EX-99.1 2 d324856dex991.htm EX-99.1 EX-99.1

Exhibit 99.1

 

 

   Q1    
     2017  

 

SHAREHOLDERS’ REPORT

SUN LIFE FINANCIAL INC.

For the period ended

March 31, 2017

sunlife.com

 

LOGO

 



CANADIAN RESIDENTS PARTICIPATING IN THE SHARE ACCOUNT

Shareholders holding shares in the Canadian Share Account can sell their shares for $15 plus 5 cents per share.

Complete Form A on the front of your Share Ownership Statement, tear it off and return it by mail to CST Trust Company.

For more information call CST Trust Company at 1 877 224-1760.




Sun Life Financial Reports First Quarter 2017 Results

 

 

The information in this document is based on the unaudited interim financial results of Sun Life Financial Inc. for the period ended March 31, 2017. Sun Life Financial Inc., its subsidiaries and, where applicable, its joint ventures and associates are collectively referred to as “the Company”, “Sun Life Financial”, “we”, “our”, and “us”. Unless otherwise noted, all amounts are in Canadian dollars. Beginning in the first quarter of 2017, we will no longer report operating net income and its related measures, operating earnings per share (“EPS”)(1) and operating return on equity (“ROE”)(1). The adjustments previously used to derive operating net income will continue to be used to derive underlying net income.

TORONTO, ON – (May 9, 2017) – Sun Life Financial Inc. (TSX: SLF) (NYSE: SLF) today announced its results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2017. First quarter reported net income was $551 million and underlying net income(1) was $573 million.

 

      Q1’17      Q1’16  

Reported net income ($ millions)

     551        540  

Underlying net income(1) ($ millions)

     573        582  

Reported EPS(2) ($)

     0.89        0.88  

Underlying EPS(1)(2) ($)

     0.93        0.95  

Reported ROE(1)

     11.0%        11.5%  

Underlying ROE(1)

     11.5%        12.4%  

 

 

Minimum Continuing Capital and Surplus Requirements (“MCCSR”) ratio for Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada of 229%. The MCCSR ratio for Sun Life Financial Inc. was 249%, which includes cash and other liquid assets of $1.1 billion for Sun Life Financial Inc. and its wholly-owned holding companies(3)

 

Global assets under management of $927 billion compared to $903 billion as at December 31, 2016

 

An increase in the common share dividend declared of $0.015 to $0.435 per share

“Our first quarter results delivered $573 million in underlying net income and a 11.5% ROE,” said Dean Connor, President and CEO, Sun Life Financial. “We achieved strong top line growth with a 58% increase in insurance sales and 13% increase in wealth sales, compared to the same period last year. Assets under management grew to $927 billion during the quarter, and our Canadian and Asia pillars performed well, however, we saw lower results in our U.S. business and MFS continued to experience recent trends in net outflows.”

“In the quarter we continued to make it easier for Clients to do business with us, and to be more proactive. For example, for a portion of our Canadian plan sponsors whose employees use our new digital enrolment tool, we helped them get the most from their plans and this contributed to an increase in retirement savings in 70% of these plans. We also extended our reach to Clients, investing in a digital financial services platform in Vietnam, and acquiring Premier Dental Group, Inc. expanding our dental preferred provider network in the U.S. Elevating our Client focus goes hand in hand with supporting our growth momentum and achieving our medium-term objectives of 8% to 10% EPS growth, 12% to 14% ROE and a strong dividend payout ratio,” Connor concluded.

Operational Highlights

Our strategy is focused on four key pillars of growth, where we aim to be a leader in the markets in which we operate. We detail our continued progress in these pillars below.

A Leader in Insurance and Wealth Solutions in our Canadian home market

SLF Canada delivered strong overall sales in the first quarter of 2017. Individual insurance sales doubled to $144 million, driven by strong third-party sales of participating whole life and universal life insurance as a result of tax legislation and product design changes. Individual Wealth sales of $1.7 billion were 16% above the same quarter of the prior year with continued growth from our wealth manufactured(4) products including SLGI(5) mutual funds, Sun GIF(6) segregated funds and increases in fixed product sales.

Group Benefits (“GB”) sales more than doubled and Group Retirement Services (“GRS”) sales increased approximately 76% compared to the first quarter of 2016, primarily due to several large-case sales.

A Leader in global Asset Management

SLF Asset Management ended the first quarter with $643 billion in assets under management consisting of $587 billion (US$441 billion) from MFS Investment Management (“MFS”) and $56 billion from Sun Life Investment Management (“SLIM”). MFS’s

 

(1)  Represents a non-IFRS financial measure. See Use of Non-IFRS Financial Measures and Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Financial Measures.
(2)  All EPS measures refer to fully diluted EPS, unless otherwise stated. For underlying EPS, refer to Use of Non-IFRS Financial Measures.
(3)  For additional information, see the section under the heading Capital Management.
(4)  Represents sales of individual wealth products developed by Sun Life, which include Sun Life Global Investments mutual funds, Sun Life Guaranteed Investment Funds segregated funds, Guaranteed Investment Certificates, and Accumulation and Payout Annuities.
(5) 

Sun Life Global Investments (Canada) Inc.

(6) 

Sun Life Guaranteed Investment Funds

 

    Sun Life Financial Inc.   First Quarter 2017   1


net outflows of US$11.1 billion were primarily driven by institutional Client portfolio rebalancing and the trend to passive investing. SLIM had net inflows of $2.2 billion driven primarily by strong sales at Prime Advisors, Inc.

MFS long-term retail fund performance remained strong with 80%, 79% and 96% of MFS’s U.S. retail mutual fund assets ranked in the top half of their Lipper categories based on three-, five- and ten-year performance, respectively, as of March 31, 2017.

A Leader in U.S. Group Benefits and International high net worth solutions

Group Benefits sales increased compared to the first quarter of 2016 reflecting a full quarter of production from our unified sales team and expanded product portfolio as a result of our U.S. employee benefits acquisition a year ago. This was partially offset by a decrease in stop-loss sales due to pricing actions taken to enhance profitability. International sales increased compared to the first quarter of the prior year.

A Leader in Asia through Distribution Excellence in Higher Growth Markets

SLF Asia individual insurance sales increased by 31% over the first quarter of the prior year, with growth in all markets. Increased sales were driven by a balance of organic growth and increases in ownership of our India, Indonesia and Vietnam businesses. Strong wealth sales in Asia of $2.9 billion were led by growth in India, at our joint venture mutual fund company, Birla Sun Life Asset Management, which manages over $40 billion in AUM and is the fourth largest mutual fund operation in India(1).

About Sun Life Financial

Sun Life Financial is a leading international financial services organization providing a diverse range of insurance, wealth and asset management solutions to individuals and corporate Clients. Sun Life Financial has operations in a number of markets worldwide, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of March 31, 2017, Sun Life Financial had total assets under management of $927 billion. For more information please visit www.sunlife.com.

Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the ticker symbol SLF.

 

(1)  Based on average AUM in the first quarter of 2017.

 

2   Sun Life Financial Inc.    First Quarter 2017  


Management’s Discussion and Analysis

For the period ended March 31, 2017

Dated May 9, 2017

How We Report Our Results

 

 

 

Sun Life Financial Inc. (“SLF Inc.”), its subsidiaries and, where applicable, its joint ventures and associates are collectively referred to as “the Company”, “Sun Life Financial”, “we”, “our”, and “us”. We manage our operations and report our financial results in five business segments: Sun Life Financial Canada (“SLF Canada”), Sun Life Financial United States (“SLF U.S.”), Sun Life Financial Asset Management (“SLF Asset Management”), Sun Life Financial Asia (“SLF Asia”), and Corporate. Information concerning these segments is included in our annual and interim consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes (“Annual Consolidated Financial Statements” and “Interim Consolidated Financial Statements”, respectively). We prepare our unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements using International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”), and in accordance with the International Accounting Standard (“IAS”) 34 Interim Financial Reporting. Reported net income (loss) refers to Common shareholders’ net income (loss) determined in accordance with IFRS.

The information in this document is in Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted.

Use of Non-IFRS Financial Measures

We report certain financial information using non-IFRS financial measures, as we believe that these measures provide information that is useful to investors in understanding our performance and facilitate a comparison of our quarterly and full year results from period to period. These non-IFRS financial measures do not have any standardized meaning and may not be comparable with similar measures used by other companies. For certain non-IFRS financial measures, there are no directly comparable amounts under IFRS. These non-IFRS financial measures should not be viewed as alternatives to measures of financial performance determined in accordance with IFRS. Additional information concerning these non-IFRS financial measures and reconciliations to the closest IFRS measures are included in our annual and interim management’s discussion and analysis (“MD&A”) and the Supplementary Financial Information packages that are available on www.sunlife.com under Investors – Financial results & reports. Reconciliations to IFRS measures are also available in this document under the heading Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Financial Measures.

Updates to Non-IFRS measures

Beginning in the first quarter of 2017, we will no longer report operating net income and its related measures, operating EPS and operating return on equity (“ROE”), in order to streamline our use of non-IFRS financial measures. The adjustments previously used to derive operating net income will continue to be used to derive underlying net income.

Non-IFRS measures

Underlying net income (loss) and financial measures based on underlying net income (loss), including underlying EPS or underlying loss per share, and underlying ROE, are non-IFRS financial measures. Underlying net income (loss) removes from reported net income (loss) the impact of the following items that create volatility in our results under IFRS and when removed assist in explaining our results from period to period:

 

(a)   market related impacts, which include: (i) the impact of returns in equity markets, net of hedging, above or below our best estimate assumptions of approximately 2% per quarter in the reporting period and of basis risk inherent in our hedging program for products that provide benefit guarantees; (ii) the impact of changes in interest rates that differ from our best estimate assumptions in the reporting period and on the value of derivative instruments used in our hedging programs, including changes in credit and swap spreads, and any changes to the assumed fixed income reinvestment rates in determining the actuarial liabilities; and (iii) the impact of changes in the fair value of real estate properties in the reporting period. Additional information regarding these adjustments is available in the footnotes to the table included under the heading Q1 2017 vs. Q1 2016 in the Financial Summary section in this document;
(b)   assumption changes and management actions, which include: (i) the impact of revisions to the assumptions used in determining our liabilities for insurance contracts and investment contracts and (ii) the impact on insurance contracts and investment contracts of actions taken by management in the current reporting period, referred to as management actions which include, for example, changes in the prices of in-force products, new or revised reinsurance on in-force business, and material changes to investment policies for assets supporting our liabilities;
(c)   certain hedges in SLF Canada that do not qualify for hedge accounting – this adjustment enhances the comparability of our net income from period to period, as it reduces volatility to the extent it will be offset over the duration of the hedges;
(d)   fair value adjustments on MFS’s share-based payment awards, that are settled with MFS’s own shares and accounted for as liabilities and measured at fair value each reporting period until they are vested, exercised and repurchased – this adjustment enhances the comparability of MFS’s results with publicly traded asset managers in the United States;
(e)   acquisition, integration and restructuring amounts (including impacts related to acquiring and integrating acquisitions); and
(f)   other items that when removed assist in explaining our results from period to period.

 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS   Sun Life Financial Inc.   First Quarter 2017   3


Underlying EPS also excludes the dilutive impact of convertible instruments.

Other non-IFRS financial measures that we use include reported ROE, adjusted revenue, administrative services only (“ASO”) premium and deposit equivalents, mutual fund assets and sales, managed fund assets and sales, life and health sales, premiums and deposits, adjusted premiums and deposits, assets under management (“AUM”), assets under administration, pre-tax operating profit margin for MFS, measures based on a currency adjusted basis, real estate market sensitivities, assumption changes and management actions, and effective income tax rate on an underlying net income basis.

All EPS measures in this document refer to fully diluted EPS, unless otherwise stated. As noted above, underlying EPS exclude the dilutive impact of convertible instruments.

Additional Information

Additional information about SLF Inc. can be found in our Annual and Interim Consolidated Financial Statements, annual and interim MD&A and Annual Information Form (“AIF”). These documents are filed with securities regulators in Canada and are available at www.sedar.com. SLF Inc.‘s Annual Consolidated Financial Statements, annual MD&A and AIF are filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) in SLF Inc.‘s annual report on Form 40-F and SLF Inc.‘s interim MD&As and Interim Consolidated Financial Statements are furnished to the SEC on Form 6-Ks and are available at www.sec.gov.

 

 

4   Sun Life Financial Inc.    First Quarter 2017   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS


Financial Summary

 

 

 

($ millions, unless otherwise noted)    Q1’17      Q4’16      Q3’16      Q2’16      Q1’16  

Net income (loss)

              

Reported net income (loss)

     551        728        737        480        540  

Underlying net income (loss)(1)

     573        560        639        554        582  

Diluted EPS ($)

              

Reported EPS (diluted)

     0.89        1.18        1.20        0.78        0.88  

Underlying EPS (diluted)(1)

     0.93        0.91        1.04        0.90        0.95  

Reported basic EPS ($)

     0.90        1.19        1.20        0.78        0.88  

Avg. common shares outstanding (millions)

     614        613        613        613        612  

Closing common shares outstanding (millions)

     613.7        613.6        612.9        612.8        612.6  

Dividends per common share ($)

     0.42        0.42        0.405        0.405        0.39  

MCCSR ratio for Sun Life Assurance(2)

     229%        226%        221%        214%        216%  

Return on equity (%)

              

Reported ROE(1)

     11.0%        14.8%        15.4%        10.3%        11.5%  

Underlying ROE(1)

     11.5%        11.4%        13.4%        11.9%        12.4%  

Premiums and deposits

              

Net premium revenue

     3,564        4,419        3,888        3,563        3,178  

Segregated fund deposits

     3,437        3,691        2,294        2,834        2,731  

Mutual fund sales(1)

     24,180        22,344        23,115        20,007        19,262  

Managed fund sales(1)

     9,394        10,263        9,256        9,886        10,865  

ASO premium and deposit equivalents(1)

     1,718        1,705        1,623        1,745        1,790  

Total premiums and deposits(1)

     42,293        42,422        40,176        38,035        37,826  

Assets under management

              

General fund assets

     160,044        161,071        164,321        159,453        156,849  

Segregated funds

     101,055        97,167        95,386        91,463        89,795  

Mutual funds, managed funds and other AUM(1)

     666,176        645,037        648,393        613,687        613,874  

Total AUM(1)

     927,275        903,275        908,100        864,603        860,518  

Capital

              

Subordinated debt and innovative capital instruments(3)

     3,735        4,534        4,533        3,538        3,538  

Participating policyholders’ equity and non-controlling interests

     586        412        351        193        186  

Total shareholders’ equity

     22,225        21,956        21,604        20,898        20,737  

Total capital

     26,546        26,902        26,488        24,629        24,461  

 

(1) 

Represents a non-IFRS financial measure. See Use of Non-IFRS Financial Measures and Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Financial Measures.

(2)

Minimum Continuing Capital and Surplus Requirements (“MCCSR”) ratio of Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (“Sun Life Assurance”).

(3) 

Innovative capital instruments consist of Sun Life ExchangEable Capital Securities, and qualify as regulatory capital. However, under IFRS they are reported as Senior debentures in our Annual and Interim Consolidated Financial Statements. For additional information see Capital and Liquidity Management – Capital in our 2016 annual MD&A.

 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS   Sun Life Financial Inc.   First Quarter 2017   5


Q1 2017 vs. Q1 2016

The following table reconciles our reported net income and underlying net income and sets out the impact that other notable items had on our reported net income and underlying net income in the first quarters of 2017 and 2016.

 

     Quarterly results  
($ millions, after-tax)    Q1’17      Q1’16  

Reported net income

     551        540  

Equity market impact

     

Impact from equity market changes

     18        (2

Basis risk impact

     2        (16

Equity market impact(1)

     20        (18

Interest rate impact

     

Impact of interest rate changes

     3        (51

Impact of credit spread movements

     (11      9  

Impact of swap spread movements

     (16      23  

Interest rate impact(2)

     (24      (19

Impact of changes in the fair value of real estate

     15        (3

Market related impacts

     11        (40

Assumption changes and management actions

     1        (11

Certain hedges in SLF Canada that do not qualify for hedge accounting

     (2      (13

Fair value adjustments on MFS’s share-based payment awards

     (12      7  

Acquisition, integration and restructuring(3)

     (20      15  

Underlying net income(4)

     573        582  

Impact of other notable items on our net income:

     

Experience related items(5)

     

Impact of investment activity on insurance contract liabilities

     18        42  

Mortality

     21        3  

Morbidity

     (6      21  

Credit

     4        5  

Lapse and other policyholder behaviour

     (15      (1

Expenses

     (7      (6

Other

     (10      (15

 

(1) 

Equity market impact consists of the impact of returns in equity markets, net of hedging, above or below our best estimate assumptions of approximately 2% per quarter in the reporting period. Equity market impact also includes the impact of the basis risk inherent in our hedging program, which is the difference between the return on underlying funds of products that provide benefit guarantees and the return on the derivative assets used to hedge those benefit guarantees.

(2) 

Interest rate impact includes the impact of changes in interest rate that differ from our best estimate assumptions in the reporting period and on the value of derivative instruments used in our hedging programs including changes in credit and swap spreads, and any changes to the assumed fixed income reinvestment rates in determining the actuarial liabilities. Our exposure to interest rates varies by product type, line of business, and geography. Given the long-term nature of our business, we have a higher degree of sensitivity in respect of interest rates at long durations.

(3)

Acquisition, integration and restructuring amounts related primarily to the acquisition and integration of the U.S. employee benefits business acquired in 2016, the Bentall Kennedy group of companies and Ryan Labs Asset Management Inc. In the first quarter of 2016, these costs were more than offset by a non-cash gain of $31 million as a result of remeasuring our existing investment to fair value upon acquiring control over the operations of Sun Life Vietnam Insurance Company Limited (“Sun Life Vietnam”).

(4)

Represents a non-IFRS financial measure. See Use of Non-IFRS Financial Measures and Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Financial Measures.

(5) 

Experience related items reflect the difference between actual experience during the reporting period and best estimate assumptions used in the determination of our insurance contract liabilities.

Our reported net income was $551 million in the first quarter of 2017, compared to $540 million in the first quarter of 2016. Reported net income in the first quarter of 2017 reflected the favourable effect of market related impacts, primarily driven by equity markets and increases in the fair value of real estate, partially offset by swap spreads and credit spreads. Reported net income also reflected the unfavourable impact of acquisition, integration and restructuring amounts and fair value adjustments on MFS’s share-based payment awards. Reported net income also included the impact of assumption changes and management actions and certain hedges in SLF Canada that do not qualify for hedge accounting. Reported net income also reflected the factors discussed in underlying net income below.

Underlying net income was $573 million, compared to $582 million in the first quarter of 2016. Underlying net income in the first quarter of 2017 reflected favourable mortality experience in SLF Canada and SLF U.K. and gains from investing activities on insurance contract liabilities, partially offset by lapse and other policyholder behaviour experience and unfavourable mortality experience in SLF U.S.

 

6   Sun Life Financial Inc.    First Quarter 2017   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS


Reported net income in the first quarter of 2016 reflected the unfavourable effect of market related impacts primarily driven by interest rates and equity markets. Reported net income also reflected the unfavourable impact of certain hedges in SLF Canada that do not qualify for hedge accounting and assumption changes and management actions and partially offset by the favourable impact of acquisition, integration and restructuring amounts and fair value adjustments on MFS’s share-based payment awards. Reported net income also reflected the factors discussed in underlying net income below.

Underlying net income in the first quarter of 2016 reflected the positive impact of strong investing activities in the quarter and strong morbidity results, mainly in SLF U.S.’s Group Benefits business.

Impact of Foreign Exchange Rates

We have operations in many markets worldwide, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Bermuda, and generate revenues and incur expenses in local currencies in these jurisdictions, which are translated to Canadian dollars.

Items impacting our Consolidated Statements of Operations, such as Revenue, Benefits and expenses, and Total net income (loss), are translated into Canadian dollars using average exchange rates for the respective period. For items impacting our Consolidated Statements of Financial Position, such as Assets and Liabilities, period end rates are used for currency translation purposes. The following table provides the most relevant foreign exchange rates over the past five quarters.

 

Exchange Rate    Quarterly  
      Q1’17      Q4’16      Q3’16      Q2’16      Q1’16  

Average

              

U.S. Dollar

     1.323        1.335        1.304        1.289        1.373  

U.K. Pounds

     1.639        1.659        1.711        1.849        1.968  

Period end

              

U.S. Dollar

     1.331        1.343        1.313        1.292        1.300  

U.K. Pounds

     1.670        1.657        1.703        1.720        1.867  

In general, our net income benefits from a weakening Canadian dollar and is adversely affected by a strengthening Canadian dollar as net income from the Company’s international operations is translated back to Canadian dollars. However, in a period of losses, the weakening of the Canadian dollar has the effect of increasing the losses. The relative impact of foreign exchange in any given period is driven by the movement of foreign exchange rates as well as the proportion of earnings generated in our foreign operations. We generally express the impact of foreign exchange on net income on a year-over-year basis.

During the first quarter of 2017, our reported net income and underlying net income decreased by $21 million and decreased by $23 million, respectively, as a result of the impact of the movement of the Canadian dollar in the first quarter of 2017 relative to the average exchange rates in the first quarter of 2016.

 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS   Sun Life Financial Inc.   First Quarter 2017   7


Performance by Business Group

 

 

SLF Canada

 

 

SLF Canada is the Canadian market leader in the group market segments and is a leading provider of retail holistic advice, providing products and services to over six million people across Canada. Our distribution breadth, strong service culture, technology leadership and brand recognition provide an excellent platform for growth. SLF Canada has three main business units – Individual Insurance & Wealth, Group Benefits (“GB”) and Group Retirement Services (“GRS”) – which offer a full range of insurance, wealth and income products and services to employers, group members of company sponsored plans and individuals in their communities across Canada.

 

     Quarterly results  
($ millions)    Q1’17      Q4’16      Q3’16      Q2’16      Q1’16  

Reported net income (loss)

     266        398        184        185        169  

Market related impacts

     32        130        13        (5      (24

Assumption changes and management actions

     7        17        (61      (4      (12

Certain hedges that do not qualify for hedge accounting

     (2      8        6        (6      (13

Underlying net income (loss)(1)

     229        243        226        200        218  

Reported ROE (%)(1)

     13.7        20.1        9.3        9.5        8.9  

Underlying ROE (%)(1)

     11.8        12.3        11.5        10.3        11.4  

Reported net income (loss) by business unit

              

Individual Insurance & Wealth

     133        291        58        75        85  

Group Benefits

     81        70        100        71        66  

Group Retirement Services

     52        37        26        39        18  

Total reported net income (loss)

     266        398        184        185        169  

 

(1) 

Represents a non-IFRS financial measure. See Use of Non-IFRS Financial Measures and Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Financial Measures.

Q1 2017 vs. Q1 2016

SLF Canada’s reported net income was $266 million in the first quarter of 2017, compared to $169 million in the first quarter of 2016. Reported net income in the first quarter of 2017 reflected the favourable effect of market related impacts primarily driven by equity markets. Reported net income in SLF Canada also includes the impact of assumption changes and management actions and the impact of certain hedges that do not qualify for hedge accounting, which are set out in the table above. Reported net income also reflected the factors discussed in underlying net income below.

Underlying net income in the first quarter of 2017 was $229 million, compared to $218 million in the first quarter of 2016. Underlying net income in the first quarter of 2017 reflected positive mortality experience in individual wealth business and GRS and investment activity on insurance contract liabilities, partially offset by expenses including investment in our wealth businesses.

Reported net income in the first quarter of 2016 reflected the unfavourable effect of market related impacts primarily driven by interest rates and equity markets, and the unfavourable impact of certain hedges that do not qualify for hedge accounting and assumption changes and management actions. Reported net income also reflected the factors discussed in underlying net income below.

Underlying net income in the first quarter of 2016 reflected gains from investment activities on insurance contract liabilities and net realized gains on available-for-sale (“AFS”) assets, partially offset by growth in our expenses including investment in our individual wealth business.

Individual insurance sales doubled to $144 million, driven by strong third-party sales of participating whole life and universal life insurance as a result of tax legislation and product design changes. Individual Wealth sales of $1.7 billion were 16% above the same quarter of the prior year with continued growth from our wealth manufactured(1) products, including SLGI(2) mutual funds and Sun GIF(3) segregated funds and increases in fixed product sales.

Sales in Group Benefits of $307 million doubled compared to first quarter 2016 due to a large case sale. Group Retirement Services sales were 76% above the same quarter in 2016 due to large case defined contribution sales.

 

 

 

(1)  Represents sales of individual wealth products developed by Sun Life, which include Sun Life Global Investment mutual funds, Sun Life Guaranteed Investment Funds segregated funds, Guaranteed Investment Certificates, and Accumulation and Payout Annuities.
(2) 

Sun Life Global Investments (Canada) Inc.

(3) 

Sun Life Guaranteed Investment Funds

 

8   Sun Life Financial Inc.    First Quarter 2017   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS


SLF U.S.

 

 

SLF U.S. has three business units: Group Benefits, International and In-force Management. Group Benefits provides insurance solutions to employers and employees including group life, disability, medical stop-loss, dental, and vision insurance products. Group Benefits also includes Disability Reinsurance Management Services, Inc., which provides turnkey disability risk management products and services to other insurance companies. International serves high net worth Clients in international markets, offering individual life insurance products, and manages a closed block of wealth products. In-force Management includes certain closed individual life insurance products, primarily universal life and participating whole life insurance.

 

     Quarterly results  
(US$ millions)    Q1’17      Q4’16      Q3’16      Q2’16      Q1’16  

Reported net income (loss)

     29        80        194        42        69  

Market related impacts

     (5      25        27        (40      1  

Assumption changes and management actions

     (11      2        75               (2

Acquisition, integration and restructuring(1)

     (13      (12      (11      (8      (11

Underlying net income (loss)(2)

     58        65        103        90        81  

Reported ROE (%)(2)

     3.5        9.0        22.1        4.9        8.6  

Underlying ROE (%)(2)

     6.9        7.3        11.7        10.4        10.2  

Reported net income (loss) by business unit

              

Group Benefits

     8        20        14        11        28  

International

     9        19        157        23        23  

In-force Management

     12        41        23        8        18  

Total reported net income (loss)

     29        80        194        42        69  

(C$ millions)

                                            

Reported net income (loss)

     37        106        253        54        95  

Underlying net income (loss)(2)

     77        87        135        114        111  

 

(1)

Acquisition, integration and restructuring amounts related to the acquisition and integration costs of the U.S. employee benefits business acquired in 2016 in Group Benefits.

(2)

Represents a non-IFRS financial measure. See Use of Non-IFRS Financial Measures and Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Financial Measures.

Q1 2017 vs. Q1 2016

SLF U.S.’s reported net income was C$37 million in the first quarter of 2017, compared to C$95 million in the first quarter of 2016. Underlying net income was C$77 million, compared to C$111 million in the first quarter of 2016. The impact from the movement of the Canadian dollar in the first quarter of 2017 relative to average exchange rates in the first quarter of 2016 decreased reported net income and underlying net income by C$1 million and C$3 million, respectively.

In U.S. dollars, SLF U.S.’s reported net income was US$29 million in the first quarter of 2017, compared to US$69 million in the first quarter of 2016. Reported net income in the first quarter of 2017 reflected the unfavourable impact of acquisition, integration and restructuring amounts and assumption changes and management actions. Reported net income also reflected unfavourable market related impacts primarily driven by changes in credit spreads and swap spreads, partially offset by equity market changes. Reported net income also reflected the factors discussed in underlying net income below.

Underlying net income was US$58 million in the first quarter of 2017, compared to US$81 million in the first quarter of 2016. The U.S. employee benefits business acquired in 2016 continues to perform in line with expectations. Underlying net income in the first quarter of 2017 reflected unfavourable mortality experience in In-force Management and Group Benefits, and unfavourable policyholder behaviour in International and In-force Management. Underlying net income also reflected unfavourable morbidity experience in stop-loss related to business written in 2016, partially offset by favourable morbidity experience in disability and dental. This quarter also included favourable tax items related to prior years and net realized gains on the sale of AFS assets.

Reported net income in the first quarter of 2016 reflected unfavourable impact of acquisition, integration and restructuring amounts and assumption changes and management actions. Reported net income also included market related impacts. Reported net income also reflected the factors discussed in underlying net income below.

Underlying net income in the first quarter of 2016 reflected the acquisition of the employee benefits business from the date of closing on March 1, 2016. Underlying net income also reflected favourable morbidity experience in Group Benefits and favourable mortality experience in In-force Management and International, partially offset by unfavourable mortality experience in Group Benefits.

Group Benefits sales in the life and disability, and dental and vision businesses of US$60 million increased 33% compared to the first quarter of 2016 reflecting a full quarter of production from our unified sales team and expanded product portfolio as a result of our U.S. employee benefits acquisition. Stop-loss sales of US$32 million decreased 14% driven by pricing actions. International sales of US$21 million increased compared to the first quarter of the prior year.

 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS   Sun Life Financial Inc.   First Quarter 2017   9


SLF Asset Management

 

 

SLF Asset Management is our asset management segment composed of MFS Investment Management (“MFS”) and Sun Life Investment Management (“SLIM”).

MFS is a premier global asset management firm which offers a comprehensive selection of products and services. Drawing on an investment heritage that emphasizes collaboration and integrity, MFS actively manages assets for retail and institutional investors around the world through mutual and commingled funds, separately managed accounts, institutional products and retirement strategies.

SLIM is an institutional investment management business which delivers customized fixed income solutions, including liability-driven investing and a suite of alternative, yield-oriented asset classes, including private fixed income, real estate and commercial mortgages. SLIM consists of the businesses of the Bentall Kennedy group of companies (“Bentall Kennedy”), Prime Advisors, Inc. (“Prime Advisors”), Ryan Labs Asset Management Inc. (“Ryan Labs”) and Sun Life Institutional Investments (Canada) Inc. that offer a comprehensive set of capabilities to institutional investors.

 

     Quarterly results  

SLF Asset Management (C$ millions)

     Q1’17        Q4’16        Q3’16        Q2’16        Q1’16  

Reported net income

     171        198        181        173        177  

Fair value adjustments on MFS’s share-based payment awards

     (12      10        (7      20        7  

Underlying net income(1)

     183        188        188        153        170  

Assets under management (C$ billions)(1)

     642.8        624.8        629.7        597.8        601.0  

Gross sales (C$ billions)(1)

     30.3        29.5        30.0        28.2        28.6  

Net sales (C$ billions)(1)

     (12.5      (10.4      0.1        (0.8      (1.1

MFS (C$ millions)

                                            

Reported net income

     164        189        174        166        171  

Fair value adjustments on MFS’s share-based payment awards

     (12      10        (7      20        7  

Underlying net income(1)

     176        179        181        146        164  

Assets under management (C$ billions)(1)

     586.9        571.6        578.6        549.2        544.0  

Gross sales (C$ billions)(1)

     27.3        26.3        28.2        26.9        26.8  

Net sales (C$ billions)(1)

     (14.7      (12.7      (1.2      (1.3      (1.5

(US$ millions)

                                            

Reported net income

     124        142        133        129        124  

Fair value adjustments on MFS’s share-based payment awards

     (9      7        (5      15        5  

Underlying net income(1)

     133        135        138        114        119  

Pre-tax operating profit margin ratio(1)

     36%        35%        38%        35%        37%  

Average net assets (US$ billions)(1)

     437.6        426.9        437.8        423.0        398.9  

Assets under management (US$ billions)(1)(2)

     440.9        425.6        440.8        425.0        418.3  

Gross sales (US$ billions)(1)

     20.6        19.8        21.6        20.8        19.5  

Net sales (US$ billions)(1)

     (11.1      (9.5      (0.9      (1.0      (1.1

Asset appreciation (depreciation) (US$ billions)

     26.4        (5.6      16.7        7.7        6.2  

S&P 500 Index (daily average)

     2,324        2,185        2,161        2,074        1,952  

MSCI EAFE Index (daily average)

     1,749        1,660        1,678        1,648        1,594  

SLIM (C$ millions)

                                            

Reported net income and underlying net income(1)

     7        9        7        7        6  

Assets under management (C$ billions)(1)

     55.9        53.2        51.1        48.6        57.0  

Gross sales (C$ billions)(1)

     3.0        3.2        1.8        1.3        1.8  

Net sales (C$ billions)(1)

     2.2        2.3        1.3        0.5        0.4  

 

(1) 

Represents a non-IFRS financial measure. See Use of Non-IFRS Financial Measures and Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Financial Measures.

(2) 

Monthly information on AUM is provided by MFS in its Corporate Fact Sheet, which can be found in the “About MFS” section of its website at www.mfs.com/CorpFact. The Corporate Fact Sheet also provides MFS’s U.S. GAAP assets and liabilities as at December 31, 2016.

 

10   Sun Life Financial Inc.    First Quarter 2017   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS


Q1 2017 vs. Q1 2016

SLF Asset Management’s reported net income was C$171 million in the first quarter of 2017, compared to C$177 million in the first quarter of 2016. SLF Asset Management had underlying net income of C$183 million in the first quarter of 2017, compared to C$170 million in the first quarter of 2016. The impact from the movement of the Canadian dollar in the first quarter of 2017 relative to average exchange rates in the first quarter of 2016 decreased reported net income and underlying net income by C$6 million and C$7 million, respectively.

SLF Asset Management’s reported net income decreased compared to the same quarter in 2016 primarily due to the Fair value adjustments on MFS’s share-based payment awards. Underlying net income increased in the first quarter of 2017 compared to the same period in 2016 primarily driven by MFS’s underlying net income as described below, while SLIM’s net income was C$7 million compared to C$6 million in the first quarter of 2016.

In U.S. dollars, MFS’s reported net income was US$124 million in both the first quarter of 2017 and the first quarter of 2016. MFS’s underlying net income was US$133 million in the first quarter of 2017, compared to US$119 million in the first quarter of 2016. MFS’s underlying net income increased in the first quarter of 2017 compared to the same period in 2016, primarily due to higher average net assets and lower taxes. MFS’s pre-tax operating profit margin ratio was 36% in the first quarter of 2017, down from 37% in the first quarter of 2016 due primarily to higher operating costs.

SLF Asset Management’s AUM was C$642.8 billion as at March 31, 2017, compared to C$624.8 billion as at December 31, 2016. The increase in AUM was primarily due to asset appreciation of C$35.3 billion, partially offset by net outflows. MFS’s AUM was US$440.9 billion (C$586.9 billion) as at March 31, 2017, compared to US$425.6 billion (C$571.6 billion) as at December 31, 2016. The increase of US$15.3 billion was primarily driven by gross sales of US$20.6 billion and asset appreciation of US$26.4 billion, partially offset by redemptions of US$31.7 billion. Net outflows at MFS were primarily driven by institutional Client portfolio rebalancing and the trend to passive investing. 80%, 79% and 96% of MFS’s retail fund assets ranked in the top half of their Lipper categories based on three-, five-, and ten-year performance, respectively, as of March 31, 2017.

SLIM’s AUM was C$55.9 billion as at March 31, 2017, compared to C$53.2 billion as at December 31, 2016. This increase was primarily due to net sales of $2.2 billion.

SLF Asia

 

 

SLF Asia operates through subsidiaries in the Philippines, Hong Kong, Indonesia, and Vietnam, as well as through joint ventures and associates with local partners in the Philippines, India, China, and Malaysia. We offer individual life insurance products in all seven markets, and group benefits and/or pension and retirement products in the Philippines, China, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, and Vietnam. We have also established asset management companies either directly or through joint ventures and associates in the Philippines, China, and India. We distribute these insurance and wealth products to middle- and upper-income individuals, groups and affinity Clients through multiple distribution channels.

 

     Quarterly results  
($ millions)    Q1’17      Q4’16      Q3’16      Q2’16      Q1’16  

Reported net income (loss)

     73        58        92        68        91  

Market related impacts

     (6      6        5        (13      (11

Assumption changes and management actions

            (9      4        (4      3  

Acquisition, integration and restructuring(1)

            (1      3               31  

Underlying net income (loss)(2)

     79        62        80        85        68  

Reported ROE (%)(2)

     6.9        5.5        9.0        7.2        10.0  

Underlying ROE (%)(2)

     7.4        5.8        7.8        9.0        7.6  

 

(1) 

In the first quarter of 2016, amounts consisted of an adjustment for a non-cash gain of $31 million to our reported net income as a result of remeasuring our existing investment to fair value upon acquiring control over the operations of Sun Life Vietnam.

(2) 

Represents a non-IFRS financial measure. See Use of Non-IFRS Financial Measures and Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Financial Measures.

Q1 2017 vs. Q1 2016

SLF Asia’s reported net income was $73 million in the first quarter of 2017, compared to reported net income of $91 million in the first quarter of 2016. Underlying net income was $79 million, compared to $68 million in the first quarter of 2016. The impact from the movement of the Canadian dollar in the first quarter of 2017 relative to average exchange rates in the first quarter of 2016 reduced reported net income and underlying net income by $5 million.

Reported net income in the first quarter of 2017 reflected less unfavourable market related impacts primarily driven by interest rates compared to the first quarter of 2016. The first quarter of 2016 also reflected the favourable impact of acquisition, integration and restructuring amounts related to remeasuring our existing investment to fair value upon acquiring control over the operations of Sun Life Vietnam. Reported net income also reflected the factors discussed in underlying net income below.

 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS   Sun Life Financial Inc.   First Quarter 2017   11


Underlying net income in the first quarter of 2017 was $79 million, compared to $68 million in the first quarter of 2016. Compared to the first quarter of 2016, underlying net income in the first quarter of 2017 reflected business growth, partially offset by unfavourable impact of foreign exchange. Net income in both periods reflected the favourable effect of net realized gains on the sale of AFS assets.

Total individual insurance sales of $166 million increased 31% compared to the first quarter of 2016. On a constant currency basis, individual insurance sales increased 38%. Sales increased in all markets driven by organic growth as well as our increase in ownership in Indonesia, Vietnam and India.

Strong wealth sales in Asia of $2.9 billion were led by growth in India, at our joint venture mutual fund company, Birla Sun Life Asset Management, which manages over $40 billion in AUM and is the fourth largest mutual fund operation in India(1).

Corporate

 

 

Corporate includes the results of our United Kingdom business unit (“SLF U.K.”) and Corporate Support. Corporate Support includes our Run-off reinsurance business as well as investment income, expenses, capital, and other items that have not been allocated to our other business segments. SLF U.K. has a run-off block of business which has been closed to new business and focuses on supporting existing Clients.

 

     Quarterly results  
($ millions)    Q1’17      Q4’16      Q3’16      Q2’16      Q1’16  

Reported net income (loss)

     4        (32      27               8  

Market related impacts

     (8      (6      4        (4      (7

Assumption changes and management actions

     9               13               1  

Acquisition, integration and restructuring(1)

     (2      (6             2        (1

Underlying net income (loss)(2)

     5        (20      10        2        15  

Reported net income (loss) by business unit

              

SLF U.K.

     45        26        86        32        40  

Corporate Support

     (41      (58      (59      (32      (32

Total reported net income (loss)

     4        (32      27               8  

 

(1) 

Acquisition, integration and restructuring amounts consisted primarily of acquisition and integration costs from Bentall Kennedy, Prime Advisors and Ryan Labs in Corporate Support.

(2) 

Represents a non-IFRS financial measure. See Use of Non-IFRS Financial Measures and Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Financial Measures.

Q1 2017 vs. Q1 2016

Corporate had reported net income of $4 million in the first quarter of 2017, compared to $8 million in the first quarter of 2016. Reported net income in Corporate in the first quarter of 2017 reflected the favourable impact of assumption changes and management actions, offset by the unfavourable impact of market related impacts driven by equity markets. Reported net income also included the impact of acquisition, integration and restructuring amounts.

Underlying net income was $5 million, compared to underlying net income of $15 million in the first quarter of 2016. The impact from the movement of the Canadian dollar relative to the U.K. pound in the first quarter of 2017 relative to average exchange rates in the first quarter of 2016 decreased reported net income by C$9 million and underlying net income by C$8 million.

SLF U.K.’s reported net income in the first quarter of 2017 reflected favourable mortality experience and assumption changes and management actions, partially offset by equity market impacts. Reported net income in the first quarter of 2016 reflected the favourable impact of investment activity and policyholder behaviour, partially offset by equity markets and interest rates.

Corporate Support had a reported net loss of $41 million in the first quarter of 2017, compared to a reported net loss of $32 million in the first quarter of 2016. The first quarter of 2016 reflected favourable experience in our Run-off reinsurance business.

 

 

(1) 

Based on average AUM in the first quarter of 2017.

 

12   Sun Life Financial Inc.    First Quarter 2017   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS


Additional Financial Disclosure

 

 

Revenue

 

     Quarterly results  
($ millions)    Q1’17      Q4’16      Q3’16      Q2’16      Q1’16  

Premiums

              

Gross

     4,733        5,592        4,937        4,639        4,259  

Ceded

     (1,169      (1,173      (1,049      (1,076      (1,081

Net premiums

     3,564        4,419        3,888        3,563        3,178  

Net investment income

              

Interest and other investment income

     1,314        1,366        1,359        1,339        1,425  

Fair value(1) and foreign currency changes on assets and liabilities

     658        (4,902      1,182        3,223        2,730  

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

     55        41        53        54        75  

Fee income

     1,418        1,442        1,410        1,354        1,374  

Total revenue

     7,009        2,366        7,892        9,533        8,782  

Adjusted revenue(2)

     7,259        8,093        7,617        7,222        6,740  

 

(1) 

Represents the change in fair value of fair value through profit or loss (“FVTPL”) assets and liabilities.

(2) 

Adjusted revenue is a non-IFRS financial measure that excludes from revenue the impact of Constant Currency Adjustment, FV Adjustment and Reinsurance in SLF Canada’s GB Operations Adjustment as described in Use of Non-IFRS Financial Measures and Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Financial Measures.

Revenue in the first quarter of 2017 was $7.0 billion, compared to $8.8 billion in the first quarter of 2016. The decrease was mainly attributable to lower net gains in the fair value of FVTPL assets largely due to relatively larger decreases in interest rates and credit spreads in the first quarter in 2016, partially offset by higher net premium revenue in SLF U.S. and SLF Canada. The currency impact from the change in the Canadian dollar relative to average exchange rates in the first quarter of 2016 decreased revenue by $190 million. Adjusted revenue was $7.3 billion in the first quarter of 2017, $0.6 billion higher compared to the first quarter of 2016. The increase was primarily driven by higher net premium revenue in SLF U.S. and SLF Canada, increased fee income from SLF Asset Management, SLF Canada and SLF Asia, partially offset by lower net premium revenue in SLF Asia and decreased interest and other investment income.

Premiums and Deposits

 

     Quarterly results  
($ millions)    Q1’17      Q4’16      Q3’16      Q2’16      Q1’16  

Net premium revenue

     3,564        4,419        3,888        3,563        3,178  

Segregated fund deposits

     3,437        3,691        2,294        2,834        2,731  

Mutual fund sales(1)

     24,180        22,344        23,115        20,007        19,262  

Managed fund sales(1)

     9,394        10,263        9,256        9,886        10,865  

ASO premium and deposit equivalents(1)

     1,718        1,705        1,623        1,745        1,790  

Total premiums and deposits(1)

     42,293        42,422        40,176        38,035        37,826  

Total adjusted premiums and deposits(1)(2)

     44,374        44,112        42,677        40,769        38,514  

 

(1)

Represents a non-IFRS financial measure. See Use of Non-IFRS Financial Measures and Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Financial Measures.

(2)

Adjusted premiums and deposits is a non-IFRS financial measure that excludes from premiums and deposits the impact of Constant Currency Adjustment and Reinsurance in SLF Canada’s GB Operations Adjustment as described in Use of Non-IFRS Financial Measures and Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Financial Measures.

Premiums and deposits were $42.3 billion in the first quarter of 2017, compared to $37.8 billion in the first quarter of 2016. Adjusted premiums and deposits of $44.4 billion in the first quarter of 2017 increased $5.9 billion from the first quarter of 2016. In both cases, the increase was mainly the result of increased mutual fund sales, higher segregated fund deposits and net premium revenue, partially offset by lower managed fund sales and ASO premium and deposit equivalents. The currency impact from the change in the Canadian dollar relative to average exchange rates in the first quarter of 2016 decreased total premiums and deposits by approximately $1.3 billion.

 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS   Sun Life Financial Inc.   First Quarter 2017   13


Net premium revenue was $3.6 billion in the first quarter of 2017, compared to $3.2 billion in the first quarter of 2016. The increase was primarily driven by the U.S. employee benefits business acquired in 2016 in SLF U.S., the growth of premiums in individual insurance and wealth business in SLF Canada, partially offset by decreases in Hong Kong in SLF Asia and the currency impact from the change in the Canadian dollar.

Segregated fund deposits were $3.4 billion in the first quarter of 2017, compared to $2.7 billion in the first quarter of 2016. The increase was primarily due to increase in GRS in SLF Canada.

Sales of mutual funds were $24.2 billion in the first quarter of 2017, an increase of $4.9 billion over the first quarter of 2016. The higher mutual fund sales largely reflected increased sales from MFS and India in SLF Asia, partially offset by the currency impact from the change in the Canadian dollar. Sales of managed funds were $9.4 billion in the first quarter of 2017, compared to $10.9 billion in the first quarter of 2016. The decreased managed fund sales was primarily due to lower sales in MFS and the currency impact from the change in the Canadian dollar, partially offset by increases from SLIM as well as Hong Kong in SLF Asia.

ASO premium and deposit equivalents in the first quarter of 2017 were down $0.1 billion compared to the same period last year, primarily attributable to a decrease in Hong Kong in SLF Asia.

Sales

In SLF Canada, life and health sales consist of sales of individual insurance and group benefits products; wealth sales consist of sales of individual wealth products and sales in GRS. In SLF U.S., life and health sales consist of sales by Group Benefits and individual life sales by International. In SLF Asia, life and health sales consist of the individual and group life and health sales by our subsidiaries and joint ventures and associates, based on our proportionate equity interest, in the Philippines, Hong Kong, Indonesia, India, China, Malaysia, and Vietnam; wealth sales consist of Hong Kong wealth sales, Philippines mutual fund sales, wealth sales by our India and China insurance joint ventures and associates, and Birla Sun Life Asset Management Company’s equity and fixed income mutual fund sales based on our proportionate equity interest. SLF Asset Management sales consist of gross sales (inflows) for retail and institutional Clients; unfunded commitments are not included in sales.

 

($ millions)    Q1’17      Q1’16  

Life and health sales(1)

     

SLF Canada

     451        221  

SLF U.S.

     149        129  

SLF Asia

     172        138  

Total life and health sales

     772        488  

Wealth sales(1)

     

SLF Canada

     4,403        3,017  

SLF Asia

     2,897        1,578  

Total wealth sales excluding SLF Asset Management

     7,300        4,595  

SLF Asset Management sales(1)

     30,306        28,608  

Total wealth sales

     37,606        33,203  

 

(1)

Represents a non-IFRS financial measure. See Use of Non-IFRS Financial Measures.

Total Company life and health sales were $772 million in the first quarter of 2017, compared to $488 million in the same period last year.

 

   

SLF Canada life and health sales were $451 million in the first quarter of 2017, compared to $221 million in the first quarter of 2016 due to higher sales in GB and Individual Insurance

   

SLF U.S. life and health sales were $149 million in the first quarter of 2017, compared to $129 million in the first quarter of 2016, reflecting a full quarter of sales from the acquisition of the U.S. employee benefits business in 2016 and higher sales in International, partially offset by decreased stop-loss sales and the currency impact from the change in the Canadian dollar

   

SLF Asia life and health sales were $172 million in the first quarter of 2017, compared to $138 million in the first quarter of 2016, mainly attributable to higher sales driven by a balance of organic growth and increases in ownership of our India, Indonesia and Vietnam businesses. The increase was partially offset by the currency impact from the change in the Canadian dollar

Total Company wealth sales were $37.6 billion in the first quarter of 2017, compared to $33.2 billion in the first quarter of 2016.

 

   

SLF Canada wealth sales were $4.4 billion in the first quarter of 2017, compared to $3.0 billion in the first quarter of 2016, reflecting higher sales in GRS and individual wealth business

   

SLF Asia wealth sales were $2.9 billion in the first quarter of 2017, compared to $1.6 billion in the first quarter of 2016, primarily led by growth in India, partially offset by the currency impact from the change in the Canadian dollar

   

SLF Asset Management gross sales were $30.3 billion in the first quarter of 2017, compared to $28.6 billion in the first quarter of 2016, largely attributable to higher fund sales from both MFS and SLIM, partially offset by the currency impact from the change in the Canadian dollar

 

 

14   Sun Life Financial Inc.    First Quarter 2017   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS


Assets Under Management

AUM consist of general funds, segregated funds, and other AUM. Other AUM includes mutual funds and managed funds, which include institutional and other third-party assets managed by the Company.

AUM were $927.3 billion as at March 31, 2017, compared to AUM of $903.3 billion as at December 31, 2016. The increase in AUM of $24.0 billion between December 31, 2016 and March 31, 2017 resulted primarily from:

 

(i)   favourable market movements on the value of mutual funds, managed funds, and segregated funds of $39.5 billion; and
(ii)   an increase of $0.7 billion from the change in value of FVTPL assets and liabilities; partially offset by
(iii)   net outflow of mutual, managed, and segregated funds of $10.2 billion;
(iv)   a decrease of $4.9 billion from the strengthening of the Canadian dollar relative to exchange rates at the end of the fourth quarter of 2016; and
(v)   a decrease of $1.1 billion from all other business activities including the redemption of $0.8 billion of subordinated debt.

Changes in the Statements of Financial Position and in Shareholders’ Equity

Total general fund assets were $160.0 billion as at March 31, 2017, compared to $161.1 billion as at December 31, 2016. The decrease in general fund assets from December 31, 2016 was primarily a result of a decrease of $1.3 billion from business activities and $0.5 billion from the strengthening of the Canadian dollar relative to exchange rates at the end of the fourth quarter of 2016, partially offset by an increase of $0.7 billion from the change in value of FVTPL assets and liabilities.

Insurance contract liabilities (excluding other policy liabilities and assets) of $108.8 billion as at March 31, 2017 increased by $0.4 billion compared to December 31, 2016, mainly due to balances arising from new policies, partially offset by the currency impact from the change in the Canadian dollar relative to exchange rates at the end of the fourth quarter of 2016.

Shareholders’ equity, including preferred share capital, was $22.2 billion as at March 31, 2017, compared to $22.0 billion as at December 31, 2016. The increase in shareholders’ equity was primarily due to:

 

(i)   shareholders’ net income of $0.6 billion in 2017, before preferred share dividends of $23 million;
(ii)   net unrealized gains on AFS assets in OCI of $70 million;
(iii)   an increase of $10 million from other comprehensive income (“OCI”) of joint ventures and associates; and
(iv)   $3 million from stock options exercised and $2 million from stock-based compensation; partially offset by
(v)   common share dividend payments of $258 million;
(vi)   a decrease of $97 million from the change of the Canadian dollar relative to exchange rates at the end of the fourth quarter of 2016; and
(vii)   changes in liabilities for defined benefit plans of $8 million.

As at April 28, 2017, SLF Inc. had 613,679,213 common shares, 3,358,407 options to acquire SLF Inc. common shares, and 92,200,000 Class A Shares outstanding.

Cash Flows

 

     Quarterly results  
($ millions)    Q1’17      Q1’16  

Net cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

     6,509        6,512  

Cash flows provided by (used in):

     

Operating activities

     (618      321  

Investing activities

     18        (1,274

Financing activities

     (1,173      (63

Changes due to fluctuations in exchange rates

     (31      (287

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     (1,804      (1,303

Net cash and cash equivalents, end of period

     4,705        5,209  

Short-term securities, end of period

     2,125        2,185  

Net cash, cash equivalents and short-term securities, end of period

     6,830        7,394  

The operating activities of the Company generate cash flows which include net premium revenue, net investment income, fee income, and the sale and maturity of investments. They are the principal source of funds to pay for policyholder claims and benefits, commissions, operating expenses, and the purchase of investments. Cash flows used in investing activities primarily include transactions related to associates, joint ventures and acquisitions. Cash flows provided in and used in financing activities largely reflect capital transactions including payments of dividends, the issuance and repurchase of shares, as well as the issuance and retirement of debt instruments and preferred shares.

The lower cash flows used in investing activities in the first quarter of 2017 compared to the same period last year were primarily due to the acquisition of the U.S. employee benefits business in the first quarter of 2016. The higher cash flows used in financing activities in the first quarter of 2017 compared to the same period last year were largely attributable to the redemption of subordinated debentures in the first quarter of 2017 and the issuance of subordinated debentures in the same period last year.

 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS   Sun Life Financial Inc.   First Quarter 2017   15


Income Taxes

In the first quarter of 2017, our effective tax rates on reported net income and underlying net income(1) were 19.6%, and 17.5%, respectively. Our statutory tax rate is normally reduced by various tax benefits, such as lower taxes on income subject to tax in foreign jurisdictions, a range of tax exempt investment income and other sustainable tax benefits that are expected to decrease our effective tax rate to a range of 18% to 22%.

Quarterly Financial Results

The following table provides a summary of our results for the eight most recently completed quarters. A more complete discussion of our historical quarterly results can be found in our interim and annual MD&As for the relevant periods.

 

    Quarterly results  
($ millions, unless otherwise noted)   Q1’17     Q4’16     Q3’16     Q2’16     Q1’16     Q4’15     Q3’15     Q2’15  

Total revenue

    7,009       2,366       7,892       9,533       8,782       5,567       4,693       1,682  

Common shareholders’ net income (loss)

               

Reported

    551       728       737       480       540       536       482       726  

Underlying(1)

    573       560       639       554       582       646       528       615  

Diluted EPS ($)

               

Reported

    0.89       1.18       1.20       0.78       0.88       0.87       0.79       1.18  

Underlying(1)

    0.93       0.91       1.04       0.90       0.95       1.05       0.86       1.00  

Basic reported EPS ($)

               

Reported

    0.90       1.19       1.20       0.78       0.88       0.88       0.79       1.19  

Reported net income (loss) by segment

               

SLF Canada

    266       398       184       185       169       210       127       337  

SLF U.S.

    37       106       253       54       95       100       64       134  

SLF Asset Management

    171       198       181       173       177       177       204       162  

SLF Asia

    73       58       92       68       91       73       77       93  

Corporate

    4       (32     27             8       (24     10        

Total reported net income (loss)

    551       728       737       480       540       536       482       726  

Underlying net income (loss) by segment(1)

               

SLF Canada

    229       243       226       200       218       269       174       250  

SLF U.S.

    77       87       135       114       111       158       97       105  

SLF Asset Management

    183       188       188       153       170       183       176       173  

SLF Asia

    79       62       80       85       68       52       67       71  

Corporate

    5       (20     10       2       15       (16     14       16  

Total underlying net income (loss)(1)

    573       560       639       554       582       646       528       615  

 

(1) 

Represents a non-IFRS financial measure. See Use of Non-IFRS Financial Measures.

Fourth Quarter 2016

Reported net income was $728 million in the fourth quarter of 2016, reflecting favourable interest rate impacts. Reported net income also reflected factors discussed in underlying net income. Underlying net income was $560 million, reflecting positive credit experience and a lower level of gains from investing activity on insurance contract liabilities. This was partially offset by unfavourable expense experience, reflecting incentive compensation costs arising from overall strong business performance and investment in growing our businesses. We also experienced unfavourable morbidity results mainly in the U.S.

Third Quarter 2016

Reported net income was $737 million in the third quarter of 2016, reflecting favourable equity markets, interest rates, and assumption changes and management actions. Reported net income also reflected factors discussed in underlying net income. Underlying net income was $639 million, reflecting higher levels of gains from investment activities on insurance contract liabilities, positive credit experience, and other experience items. This was partially offset by mortality and expense experience, including investment in growing our businesses.

Second Quarter 2016

Reported net income was $480 million in the second quarter of 2016, reflecting unfavourable impact of interest rates. Reported net income also reflected factors discussed in underlying net income. Underlying net income was $554 million, reflecting unfavourable morbidity experience, mainly in SLF U.S. Group Benefits notably from the stop-loss insurance business, and expense experience including investment in growing our businesses. This was partially offset by gains from investment activity on insurance contract liabilities and positive credit experience.

 

(1) 

Our effective income tax rate on underlying net income is calculated using underlying net income and income tax expense associated with underlying net income, excluding amounts attributable to participating policyholders.

 

16   Sun Life Financial Inc.    First Quarter 2017   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS


First Quarter 2016

Reported net income was $540 million in the first quarter of 2016, reflecting unfavourable impacts from interest rates and equity markets. Reported net income also reflected factors discussed in underlying net income. Underlying net income was $582 million, reflecting favourable impact of strong investing activities and positive morbidity experience.

Fourth Quarter 2015

Reported net income was $536 million in the fourth quarter of 2015 reflecting costs related to acquisition, integration and restructuring and unfavourable interest rate impact. Reported net income also reflected factors discussed in underlying net income. Underlying net income was $646 million, reflecting favourable impact from investment activity on insurance contract liabilities largely in SLF Canada and SLF U.S., positive credit, morbidity and mortality experience, and other experience items including a change to post-retirement benefit liabilities in SLF U.S., partially offset by unfavourable expense experience including investment in growing our businesses.

Third Quarter 2015

Reported net income was $482 million in the third quarter of 2015, reflecting unfavourable equity market impact, partially offset by favourable impact from interest rates and assumption changes and management actions. Reported net income also reflected factors discussed in underlying net income. Underlying net income was $528 million, reflecting favourable impact from investment activity on insurance contract liabilities, positive credit experience and policyholder behaviour. These items were partially offset by unfavourable morbidity and mortality experience, expense experience, and other experience items.

Second Quarter 2015

Reported net income was $726 million in the second quarter of 2015, reflecting positive interest rate impact. Reported net income also reflected factors discussed in underlying net income. Underlying net income was $615 million, reflecting higher level of gains from investment activity on insurance contract liabilities, positive mortality, credit, morbidity experience, and business growth. These items were partially offset by unfavourable expense experience including investment in growing our businesses.

Investments

 

 

We had total general fund invested assets of $141.7 billion as at March 31, 2017, compared to $142.4 billion as at December 31, 2016. General fund invested assets decreased by $0.7 billion as increases in assets carried at fair value due to positive market movement were more than offset by reductions including the redemption of subordinated debt and the impact of the strengthening Canadian dollar. Our general fund is primarily invested in fixed income instruments, including debt securities and mortgages and loans, with 85.1% of the general fund invested assets invested in cash and fixed income investments. Equity securities and investment properties represented 4.1% and 4.7% of the portfolio, respectively, and the remaining 6.1% of the portfolio consisted of policy loans, derivative assets, and other invested assets. Our general fund invested assets are well diversified across investment types, geographies, and sectors.

The following table sets out the composition of our general fund invested assets.(1)

 

     March 31, 2017      December 31, 2016  
($ millions)    Carrying
value
     % of total
carrying value
    

Carrying

value

     % of total
carrying value
 

Cash, cash equivalents and short-term securities

     6,939        4.9%        8,642        6.1%  

Debt securities – FVTPL

     60,312        42.5%        59,466        41.9%  

Debt securities – AFS

     12,563        8.9%        12,421        8.7%  

Equity securities – FVTPL

     5,000        3.5%        5,016        3.5%  

Equity securities – AFS

     798        0.6%        758        0.5%  

Mortgages and loans

     40,875        28.8%        40,775        28.6%  

Derivative assets

     1,538        1.1%        1,608        1.1%  

Other invested assets

     3,970        2.8%        3,931        2.8%  

Policy loans

     3,135        2.2%        3,141        2.2%  

Investment properties

     6,595        4.7%        6,592        4.6%  

Total invested assets

     141,725        100%        142,350        100%  

 

(1) 

The invested asset values and ratios presented are based on the carrying value of the respective asset categories. The carrying values for FVTPL and AFS invested assets are generally equal to their fair values. For invested assets supporting insurance contracts, in the event of default, if the amounts recovered are insufficient to satisfy the related insurance contract liability cash flows that the assets are intended to support, credit exposure may be greater than the carrying value of the assets.

 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS   Sun Life Financial Inc.   First Quarter 2017   17


Energy

As a leading international financial services organization we have a highly diversified portfolio that includes a variety of investment types spread across a broad range of sectors and geographies. As at March 31, 2017, our direct exposure to energy through our debt securities and loan holdings was approximately $5.3 billion or 4% of total invested assets, and our indirect exposure through our mortgage and real estate holdings was approximately $2.9 billion(1) or 2% of total invested assets.

Debt Securities and Loans

As at March 31, 2017, our holdings in debt securities and loans in the energy sector were $5.3 billion (compared to $5.4 billion as at December 31, 2016). The credit quality of our portfolio is stable and remains strong, holding steady at 93% investment grade(2).

Mortgage and Real Estate

Our mortgage and real estate portfolio includes office, industrial, retail, and multi-family buildings occupied by tenants in diversified industries. Our most significant property holdings impacted by the oil and gas sector are located in Alberta, where our real estate holdings represented approximately 19% of our global real estate portfolio and our uninsured mortgage holdings represented approximately 5% of our global mortgage portfolio as at March 31, 2017. As energy prices remain below peak 2014 levels, market fundamentals within the province continue to deteriorate resulting in rising vacancy levels and lower rental rates. Should these trends continue, there may be further reductions in real estate valuations in the province particularly in the office sector.

Within our Alberta mortgage and real estate portfolio, there has been no significant increase in arrears, mortgage defaults, and tenant insolvencies. There has been downward pressure on real estate in the province of Alberta, and we continue to closely monitor the effects of market changes in the energy sector on the real estate and mortgage portfolios.

 

Debt Securities

 

 

Our debt securities portfolio is actively managed through a regular program of purchases and sales aimed at optimizing yield, quality, and liquidity, while ensuring that it remains well diversified and duration-matched to insurance contract liabilities. As at March 31, 2017, we held $72.9 billion of debt securities, representing 51.4% of our total invested assets compared to $71.9 billion representing 50.6% as at December 31, 2016. Debt securities with a credit rating of “A” or higher represented 69.9% of the total debt securities as at March 31, 2017, compared to 69.6% as at December 31, 2016. Debt securities with a credit rating of “BBB” or higher represented 97.8% of total debt securities as at March 31, 2017, compared to 97.6% as at December 31, 2016.

Corporate debt securities not issued or guaranteed by sovereign, regional, and municipal governments represented 64.5% of our total debt securities as at March 31, 2017, compared to 64.4% as at December 31, 2016. Total government issued or guaranteed debt securities as at March 31, 2017 were $25.9 billion, compared to $25.6 billion as at December 31, 2016. With the exception of certain countries where we have business operations, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and the Philippines, our exposure to debt securities from any single country did not exceed 1% of total invested assets on our Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as at March 31, 2017.

The carrying value of debt securities of governments and financial institutions by geographic location is presented in the following table.

Debt Securities of Governments and Financial Institutions by Geography

 

     March 31, 2017      December 31, 2016  
($ millions)    Government issued
or guaranteed
     Financials      Government issued
or guaranteed
     Financials  

Canada

     17,739        1,589        17,371        1,476  

United States

     1,733        4,900        1,890        4,733  

United Kingdom

     2,280        1,046        2,201        1,085  

Philippines

     2,574        15        2,619        15  

Eurozone(1)

     221        749        219        697  

Other

     1,355        1,353        1,305        1,297  

Total

     25,902        9,652        25,605        9,303  

 

(1)

Our investments in Eurozone countries primarily included the Netherlands, Spain, Germany, and France. Of our exposure to Eurozone countries, 99.9% was rated investment grade and 84.6% had a credit rating of “A” or higher as at March 31, 2017 and 99.8% was rated investment grade and 83.5% had a credit rating of “A” or higher as at December 31, 2016.

Our gross unrealized losses as at March 31, 2017 for FVTPL and AFS debt securities were $0.55 billion and $0.09 billion, respectively, compared with $0.72 billion and $0.14 billion, respectively, as at December 31, 2016.

 

 

(1) 

The indirect exposure from mortgages and real estate includes real estate holdings and uninsured mortgages in Alberta and Texas.

(2) 

The credit risk ratings were established in accordance with the process described in our annual MD&A under the heading Risk Categories – Credit Risk Management Governance and Control.

 

18   Sun Life Financial Inc.    First Quarter 2017   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS


Our debt securities as at March 31, 2017 included $9.7 billion invested in the financial sector, representing 13.2% of our total debt securities, or 6.8% of our total invested assets. This compares to $9.3 billion, representing 12.9% of the debt security portfolio, or 6.5% of our total invested assets as at December 31, 2016.

Our debt securities as at March 31, 2017 included $6.2 billion of asset-backed securities, representing 8.5% of our total debt securities, or 4.4% of our total invested assets. This compares to $5.9 billion representing 8.3% of total debt securities, or 4.2% of our total invested assets as at December 31, 2016.

Mortgages and Loans

 

 

Mortgages and loans disclosures in this section are presented at their carrying value on our Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. As at March 31, 2017, we had $40.9 billion in mortgages and loans, representing 28.8% of our total invested assets, compared to $40.8 billion representing 28.6% as at December 31, 2016. Our mortgage portfolio consisted almost entirely of first mortgages, and our loan portfolio consisted of private placement assets.

The carrying value of mortgages and loans by geographic location is presented in the following table.(1)

Mortgages and Loans by Geography

 

     March 31, 2017      December 31, 2016  
($ millions)    Mortgages      Loans      Total      Mortgages      Loans      Total  

Canada

     8,353        13,175        21,528        8,234        13,120        21,354  

United States

     6,987        8,528        15,515        7,162        8,562        15,724  

United Kingdom

            1,032        1,032               803        803  

Other

            2,800        2,800               2,894        2,894  

Total

     15,340        25,535        40,875        15,396        25,379        40,775  

 

(1) 

The geographic location for mortgages is based on the location of the property and for loans it is based on the country of the creditor’s parent.

As at March 31, 2017, we held $15.3 billion of mortgages, compared to $15.4 billion as at December 31, 2016. Our mortgage portfolio consists entirely of commercial mortgages, including retail, office, multi-family, industrial, and land properties. As at March 31, 2017, 27.3% of our commercial mortgage portfolio consisted of multi-family residential mortgages. Our uninsured commercial portfolio had a weighted average loan-to-value ratio of 55% as at March 31, 2017, consistent with December 31, 2016. While we generally limit the maximum loan-to-value ratio to 75% at issuance, we may invest in mortgages with a higher loan-to-value ratio in Canada if the mortgage is insured by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (“CMHC”). The estimated weighted average debt service coverage for our uninsured commercial portfolio is 1.75 times. Of the $3.1 billion of multi-family residential loans in the Canadian commercial mortgage portfolio, 91.0% were insured by the CMHC. There are no single family mortgages in our mortgage portfolio.

As at March 31, 2017, we held $25.5 billion of loans, compared to $25.4 billion as at December 31, 2016. In the current low interest rate environment, our strategy is to continue to focus our efforts on the origination of new private placement assets. Private placement assets provide diversification by type of loan, industry segment, and borrower credit quality. The loan portfolio consists of senior secured and unsecured loans to large- and mid-market sized corporate borrowers, securitized lease/loan obligations secured by a variety of assets, and project finance loans in sectors such as power and infrastructure.

 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS   Sun Life Financial Inc.   First Quarter 2017   19


The carrying value and allowance for mortgages and loans past due or impaired is presented in the following table.

Mortgages and Loans Past Due or Impaired

 

      March 31, 2017  
     Gross carrying value      Allowance for losses  
($ millions)    Mortgages      Loans      Total      Mortgages      Loans      Total  

Not past due

     15,325        25,468        40,793                       

Past due:

                 

Past due less than 90 days

            1        1                       

Past due 90 days or more

                                         

Impaired

     38        97        135        23 (1)       31        54  

Total

     15,363        25,566        40,929        23        31        54  
      December 31, 2016  
     Gross carrying value      Allowance for losses  
($ millions)    Mortgages      Loans      Total      Mortgages      Loans      Total  

Not past due

     15,378        25,379        40,757                       

Past due:

                 

Past due less than 90 days

     2               2                       

Past due 90 days or more

                                         

Impaired

     39        7        46        23 (1)       7        30  

Total

     15,419        25,386        40,805        23        7        30  

 

(1) 

Includes $21 million of sectoral provisions as at March 31, 2017, consistent with December 31, 2016.

Our impaired mortgages and loans, net of allowance for losses, were $81 million as at March 31, 2017, compared to $16 million as at December 31, 2016. The increase of $65 million in impaired loans was due to the addition of two creditors in the quarter.

Asset Default Provision

 

 

We make provisions for possible future credit events in the determination of our insurance contract liabilities. The amount of the provision for asset default included in insurance contract liabilities is based on possible reductions in future investment yields that vary by factors such as type of asset, asset credit quality (rating), duration, and country of origin. To the extent that an asset is written off, or disposed of, any amounts that were set aside in our insurance contract liabilities for possible future asset defaults in respect of that asset are released.

Our asset default provision reflects the provision relating to future credit events for fixed income assets currently held by the Company that support our insurance contract liabilities. Our asset default provision as at March 31, 2017 was $2,258 million compared to $2,247 million as at December 31, 2016. The increase of $11 million was primarily due to increases in the provision for assets purchased, net of dispositions, partially offset by the release of provisions on fixed income assets supporting our insurance contract liabilities.

Derivative Financial Instruments

 

 

The values associated with our derivative instruments are presented in the following table. Notional amounts serve as the basis for payments calculated under derivatives contracts and are not exchanged.

Derivative Instruments

 

($ millions)    March 31, 2017      December 31, 2016  

Net fair value asset (liability)

     (688      (904

Total notional amount

     54,291        54,350  

Credit equivalent amount

     503        510  

Risk-weighted credit equivalent amount

     5        5  

The total notional amount of derivatives in our portfolio decreased to $54.3 billion as at March 31, 2017, from $54.4 billion as at December 31, 2016.

The net fair value of derivatives was a net liability of $688 million as at March 31, 2017, compared to a net liability of $904 million as at December 31, 2016. The increase in net fair value was due primarily to the impact of the strengthening of the Canadian dollar against the U.S. dollar relative to the fourth quarter of 2016 on foreign exchange contracts.

 

20   Sun Life Financial Inc.    First Quarter 2017   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS


Capital Management

 

 

Our total capital consists of subordinated debt and other capital instruments, participating policyholders’ equity, and total shareholders’ equity which includes common shareholders’ equity and preferred shareholders’ equity. As at March 31, 2017, our total capital was $26.5 billion, compared to $26.9 billion as at December 31, 2016. The slight decrease in total capital was primarily due to the redemption of $800 million of subordinated debt detailed below and the payment of $258 million of dividends on common shares, partially offset by the result of common shareholders’ net income of $551 million.

The legal entity, SLF Inc. (the ultimate parent company), and its wholly-owned holding companies had $1,095 million in cash and other liquid assets as at March 31, 2017 ($1,616 million as at December 31, 2016). The decrease in liquid assets in these holding companies in the first quarter of 2017 was primarily attributable to the redemption of $800 million subordinated debt detailed below, which was partially offset by cash generated from the businesses during the quarter. Liquid assets as noted above include cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, and publicly traded securities.

On March 2, 2017, SLF Inc. completed the redemption of all of its outstanding $800 million principal amount of Series 2012-1 Subordinated Unsecured 4.38% Fixed/Floating Debentures.

As at March 31, 2017, Sun Life Assurance’s MCCSR ratio was 229%, compared to 226% as at December 31, 2016. The increase in Sun Life Assurance’s MCCSR ratio over the period primarily resulted from the contribution of earnings net of dividends.

As at March 31, 2017, SLF Inc.’s MCCSR ratio was 249%, compared to 253% as at December 31, 2016. The primary difference between the MCCSR ratio of SLF Inc. and Sun Life Assurance relates to cash and liquid assets held at the holding company level of $1,095 million as discussed above and capital related to certain insurance subsidiaries held directly by SLF Inc.

On September 12, 2016, the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (“OSFI”) released its Life Insurance Capital Adequacy Test Guideline (“LICAT”), which when implemented in 2018, will replace the current MCCSR Guideline. For additional information, see Risk Management – Recent Regulatory Developments.

Risk Management

 

 

 

The shaded text and tables in the following section of this document represent our disclosure on market risks in accordance with IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures and is an integral part of our unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements for the quarter ended March 31, 2017. The shading in this section does not imply that these disclosures are of any greater importance than non-shaded tables and text, and the Risk Management disclosure should be read in its entirety.

The Company has established a Risk Management Framework to assist in identifying, measuring, managing, monitoring and reporting risks. The Risk Management Framework covers all risks and these have been grouped into six major categories: credit, market, insurance, business and strategic, operational and liquidity risks.

Through our enterprise risk management processes, we oversee the various risk factors identified in the Risk Management Framework and provide reports to senior management and to the Board Committees at least quarterly. Our enterprise risk management processes and risk factors are described in our annual MD&A and AIF.

 

When referring to segregated funds in this section, it is inclusive of segregated fund guarantees, variable annuities and investment products and includes Run-off reinsurance in our Corporate business segment.

Market Risk Sensitivities

 

 

 

Our net income(1) is affected by the determination of policyholder obligations under our annuity and insurance contracts. These amounts are determined using internal valuation models and are recorded in our Annual Consolidated Financial Statements, primarily as Insurance contract liabilities. The determination of these obligations requires management to make assumptions about the future level of equity market performance, interest rates, credit and swap spreads and other factors over the life of our products. Differences between our actual experience and our best estimate assumptions are reflected in our Annual Consolidated Financial Statements. Refer to the section Additional Cautionary Language and Key Assumptions Related to Sensitivities for important additional information regarding these estimates.

The market value of our investments in fixed income and equity securities fluctuates based on movements in interest rates and equity markets. The market value of fixed income assets designated as AFS that are held primarily in our surplus segment increases with declining interest rates and decreases with rising interest rates. The market value of equities designated as AFS and held primarily in our surplus segment increases (decreases) with rising (declining) equity markets. Changes in the market value of AFS assets flow through OCI and are only recognized in net income when realized upon sale, or when considered impaired. The

 

 

(1) 

Net income refers to common shareholders’ net income in this Risk Management section.

 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS   Sun Life Financial Inc.   First Quarter 2017   21


amount of realized gains (losses) recorded in net income in any period is equal to the unrealized gains (losses) or OCI position at the start of the period plus the change in market value during the current period up to the point of sale for those securities that were sold during the period. The sale or impairment of AFS assets held in surplus can therefore have the effect of modifying our net income sensitivity.

We realized $55 million (pre-tax) in net gains on the sale of AFS assets during the first quarter of 2017 ($75 million pre-tax in the first quarter of 2016). The net unrealized gains or OCI position on AFS fixed income and equity assets were $133 million and $148 million, respectively, after-tax as at March 31, 2017 ($86 million and $125 million, respectively, after-tax as at December 31, 2016).

The following table sets out the estimated immediate impact on or sensitivity of our net income and OCI, and Sun Life Assurance’s MCCSR ratio to certain instantaneous changes in interest rates and equity market prices as at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

 

Interest Rate and Equity Market Sensitivities

 

As at March 31, 2017(1)

($ millions, unless otherwise noted)

 
Interest rate sensitivity(2)(6)    100 basis point
decrease
     50 basis point
decrease
     50 basis point
increase
     100 basis point
increase
 

Potential impact on net income(3)(6)

   $     (200    $     (100    $ 50      $ 50  

Potential impact on OCI

   $ 550      $ 300      $     (250    $     (550

Potential impact on MCCSR(4)

    
8% points
decrease
 
 
    
3% points
decrease
 
 
    
3% points
increase
 
 
    
7% points
increase
 
 

Equity markets sensitivity(5)

     25% decrease        10% decrease        10% increase        25% increase  

Potential impact on net income(3)

   $ (300    $ (100    $ 100      $ 250  

Potential impact on OCI

   $ (150    $ (50    $ 50      $ 150  

Potential impact on MCCSR(4)

    
3% points
decrease
 
 
    
1% points
decrease
 
 
    
2% points
increase
 
 
    
4% points
increase
 
 

As at December 31, 2016(1)

($ millions, unless otherwise noted)

                                   
Interest rate sensitivity(2)(6)    100 basis point
decrease
     50 basis point
decrease
     50 basis point
increase
     100 basis point
increase
 

Potential impact on net income(3)(6)

   $ (200    $ (100    $ 50      $ 50  

Potential impact on OCI

   $ 550      $ 250      $ (250    $ (500
Potential impact on MCCSR(4)    8% points
decrease
     3% points
decrease
     4% points
increase
     7% points
increase
 

Equity markets sensitivity(5)

     25% decrease        10% decrease        10% increase        25% increase  

Potential impact on net income(3)

   $ (300    $ (100    $ 100      $ 250  

Potential impact on OCI

   $ (150    $ (50    $ 50      $ 150  
Potential impact on MCCSR(4)    3% points
decrease
     1% points
decrease
     2% points
increase
     4% points
increase
 

 

(1) 

Net income and OCI sensitivities have been rounded to the nearest $50 million. The sensitivities exclude the market impacts on the income from our joint ventures and associates, which we account for on an equity basis.

(2)

Interest rate sensitivities assume a parallel shift in assumed interest rates across the entire yield curve as at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 with no change to the Actuarial Standards Board (“ASB”) promulgated Ultimate Reinvestment Rate (“URR”). Variations in realized yields based on factors such as different terms to maturity and geographies may result in realized sensitivities being significantly different from those illustrated above. Sensitivities include the impact of re-balancing interest rate hedges for dynamic hedging programs at 10 basis point intervals (for 50 basis point changes in interest rates) and at 20 basis point intervals (for 100 basis point changes in interest rates).

(3) 

The market risk sensitivities include the estimated mitigation impact of our hedging programs in effect as at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, and include new business added and product changes implemented prior to such dates.

(4) 

The MCCSR sensitivities illustrate the impact on Sun Life Assurance as at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016. This excludes the impact on assets and liabilities that are in SLF Inc. but not included in Sun Life Assurance.

 

(5) 

Represents the respective change across all equity markets as at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016. Assumes that actual equity exposures consistently and precisely track the broader equity markets. Since in actual practice equity-related exposures generally differ from broad market indices (due to the impact of active management, basis risk, and other factors), realized sensitivities may differ significantly from those illustrated above. Sensitivities include the impact of re-balancing equity hedges for dynamic hedging programs at 2% intervals (for 10% changes in equity markets) and at 5% intervals (for 25% changes in equity markets).

(6) 

The majority of interest rate sensitivity, after hedging, is attributed to individual insurance products. We also have interest rate sensitivity, after hedging, from our fixed annuity and segregated funds products.

 

22   Sun Life Financial Inc.    First Quarter 2017   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS


Interest rate sensitivities do not include any impact from changes to the ASB promulgated URR. In 2014, the ASB made changes to the Canadian actuarial standards of practice with respect to economic reinvestment assumptions used in the valuation of insurance contract liabilities. The changes relate to assumed future interest rates, credit spreads and the use of non-fixed income assets supporting fixed obligations. When the ASB promulgated these changes, the intention was to review these assumptions every five years, or sooner if circumstances warrant. Given the continuing low interest rates, we expect the ASB will revisit the reinvestment assumptions in 2017 but the magnitude of any potential changes due to the promulgation remains uncertain. Based on current assumptions, as at March 31, 2017, our estimated sensitivity to a 10 basis point decrease in the URR would have been a decrease in net income of approximately $75 million. The actual impact could differ from the Company’s estimate. The statements concerning expected URR changes are forward-looking.

 

Credit Spread and Swap Spread Sensitivities

 

 

We have estimated the immediate impact or sensitivity of our net income attributable to certain instantaneous changes in credit and swap spreads. The credit spread sensitivities reflect the impact of changes in credit spreads on our asset and liability valuations (including non-sovereign fixed income assets, provincial governments, corporate bonds, and other fixed income assets). The swap spread sensitivities reflect the impact of changes in swap spreads on swap-based derivative positions and liability valuations.

Credit Spread Sensitivities ($ millions, after-tax)

 

Net income sensitivity(1)(2)    50 basis point
decrease
     50 basis point
increase
 

March 31, 2017

   $     (125    $     125  

December 31, 2016

   $ (125    $ 125  

 

(1) 

Sensitivities have been rounded to the nearest $25 million.

(2) 

In most instances, credit spreads are assumed to revert to long-term insurance contract liability assumptions generally over a five-year period.

Swap Spread Sensitivities ($ millions, after-tax)

 

Net income sensitivity(1)    20 basis point
decrease
     20 basis point
increase
 

March 31, 2017

   $        25      $     (25

December 31, 2016

   $ 25      $ (25

 

(1) 

Sensitivities have been rounded to the nearest $25 million.

The credit and swap spread sensitivities assume a parallel shift in the indicated spreads across the entire term structure. Variations in realized spread changes based on different terms to maturity, geographies, asset classes and derivative types, underlying interest rate movements, and ratings may result in realized sensitivities being significantly different from those provided above. The credit spread sensitivity estimates exclude any credit spread impact that may arise in connection with asset positions held in segregated funds. Spread sensitivities are provided for the consolidated entity and may not be proportional across all reporting segments. Refer to the section Additional Cautionary Language and Key Assumptions Related to Sensitivities for important additional information regarding these estimates.

General Account Insurance and Annuity Products

 

 

Most of our expected sensitivity to changes in interest rates and about two-thirds of our expected sensitivity to changes in equity markets are derived from our general account insurance and annuity products. We have implemented market risk management strategies to mitigate a portion of the market risk related to our general account insurance and annuity products.

Individual insurance products include universal life and other long-term life and health insurance products. Major sources of market risk exposure for individual insurance products include the reinvestment risk related to future premiums on regular premium policies, asset reinvestment risk on both regular premium and single premium policies, and the guaranteed cost of insurance. Interest rate risk for individual insurance products is typically managed on a duration basis, within tolerance ranges set out in the applicable investment policy or guidelines. Targets and limits are established so that the level of residual exposure is commensurate with our risk appetite. Exposures are monitored frequently, and assets are re-balanced as necessary to maintain compliance within policy limits using a combination of assets and derivative instruments. A portion of the longer-term cash flows are backed with equities and real estate.

For participating insurance products and other insurance products with adjustability features, the investment strategy objective is to provide a total rate of return given a constant risk profile over the long term.

Fixed annuity products generally provide the policyholder with a guaranteed investment return or crediting rate. Interest rate risk for these products is typically managed on a duration basis, within tolerance ranges set out in the applicable investment guidelines. Targets and limits are established such that the level of residual exposure is commensurate with our risk appetite. Exposures are monitored frequently, and are re-balanced as necessary to maintain compliance within prescribed tolerances using a combination of fixed income assets and derivative instruments.

 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS   Sun Life Financial Inc.   First Quarter 2017   23


Certain insurance and annuity products contain minimum interest rate guarantees. Market risk management strategies are implemented to limit potential financial loss due to reductions in asset earned rates relative to contract guarantees. These typically involve the use of hedging strategies utilizing interest rate derivatives such as interest rate floors, swaps, and swaptions.

Certain insurance and annuity products contain features which allow the policyholders to surrender their policy at book value. Market risk management strategies are implemented to limit the potential financial loss due to changes in interest rate levels and policyholder behaviour. These typically involve the use of hedging strategies such as dynamic option replication and the purchase of interest rate swaptions.

Certain products have guaranteed minimum annuitization rates. Market risk management strategies are implemented to limit the potential financial loss and typically involve the use of fixed income assets, interest rate swaps, and swaptions.

Segregated Fund Guarantees

 

 

Approximately one-third of our equity market sensitivity and a small amount of interest rate risk sensitivity as at March 31, 2017 are derived from segregated fund products. These products provide benefit guarantees, which are linked to underlying fund performance and may be triggered upon death, maturity, withdrawal or annuitization. The cost of providing these guarantees is uncertain and depends upon a number of factors including general capital market conditions, our hedging strategies, policyholder behaviour and mortality experience, each of which may result in negative impacts on net income and capital.

The following table provides information with respect to the guarantees provided for our segregated fund products.

 

As at March 31, 2017  
($ millions)    Fund value      Amount at  Risk(1)      Value of
guarantees(2)
     Insurance  contract
liabilities(3)
 

SLF Canada

     12,440        273        10,879        467  

SLF U.S.

     4,382        356        4,583        142  

Run-off reinsurance(4)

     2,682        471        1,811        455  

Total

     19,504        1,100        17,273        1,064  
As at December 31, 2016                                
($ millions)    Fund value      Amount at Risk(1)      Value of
guarantees(2)
     Insurance contract
liabilities(3)
 

SLF Canada

     12,354        348        10,961        499  

SLF U.S.

     4,361        430        4,681        171  

Run-off reinsurance(4)

     2,695        494        1,864        469  

Total

     19,410        1,272        17,506        1,139  

 

(1) 

The Amount at Risk represents the excess of the value of the guarantees over fund values on all policies where the value of the guarantees exceeds the fund value. The Amount at Risk is not currently payable as the guarantees are only payable upon death, maturity, withdrawal, or annuitization if fund values remain below guaranteed values.

(2) 

For guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefits, the value of guarantees is calculated as the present value of the maximum future withdrawals assuming market conditions remain unchanged from current levels. For all other benefits, the value of guarantees is determined assuming 100% of the claims are made at the valuation date.

(3) 

The insurance contract liabilities represent management’s provision for future costs associated with these guarantees and include a provision for adverse deviation in accordance with Canadian actuarial standards of practice.

(4) 

The Run-off reinsurance business includes risks assumed through reinsurance of variable annuity products issued by various North American insurance companies between 1997 and 2001. This line of business is part of a closed block of reinsurance, which is included in the Corporate segment.

The movement of the items in the table above from December 31, 2016 to March 31, 2017 primarily resulted from the following factors:

 

(i)   the total fund values increased due to favourable equity market movements;
(ii)   the total value of guarantees decreased due to the net redemptions from legacy business;
(iii)   the total Amount at Risk decreased due to favourable equity market movements and the net redemptions from legacy business; and
(iv)   the total insurance contract liabilities decreased due to favourable equity market movements and the net redemptions from legacy business.

 

24   Sun Life Financial Inc.    First Quarter 2017   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS


Segregated Fund Hedging

 

 

Our hedging programs use derivative instruments to mitigate the interest and equity related exposure of our segregated fund contracts. As at March 31, 2017, over 90% of our segregated fund contracts, as measured by associated fund values, were included in a hedging program. While a large percentage of contracts are included in the hedging program, not all of our market risk exposure related to these contracts is hedged. For those segregated fund contracts included in the hedging program, we generally hedge the value of expected future net claims costs and associated margins.

The following table illustrates the impact of our hedging program related to our sensitivity to a 50 basis point and 100 basis point decrease in interest rates and a 10% and 25% decrease in equity markets for segregated fund contracts as at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

Impact of Segregated Fund Hedging

 

March 31, 2017  
($ millions)      Changes in interest rates(3)        Changes in equity markets(4)  

Net income sensitivity(1)(2)

    
50 basis point
decrease
 
 
    
100 basis point
decrease
 
 
     10% decrease        25% decrease  

Before hedging

     (250      (500      (200      (550

Hedging impact

     250        500        150        450  

Net of hedging

                   (50      (100
December 31, 2016                                
($ millions)    Changes in interest rates(3)      Changes in equity markets(4)  
Net income sensitivity(1)(2)     
50 basis point
decrease
 
 
    
100 basis point
decrease
 
 
     10% decrease        25% decrease  

Before hedging

     (250      (550      (200      (550

Hedging impact

     250        550        150        450  

Net of hedging

                   (50      (100

 

(1) 

Net income sensitivities have been rounded to the nearest $50 million.

(2) 

Since the fair value of benefits being hedged will generally differ from the financial statement value (due to different valuation methods and the inclusion of valuation margins in respect of financial statement values), this will result in residual volatility to interest rate and equity market shocks in net income and capital. The general availability and cost of these hedging instruments may be adversely impacted by a number of factors, including volatile and declining equity and interest rate market conditions.

(3) 

Represents a parallel shift in assumed interest rates across the entire yield curve as at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, with no change to the ASB promulgated URR. Variations in realized yields based on factors such as different terms to maturity and geographies may result in realized sensitivities being significantly different from those illustrated above. Sensitivities include the impact of re-balancing interest rate hedges for dynamic hedging programs at 10 basis point intervals (for 50 basis point changes in interest rates) and at 20 basis point intervals (for 100 basis point changes in interest rates).

(4)

Represents the change across all equity markets as at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016. Assumes that actual equity exposures consistently and precisely track the broader equity markets. Since in actual practice equity-related exposures generally differ from broad market indices (due to the impact of active management, basis risk, and other factors), realized sensitivities may differ significantly from those illustrated above. Sensitivities include the impact of re-balancing equity hedges for dynamic hedging programs at 2% intervals (for 10% changes in equity markets) and at 5% intervals (for 25% changes in equity markets).

Real Estate Risk

 

 

Real estate risk is the potential for financial loss arising from fluctuations in the value of, or future cash flows from our investments in real estate. We are exposed to real estate risk and may experience financial losses resulting from the direct ownership of real estate investments or indirectly through fixed income investments secured by real estate property, leasehold interests, ground rents, and purchase and leaseback transactions. Real estate price risk may arise from external market conditions, inadequate property analysis, inadequate insurance coverage, inappropriate real estate appraisals, or from environmental risk exposures. We hold direct real estate investments that support general account liabilities and surplus, and fluctuations in value will impact our profitability and financial position. A material and sustained increase in interest rates may lead to deterioration in real estate values. An instantaneous 10% decrease in the value of our direct real estate investments as at March 31, 2017 would decrease net income(1) by approximately $200 million ($200 million decrease as at December 31, 2016). Conversely, an instantaneous 10% increase in the value of our direct real estate investments as at March 31, 2017 would increase net income by approximately $200 million ($200 million increase as at December 31, 2016).

 

(1) 

Net income sensitivities have been rounded to the nearest $25 million.

 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS   Sun Life Financial Inc.   First Quarter 2017   25


Additional Cautionary Language and Key Assumptions Related to Sensitivities

 

 

Our market risk sensitivities are measures of our estimated change in net income and OCI for changes in interest rates and equity market price levels described above, based on interest rates, equity market prices, and business mix in place as at the respective calculation dates. These sensitivities are calculated independently for each risk factor, generally assuming that all other risk variables stay constant. The sensitivities do not take into account indirect effects such as potential impacts on goodwill impairment or valuation allowances on deferred tax assets. The sensitivities are provided for the consolidated entity and may not be proportional across all reporting segments. Actual results can differ materially from these estimates for a variety of reasons, including differences in the pattern or distribution of the market shocks, the interaction between these risk factors, model error, or changes in other assumptions such as business mix, effective tax rates, policyholder behaviour, currency exchange rates and other market variables relative to those underlying the calculation of these sensitivities. The extent to which actual results may differ from the indicative ranges will generally increase with larger capital market movements. Our sensitivities as at December 31, 2016 have been included for comparative purposes only.

We have also provided measures of our net income sensitivity to instantaneous changes in credit spreads, swap spreads, real estate price levels, and capital sensitivities to changes in interest rates and equity price levels. The real estate sensitivities are non-IFRS financial measures. For additional information, see Use of Non-IFRS Financial Measures. The cautionary language which appears in this section is also applicable to the credit spread, swap spread, real estate, and MCCSR ratio sensitivities. In particular, these sensitivities are based on interest rates, credit and swap spreads, equity market, and real estate price levels as at the respective calculation dates and assume that all other risk variables remain constant. Changes in interest rates, credit and swap spreads, equity market, and real estate prices in excess of the ranges illustrated may result in other-than-proportionate impacts.

As these market risk sensitivities reflect an instantaneous impact on net income, OCI, and Sun Life Assurance’s MCCSR ratio, they do not include impacts over time such as the effect on fee income in our asset management businesses.

 

The sensitivities reflect the composition of our assets and liabilities as at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. Changes in these positions due to new sales or maturities, asset purchases/sales, or other management actions could result in material changes to these reported sensitivities. In particular, these sensitivities reflect the expected impact of hedging activities based on the hedge programs in place as at the March 31 and December 31 calculation dates. The actual impact of hedging activity can differ materially from that assumed in the determination of these indicative sensitivities due to ongoing hedge re-balancing activities, changes in the scale or scope of hedging activities, changes in the cost or general availability of hedging instruments, basis risk (i.e., the risk that hedges do not exactly replicate the underlying portfolio experience), model risk, and other operational risks in the ongoing management of the hedge programs or the potential failure of hedge counterparties to perform in accordance with expectations.

The sensitivities are based on methods and assumptions in effect as at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, as applicable. Changes in the regulatory environment, accounting or actuarial valuation methods, models, or assumptions (including changes to the ASB promulgated URR) after those dates could result in material changes to these reported sensitivities. Changes in interest rates and equity market prices in excess of the ranges illustrated may result in other than proportionate impacts.

 

Our hedging programs may themselves expose us to other risks, including basis risk (i.e., the risk that hedges do not exactly replicate the underlying portfolio experience), volatility risk, derivative counterparty credit risk, and increased levels of liquidity risk, model risk, and other operational risks. These factors may adversely impact the net effectiveness, costs, and financial viability of maintaining these hedging programs and therefore adversely impact our profitability and financial position. While our hedging programs are intended to mitigate these effects (e.g., hedge counterparty credit risk is managed by maintaining broad diversification, dealing primarily with highly rated counterparties, and transacting through International Swaps and Derivatives Association agreements that generally include applicable credit support annexes), residual risk, potential reported earnings and capital volatility remain.

For the reasons outlined above, our sensitivities should only be viewed as directional estimates of the underlying sensitivities of each factor under these specialized assumptions, and should not be viewed as predictors of our future net income, OCI, and capital sensitivities. Given the nature of these calculations, we cannot provide assurance that actual impact will be consistent with the estimates provided.

Information related to market risk sensitivities and guarantees related to segregated fund products should be read in conjunction with the information contained in the sections in the annual MD&A under the headings Outlook and Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates. Additional information on market risk can be found in Note 6 of our 2016 Annual Consolidated Financial Statements and the Risk Factors section in our AIF.

 

26   Sun Life Financial Inc.    First Quarter 2017   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS


Recent Regulatory Developments

 

 

On September 12, 2016, OSFI released its LICAT Guideline, a new capital adequacy guideline. When implemented in 2018, this guideline will establish new regulatory capital requirements for life insurance companies, which will replace the current MCCSR Guideline. Similar to the MCCSR Guideline, OSFI has indicated that it will regularly review the effectiveness of the LICAT Guideline and update it to keep abreast of developments in the life insurance industry and evolving risk measurement and management practices. The new guideline is expected to improve the alignment of capital with the risks that the company chooses to take on but is not expected to change the level of capital in the industry.

During 2017, the industry will be completing impact assessments of the guideline, which will inform OSFI whether further calibration or adjustments are necessary. During the first quarter of 2017, Sun Life participated in an impact assessment and for the remainder of 2017, SLF will participate in further testing and continue its ongoing dialogue with OSFI and industry participants.

Recently in the public domain there have been regulatory settlements with other companies regarding certain sales practices and compensation arrangements. Regulators in Canada are imposing enhanced standards on conduct related practices, including sales and compensation practices and related conflicts of interest. We are reviewing our own relevant practices, policies and procedures in these areas. Regulatory reviews, investigations, and settlements arising out of such matters could adversely affect our reputation and any changes we may make to our sales and compensation practices, policies and procedures could adversely impact our individual wealth business.

Legal and Regulatory Matters

 

 

Information concerning legal and regulatory matters is provided in our Annual Consolidated Financial Statements, annual MD&A, and AIF, for the year ended December 31, 2016.

Changes in Accounting Policies

 

 

We have adopted several amended IFRS standards in the current year. For additional information, refer to Note 2 in our Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.

Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

 

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of the Company’s financial reporting and the preparation of its financial statements in accordance with IFRS.

There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the period which began on January 1, 2017 and ended on March 31, 2017 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS   Sun Life Financial Inc.   First Quarter 2017   27


Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Financial Measures

 

 

Additional information on the use of non-IFRS measures, including the definition of underlying net income (loss), is available in this document under the heading Use of Non-IFRS Financial Measures.

The following table sets out the amounts that were excluded from our underlying net income (loss) and underlying EPS, and provides a reconciliation to our reported net income (loss) and EPS based on IFRS.

Reconciliations of Select Net Income Measures

 

    Quarterly results  
($ millions, unless otherwise noted)   Q1’17     Q4’16     Q3’16     Q2’16     Q1’16  

Reported net income

    551       728       737       480       540  

Market related impacts

    11       162       57       (72     (40

Assumption changes and management actions

    1       10       54       (8     (11

Certain hedges in SLF Canada that do not qualify for hedge accounting

    (2     8       6       (6     (13

Fair value adjustments on MFS’s share-based payment awards

    (12     10       (7     20       7  

Acquisition, integration and restructuring

    (20     (22     (12     (8     15  

Underlying net income (loss)

    573       560       639       554       582  

Reported EPS (diluted) ($)

    0.89       1.18       1.20       0.78       0.88  

Market related impacts ($)

    0.01       0.26       0.09       (0.12     (0.06

Assumption changes and management actions ($)

          0.02       0.09       (0.01     (0.02

Certain hedges in SLF Canada that do not qualify for hedge accounting ($)

          0.01       0.01       (0.01     (0.02

Fair value adjustments on MFS’s share-based payment awards ($)

    (0.02     0.02       (0.01     0.03       0.01  

Acquisition, integration and restructuring ($)

    (0.03     (0.03     (0.02     (0.01     0.02  

Impact of convertible securities on diluted EPS ($)

          (0.01                  

Underlying EPS (diluted) ($)

    0.93       0.91       1.04       0.90       0.95  

Management also uses the following non-IFRS financial measures:

Return on equity. IFRS does not prescribe the calculation of ROE and therefore a comparable measure under IFRS is not available. To determine reported ROE and underlying ROE, respectively, reported net income (loss) and underlying net income (loss) is divided by the total weighted average common shareholders’ equity for the period.

Adjusted revenue. This measure is an alternative measure of revenue that provides greater comparability across reporting periods, by excluding the impact of: (i) exchange rate fluctuations, from the translation of functional currencies to the Canadian dollar, for comparisons (“Constant Currency Adjustment”); (ii) Fair value and foreign currency changes on assets and liabilities (“FV Adjustment”); and (iii) reinsurance for the insured business in SLF Canada’s GB operations (“Reinsurance in SLF Canada’s GB Operations Adjustment”).

 

    Quarterly results  
($ millions)   Q1’17     Q4’16     Q3’16     Q2’16     Q1’16  

Revenue

    7,009       2,366       7,892       9,533       8,782  

Constant Currency Adjustment

    (159     (130     (211     (233      

FV Adjustment

    658       (4,902     1,182       3,223       2,730  

Reinsurance in SLF Canada’s GB Operations Adjustment

    (749     (695     (696     (679     (688

Adjusted revenue

    7,259       8,093       7,617       7,222       6,740  

Adjusted premiums and deposits. This measure is an alternative measure of premiums and deposits that provides greater comparability across reporting periods by excluding the impact of: (i) the Constant Currency Adjustment and (ii) the Reinsurance in SLF Canada’s GB Operations Adjustment.

 

    Quarterly results  
($ millions)   Q1’17     Q4’16     Q3’16     Q2’16     Q1’16  

Premiums and deposits

    42,293       42,422       40,176       38,035       37,826  

Constant Currency Adjustment

    (1,332     (995     (1,805     (2,055      

Reinsurance in SLF Canada’s GB Operations Adjustment

    (749     (695     (696     (679     (688

Adjusted premiums and deposits

    44,374       44,112       42,677       40,769       38,514  

 

28   Sun Life Financial Inc.    First Quarter 2017   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS


Pre-tax operating profit margin ratio for MFS. This ratio is a measure of the profitability of MFS, which excludes the impact of fair value adjustments on MFS’s share-based payment awards, investment income, and certain commission expenses that are offsetting. These amounts are excluded in order to neutralize the impact these items have on the pre-tax operating profit margin ratio and have no impact on the profitability of MFS. There is no directly comparable IFRS measure.

Impact of foreign exchange. Several IFRS financial measures are presented on a constant currency adjusted basis to exclude the impact of foreign exchange rate fluctuations. These measures are calculated using the average or period end foreign exchange rates, as appropriate, in effect at the date of the comparative period.

Real estate market sensitivities. Real estate market sensitivities are non-IFRS financial measures for which there are no directly comparable measures under IFRS so it is not possible to provide a reconciliation of these amounts to the most directly comparable IFRS measures.

Other. Management also uses the following non-IFRS financial measures for which there are no comparable financial measures in IFRS: (i) ASO premium and deposit equivalents, mutual fund sales, managed fund sales, life and health sales, and total premiums and deposits; (ii) AUM, mutual fund assets, managed fund assets, other AUM, and assets under administration; (iii) the value of new business, which is used to measure the estimated lifetime profitability of new sales and is based on actuarial calculations; and (iv) assumption changes and management actions, which is a component of our sources of earnings disclosure. Sources of earnings is an alternative presentation of our Consolidated Statements of Operations that identifies and quantifies various sources of income. The Company is required to disclose its sources of earnings by its principal regulator, the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions.

Forward-looking Statements

 

 

From time to time, the Company makes written or oral forward-looking statements within the meaning of certain securities laws, including the “safe harbour” provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements contained in this document include (i) statements relating to our strategies, (ii) growth initiatives and other business objectives, (iii) statements that are predictive in nature or that depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, (iv) statements set out in this document under the heading Risk Management – Interest Rate and Equity Market Sensitivities, and (v) statements that include words such as “aim”, “anticipate”, “assumption”, “believe”, “could”, “estimate”, “expect”, “goal”, “initiatives”, “intend”, “may”, “objective”, “outlook”, “plan”, “project”, “seek”, “should”, “strategy”, “strive”, “target”, “will”, and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements include the information concerning our possible or assumed future results of operations. These statements represent our current expectations, estimates, and projections regarding future events and are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Future results and shareholder value may differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements due to, among other factors, the matters set out in this document under the headings Financial Summary – Impact of the Low Interest Environment, Capital Management and Risk Management and in SLF Inc.’s 2016 AIF under the heading Risk Factors and the factors detailed in SLF Inc.’s other filings with Canadian and U.S. securities regulators, which are available for review at www.sedar.com and www.sec.gov, respectively.

Important risk factors that could cause our assumptions and estimates, and expectations and projections to be inaccurate and our actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this document, are set out below. The realization of our forward-looking statements, essentially depends on our business performance which, in turn, is subject to many risks. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations include, but are not limited to: credit risks – related to issuers of securities held in our investment portfolio, debtors, structured securities, reinsurers, counterparties, other financial institutions and other entities; market risks – related to the performance of equity markets; changes or volatility in interest rates or credit spreads or swap spreads; real estate investments; and fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; insurance risks – related to mortality, morbidity, longevity and policyholder behaviour; product design and pricing; the impact of higher-than-expected future expenses; and the availability, cost and effectiveness of reinsurance; business and strategic risks – related to global economic and political conditions; changes in distribution channels or Client behaviour including risks relating to market conduct by intermediaries and agents; the impact of competition; the design and implementation of business strategies; changes in the legal or regulatory environment, including capital requirements and tax laws; tax matters, including estimates and judgments used in calculating taxes; the performance of our investments and investment portfolios managed for Clients such as segregated and mutual funds; our international operations, including our joint ventures; market conditions that affect our capital position or ability to raise capital; downgrades in financial strength or credit ratings; and the impact of mergers, acquisitions and divestitures; operational risks – related to breaches or failure of information system security and privacy, including cyber-attacks; our ability to attract and retain employees; the execution and integration of mergers, acquisitions and divestitures; legal, regulatory compliance and market conduct, including the impact of regulatory inquiries and investigations; our information technology infrastructure; a failure of information systems and Internet-enabled technology; dependence on third-party relationships, including outsourcing arrangements; business continuity; model errors; information management; the environment, environmental laws and regulations and third-party policies; and liquidity risks – the possibility that we will not be able to fund all cash outflow commitments as they fall due.

The Company does not undertake any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this document or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law.

 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS   Sun Life Financial Inc.   First Quarter 2017   29


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 

 

 

             For the three months ended  
(unaudited, in millions of Canadian dollars except for per share amounts)     March 31,
2017
    March 31,
2016
 

Revenue

 

   

Premiums

 

   

Gross

 

  $     4,733     $     4,259  

Less: Ceded

 

    1,169       1,081  

Net premiums

 

    3,564       3,178  

Net investment income (loss):

 

   

Interest and other investment income

 

    1,314       1,425  

Fair value and foreign currency changes on assets and liabilities (Note 4)

 

    658       2,730  

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

 

    55       75  

Net investment income (loss)

 

    2,027       4,230  

Fee income

 

    1,418       1,374  

Total revenue

 

    7,009       8,782  

Benefits and expenses

 

   

Gross claims and benefits paid (Note 6)

 

    4,032       3,705  

Increase (decrease) in insurance contract liabilities (Note 6)

 

    683       3,438  

Decrease (increase) in reinsurance assets (Note 6)

 

    135       (17

Increase (decrease) in investment contract liabilities (Note 6)

 

    13       10  

Reinsurance expenses (recoveries) (Note 7)

 

    (1,158     (1,027

Commissions

 

    617       540  

Net transfer to (from) segregated funds (Note 10)

 

    (13     (57

Operating expenses

 

    1,598       1,369  

Premium taxes

 

    91       78  

Interest expense

 

    80       81  

Total benefits and expenses

 

    6,078       8,120  

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

    931       662  

Less: Income tax expense (benefit) (Note 8)

 

    182       92  

Total net income (loss)

 

    749       570  

Less: Net income (loss) attributable to participating policyholders

 

    175       6  

Shareholders’ net income (loss)

 

    574       564  

Less: Preferred shareholders’ dividends

 

    23       24  

Common shareholders’ net income (loss)

 

  $ 551     $ 540  

Average exchange rates during the reporting periods:

 

   
     U.S. dollars       1.32       1.37  
     U.K. pounds       1.64       1.97  

Earnings (loss) per share (Note 12)

 

   

Basic

 

  $ 0.90     $ 0.88  

Diluted

 

  $ 0.89     $ 0.88  

Dividends per common share

 

  $ 0.42     $ 0.39  

The attached notes form part of these Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

30   Sun Life Financial Inc.    First Quarter 2017   INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

 

 

 

     For the three months ended  
(unaudited, in millions of Canadian dollars)   March 31,
2017
    March 31,
2016
 

Total net income (loss)

  $     749     $     570  

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes:

   

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to income:

   

Change in unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses):

   

Unrealized gains (losses)

    (98     (782

Change in unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale assets:

   

Unrealized gains (losses)

    100       116  

Reclassifications to net income (loss)

    (30     (46

Change in unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges:

   

Unrealized gains (losses)

    (6     (16

Reclassifications to net income (loss)

    2       2  

Share of other comprehensive income (loss) in joint ventures and associates:

   

Unrealized gains (losses)

    10       (22

Reclassifications to net income (loss) upon change in control

          (8

Total items that may be reclassified subsequently to income

    (22     (756

Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to income:

   

Remeasurement of defined benefit plans

    (8     (26

Total items that will not be reclassified subsequently to income

    (8     (26

Total other comprehensive income (loss)

    (30     (782

Total comprehensive income (loss)

    719       (212

Less: Participating policyholders’ and non-controlling interests’ comprehensive income (loss)

    174        

Shareholders’ comprehensive income (loss)

  $ 545     $ (212

 

INCOME TAXES INCLUDED IN OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

 

 
     For the three months ended  
(unaudited, in millions of Canadian dollars)   March 31,
2017
    March 31,
2016
 

Income tax benefit (expense):

   

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to income:

   

Unrealized gains / losses on available-for-sale assets

  $ (50   $ (31

Reclassifications to net income for available-for-sale assets

    11       11  

Unrealized gains / losses on cash flow hedges

    2       3  

Reclassifications to net income for cash flow hedges

    (1      

Total items that may be reclassified subsequently to income

    (38     (17

Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to income:

   

Remeasurement of defined benefit plans

    4       12  

Total items that will not be reclassified subsequently to income

    4       12  

Total income tax benefit (expense) included in other comprehensive income (loss)

  $ (34   $ (5

The attached notes form part of these Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)   Sun Life Financial Inc.   First Quarter 2017   31


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION

 

 

 

              As at  
(unaudited, in millions of Canadian dollars)            March 31,
2017
     December 31,
2016
 

Assets

        

Cash, cash equivalents and short-term securities (Note 4)

      $ 6,939      $ 8,642  

Debt securities (Note 4)

        72,875        71,887  

Equity securities (Note 4)

        5,798        5,774  

Mortgages and loans

        40,875        40,775  

Derivative assets

        1,538        1,608  

Other invested assets (Note 4)

        3,970        3,931  

Policy loans

        3,135        3,141  

Investment properties

              6,595        6,592  

Invested assets

        141,725        142,350  

Other assets

        4,930        5,109  

Reinsurance assets (Note 6)

        5,029        5,144  

Deferred tax assets

        1,386        1,448  

Intangible assets

        1,678        1,703  

Goodwill

              5,296        5,317  

Total general fund assets

        160,044        161,071  

Investments for account of segregated fund holders (Note 10)

              101,055        97,167  

Total assets

            $ 261,099      $ 258,238  

Liabilities and equity

        

Liabilities

        

Insurance contract liabilities (Note 6)

      $ 115,490      $ 115,057  

Investment contract liabilities (Note 6)

        3,049        2,913  

Derivative liabilities

        2,226        2,512  

Deferred tax liabilities

        741        687  

Other liabilities

        11,391        12,399  

Senior debentures

        1,299        1,299  

Subordinated debt

              3,037        3,836  

Total general fund liabilities

        137,233        138,703  

Insurance contracts for account of segregated fund holders (Note 10)

        94,039        90,388  

Investment contracts for account of segregated fund holders (Note 10)

 

     7,016        6,779  

Total liabilities

            $ 238,288      $ 235,870  

Equity

        

Issued share capital and contributed surplus

      $ 10,948      $ 10,943  

Shareholders’ retained earnings and accumulated other comprehensive income

 

     11,277        11,013  

Total shareholders’ equity

        22,225        21,956  

Participating policyholders’ equity

              586        412  

Total equity

            $ 22,811      $ 22,368  

Total liabilities and equity

            $     261,099      $     258,238  

Exchange rates at the end of the reporting periods:

        
     U.S. dollars        1.33        1.34  
     U.K. pounds        1.67        1.66  

The attached notes form part of these Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.

Approved on behalf of the Board of Directors on May 9, 2017.

 

LOGO

   LOGO

Dean A. Connor

  

William D. Anderson

President and Chief Executive Officer

  

Director

 

32   Sun Life Financial Inc.    First Quarter 2017   INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

 

 

 

      For the three months ended  
(unaudited, in millions of Canadian dollars)    March 31,
2017
     March 31,
2016
 

Shareholders:

     

Preferred shares

     

Balance, beginning and end of period

   $ 2,257      $ 2,257  

Common shares (Note 9)

     

Balance, beginning of period

     8,614        8,567  

Stock options exercised

     4        8  

Issued under dividend reinvestment and share purchase plan

             

Balance, end of period

     8,618        8,575  

Contributed surplus

     

Balance, beginning of period

     72        76  

Share-based payments

     2        2  

Stock options exercised

     (1      (1

Balance, end of period

     73        77  

Retained earnings

     

Balance, beginning of period

     9,360        7,891  

Net income (loss)

     574        564  

Dividends on common shares

     (258      (239

Dividends on preferred shares

     (23      (24

Transactions with non-controlling interests

            (47

Balance, end of period

     9,653        8,145  

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes (Note 13)

     

Balance, beginning of period

     1,653        2,459  

Total other comprehensive income (loss) for the period

     (29      (776

Balance, end of period

     1,624        1,683  

Total shareholders’ equity, end of period

   $ 22,225      $ 20,737  

Participating policyholders:

     

Balance, beginning of period

   $ 412      $ 168  

Net income (loss)

     175        6  

Total other comprehensive income (loss) for the period (Note 13)

     (1      (5

Total participating policyholders’ equity, end of period

   $ 586      $ 169  

Total non-controlling interests, end of period (Note 13)

   $      $ 17  

Total equity

   $     22,811      $     20,923  

The attached notes form part of these Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)   Sun Life Financial Inc.   First Quarter 2017   33


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

 

 

     For the three months ended  
(unaudited, in millions of Canadian dollars)   March 31,
2017
   

March 31,

2016

 

Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities(1)

   

Income (loss) before income taxes

  $ 931     $ 662  

Adjustments:

   

Interest expense related to financing activities

    65       71  

Increase (decrease) in insurance and investment contract liabilities

    696       3,448  

Decrease (increase) in reinsurance assets

    135       (17

Realized and unrealized (gains) losses and foreign currency changes on invested assets

    (713     (2,805

Sales, maturities and repayments of invested assets

    12,675       12,336  

Purchases of invested assets

    (13,675     (12,862

Income taxes received (paid)

    (148     (127

Mortgage securitization (Note 4)

    54       148  

Other operating activities

    (638     (533

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

    (618     321  

Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities

   

Net (purchase) sale of property and equipment

    (43     (20

Investment in and transactions with joint ventures and associates

    (6      

Dividends received from joint ventures and associates

    5        

Acquisitions, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired

          (1,237

Other investing activities

    62       (17

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

    18       (1,274

Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities

   

Increase in (repayment of) borrowed funds

          (97

Issuance of subordinated debt, net of issuance costs

          348  

Redemption of senior debentures and subordinated debt (Note 9)

    (800      

Issuance of common shares on exercise of stock options

    3       7  

Dividends paid on common and preferred shares

    (278     (259

Interest expense paid

    (98     (62

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

    (1,173     (63

Changes due to fluctuations in exchange rates

    (31     (287

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

    (1,804     (1,303

Net cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

    6,509       6,512  

Net cash and cash equivalents, end of period

    4,705       5,209  

Short-term securities, end of period

    2,125       2,185  

Net cash, cash equivalents and short-term securities, end of period (Note 4)

  $     6,830     $     7,394  

 

(1) 

Balances in 2016 have been changed to conform with current period presentation.

The attached notes form part of these Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

34   Sun Life Financial Inc.    First Quarter 2017   INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)


Condensed Notes to the Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

(Unaudited, in millions of Canadian dollars except for per share amounts and where otherwise stated)

1.     Significant Accounting Policies

 

 

Description of Business

Sun Life Financial Inc. (“SLF Inc.”) is a publicly traded company domiciled in Canada and is the holding company of Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (“Sun Life Assurance”). SLF Inc. and its subsidiaries are collectively referred to as “us”, “our”, “ours”, “we”, or “the Company”.

Our Interim Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard (“IAS”) 34 Interim Financial Reporting as issued and adopted by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”). We have used accounting policies which are consistent with our accounting policies in our 2016 Annual Consolidated Financial Statements, except as disclosed in Note 2 below. Our Interim Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with our 2016 Annual Consolidated Financial Statements, as interim financial statements do not include all the information incorporated in annual consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”).

2.     Changes in Accounting Policies

 

 

Amended International Financial Reporting Standards Adopted in 2017

The following amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2017, and did not have a material impact on our Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.

In January 2016, the IASB issued narrow-scope amendments to IAS 12 Income Taxes. The amendments clarify how to account for deferred tax assets related to unrealized losses on debt instruments measured at fair value. These amendments were applied retrospectively.

In January 2016, the IASB issued Disclosure Initiative (Amendments to IAS 7), which amends IAS 7 Statement of Cash Flows. The amendments require entities to provide disclosure that enables users of financial statements to evaluate changes in liabilities arising from financing activities, including both changes arising from cash flows and non-cash changes. These amendments were applied prospectively.

In December 2016, the IASB issued Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2014-2016 Cycle, which includes a minor amendment to IFRS 12 Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities (“IFRS 12”). The amendment provides clarification guidance to the scope of IFRS 12 and was applied retrospectively.

Assessment of Impact on IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“IFRS 15”)

IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“IFRS 15”), which replaces IAS 11 Construction Contracts, IAS 18 Revenue and various interpretations, establishes principles about the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue arising from contracts with customers. IFRS 15 requires entities to recognize revenue to reflect the transfer of goods or services to customers measured at the amounts an entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. IFRS 15 also provides guidance related to the costs to obtain and to fulfill a contract. IFRS 15 is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018 and is to be applied retrospectively, or on a cumulative retrospective basis. Insurance contracts and revenues arising from those contracts, primarily premium revenue, are not within the scope of this standard. Revenues from service contracts and service components of investment contracts that is reported in Fee income and primarily arises from our asset management businesses, are within the scope of IFRS 15. We have completed our identification of the contracts within the scope of this standard and are currently performing a detailed assessment of the revenues and costs related to these contracts to determine the potential impact that the adoption of IFRS 15 may have on our Consolidated Financial Statements. Based on our assessments completed to date, we do not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on our financial results. We also continue to monitor interpretations and developments related to the standard, principally for the asset management industry.

 

CONDENSED NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)   Sun Life Financial Inc.   First Quarter 2017   35


3.     Segmented Information

 

 

We have five reportable segments: Sun Life Financial Canada (“SLF Canada”), Sun Life Financial United States (“SLF U.S.”), Sun Life Financial Asset Management (“SLF Asset Management”), Sun Life Financial Asia (“SLF Asia”), and Corporate. These reportable segments operate in the financial services industry and reflect our management structure and internal financial reporting. Corporate includes the results of our United Kingdom (“U.K.”) business unit and our Corporate Support operations, which include run-off reinsurance operations as well as investment income, expenses, capital, and other items not allocated to our other business groups.

Revenues from our reportable segments are derived principally from life and health insurance, investment management and annuities, and mutual funds. Revenues not attributed to the strategic business units are derived primarily from Corporate investments and earnings on capital. Transactions between segments are executed and priced on an arm’s-length basis in a manner similar to transactions with third parties.

The expenses in each business segment may include costs or services directly incurred or provided on their behalf at the enterprise level. For other costs not directly attributable to one of our business segments, we use a management reporting framework that uses assumptions, judgments, and methodologies for allocating overhead costs, and indirect expenses to our business segments.

Intersegment transactions consist primarily of internal financing agreements which are measured at fair values prevailing when the arrangements are negotiated. Intersegment investment income consists primarily of interest paid by SLF U.S. to Corporate. Intersegment fee income is primarily asset management fees paid by SLF Canada and Corporate to SLF Asset Management, and product distribution fees paid by SLF Asset Management to SLF U.S. Intersegment transactions are presented in the Consolidation adjustments column in the following tables.

Results by segment for the three months ended March 31 are as follows:

 

     SLF
Canada
    SLF U.S.     SLF Asset
Management
    SLF
Asia
    Corporate     Consolidation
adjustments
    Total  

2017

             

Gross premiums:

             

Annuities

  $ 411     $     $     $     $ 6     $     $ 417  

Life insurance

    1,108       705             359       22             2,194  

Health insurance

    1,202       910             6       4             2,122  

Total gross premiums

    2,721       1,615             365       32             4,733  

Less: ceded premiums

    973       140             50       6             1,169  

Net investment income (loss)

    1,070       494       14       281       194       (26     2,027  

Fee income

    271       54       983       97       31       (18     1,418  

Total revenue

    3,089           2,023       997       693       251       (44         7,009  

Less:

             

Total benefits and expenses

        2,537       2,001       739           599           246       (44     6,078  

Income tax expense (benefit)

    116       (16     87       17       (22           182  

Total net income (loss)

  $ 436     $ 38     $     171     $ 77     $ 27     $         –     $ 749  

2016

             

Gross premiums:

             

Annuities

  $ 389     $ 2     $     $ 4     $ 8     $     $ 403  

Life insurance

    960       596             431       25             2,012  

Health insurance

    1,074       760             5       5             1,844  

Total gross premiums

    2,423       1,358             440       38             4,259  

Less: ceded premiums

    908       156             11       6             1,081  

Net investment income (loss)

    1,743       1,523       5       467       518       (26     4,230  

Fee income

    243       57       979       80       35       (20     1,374  

Total revenue

    3,501       2,782       984       976       585       (46     8,782  

Less:

             

Total benefits and expenses

    3,360       2,664       698       868       576       (46     8,120  

Income tax expense (benefit)

    (28     20       109       14       (23           92  

Total net income (loss)

  $ 169     $ 98     $ 177     $ 94     $ 32     $     $ 570  

 

36   Sun Life Financial Inc.    First Quarter 2017   CONDENSED NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)


4.     Total Invested Assets and Related Net Investment Income

 

 

4.A Asset Classification

The carrying values of our debt securities, equity securities, and other invested assets presented in our Interim Consolidated Statements of Financial Position consist of the following:

 

As at    Fair value
through profit
or loss
    

Available-

for-sale

     Other(1)      Total  

March 31, 2017

           

Debt securities

   $     60,312      $     12,563      $      $     72,875  

Equity securities

   $ 5,000      $ 798      $      $ 5,798  

Other invested assets

   $ 2,046      $ 636      $     1,288      $ 3,970  

December 31, 2016

           

Debt securities

   $ 59,466      $ 12,421      $      $ 71,887  

Equity securities

   $ 5,016      $ 758      $      $ 5,774  

Other invested assets

   $ 2,041      $ 623      $ 1,267      $ 3,931  

 

(1)

Other consists primarily of investments accounted for using the equity method of accounting.

4.B Fair Value and Foreign Currency Changes on Assets and Liabilities

Fair value and foreign currency changes on assets and liabilities recorded to net income consist of the following:

 

      For the three months ended  
      March 31,
2017
     March 31,
2016
 

Fair value change:

     

Cash, cash equivalents and short-term securities

   $      $ (18

Debt securities

     440        1,385  

Equity securities

     120        61  

Derivative investments

     143        1,828  

Other invested assets

     15        (48

Total change in fair value through profit or loss assets and liabilities

     718        3,208  

Fair value changes on investment properties

     3        25  

Foreign exchange gains (losses)(1)

     (63      (503

Fair value and foreign currency changes on assets and liabilities

   $     658      $     2,730  

 

(1)

Primarily arises from the translation of foreign currency denominated available-for-sale assets and mortgages and loans. Any offsetting amounts arising from foreign currency derivatives are included in the fair value change on derivative investments.

4.C Impairment of Available-For-Sale Assets

We recognized impairment losses on available-for-sale assets of $1 during the three months ended March 31, 2017 ($1 for the three months ended March 31, 2016).

4.D Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Securities

Cash, cash equivalents and short-term securities presented in our Interim Consolidated Statements of Financial Position and Net cash, cash equivalents and short-term securities presented in our Interim Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows consist of the following:

 

As at    March 31,
2017
     December 31,
2016
     March 31,
2016
 

Cash

   $ 1,212      $ 1,841      $ 1,676  

Cash equivalents

     3,602        4,857        3,722  

Short-term securities

     2,125        1,944        2,185  

Cash, cash equivalents and short-term securities

     6,939        8,642        7,583  

Less: Bank overdraft, recorded in Other liabilities

     109        189        189  

Net cash, cash equivalents and short-term securities

   $     6,830      $     8,453      $     7,394  

 

CONDENSED NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)   Sun Life Financial Inc.   First Quarter 2017   37


4.E Mortgage Securitization

We securitize certain insured fixed rate commercial mortgages as described in Note 5 of our 2016 Annual Consolidated Financial Statements.

The carrying value and fair value of the securitized mortgages as at March 31, 2017 are $1,151 and $1,156, respectively ($1,105 and $1,102 as at December 31, 2016). The carrying value and fair value of the associated liabilities as at March 31, 2017 are $1,195 and $1,212, respectively ($1,141 and $1,153 as at December 31, 2016). The carrying value of asset-backed securities in the principal reinvestment account (“PRA”) as at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are $48 and $40, respectively. There are no cash and cash equivalents in the PRA as at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

The fair value of the secured borrowings from mortgage securitization is based on the methodologies and assumptions for asset-backed securities described in Note 5 of our 2016 Annual Consolidated Financial Statements. The fair value of these liabilities is categorized in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy as at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

4.F Fair Value Measurement

The fair value methodologies and assumptions for assets and liabilities carried at fair value as well as disclosures on unobservable inputs, sensitivities, and valuation processes for Level 3 assets can be found in Note 5 of our 2016 Annual Consolidated Financial Statements.

4.F.i Fair Value Hierarchy

Our assets and liabilities that are carried at fair value on a recurring basis by hierarchy level are as follows:

 

As at   March 31, 2017     December 31, 2016  
     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  

Assets

               

Cash, cash equivalents and short-term securities

  $ 5,892     $ 1,047     $     $ 6,939     $ 7,742     $ 900     $     $ 8,642  

Debt securities – fair value through profit or loss

    1,014       58,751       547       60,312       1,136       57,888       442       59,466  

Debt securities – available-for-sale

    544       11,925       94       12,563       610       11,620       191       12,421  

Equity securities – fair value through profit or loss

    3,318       1,536       146       5,000       2,863       2,009       144       5,016  

Equity securities – available-for-sale

    616       175       7       798       584       167       7       758  

Derivative assets

    23       1,515             1,538       34       1,574             1,608  

Other invested assets

    971       144       1,567       2,682       925       195       1,544       2,664  

Investment properties

                6,595       6,595                   6,592       6,592  

Total invested assets

  $ 12,378     $ 75,093     $ 8,956     $ 96,427     $ 13,894     $ 74,353     $ 8,920     $ 97,167  

Investments for account of segregated fund holders

  $   26,713     $ 73,396     $ 946     $ 101,055     $ 26,435     $ 69,867     $ 865     $ 97,167  

Total assets measured at fair value

  $ 39,091     $   148,489     $   9,902     $   197,482     $   40,329     $   144,220     $   9,785     $   194,334  

Liabilities

               

Investment contract liabilities

  $     $     $ 3     $ 3     $     $     $ 3     $ 3  

Derivative liabilities

    4       2,222             2,226       7       2,505             2,512  

Total liabilities measured at fair value

  $ 4     $ 2,222     $ 3     $ 2,229     $ 7     $ 2,505     $ 3     $ 2,515  

Debt securities – fair value through profit or loss consist of the following:

 

As at   March 31, 2017     December 31, 2016  
     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  

Canadian federal government

  $     $ 3,101     $ 16     $ 3,117     $     $ 3,101     $ 16     $ 3,117  

Canadian provincial and municipal government

          11,582       39       11,621             11,414       38       11,452  

U.S. government and agency

    1,014       89       5       1,108       1,136       56       6       1,198  

Other foreign government

          5,615       44       5,659             5,568       10       5,578  

Corporate

          34,634       300       34,934             34,166       287       34,453  

Asset-backed securities:

               

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

          1,635       49       1,684             1,697       49       1,746  

Residential mortgage-backed securities

          1,605             1,605             1,482             1,482  

Collateralized debt obligations

          22       22       44             47       29       76  

Other

          468       72       540             357       7       364  

Total debt securities – fair value through profit or loss

  $     1,014     $     58,751     $      547     $     60,312     $     1,136     $     57,888     $      442     $     59,466  

 

38   Sun Life Financial Inc.    First Quarter 2017   CONDENSED NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)


Debt securities – available-for-sale consist of the following:

 

As at   March 31, 2017     December 31, 2016  
     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3      Total     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  

Canadian federal government

  $     $ 1,801     $      $ 1,801     $     $ 1,654     $     $ 1,654  

Canadian provincial and municipal government

          1,200              1,200             1,148             1,148  

U.S. government and agency

    544       81              625       610       82             692  

Other foreign government

          771              771             766             766  

Corporate

          5,767       84        5,851             5,796       87       5,883  

Asset-backed securities:

                

Commercial mortgage-backed securities

          844              844             888             888  

Residential mortgage-backed securities

          571              571             501             501  

Collateralized debt obligations

          311              311             239       67       306  

Other

          579       10        589             546       37       583  

Total debt securities – available-for-sale

  $     544     $     11,925     $       94      $     12,563     $       610     $     11,620     $     191     $     12,421  

There were no significant transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and March 31, 2016.

The following table provides reconciliations of the beginning and ending balances for assets that are categorized in Level 3:

 

For the three months ended  

Debt

securities –

fair value

through

profit or loss

   

Debt

securities –

available-

for-sale

   

Equity

securities –

fair value

through

profit or loss

   

Equity

securities –

available-

for-sale

   

Other

invested

assets

   

Investment

properties

   

Total

invested

assets

measured

at fair value

   

Investments

for account of

segregated

fund holders

   

Total

assets

measured

at fair

value

 

March 31, 2017

                 

Beginning balance

  $ 442     $ 191     $ 144     $ 7     $ 1,544     $ 6,592     $ 8,920     $ 865     $ 9,785  

Included in net income(1)(3)(5)

          (1     6             (14     (5     (14     16       2  

Included in OCI(3)

                            3             3             3  

Purchases

    72       10       4             43       71       200       87       287  

Sales

    (20     (1     (7           (57     (48     (133     (23     (156

Settlements

    (3                                   (3           (3

Transfers into Level 3(2)

    68                         49             117             117  

Transfers (out) of Level 3(2)

    (8     (104                             (112           (112

Foreign currency translation(4)

    (4     (1     (1           (1     (15     (22     1       (21

Ending balance

  $     547     $        94     $     146     $       7     $   1,567     $   6,595     $   8,956     $     946     $   9,902  

Gains (losses) included in earnings relating to instruments still held at the reporting date(1)

  $ 1     $     $ 7     $     $ (14   $ 13     $ 7     $ 9     $ 16  

March 31, 2016

                 

Beginning balance

  $ 527     $ 105     $ 170     $     $ 1,106     $ 6,540     $ 8,448     $ 765     $ 9,213  

Included in net income(1)(3)(5)

    (3     2       (7           (54     14       (48     2       (46

Included in OCI(3)

          (1                 (1           (2           (2

Purchases

    68       25       21       7       85       87       293       33       326  

Sales

    (4     (1                 (36     (70     (111     (13     (124

Settlements

    (8     (1     (17                       (26           (26

Transfers into Level 3(2)

                                                     

Transfers (out) of Level 3(2)

    (21                                   (21     (7     (28

Foreign currency translation(4)

    (20     (6     (4           (3     (125     (158     (45     (203

Ending balance

  $ 539     $ 123     $ 163     $ 7     $ 1,097     $ 6,446     $ 8,375     $ 735     $ 9,110  

Gains (losses) included in earnings relating to instruments still held at the reporting date(1)

  $     $ (1   $ (7   $     $ (54   $ 13     $ (49   $ 2     $ (47

 

(1) 

Included in Net investment income (loss) for Total invested assets measured at fair value in our Interim Consolidated Statements of Operations.

(2) 

Transfers into Level 3 occur when the pricing inputs used lack observable market data, and as a result, no longer meet the Level 1 or 2 definitions at the reporting date. Transfers out of Level 3 occur when the pricing inputs become more transparent and satisfy the Level 1 or 2 criteria and are primarily the result of observable market data being available at the reporting date, thus removing the requirement to rely on inputs that lack observability.

(3) 

Total gains and losses in net income (loss) and other comprehensive income (“OCI”) are calculated assuming transfers into or out of Level 3 occur at the beginning of the period. For transfers into Level 3 during the reporting period, the entire change in fair value for the period is included in the table above. For transfers out of Level 3 during the reporting period, the change in fair value for the period is excluded from the table above.

(4) 

Foreign currency translation relates to the foreign exchange impact of translating Level 3 assets of foreign subsidiaries from their functional currencies to Canadian dollars.

(5) 

Investment properties included in net income is comprised of fair value changes on investment properties of $3 ($25 in 2016) net of amortization of leasing commissions and tenant inducements of $8 ($11 in 2016).

 

CONDENSED NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)   Sun Life Financial Inc.   First Quarter 2017   39


5.     Financial Instrument and Insurance Risk Management

 

 

Our risk management policies and procedures for managing risks related to financial instruments and insurance contracts can be found in Notes 6 and 7, respectively, of our 2016 Annual Consolidated Financial Statements.

Our financial instrument market risk sensitivities are included in our Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) for the three months ended March 31, 2017. The shaded text and tables in the Risk Management section of the MD&A represent our disclosures on market risk sensitivities in accordance with IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures and include discussions on how we measure our risk and our objectives, policies, and methodologies for managing this risk. Therefore, the shaded text and tables in the MD&A represent an integral part of these Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.

6.     Insurance Contract Liabilities and Investment Contract Liabilities

 

 

6.A Insurance Contract Liabilities

6.A.i Changes in Insurance Contract Liabilities and Reinsurance Assets

Changes in Insurance contract liabilities and Reinsurance assets are as follows:

 

    

For the three months ended

March 31, 2017

   

For the three months ended

March 31, 2016

 
     Insurance
contract
liabilities
    Reinsurance
assets
    Net     Insurance
contract
liabilities
    Reinsurance
assets
    Net  

Balances before Other policy liabilities and assets, beginning of period

  $ 108,411     $ 4,541     $ 103,870     $ 103,730     $ 4,812     $ 98,918  

Change in balances on in-force policies

    31       (155     186       2,480       (10     2,490  

Balances arising from new policies

    833       29       804       952       30       922  

Method and assumption changes(1)

    (181     (9     (172     6       (3     9  

Increase (decrease) in Insurance contract liabilities and Reinsurance assets

    683       (135     818       3,438       17       3,421  

Acquisitions

                      2,196             2,196  

Foreign exchange rate movements

    (333     (30     (303     (3,208     (256     (2,952

Balances before Other policy liabilities and assets

    108,761       4,376       104,385       106,156       4,573       101,583  

Other policy liabilities and assets

    6,729       653       6,076       6,441       507       5,934  

Total Insurance contract liabilities and Reinsurance assets, end of period

  $   115,490     $   5,029     $   110,461     $   112,597     $   5,080     $   107,517  

 

(1)

The 2017 Method and assumption changes are mainly comprised of an update to the SLF Canada participating individual life business to reflect mortality experience.

6.B Investment Contract Liabilities

6.B.i Changes in Investment Contract Liabilities

Changes in investment contract liabilities without discretionary participation features (“DPF”) are as follows:

 

      For the three months ended
March 31, 2017
     For the three months ended
March 31, 2016
 
      Measured at
fair value
     Measured at
amortized cost
     Measured at
fair value
     Measured at
amortized cost
 

Balances, beginning of period

   $ 3      $ 2,305      $ 4      $ 2,208  

Deposits

            202               114  

Interest

            12               11  

Withdrawals

            (76             (100

Fees

            (2             (1

Other

            5               5  

Foreign exchange rate movements

            (2             (1

Balances, end of period

   $            3      $     2,444      $            4      $     2,236  

 

40   Sun Life Financial Inc.    First Quarter 2017   CONDENSED NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)


Changes in investment contract liabilities with DPF are as follows:

 

      For the three months ended  
      March 31, 2017      March 31, 2016  

Balances, beginning of period

   $ 605      $ 701  

Change in liabilities on in-force policies

     1        (1

Foreign exchange rate movements

     (4      (44

Balances, end of period

   $        602      $        656  

6.C Gross Claims and Benefits Paid

Gross claims and benefits paid consist of the following:

 

      For the three months ended  
      March 31, 2017      March 31, 2016  

Maturities and surrenders

   $ 632      $ 665  

Annuity payments

     450        473  

Death and disability benefits

     1,118        939  

Health benefits

     1,519        1,319  

Policyholder dividends and interest on claims and deposits

     313        309  

Total gross claims and benefits paid

   $     4,032      $     3,705  

7.     Reinsurance (Expenses) Recoveries

 

 

Reinsurance (expenses) recoveries consist of the following:

 

      For the three months ended  
      March 31, 2017      March 31, 2016  

Recovered claims and benefits

   $ 1,004      $ 904  

Commissions

     20        14  

Reserve adjustments

     46        25  

Operating expenses and other

     88        84  

Reinsurance (expenses) recoveries

   $     1,158      $     1,027  

8.     Income Taxes

 

 

Our effective income tax rate differs from the combined Canadian federal and provincial statutory income tax rate as follows:

 

      For the three months ended  
      March 31, 2017      March 31, 2016  
              %              %  

Total net income (loss)

   $     749         $     570     

Add: Income tax expense (benefit)

     182                 92           

Total net income (loss) before income taxes

   $ 931               $ 662           

Taxes at the combined Canadian federal and provincial statutory income tax rate

   $ 249        26.8      $ 177        26.8  

Increase (decrease) in rate resulting from:

           

Higher (lower) effective rates on income subject to taxation in foreign jurisdictions

     (26      (2.8      (3      (0.5

Tax (benefit) cost of unrecognized tax losses and tax credits

                   1        0.2  

Tax exempt investment income

     (34      (3.7      (64      (9.7

Adjustments in respect of prior periods, including resolution of tax disputes

     (15      (1.6      (13      (2.0

Other

     8        0.9        (6      (0.9

Total tax expense (benefit) and effective income tax rate

   $ 182        19.6      $ 92        13.9  

 

CONDENSED NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)   Sun Life Financial Inc.   First Quarter 2017   41


Statutory income tax rates in other jurisdictions in which we conduct business range from 0% to 35%, which creates a tax rate differential and corresponding tax provision difference compared to the Canadian federal and provincial statutory rate when applied to foreign income not subject to tax in Canada. Generally, higher earnings in jurisdictions with higher statutory tax rates, such as the U.S., result in an increase of our tax expense, while earnings arising in tax jurisdictions with statutory rates lower than 26.75% (rounded to 26.8% in the table above) reduce our tax expense. These differences are reported in higher (lower) effective rates on income subject to taxation in foreign jurisdictions.

Tax exempt investment income includes tax rate differences related to various types of investment income that are taxed at rates lower than our statutory income tax rate, such as dividend income, capital gains arising in Canada, and various others. Fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, changes in market values of real estate properties and other investments have an impact on the amount of these tax rate differences.

Adjustments in respect of prior periods, including the resolution of tax disputes for the three months ended March 31, 2017 relates mainly to the resolution of tax audits in the U.S. In 2016, the adjustments related to prior years’ tax filings in Canada.

Other for the three months ended March 31, 2017 primarily reflects withholding taxes on distributions from our foreign subsidiaries.

9.     Capital Management

 

 

9.A Capital

Our capital base is structured to exceed minimum regulatory and internal capital targets, and maintain strong credit and financial strength ratings while maintaining a capital efficient structure. We strive to achieve an optimal capital structure by balancing the use of debt and equity financing. Capital is managed both on a consolidated basis under principles that consider all the risks associated with the business as well as at the business group level under the principles appropriate to the jurisdiction in which each operates. We manage the capital for all of our international subsidiaries on a local statutory basis in a manner commensurate with their individual risk profiles. Further details on our capital, and how it is managed, are included in Note 21 of our 2016 Annual Consolidated Financial Statements.

SLF Inc.’s Minimum Continuing Capital and Surplus Requirements (“MCCSR”) ratio as at March 31, 2017 exceeded the minimum regulatory target. Our principal operating insurance subsidiary in Canada, Sun Life Assurance, is also subject to the MCCSR capital rules. Sun Life Assurance’s MCCSR ratio as at March 31, 2017 exceeded the minimum regulatory target; as well, it also exceeded the supervisory target applicable to operating insurance companies. In the U.S., Sun Life Assurance operates through a branch which is subject to U.S. regulatory supervision and it exceeded the levels under which regulatory action would be required as at March 31, 2017. In addition, other subsidiaries of SLF Inc. that must comply with local capital or solvency requirements in the jurisdiction in which they operate maintained capital levels above minimum local requirements as at March 31, 2017.

Our capital base consists mainly of common shareholders’ equity, participating policyholders’ equity, preferred shareholders’ equity, and certain other capital securities that qualify as regulatory capital.

9.B Significant Capital Transactions

9.B.i Common Shares

Changes in common shares issued and outstanding were as follows:

 

      For the three months ended  
      March 31, 2017      March 31, 2016  
Common shares (in millions of shares)    Number of
shares
     Amount      Number of
shares
     Amount  

Balance, beginning of period

     613.6      $ 8,614        612.3      $ 8,567  

Stock options exercised

     0.1        4        0.3        8  

Balance, end of period

     613.7      $   8,618        612.6      $   8,575  

9.B.ii Subordinated Debt

On March 2, 2017, SLF Inc. redeemed all of the outstanding $800 principal amount of Series 2012-1 Subordinated Unsecured 4.38% Fixed/Floating Debentures at a redemption price equal to the principal amount together with accrued and unpaid interest.

 

42   Sun Life Financial Inc.    First Quarter 2017   CONDENSED NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)


10.     Segregated Funds

 

 

10.A Investments for Account of Segregated Fund Holders

The carrying value of investments held for segregated fund holders are as follows:

 

As at    March 31,
2017
     December 31,
2016
 

Segregated and mutual fund units

   $ 87,010      $ 83,625  

Equity securities

     9,855        9,739  

Debt securities

     3,382        3,247  

Cash, cash equivalents and short-term securities

     479        460  

Investment properties

     369        373  

Mortgages

     25        28  

Other assets

     405        120  

Total assets

   $ 101,525      $ 97,592  

Less: Liabilities arising from investing activities

   $ 470      $ 425  

Total investments for account of segregated fund holders

   $     101,055      $     97,167  

10.B Changes in Insurance Contracts and Investment Contracts for Account of Segregated Fund Holders

Changes in insurance contracts and investment contracts for account of segregated fund holders are as follows:

 

     Insurance contracts      Investment contracts  
For the three months ended    March 31,
2017
     March 31,
2016
     March 31,
2017
     March 31,
2016
 

Balances, beginning of period

   $     90,388      $     83,670      $     6,779      $     7,770  

Additions to segregated funds:

           

Deposits

     3,415        2,706        22        25  

Net transfer (to) from general funds

     (13      (57              

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     2,429        (868      307        (19

Other investment income

     687        454        33        43  

Total additions

   $ 6,518      $ 2,235      $ 362      $ 49  

Deductions from segregated funds:

           

Payments to policyholders and their beneficiaries

     2,539        2,166        148        134  

Management fees

     234        193        15        18  

Taxes and other expenses

     69        56        4        3  

Foreign exchange rate movements

     25        736        (42      623  

Total deductions

   $ 2,867      $ 3,151      $ 125      $ 778  

Net additions (deductions)

   $ 3,651      $ (916    $ 237      $ (729

Balances, end of period

   $ 94,039      $ 82,754      $ 7,016      $ 7,041  

11.     Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies

 

 

Guarantees of Sun Life Assurance Preferred Shares and Subordinated Debentures

SLF Inc. has provided a guarantee on the $150 of 6.30% subordinated debentures due 2028 issued by Sun Life Assurance. Claims under this guarantee will rank equally with all other subordinated indebtedness of SLF Inc. SLF Inc. has also provided a subordinated guarantee of the preferred shares issued by Sun Life Assurance from time to time, other than such preferred shares which are held by SLF Inc. and its affiliates. Sun Life Assurance has no outstanding preferred shares subject to the guarantee. As a result of these guarantees, Sun Life Assurance is entitled to rely on exemptive relief from most continuous disclosure and the certification requirements of Canadian securities laws.

 

CONDENSED NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)   Sun Life Financial Inc.   First Quarter 2017   43


The following tables set forth certain consolidating summary financial information for SLF Inc. and Sun Life Assurance (Consolidated):

 

Results for the three months ended   SLF Inc.
(unconsolidated)
    Sun Life
Assurance
(consolidated)
   

Other

subsidiaries

of SLF Inc.
(combined)

    Consolidation
adjustment
    SLF Inc.
(consolidated)
 

March 31, 2017

         

Revenue

  $ 113     $ 5,576     $ 1,634     $ (314   $ 7,009  

Shareholders’ net income (loss)

  $ 574     $ 387     $ 122     $ (509   $ 574  

March 31, 2016

         

Revenue

  $ 391     $ 7,215     $ 2,290     $ (1,114   $ 8,782  

Shareholders’ net income (loss)

  $ 564     $ 329     $ (98   $ (231   $ 564  
Assets and liabilities as at   SLF Inc.
(unconsolidated)
    Sun Life
Assurance
(consolidated)
    Other
subsidiaries
of SLF Inc.
(combined)
    Consolidation
adjustment
    SLF Inc.
(consolidated)
 

March 31, 2017

         

Invested assets

  $     22,746     $     134,911     $ 6,130     $     (22,062   $     141,725  

Total other general fund assets

  $ 10,224     $ 23,806     $     18,991     $ (34,702   $ 18,319  

Investments for account of segregated fund holders

  $     $ 101,004     $ 51     $     $ 101,055  

Insurance contract liabilities

  $     $ 115,802     $ 7,539     $ (7,851   $ 115,490  

Investment contract liabilities

  $     $ 3,049     $     $     $ 3,049  

Total other general fund liabilities

  $ 10,745     $ 22,946     $ 14,743     $ (29,740   $ 18,694  

December 31, 2016

         

Invested assets

  $ 23,351     $ 134,624     $ 6,308     $ (21,933   $ 142,350  

Total other general fund assets

  $ 10,097     $ 24,154     $ 19,157     $ (34,687   $ 18,721  

Investments for account of segregated fund holders

  $     $ 97,118     $ 49     $     $ 97,167  

Insurance contract liabilities

  $     $ 115,370     $ 7,523     $ (7,836   $ 115,057  

Investment contract liabilities

  $     $ 2,913     $     $     $ 2,913  

Total other general fund liabilities

  $ 11,492     $ 23,805     $ 15,111     $ (29,675   $ 20,733  

12.     Earnings (Loss) Per Share

 

 

Details of the calculation of the net income (loss) and the weighted average number of shares used in the earnings per share computations are as follows:

 

      For the three months ended  
      March 31, 2017      March 31, 2016  

Common shareholders’ net income (loss) for basic earnings per share

   $ 551      $ 540  

Add: increase in income due to convertible instruments(1)

     3        3  

Common shareholders’ net income (loss) on a diluted basis

   $ 554      $ 543  

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding for basic earnings per share (in millions)

     614        612  

Add: dilutive impact of stock options(2) (in millions)

     1        1  

Add: dilutive impact of convertible instruments(1) (in millions)

     4        5  

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding on a diluted basis (in millions)

     619        618  

Basic earnings (loss) per share

   $ 0.90      $ 0.88  

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

   $     0.89      $     0.88  

 

(1) 

The convertible instruments are the Sun Life ExchangEable Capital Securities (“SLEECS”) – Series B issued by Sun Life Capital Trust.

(2) 

Excludes the impact of 2 million stock options for the three months ended March 31, 2016 because these stock options were antidilutive for the period.

 

44   Sun Life Financial Inc.    First Quarter 2017   CONDENSED NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)


13.     Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and

            Non-Controlling Interests

 

 

13.A Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes, are as follows:

 

    

For the three months ended

March 31, 2017

   

For the three months ended

March 31, 2016

 
     Balance,
beginning
of period
    Other
comprehensive
income (loss)
    Balance,
end of
period
    Balance,
beginning
of period
    Other
comprehensive
income (loss)
    Balance,
end of
period
 

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to income:

           

Unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses), net of hedging activities

  $ 1,749     $ (98   $ 1,651     $ 2,385     $ (782   $ 1,603  

Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale assets

    211       70       281       225       70       295  

Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges

    (6     (4     (10     3       (14     (11

Share of other comprehensive income (loss) in joint ventures and associates

          10       10       76       (30     46  

Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to income:

           

Remeasurement of defined benefit plans

    (291     (8     (299     (218     (26     (244

Unrealized gains (losses) on transfers to investment properties

    6             6       6             6  

Total

  $ 1,669     $ (30   $ 1,639     $ 2,477     $ (782   $ 1,695  

Total attributable to:

           

Participating policyholders

  $ 16     $ (1   $ 15     $ 18     $ (5   $ 13  

Non-controlling interests

                            (1     (1

Shareholders

    1,653       (29     1,624       2,459       (776     1,683  

Total

  $     1,669     $       (30   $     1,639     $     2,477     $     (782   $     1,695  

13.B Non-Controlling Interests

In 2016, non-controlling interests reported in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) pertained to the 25% third party interest in Sun Life Vietnam Insurance Company Limited (formerly PVI Sun Life Insurance Company Limited) that was recognized when we obtained control of that entity in the first quarter of 2016. The non-controlling interests were subsequently acquired by us in the fourth quarter of 2016. As a result, we do not have any non-controlling interests as of December 31, 2016. Further details on transactions with non-controlling interests are included in Note 3 of our 2016 Annual Consolidated Financial Statements.

The following table summarizes changes to non-controlling interests during the three months ended March 31, 2016:

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2016        

Balance, beginning of period

   $  

Non-controlling interests arising from acquisitions

     18  

Net income (loss)

      

Total other comprehensive income (loss) for the period (Note 13.A)

     (1

Total non-controlling interests, end of period

   $       17  

 

CONDENSED NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)   Sun Life Financial Inc.   First Quarter 2017   45


Corporate and Shareholder Information

 

For information about the Sun Life Financial group of companies, corporate news and financial results, please visit sunlife.com.

Corporate Office

Sun Life Financial Inc.

150 King Street West

Toronto, Ontario

Canada M5H 1J9

Tel: 416-979-9966

Website: www.sunlife.com

Investor Relations

For financial analysts, portfolio managers and institutional investors requiring information, please contact:

Investor Relations

Fax: 416-979-4080

E-mail: investor.relations@sunlife.com Please note that financial information can also be obtained from www.sunlife.com.

Transfer Agent

For information about your shareholdings, dividends, change in share registration or address, estate transfers, lost certificates, or to advise of duplicate mailings, please contact the Transfer Agent in the country where you reside. If you do not live in any of the countries listed, please contact the Canadian Transfer Agent.

Canada

CST Trust Company

P.O. Box 700

Station B

Montreal, Quebec

Canada H3B 3K3

Within North America:

Tel: 1-877-224-1760

Outside of North America:

Tel: 416-682-3865

Fax: 1-888-249-6189

E-mail: inquiries@canstockta.com

Website: www.canstockta.com

Shareholders can view their account

details using CST Trust Company’s

Internet service, Answerline.®

Register at www.canstockta.com/investor.

United States

American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC

6201 15th Ave.

Brooklyn, NY 11219

Tel: 1-877-224-1760

E-mail: inquiries@canstockta.com

United Kingdom

Capita Registrars

The Registry

34 Beckenham Road

Beckenham, Kent

United Kingdom BR3 4TU

Tel: +44 (0) 345-602-1587

E-mail: shareholderenquiries@capita.co.uk

Philippines

Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC)

RCBC Stock Transfer Processing Section

Ground Floor, West Wing,

GPL (Grepalife) Building,

221 Senator Gil Puyat Avenue

Makati City, Philippines

From Metro Manila:  632-318-8567

From the Provinces: 1-800-1-888-2422

E-mail: rcbcstocktransfer@rcbc.com

Hong Kong

Computershare Hong Kong Investor

Services Limited

17M Floor, Hopewell Centre

183 Queen’s Road East

Wanchai, Hong Kong

Tel: 852-2862-8555

E-mail: hkinfo@computershare.com.hk

Shareholder Services

For shareholder account inquiries, please contact the Transfer Agent in the country where you reside, or Shareholder Services:

Fax: 416-598-3121

English E-mail:

shareholderservices@sunlife.com

French E-mail:

servicesauxactionnaires@sunlife.com

Dividends

2017 Dividend dates

Common shares

 

Record Dates   Payment Dates  

March 3, 2017

    March 31, 2017  

May 31, 2017

    June 30, 2017  

August 30, 2017*

    September 29, 2017

November 29, 2017*

    December 29, 2017
         

 

* Subject to approval by the Board of Directors

Direct deposit of dividends

Common shareholders residing in Canada or the U.S. may have their dividend payments deposited directly into their bank account.

The Request for Electronic Payment of Dividends Form is available for downloading from the CST Trust Company website, www.canstockta.com, or you can contact CST Trust Company to have a form sent to you.

Canadian Dividend Reinvestment

and Share Purchase Plan

Canadian-resident common shareholders can enroll in the Dividend Reinvestment and Share Purchase Plan. For details visit our website at sunlife.com or contact the Plan Agent, CST Trust Company at inquiries@canstockta.com.

Stock Exchange Listings

Sun Life Financial Inc. common shares are listed on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges. Ticker Symbol: SLF

Sun Life Financial Inc. Class A Preferred Shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX).

Ticker Symbols:

  Series 1 – SLF.PR.A
  Series 2 – SLF.PR.B
  Series 3 – SLF.PR.C
  Series 4 – SLF.PR.D
  Series 5 – SLF.PR.E
  Series 8R – SLF.PR.G
  Series 9QR – SLF.PR.J
  Series 10R – SLF.PR.H
  Series 11QR – SLF.PR.K
 

Series 12R – SLF.PR.I

 

 

46   Sun Life Financial Inc.    First Quarter 2017   CORPORATE AND SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION


Life’s brighter under the sun

SUN LIFE FINANCIAL INC.

150 King Street West

Toronto, Ontario

Canada M5H 1J9

 

 

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