 
and segregated funds which have available prices in an active market with 
no redemption restrictions. Level 1 assets also include open-end investment 
fund units and other liabilities in instances where there are quoted prices 
available from active markets.

 „ Level 2 inputs utilize other-than-quoted prices included in Level 1 that are 
observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 
inputs  include  quoted  prices  for  similar  assets  and  liabilities  in  active 
markets, and inputs other-than-quoted prices that are observable for the 
asset or liability, such as interest rates and yield curves that are observable 
at commonly quoted intervals. The fair values for some Level 2 securities 
were obtained from a pricing service. The pricing service inputs include, 
but are not limited to, benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer 

quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, offers 
and reference data. Level 2 assets and liabilities include those priced using 
a matrix which is based on credit quality and average life, government 
and agency securities, restricted stock, some private bonds and equities, 
most  investment-grade  and  high-yield  corporate  bonds,  most  asset-
backed securities, most over-the-counter derivatives, mortgage loans, 
deposits and certificates, and most debentures and other debt instruments. 
Investment contracts that are measured at fair value through profit or loss 
are mostly included in the Level 2 category.

 „ Level 3 inputs utilize one or more significant inputs that are not based 
on observable market inputs and include situations where there is little, 
if any, market activity for the asset or liability. The values of the majority 
of Level 3 securities were obtained from single-broker quotes, internal 
pricing models, external appraisers or by discounting projected cash flows. 
Assets and liabilities utilizing Level 3 inputs include certain bonds, certain 
asset-backed  securities,  some  private  equities,  some  mortgage  loans, 
investments in mutual and segregated funds where there are redemption 
restrictions, certain over-the-counter derivatives, investment properties, 
obligations to securitization entities, and certain other debt instruments.

The following table presents additional information about assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis for which the Corporation and its 
subsidiaries have utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value for the year ended December 31, 2017.

December 31, 2017

Balance, beginning of year

Total gains (losses)

In net earnings

In other comprehensive income [1]

Purchases

Sales

Settlements

Other

Transfers into Level 3

Transfers out of Level 3

Balance, end of year

Bonds

Shares

Fair value 
through 
profit or loss

Fair value 
through

 profit or loss [2]

Available 
for sale

Investment 
properties

Derivatives, 
net

Other assets
(liabilities)

1

1

4

–

–

–

–

60

(1)

65

81

129

4,340

(23)

10

(3)

166

(14)

–

–

4

–

244

–

–

48

–

–

–

–

(8)

169

176

68

339

(72)

–

–

–

–

4,851

13

–

(2)

–

16

–

–

–

4

Investment 
contract 
liabilities

Total

(20)

4,509

–

–

–

–

–

(2)

–

–

200

69

509

(87)

16

(22)

64

(9)

1

–

–

(42)

(1)

–

(20)

–

–

(62)

(22)

5,249

[1]  Amount of other comprehensive income for investment properties represents the unrealized gains on foreign exchange.

[2]  Includes investments in mutual and segregated funds where there are redemption restrictions. The fair value is based on observable, quoted prices.

Transfers into Level 3 are due primarily to decreased observability of inputs in valuation methodologies. Transfers out of Level 3 are due primarily to increased 
observability of inputs in valuation methodologies as evidenced by corroboration of market prices with multiple pricing vendors or the lifting of redemption 
restrictions on investments in mutual funds and segregated funds.

109

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORTNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 26 Fair Value Measurement (continued)

The following table sets out information about significant unobservable inputs used at year-end in measuring assets and liabilities categorized as Level 3 in 
the fair value hierarchy.

Type of asset

Valuation approach

Significant
unobservable input

Input value

Inter-relationship between key unobservable inputs 
and fair value measurement

Investment properties

Investment property valuations are 
generally determined using property 
valuation models based on expected 
capitalization rates and models that 
discount expected future net cash 
flows. The determination of the fair 
value of investment property requires 
the use of estimates such as future 
cash flows (such as future leasing 
assumptions, rental rates, capital and 
operating expenditures) and discount, 
reversionary and overall capitalization 
rates applicable to the asset based on 
current market rates.

Discount rate

Range of 2.6% – 10.3%

Reversionary rate

Range of 4.3% – 7.5%

A decrease in the discount rate would result in an 
increase in fair value. 

An increase in the discount rate would result in a 
decrease in fair value.

A decrease in the reversionary rate would result in an 
increase in fair value.

An increase in the reversionary rate would result in a 
decrease in fair value.

Vacancy rate

Weighted average  
of 2.7%

A decrease in the expected vacancy rate would 
generally result in an increase in fair value.

An increase in the expected vacancy rate would 
generally result in a decrease in fair value.

NOTE 27 Other Comprehensive Income

Items that may be reclassified 
subsequently to net earnings

Items that will not be 
reclassified to net earnings

Investment 
revaluation 
and cash 
flow hedges

Share of 
jointly 
controlled 
corporations 
and associates

Actuarial 
gains (losses) 
on defined 
benefit 
pension plans

Share of 
jointly 
controlled 
corporations 
and associates

Foreign 
currency 
translation

(79)

177

–

98

1,048

(387)

–

661

648

486

–

1,134

(501)

(56)

–

(557)

(26)

(2)

9

(19)

Items that may be reclassified 
subsequently to net earnings

Items that will not be 
reclassified to net earnings

Investment 
revaluation
 and cash 
flow hedges

Share of 
jointly 
controlled 
corporations 
and associates

Actuarial 
gains (losses) 
on defined 
benefit 
pension plans

Share of 
jointly 
controlled 
corporations 
and associates

Foreign 
currency 
translation

(172)

93

(79)

2,036

(988)

1,048

278

370

648

(374)

(127)

(501)

(27)

1

(26)

Total

1,090

218

9

1,317

Total

1,741

(651)

1,090

Year ended December 31, 2017

Balance, beginning of year

Other comprehensive income (loss)

Other

Balance, end of year

Year ended December 31, 2016

Balance, beginning of year

Other comprehensive income (loss)

Balance, end of year

110

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORTNOTE 28 Earnings per Share

The following is a reconciliation of the numerators and the denominators used in the computations of earnings per share:

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Years ended December 31

EARNINGS

Net earnings attributable to shareholders

Dividends on perpetual preferred shares

Net earnings attributable to common shareholders

Dilutive effect of subsidiaries

Net earnings adjusted for dilutive effect

NUMBER OF COMMON SHARES [millions]

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – Basic

Potential exercise of outstanding stock options

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – Diluted

NET EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

Basic

Diluted

2017

1,850

(133)

1,717

(2)

1,715

713.4

0.7

714.1

2.41

2.40

2016

2,043

(124)

1,919

(4)

1,915

713.2

0.4

713.6

2.69

2.68

For 2017, 4.3 million stock options (7.3 million in 2016) have been excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share as they were anti-dilutive.

NOTE 29 Related Parties

PRINCIPAL SUBSIDIARIES AND JOINTLY CONTROLLED CORPORATIONS
The financial statements of Power Financial include the operations of the following subsidiaries, indirect subsidiaries and investments in jointly controlled 
corporations and associates: 

Corporations

Incorporated in

Primary business operation

Great-West Lifeco Inc. [1]

The Great-West Life Assurance Company

London Life Insurance Company

The Canada Life Assurance Company

Irish Life Group Limited

Canada

Canada

Canada

Canada

Ireland

Financial services holding company

Insurance and wealth management

Insurance and wealth management

Insurance and wealth management

Insurance and wealth management

Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Company

United States

Insurance and wealth management

Putnam Investments, LLC [2]

United States

IGM Financial Inc. [3]

Investors Group Inc.

Mackenzie Financial Corporation

China Asset Management Co., Ltd.

Parjointco N.V.

Pargesa Holding SA

Portag3 Venture Limited Partnership [4]

Wealthsimple Financial Corp. [5]

Canada

Canada

Canada

China

Netherlands

Switzerland

Canada

Canada

Financial services

Financial services

Financial services

Financial services

Asset management company

Holding company

Holding company

Investment fund

Financial services

[1]  Power Financial holds a 67.7% equity interest and IGM Financial holds a 4.0% equity interest in Lifeco.

[2]  Lifeco holds 100% of the voting shares and 95.9% of the total outstanding shares.

[3]  Power Financial holds a 61.5% equity interest and The Great-West Life Assurance Company holds a 3.8% equity interest in IGM Financial.

[4]  Power Financial holds a 63.0% equity interest and Lifeco and IGM Financial each hold an equity interest of 18.5% in Portag3.

[5]  Power Financial, Portag3 and IGM Financial hold an equity interest of 10.8%, 29.4% and 37.1%, respectively, in Wealthsimple.

% equity interest

2017

2016

71.7

100

100

100

100

100

95.9

65.3

100

100

13.9

50

55.5

100

77.3

71.9

100

100

100

100

100

96.2

65.3

100

100

–

50

55.5

100

46.5

111

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORTNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 29 Related Parties (continued)

TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES
In the normal course of business, Power Financial and its subsidiaries enter into 
various transactions; subsidiaries provide insurance benefits, sub-advisory 
services,  distribution  of  insurance  products  and/or  other  administrative 
services to other subsidiaries of the group and to the Corporation. In all cases, 
these transactions are in the normal course of operations and have been 
recorded at fair value. Balances and transactions between the Corporation 
and  its  subsidiaries  have  been  eliminated  on  consolidation  and  are  not 
disclosed in this note. Details of other transactions between the Corporation 
and related parties are disclosed below.

In 2017, IGM sold residential mortgage loans to Great-West Life, London Life 
and segregated funds maintained by London Life for $137 million ($184 million 
in 2016).

In October 2017, IGM obtained advanced tax rulings which permitted tax loss 
consolidation transactions with a subsidiary of Power Corporation, whereby 
shares of a subsidiary that has generated tax losses may be acquired by IGM. 
The acquisitions are expected to close in the fourth quarter of each year. IGM 
will recognize the benefit of the tax losses realized throughout the year. On 
December 29, 2017, IGM acquired shares of the subsidiary and recorded the 
benefit of the tax losses acquired.

Lifeco provides asset management and administrative services for employee 
benefit  plans  relating  to  pension  and  other  post-employment  benefits 
for employees of Power Corporation, Power  Financial and Lifeco and its 
subsidiaries.

KEY MANAGEMENT COMPENSATION
Key  management  personnel  are  those  persons  having  authority  and 
responsibility  for  planning,  directing  and  controlling  the  activities  of 
the  Corporation,  directly  or  indirectly.  The  persons  included  in  the  key 
management personnel are the members of the Board of Directors of the 
Corporation, as well as certain management executives of the Corporation 
and its subsidiaries.

The following table describes all compensation paid to, awarded to, or earned by each of the key management personnel for services rendered in all capacities 
to the Corporation and its subsidiaries:

Years ended December 31

Compensation and employee benefits

Post-employment benefits

Share-based payments

NOTE 30 Contingent Liabilities

The Corporation and its subsidiaries are from time to time subject to legal 
actions, including arbitrations and class actions, arising in the normal course 
of business. It is inherently difficult to predict the outcome of any of these 
proceedings  with  certainty,  and  it  is  possible  that  an  adverse  resolution 
could have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position 
of the Corporation. However, based on information presently known, it is not 
expected that any of the existing legal actions, either individually or in the 
aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial 
position of the Corporation. Actual results could differ from the best estimates 
of the Corporation’s and its subsidiaries’ management.

2017

20

6

16

42

2016

21

10

17

48

LIFECO
A subsidiary of Lifeco in the United States is a defendant in an action in relation 
to its role as collateral manager of a collateralized debt obligation brought by 
an institution involved in the collateralized debt obligation. On April 28, 2014, 
the matter was dismissed. On July 2, 2014, the complainant filed an appeal of 
the dismissal and on April 15, 2015 the United States Court of Appeals for the 
Second Circuit issued its decision overturning the dismissal of the action and 
remanding the matter for further proceedings, which are ongoing.

Subsidiaries  of  Lifeco  in  the  United  States  are  defendants  in  proposed 
class actions relating to the administration of their staff retirement plans, 
or to the costs and features of certain of their retirement or fund products. 
Management  of  Lifeco  believes  the  claims  are  without  merit  and  will  be 
aggressively defending these actions.

112

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORTNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 31 Commitments and Guarantees

GUARANTEES
In  the  normal  course  of  operations,  the  Corporation  and  its  subsidiaries 
execute  agreements  that  provide  for  indemnifications  to  third  parties  in 
transactions such as business dispositions, business acquisitions, loans and 
securitization transactions. The Corporation and its subsidiaries have also 
agreed to indemnify their directors and certain of their officers. The nature of 
these agreements precludes the possibility of making a reasonable estimate 
of the maximum potential amount the Corporation and its subsidiaries could 
be  required  to  pay  third  parties  as  the  agreements  often  do  not  specify 
a  maximum  amount  and  the  amounts  are  dependent  on  the  outcome  of 
future  contingent  events,  the  nature  and  likelihood  of  which  cannot  be 
determined. Historically, the Corporation has not made any payments under 
such indemnification agreements. No provisions have been recognized related 
to these agreements.

LETTERS OF CREDIT
Letters of credit are written commitments provided by a bank. The total 
amount  of  letter  of  credit  facilities  at  Lifeco  is  US$1.7  billion,  of  which 
US$1.6 billion were issued as of December 31, 2017.

The Reinsurance operation also periodically uses letters of credit as collateral 
under certain reinsurance contracts for on-balance sheet policy liabilities.

INVESTMENT COMMITMENTS
With respect to Lifeco, commitments of investment transactions made in the 
normal course of operations in accordance with policies and guidelines and 
that are to be disbursed upon fulfillment of certain contract conditions were 
$939 million as at December 31, 2017, with $938 million maturing within one 
year and $1 million maturing within two years.

PLEDGING OF ASSETS FOR 
REINSURANCE AGREEMENTS
In addition to the assets pledged by Lifeco disclosed elsewhere in the financial 
statements:

[i]  The amount of assets included in the Corporation’s balance sheet which 
have a security interest by way of pledging is $1,562 million ($1,709 million 
at December 31, 2016) in respect of reinsurance agreements.

In addition, under certain reinsurance contracts, bonds presented in 
portfolio investments are held in trust and escrow accounts. Assets are 
placed in these accounts pursuant to the requirements of certain legal 
and contractual obligations to support contract liabilities assumed.

[ii]  Lifeco  has  pledged,  in  the  normal  course  of  business,  $66  million 
($62  million  at  December  31,  2016)  of  its  assets  for  the  purpose  of 
providing collateral for the counterparty.

COMMITMENTS
The Corporation and its subsidiaries enter into operating leases for office space and certain equipment used in the normal course of operations. Lease payments 
are charged to operations over the period of use. The future minimum lease payments in aggregate and by year are as follows:

Future lease payments

2018

149

2019

119

2020

101

2021

87

2022

64

2023 and 
thereafter

394

Total

914

NOTE 32 Segmented Information

The Corporation’s reportable operating segments are Lifeco, IGM Financial and 
Pargesa. These reportable segments reflect Power Financial’s management 
structure and internal financial reporting. The Corporation evaluates the 
performance based on the operating segment’s contribution to earnings. 
The following provides a brief description of the three reportable operating 
segments:

 „ Lifeco is a financial services holding company with interests in life insurance, 
health insurance, retirement and investment management services, asset 
management and reinsurance businesses primarily in Canada, the United 
States and Europe.

 „ IGM Financial is a financial services company operating in Canada primarily 
within the advice segment of the financial services market. IGM earns 
revenues  from  a  range  of  sources,  but  primarily  from  management 
fees, which are charged to its mutual funds for investment advisory and 
management services. IGM also earns revenues from fees charged to its 
mutual funds for administrative services.

 „ Pargesa is held through Parjointco. Pargesa is a holding company with 
diversified interests in Europe-based companies active in various sectors: 
minerals-based specialty solutions for industry; testing, inspection and 
certification; cement, aggregates and concrete; wines and spirits; design and 
distribution of sportswear; materials technology and recycling of precious 
metals; oil, gas and chemical industries; a global luxury brand; disposable 
hygiene products; supply of equipment and project management for a wide 
range of processing industries primarily in the food and beverage sectors; 
and operation of regional leisure parks. 

The  column  entitled  “Corporate”  is  comprised  of  corporate  activities  of 
Power Financial and the results of Wealthsimple and Portag3. This column 
also includes consolidation elimination entries.

Revenues  and  assets  are  attributed  to  geographic  areas  based  on  the 
point of origin of revenues and the location of assets. The contribution to 
earnings of each segment includes the share of net earnings resulting from 
the investments that Lifeco and IGM have in each other as well as certain 
consolidation adjustments.

113

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORT 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 32 Segmented Information (continued)

CONSOLIDATED NET EARNINGS

For the year ended December 31, 2017

Lifeco

IGM

Pargesa

Corporate

Total

REVENUES

Premium income, net

Net investment income

Fee income

Total revenues

EXPENSES

Total paid or credited to policyholders

Commissions

Operating and administrative expenses

Financing charges

Total expenses

Earnings before investments in jointly controlled corporations and associates, 

and income taxes

Share of earnings (losses) of investments in jointly controlled corporations 

and associates

Earnings before income taxes

Income taxes

Net earnings

ATTRIBUTABLE TO

Non-controlling interests

Perpetual preferred shareholders

Common shareholders

TOTAL ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

33,947

7,582

5,454

46,983

35,643

2,410

5,925

300

44,278

2,705

25

2,730

422

2,308

857

–

1,451

2,308

–

139

3,006

3,145

–

1,142

1,113

114

2,369

776

9

785

174

611

261

–

350

611

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

131

131

–

131

–

–

131

131

(22)

(111)

(117)

(250)

–

(77)

92

18

33

33,925

7,610

8,343

49,878

35,643

3,475

7,130

432

46,680

(283)

3,198

35

(248)

(12)

(236)

(154)

133

(215)

(236)

200

3,398

584

2,814

964

133

1,717

2,814

December 31, 2017

Lifeco

IGM

Pargesa

Corporate

Total

Invested assets (including cash and cash equivalents)

Investments in jointly controlled corporations and associates

Other assets

Goodwill and intangible assets

Investments on account of segregated fund policyholders

Total assets [1]

Total liabilities

167,480

2

24,635

10,371

217,357

419,845

9,073

648

1,139

4,789

–

–

3,354

–

–

–

1,113

177,666

12

83

168

–

4,016

25,857

15,328

217,357

15,649

3,354

1,376

440,224

394,302

11,674

–

724

406,700

[1]  Total assets of Lifeco and IGM operating segments include the allocation of goodwill and certain consolidation adjustments.

TOTAL ASSETS AND TOTAL REVENUES BY GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION

December 31, 2017

Invested assets (including cash and cash equivalents)

Investments in jointly controlled corporations and associates

Other assets

Goodwill and intangible assets

Investments on account of segregated fund policyholders

Total assets

Total revenues

114

Canada

United States

Europe

Total

82,512

44,268

660

4,021

10,799

80,399

178,391

–

3,787

1,975

34,038

84,068

50,886

3,356

18,049

2,554

177,666

4,016

25,857

15,328

102,920

217,357

177,765

440,224

21,046

9,078

19,754

49,878

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORTNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 32 Segmented Information (continued)

CONSOLIDATED NET EARNINGS

For the year ended December 31, 2016

Lifeco

IGM

Pargesa

Corporate

Total

REVENUES

Premium income, net

Net investment income

Fee income

Total revenues

EXPENSES

Total paid or credited to policyholders

Commissions

Operating and administrative expenses

Financing charges

Total expenses

Earnings before investments in jointly controlled corporations and associates, 

and income taxes

Share of earnings (losses) of investments in jointly controlled corporations 

and associates

Earnings before income taxes

Income taxes

Net earnings

ATTRIBUTABLE TO

Non-controlling interests

Perpetual preferred shareholders

Common shareholders

TOTAL ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

31,125

10,145

5,101

46,371

34,675

2,602

5,450

302

–

188

2,857

3,045

–

1,090

916

92

43,029

2,098

3,342

10

3,352

396

2,956

1,166

–

1,790

2,956

947

–

947

168

779

306

–

473

779

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(88)

(88)

–

(88)

–

–

(88)

(88)

–

(130)

(164)

(294)

31,125

10,203

7,794

49,122

–

34,675

(102)

14

18

3,590

6,380

412

(70)

45,057

(224)

4,065

(20)

(244)

17

(261)

(129)

124

(256)

(261)

(98)

3,967

581

3,386

1,343

124

1,919

3,386

December 31, 2016 [1]

Lifeco

IGM

Pargesa

Corporate

Total

Invested assets (including cash and cash equivalents)

Investments in jointly controlled corporations and associates

Other assets

Goodwill and intangible assets

Investments on account of segregated fund policyholders

Total assets [2]

Total liabilities

162,535

259

26,226

10,409

200,403

399,832

8,819

–

1,263

4,831

–

–

2,811

–

–

–

14,913

2,811

374,725

10,878

–

786

172,140

33

32

–

–

851

588

3,103

27,521

15,240

200,403

418,407

386,191

TOTAL ASSETS AND TOTAL REVENUES BY GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION

December 31, 2016 [1]

Invested assets (including cash and cash equivalents)

Investments in jointly controlled corporations and associates

Other assets

Goodwill and intangible assets

Investments on account of segregated fund policyholders

Total assets

Total revenues

Canada

United States

Europe

Total

79,317

44,904

33

4,466

10,361

74,909

169,086

–

4,351

2,388

35,414

87,057

47,919

3,070

18,704

2,491

90,080

172,140

3,103

27,521

15,240

200,403

162,264

418,407

20,078

9,448

19,596

49,122

[1]  Lifeco reclassified certain comparative figures to reflect the current presentation (Note 16).

[2]  Total assets of Lifeco and IGM operating segments include the allocation of goodwill and certain consolidation adjustments.

115

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORTIndependent Auditor’s Report

To the Shareholders of Power Financial Corporation

We have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements of Power Financial Corporation, which comprise the consolidated balance sheets as 
at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, and the consolidated statements of earnings, statements of comprehensive income, statements of changes in 
equity and statements of cash flows for the years then ended, and a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information.

MANAGEMENT’S RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these consolidated financial statements in accordance with International Financial 
Reporting Standards, and for such internal control as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of consolidated financial statements 
that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

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 audits 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 Power Financial Corporation as at 
December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, and its financial performance and its cash flows for the years then ended in accordance with International Financial 
Reporting Standards.

Signed,  
Deloitte LLP1

March 23, 2018 
Montréal, Québec

1 CPA auditor, CA, public accountancy permit No. A110092

116

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORTPower Financial Corporation

Five-Year Financial Summary

December 31
[in millions of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts] (unaudited)

2017

2016 [1]

2015

2014

2013

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

Cash and cash equivalents

Total assets

Shareholders’ equity

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

REVENUES

Premium income, net

Net investment income

Fee income

Total revenues

EXPENSES

Total paid or credited to policyholders

Commissions

Operating and administrative expenses

Financing charges

Total expenses

Earnings before investments in jointly controlled corporations  

and associates, and income taxes

Share of earnings (losses) of investments in jointly controlled  

corporations and associates

Earnings before income taxes

Income taxes

Net earnings

ATTRIBUTABLE TO

Non-controlling interests

Perpetual preferred shareholders

Common shareholders

PER SHARE

Net earnings attributable to common shareholders

Adjusted net earnings attributable to common shareholders [2]

Dividends declared on common shares

Book value per common share

MARKET PRICE (Common shares)
High

Low

Year-end

5,321

440,224

20,513

4,396

418,407

19,481

4,188

417,630

19,473

3,989

373,843

16,942

4,344

341,682

15,916

33,925

7,610

8,343

49,878

35,643

3,475

7,130

432

46,680

3,198

200

3,398

584

2,814

964

133

1,717

2,814

2.41

2.99

1.65

24.77

37.00

31.91

34.54

31,125

10,203

7,794

49,122

34,675

3,590

6,380

412

45,057

4,065

(98)

3,967

581

3,386

1,343

124

1,919

3,386

2.69

2.99

1.57

23.69

34.70

29.02

33.56

24,501

4,319

7,692

36,512

22,842

3,133

5,883

413

32,271

4,241

224

4,465

679

3,786

1,337

130

2,319

3,786

3.25

3.14

1.49

23.69

38.78

30.28

31.81

21,222

13,563

6,990

41,775

29,160

2,901

5,162

413

37,636

4,139

211

4,350

834

3,516

1,248

132

2,136

3,516

3.00

2.96

1.40

20.18

36.70

30.14

36.18

20,236

2,661

5,933

28,830

17,811

2,590

4,474

400

25,275

3,555

134

3,689

678

3,011

984

131

1,896

3,011

2.67

2.40

1.40

18.51

36.79

27.02

36.00

[1]  Lifeco reclassified certain comparative figures to reflect the current presentation (Note 16).

[2]  Please refer to the review of financial performance for non-IFRS financial measure definition. 

Quarterly Financial Information

[in millions of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts] 
(unaudited)

Total 
revenues

Net 
earnings

Net earnings 
attributable 
to common 
shareholders

Earnings 
per share 
attributable 
to common 
shareholders 
– basic

Earnings 
per share 
attributable 
to common 
shareholders 
– diluted

2017

First quarter

Second quarter

Third quarter

Fourth quarter

2016

First quarter

Second quarter

Third quarter

Fourth quarter

13,569

11,780

10,907

13,622

12,970

13,470

14,106

8,576

800

817

776

421

564

834

860

1,128

484

545

463

225

259

505

539

616

0.68

0.76

0.65

0.32

0.36

0.71

0.76

0.86

0.68

0.76

0.65

0.31

0.36

0.71

0.76

0.86

117

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORTR. JEFFREY ORR
President and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation

LOUISE ROY, O.C., O.Q.*
Invited Fellow and Chair of the Board, 
Centre interuniversitaire de recherche en analyse des organisations 

RAYMOND ROYER, O.C., O.Q., FCPA, FCA [2, 3, 4, 5] *
Company Director

T. TIMOTHY RYAN, JR. [2, 5]
Company Director

EMŐKE J.E. SZATHMÁRY, C.M., O.M., PH.D., FRSC [2]
President Emeritus,  
University of Manitoba

Director Emeritus

JAMES W. BURNS, O.C., O.M.

[1] 

LEAD  DIRECTOR  OF  THE  CORPORATION

[2]  MEMBER  OF  THE  AUDIT  COMMITTEE

[3]  MEMBER  OF  THE  COMPENSATION  COMMITTEE

[4] 

MEMBER  OF  THE  GOVERNANCE  AND  NOMINATING  COMMITTEE

[5] 

MEMBER  OF  THE  RELATED  PART Y  AND  CONDUCT  REVIEW  COMMITTEE

     * 

NOT  STANDING  FOR  RE-ELECTION

Board of Directors

MARC A. BIBEAU [2]
President and Chief Executive Officer, 
Beauward Shopping Centres Ltd.

ANDRÉ DESMARAIS, O.C., O.Q. [4]
Executive Co-Chairman of the Corporation 
and Deputy Chairman, President and 
Co-Chief Executive Officer,
Power Corporation of Canada 

PAUL DESMARAIS, JR., O.C., O.Q. [4]
Executive Co-Chairman of the Corporation 
and Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer, 
Power Corporation of Canada

GARY A. DOER, O.M. [2, 3, 5]
Senior Business Advisor, 
Dentons Canada LLP

GÉRALD FRÈRE [3]
Vice-Chairman and Managing Director, 
Pargesa Holding SA

ANTHONY R. GRAHAM, LL.D. [4]
Vice-Chairman, 
Wittington Investments, Limited

J. DAVID A. JACKSON, LL.B. [1, 4]
Senior Counsel, 
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP

118

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORTOfficers

PAUL DESMARAIS, JR., O.C., O.Q.

ANDRÉ DESMARAIS, O.C., O.Q.

R. JEFFREY ORR

Executive Co-Chairman

Executive Co-Chairman

President and Chief Executive Officer

MICHEL PLESSIS-BÉLAIR, FCPA, FCA

HENRI-PAUL ROUSSEAU, PH.D.*

AMAURY DE SEZE

Vice-Chairman

Vice-Chairman

Vice-Chairman

GREGORY D. TRETIAK, FCPA, FCA

CLAUDE GÉNÉREUX

Executive Vice-President 
and Chief Financial Officer

Executive Vice-President 

OLIVIER DESMARAIS

PAUL DESMARAIS III

Senior Vice-President

Senior Vice-President

PAUL C. GENEST

Senior Vice-President

ARNAUD VIAL

Senior Vice-President

JOCELYN LEFEBVRE, CPA, C.A.

DENIS LE VASSEUR, CPA, C.A.

STÉPHANE LEMAY

Managing Director, 
Power Financial Europe B.V.

Vice-President and Controller

Vice-President, 
General Counsel and Secretary

FABRICE MORIN

Vice-President

PIERRE PICHÉ

Vice-President

    * 

RETIRED  JANUARY  1,  2018

EOIN Ó HÓGÁIN, CFA

Vice-President

RICHARD PAN

Vice-President

LUC RENY, CFA

Vice-President

119

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORTCorporate Information 

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION 

751 Victoria Square 
Montréal, Québec, Canada  H2Y 2J3 
514-286-7430 
1-800-890-7440

161 Bay Street, Suite 5000 
Toronto, Ontario, Canada  M5J 2S1 
416-607-2250

www.powerfinancial.com

This document is also available on the Corporation’s website  

and on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Transfer Agent and Registrar

Stock Listings

Computershare Investor Services Inc. 

Offices in: 

Montréal, Québec; Toronto, Ontario

Shares of Power Financial Corporation are listed on the  

www.investorcentre.com 

Toronto Stock Exchange:

COMMON SHARES: PWF

FIRST PREFERRED SHARES: 

Series A:  PWF.PR.A

Series D:  PWF.PR.E

Series E:  PWF.PR.F

Series F:  PWF.PR.G

Series H:  PWF.PR.H

Series I:  PWF.PR.I

Series K:  PWF.PR.K

Series L:  PWF.PR.L

Series O:  PWF.PR.O

Series P:  PWF.PR.P

Series Q:  PWF.PR.Q

Series R:  PWF.PR.R

Series S:  PWF.PR.S

Series T:  PWF.PR.T

Series V:  PWF.PR.Z

Shareholder Services

Shareholders with questions relating to the payment of dividends, 

change of address, share certificates, direct registration and estate 

transfers should contact the Transfer Agent:

Computershare Investor Services Inc.  
Shareholder Services  
100 University Avenue, 8th Floor  
Toronto, Ontario, Canada  M5J 2Y1  
Telephone: 1-800-564-6253 (toll-free in Canada and the U.S.)  
or 514-982-7555  
www.computershare.com

WE SUPPORT

The trademarks contained in this report are owned by Power Financial Corporation  
or by a Member of the Power Corporation group of companies®.  
Trademarks that are not owned by Power  Financial Corporation are used with permission.

120

POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION 2017 ANNUAL REPORTD ES I G N : A R D O I S E .CO M

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