EX-99.1 2 d672338dex991.htm EX-99.1 EX-99.1

Exhibit 99.1

LOGO

 

Exhibit 99.1
CGI Experience the commitment®
FISCAL 2018 RESULTS


 

LOGO

 

Contents
1 Management’s Discussion and Analysis
63 Management’s and Auditors’ Reports
68 Consolidated Financial Statements
128 Shareholder Information


 

 

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

 

 

FISCAL 2018 RESULTS

  LOGO

 

November 7, 2018

Basis of Presentation

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of the Financial Position and Results of Operations (MD&A) is the responsibility of management and has been reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors. This MD&A has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Canadian Securities Administrators. The Board of Directors is ultimately responsible for reviewing and approving the MD&A. The Board of Directors carries out this responsibility mainly through its Audit and Risk Management Committee, which is appointed by the Board of Directors and is comprised entirely of independent and financially literate directors.

Throughout this document, CGI Group Inc. is referred to as “CGI”, “we”, “our” or “Company”. This MD&A provides information management believes is relevant to an assessment and understanding of the consolidated results of operations and financial condition of the Company. This document should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto for the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017. CGI’s accounting policies are in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). All dollar amounts are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted.

Materiality of Disclosures

This MD&A includes information we believe is material to investors. We consider something to be material if it results in, or would reasonably be expected to result in, a significant change in the market price or value of our shares, or if it is likely that a reasonable investor would consider the information to be important in making an investment decision.

Forward-Looking Statements

This MD&A contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of Canadian securities laws and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other applicable United States safe harbours. All such forward-looking information and statements are made and disclosed in reliance upon the safe harbour provisions of applicable Canadian and United States securities laws. Forward-looking information and statements include all information and statements regarding CGI’s intentions, plans, expectations, beliefs, objectives, future performance, and strategy, as well as any other information or statements that relate to future events or circumstances and which do not directly and exclusively relate to historical facts. Forward-looking information and statements often but not always use words such as “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend”, “anticipate”, “foresee”, “plan”, “predict”, “project”, “aim”, “seek”, “strive”, “potential”, “continue”, “target”, “may”, “might”, “could”, “should”, and similar expressions and variations thereof. These information and statements are based on our perception of historic trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other assumptions, both general and specific, that we believe are appropriate in the circumstances. Such information and statements are, however, by their very nature, subject to inherent risks and uncertainties, of which many are beyond the control of the Company, and which give rise to the possibility that actual results could differ materially from our expectations expressed in, or implied by, such forward-looking information or forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include but are not restricted to: risks related to the market such as the level of business activity of our clients, which is affected by economic conditions, and our ability to negotiate new contracts; risks related to our industry such as competition and our ability to attract and retain qualified employees, to develop and expand our services, to penetrate new markets, and to protect our intellectual property rights; risks related to our business such as risks associated with our growth strategy, including the integration of new operations, financial and operational risks inherent in worldwide operations, foreign exchange risks, income tax laws, our ability to negotiate favorable contractual terms, to deliver our services and to collect receivables, and the reputational and financial risks attendant to cybersecurity breaches and other incidents; as well as other risks identified or incorporated by reference in this MD&A and in other documents that we make public, including our filings with the Canadian Securities Administrators (on SEDAR at www.sedar.com) and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission

 

1


MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

 

(on EDGAR at www.sec.gov). Unless otherwise stated, the forward-looking information and statements contained in this MD&A are made as of the date hereof and CGI disclaims any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information or forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. While we believe that our assumptions on which these forward-looking information and forward-looking statements are based were reasonable as at the date of this MD&A, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking information or statements. Furthermore, readers are reminded that forward-looking information and statements are presented for the sole purpose of assisting investors and others in understanding our objectives, strategic priorities and business outlook as well as our anticipated operating environment. Readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Further information on the risks that could cause our actual results to differ significantly from our current expectations may be found in section 8 - Risk Environment, which is incorporated by reference in this cautionary statement. We also caution readers that the risks described in the previously mentioned section and in other sections of this MD&A are not the only ones that could affect us. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial could also have a material adverse effect on our financial position, financial performance, cash flows, business or reputation.

 

2


 

 

FISCAL 2018 RESULTS

  LOGO

 

Non-GAAP and Key Performance Measures

The reader should note that the Company reports its financial results in accordance with IFRS. However, we use a combination of financial measures, ratios, and non-GAAP measures to assess the Company’s performance. The non-GAAP measures used in this MD&A do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and are therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. These measures should be considered as supplemental in nature and not as a substitute for the related financial information prepared in accordance with IFRS.

The table below summarizes our non-GAAP measures and most relevant key performance measures:

 

   
Profitability  

•  Adjusted EBIT (non-GAAP) – is a measure of earnings excluding acquisition-related and integration costs, restructuring costs, net finance costs and income tax expense. Management believes this measure is useful to investors as it best reflects the performance of its activities and allows for better comparability from period to period as well as to trend analysis. A reconciliation of the adjusted EBIT to its closest IFRS measure can be found in section 3.7 of the present document.

   

 

•  Net earnings – is a measure of earnings generated for shareholders.

   

 

•  Diluted earnings per share (diluted EPS) – is a measure of earnings generated for shareholders on a per share basis, assuming all dilutive elements are exercised.

   

 

•  Net earnings excluding specific items (non-GAAP) – is a measure of net earnings excluding acquisition-related and integration costs, restructuring costs and tax adjustments. Management believes this measure is useful to investors as it best reflects the Company’s performance and allows for better comparability from period to period. A reconciliation of the net earnings excluding specific items to its closest IFRS measure can be found in section 3.8.3. of the present document.

   

 

•  Basic and diluted earnings per share excluding specific items (non-GAAP) – is defined as the net earnings excluding specific items (non-GAAP) on a per share basis. Management believes that this measure is useful to investors as it best reflects the Company’s performance on a per share basis and allows for better comparability from period to period. The basic and diluted earnings per share reported in accordance with IFRS can be found in section 3.8 of the present document while the basic and diluted earnings per share excluding specific items can be found in section 3.8.3 of the present document.

 

 

Liquidity

 

 

•  Cash provided by operating activities – is a measure of cash generated from managing our day-to-day business operations. Management believes strong operating cash flow is indicative of financial flexibility, allowing us to execute the Company’s strategy.

   

 

•  Days sales outstanding (DSO) (non-GAAP) – is the average number of days needed to convert our trade receivables and work in progress into cash. DSO is obtained by subtracting deferred revenue from trade accounts receivable and work in progress; the result is divided by the quarter’s revenue over 90 days. Deferred revenue is net of the fair value adjustments on revenue-generating contracts established upon a business combination. Management tracks this metric closely to ensure timely collection and healthy liquidity, and is committed to a DSO target of 45 days or less. Management believes this measure is useful to investors as it demonstrates the Company’s ability to timely convert its trade receivables and work in progress into cash.

 

 

3


MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

 

 

Growth

 

 

•  Constant currency growth (non-GAAP) – is a measure of revenue growth before foreign currency impacts. This growth is calculated by translating current period results in local currency using the conversion rates in the equivalent period from the prior year. Management believes that it is helpful to adjust revenue to exclude the impact of currency fluctuations to facilitate period-to-period comparisons of business performance and that this measure is useful to investors for the same reason.

   

 

•  Backlog (non-GAAP) – includes new contract wins, extensions and renewals (bookings (non-GAAP)), adjusted for the backlog consumed during the period as a result of client work performed and adjustments related to the volume, cancellation and the impact of foreign currencies to our existing contracts. Backlog incorporates estimates from management that are subject to change. Management tracks this measure as it is a key indicator of management’s best estimate of contracted revenue to be realized in the future and believes that this measure is useful to investors for the same reason.

   

 

•  Book-to-bill ratio (non-GAAP) – is a measure of the proportion of the value of our bookings (non-GAAP) to our revenue in the period. This metric allows management to monitor the Company’s business development efforts to ensure we grow our backlog (non-GAAP) and our business over time and management believes that this measure is useful to investors for the same reason. Management remains committed to maintaining a target ratio greater than 100% over a trailing twelve-month period. Management believes that monitoring the Company’s bookings over a longer period is a more representative measure as the services and contract type, size and timing of bookings could cause this measurement to fluctuate significantly if taken for only a three-month period.

 

Capital Structure  

 

•  Net debt (non-GAAP) – is obtained by subtracting from our debt our cash and cash equivalents, short- term investments, long-term investments and fair value of foreign currency derivative financial instruments related to debt. Management uses the net debt metric to monitor the Company’s financial leverage and believes that this metric is useful to investors as it provides insight into its financial strength. A reconciliation of net debt to its closest IFRS measure can be found in section 4.5 of the present document.

   

 

•  Net debt to capitalization ratio (non-GAAP) – is a measure of our level of financial leverage and is obtained by dividing the net debt (non-GAAP) by the sum of shareholder’s equity and debt. Management uses the net debt to capitalization ratio to monitor the proportion of debt versus capital used to finance the Company’s operations and to assess its financial strength. Management believes that this metric is useful to investors for the same reasons.

   

 

•  Return on equity (ROE) (non-GAAP) – is a measure of the rate of return on the ownership interest of our shareholders and is calculated as the proportion of net earnings for the last 12 months over the last four quarters’ average equity. Management looks at ROE to measure its efficiency at generating net earnings for the Company’s shareholders and how well the Company uses the invested funds to generate net earnings growth and believes that this measure is useful to investors for the same reasons.

   

 

•  Return on invested capital (ROIC) (non-GAAP) – is a measure of the Company’s efficiency at allocating the capital under its control to profitable investments and is calculated as the proportion of the net earnings excluding net finance costs after-tax for the last 12 months, over the last four quarters’ average invested capital, which is defined as the sum of equity and net debt. Management examines this ratio to assess how well it is using its funds to generate returns and believes that this measure is useful to investors for the same reason.

 

 

Reporting Segments

During the first quarter of Fiscal 2018, we conducted an internal reorganization of our leadership. As a result, the Company is now managed through nine operating segments, namely: Northern Europe (including Nordics, Baltics and Poland); Canada; France (including Luxembourg and Morocco), United States of America (U.S.) Commercial and State Government; U.S. Federal; United Kingdom (U.K.); Eastern, Central and Southern Europe (primarily Netherlands and Germany) (ECS); Asia Pacific Global Delivery Centers of Excellence (India and Philippines); and Australia. The last two operating segments, which

 

4


 

 

FISCAL 2018 RESULTS

  LOGO

 

each have reported revenue, earnings and assets that are less than 10% of the Company’s total revenue, earnings and assets, are grouped together as Asia Pacific. This MD&A also includes the transfer of our Poland operations from ECS to Northern Europe. The Company has retrospectively revised the segmented information for the comparative periods to conform to the segment information structure in effect as of Q1 2018. Please refer to sections 3.4, 3.6, 5.3 and 5.4 of the present document and to note 28 of our audited consolidated financial statements for additional information on our segments.

 

5


MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

 

MD&A Objectives and Contents

In this document, we:

 

 

Provide a narrative explanation of the audited consolidated financial statements through the eyes of management;

 

 

Provide the context within which the audited consolidated financial statements should be analyzed, by giving enhanced disclosure about the dynamics and trends of the Company’s business; and

 

 

Provide information to assist the reader in ascertaining the likelihood that past performance may be indicative of future performance.

In order to achieve these objectives, this MD&A is presented in the following main sections:

 

Section

 

  

 

Contents

 

      

Pages

 

 

1.   Corporate
Overview

  

 

A description of our business and how we generate revenue as well as the markets in which we operate.

     
   
    

1.1.   About CGI

 

   

8

 

    

1.2.   Vision and Strategy

 

   

9

 

    

1.3.   Competitive Environment

 

     

10

 

 

2.   Highlights and Key
Performance
Measures

  

 

A summary of key highlights during the year, the past three years’ key performance measures, and CGI’s stock performance.

     
  

 

2.1.   Fiscal 2018 Highlights

 

   

11

 

    

2.2.   Selected Yearly Information & Key Performance Measures

 

   

12

 

    

2.3.   Stock Performance

 

   

13

 

    

2.4.   Investments in Subsidiaries

 

     

14

 

 

3.   Financial Review

  

 

A discussion of year-over-year changes to financial results between the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, describing the factors affecting revenue and adjusted EBIT on a consolidated and segment basis, and also by describing the factors affecting changes in the major expense categories. Also discussed are bookings broken down by contract type, service type, segment, and by vertical market.

     
   
    

3.1.   Bookings and Book-to-Bill Ratio

 

   

16

 

    

3.2.   Foreign Exchange

 

   

17

 

    

3.3.   Revenue Distribution

 

   

18

 

    

3.4.   Revenue by Segment

 

   

19

 

    

3.5.   Operating Expenses

 

   

21

 

    

3.6.   Adjusted EBIT by Segment

 

   

22

 

    

3.7.   Earnings Before Income Taxes

 

   

24

 

    

3.8.   Net Earnings and Earnings Per Share

 

     

25

 

 

6


 

 

FISCAL 2018 RESULTS

  LOGO

 

 

Section

 

  

Contents

 

      

Pages

 

 

4.   Liquidity

  

 

A discussion of changes in cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities. This section also describes the Company’s available capital resources, financial instruments, and off-balance sheet financing and guarantees. Measures of capital structure (net debt to capitalization ratio, ROE, and ROIC) and liquidity (DSO) are analyzed on a year-over-year basis.

 

     
  

4.1.   Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

    27
    

4.2.   Capital Resources

 

    30
    

4.3.   Contractual Obligations

 

    31
    

4.4.   Financial Instruments and Hedging Transactions

 

    31
    

4.5.   Selected Measures of Capital Resources and Liquidity

 

    32
    

4.6.   Off-Balance Sheet Financing and Guarantees

 

    32
    

4.7.   Capability to Deliver Results

 

    33

 

5.   Fourth Quarter
Results

  

 

A discussion of year-over-year changes to the unaudited operating results between the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, describing the factors affecting revenue, adjusted EBIT on a consolidated and reportable segment basis as well as cash from operating, investing and financing activities.

       
   
    

5.1.   Bookings and Book-to-Bill Ratio

 

   

34

 

    

5.2.   Foreign Exchange

 

   

35

 

    

5.3.   Revenue Distribution

 

   

36

 

    

5.4.   Revenue by Segment

 

   

37

 

    

5.5.   Adjusted EBIT by Segment

 

   

39

 

    

5.6.   Net Earnings and Earnings Per Share

 

   

41

 

    

5.7.   Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

   

43

 

 

6.   Eight Quarter
Summary

 

  

 

A summary of the past eight quarters’ key performance measures and a discussion of the factors that could impact our quarterly results.

     

 

45

 

7.   Changes in
Accounting Policies

 

  

 

A summary of the accounting standard changes.

   

 

47

 

8.   Critical Accounting Estimates

 

  

 

A discussion of the critical accounting estimates made in the preparation of the audited consolidated financial statements.

 

     

 

49

 

9.   Integrity of
Disclosure

 

  

 

A discussion of the existence of appropriate information systems, procedures and controls to ensure that information used internally and disclosed externally is complete and reliable.

     

 

52

 

10.   Risk Environment

  

 

A discussion of the risks affecting our business activities and what may be the impact if these risks are realized.

       
   
    

10.1.  Risks and Uncertainties

 

   

53

 

    

10.2.  Legal Proceedings

 

     

61

 

 

7


MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

    

 

1.

Corporate Overview

1.1. ABOUT CGI

Founded in 1976 and headquartered in Montréal, Canada, CGI is among the largest information technology (IT) and business consulting services firms in the world. CGI delivers an end-to-end portfolio of capabilities, including high-end IT and business consulting, systems integration, and outsourcing. CGI’s Intellectual Property (IP) solutions, combined with in-depth industry expertise, a unique client proximity model and best-fit global delivery network enable CGI to partner with clients around the world to accelerate results, transform their organizations, and drive competitive advantage. The Company employs approximately 74,000 professionals worldwide.

End-to-end services and solutions

CGI delivers end-to-end services that cover the full spectrum of technology delivery; from digital strategy and architecture to solution design, development, integration, implementation, and operations. Our portfolio encompasses:

 

   

High-end IT and business consulting and systems integration: CGI helps clients define their digital strategy and roadmap, adopting an agile, iterative approach that enables them to innovate, connect and optimize mission-critical systems to deliver enterprise-wide change.

 

   

Outsourcing: Our clients entrust us with full or partial responsibility for their IT and business functions to improve how they operate and transform their business. In return, we deliver innovation, significant efficiency gains, and cost savings. Typical services in an end-to-end engagement include: application development, integration and maintenance; technology infrastructure management; and business process services, such as in collections and payroll management. Outsourcing contracts are long-term in nature, with a typical duration of five to ten or more years, allowing our clients to reinvest savings, further driving investments in their digital transformations.

Intellectual property (IP)

Our IP portfolio includes more than 175 business solutions that have been co-innovated with clients and act as digital business accelerators for the industries we serve, as well as cross-industry solutions. These include business solutions encompassing commercial software embedded with our end-to-end-services, and digital enablers such as methodologies and frameworks to drive change across business and IT processes.

Deep industry expertise

CGI has long standing and focused practices in all of its core industries, providing clients with a partner that is not only an expert in IT, but also expert in their industries. This combination of business knowledge and digital technology expertise allows us to help our clients adapt with shifts in consumer and citizen expectations and market dynamics and, in the process, to evolve the services and solutions we deliver within those industries.

Our targeted industries include: government, financial services, health & life sciences, communications, utilities, oil & gas, manufacturing, retail & consumer services, and transportation, post & logistics. While these represent our go-to-market industry targets, we group these industries into the following for reporting purposes: government; financial services; health; communications & utilities; and manufacturing, retail & distribution (MRD).

As the move toward digitalization continues across industries, CGI partners with clients to help guide them in becoming customer-centric digital organizations.

Applied innovation

CGI is a trusted partner with more than 40 years of experience in delivering innovative, client-inspired business services and solutions. In summary, at CGI we help develop, innovate and protect the technology that enables clients to achieve their digital transformation goals faster, with reduced risk and enduring results. Through our day-to-day project engagements as well as global programs and investments, CGI partners with clients to deliver practical innovations that are replicable, scalable, and

 

8


 

 

FISCAL 2018 RESULTS

  LOGO

 

deliver measurable results. At CGI, innovation happens across many, interconnected fronts. It starts in our everyday work on client projects, where thousands of innovations are applied daily. Through benchmark in-person interviews we conduct each year, business and technology executives share their priorities with us, informing our own innovation investments and driving our client proximity teams focus on local client priorities. We also turn ideas into new business solutions through our Innovate, Collaborate and Evolve (ICE) program which incubates proximity team innovations into scalable, replicable solutions for global application.

Quality processes

CGI’s clients expect consistency of service wherever and whenever they engage us. We have an outstanding track record of on-time, within-budget delivery as a result of our commitment to excellence and our robust governance model - the CGI Management Foundation. The CGI Management Foundation provides a common business language, frameworks and practices for managing all operations consistently across the globe, driving a focus on continuous improvement. We also invest in rigorous quality and service delivery standards (including ISO and Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) certification programs), as well as a comprehensive Client Satisfaction Assessment Program, with signed client assessments, to ensure high satisfaction on an ongoing basis.

1.2. VISION AND STRATEGY

CGI is unique compared to most companies. We not only have a vision, but also a dream: “To create an environment in which we enjoy working together and, as owners, contribute to building a company we can be proud of.” This dream has motivated us since our founding in 1976 and drives our vision: “To be a global, world-class end-to-end IT and business consulting services leader helping our clients succeed.

In pursuing this dream and vision, CGI has been highly disciplined throughout its history in executing a Build and Buy profitable growth strategy comprised of four pillars that combine profitable organic growth (Build) and accretive acquisitions (Buy):

Pillar 1: Win, renew and extend contracts

Pillar 2: New large outsourcing contracts

Pillar 3: Metro market acquisitions

Pillar 4: Large, transformational acquisitions

The first two pillars relate to driving profitable organic growth through the pursuit of contracts with new and existing clients in our targeted industries.

The last two pillars focus on growth through metro market acquisitions. We identify metro market acquisitions through a strategic qualification process that systematically searches for targets to strengthen our local proximity model leveraging strong relationships with customers, applying our industry expertise and enhancing our services and solutions. We also pursue large acquisitions to further expand our geographic presence and critical mass, which enables us to compete for large outsourcing contracts and broaden our client relationships. CGI will continue to be a consolidator in the IT services industry.

Executing our strategy

CGI’s strategy is executed through a unique business model that combines client proximity with an extensive global delivery network to deliver the following benefits:

 

   

Local relationships and accountability: We live and work near our clients to provide a high level of responsiveness, partnership, and innovation. Our local CGI members speak our clients’ language, understand their business environment, and collaborate to meet their goals and advance their business.

 

   

Global reach: Our local presence is complemented by an expansive global delivery network that ensures our clients have 24/7 access to best-fit digital capabilities and resources to meet their end-to-end needs. In addition, clients benefit from our unique combination of industry domain and technology expertise within our global delivery model.

 

9


MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

 

   

Committed experts: One of our key strategic goals is to be our clients’ expert of choice. To achieve this, we invest in developing and recruiting professionals with extensive industry, business and in-demand technology expertise. In addition, CGI professionals, who we also refer to as members, are also shareholders, providing an added level of commitment to the success of our clients.

 

   

Comprehensive quality processes: CGI’s investment in quality frameworks and rigorous client satisfaction assessments has resulted in a consistent track record of on-time and within-budget project delivery.

1.3. COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT

In today’s digital era, there is a competitive urgency for organizations across industries to become digital in a sustainable way. The pressure is on to modernize legacy assets and connect them to digital business and operating models. Central to this massive transformation is the evolving role of technology. Traditionally viewed as an enabler, technology is now recognized as a driver of business transformation. The promise of digital creates an enormous opportunity to transform organizations end-to-end, and CGI is well-positioned to serve as a digital partner and expert of choice. We’re working with clients across the globe to implement digital strategies, roadmaps and solutions that revolutionize the customer/citizen experience, drive the launch of new products and services, and deliver efficiencies and cost savings.

As the demand for digitalization increases, competition within the global IT industry is intensifying. CGI’s competition comprises a variety of players; from niche companies providing specialized services and software, to global, end-to-end IT service providers, to large consulting firms. All of these players are competing to deliver some or all of the services we provide. Many factors distinguish the industry leaders, including the following:

 

   

Depth and breadth of industry and technology expertise;

 

   

Consistent, on-time, within-budget delivery everywhere the client operates;

 

   

Total cost of services and value delivered;

 

   

Breadth of digital IP solutions;

 

   

Ability to deliver practical innovation for measurable results;

 

   

Global, nearshore and onshore delivery network options; and

 

   

Local presence and strength of client relationships.

CGI compares very favourably with the competition with respect to all of these factors. We’re not only delivering all of the capabilities clients need to compete in a digital world, but the immediate results and long-term value they expect. As the market dynamics and industry trends continue to increase demand for enterprise solutions from global, end-to-end IT and business consulting services firms, CGI is one of few firms with the scale, reach, and capabilities to meet clients’ enterprise needs.

 

10


 

 

2.  Highlights and Key Performance Measures

 

 

FISCAL 2018 RESULTS

  LOGO

 

2.1. FISCAL 2018 HIGHLIGHTS

 

   

Revenue of $11.5 billion, up 6.1%, or 4.6% in constant currency;

 

   

Adjusted EBIT of $1,701.7 million, up 7.3%;

 

   

Adjusted EBIT margin of 14.8%, up 20 bps;

 

   

Net earnings of $1,141.4 million, up 10.3%;

 

   

Diluted EPS of $3.95, up 15.8%;

 

   

Net earnings, excluding specific items1, of $1,210.7 million, up 9.4%;

 

   

Diluted EPS, excluding specific items1, of $4.19, up 14.8%;

 

   

Cash provided by operating activities of $1,493.4 million, up 9.9%;

 

   

Bookings of $13.5 billion, or 117.3% of revenue; and,

 

   

Backlog of $22.6 billion, up $1.8 billion.

 

  1 

Specific items are comprised of acquisition-related and integration costs and restructuring costs, both net of tax, and the net favourable tax adjustment, which are discussed in sections 3.7.1.,3.7.2. and 3.8.1 of the present document.

 

11


MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

 

2.2. SELECTED YEARLY INFORMATION & KEY PERFORMANCE MEASURES

 

 As at and for the years ended September 30,

 

  

2018

 

    

2017

 

    

2016

 

    

 

Change

2018 / 2017

 

   

 

Change

2017 / 2016  

 

 

 In millions of CAD unless otherwise noted

             

 Growth

             

 Revenue

           11,506.8            10,845.1        10,683.3        661.7       161.8  

 Year-over-year revenue growth

     6.1%        1.5%        3.9%        4.6%       (2.4%)  

 Constant currency year-over-year revenue growth

     4.6%        4.3%        0.2%        0.3%       4.1%  

 Backlog

     22,577        20,813        20,893        1,764       (80)  

 Bookings

     13,493        11,284        11,731        2,209       (447)  

 Book-to-bill ratio

     117.3%        104.1%        109.8%        13.2%       (5.7%)  

 

 Profitability

 

             

 Adjusted EBIT

     1,701.7        1,586.6        1,560.3        115.1       26.3  

Adjusted EBIT margin

     14.8%        14.6%        14.6%        0.2%       —%  

 Net earnings

     1,141.4        1,035.2        1,068.7        106.2       (33.5)  

Net earnings margin

     9.9%        9.5%        10.0%        0.4%       (0.5)%  

 Diluted EPS (in dollars)

     3.95        3.41        3.42        0.54       (0.01)  

 Net earnings excluding specific items

     1,210.7        1,107.0        1,081.5        103.7       25.5  

Net earnings margin excluding specific items

     10.5%        10.2%        10.1%        0.3%       0.1%  

 Diluted EPS excluding specific items (in dollars)

     4.19        3.65        3.46        0.54       0.19  

 

 Liquidity

 

             

 Cash provided by operating activities

     1,493.4        1,358.6        1,333.1        134.8       25.5  

As a % of revenue

     13.0%        12.5%        12.5%        0.5%       —%  

 Days sales outstanding

     52        47        44        5       3  

 

 Capital structure

 

             

 Net debt

     1,640.8        1,749.4        1,333.3        (108.6)       416.1  

 Net debt to capitalization ratio

     19.2%        21.5%        15.8%        (2.3)%       5.7%  

 Return on equity

     17.3%        16.1%        17.2%        1.2%       (1.1)%  

 Return on invested capital

     14.5%        13.7%        14.2%        0.8%       (0.5)%  

 

 Balance sheet

 

             

 Cash and cash equivalents, and short-term investments

     184.1        165.9        596.5        18.2       (430.6)  

 Total assets

     11,919.1        11,396.2        11,693.3        522.9       (297.1)  

 Long-term financial liabilities1

 

    

 

1,530.1

 

 

 

    

 

1,821.9

 

 

 

    

 

1,765.4

 

 

 

    

 

(291.8)

 

 

 

   

 

56.5

 

 

 

 

1 

Long-term financial liabilities include the long-term portion of the debt and the long-term derivative financial instruments.

 

12


 

 

FISCAL 2018 RESULTS

  LOGO

 

2.3. STOCK PERFORMANCE

CGI Stock Price (TSX) for the Last Twelve Months

 

LOGO

2.3.1. Fiscal 2018 Trading Summary

CGI’s shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) (stock quote – GIB.A) and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) (stock quote – GIB) and are included in key indices such as the S&P/TSX 60 Index.

 

TSX

     (CAD)  

Open:

     63.82  

High:

     87.22  

Low:

     63.71  

Close:

     83.28  

CDN average daily trading volumes1:

     795,691  

NYSE

     (USD)  

Open:

     51.49  

High:

     66.53  

Low:

     51.03  

Close:

     64.48  

NYSE average daily trading volumes:

     186,587  
 

 

1 

Includes the average daily volumes of both the TSX and alternative trading systems.

 

13


MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

 

2.3.2. Normal Course Issuer Bid (NCIB)

On January 31, 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized and subsequently received the approval from the TSX for the renewal of CGI’s NCIB which allows for the purchase for cancellation of up to 20,595,539 Class A subordinate voting shares (Class A Shares), representing 10% of the Company’s public float as of the close of business on January 24, 2018. Class A Shares may be purchased for cancellation under the current NCIB commencing on February 6, 2018 until no later than February 5, 2019, or on such earlier date when the Company has either acquired the maximum number of Class A Shares allowable under the NCIB or elects to terminate the bid.

During Fiscal 2018, the Company purchased for cancellation 10,375,879 Class A Shares for approximately $797.9 million, excluding fees, at a weighted average price of $76.90. The purchased shares included 3,634,729 Class A Shares purchased for cancellation from Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ) for cash consideration of $272.8 million and 3,230,450 Class A Shares purchased for cancellation from Serge Godin, Founder and Executive Chairman of the Board, for cash consideration of $231.4 million. The purchase from Serge Godin was recommended by an independent committee of the Board of Directors of the Company following the receipt of an external opinion regarding the reasonableness of the terms of the transaction. Both purchases are considered within the annual aggregate limit that the Company is entitled to purchase under its current NCIB.

As at September 30, 2018, of the 10,375,879 Class A Shares purchased for cancellation, 50,000 Class A Shares remain unpaid for approximately $4.2 million.

As at September 30, 2018, the Company could still purchase up to 10,219,660 Class A Shares for cancellation, under the current NCIB.

2.3.3. Capital Stock and Options Outstanding

The following table provides a summary of the Capital Stock and Options Outstanding as at November 2, 2018:

 

 

 Capital Stock and Options Outstanding

 

  

 

As at November 2, 2018   

 

 

 Class A subordinate voting shares

     249,386,524     

 Class B multiple voting shares

     28,945,706     

 Options to purchase Class A subordinate voting shares

 

    

 

12,644,984   

 

 

 

2.4. INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARIES

The Company made the following acquisitions during year ended September 30, 2018:

The Company acquired 96.7% of the outstanding shares of Affecto Plc (Affecto) in October 2017 and the remaining outstanding shares during the three months ended March 31, 2018 for a purchase price of $145.0 million (98.5 million). Affecto was a leading provider of business intelligence and enterprise information management solutions and services, headquartered in Helsinki, Finland. This acquisition adds more than 1,000 professionals and annualized revenues of approximately 110 million to the Company.

On December 7, 2017, the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of Paragon Solutions, Inc. (Paragon), for a purchase price of $79.5 million (US$61.9 million). Paragon was a high-end commercial business consultancy with depth in health and life sciences and IT expertise in digital transformation and systems integration, headquartered in Cranford, New Jersey. This acquisition adds more than 300 professionals and annualized revenues of approximately US$54 million to the Company.

On May 16, 2018, the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of Facilité Informatique Canada Inc. (Facilité Informatique) for a purchase price of $42.0 million. Facilité Informatique was an IT consulting services firm in high-demand digital services across a wide range of industries with a strong local presence in Montréal and Québec City, headquartered in Montréal, Québec. This acquisition adds more than 350 professionals and annualized revenues of approximately $60 million to the Company.

 

14


 

 

FISCAL 2018 RESULTS

  LOGO

 

These acquisitions were made to complement the Company’s proximity model and further strengthen its global capabilities across several in-demand digital transformation areas. Please refer to note 26 of our audited consolidated financial statements for additional information on our investments in subsidiaries.

 

15


MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

    

 

3.

Financial Review

3.1. BOOKINGS AND BOOK-TO-BILL RATIO

Bookings for the year were $13.5 billion representing a book-to-bill ratio of 117.3%. The breakdown of the new bookings signed during the year is as follows:

 

LOGO   LOGO

 

    LOGO

 

      LOGO  
                           
 

 

Contract Type

 

 

    

       

 

Service Type

              

 

Segment

                  

 

Vertical Market

 

A.

  Extensions and
renewals
      55          A.   System integration and consulting     51     A.       

  U.S. Federal    
19

    A.     Government     42

B.

  New business       45     B.   Management of IT and business
functions
    49    

B.

    Northern Europe
   
18

    B.     MRD
   
22

                  C.     U.S. Commercial
and State
Government
    15     C.     Financial Services     19
                 

D.

 

E.

    France

 

U.K.

   

 

13

 

12

 

    D.     Communication & utilities     13
                  F.     Canada     12     E.     Health     4
                  G.     ECS     10          
                  H.     Asia Pacific     1          

Information regarding our bookings is a key indicator of the volume of our business over time. However, due to the timing and transition period associated with outsourcing contracts, the realization of revenue related to these bookings may fluctuate from period to period. The values initially booked may change over time due to their variable attributes, including demand-driven usage, modifications in the scope of work to be performed caused by changes in client requirements as well as termination clauses at the option of the client. As such, information regarding our bookings is not comparable to, nor should it be substituted for, an analysis of our revenue. Management however believes that it is a key indicator of potential future revenue.

The following table provides a summary of the bookings and book-to-bill ratio by segment:

 

 In thousands of CAD except for percentages   

 

Bookings for the year ended    

September 30, 2018    

 

    

 

Book-to-bill ratio for the year ended   

September 30, 2018   

 

 

 

Total CGI

 

     13,492,959            117.3%     

Northern Europe

     2,331,847            123.3%     

Canada

     1,647,927            90.6%     

France

     1,775,929            101.0%     

U.S. Commercial and State Government

     2,055,587            117.9%     

U.S. Federal

     2,574,633            173.9%     

U.K.

     1,663,132            117.3%     

ECS

     1,372,820            108.2%     

Asia Pacific

 

    

 

71,084    

 

 

 

    

 

55.6%   

 

 

 

 

16


 

 

FISCAL 2018 RESULTS

  LOGO

 

3.2. FOREIGN EXCHANGE

The Company operates globally and is exposed to changes in foreign currency rates. Accordingly, as prescribed by IFRS, we value assets, liabilities and transactions that are measured in foreign currencies using various exchange rates. We report all dollar amounts in Canadian dollars.

Closing foreign exchange rates

 

 

 As at September 30,

 

  

 

                    2018

 

    

 

2017

 

    

 

Change    

 

 U.S. dollar

     1.2925        1.2509        3.3

 Euro

     1.5024        1.4782        1.6

 Indian rupee

     0.0178        0.0192        (7.3 %) 

 British pound

     1.6874        1.6770        0.6

 Swedish krona

     0.1456        0.1534        (5.1 %) 

 Australian dollar

 

    

 

0.9356

 

 

 

    

 

0.9809

 

 

 

    

 

(4.6

 

%) 

 

Average foreign exchange rates

 

        

 

 For the year ended September 30,

 

  

 

                    2018

 

    

 

2017

 

    

 

Change    

 

 U.S. dollar

     1.2838        1.3140        (2.3 %) 

 Euro

     1.5278        1.4511        5.3

 Indian rupee

     0.0193        0.0200        (3.5 %) 

 British pound

     1.7271        1.6650        3.7

 Swedish krona

     0.1510        0.1507        0.2

 Australian dollar

 

    

 

0.9762

 

 

 

    

 

1.0013

 

 

 

    

 

(2.5

 

%) 

 

 

17


MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

 

3.3. REVENUE DISTRIBUTION

The following charts provide additional information regarding our revenue mix for the year:

 

LOGO

 

       

LOGO

 

       

LOGO

 

 
     Service Type                   Client Geography                     Vertical Market     

A.

   System integration and consulting      52     A.    U.S.      28       A.      Government      32

B.

   Management of IT and business functions      48     B.    Canada      16       B.      MRD      24
          C.    France      15       C.      Financial services      22
          D.    U.K.      12       D.      Communications & utilities      15
          E.    Sweden      7       E.      Health      7
          F.    Finland      7          
          G.    Rest of the world      15          

3.3.1. Client Concentration

IFRS guidance on segment disclosures defines a single customer as a group of entities that are known to the reporting entity to be under common control. As a consequence, our work for the U.S. federal government including its various agencies represented 12.0% of our revenue for Fiscal 2018 as compared to 14.0% for Fiscal 2017.

 

18


 

 

FISCAL 2018 RESULTS

  LOGO

 

3.4. REVENUE BY SEGMENT

Our segments are reported based on where the client’s work is delivered from - our geographic delivery model.

The following table provides a summary of the year-over-year changes in our revenue, in total and by segment, separately showing the impacts of foreign currency exchange rate variations between Fiscal 2018 and Fiscal 2017. The Fiscal 2017 revenue by segment was recorded reflecting the actual foreign exchange rates for that period. The foreign exchange impact is the difference between the current period’s actual results and the same period’s results converted with the prior year’s foreign exchange rates.

 

 

  For the years ended September 30,

 

                        

Change        

 

 
                         2018        2017        $        %  

 In thousands of CAD except for percentages

                   

 Total CGI revenue

       11,506,825          10,845,066          661,759          6.1%  

 Variation prior to foreign currency impact

       4.6%                 

 Foreign currency impact

       1.5%                 

 Variation over previous period

       6.1%                 

 Northern Europe

                   

 Revenue prior to foreign currency impact

       1,748,293          1,607,942          140,351          8.7%  

 Foreign currency impact

       52,167                 

 Northern Europe revenue

       1,800,460          1,607,942          192,518          12.0%  

 Canada

                   

 Revenue prior to foreign currency impact

       1,686,706          1,605,500          81,206          5.1%  

 Foreign currency impact

       329                 

 Canada revenue

       1,687,035          1,605,500          81,535          5.1%  

 France

                   

 Revenue prior to foreign currency impact

       1,626,906          1,559,869          67,037          4.3%  

 Foreign currency impact

       88,580                 

 France revenue

       1,715,486          1,559,869          155,617          10.0%  

 U.S. Commercial and State Government

                   

 Revenue prior to foreign currency impact

       1,711,615          1,554,877          156,738          10.1%  

 Foreign currency impact

       (37,227               

 U.S. Commercial and State Government revenue

       1,674,388          1,554,877          119,511          7.7%  

 U.S. Federal

                   

 Revenue prior to foreign currency impact

       1,494,014          1,473,478          20,536          1.4%  

 Foreign currency impact

       (35,273               

 U.S. Federal revenue

       1,458,741          1,473,478          (14,737        (1.0%

 U.K.

                   

 Revenue prior to foreign currency impact

       1,241,911          1,286,700          (44,789        (3.5%

 Foreign currency impact

       48,670                 

 U.K. revenue

       1,290,581          1,286,700          3,881          0.3%  

 ECS

                   

 Revenue prior to foreign currency impact

       1,208,642          1,164,350          44,292          3.8%  

  Foreign currency impact

       63,916                 

  ECS revenue

       1,272,558          1,164,350          108,208          9.3%  

  Asia Pacific

                   

  Revenue prior to foreign currency impact

       629,230          592,350          36,880          6.2%  

  Foreign currency impact

       (21,654               

 Asia Pacific revenue

 

      

 

 

607,576

 

 

 

 

 

      

 

592,350

 

 

 

      

 

15,226

 

 

 

      

 

2.6%

 

 

 

 

19


MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

 

For the year ended September 30, 2018, revenue was $11,506.8 million, an increase of $661.8 million, or 6.1% over the same period last year. On a constant currency basis, revenue increased by $502.3 million or 4.6%. Foreign currency rate fluctuations favourably impacted our revenue by $159.5 million or 1.5%. The increase in revenue was mostly due to business acquisitions and the strength in demand for our services and solutions across our segments.

3.4.1. Northern Europe

For the year ended September 30, 2018, revenue in our Northern Europe segment was $1,800.5 million, an increase of $192.5 million or 12.0% over the same period last year. On a constant currency basis, revenue increased by $140.4 million or 8.7%. The increase was mainly driven by the Affecto acquisition and higher systems integration and consulting services in Sweden, partly offset by the non-renewal of certain outsourcing contracts in Sweden and Finland, mainly in infrastructure.

On a client geographic basis, the top two Northern Europe vertical markets were MRD and government, generating combined revenues of approximately $1,161 million for the year ended September 30, 2018.

3.4.2. Canada

For the year ended September 30, 2018, revenue in our Canada segment was $1,687.0 million, an increase of $81.5 million or 5.1% compared to the same period last year. On a constant currency basis, revenue increased by $81.2 million or 5.1%. The increase in revenue was mainly due to organic growth within the financial services and communications & utilities vertical markets and, to a lesser extent, revenue associated with the Facilité Informatique acquisition.

On a client geographic basis, the top two Canada vertical markets were financial services and communications & utilities, generating combined revenues of approximately $1,157 million for the year ended September 30, 2018.

3.4.3. France

For the year ended September 30, 2018, revenue in our France segment was $1,715.5 million , an increase of $155.6 million or 10.0% over the same period last year. On a constant currency basis, revenue increased by $67.0 million or 4.3%. The increase in revenue was the result of organic growth across all vertical markets, most notably in MRD and financial services.

On a client geographic basis, the top two France vertical markets were MRD and financial services, generating combined revenues of approximately $1,167 million for the year ended September 30, 2018.

3.4.4. U.S. Commercial and State Government

For the year ended September 30, 2018, revenue in our U.S. Commercial and State Government segment was $1,674.4 million, an increase of $119.5 million or 7.7% over the same period last year. On a constant currency basis, revenue increased by $156.7 million or 10.1% primarily due to Paragon and prior year acquisitions, and organic growth most notably within the financial services vertical market. This was partly offset by lower IP license sales as a result of a shift towards software as a service, especially for ERP business solutions.

On a client geographic basis, the top two U.S. Commercial and State Government vertical markets were financial services and government, generating combined revenues of approximately $1,062 million for the year ended September 30, 2018.

3.4.5. U.S. Federal

For the year ended September 30, 2018, revenue in our U.S. Federal segment was $1,458.7 million, a decrease of $14.7 million or 1.0% over the same period last year. On a constant currency basis, revenue increased by $20.5 million or 1.4%. The increase was driven by growth in civilian based revenues mainly related to our ERP business solutions and cyber & other security services, partly offset by a work in progress adjustment taken on a contract in Q4 2018.

For the year ended September 30, 2018, 79% of revenues within the U.S. Federal segment were Federal civilian based.

 

20


 

 

FISCAL 2018 RESULTS

  LOGO

 

3.4.6. U.K.

For the year ended September 30, 2018, revenue in our U.K. segment was $1,290.6 million, an increase of $3.9 million or 0.3% over the same period last year. On a constant currency basis, revenue decreased by $44.8 million or 3.5%. The change in revenue was mainly due to the non-renewal of certain infrastructure outsourcing contracts and the impact of a favourable renegotiation of a loss making contract in Fiscal 2017, partly offset by new outsourcing contracts within the government and communications & utilities vertical markets.

On a client geographic basis, the top two U.K. vertical markets were government and communications & utilities, generating combined revenues of approximately $1,007 million for the year ended September 30, 2018.

3.4.7. ECS

For the year ended September 30, 2018, revenue in our ECS segment was $1,272.6 million, an increase of $108.2 million or 9.3% over the same period last year. On a constant currency basis, revenue increased by $44.3 million or 3.8%. The increase in revenue was mainly driven by market demand in Germany. This was partly offset by the higher use of our global delivery centers and project completions in the Netherlands.

On a client geographic basis, the top two ECS vertical markets were MRD and communications & utilities generating combined revenues of approximately $812 million for the year ended September 30, 2018.

3.4.8. Asia Pacific

For the year ended September 30, 2018, revenue in our Asia Pacific segment was $607.6 million, an increase of $15.2 million or 2.6% over the same period last year. On a constant currency basis, revenue increased by $36.9 million or 6.2%. The increase in revenue was mainly driven by the continued demand for our offshore delivery centers and the favourable renegotiation of a client contract in Australia in Q1 2018.

On a client geographic basis, the top two Asia Pacific vertical markets were government and communications & utilities, generating combined revenues of approximately $66 million for the year ended September 30, 2018.

3.5. OPERATING EXPENSES

 

     

            2018

    

% of
            Revenue

    

2017

    

% of
Revenue

    

    Change

 

 
 For the years ended September 30,    $            %

 In thousands of CAD except for percentages

                 

 Costs of services, selling and administrative

     9,801,791        85.2%        9,257,659        85.4%        544,132        5.9

 Foreign exchange loss

 

    

 

3,300

 

 

 

    

 

0.0%

 

 

 

    

 

784

 

 

 

    

 

0.0%

 

 

 

    

 

2,516

 

 

 

    

 

320.9

 

 

3.5.1. Costs of Services, Selling and Administrative

For the year ended September 30, 2018, costs of services, selling and administrative expenses amounted to $9,801.8 million, an increase of $544.1 million over the same period last year. As a percentage of revenue, costs of services, selling and administrative expenses decreased to 85.2% from 85.4%. As a percentage of revenue, costs of services remained relatively stable compared to the same period last year as savings generated by the Restructuring Program (see section 3.7.2. of the present document) helped compensate for lower license sales in the U.S., as well as the non-renewal of certain outsourcing contracts in Sweden and Finland, temporarily impacting our cost structure. As a percentage of revenue, selling and administrative expenses improved mainly due to savings generated by the Restructuring Program.

During the year ended September 30, 2018, the translation of the results of our foreign operations from their local currencies to the Canadian dollar unfavourably impacted costs by $141.8 million offsetting the favourable translation impact of $159.5 million on our revenue.

 

21


MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

 

3.5.2. Foreign Exchange Loss

During the year ended September 30, 2018, CGI incurred $3.3 million of foreign exchange losses, mainly driven by the timing of payments combined with the volatility and fluctuation of foreign exchange rates. The Company, in addition to its natural hedges, uses derivatives as a strategy to manage its exposure, to the extent possible, to exchange rate fluctuations.

3.6. ADJUSTED EBIT BY SEGMENT

 

                              Change  
 For the years ended September 30,                                  
    

                     2018

 

      

2017

 

      

$

 

      

%  

 

 

In thousands of CAD except for percentages

                 

Northern Europe

     196,823          182,775          14,048          7.7%    

As a percentage of segment revenue

     10.9%          11.4%            

Canada

     367,843          343,856          23,987          7.0%    

As a percentage of segment revenue

     21.8%          21.4%            

France

     236,207          193,075          43,132          22.3%    

As a percentage of segment revenue

     13.8%          12.4%            

U.S. Commercial and State Government

     284,181          290,333          (6,152        (2.1%)    

As a percentage of segment revenue

     17.0%          18.7%            

U.S. Federal

     198,140          205,441          (7,301        (3.6%)    

As a percentage of segment revenue

     13.6%          13.9%            

U.K.

     191,514          152,185          39,329          25.8%    

As a percentage of segment revenue

     14.8%          11.8%            

ECS

     97,627          96,195          1,432          1.5%    

As a percentage of segment revenue

     7.7%          8.3%            

Asia Pacific

     129,399          122,763          6,636          5.4%    

As a percentage of segment revenue

     21.3%          20.7%            
Adjusted EBIT      1,701,734          1,586,623          115,111          7.3%    

Adjusted EBIT margin

 

    

 

14.8%

 

 

 

      

 

14.6%

 

 

 

                     

For the year ended September 30, 2018, adjusted EBIT margin increased to 14.8% from 14.6% in 2017. The increase was mainly due to savings generated from the Restructuring Program, partly offset by the impact of lower IP license sales.

3.6.1. Northern Europe

For the year ended September 30, 2018, adjusted EBIT in the Northern Europe segment was $196.8 million, an increase of $14.0 million when compared to the same period last year. Adjusted EBIT margin decreased to 10.9% from 11.4%. The change was mainly due to the short-term cost impact of the non-renewal and decrease of work volumes on certain outsourcing contracts in Sweden and Finland, as well as the temporary dilutive impact of the Affecto acquisition. This was in part compensated by savings generated by the Restructuring Program.

3.6.2. Canada

For the year ended September 30, 2018, adjusted EBIT in the Canada segment was $367.8 million, an increase of $24.0 million when compared to the same period last year. The adjusted EBIT margin increased to 21.8% from 21.4% mainly due to savings generated from the Restructuring Program.

 

22


 

 

FISCAL 2018 RESULTS

  LOGO

 

3.6.3. France

For the year ended September 30, 2018, adjusted EBIT in the France segment was $236.2 million, an increase of $43.1 million when compared to the same period last year. Adjusted EBIT margin increased to 13.8% from 12.4% mainly due to organic growth and its positive impact on utilization.

3.6.4. U.S. Commercial and State Government

For the year ended September 30, 2018, adjusted EBIT in the U.S. Commercial and State Government segment was $284.2 million, a decrease of $6.2 million when compared to the same period last year. Adjusted EBIT margin decreased to 17.0% from 18.7%. The change in adjusted EBIT margin was mainly due to the impact of lower IP license sales as a result of a shift towards software as a service.

3.6.5. U.S. Federal

For the year ended September 30, 2018, adjusted EBIT in the U.S. Federal segment was $198.1 million, a decrease of $7.3 million when compared to the same period last year. Adjusted EBIT decreased to 13.6% from 13.9% primarily due to a work in progress adjustment taken on a contract partly offset by lower performance-based compensation expenses.

3.6.6. U.K.

For the year ended September 30, 2018, adjusted EBIT in the U.K. segment was $191.5 million, an increase of $39.3 million when compared to the same period last year. Adjusted EBIT margin increased to 14.8% from 11.8%. The increase in adjusted EBIT margin was mainly due to savings generated by the Restructuring Program and improved utilization rates. In addition, the adjusted EBIT margin also increased due to contract provision releases in Q1 2018 upon successful completion of large client programs.

3.6.7. ECS

For the year ended September 30, 2018, adjusted EBIT in the ECS segment was $97.6 million, an increase of $1.4 million when compared to the same period last year. Adjusted EBIT margin decreased to 7.7% from 8.3% last year. The change in adjusted EBIT margin was mainly due to the favourable settlement of a client contract in Q2 2017.

3.6.8. Asia Pacific

For the year ended September 30, 2018, adjusted EBIT in the Asia Pacific segment was $129.4 million, an increase of $6.6 million when compared to the same period last year. Adjusted EBIT margin increased to 21.3% from 20.7% last year. This increase was primarily due to savings generated by the Restructuring Program.

 

23


MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

 

3.7. EARNINGS BEFORE INCOME TAXES

The following table provides a reconciliation between our adjusted EBIT and earnings before income taxes, which is reported in accordance with IFRS.

 

                                            Change  
            % of             % of                

 For the years ended September 30,

 

  

2018

 

    

          Revenue

 

    

2017

 

    

Revenue

 

    

$

 

    

%

 

 

In thousands of CAD except for percentage

                 

Adjusted EBIT

     1,701,734        14.8%        1,586,623        14.6%        115,111        7.3%  

 

Minus the following items:

                 

 

Acquisition-related and integration costs

     37,482        0.3%        10,306        0.1%        27,176        263.7%  

Restructuring costs

     100,387        0.9%        88,628        0.8%        11,759        13.3%  

Net finance costs

     73,885        0.6%        69,792        0.6%        4,093        5.9%  

    

Earnings before income taxes

 

    

 

1,489,980

 

 

 

    

 

12.9%

 

 

 

    

 

1,417,897

 

 

 

    

 

13.1%

 

 

 

    

 

72,083

 

 

 

    

 

5.1%

 

 

 

3.7.1. Acquisition-Related and Integration Costs

For the year ended September 30, 2018, the Company incurred $37.5 million of acquisition-related and integration costs, related to the integration of recent business acquisitions’ operations to the CGI operating model. These costs are mainly related to the termination of employment as well as leases of vacated premises.

3.7.2. Restructuring Costs

The Company previously announced a Restructuring Program to improve profitability by addressing the underutilization of the Company’s resources due to the accelerating shift in client demand.

As at September 30, 2018, the Company completed the program for a total cost of $189.0 million, of which $100.4 million was expensed during the year ended September 30, 2018. These amounts include restructuring costs for termination of employment, leases of vacated premises, as well as other restructuring costs.

3.7.3. Net Finance Costs

Net finance costs mainly include the interest on our long-term debt. For the year ended September 30, 2018, the net finance costs increase was mainly due to an increase in utilization of our unsecured committed revolving credit facility.

 

24


 

 

FISCAL 2018 RESULTS

  LOGO

 

3.8. NET EARNINGS AND EARNINGS PER SHARE

The following table sets out the information supporting the earnings per share calculations:

 

                      Change  

 

 For the years ended September 30,

 

  

2018

 

    

2017

 

    

$

 

    

%

 

 

In thousands of CAD except for percentage and shares data

           

Earnings before income taxes

     1,489,980        1,417,897        72,083        5.1%  

Income tax expense

     348,578        382,702        (34,124      (8.9%

Effective tax rate

     23.4%        27.0%        

 

Net earnings

     1,141,402        1,035,195        106,207        10.3%  

 

Net earnings margin

     9.9%        9.5%        

Weighted average number of shares outstanding

           

Class A subordinate voting shares and Class B multiple voting shares (basic)

     283,878,426        297,516,970           (4.6%

 

Class A subordinate voting shares and Class B multiple voting shares (diluted)

             288,858,580        303,293,485           (4.8%

Earnings per share (in dollars)

           

 

Basic

     4.02        3.48        0.54        15.5%  

 

    Diluted

 

    

 

3.95

 

 

 

    

 

3.41

 

 

 

    

 

0.54

 

 

 

    

 

15.8%

 

 

 

3.8.1. Income Tax Expense

For the year ended September 30, 2018, the income tax expense was $348.6 million compared to $382.7 million over the same period last year, while our effective tax rate decreased to 23.4% from 27.0%. On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted a tax reform which includes several measures such as a reduction of corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, effective on January 1, 2018, and a one-time repatriation tax on earnings held by foreign subsidiaries. In addition to the U.S. tax reform, the government of France enacted a temporary corporate surtax for the current year and a tax rate reduction was enacted by the government of Belgium. As such, the Company recorded a net income tax recovery of $34.1 million resulting from the re-evaluation of its deferred tax assets and liabilities of $45.5 million partially offset by an income tax expense of $11.4 million in relation to the U.S. repatriation tax.

When excluding these tax adjustments and the tax effects from acquisition-related and integration costs and restructuring costs incurred, the income tax rate would have been 25.6% for the year ended September 30, 2018, compared to 27.0% in the same period last fiscal year. The decrease in income tax rate was mainly attributable to the taxation of our U.S. operations at a lower tax rate.

The table in section 3.8.3. shows the year-over-year comparison of the tax rate with the impact of specific items removed.

Based on the enacted rates at the end of Fiscal 2018 and our current business mix, we expect our effective tax rate before any significant adjustments to be in the range of 24.5% to 26.5% in subsequent periods.

 

25


MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

 

3.8.2. Weighted Average Number of Shares

For Fiscal 2018, CGI’s basic and diluted weighted average number of shares decreased compared to Fiscal 2017 due to the impact of the purchase for cancellation of Class A Shares, partly offset by the grant and the exercise of stock options.

3.8.3. Net Earnings and Earnings per Share Excluding Specific Items

Below is a table showing the year-over-year comparison excluding specific items namely, acquisition-related and integration costs, restructuring costs, and tax adjustments:

 

                     

Change

 

 
    

2018  

 

    

2017  

 

    

$

 

    

%

 

 

 In thousands of CAD except for percentages and shares data

           

 

 Earnings before income taxes

     1,489,980        1,417,897        72,083        5.1%  

 

 Add back:

           

 

Acquisition-related and integration costs

     37,482        10,306        27,176        263.7%  

Restructuring costs

 

    

 

100,387

 

 

 

    

 

88,628

 

 

 

    

 

11,759

 

 

 

    

 

13.3%

 

 

 

 Earnings before income taxes excluding specific items

     1,627,849        1,516,831        111,018        7.3%  

 

Margin

     14.1%        14.0%        

 

 Income tax expense

     348,578        382,702        (34,124      (8.9%

 Add back:

           

 

Tax deduction on acquisition-related and integration costs

     7,922        3,849        4,073        105.8%  

 

Tax deduction on restructuring costs

     26,526        23,292        3,234        13.9%  

 

Net tax adjustment

     34,100               34,100        —    

 Income tax expense excluding specific items

     417,126        409,843        7,283        1.8%  

Effective tax rate excluding specific items

     25.6%        27.0%        
           

 Net earnings excluding specific items

     1,210,723        1,106,988        103,735        9.4%  

Net earnings excluding specific items margin

     10.5%        10.2%        

 

 Weighted average number of shares outstanding

           

 

Class A subordinate voting shares and Class B multiple voting shares (basic)

     283,878,426        297,516,970           (4.6%

 

Class A subordinate voting shares and Class B multiple voting shares (diluted)

             288,858,580        303,293,485           (4.8%

 

 Earnings per share excluding specific items (in dollars)

           

Basic

     4.26        3.72        0.54        14.5%  

Diluted

 

    

 

4.19

 

 

 

    

 

3.65

 

 

 

    

 

0.54

 

 

 

    

 

14.8%

 

 

 

 

26


 

 

 

4.  Liquidity

 

 

FISCAL 2018 RESULTS

  LOGO

 

4.1. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

CGI’s growth is financed through a combination of cash flow from operations, borrowing under our existing credit facility, the issuance of long-term debt, and the issuance of equity. One of our financial priorities is to maintain an optimal level of liquidity through the active management of our assets and liabilities as well as our cash flows.

As at September 30, 2018, cash and cash equivalents were $184.1 million. The following table provides a summary of the generation and use of cash for the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017.

 

 For the years ended September 30,

 

  

2018    

 

 

2017    

 

 

Change    

 

 In thousands of CAD

      

 Cash provided by operating activities

             1,493,408           1,358,552           134,856      

 Cash used in investing activities

     (577,418     (592,256     14,838  

 Cash used in financing activities

     (879,044     (1,182,986     303,942  

 Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     (18,727     (13,967     (4,760

 Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

    

 

18,219

 

 

 

   

 

(430,657

 

 

   

 

448,876

 

 

 

 

4.1.1. Cash Provided by Operating Activities

 

For the year ended September 30, 2018, cash provided by operating activities was $1,493.4 million or 13.0% of revenue compared to $1,358.6 million or 12.5% for the same period last year.

 

The following table provides a summary of the generation and use of cash from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 For the years ended September 30,

 

  

2018    

 

 

2017      

 

 

Change    

 

 In thousands of CAD

      

 Net earnings

             1,141,402           1,035,195       106,207      

 Amortization and depreciation

     392,675       377,204       15,471  

 Other adjustments1

     (2,432     92,238       (94,670

 Cash flow from operating activities before net change in non-cash working capital items

     1,531,645       1,504,637       27,008  

 Net change in non-cash working capital items:

      

Accounts receivable, work in progress and deferred revenue

     (159,609     (185,501     25,892  

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities, accrued compensation, provisions and long-term liabilities

     79,322       11,353       67,969  

Other2

     42,050       28,063       13,987  

 Net change in non-cash working capital items

     (38,237     (146,085     107,848  

 Cash provided by operating activities

 

    

 

1,493,408

 

 

 

   

 

1,358,552

 

 

 

   

 

134,856

 

 

 

 

1 

Comprised of deferred income taxes, foreign exchange (gain) loss and share-based payment costs.

2 

Comprised of prepaid expenses and other assets, long-term financial assets, retirement benefits obligations, derivative financial instruments and income taxes.

For the year ended September 30, 2018, the net change in non-cash working capital items of $38.2 million was mostly due to the increase in our DSO from 47 days in 2017 to 52 days in 2018. This was partially offset by the timing of accounts payable, income tax payments and accrued compensation.

The timing of our working capital inflows and outflows will always have an impact on the cash flow from operations.

 

27


MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

 

4.1.2. Cash Used in Investing Activities

For the year ended September 30, 2018, $577.4 million was used in investing activities while $592.3 million was used over the prior year.

The following table provides a summary of the use of cash from investing activities:

 

 For the years ended September 30,

 

  

2018    

 

 

2017

 

   

Change    

 

 In thousands of CAD

      

 Business acquisitions

     (248,137     (283,061     34,924  

 Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

           3,317       (3,317

 Proceeds from sale of business

                     3,500                 3,500      

 Purchase of property, plant and equipment

     (143,250     (112,667     (30,583

 Additions to contract costs

     (87,420     (95,676     8,256  

 Additions to intangible assets

     (95,451     (106,267                     10,816  

 Net (purchase) proceeds from sale of long-term investments

     (6,660                     2,098       (8,758

 Cash used in investing activities

 

    

 

(577,418

 

 

   

 

(592,256

 

 

   

 

14,838

 

 

 

The decrease of $14.8 million in cash used in investing activities during the year ended September 30, 2018 was mainly due to the decrease in business acquisitions and less transition costs on outsourcing contracts, partly offset by an increase in computer equipment and leasehold improvements, when compared to the same period last year.

 

28


 

 

FISCAL 2018 RESULTS

  LOGO

 

4.1.3. Cash Used in Financing Activities

For the year ended September 30, 2018, $879.0 million was used in financing activities while $1,183.0 million was used over the same period last year.

The following table provides a summary of the generation and use of cash from financing activities:

 

 For the years ended September 30,

 

  

2018   

 

 

2017

 

   

Change   

 

 In thousands of CAD

      

 Net change in unsecured committed revolving credit facility

     (5,205 )        200,000       (205,205 )   

 Net change in long-term debt

     (101,660     (180,920     79,260  
     (106,865     19,080       (125,945

 Settlement of derivative financial instruments

     (2,430           (2,430

 Repayment of debt assumed from business acquisitions

     (28,609     (9,119     (19,490

 Purchase of Class A subordinate voting shares held in trusts

     (24,789           (24,789

 Resale of Class A subordinate voting shares held in trusts

     528       4,046       (3,518

 Purchase and cancellation of Class A subordinate voting shares

     (794,076     (1,246,664     452,588  

 Issuance of Class A subordinate voting shares

                         77,197                   49,671                   27,526  

 

 Cash used in financing activities

 

    

 

(879,044

 

 

   

 

(1,182,986

 

 

   

 

303,942

 

 

 

For the year ended September 30, 2018, we used $101.7 million to reduce our outstanding long-term debt, mainly driven by the first yearly scheduled repayment on a tranche of the Senior U.S. unsecured notes in the amount of $65.0 million (US$50.0 million). For the year ended September 30, 2017, we used $180.9 million to reduce our outstanding long-term debt, mainly driven by the scheduled repayment of a tranche of the Senior U.S. unsecured notes in the amount of $113.6 million (US$85.0 million). Also in Fiscal 2017, we drew $200.0 million on the Company’s unsecured committed revolving credit facility.

In addition, $28.6 million was used to repay debt assumed from business acquisitions made during the year ended September 30, 2018, while an amount of $9.1 million was used to repay the debt assumed from business acquisitions during the year ended September 30, 2017.

For the year ended September 30, 2018, $24.8 million was used to purchase Class A Shares in connection with the Company’s Performance Share Unit Plans (PSU Plans). More information concerning the PSU Plans can be found in note 19 of the audited consolidated financial statements.

For the year ended September 30, 2018, $794.1 million including fees was used to pay for the purchase for cancellation of 10,325,879 Class A Shares compared to $1,246.7 million for the purchase for cancellation 19,929,268 Class A Shares for last year.

Finally, for the year ended September 30, 2018, we received $77.2 million in proceeds from the exercise of stock options, compared to $49.7 million during the year ended September 30, 2017.

 

29


MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

 

4.1.4. Effect of Foreign Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents

For the year ended September 30, 2018, the effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents was an unfavourable impact of $18.7 million. This amount had no effect on net earnings as it was recorded in other comprehensive income.

4.2. CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

 As at September 30, 2018

 

  

Available    

 

 In thousands of CAD

  

 Cash and cash equivalents

     184,091      

 Long-term investments

     30,054  

 $1.5 billion unsecured committed revolving credit facility1

     1,295,595  

 Total

 

    

 

            1,509,740

 

 

 

 

1 

Includes an amount of $194.8 million outstanding under our unsecured committed revolving credit facility and letters of credit in the aggregate amount of $9.6 million as at September 30, 2018.

Our cash position and bank lines are sufficient to support our growth strategy. As at September 30, 2018, cash and cash equivalents and long-term investments represented $214.1 million.

Cash equivalents include term deposits, all with maturities of 90 days or less. Long-term investments include corporate and government bonds with maturities ranging from one to five years, with a credit rating of A or higher.

As at September 30, 2018, the aggregate amount of the capital resources available to the Company was of $1,509.7 million. The long-term debt agreements contain covenants, which require us to maintain certain financial ratios. As at September 30, 2018, CGI was in compliance with these covenants.

Total debt decreased by $61.1 million to $1,800.9 million as at September 30, 2018, compared to $1,862.0 million as at September 30, 2017. The variance was mainly due to the net change on our long-term debt of $103.1 million partially offset by a foreign exchange translation impact of $55.2 million.

As at September 30, 2018, CGI was showing a negative working capital2 of $8.8 million. The Company also had $1,295.6 million available under its unsecured committed revolving credit facility and is generating a significant level of cash that will allow it to fund its operations while maintaining adequate levels of liquidity. On November 6, 2018, the unsecured committed revolving facility was extended by one year to December 2023 and can be further extended. There were no material changes in the terms and conditions.

As at September 30, 2018 the cash and cash equivalents held by foreign subsidiaries were $142.4 million ($126.4 million as at September 30, 2017). The tax implications and impact related to its repatriation will not materially affect the Company’s liquidity.

 

2 

Working capital is defined as total current assets minus total current liabilities.

 

30


 

 

FISCAL 2018 RESULTS

  LOGO

 

4.3. CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

We are committed under the terms of contractual obligations which have various expiration dates, primarily for the rental of premises, computer equipment used in outsourcing contracts and long-term service agreements. For the year ended September 30, 2018, the Company decreased its commitments by $12.9 million mainly due to the reduction of long-term debt.

 

 Commitment type   

Total

 

     Less than 1      2nd and 3rd      4th and 5th      After 5  
  

year

 

    

years

 

    

years

 

    

years

 

 

 In thousands of CAD

              

 Long-term debt

     1,783,717        336,200        342,294        651,434        453,789  

 Estimated interest on long-term debt

     251,965        64,569        109,782        59,454        18,160  

 Finance lease obligations

     29,909        12,380        15,731        1,798         

 Estimated interest on finance lease obligations

     1,067        529        473        65         

 Operating leases

              

Rental of office space (excluding cost of services and taxes)

     626,885        128,471        222,201        158,201        118,012  

Computer equipment

     10,770        4,208        6,116        446         

Automobiles

     68,485        34,792        30,251        3,442         

 Long-term service agreements and other

     283,469        136,509        138,408        8,552         

 Total

 

    

 

3,056,267

 

 

 

    

 

717,658

 

 

 

    

 

865,256

 

 

 

    

 

883,392

 

 

 

    

 

589,961

 

 

 

Our required benefit plan contributions have not been included in this table as such contributions depend on periodic actuarial valuations for funding purposes. Our contributions to defined benefit plans are estimated at $24.2 million for Fiscal 2019 as described in note 16 of the audited consolidated financial statements.

4.4. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING TRANSACTIONS

We use various financial instruments to manage our exposure to fluctuations of foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. Please refer to note 3 and 31 of our audited consolidated financial statements for additional information on our financial instruments and hedging transactions.

 

31


MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

 

4.5. SELECTED MEASURES OF CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY

 

 As at September 30,

 

  

2018

 

      

2017

 

 

In thousands of CAD except for percentages

       

Reconciliation between net debt and long-term debt including the current portion:

       

Net debt

     1,640,814          1,749,374  

Add back:

       

Cash and cash equivalents

     184,091          165,872  

Long-term investments

     30,054          23,047  

Fair value of foreign currency derivative financial instruments related to debt

     (54,066        (76,290

Long-term debt including the current portion

                     1,800,893          1,862,003  

Net debt to capitalization ratio

     19.2%          21.5%  

Return on equity

     17.3%          16.1%  

Return on invested capital

     14.5%          13.7%  

Days sales outstanding

 

    

 

52

 

 

 

      

 

47

 

 

 

We use the net debt to capitalization ratio as an indication of our financial leverage in order to realize our Build and Buy strategy. The net debt to capitalization ratio decreased to 19.2% in Fiscal 2018 from 21.5% in Fiscal 2017. The change in the net debt to capitalization ratio was mostly due to an increase in our equity following a strong profitability over the last year.

ROE is a measure of the return we are generating for our shareholders. ROE increased to 17.3% in Fiscal 2018 from 16.1% in Fiscal 2017. The increase was mainly due to higher net earnings over the last four quarters.

ROIC is a measure of the Company’s efficiency in allocating the capital under our control to profitable investments. The return on invested capital ratio increased to 14.5% in Fiscal 2018 from 13.7% in Fiscal 2017. The improvement in the ROIC was mainly the result of our higher net earings excluding net finance costs after-tax over the last four quarters.

DSO increased to 52 days at the end of Fiscal 2018 when compared to 47 days in Fiscal 2017 due to an increased proportion of our revenues from system integration & consulting services. In calculating the DSO, we subtract the deferred revenue balance from trade accounts receivable and work in progress; for that reason, the timing of payments received from outsourcing clients in advance of the work to be performed and the timing of payments related to project milestones can affect the DSO. The Company maintains a target DSO of 45 days.

4.6. OFF-BALANCE SHEET FINANCING AND GUARANTEES

In the normal course of operations, CGI uses off-balance sheet financing for a variety of transactions such as operating leases for office space, computer equipment and vehicles. From time to time, we also enter into agreements to provide financial or performance assurances to third parties on the sale of assets, business divestitures and guarantees on government and commercial contracts.

In connection with sales of assets and business divestitures, we may be required to pay counterparties for costs and losses incurred as a result of breaches in our contractual obligations, representations and warranties, intellectual property right infringement and litigation against counterparties, among others. While some of the agreements specify a maximum potential exposure of approximately $11.4 million, others do not specify a maximum amount or limited period. It is not possible to reasonably estimate the maximum amount that may have to be paid under such guarantees. The amounts are dependent upon the outcome of future contingent events, the nature and likelihood of which cannot be determined at this time. The Company does not expect to incur any potential payment in connection with these guarantees that could have a materially adverse effect on its audited consolidated financial statements.

In the normal course of business, we may provide certain clients, principally governmental entities, with bid and performance bonds. In general, we would only be liable for the amount of the bid bonds if we refuse to perform the project once we are awarded the bid. We would also be liable for the performance bonds in the event of a default in the performance of our obligations. As at September 30, 2018, we had committed a total of $27.8 million for these bonds. To the best of our knowledge, we complied with our performance obligations under all service contracts for which there was a performance or bid bond, and

 

32


 

 

FISCAL 2018 RESULTS

  LOGO

 

the ultimate liability, if any, incurred in connection with these guarantees would not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations or financial condition.

4.7. CAPABILITY TO DELIVER RESULTS

Sufficient capital resources and liquidity are required for supporting ongoing business operations and to execute our Build and Buy growth strategy. The Company has sufficient capital resources coming from the cash generated from operations, credit facilities, long-term debt agreements and invested capital from shareholders. Our principal uses of cash are for procuring new large outsourcing and managed services contracts; investing in our business solutions; pursuing accretive acquisitions; purchasing for cancellation Class A Shares and paying down debt. In terms of financing, we are well positioned to continue executing our four-pillar growth strategy in Fiscal 2019.

Strong and experienced leadership is essential to successfully implement the Company’s strategy. CGI has a strong leadership team with members who are highly knowledgeable and have gained a significant amount of experience in the IT industry via various career paths and leadership roles. CGI fosters leadership development to ensure a continuous flow of knowledge and strength is maintained throughout the organization. As part of our succession planning in key positions, we established the CGI Leadership Institute to develop leadership, technical and managerial skills inspired by CGI’s roots and traditions.

As a Company built on human capital, our professionals and their knowledge are critical to delivering quality service to our clients. Our human resources program provides competitive compensation and benefits, a favourable working environment, and our training and career development programs combine to allow us to attract and retain the best talent. Employee satisfaction is monitored regularly through a Company-wide survey. Furthermore, our members are also owners of CGI through our Share Purchase Plan. The Share Purchase Plan, along with the Profit Participation Program, allows members to share in the success of the Company and aligns member objectives with our strategic goals.

In addition to our capital resources and the talent of our human capital, CGI has established a Management Foundation encompassing governance policies, sophisticated management frameworks and an organizational model for its business units and corporate processes. This foundation, along with our appropriate internal systems, helps in providing a disciplined high standard of quality service to our clients across all of our operations, and additional value to our stakeholders. CGI’s operations maintain appropriate certifications in accordance with service requirements such as the ISO and CMMI certification programs.

 

33


MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

    

 

5. Fourth Quarter Results (Unaudited)

5.1. BOOKINGS AND BOOK-TO-BILL RATIO

Bookings for the quarter ended September 30, 2018 were $3.5 billion representing a book-to-bill ratio of 126.2%. The breakdown of the new bookings signed during the quarter is as follows:

 

    

LOGO

 

      .       

LOGO

 

              

LOGO

 

              

LOGO

 

   

Contract Type

 

     

Service Type

 

     

Segment

 

     

Vertical Market

 

A.

   New business   51%     A.    Management of IT and business functions   52 %     A.    U.S. Federal   33 %     A.    Government   48 %

B.

   Extensions and   49%     B.    System integration and   48 %     B.    Northern Europe   15 %     B.    MRD   23 %
   renewals          consulting       C.    U.S. Commercial and State Government   13 %     C.    Communication & utilities   13 %
                  D.    France   13 %     D.    Financial Services   11 %
                  E.    Canada   10 %     E.    Health   5 %
                  F.    ECS   8 %         
                  G.    U.K.   8 %         
                  H.    Asia Pacific   — %         

Information regarding our bookings is a key indicator of the volume of our business over time. However, due to the timing and transition period associated with outsourcing contracts, the realization of revenue related to these bookings may fluctuate from period to period. The values initially booked may change over time due to their variable attributes, including demand-driven usage, modifications in the scope of work to be performed caused by changes in client requirements as well as termination clauses at the option of the client. As such, information regarding our bookings is not comparable to, nor should it be substituted for, an analysis of our revenue. Management however believes that it is a key indicator of potential future revenue.

The following table provides a summary of the bookings and book-to-bill ratio by segment:

 

 In thousands of CAD except for percentages  

Bookings for the three

months ended September 30,

2018

 

   

    Bookings for the year

ended September 30,

2018

 

   

    Book-to-bill ratio for the  

year ended September 30,  

2018  

 

    Total CGI

    3,533,650         13,492,959         117.3%  

 

    Northern Europe

    518,917         2,331,847         123.3%  

 

    Canada

    365,785         1,647,927         90.6%  

 

    France

    457,771         1,775,929         101.0%  

 

    U.S. Commercial and State Government

    459,133         2,055,587         117.9%  

 

    U.S. Federal

    1,172,161         2,574,633         173.9%  

 

    U.K.

    269,330         1,663,132         117.3%  

 

    ECS

    278,713         1,372,820         108.2%  

 

    Asia Pacific

 

   

 

11,840  

 

 

 

   

 

71,084    

 

 

 

 

55.6%  

 

 

34


 

 

FISCAL 2018 RESULTS

  LOGO

 

5.2. FOREIGN EXCHANGE

The Company operates globally and is exposed to changes in foreign currency rates. Accordingly, as prescribed by IFRS, we value assets, liabilities and transactions that are measured in foreign currencies using various exchange rates. We report all dollar amounts in Canadian dollars.

Average foreign exchange rates

 

 For the three months ended September 30,   

2018

 

    

                2017

 

    

            Change

 

 

 U.S. dollar

         1.3072        1.2531        4.3%  

 

 Euro

     1.5204        1.4728        3.2%  

 

 Indian rupee

     0.0187        0.0195        (4.1%

 

 British pound

     1.7035        1.6399        3.9%  

 

 Swedish krona

     0.1462        0.1541        (5.1%

 

 Australian dollar

 

    

 

0.9565

 

 

 

    

 

0.9896

 

 

 

    

 

(3.3%

 

 

 

35


MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

 

5.3. REVENUE DISTRIBUTION

The following charts provide additional information regarding our revenue mix for the quarter ended September 30, 2018:

 

    

LOGO

 

              

LOGO

 

              

LOGO

 

   

Service Type

 

     

Client Geography

 

     

Vertical Market

 

A.

   System integration and consulting   53%     A.    U.S.   29%     A.    Government   32%

B.

   Management of IT and business functions   47%     B.    Canada   16%     B.    MRD   25%
         C.    France   15%     C.    Financial services   22%
         D.    U.K.   13%     D.    Communications & utilities   15%
         E.    Finland   6%     E.    Health   6%
         F.    Sweden   6%         
         G.    Rest of the world   15%         

5.3.1. Client Concentration

IFRS guidance on segment disclosures defines a single customer as a group of entities that are known to the reporting entity to be under common control. As a consequence, our work for the U.S. federal government including its various agencies represented 12.0% of our revenue for Q4 2018 as compared to 14.3% for Q4 2017.

 

36


 

 

FISCAL 2018 RESULTS

  LOGO

 

5.4. REVENUE BY SEGMENT

The following table provides a summary of the year-over-year changes in our revenue, in total and by segment, separately showing the impacts of foreign currency exchange rate variations between the Q4 2018 and Q4 2017 periods. The Q4 2017 revenue by segment was recorded reflecting the actual average foreign exchange rates for that period. The foreign exchange impact is the difference between the current period’s actual results and the current period’s results converted with the prior year’s average foreign exchange rates.

 

                           

Change

 

 

 For the three months ended September 30,

 

    

2018

 

      

2017

 

      

$

 

      

%    

 

 In thousands of CAD except for percentages

                   

 Total CGI revenue

       2,798,960          2,608,099          190,861          7.3%  

 Variation prior to foreign currency impact

       5.0%                 

 Foreign currency impact

       2.3%                 

 Variation over previous period

       7.3%                 

 Northern Europe

                   

 Revenue prior to foreign currency impact

       398,658          356,623          42,035          11.8%  

 Foreign currency impact

       (2,289               

 Northern Europe revenue

       396,369          356,623          39,746          11.1%  

 Canada

                   

 Revenue prior to foreign currency impact

       421,642          397,317          24,325          6.1%  

 Foreign currency impact

       511                 

 Canada revenue

       422,153          397,317          24,836          6.3%  

 France

                   

 Revenue prior to foreign currency impact

       394,837          369,472          25,365          6.9%  

 Foreign currency impact

       14,203                 

 France revenue

       409,040          369,472          39,568          10.7%  

 U.S. Commercial and State Government

                   

 Revenue prior to foreign currency impact

       407,120          391,353          15,767          4.0%  

 Foreign currency impact

       17,814                 

 U.S. Commercial and State Government revenue

       424,934          391,353          33,581          8.6%  

 U.S. Federal

                   

 Revenue prior to foreign currency impact

       338,952          364,073          (25,121        (6.9%

 Foreign currency impact

       14,734                 

 U.S. Federal revenue

       353,686          364,073          (10,387        (2.9%

 U.K.

                   

 Revenue prior to foreign currency impact

       316,588          294,175          22,413          7.6%  

 Foreign currency impact

       12,680                 

 U.K. revenue

       329,268          294,175          35,093          11.9%  

 ECS

                   

 Revenue prior to foreign currency impact

       304,959          285,870          19,089          6.7%  

 Foreign currency impact

       9,660                 

 ECS revenue

       314,619          285,870          28,749          10.1%  

 Asia Pacific

                   

 Revenue prior to foreign currency impact

       155,396          149,216          6,180          4.1%  

 Foreign currency impact

       (6,505               

 Asia Pacific revenue

 

      

 

148,891

 

 

 

      

 

149,216

 

 

 

      

 

(325

 

 

      

 

(0.2%

 

 

We ended the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2018 with revenue of $2,799.0 million, an increase of $190.9 million, or 7.3% when compared to the same period of Fiscal 2017. On a constant currency basis, revenue increased by $130.1 million or 5.0%. Foreign currency rate fluctuations favourably impacted our revenue by $60.8 million or 2.3%. The increase in revenue was primarily due to recent business acquisitions, the strength and demand for our services and solutions across our segments, partially offset by a work in progress adjustment taken on a contract in the U.S. Federal in Q4 2018.

 

37


MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

 

5.4.1. Northern Europe

Revenue in our Northern Europe segment was $396.4 million in Q4 2018, an increase of $39.7 million or 11.1% compared to the same period last year. On a constant currency basis, revenue increased by $42.0 million or 11.8%. The increase was primarily driven by the Affecto acquisition and higher systems integration and consulting services in Sweden, partly offset by the non-renewal of certain outsourcing contracts in Sweden and Finland, mainly in infrastructure.

On a client geographic basis, the top two Northern Europe vertical markets were MRD and government, generating revenues of approximately $270 million for the current quarter.

5.4.2. Canada

Revenue in our Canada segment for Q4 2018 was $422.2 million, an increase of $24.8 million or 6.3% compared to the same period last year. On a constant currency basis, revenue increased by $24.3 million or 6.1%. The increase was driven by revenue associated with the Facilité Informatique acquisition as well as organic growth within the financial services vertical market. This was partly offset by lower IP revenue due to a large license sale within the financial services vertical market in Fiscal 2017.

On a client geographic basis, the top two Canada vertical markets were financial services and communication & utilities, generating revenues of approximately $292 million for the current quarter.

5.4.3. France

Revenue from our France segment was $409.0 million in Q4 2018, an increase of $39.6 million or 10.7% compared to the same period last year. On a constant currency basis, revenue increased by $25.4 million or 6.9%. The increase in revenue was mainly the result of organic growth across all vertical markets, predominantly in MRD and financial services.

On a client geographic basis, the top two France vertical markets were MRD and financial services, generating revenues of approximately $278 million for the current quarter.

5.4.4. U.S. Commercial and State Government

Revenue from our U.S. Commercial and State Government segment was $424.9 million in Q4 2018, an increase of $33.6 million or 8.6% compared to the same period last year. On a constant currency basis, revenue increased by $15.8 million or 4.0%. The increase in revenue is primarily due to the Paragon acquisition and higher work volumes primarily within the financial services vertical market.

On a client geographic basis, the top two U.S. Commercial and State Government vertical markets were financial services and government, generating revenues of approximately $266 million for the current quarter.

5.4.5. U.S. Federal

Revenue from our U.S. Federal segment was $353.7 million in Q4 2018, a decrease of $10.4 million or 2.9% compared to the same period last year. On a constant currency basis, revenue decreased by $25.1 million or 6.9%. The change was maily due to decreased work volume within defense agencies and a work in progress adjustment taken on a contract. This was partly offset by growth in civilian based revenues mainly related to our ERP business solutions and cyber & other security services.

For the current quarter, 78% of revenues within the U.S. Federal segment were Federal civilian based.

5.4.6. U.K.

Revenue from our U.K. segment was $329.3 million in Q4 2018, an increase of $35.1 million or 11.9% when compared to the same period last year. On a constant currency basis, revenue increased by $22.4 million or 7.6%. The increase in revenue was mainly due to new outsourcing contracts within the government and communications & utilities vertical markets, partly offset by the non-renewal of certain infrastructure outsourcing contracts.

On a client geographic basis, the top two U.K. vertical markets were government and communication & utilities, generating revenues of approximately $266 million for the current quarter.

 

38


 

 

FISCAL 2018 RESULTS

  LOGO

 

5.4.7. ECS

Revenue from our ECS segment was $314.6 million in Q4 2018, an increase of $28.7 million or 10.1% compared to the same period last year. On a constant currency basis, revenue increased by $19.1 million or 6.7%. The increase in revenue was mainly driven by market demand and growth in Germany and in Eastern Europe.

On a client geographic basis, the top two ECS vertical markets were MRD and communication & utilities, generating revenues of approximately $208 million for the current quarter.

5.4.8. Asia Pacific

Revenue from our Asia Pacific segment was $148.9 million in Q4 2018, a decrease of $0.3 million or 0.2% compared to the same period last year. On a constant currency basis, revenue increased by $6.2 million or 4.1%. The increase in revenue was mainly driven by the continued demand for our offshore delivery centers, partly offset by successful project completions in Australia.

On a client geographic basis, the top two Asia Pacific vertical markets were MRD and financial services, generating revenues of approximately $14 million for the current quarter.

5.5. ADJUSTED EBIT BY SEGMENT

 

                            Change          
 For the three months ended September 30,      2018        2017        $          %  

 In thousands of CAD except for percentages

                   

 Northern Europe

       49,868          41,597          8,271          19.9%     

As a percentage of segment revenue

       12.6%          11.7%            

 Canada

       93,329          99,243          (5,914        (6.0%)    

As a percentage of segment revenue

       22.1%          25.0%            

 France

       54,189          42,465          11,724          27.6%     

As a percentage of segment revenue

       13.2%          11.5%            

 U.S. Commercial and State Government

       86,738          68,024          18,714          27.5%     

As a percentage of segment revenue

       20.4%          17.4%            

 U.S. Federal

       45,394          42,986          2,408          5.6%     

As a percentage of segment revenue

       12.8%          11.8%            

 U.K.

       41,924          38,572          3,352          8.7%     

As a percentage of segment revenue

       12.7%          13.1%            

 ECS

       28,051          26,584          1,467          5.5%     

As a percentage of segment revenue

       8.9%          9.3%            

 Asia Pacific

       36,239          36,362          (123        (0.3%)    

As a percentage of segment revenue

       24.3%          24.4%            

 Adjusted EBIT

       435,732          395,833          39,899          10.1%     

Adjusted EBIT margin

 

      

 

15.6%

 

 

 

      

 

15.2%

 

 

 

                     

Adjusted EBIT for the quarter was $435.7 million an increase of $39.9 million or 10.1% from Q4 2017, while the adjusted EBIT margin increased to 15.6% from 15.2% in Q4 2017. The increase was mainly due to savings generated by the Restructuring Program and additional R&D tax credits in the U.S., partly offset by the impact of the work in progress adjustment taken on a contract in U.S. Federal in Q4 2018.

5.5.1. Northern Europe

Adjusted EBIT in the Northern Europe segment was $49.9 million for Q4 2018, an increase of $8.3 million year-over-year, while the adjusted EBIT margin increased to 12.6% from 11.7%. This increase was primarily due to savings generated from the Restructuring Program.

 

39


MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

 

5.5.2. Canada

Adjusted EBIT in the Canada segment was $93.3 million for Q4 2018, a decrease of $5.9 million year-over-year, while the adjusted EBIT margin decreased to 22.1% from 25.0%. The change in adjusted EBIT margin was mainly the result of the prior year’s license sale within the financial services vertical market and the temporary dilutive impact of the Facilité Informatique acquisition.

5.5.3. France

Adjusted EBIT in the France segment was $54.2 million for Q4 2018, an increase of $11.7 million year-over-year while adjusted EBIT margin increased to 13.2% from 11.5% mainly due to organic growth and its positive impact on utilization.

5.5.4. U.S. Commercial and State Government

Adjusted EBIT in the U.S. Commercial and State Government segment was $86.7 million for Q4 2018, an increase of $18.7 million while adjusted EBIT margin increased to 20.4% from 17.4%. The increase was mainly the result of additional R&D tax credits.

5.5.5. U.S. Federal

Adjusted EBIT in the U.S. Federal segment was $45.4 million for Q4 2018, an increase of $2.4 million year-over-year, while the adjusted EBIT margin increased to 12.8% from 11.8%. The increase was primarily due to additional R&D tax credits and adjustments to performance-based compensation accruals, offsetting the impact of a work in progress adjustment taken on a contract.

5.5.6. U.K.

Adjusted EBIT in the U.K. segment was $41.9 million for Q4 2018, an increase of $3.4 million year-over-year, while the adjusted EBIT margin decreased to 12.7% from 13.1% due to the non-renewal of certain outsourcing contracts, mainly in infrastructure. This was partly offset by savings generated by the Restructuring Program.

5.5.7. ECS

Adjusted EBIT in the ECS segment was $28.1 million for Q4 2018, an increase of $1.5 million year-over-year, while the adjusted EBIT margin decreased to 8.9% from 9.3%. The change was mainly due to lower work volume and projects completed in Belgium, partly offset by improved profitability in the Netherlands due to savings generated by the Restructuring Program.

5.5.8. Asia Pacific

Adjusted EBIT and Adjusted EBIT margin in the Asia Pacific segment remained relatively stable at $36.2 million and 24.3%, respectively, for Q4 2018.

 

40


 

 

FISCAL 2018 RESULTS

  LOGO

 

5.6. NET EARNINGS AND EARNINGS PER SHARE

The following table sets out the information supporting the earnings per share calculations:

 

                            Change          
 For the three months ended September 30,      2018        2017        $          %  

 In thousands of CAD except for percentage and shares data

                   

 Adjusted EBIT

       435,732          395,833          39,899          10.1%  

 Minus the following items:

                   

Acquisition-related and integration costs

       2,089          2,980          (891        (29.9%

Restructuring costs

       20,082          88,628          (68,546        (77.3%

Net finance costs

       20,782          16,575          4,207          25.4%  

 Earnings before income taxes

       392,779          287,650          105,129          36.5%  

 Income tax expense

       99,294          79,188          20,106          25.4%  

Effective tax rate

       25.3%          27.5%            

 Net earnings

       293,485          208,462          85,023          40.8%  

Margin

       10.5%          8.0%            

 Weighted average number of shares

                   

Class A subordinate voting shares and Class B multiple voting shares (basic)

       279,415,304          292,708,617               (4.5%

Class A subordinate voting shares and Class B multiple voting shares (diluted)

       284,531,000          297,581,974               (4.4%

 Earnings per share (in dollars)

                   

Basic EPS

       1.05          0.71          0.34          47.9%  

Diluted EPS

 

      

 

1.03

 

 

 

      

 

0.70

 

 

 

      

 

0.33

 

 

 

      

 

47.1%

 

 

 

For the current quarter, the increase in earnings before income taxes was mainly due to the $68.5 million of restructuring costs incurred in Q4 2017.

For Q4 2018, the income tax expense was $99.3 million compared to $79.2 million for the same period last year, while our effective tax rate decreased to 25.3% from 27.5%. The decrease in income tax rate was mainly the result of the U.S. tax reform enacted in Q1 2018.

During the quarter, 2,379,600 Class A subordinate voting shares were purchased for cancellation while 343,084 stock options were exercised.

 

41


MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

 

5.6.1. Net Earnings and Earnings per Share Excluding Specific Items

Below is a table showing the year-over-year comparison excluding specific items, namely acquisition-related and integration costs as well as restructuring costs :

 

                            Change      
 For the three months ended September 30,      2018        2017        $        %  

 In thousands of CAD except for percentage and shares data

                 

 Earnings before income taxes

       392,779          287,650          105,129        36.5%  

 Add back:

                 

Acquisition-related and integration costs

       2,089          2,980          (891      (29.9%

Restructuring costs

       20,082          88,628          (68,546      (77.3%

 Earnings before income taxes excluding specific items

       414,950          379,258          35,692        9.4%  

 Income tax expense

       99,294          79,188          20,106        25.4%  

 Add back:

                 

Tax deduction on acquisition-related and integration costs

       448          1,057          (609      (57.6%

Tax deduction on restructuring

       5,364          23,292          (17,928      (77.0%

 Income tax expense excluding specific items

       105,106          103,537          1,569        1.5%  

Effective tax rate excluding specific items

       25.3%          27.3%          
                                   

 Net earnings excluding specific items

       309,844          275,721          34,123        12.4%  

Net earnings excluding specific items margin

       11.1%          10.6%          

 Weighted average number of shares outstanding

                 

Class A subordinate voting shares and Class B multiple voting shares (basic)

       279,415,304          292,708,617             (4.5%

Class A subordinate voting shares and Class B multiple voting shares (diluted)

       284,531,000          297,581,974             (4.4%

 Earnings per share excluding specific items (in dollars)

                 

Basic EPS

       1.11          0.94          0.17        18.1%  

Diluted EPS

      

 

1.09

 

 

 

      

 

0.93

 

 

 

      

 

0.16

 

 

 

    

 

17.2%

 

 

 

 

42


 

 

FISCAL 2018 RESULTS

  LOGO

 

5.7. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

As at September 30, 2018, cash and cash equivalents were $184.1 million. The following table provides a summary of the generation and use of cash and cash equivalents for the quarters ended September 30, 2018 and 2017.

 

 For the three months ended September 30,

 

  

2018  

 

 

2017  

 

 

Change    

 

 In thousands of CAD

      

 Cash provided by operating activities

     340,363                   352,077       (11,714 )   

 Cash used in investing activities

     (76,826 )      (98,121     21,295  

 Cash used in financing activities

     (226,120 )      (373,896     147,776  

 Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     (24,422 )      (17,125     (7,297 ) 

 Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

    

 

            12,995

 

 

 

   

 

(137,065

 

 

   

 

            150,060

 

 

 

 

5.7.1. Cash Provided by Operating Activities

 

For Q4 2018, cash provided by operating activities was $340.4 million compared to $352.1 million in Q4 2017, or 11.8% of revenue compared to 13.5% last year.

 

The following table provides a summary of the generation and use of cash from operating activities.

 

 

 

 

 For the three months ended September 30,

 

  

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

Change  

 

 In thousands of CAD

      

 Net earnings

     293,485         208,462         85,023    

 Amortization and depreciation

     101,471       100,210       1,261  

 Other adjustments 1

     25,283       12,910       12,373  

 Cash flow from operating activities before net change in non-cash working capital items

     420,239       321,582       98,657  

 Net change in non-cash working capital items:

      

Accounts receivable, work in progress and deferred revenue

     (13,106     19,879       (32,985

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities, accrued compensation, provisions and long-term liabilities

     (79,057     (9,282     (69,775

Other 2

     12,287       19,898       (7,611

 Net change in non-cash working capital items

     (79,876     30,495       (110,371

 Cash provided by operating activities

 

    

 

340,363

 

 

 

   

 

352,077

 

 

 

   

 

(11,714

 

 

 

1 

Other adjustments are comprised of deferred income taxes, foreign exchange gain and share-based payment costs.

2 

Comprised of prepaid expenses and other assets, long-term financial assets, retirement benefits obligations, derivative financial instruments and income taxes.

For the three months ended September 30, 2018, the $79.9 million of net change in non-cash working capital items was mostly due to the timing of accrued compensation mainly related to vacation, accounts payable, the net decrease in prepaid expenses and other assets mainly from the timing of payments for maintenance services and the timing of the collection of tax credits.

The timing of our working capital inflows and outflows will always have an impact on the cash flow from operations.

 

43


MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

 

5.7.2. Cash Used in Investing Activities

For Q4 2018, $76.8 million was used in investing activities while $98.1 million was used in the prior year.

The following table provides a summary of the generation and use of cash from investing activities:

 

 For the three months ended September 30,

 

  

2018

 

   

2017

 

   

Change  

 

 

 In thousands of CAD

      

 Business acquisitions

     (614     (32,799     32,185     

 Proceeds from sale of business

                       3,500                         3,500     

 Purchase of property, plant and equipment

     (42,367     (29,219     (13,148)    

 Additions to contract costs

     (16,746     (22,509     5,763     

 Additions to intangible assets

     (20,320     (22,969     2,649     

 Net (purchase) proceeds of long-term investments

     (279                     9,375       (9,654)    

 Cash used in investing activities

 

    

 

(76,826

 

 

   

 

(98,121

 

 

   

 

21,295   

 

 

 

 

As compared to last year, the decrease of $21.3 million in cash used in investing activities during Q4 2018 was mainly due to less business acquisitions investments, partially offset by an increase in the purchase of property, plant and equipment mainly related to hardware refreshes.

 

5.7.3. Cash Used in Financing Activities

 

 

 

 For the three months ended September 30,

 

  

2018

 

   

2017

 

   

Change  

 

 

 In thousands of CAD

      

 Net change in unsecured committed revolving credit facility

     53,136       200,000       (146,864)    

 Net change in long-term debt

     (71,882     (14,171     (57,711)    

 

     (18,746     185,829       (204,575)    

 Repayment of debt assumed in business acquisition

           (222     222     

 Settlement of derivative financial instruments

     (2,430           (2,430)    

 Purchase and cancellation of Class A subordinate voting shares held in trusts

     (215,616     (563,574     347,958     

 Issuance of Class A subordinate voting shares

                       10,672                   4,071                   6,601     

 Cash used in financing activities

 

    

 

(226,120

 

 

   

 

(373,896

 

 

   

 

147,776   

 

 

 

During Q4 2018, we used $71.9 million to reduce our outstanding long-term debt while, for the same period last year, $14.2 million was used. This was mainly driven by the first yearly scheduled repayment on a tranche of the Senior U.S. unsecured notes in the amount of $65.0 million. In addition, we drew $53.1 million on the Company’s unsecured committed revolving credit facility during Q4 2018 while, for the same period last year, we drew $200.0 million to purchase shares for cancellation under our NCIB.

During Q4 2018, we used $215.6 million to purchase Class A Shares for cancellation under the NCIB. For the same period last year, we used $563.6 million to purchase Class A Shares for cancellation under the NCIB.

In Q4 2018, we received $10.7 million in proceeds from the exercise of stock options, compared to $4.1 million during the same period last year.

 

44


 

6.  Eight Quarter Summary (Unaudited)

 

 

FISCAL 2018 RESULTS

  LOGO

 

 As at and for the three months

 ended,

 

  

Sep. 30,

2018  

 

    

Jun. 30,

2018  

 

    

Mar. 31,

2018  

 

    

Dec. 31,

2017  

 

    

Sep. 30,

2017  

 

    

Jun. 30,

2017  

 

    

Mar. 31,

2017  

 

    

Dec. 31,

2016  

 

 

 In millions of CAD unless otherwise noted

 

                    

 Growth

                       

 Revenue

     2,799.0        2,940.7        2,950.3        2,816.9        2,608.1        2,836.8        2,724.4        2,675.7  

 Year-over-year revenue growth

     7.3%        3.7%        8.3%        5.3%        1.0%        6.4%        (0.9%)        (0.3%)  

 Constant currency year-over-year revenue growth

     5.0%        3.8%        4.9%        4.9%        2.5%        5.2%        5.6%        3.7%  

 Backlog

     22,577        22,407        22,049        21,110        20,813        20,800        20,968        20,975  

 Bookings

     3,534        3,470        3,513        2,976        2,913        2,675        2,735        2,962  

 Book-to-bill ratio

     126.2%        118.0%        119.1%        105.7%        111.7%        94.3%        100.4%        110.7%  

 Book-to-bill ratio trailing twelve months

     117.3%        113.8%        107.7%        102.8%        104.1%        103.8%        107.9%        107.7%  

 Profitability

                       

 Adjusted EBIT

     435.7        435.3        424.4        406.3        395.8        399.1        395.1        396.7  

Adjusted EBIT margin

     15.6%        14.8%        14.4%        14.4%        15.2%        14.1%        14.5%        14.8%  

 Net earnings

     293.5        288.3        274.4        285.3        208.5        276.6        274.4        275.7  

Net earnings margin

     10.5%        9.8%        9.3%        10.1%        8.0%        9.8%        10.1%        10.3%  

 Diluted EPS (in dollars)

     1.03        1.00        0.94        0.98        0.70        0.92        0.90        0.89  

 Net earnings excluding specific items

     309.8        309.7        303.2        288.0        275.7        278.5        275.2        277.6  

Net earnings margin excluding specific items

     11.1%        10.5%        10.3%        10.2%        10.6%        9.8%        10.1%        10.4%  

 Diluted EPS excluding specific items (in dollars)

     1.09        1.08        1.04        0.99        0.93        0.93        0.91        0.90  

 Liquidity

                       

 Cash provided by operating activities

     340.4        317.3        425.7        410.1        352.1        290.6        366.2        349.7  

As a % of revenue

     12.2%        10.8%        14.4%        14.6%        13.5%        10.2%        13.4%        13.1%  

 Days sales outstanding

     52           50           46           47           47           45           42           44     

 Capital structure

                       

 Net debt

     1,640.8        1,685.2        1,525.9        1,635.0        1,749.4        1,449.8        1,493.7        1,491.7  

 Net debt to capitalization ratio

     19.2%        19.6%        17.5%        19.3%        21.5%        17.2%        18.2%        18.2%  

 Return on equity

     17.3%        16.0%        16.0%        16.2%        16.1%        17.2%        17.5%        17.7%  

 Return on invested capital

     14.5%        13.5%        13.5%        13.7%        13.7%        14.6%        14.7%        14.6%  

 Balance sheet

                       

 Cash and cash equivalents, and short-term investments

     184.1        171.1        287.5        238.9        165.9        302.9        282.0        313.9  

 Total assets

     11,919.1        12,155.0        12,363.7        11,957.5        11,396.2        11,832.6        11,526.0        11,535.9  

 Long-term financial liabilities 1

 

    

 

1,530.1

 

 

 

    

 

1,615.7

 

 

 

    

 

1,578.9

 

 

 

    

 

1,588.3

 

 

 

    

 

1,821.9

 

 

 

    

 

1,725.3

 

 

 

    

 

1,747.0

 

 

 

    

 

1,760.9

 

 

 

 

1 

Long-term financial liabilities include the long-term portion of the debt and the long-term derivative financial instruments.

There are factors causing quarterly variances which may not be reflective of the Company’s future performance. First, there is seasonality in system integration and consulting work, and the quarterly performance of these operations is impacted by occurrences such as vacations and the number of statutory holidays in any given quarter. Outsourcing contracts including business process services contracts are affected to a lesser extent by seasonality. Second, the workflow from some clients may fluctuate from quarter to quarter based on their business cycle and the seasonality of their own operations. Third, the savings that we generate for a client on a given outsourcing contract may temporarily reduce our revenue stream from this client, as these savings may not be immediately offset by additional work performed for this client.

In general, cash flow from operating activities could vary significantly from quarter to quarter depending on the timing of monthly payments received from large clients, cash requirements associated with large acquisitions, outsourcing contracts

 

45


MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

 

and projects, the timing of the reimbursements for various tax credits as well as profit sharing payments to members and the timing of restructuring cost payments.

Foreign exchange fluctuations can also contribute to quarterly variances as our percentage of operations in foreign countries evolves. The effect from these variances is primarily on our revenue and to a much lesser extent, on our margin as we benefit, as much as possible, from natural hedges.

 

46


 

7.  Changes in Accounting Policies

 

 

FISCAL 2018 RESULTS

  LOGO

 

The audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended September 30, 2018 include all adjustments that CGI’s management considers necessary for the fair presentation of its financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.

ACCOUNTING STANDARD ADOPTION

The following amendment to the existing standard has been adopted by the Company on October 1, 2017:

IAS 7 - Statement of Cash Flows

In January 2016, the IASB amended IAS 7, Statement of Cash Flows, to require enhanced disclosures about changes in liabilities arising from financing activities, including changes from financing cash flows, changes arising from obtaining or losing control of subsidiaries or other businesses, the effect of changes in foreign exchange rates and changes in fair value. The additional disclosures are provided in note 27, Supplementary cash flow information.

FUTURE ACCOUNTING STANDARD CHANGES

The following standards have been issued but were not effective as at September 30, 2018.

IFRS 15 - Revenue from Contracts with Customers

In May 2014, the IASB issued IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, to specify how and when to recognize revenue as well as requiring the provision of more informative and relevant disclosures. The standard supersedes IAS 18, Revenue, IAS 11, Construction Contracts, and other revenue related interpretations.

The standard is effective on October 1, 2018 for the Company. The standard permits two possible transition methods for its application: i) retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or ii) retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initially applying the standard recognized on the date of the initial application (modified retrospective method). The Company will adopt IFRS 15 using the modified retrospective method.

In preparation for the conversion to IFRS 15, the Company has developed a detailed conversion plan consisting of four phases: 1) awareness, 2) detailed assessment, 3) design and 4) implementation. As part of the awareness phase, the Company has established a Steering Committee responsible for monitoring the progress and approving recommendations from the project team. The Steering Committee meets regularly and quarterly updates are provided to the Audit and Risk Management Committee.

The Company has completed the second phase of the conversion plan which encompasses a detailed assessment of the differences between current requirements and IFRS15, including the impact assessment of such differences.

The Company expects that, generally, revenue from outsourcing, BPS and systems integration and consulting services arrangements will continue to be recognized as the services are provided in a manner that is consistent with its current accounting policies. However, initial implementation activities, currently not considered as a separately identifiable component, could be in some cases identified as a separate performance obligation as they will meet the criteria of being distinct under IFRS 15 resulting in acceleration of revenue recognition. The Company does not expect a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements.

Currently, when a software license has value to the client on a stand-alone basis and is identified as a separately identifiable component, revenue from the software license is recognized upon delivery. Under IFRS 15, when the arrangement involves significant customization services, revenue from a software license will be combined with the services resulting in deferral of revenue recognition. The Company does not expect a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements.

 

47


MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

 

The Company has completed the third phase of the conversion plan and is progressing toward completion of the fourth phase. The Company has not identified any material system changes. Training and guidance have been continually provided to those involved in client contracts. The Company has updated and is finalizing the implementation of revised policies, procedures and controls in order to meet the requirements of the standard, including the additional presentation and disclosure requirements.

IFRS 9 - Financial Instruments

In July 2014, the IASB amended IFRS 9, Financial Instruments, to replace IAS 39, Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement. The standard is effective on October 1, 2018 for the Company and is required to be applied retrospectively. The Company will apply the exemption from the requirement to restate comparative information.

The standard simplifies the classification of financial assets, while carrying forward most of the requirements of IAS 39. The Company’s financial assets currently classified as loans and receivables will continue to be measured at amortized cost and financial assets currently classified as available-for-sale will continue to be measured at fair value through other comprehensive income.

The standard introduces a new impairment model which will apply to the Company’s trade accounts receivable, long-term receivables and long-term bonds. Management does not believe that the Company is subject to any significant credit risk, given its large and diversified client base and its risk mitigation strategy to invest in high credit quality corporate and government bonds with a credit rating of A or higher.

Finally, IFRS 9 introduces a new hedge accounting model that is more closely aligned with risk-management activities. The Company will apply the new hedge accounting model and expects that existing hedge relationships will continue to qualify for hedge accounting under this new model.

The Company is still in the process of evaluating the disclosure requirements of the standard. The Company does not expect that the adoption of this standard will have a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements.

IFRS 16 - Leases

In January 2016, the IASB issued IFRS 16, Leases, to set out the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases for both parties to a lease agreement. The standard supersedes IAS 17, Leases, and other leases related interpretations, eliminates the classification of leases as either operating leases or finance leases and introduces a single lessee accounting model. The standard will be effective on October 1, 2019 for the Company. The standard permits two possible transition methods for its application: i) retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or ii) retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initially applying the standard recognized on the date of the initial application (modified retrospective method). The Company plans to adopt IFRS 16 using the modified retrospective method.

When the Company is the lessee, it is expected that the application of IFRS 16 will result in on-balance sheet recognition of most of its lease agreements that are currently considered operating leases, which are primarily for the rental of premises. The Company also expects a decrease of its property costs and an increase of its finance costs and amortization and depreciation resulting from the change in the recognition, measurement and presentation of rental expenses. The Company does not expect that the adoption of IFRS 16 will have an impact on its ability to comply with the external covenants on its Senior U.S. and euro unsecured notes and unsecured committed revolving credit facility disclosed in note 32, Capital risk management.

 

48


 

8.  Critical Accounting Estimates

 

 

FISCAL 2018 RESULTS

  LOGO

 

 

The Company’s significant accounting policies are described in note 3 of the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended September 30, 2018. Certain of these accounting policies, listed below, require management to make accounting estimates and judgement that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities and equity and the accompanying disclosures at the date of the audited consolidated financial statements as well as the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. These accounting estimates are considered critical because they require management to make subjective and/or complex judgements that are inherently uncertain and because they could have a material impact on the presentation of our financial condition, changes in financial condition or results of operations.

 

 Areas impacted by estimates

 

 

 

Consolidated

balance sheets

 

 

 

Consolidated statements of earnings

 

        Revenue  

Cost of services,

selling and

administrative

 

 

Income

taxes

 Revenue recognition 1

 

         

 Estimated losses on revenue-generating contracts

 

           

 Goodwill impairment

 

           

 Business combinations

 

       

 Income taxes

 

           

 Litigation and claims

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

1 

Affects the balance sheet through accounts receivable, work in progress and deferred revenue.

Revenue recognition

Relative selling price

If an arrangement involves the provision of multiple components, the total arrangement value is allocated to each separately identifiable component based on its relative selling price at the inception of the contract. At least on a yearly basis, the Company reviews its best estimate of the selling price which is established by using a reasonable range of prices for the various services and products offered by the Company based on local market information available. Information used in determining the range is mainly based on recent contracts signed and the economic environment. A change in the range could have a material impact on the allocation of total arrangement value, and therefore on the amount and timing of revenue recognition.

System integration and consulting services under fixed-fee arrangements

Revenue from system integration and consulting services under fixed-fee arrangements where the outcome of the arrangements can be estimated reliably is recognized using the percentage-of-completion method over the service period. The Company primarily uses labour hours or labour costs to measure the progress towards completion. Project managers monitor and re-evaluate project forecasts on a monthly basis. Forecasts are reviewed to consider factors such as: changes to the scope of the contracts, delays in reaching milestones and new complexities in the project delivery. Forecasts can also be affected by market risks such as the availability and retention of qualified IT professionals and/or the ability of the subcontractors to perform their obligation within agreed upon budget and timeframes. To the extent that actual labour hours or labour costs could vary from estimates, adjustments to revenue following the review of the costs to complete on projects are reflected in the period in which the facts that give rise to the revision occur. Whenever the total costs are forecasted to be higher than the total revenue, estimated losses on revenue-generating contracts is accounted for as described below.

 

49


MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

 

Estimated losses on revenue-generating contracts

Estimated losses on revenue-generating contracts may occur due to additional contract costs which were not foreseen at inception of the contract. Projects and services are monitored by the project managers on a monthly basis. Some of the indicators reviewed are: current financial results, delays in reaching milestones, new complexities in the project delivery and third party deliverables and estimated costs.

In addition, CGI’s Engagement Assessment Services (EAS) team conducts a formal monthly health check assessment on CGI’s project portfolio for all contracts that have a value above an established threshold. The reviews are based on a defined set of risk dimensions and assessment categories that results in detailed reports containing actual delivery and current financial status which are reviewed with the executive management. Due to the variability of the indicators reviewed, and because the estimates are based on many variables, estimated losses on revenue-generating contracts are subject to change.

Goodwill impairment

The carrying value of goodwill is tested for impairment annually or if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may be impaired. In order to determine if a goodwill impairment test is required, management reviews different factors on a quarterly basis such as changes in technological or market environment, changes in assumptions used to derive the weighted average cost of capital (WACC) and actual financial performance compared to planned performance.

The recoverable amount of each segment has been determined based on its value in use (VIU) calculation which includes estimates about their future financial performance based on cash flows approved by management. However, factors such as our ability to continue developing and expanding service offered to address emerging business demands and technology trends, a lengthened sales cycle and our ability to hire and retain qualified IT professionals affect future cash flows, and actual results might differ from future cash flows used in the goodwill impairment test. Key assumptions used in goodwill impairment testing are presented in note 11 of the audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018. Historically, the Company has not recorded an impairment charge on goodwill. As at September 30, 2018, the fair value of each segment represented between 216% and 438% of its carrying value.

Business combinations

Management makes assumptions when determining the acquisition-date fair values of the identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed which involve estimates, such as the forecasting of future cash flows, discount rates, and the useful lives of the assets acquired.

Additionally, judgement is required in determining whether an intangible asset is identifiable, and should be recorded separately from goodwill.

Changes in the above assumptions, estimates and judgements could affect our acquisition-date fair values and therefore could have material impacts on our audited consolidated financial statements. These changes are recorded as part of the purchase price allocation and therefore result in corresponding goodwill adjustments if they occurred during the measurement period, not exceeding one year. All other subsequent changes are recorded in our consolidated statement of earnings.

Income taxes

Deferred tax assets are recognized for unused tax losses and deductible temporary differences to the extent that it is probable that taxable profit will be available for their utilization. The Company considers the analysis of forecast and future tax planning strategies. Estimates of taxable profit are made based on the forecast by jurisdiction which are aligned with goodwill impairment testing assumptions, on an undiscounted basis. In addition, management considers factors such as substantively enacted tax rates, the history of the taxable profits and availability of tax strategies. Due to the uncertainty and the variability of the factors mentioned above, deferred tax assets are subject to change. Management reviews its assumptions on a quarterly basis and adjusts the deferred tax assets when appropriate.

The Company is subject to taxation in numerous jurisdictions and there are transactions and calculations for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain which occurs when there is uncertainty as to the meaning of the law, or to the applicability of the law to a particular transaction or both. In those circumstances, the Company might review administrative practice, consult

 

50


 

 

FISCAL 2018 RESULTS

  LOGO

 

tax authorities or advisors on the interpretation of tax legislation. When a tax position is uncertain, the Company recognizes an income tax benefit or reduces an income tax liability only when it is probable that the tax benefit will be realized in the future or that the income tax liability is no longer probable. The provision for uncertain tax position is made using the best estimate of the amount expected to be paid based on qualitative assessments of all relevant factors and is subject to change. The review of assumptions is done on a quarterly basis.

Litigation and claims

Provisions are recognized when the Company has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past event, it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation. The accrued litigation and legal claim provisions are based on historical experience, current trends and other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Estimates include the period in which the underlying cause of the claim occurred and the degree of probability of an unfavourable outcome. Management reviews assumptions and facts surrounding outstanding litigation and claims on a quarterly basis, involves external counsel when necessary and adjusts the provision accordingly. The Company has to be compliant with applicable law in many jurisdictions which increases the complexity of determining the adequate provision following a litigation review. Since the outcome of such litigation and claims is not predictable with assurance, those provisions are subject to change. Adjustments to litigation and claims provisions are reflected in the period when the facts that give rise to an adjustment occur.

 

51


MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

    

 

9.

Integrity of Disclosure

The Board of Directors has the responsibility under its charter and under the securities laws that govern CGI’s continuous disclosure obligations to oversee CGI’s compliance with its continuous and timely disclosure obligations, as well as the integrity of the Company’s internal controls and management information systems. The Board of Directors carries out this responsibility mainly through its Audit and Risk Management Committee.

The Audit and Risk Management Committee of CGI is composed entirely of independent directors who meet the independence and experience requirements of National Instrument 52-110 adopted by the Canadian Securities Administrators as well as those of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The role and responsibilities of the Audit and Risk Management Committee include: (a) reviewing public disclosure documents containing audited or unaudited financial information concerning CGI; (b) identifying and examining material financial and operating risks to which the Company is exposed, reviewing the various policies and practices of the Company that are intended to manage those risks, and reporting on a regular basis to the Board of Directors concerning risk management; (c) reviewing and assessing the effectiveness of CGI’s accounting policies and practices concerning financial reporting; (d) reviewing and monitoring CGI’s internal control procedures, programs and policies and assessing their adequacy and effectiveness; (e) reviewing the adequacy of CGI’s internal audit resources including the mandate and objectives of the internal auditor; (f) recommending to the Board of Directors the appointment of the external auditor, assessing the external auditor’s independence, reviewing the terms of their engagement, conducting an annual auditor’s performance assessment, and pursuing ongoing discussions with them; (g) reviewing related party transactions in accordance with the rules of the NYSE and other applicable laws and regulations; (h) reviewing the audit procedures including the proposed scope of the external auditor’s examinations; and (i) performing such other functions as are usually attributed to audit committees or as directed by the Board of Directors. In making its recommendation to the Board of Directors in relation to the annual appointment of the external auditor, the Audit and Risk Management Committee conducts an annual assessment of the external auditor’s performance following the recommendations of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada. The formal assessment is concluded in advance of the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders and is conducted with the assistance of key CGI personnel.

The Company has established and maintains disclosure controls and procedures designed to provide reasonable assurance that material information relating to the Company is made known to the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer by others, particularly during the period in which annual and interim filings are prepared, and that information required to be disclosed by the Company in its annual, interim filings or other reports filed or submitted by the Company under Canadian and U.S. securities laws is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified under those laws and the related rules. As at September 30, 2018, management evaluated, under the supervision of and with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as defined under National Instrument 52-109 adopted by the Canadian Securities Administrators and in Rule 13(a)-15(e) under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as at September 30, 2018.

The Company has also established and maintains internal control over financial reporting, as defined under National Instrument 52-109 and in Rule 13(a)-15(f) under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed under the supervision of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, and effected by management and other key CGI personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with IFRS. However, because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements on a timely basis. Management evaluated, under the supervision of and with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as at September 30, 2018, based on the criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO 2013). Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as at September 30, 2018.

 

52


 

10.  Risk Environment

 

 

FISCAL 2018 RESULTS

  LOGO

 

10.1. RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

While we are confident about our long-term prospects, a number of risks and uncertainties could affect our ability to achieve our strategic vision and objectives for growth. The following risks and uncertainties should be considered when evaluating our potential as an investment.

10.1.1. Risks Related to the Market

Economic risk

The level of business activity of our clients, which is affected by economic conditions, has a bearing upon the results of our operations. We can neither predict the impact that current economic conditions will have on our future revenue, nor predict when economic conditions will show meaningful improvement. During an economic downturn, our clients and potential clients may cancel, reduce or defer existing contracts and delay entering into new engagements. Clients may decide to undertake fewer IT systems projects during difficult economic times, resulting in limited implementation of new technology and smaller engagements. Since there may be fewer engagements in a downturn, competition may increase and pricing for services may decline as competitors may decrease rates to maintain or increase their market share in our industry and this may trigger pricing adjustments related to the benchmarking obligations within our contracts. Our revenue and profitability could be negatively impacted as a result of these factors.

10.1.2. Risks Related to our Industry

The competition for contracts

CGI operates in a global marketplace in which competition among providers of IT services is vigorous. Some of our competitors possess greater financial, marketing and sales resources, and larger geographic scope in certain parts of the world than we do, which, in turn, provides them with additional leverage in the competition for contracts. In certain niche, regional or metropolitan markets, we face smaller competitors with specialized capabilities who may be able to provide competing services with greater economic efficiency. Some of our competitors have more significant operations than we do in lower cost countries that can serve as a platform from which to provide services worldwide on terms that may be more favourable. Increased competition among IT services firms often results in corresponding pressure on prices. There can be no assurance that we will succeed in providing competitively priced services at levels of service and quality that will enable us to maintain and grow our market share.

We derive significant revenue from contracts awarded through competitive bidding processes, which limit the Company’s ability to negotiate certain contractual terms and conditions. Risks related to competitive bidding processes also involve substantial cost and managerial time and effort spent by the Company to prepare bids and proposals for contracts that may or may not be awarded to the Company, as well as expenses and delays that may arise if the Company’s competitors protest or challenge awards made to the Company pursuant to competitive bidding processes.

The availability and retention of qualified IT professionals

There is strong demand for qualified individuals in the IT industry. Hiring and retaining a sufficient amount of individuals with the desired knowledge and skill set may be difficult. Therefore, it is important that we remain able to successfully attract and retain highly qualified professionals and establish an effective succession plan. If our comprehensive programs aimed at attracting and retaining qualified and dedicated professionals do not ensure that we have staff in sufficient numbers and with the appropriate training, expertise and suitable government security clearances required to serve the needs of our clients, we may have to rely on subcontractors or transfers of staff to fill resulting gaps. If our succession plan fails to identify those with potential or to develop these key individuals, we may be unable to replace key members who retire or leave the company and

 

53


MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

 

may be required to recruit and/or train new employees. This might result in lost revenue or increased costs, thereby putting pressure on our net earnings.

The ability to continue developing and expanding service offerings to address emerging business demands and technology trends

The rapid pace of change in all aspects of IT and the continually declining costs of acquiring and maintaining IT infrastructure mean that we must anticipate changes in our clients’ needs. To do so, we must adapt our services and our solutions so that we maintain and improve our competitive advantage and remain able to provide cost effective services and solutions. The markets in which we operate are extremely competitive and there can be no assurance that we will succeed in developing and adapting our business in a timely manner nor that we will be able to penetrate new markets successfully. If we do not keep pace, our ability to retain existing clients and gain new business may be adversely affected. This may result in pressure on our revenue, net earnings and resulting cash flow from operations.

Infringing on the intellectual property rights of others

Despite our efforts, the steps we take to ensure that our services and offerings do not infringe on the intellectual property rights of third parties may not be adequate to prevent infringement and, as a result, claims may be asserted against us or our clients. We enter into licensing agreements for the right to use intellectual property and may otherwise offer indemnities against liability and damages arising from third-party claims of patent, copyright, trademark or trade secret infringement in respect of our own intellectual property or software or other solutions developed for our clients. In some instances, the amount of these indemnity claims could be greater than the revenue we receive from the client (see guarantees risk). Intellectual property claims or litigation could be time-consuming and costly, harm our reputation, require us to enter into additional royalty or licensing arrangements, or prevent us from providing some solutions or services. Any limitation on our ability to sell or use solutions or services that incorporate software or technologies that are the subject of a claim could cause us to lose revenue-generating opportunities or require us to incur additional expenses to modify solutions for future projects.

Protecting our intellectual property rights

Our success depends, in part, on our ability to protect our proprietary methodologies, processes, know-how, tools, techniques and other intellectual property that we use to provide our services. Although CGI takes reasonable steps (e.g. available copyright protection and, in some cases, patent protection) to protect and enforce its intellectual property rights, there is no assurance that such measures will be enforceable or adequate. The cost of enforcing our rights can be substantial and, in certain cases, may prove to be uneconomic. In addition, the laws of some countries in which we conduct business may offer only limited intellectual property rights protection. Despite our efforts, the steps taken to protect our intellectual property may not be adequate to prevent or deter infringement or other misappropriation of intellectual property, and we may not be able to detect unauthorized use of our intellectual property, or take appropriate steps to enforce our intellectual property rights.

Benchmarking provisions within certain contracts

Some of our outsourcing contracts contain clauses allowing our clients to externally benchmark the pricing of agreed upon services against those offered by other providers in a peer comparison group. The uniqueness of the client environment should be factored in and, if results indicate a difference outside the agreed upon tolerance, we may be required to work with clients to reset the pricing for their services. There can be no assurance that benchmarks will produce accurate or reliable data, including pricing data. This may result in pressure on our revenue, net earnings and resulting cash flow from operations.

10.1.3. Risks Related to our Business

Risks associated with our growth strategy

CGI’s Build and Buy strategy is founded on four pillars of growth: first, organic growth through smaller contract wins, renewals and extensions in the areas of outsourcing and system integration; second, the pursuit of new large long-term outsourcing contracts; third, acquisitions of smaller firms or niche players; and fourth, large transformational acquisitions.

 

54


 

 

FISCAL 2018 RESULTS

  LOGO

 

Our ability to achieve organic growth is affected by a number of factors outside of our control, including a lengthening of our sales cycle for major outsourcing contracts.

Our ability to grow through niche and transformational acquisitions requires that we identify suitable acquisition targets that we correctly evaluate their potential as transactions that will meet our financial and operational objectives, and that we successfully integrate them into our business. There can, however, be no assurance that we will be able to identify suitable acquisition targets and consummate additional acquisitions that meet our economic thresholds, or that future acquisitions will be successfully integrated into our operations and yield the tangible accretive value that had been expected.

If we are unable to implement our Build and Buy strategy, we will likely be unable to maintain our historic or expected growth rates.

The variability of financial results

Our ability to maintain and increase our revenue is affected not only by our success in implementing our Build and Buy strategy, but also by a number of other factors, which could cause the Company’s financial results to fluctuate. These factors include: (i) our ability to introduce and deliver new services and business solutions; (ii) our potential exposure to a lengthened sales cycle; (iii) the cyclicality of the purchases of our technology services and products; (iv) the nature of our client’s business (for example, if a client encounters financial difficulty, it may be forced to cancel, reduce or defer existing contracts with us); and (v) the structure of our agreements with clients (for example, some of CGI’s agreements with clients contain clauses allowing the clients to benchmark the pricing of services provided by CGI against the prices offered by other providers). These, and other factors, make it difficult to predict financial results for any given period.

Business mix variations

The proportion of revenue that we generate from shorter-term system integration and consulting projects (SI&C), versus revenue from long-term outsourcing contracts, will fluctuate at times, affected by acquisitions or other transactions. An increased exposure to revenue from SI&C projects may result in greater quarterly revenue variations, as the revenue from SI&C projects does not provide long-term consistency in revenue.

The financial and operational risks inherent in worldwide operations

We manage operations in numerous countries around the world including offshore delivery centers. The scope of our operations (including our offshore delivery centers) subjects us to issues that can negatively impact our operations, including: currency fluctuations (see foreign exchange risk); the burden of complying with a wide variety of national and local laws (see regulatory risk); the differences in and uncertainties arising from local business culture and practices; political, social and economic instability including the threats of terrorism, civil unrest, war, natural disasters and pandemic illnesses. Any or all of these risks could impact our global business operations and cause our profitability to decline.

Organizational challenges associated with our size

Our culture, standards, core values, internal controls and our policies need to be instilled across newly acquired businesses as well as maintained within our existing operations. To effectively communicate and manage these standards throughout a large global organization is both challenging and time consuming. Newly acquired businesses may be resistant to change and may remain attached to past methods, standards and practices which may compromise our business agility in pursuing opportunities. Cultural differences in various countries may also present barriers to introducing new ideas or aligning our vision and strategy with the rest of the organization. If we cannot overcome these obstacles in maintaining a strategic bond throughout the Company worldwide, we may not be able to achieve our growth and profitability objectives.

 

55


MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

 

Taxes and tax credit programs

In estimating our income tax payable, management uses accounting principles to determine income tax positions that are likely to be sustained by applicable tax authorities. However, there is no assurance that our tax benefits or tax liability will not materially differ from our estimates or expectations. The tax legislation, regulation and interpretation that apply to our operations are continually changing. In addition, future tax benefits and liabilities are dependent on factors that are inherently uncertain and subject to change, including future earnings, future tax rates, and anticipated business mix in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. Moreover, our tax returns are continually subject to review by applicable tax authorities. These tax authorities determine the actual amounts of taxes payable or receivable, of any future tax benefits or liabilities and of income tax expense that we may ultimately recognize. Such determinations may become final and binding on the Company. Any of the above factors could have a material adverse effect on our net income or cash flow by affecting our operations and profitability, the availability of tax credits, the cost of the services we provide, and the availability of deductions for operating losses as we develop our international service delivery capabilities.

Benefits obtained from government sponsored programs

We benefit from government sponsored programs designed to support research and development, labour and economic growth in jurisdictions where we operate. Government programs reflect government policy and depend on various political and economic factors. There can be no assurance that such government programs will continue to be available to the Company in the future, or will not be reduced, amended or eliminated. Any future government program reductions or eliminations or other amendments to the tax credit programs could increase operating or capital expenditures incurred by the Company and have a material adverse effect on its net earnings or cash flow.

Credit risk with respect to accounts receivable and work in progress

In order to sustain our net earnings and cash flow from operations, we must invoice and collect the amounts owed to us in an efficient and timely manner. Although we maintain provisions to account for anticipated shortfalls in amounts collected from clients, the provisions we take are based on management estimates and on our assessment of our clients’ creditworthiness which may prove to be inadequate in the light of actual results. To the extent that we fail to perform our services in accordance with our contracts and our clients’ reasonable expectations, and to the extent that we fail to invoice clients and to collect the amounts owed to the Company for our services correctly in a timely manner, our collections could suffer, which could materially adversely affect our revenue, net earnings and cash flow. In addition, a prolonged economic downturn may cause clients to curtail or defer projects, impair their ability to pay for services already provided, and ultimately cause them to default on existing contracts, in each case, causing a shortfall in revenue and impairing our future prospects.

Material developments regarding major commercial clients resulting from such causes as changes in financial condition, mergers or business acquisitions

Consolidation among our clients resulting from mergers and acquisitions may result in loss or reduction of business when the successor business’ IT needs are served by another service provider or are provided by the successor company’s own personnel. Growth in a client’s IT needs resulting from acquisitions or operations may mean that we no longer have a sufficient geographic scope or the critical mass to serve the client’s needs efficiently, resulting in the loss of the client’s business and impairing our future prospects. There can be no assurance that we will be able to achieve the objectives of our growth strategy in order to maintain and increase our geographic scope and critical mass in our targeted markets.

Early termination risk

If we should fail to deliver our services according to contractual agreements, some of our clients could elect to terminate contracts before their agreed expiry date, which would result in a reduction of our earnings and cash flow and may impact the value of our backlog of orders. In addition, a number of our outsourcing contractual agreements have termination for convenience and change of control clauses according to which a change in the client’s intentions or a change in control of CGI could lead to a termination of these agreements. Early contract termination can also result from the exercise of a legal

 

56


 

 

FISCAL 2018 RESULTS

  LOGO

 

right or when circumstances that are beyond our control or beyond the control of our client prevent the contract from continuing. In cases of early termination, we may not be able to recover capitalized contract costs and we may not be able to eliminate ongoing costs incurred to support the contract.

Cost estimation risks

In order to generate acceptable margins, our pricing for services is dependent on our ability to accurately estimate the costs and timing for completing projects or long-term outsourcing contracts, which can be based on a client’s bid specification, sometimes in advance of the final determination of the full scope and design of the contract. In addition, a significant portion of our project-oriented contracts are performed on a fixed-price basis. Billing for fixed-price engagements is carried out in accordance with the contract terms agreed upon with our client, and revenue is recognized based on the percentage of effort incurred to date in relation to the total estimated efforts to be incurred over the duration of the respective contract. These estimates reflect our best judgement regarding the efficiencies of our methodologies and professionals as we plan to apply them to the contracts in accordance with the CGI Client Partnership Management Framework (CPMF), a framework that contains high standards of contract management to be applied throughout the Company. If we fail to apply the CPMF correctly or if we are unsuccessful in accurately estimating the time or resources required to fulfill our obligations under a contract, or if unexpected factors, including those outside of our control, arise, there may be an impact on costs or the delivery schedule which could have a material adverse effect on our expected net earnings.

Risks related to teaming agreements and subcontracts

We derive revenue from contracts where we enter into teaming agreements with other providers. In some teaming agreements we are the prime contractor whereas in others we act as a subcontractor. In both cases, we rely on our relationships with other providers to generate business and we expect to continue to do so in the foreseeable future. Where we act as prime contractor, if we fail to maintain our relationships with other providers, we may have difficulty attracting suitable participants in our teaming agreements. Similarly, where we act as subcontractor, if our relationships are impaired, other providers might reduce the work they award to us, award that work to our competitors, or choose to offer the services directly to the client in order to compete with our business. In either case, if we fail to maintain our relationship with these providers or if our relationship with these providers is otherwise impaired, our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results could be materially adversely affected.

Our partners’ ability to deliver on their commitments

Increasingly large and complex contracts may require that we rely on third party subcontractors including software and hardware vendors to help us fulfill our commitments. Under such circumstances, our success depends on the ability of the third parties to perform their obligations within agreed upon budgets and timeframes. If our partners fail to deliver, our ability to complete the contract may be adversely affected, which could have an unfavourable impact on our profitability.

Guarantees risk

In the normal course of business, we enter into agreements that may provide for indemnification and guarantees to counterparties in transactions such as consulting and outsourcing services, business divestitures, lease agreements and financial obligations. These indemnification undertakings and guarantees may require us to compensate counterparties for costs and losses incurred as a result of various events, including breaches of representations and warranties, intellectual property right infringement, claims that may arise while providing services or as a result of litigation that may be suffered by counterparties.

Risk related to human resources utilization rates

In order to maintain our net earnings, it is important that we maintain the appropriate availability of professional resources in each of our geographies by having a high utilization rate while still being able to assign additional resources to new work. Maintaining an efficient utilization rate requires us to forecast our need for professional resources accurately and to manage recruitment activities, professional training programs, attrition rates and restructuring programs appropriately. To the extent that we fail to do so, or to the extent that laws and regulations restrict our ability to do so, our utilization rates may be reduced;

 

57


MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

 

thereby having an impact on our revenue and profitability. Conversely, we may find that we do not have sufficient resources to deploy against new business opportunities in which case our ability to grow our revenue would suffer.

Client concentration risk

We derive a significant portion of our revenue from the services we provide to various U.S. federal government departments and agencies. We expect that this will continue for the foreseeable future. There can be, however, no assurance that each such U.S. federal government department and agency will continue to utilize our services to the same extent, or at all in the future. In the event that a major U.S. federal government department or agency were to limit, reduce, or eliminate the business it awards to us, we might be unable to recover the lost revenue with work from other U.S. federal government departments or agencies or other clients, and our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results could be materially and adversely affected. Although IFRS considers a national government and its departments and agencies as a single client, our client base in the U.S. government economic sector is in fact diversified with contracts from many different departments and agencies.

Government business risk

Changes in government spending policies or budget priorities could directly affect our financial performance. Among the factors that could harm our government contracting business are: the curtailment of governments’ use of consulting and IT services firms; a significant decline in spending by governments in general, or by specific departments or agencies in particular; the adoption of new legislation and/or actions affecting companies that provide services to governments; delays in the payment of our invoices by government; and general economic and political conditions. These or other factors could cause government agencies and departments to reduce their purchases under contracts, to exercise their right to terminate contracts, to issue temporary stop work orders, or not to exercise options to renew contracts, any of which would cause us to lose future revenue. Government spending reductions or budget cutbacks at these departments or agencies could materially harm our continued performance under these contracts, or limit the awarding of additional contracts from these agencies.

Regulatory risk

Our global operations require us to be compliant with laws and regulations in many jurisdictions on matters such as: anti-corruption, trade restrictions, immigration, taxation, securities, antitrust, data privacy and labour relations, amongst others. Complying with these diverse requirements worldwide is a challenge and consumes significant resources. Some of these laws and regulations may impose conflicting requirements; we may face the absence in some jurisdictions of effective laws and regulations to protect our intellectual property rights; there may be restrictions on the movement of cash and other assets; or restrictions on the import and export of certain technologies; or restrictions on the repatriation of earnings and reduce our earnings, all of which may expose us to penalties for non-compliance and harm our reputation.

Our business with the U.S. federal government departments and agencies requires that we comply with complex laws and regulations relating to government contracts. These laws and regulations relate to the integrity of the procurement process, impose disclosure requirements, and address national security concerns, among other matters. For instance, we are routinely subject to audits by U.S. government departments and agencies with respect to compliance with these rules. If we fail to comply with these requirements we may incur penalties and sanctions, including contract termination, suspension of payments, suspension or debarment from doing business with the federal government, and fines.

Legal claims made against our work

We create, implement and maintain IT solutions that are often critical to the operations of our clients’ business. Our ability to complete large projects as expected could be adversely affected by unanticipated delays, renegotiations, and changing client requirements or project delays. Also, our solutions may suffer from defects that adversely affect their performance; they may not meet our clients’ requirements or may fail to perform in accordance with applicable service levels. Such problems could subject us to legal liability, which could materially adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition, and may negatively affect our professional reputation. While we typically use reasonable efforts to include provisions in our contracts which are designed to limit our exposure to legal claims relating to our services and the applications we develop, we may not

 

58


 

 

FISCAL 2018 RESULTS

  LOGO

 

always be able to include such provisions and, where we are successful, such provisions may not protect us adequately or may not be enforceable under some circumstances or under the laws of some jurisdictions.

Data protection and infrastructure risks

Our business often requires that our clients’ applications and information, which may include their proprietary information and personal information they manage, be processed and stored on our networks and systems, and in data centers that we manage. We also process and store proprietary information relating to our business, and personal information relating to our members. The Company’s Chief Data Protection Officer oversees the Company’s compliance with the laws that protect the privacy of personal information. The Company faces risks inherent in protecting the security of such personal data. Digital information and equipment are subject to loss, theft or destruction, and services that we provide may become temporarily unavailable as a result of those risks, or upon an equipment or system malfunction. The causes of such failures include human error in the course of normal operations (including from advertent or inadvertent actions or inactions by our members), maintenance and upgrading activities, as well as hacking, vandalism (including denial of service attacks and computer viruses), theft, and unauthorized access, as well as power outages or surges, floods, fires, natural disasters and many other causes. The measures that we take to protect against all information infrastructure risks, including both physical and logical controls on access to premises and information may prove in some circumstances to be inadequate to prevent the improper disclosure, loss, theft, misappropriation of, unauthorized access to, or destruction of client information, or service interruptions. Such events may expose the Company to financial loss arising from the costs of remediation and those arising from litigation from our clients and third parties (including under the laws that protect the privacy of personal information), claims and damages, as well as expose the Company to government sanctions and damage to our brand and reputation.

Security and cybersecurity risks

In the current environment, there are numerous and evolving security risks, especially from cyber threats, including criminal hackers, hacktivists, state sponsored organizations, industrial espionage, employee misconduct, and human or technological error. As a worldwide IT and business consulting firm providing services to both the private and public sectors, we process and store increasingly large amounts of data for our clients, including proprietary information and personal information. Consequently, our business could be negatively impacted by physical and cyber threats, which could affect our future sales and financial position or increase our costs and expenses. An unauthorized disclosure of sensitive or confidential client or member information, including by cyber-attacks or other security breach, could cause a loss of data, give rise to remediation or other expenses, expose us to liability under federal and state laws, and subject us to litigation and investigations, which could have an adverse effect on our business, cash flows, financial condition and results of operations. These security risks to the Company include potential attacks not only of our own products, services and systems, but also those of our clients, contractors, business partners, vendors and other third parties. The Company’s Chief Security Officer is responsible for overseeing the security of the Company. We seek to detect and investigate all security incidents and to prevent their occurrence or recurrence, by: (i) developing and regularly reviewing policies and standards related to information security, data privacy, physical security and business continuity, (ii) monitoring the Company’s performance against these policies and standards, (iii) developing strategies intended to seek to mitigate the Company’s risks, including through security trainings for all employees to increase awareness of potential cyber threats, (iv) implementing security measures to ensure an appropriate level of control based on the nature of the information and the inherent risks attached thereto, including through access management, security monitoring and testing to mitigate and help detect and respond to attempts to gain unauthorized access to information systems and networks, and (v) working with the industry and governments against cyber threats. However, because of the evolving nature and sophistication of these security threats, there can be no assurance that our safeguards will detect or prevent the occurrence of material cyber breaches, intrusions or attacks. We are regularly the target of attempted cyber and other security threats and must continuously monitor and develop our information technology networks and infrastructure to prevent, detect, address and mitigate the risk of unauthorized access, misuse, computer viruses and other events that could have a security impact. Insider or employee cyber and security threats are increasingly a concern for all large companies, including ours. CGI is continuously working to install new, and upgrade its existing, information technology systems and provide member awareness training around phishing, malware, and other cyber risks to ensure that the Company is protected, to the greatest extent possible, against cyber risks and security breaches. While CGI selects third-party vendors carefully, it does not control their

 

59


MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

 

actions. Any problems caused by these third parties, including those resulting from breakdowns or other disruptions in communication services provided by a vendor, failure of a vendor to handle current or higher volumes, cyber-attacks and security breaches at a vendor could adversely affect the our ability to deliver products and services to our customers and otherwise conduct business. Furthermore, while our liability insurance policy covers cyber risks, there is no assurance that such insurance coverage will be sufficient in type or amount to cover the costs, damages, liabilities or losses that could result from security breaches, cyber-attacks and other related breaches. As the cyber threat landscape evolves, the Company may find it necessary to make further significant investments to protect data and infrastructure. Occurrence of any of the aforementioned security threats could expose the Company, our clients or other third parties to potential liability, litigation, and regulatory action, as well as the loss of client confidence, loss of existing or potential clients, loss of sensitive government contracts, damage to brand and reputation, and other financial loss.

Risk of harm to our reputation

CGI’s reputation as a capable and trustworthy service provider and long-term business partner is key to our ability to compete effectively in the market for IT services. The nature of our operations exposes us to the potential loss, unauthorized access to, or destruction of our clients’ information, as well as temporary service interruptions. Depending on the nature of the information or services, such events may have a negative impact on how the Company is perceived in the marketplace. Under such circumstances, our ability to obtain new clients and retain existing clients could suffer with a resulting impact on our revenue and net earnings.

Risks associated with the integration of new operations

The successful integration of new operations arising from our acquisition strategy or from large outsourcing contracts requires that a substantial amount of management time and attention be focused on integration tasks. Management time that is devoted to integration activities may detract from management’s normal operations focus with resulting pressure on the revenues and earnings from our existing operations. In addition, we may face complex and potentially time-consuming challenges in implementing uniform standards, controls, procedures and policies across new operations when harmonizing their activities with those of our existing business units. Integration activities can result in unanticipated operational problems, expenses and liabilities. If we are not successful in executing our integration strategies in a timely and cost-effective manner, we will have difficulty achieving our growth and profitability objectives.

Internal controls risks

Due to the inherent limitations of internal controls including the circumvention or overriding of controls, or fraud, there can only be reasonable assurance that the Company’s internal controls will detect and prevent a misstatement. If the Company is unable to design, implement, monitor and maintain effective internal controls throughout its different business environments, the efficiency of our operations might suffer, resulting in a decline in revenue and profitability, and the accuracy of our financial reporting could be impaired.

Liquidity and funding risks

The Company’s future growth is contingent on the execution of its business strategy, which, in turn, is dependent on its ability to grow the business organically as well as through business acquisitions. In the event we would need to raise additional funds through equity or debt financing to fund any currently unidentified or unplanned future acquisitions and other growth opportunities, there can be no assurance that such financing will be available in amounts and on terms acceptable to us. Our ability to raise the required funding depends on the capacity of the capital markets to meet our equity and/or debt financing needs in a timely fashion and on the basis of interest rates and/or share prices that are reasonable in the context of our commercial objectives. Increasing interest rates, volatility in our share price, and the capacity of our current lenders to meet our additional liquidity requirements are all factors that may have a material adverse effect on any acquisitions or growth activities that we may, in the future, identify or plan. If we are unable to obtain the necessary funding, we may be unable to achieve our growth objectives.

 

60


 

 

FISCAL 2018 RESULTS

  LOGO

 

Foreign exchange risk

The majority of our revenue and costs are denominated in currencies other than the Canadian dollar. Foreign exchange fluctuations impact the results of our operations as they are reported in Canadian dollars. This risk is partially mitigated by a natural hedge in matching our costs with revenue denominated in the same currency and through the use of derivatives in our global hedging strategy. However, as we continue our global expansion, natural hedges may begin to diminish and the use of hedging contracts exposes us to the risk that financial institutions could fail to perform their obligations under our hedging instruments. Furthermore, there can be no assurance that our hedging strategy and arrangements will offset the impact of fluctuations in currency exchange rates, which could materially adversely affect our business revenues, results of operations, financial condition or prospects. Other than the use of financial products to deliver on our hedging strategy, we do not trade derivative financial instruments.

Our functional and reporting currency is the Canadian dollar. As such, our U.S., European and Asian investments, operations and assets are exposed to net change in currency exchange rates. Volatility in exchange rates could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

10.2. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The Company is involved in legal proceedings, audits, claims and litigation arising in the ordinary course of its business. Certain of these matters seek damages in significant amounts. Although the outcome of such matters is not predictable with assurance, the Company has no reason to believe that the disposition of any such current matter could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or the ability to carry on any of its business activities.

 

61


MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

 

 

 

 

Transfer Agent

Computershare Investor Services Inc.

(800) 564-6253

Investor Relations

Lorne Gorber

Executive Vice-President, Investor and Public Relations

Telephone: (514) 841-3355

lorne.gorber@cgi.com

1350 René-Lévesque Boulevard West

25th Floor

Montréal, Quebec

H3G 1T4

Canada

 

62


 

 

Management’s and Auditors’ Reports

 

 

FISCAL 2018 RESULTS

  LOGO

 

MANAGEMENT’S STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL REPORTING

The management of CGI Group Inc. (the Company) is responsible for the preparation and integrity of the consolidated financial statements and the Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A). The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards and necessarily include some amounts that are based on management’s best estimates and judgement. Financial and operating data elsewhere in the MD&A are consistent with that contained in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

To fulfill its responsibility, management has developed, and continues to maintain, systems of internal controls reinforced by the Company’s standards of conduct and ethics, as set out in written policies to ensure the reliability of the financial information and to safeguard its assets. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting and consolidated financial statements are subject to audit by the independent auditors, Ernst & Young LLP, whose reports follow. They were appointed as independent auditors, by a vote of the Company’s shareholders, to conduct an integrated audit of the Company’s consolidated financial statements and of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. In addition, the Audit and Risk Management Committee of the Board of Directors reviews the disclosure of financial information and oversees the functioning of the Company’s financial disclosure controls and procedures.

Members of the Audit and Risk Management Committee of the Board of Directors, all of whom are independent of the Company, meet regularly with the independent auditors and with management to discuss internal controls in the financial reporting process, auditing matters and financial reporting issues and formulate the appropriate recommendations to the Board of Directors. The independent auditors have unrestricted access to the Audit and Risk Management Committee. The consolidated financial statements and MD&A have been reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors.

 

LOGO    LOGO
George D. Schindler    François Boulanger
President and Chief Executive Officer    Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer
November 6, 2018   

 

63


CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Management’s and Auditors’ Reports

    

    

 

MANAGEMENT REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

The management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed, under the supervision of and with the participation of the President and Chief Executive Officer as well as the Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.

The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that:

- Pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company;

- Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, and that receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and the directors of the Company; and,

- Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

All internal control systems have inherent limitations; therefore, even where internal control over financial reporting is determined to be effective, it can provide only reasonable assurance. Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

As of the end of the Company’s 2018 fiscal year, management conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on the framework established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 COSO framework). Based on this assessment, management has determined the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as at September 30, 2018 was effective.

The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as at September 30, 2018 has been audited by the Company’s independent auditors, as stated in their report appearing on page 65.

 

LOGO    LOGO
George D. Schindler    François Boulanger
President and Chief Executive Officer    Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer
November 6, 2018   

 

64


 

 

 

Management’s and Auditors’ Reports

 

 

FISCAL 2018 RESULTS

  LOGO

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of CGI Group Inc.

We have audited CGI Group Inc.’s (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 COSO framework) (the COSO criteria). The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records, that in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2018 based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards and the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements of the Company as at and for the year ended September 30, 2018, and our report dated November 6, 2018 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

 

LOGO
Ernst & Young LLP
Montréal, Canada
November 6, 2018

 

 

1. CPA auditor, CA, public accountancy permit No. A113209

 

65


CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Management’s and Auditors’ Reports

    

    

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM ON FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of CGI Group Inc.

Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements of CGI Group Inc. (the Company), which comprise the consolidated balance sheets as at September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017, the consolidated statements of earnings, comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes, comprising a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information (collectively referred to as the consolidated financial statements).

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company as at September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017, and its consolidated financial performance and its consolidated cash flows for the years then ended in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.

Report on internal control over financial reporting

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2018, based on the criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated November 6, 2018 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Basis for Opinion

Management’s Responsibility for the Consolidated Financial Statements

Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these consolidated financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, and for such internal control as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of consolidated financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

Auditors’ Responsibility

Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards and the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free from material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Those standards also require that we comply with ethical requirements, including independence. We are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the consolidated financial statements in Canada, the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB.

An audit includes performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatements of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures to respond to those risks. Such procedures included obtaining and examining, on a test basis, audit evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. The procedures selected depend on our judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, we consider internal control relevant to the Company’s preparation and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances.

 

66


 

 

 

Management’s and Auditors’ Reports

 

 

FISCAL 2018 RESULTS

  LOGO

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM ON FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

 

 

An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies and principles used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements.

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

We have served as the Company’s auditors since 2010.

 

LOGO
Ernst & Young LLP
Montréal, Canada
November 6, 2018

 

 

1. CPA auditor, CA, public accountancy permit No. A113209

 

67


CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Consolidated Statements of Earnings

For the years ended September 30

(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share data)

 

        Notes        2018        2017  
            $          $  

Revenue

                  11,506,825          10,845,066  

Operating expenses

              

 

Costs of services, selling and administrative

       22          9,801,791          9,257,659  

 

Acquisition-related and integration costs

       26b          37,482          10,306  

 

Restructuring costs

       24          100,387          88,628  

 

Net finance costs

       25          73,885          69,792  

 

Foreign exchange loss

                  3,300          784  
                    10,016,845          9,427,169  

 

Earnings before income taxes

            1,489,980          1,417,897  

 

Income tax expense

       15          348,578          382,702  

Net earnings

                  1,141,402          1,035,195  

Earnings per share

              

 

Basic earnings per share

       20          4.02          3.48  

 

Diluted earnings per share

       20          3.95          3.41  

See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

68


FISCAL 2018 RESULTS

 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

For the years ended September 30

(in thousands of Canadian dollars)

  LOGO

 

      2018                         2017  
     $     $  

Net earnings

    

 

1,141,402

 

 

 

   

 

1,035,195

 

 

 

Items that will be reclassified subsequently to net earnings (net of income taxes):

    

 

Net unrealized gains (losses) on translating financial statements of foreign operations

     63,424       (141,465

 

Net (losses) gains on derivative financial instruments and on translating long-term debt designated as hedges of net investments in foreign operations

     (25,710     13,109  

 

Net unrealized losses on cash flow hedges

     (28,456     (12,261

 

Net unrealized losses on available-for-sale investments

     (2,054     (3,509

 

Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to net earnings (net of income taxes):

    

 

Net remeasurement gains (losses) on defined benefit plans

 

    

 

35,001

 

 

 

   

 

(611

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss)

 

    

 

42,205

 

 

 

   

 

(144,737

 

 

Comprehensive income

 

    

 

1,183,607

 

 

 

   

 

890,458

 

 

 

See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

69


CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Consolidated Balance Sheets

As at September 30

(in thousands of Canadian dollars)

 

      Notes      2018        2017  
            $        $  

Assets

            

 

Current assets

            

 

Cash and cash equivalents

   27e and 31        184,091          165,872  

 

Accounts receivable

   4        1,481,368          1,285,880  

 

Work in progress

          942,826          922,620  

 

Current derivative financial instruments

   31        12,395          8,152  

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

          153,554          160,402  

 

Income taxes

 

           

 

4,646

 

 

 

      

 

6,541

 

 

 

Total current assets before funds held for clients

          2,778,880          2,549,467  

 

Funds held for clients

 

   5

 

      

 

325,552

 

 

 

      

 

313,552

 

 

 

Total current assets

          3,104,432          2,863,019  

 

Property, plant and equipment

   6        388,093          396,613  

 

Contract costs

   7        243,147          243,056  

 

Intangible assets

   8        479,326          490,426  

 

Other long-term assets

   9        104,948          85,159  

 

Long-term financial assets

   10        117,736          111,307  

 

Deferred tax assets

   15        139,664          146,602  

 

Goodwill

 

   11       

 

7,341,720

 

 

 

      

 

7,060,030

 

 

 

             

 

11,919,066

 

 

 

      

 

11,396,212

 

 

 

Liabilities

            

 

Current liabilities

            

 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

          1,134,802          1,004,307  

 

Accrued compensation

          602,245          578,886  

 

Current derivative financial instruments

   31        39,418          12,069  

 

Deferred revenue

          399,549          409,332  

 

Income taxes

          194,681          174,102  

 

Provisions

   12        72,068          86,154  

 

Current portion of long-term debt

 

   13

 

      

 

348,580

 

 

 

      

 

122,467

 

 

 

 

Total current liabilities before clients’ funds obligations

          2,791,343          2,387,317  

 

Clients’ funds obligations

 

           

 

328,324

 

 

 

      

 

314,233

 

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

          3,119,667          2,701,550  

 

Long-term income taxes

          10,603           

 

Long-term provisions

   12        25,933          40,892  

 

Long-term debt

   13        1,452,313          1,739,536  

 

Other long-term liabilities

   14        205,646          213,436  

 

Long-term derivative financial instruments

   31        77,754          82,365  

 

Deferred tax liabilities

   15        173,009          213,515  

Retirement benefits obligations

 

   16

 

      

 

169,334

 

 

 

      

 

202,292

 

 

 

             

 

5,234,259

 

 

 

      

 

5,193,586

 

 

 

Equity

            

 

Retained earnings

          4,251,424          3,794,439  

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

   17        201,596          159,391  

 

Capital stock

   18        2,018,592          2,054,725  

 

Contributed surplus

           

 

213,195

 

 

 

      

 

194,071

 

 

 

             

 

6,684,807

 

 

 

      

 

6,202,626

 

 

 

             

 

11,919,066

 

 

 

      

 

11,396,212

 

 

 

See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Approved by the Board

 

  LOGO    LOGO
  George D. Schindler    Serge Godin
 

 

Director

  

 

Director

 

70


FISCAL 2018 RESULTS

 

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity

For the years ended September 30

(in thousands of Canadian dollars)

  LOGO

 

 

      Notes   

Retained

earnings

   

Accumulated

other

comprehensive

income

   

Capital

stock

   

Contributed

surplus

   

Total

equity

 
          $     $     $     $     $  

Balance as at September 30, 2017

        3,794,439       159,391       2,054,725       194,071       6,202,626  

 

Net earnings

        1,141,402                         1,141,402  

 

Other comprehensive income

                42,205                   42,205  

 

Comprehensive income

        1,141,402       42,205                   1,183,607  

 

Share-based payment costs

                          38,457       38,457  

 

Income tax impact associated with stock options

                          5,422       5,422  

 

Exercise of stock options

   18                  94,552       (17,340     77,212  

 

Exercise of performance share units (PSUs)

   18                  7,439       (7,439      

 

Purchase for cancellation of Class A subordinate voting shares

   18      (684,417           (113,839           (798,256

 

Purchase of Class A subordinate voting shares held in trusts

   18                  (24,789           (24,789

 

Resale of Class A subordinate voting shares held in trusts

   18                  504       24       528  

Balance as at September 30, 2018

          4,251,424       201,596       2,018,592       213,195       6,684,807  
      Notes   

Retained

earnings

   

Accumulated

other

comprehensive

income

   

Capital

stock

   

Contributed

surplus

   

Total

equity

 
          $     $     $     $     $  

Balance as at September 30, 2016

        3,778,848       304,128       2,194,731       186,901       6,464,608  

 

Net earnings

        1,035,195                         1,035,195  

 

Other comprehensive loss

                (144,737                 (144,737

 

Comprehensive income

        1,035,195       (144,737                 890,458  

 

Share-based payment costs

                          34,443       34,443  

 

Income tax impact associated with stock options

                          5,961       5,961  

 

Exercise of stock options

   18                  60,943       (11,169     49,774  

 

Exercise of PSUs

   18                  23,666       (23,666      

 

Purchase for cancellation of Class A subordinate voting shares

   18      (1,019,604           (227,060           (1,246,664

 

Resale of Class A subordinate voting shares held in trust

   18                  2,445       1,601       4,046  

 

Balance as at September 30, 2017

          3,794,439       159,391       2,054,725       194,071       6,202,626  

See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

71


CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

For the years ended September 30

(in thousands of Canadian dollars)

 

      Notes    2018     2017  
          $     $  

Operating activities

       

 

Net earnings

                1,141,402       1,035,195  

 

Adjustments for:

       

 

 Amortization and depreciation

   23      392,675       377,204  

 

 Deferred income tax expense

   15      (41,238     60,897  

 

 Foreign exchange loss (gain)

        349       (3,102

 

 Share-based payment costs

        38,457       34,443  

 

Net change in non-cash working capital items

   27a      (38,237     (146,085

Cash provided by operating activities

          1,493,408       1,358,552  

Investing activities

       

 

Business acquisitions (net of cash acquired)

   26a      (248,137     (283,061

 

Proceeds from sale of business

        3,500        

 

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

        (143,250     (112,667

 

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

              3,317  

 

Additions to contract costs

        (87,420     (95,676

 

Additions to intangible assets

        (95,451     (106,267

 

Purchase of long-term investments

        (16,238     (5,150

 

Proceeds from sale of long-term investments

        9,578       7,248  

Cash used in investing activities

          (577,418     (592,256

Financing activities

       

 

Net change in unsecured committed revolving credit facility

   13 and 27c      (5,205     200,000  

 

Increase of long-term debt

   27c      20,111       18,921  

 

Repayment of long-term debt

   27c      (121,771     (199,841

 

Repayment of debt assumed in business acquisitions

   27c      (28,609     (9,119

 

Settlement of derivative financial instruments

   31 and 27c      (2,430      

 

Purchase of Class A subordinate voting shares held in trusts

   18      (24,789      

 

Resale of Class A subordinate voting shares held in trusts

   18      528       4,046  

 

Purchase and cancellation of Class A subordinate voting shares

   18      (794,076     (1,246,664

 

Issuance of Class A subordinate voting shares

        77,197       49,671  

Cash used in financing activities

          (879,044     (1,182,986

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

          (18,727     (13,967

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

        18,219       (430,657

 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

        165,872       596,529  

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

          184,091       165,872  

Supplementary cash flow information (Note 27).

See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

72


FISCAL 2018 RESULTS

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017

(tabular amounts only are in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share data)

    

  LOGO

 

1.

Description of business

CGI Group Inc. (the Company), directly or through its subsidiaries, provides information technology (IT) services as well as business process services (BPS) to help clients effectively realize their strategies and create added value. The Company’s services include the management of IT and business functions (outsourcing), systems integration and consulting, as well as the sale of software solutions. The Company was incorporated under Part IA of the Companies Act (Québec), predecessor to the Business Corporations Act (Québec) which came into force on February 14, 2011 and its Class A subordinate voting shares are publicly traded. The executive and registered office of the Company is situated at 1350 René-Lévesque Blvd. West, Montréal, Québec, Canada, H3G 1T4.

 

2.

Basis of preparation

These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). The accounting policies were consistently applied to all periods presented.

The Company’s consolidated financial statements for the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 were authorized for issue by the Board of Directors on November 6, 2018.

 

3.

Summary of significant accounting policies

BASIS OF CONSOLIDATION

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated on consolidation.

Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the Company. The Company controls an entity when it is exposed or has right to variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the relevant activities of the entity. Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date of acquisition and continue to be consolidated until the date control over the subsidiaries ceases.

BASIS OF MEASUREMENT

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis, except for certain financial assets and liabilities, which have been measured at fair value as described below.

USE OF JUDGEMENTS AND ESTIMATES

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires management to make judgements and estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, equity and the accompanying disclosures at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Because the use of judgements and estimates is inherent in the financial reporting process, actual results could differ.

Significant judgements and estimates about the future and other major sources of estimation uncertainty at the end of the reporting period could have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of the following within the next financial year: revenue recognition, deferred tax assets, estimated losses on revenue-generating contracts, goodwill impairment, business combinations, provisions for income tax uncertainties and litigation and claims.

The judgements, apart from those involving estimations, that have the most significant effect on the amounts recognized in the consolidated financial statements are:

Revenue recognition of multiple component arrangements

Assessing whether the deliverables within an arrangement are separately identifiable components requires judgement by management. A component is considered as separately identifiable if it has value to the client on a stand-alone basis. The Company first reviews the contract clauses to evaluate if the deliverable is accepted separately by the client. Then, the Company assesses if the deliverable could have been provided by another vendor and if it would have been possible for the client to decide to not purchase the deliverable.

 

73


CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017

(tabular amounts only are in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share data)

 

3.

Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

USE OF JUDGEMENTS AND ESTIMATES (CONTINUED)

 

Deferred tax assets

Deferred tax assets are recognized for unused tax losses to the extent that it is probable that taxable income will be available against which the losses can be utilized. Management judgement is required concerning uncertainties that exist with respect to the timing of future taxable income required to recognize a deferred tax asset. The Company recognizes an income tax benefit only when it is probable that the tax benefit will be realized in the future. In making this judgement, the Company assesses forecasts and the availability of future tax planning strategies.

A description of estimates is included in the respective sections within the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

REVENUE RECOGNITION, WORK IN PROGRESS AND DEFERRED REVENUE

The Company generates revenue through the provision of IT services and BPS as described in Note 1, Description of business.

The Company provides services and products under arrangements that contain various pricing mechanisms. The Company recognizes revenue when the following criteria are met: there is clear evidence that an arrangement exists, the amount of revenue and related costs can be measured reliably, it is probable that future economic benefits will flow to the Company, the stage of completion can be measured reliably where services are delivered and the significant risks and rewards of ownership, including effective control, are transferred to clients where products are sold. Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable net of discounts, volume rebates and sales related taxes.

Some of the Company’s arrangements may include client acceptance clauses. Each clause is analyzed to determine whether the earnings process is complete when the service is performed. Formal client sign-off is not always necessary to recognize revenue provided that the Company objectively demonstrates that the criteria specified in the acceptance provisions are satisfied. Some of the criteria reviewed include historical experience with similar types of arrangements, whether the acceptance provisions are specific to the client or are included in all arrangements, the length of the acceptance term and historical experience with the specific client.

Revenue from sales of third party vendor’s products, such as software licenses, hardware or services is recorded on a gross basis when the Company is a principal to the transaction and is recorded net of costs when the Company is acting as an agent between the client and vendor. Factors generally considered to determine whether the Company is a principal or an agent include if the Company has the primary responsibility for providing the product or service, adds meaningful value to the vendor’s product or service, has discretion in supplier selection and assumes credit risks.

Relative selling price

The Company’s arrangements often include a mix of the services and products as described below. If an arrangement involves the provision of multiple components, the total arrangement value is allocated to each separately identifiable component based on its relative selling price. When estimating the selling price of each component, the Company maximizes the use of observable prices which are established using the Company’s prices for same or similar components. When observable prices are not available, the Company estimates selling prices based on its best estimate. The best estimate of the selling price is the price at which the Company would normally expect to offer the services or products and is established by considering a number of internal and external factors including, but not limited to, geographies, the Company’s pricing policies, internal costs and margins. The appropriate revenue recognition method is applied for each separately identifiable component as described below.

Outsourcing

Revenue from outsourcing and BPS arrangements is generally recognized as the services are provided at the contractually stated price, unless there is a better measure of performance or delivery.

 

74


FISCAL 2018 RESULTS

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017

(tabular amounts only are in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share data)

    

  LOGO

 

3.

Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

REVENUE RECOGNITION, WORK IN PROGRESS AND DEFERRED REVENUE (CONTINUED)

 

Systems integration and consulting services

Revenue from systems integration and consulting services under time and material arrangements is recognized as the services are rendered, and revenue under cost-based arrangements is recognized as reimbursable costs are incurred.

Revenue from systems integration and consulting services under fixed-fee arrangements where the outcome of the arrangements can be estimated reliably is recognized using the percentage-of-completion method over the service period. The Company primarily uses labour costs or labour hours to measure the progress towards completion. This method relies on estimates of total expected labour costs or total expected labour hours to complete the service, which are compared to labour costs or labour hours incurred to date, to arrive at an estimate of the percentage of revenue earned to date. Management regularly reviews underlying estimates of total expected labour costs or hours. If the outcome of an arrangement cannot be estimated reliably, revenue is recognized to the extent of arrangement costs incurred if it is probable that such costs will be recoverable.

Revenue from benefits-funded arrangements is recognized only to the extent that it is probable that the benefit stream associated with the transaction will generate sufficient amounts to fund the value on which revenue recognition is based.

Software licenses

Most of the Company’s software license arrangements include other services such as implementation, customization and maintenance. For these types of arrangements, revenue from a software license is recognized upon delivery if it has been identified as a separately identifiable component. Otherwise, it is combined with the implementation and customization services and is accounted for as described in the Systems integration and consulting services section above. Revenue from maintenance services for software licenses sold is recognized ratably over the term of the maintenance period.

Work in progress and deferred revenue

Amounts recognized as revenue in excess of billings are classified as work in progress. Amounts received in advance of the performance of services or delivery of products are classified as deferred revenue.

Estimated losses on revenue-generating contracts

Estimated losses on revenue-generating contracts may occur due to additional costs which were not foreseen at inception of the contract. Contract losses are measured at the amount by which the estimated total costs exceed the estimated total revenue from the contract. The estimated losses on revenue-generating contracts are recognized in the period when it is determined that a loss is probable. The expected loss is first applied to impair the related capitalized contract costs with the excess recorded in accounts payable and accrued liabilities and in other long-term liabilities. Management regularly reviews arrangement profitability and the underlying estimates.

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

Cash and cash equivalents consist of unrestricted cash and short-term investments having a maturity of three months or less from the date of purchase.

FUNDS HELD FOR CLIENTS AND CLIENTS’ FUNDS OBLIGATIONS

In connection with the Company’s payroll, tax filing and claims services, the Company collects funds for payment of payroll, taxes and claims, temporarily holds such funds until payment is due, remits the funds to the clients’ employees, appropriate tax authorities or claims holders, files tax returns and handles related regulatory correspondence and amendments. The funds held for clients include cash and long-term bonds. The Company presents the funds held for clients and related obligations separately. Funds held for clients are classified as current assets since, based upon management’s intentions, these funds are held solely for the purpose of satisfying the clients’ funds obligations, which will be repaid within one year of the consolidated balance sheet date. The market fluctuations affect the fair value of the long-term bonds. Due to those fluctuations, funds held for clients might not equal to the clients’ funds obligations.

Interest income earned and realized gains and losses on the disposal of bonds are recorded in revenue in the period that the income is earned, as the collecting, holding and remitting of these funds are critical components of providing these services.

 

75


CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017

(tabular amounts only are in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share data)

    

 

3.

Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

 

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Property, plant and equipment (PP&E), including those under finance leases, are recorded at cost and are depreciated over their estimated useful lives using the straight-line method.

 

Buildings

 

  

10 to 40 years

 

Leasehold improvements

 

  

Lesser of the useful life or lease term

 

Furniture, fixtures and equipment

 

  

3 to 20 years

 

Computer equipment

   3 to 5 years

LEASES

Leases are classified as finance leases whenever the terms of the lease transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to the lessee. All other leases are classified as operating leases.

Assets held under finance leases are initially recognized in PP&E at an amount equal to the fair value of the leased assets or, if lower, the present value of minimum lease payments at the inception of the lease, and then depreciated over the economic useful life of the asset or lease term, whichever is shorter. The capital element of future lease payments is included in the consolidated balance sheets within long-term debt. Interest is charged to the consolidated statements of earnings so as to achieve a constant rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability.

Lease payments under operating leases are charged to the consolidated statements of earnings on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Operating lease incentives, typically for premises, are recognized as a reduction in rental expense over the lease term.

CONTRACT COSTS

Contract costs are mainly incurred when acquiring or implementing long-term outsourcing contracts. Contract costs are comprised primarily of transition costs and incentives.

Transition costs

Transition costs consist mostly of costs associated with the installation of systems and processes, as well as conversion of the client’s applications to the Company’s platforms incurred after the award of outsourcing and BPS contracts. Transition costs are comprised essentially of labour costs, including compensation and related fringe benefits, as well as subcontractor costs.

Incentives

Occasionally, incentives are granted to clients upon the signing of outsourcing contracts. These incentives are granted in the form of cash payments.

Pre-contract costs

Pre-contract costs associated with acquiring or implementing long-term outsourcing contracts are expensed as incurred except where it is virtually certain that the contracts will be awarded and the costs are directly related to the acquisition of the contract. For outsourcing contracts, the Company is virtually certain that a contract will be awarded when the Company is selected by the client but the contract has not yet been signed.

Amortization of contract costs

Contract costs are amortized using the straight-line method over the period services are provided. Amortization of transition costs and pre-contract costs, if any, is included in costs of services, selling and administrative and amortization of incentives is recorded as a reduction of revenue.

 

76


 

FISCAL 2018 RESULTS

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017

(tabular amounts only are in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share data)

  LOGO

 

3.

Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

CONTRACT COSTS (CONTINUED)

 

Impairment of contract costs

When a contract is not expected to be profitable, the expected loss is first applied to impair the related capitalized contract costs. The excess of the expected loss over the capitalized contract costs is recorded as estimated losses on revenue-generating contracts in accounts payable and accrued liabilities and in other long-term liabilities. If at a future date the contract returns to profitability, the previously recognized impairment loss must be reversed. First, the estimated losses on revenue-generating contracts must be reversed, and if there is still additional projected profitability then any capitalized contract costs that were impaired must be reversed. The reversal of the impairment loss is limited so that the carrying amount does not exceed its recoverable amount, nor exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of amortization, had no impairment loss been recognized for the contract costs in prior years.

INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Intangible assets consist mainly of internal-use software, business solutions, software licenses and client relationships. Internal-use software, business solutions and software licenses are recorded at cost. Internal-use software developed internally is capitalized when it meets specific capitalization criteria related to technical and financial feasibility and when the Company demonstrates its ability and intention to use it. Business solutions developed internally and marketed are capitalized when they meet specific capitalization criteria related to technical, market and financial feasibility. Internal-use software, business solutions, software licenses and client relationships acquired through business combinations are initially recorded at their fair value based on the present value of expected future cash flows, which involves estimates, such as the forecasting of future cash flows and discount rates.

Amortization of intangible assets

The Company amortizes its intangible assets using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives.

 

Internal-use software

 

  

2 to 7 years

 

Business solutions

 

  

2 to 10 years

 

Software licenses

 

  

3 to 8 years

 

Client relationships and other

   2 to 10 years

IMPAIRMENT OF PP&E, INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND GOODWILL

Timing of impairment testing

The carrying values of PP&E, intangible assets and goodwill are reviewed for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may be impaired. The Company assesses at each reporting date whether any such events or changes in circumstances exist. The carrying values of PP&E and intangible assets not available for use are tested for impairment annually as at September 30. Goodwill is tested for impairment annually during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year.

Impairment testing

If any indication of impairment exists or when annual impairment testing for an asset is required, the Company estimates the recoverable amount of the asset or cash-generating unit (CGU) to which the asset relates to determine the extent of any impairment loss. The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s or CGU’s fair value less costs of disposal and its value in use (VIU) to the Company. The Company mainly uses the VIU. In assessing the VIU, estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset or CGU. In determining fair value less costs of disposal, recent market transactions are taken into account, if available. If the recoverable amount of an asset or a CGU is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount is reduced to its recoverable amount. An impairment loss is recognized immediately in the consolidated statements of earnings.

Goodwill acquired through business combinations is allocated to the CGU or group of CGUs that are expected to benefit from acquired work force and synergies of the related business combination. The group of CGUs that benefit from the acquired work force and synergies correspond to the Company’s operating segments. For goodwill impairment testing purposes, the group of CGUs that represents the lowest level within the Company at which management monitors goodwill is the operating segment level.

 

77


CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017

(tabular amounts only are in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share data)

    

 

3.

Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

IMPAIRMENT OF PP&E, INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND GOODWILL (CONTINUED)

Impairment testing (continued)

 

The recoverable amount of each operating segment has been determined based on the VIU calculation which includes estimates about their future financial performance based on cash flows approved by management covering a period of five years. Key assumptions used in the VIU calculations are the discount rate applied and the long-term growth rate of net operating cash flows. In determining these assumptions, management has taken into consideration the current economic environment and its resulting impact on expected growth and discount rates. The cash flow projections reflect management’s expectations of the operating segment’s operating performance and growth prospects in the operating segment’s market. The discount rate applied to an operating segment is the weighted average cost of capital (WACC). Management considers factors such as country risk premium, risk-free rate, size premium and cost of debt to derive the WACC. Impairment losses relating to goodwill cannot be reversed in future periods.

For impaired assets, other than goodwill, an assessment is made at each reporting date as to whether there is any indication that previously recognized impairment losses may no longer exist or may have decreased. If such indication exists, the Company estimates the recoverable amount of the asset. A previously recognized impairment loss is reversed only if there has been a change in the assumptions used to determine the recoverable amount of the asset since the last impairment loss was recognized. The reversal is limited so that the carrying amount of the asset does not exceed its recoverable amount, nor exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of amortization, had no impairment loss been recognized for the asset in prior years. Such reversal is recognized in the consolidated statements of earnings.

LONG-TERM FINANCIAL ASSETS

Long-term investments presented in long-term financial assets are comprised of bonds which are classified as long-term based on management’s intentions.

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

The Company accounts for its business combinations using the acquisition method. Under this method, the consideration transferred is measured at fair value. Acquisition-related and integration costs associated with the business combination are expensed as incurred or when a present legal or constructive obligation exists. The Company recognizes goodwill as the excess of the cost of the acquisition over the net identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their acquisition-date fair values. The goodwill recognized is composed of the future economic value associated to acquired work force and synergies with the Company’s operations which are primarily due to reduction of costs and new business opportunities. Management makes assumptions when determining the acquisition-date fair values of the identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed which involve estimates, such as the forecasting of future cash flows, discount rates, and the useful lives of the assets acquired. Subsequent changes in fair values are adjusted against the cost of acquisition if they qualify as measurement period adjustments. The measurement period is the period between the date of acquisition and the date where all significant information necessary to determine the fair values is available, not to exceed 12 months. All other subsequent changes are recognized in the consolidated statements of earnings.

EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is determined using the treasury stock method to evaluate the dilutive effect of stock options and PSUs.

RESEARCH AND SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT COSTS

Research costs are charged to earnings in the period in which they are incurred, net of related tax credits. Software development costs related to internal-use software and business solutions are charged to earnings in the year they are incurred, net of related tax credits, unless they meet specific capitalization criteria related to technical, market and financial feasibility as described in the Intangible assets section above.

 

78


FISCAL 2018 RESULTS

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017

(tabular amounts only are in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share data)

    

  LOGO

 

3.

Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

 

TAX CREDITS

The Company follows the income approach to account for research and development (R&D) and other tax credits, whereby investment tax credits are recorded when there is a reasonable assurance that the assistance will be received and that the Company will comply with all relevant conditions. Under this method, tax credits related to operating expenditures are recorded as a reduction of the related expenses and recognized in the period in which the related expenditures are charged to earnings. Tax credits related to capital expenditures are recorded as a reduction of the cost of the related assets. The tax credits recorded are based on management’s best estimates of amounts expected to be received and are subject to audit by the taxation authorities.

INCOME TAXES

Income taxes are accounted for using the liability method of accounting.

Current income taxes are recognized with respect to the amounts expected to be paid or recovered under the tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheets date.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on deductible or taxable temporary differences between the amounts reported for consolidated financial statement purposes and tax values of the assets and liabilities using enacted or substantively enacted tax rates that will be in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized in earnings, in other comprehensive income or in equity based on the classification of the item to which they relate.

Deferred tax assets are recognized for unused tax losses to the extent that it is probable that taxable profit will be available against which the losses can be utilized. Once this assessment is made, the Company considers the analysis of forecasts and future tax planning strategies. Estimates of taxable profit are made based on the forecast by jurisdiction on an undiscounted basis. In addition, management considers factors such as substantively enacted tax rates, the history of the taxable profits and availability of tax strategies.

The Company is subject to taxation in numerous jurisdictions and there are transactions and calculations for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. When a tax position is uncertain, the Company recognizes an income tax asset or reduces an income tax liability only when it is probable that the tax asset will be realized in the future or that the income tax liability is no longer probable. The provision for uncertain tax positions is made using the best estimate of the amount expected to be paid based on qualitative assessment of all relevant factors such as experience of previous tax audits or interpretations of tax regulations.

PROVISIONS

Provisions are recognized when the Company has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past event, it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation. The Company’s provisions consist of liabilities for leases of vacated premises, litigation and claims provisions arising in the ordinary course of business and decommissioning liabilities for operating leases of office buildings. The Company also records restructuring provisions for termination of employment costs related to its productivity improvement initiatives and to the integration of its business acquisitions.

The amount recognized as a provision is the best estimate of the consideration required to settle the present obligation at the end of the reporting period, taking into account the risks and uncertainties surrounding the obligation. Provisions are discounted using a current pre-tax rate when the impact of the time value of money is material. The increase in the provisions due to the passage of time is recognized as finance costs.

The Company accrues provisions for onerous leases which consist of estimated costs associated with vacated premises. The provisions reflect the present value of lease payments in excess of the expected sublease proceeds on the remaining term of the lease.

The accrued litigation and legal claims provisions are based on historical experience, current trends and other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Estimates include the period in which the underlying cause of the claim occurred and the degree of probability of an unfavourable outcome.

 

79


CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017

(tabular amounts only are in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share data)

    

 

3.

Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

PROVISIONS (CONTINUED)

 

Decommissioning liabilities pertain to operating leases of buildings where certain arrangements require premises to be returned to their original state at the end of the lease term. The provision is determined using the present value of the estimated future cash outflows.

Restructuring provisions are recognized when a detailed formal plan identifies the business or part of the business concerned, the location and number of employees affected, a detailed estimate of the associated costs, appropriate timelines and has been communicated to those affected by it.

TRANSLATION OF FOREIGN CURRENCIES

The Company’s consolidated financial statements are presented in Canadian dollars, which is also the parent company’s functional currency. Each entity in the Company determines its own functional currency and items included in the financial statements of each entity are measured using that functional currency. Functional currency is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates.

Foreign currency transactions and balances

Revenue, expenses and non-monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recorded at the rate of exchange prevailing at the transaction date. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated at exchange rates prevailing at the balance sheets date. Unrealized and realized translation gains and losses are reflected in the consolidated statements of earnings.

Foreign operations

For foreign operations that have functional currencies different from the Company, assets and liabilities denominated in a foreign currency are translated at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheets date. Revenue and expenses are translated at average exchange rates prevailing during the period. Resulting unrealized gains or losses on translating financial statements of foreign operations are reported in other comprehensive income.

For foreign operations with the same functional currency as the Company, monetary assets and liabilities are translated at the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheets date and non-monetary assets and liabilities are translated at historical exchange rates. Revenue and expenses are translated at average exchange rates during the period. Translation exchange gains or losses of such operations are reflected in the consolidated statements of earnings.

SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS

Equity-settled plans

The Company operates equity-settled stock option and PSU plans under which the Company receives services from employees, officers and directors as consideration for equity instruments.

The fair value of those share-based payments is established on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model for the stock options and the closing price of Class A subordinate voting shares of the Company on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) for the PSUs. The number of stock options and PSUs expected to vest are estimated on the grant date and subsequently revised on each reporting date. For stock options, the estimation of fair value requires making assumptions for the most appropriate inputs to the valuation model including the expected life of the option and expected stock price volatility. The fair value of share-based payments, adjusted for expectations related to performance conditions and forfeitures, are recognized as share-based payment costs over the vesting period in earnings with a corresponding credit to contributed surplus on a graded-vesting basis if they vest annually or on a straight-line basis if they vest at the end of the vesting period.

When stock options are exercised, any consideration paid is credited to capital stock and the recorded fair value of the stock options is removed from contributed surplus and credited to capital stock. When PSUs are exercised, the recorded fair value of PSUs is removed from contributed surplus and credited to capital stock.

Share purchase plan

The Company operates a share purchase plan for eligible employees. Under this plan, the Company matches the contributions made by employees up to a maximum percentage of the employee’s salary. The Company’s contributions to the plan are recognized in salaries and other member costs within costs of services, selling and administrative.

 

80


 

FISCAL 2018 RESULTS

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017

(tabular amounts only are in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share data)

  LOGO

 

3.

Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS (CONTINUED)

 

Cash-settled deferred share units

The Company operates a deferred share unit (DSU) plan to compensate the external members of the Board of Directors. The expense is recognized within costs of services, selling and administrative for each DSU granted equal to the closing price of Class A subordinate voting shares of the Company on the TSX at the date on which DSUs are awarded and a corresponding liability is recorded in accrued compensation. After the grant date, the DSU liability is remeasured for subsequent changes in the fair value of the Company’s shares.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

All financial instruments are initially measured at their fair value. Subsequently, financial assets classified as loans and receivables and financial liabilities classified as other liabilities are measured at their amortized cost using the effective interest rate method. Financial assets and liabilities classified as fair value through earnings (FVTE) and classified as available-for-sale are measured subsequently at their fair value.

Financial instruments may be designated on initial recognition as FVTE if any of the following criteria are met: i) the financial instrument contains one or more embedded derivatives that otherwise would have to be accounted for separately; ii) the designation eliminates or significantly reduces a measurement or recognition inconsistency that would otherwise arise from measuring the financial asset or liability or recognizing the gains and losses on them on a different basis; or iii) the financial asset and financial liability are part of a group of financial assets or liabilities that is managed and its performance evaluated on a fair value basis, in accordance with a documented risk management or investment strategy. Gains and losses related to periodic revaluations of financial assets and liabilities designated as FVTE are recorded in the consolidated statements of earnings.

The unrealized gains and losses, net of applicable income taxes, on available-for-sale assets are reported in other comprehensive income. Interest income earned and realized gains and losses on the sale of available-for-sale assets are recorded in the consolidated statements of earnings.

Transaction costs are comprised primarily of legal, accounting and other costs directly attributable to the issuance of the respective financial assets and liabilities. Transaction costs are capitalized to the cost of financial assets and liabilities classified as other than FVTE.

Financial assets are derecognized if the contractual rights to the cash flows from the financial asset expire or the asset is transferred and the transfer qualifies for derecognition. The transfer qualifies for derecognition if substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the financial asset are transferred.

The Company has made the following classifications:

FVTE

Cash and cash equivalents and derivative financial instruments unless they qualify for hedge accounting. In addition, deferred compensation plan assets within long-term financial assets were designated by management as FVTE upon initial recognition as this reflected management’s investment strategy.

Loans and receivables

Trade accounts receivable, cash included in funds held for clients and long-term receivables within long-term financial assets.

Available-for-sale

Long-term bonds included in funds held for clients and in long-term investments within long-term financial assets.

Other liabilities

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities, accrued compensation, long-term debt and clients’ funds obligations.

 

81


CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017

(tabular amounts only are in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share data)

    

 

3.

Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (CONTINUED)

 

Fair value hierarchy

Fair value measurements recognized in the balance sheets are categorized in accordance with the following levels:

Level 1: quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

Level 2: inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, but that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly; and

Level 3: inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data.

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING TRANSACTIONS

The Company enters into a variety of derivative financial instruments to manage its exposure to interest rate and foreign currency exchange risks.

Derivative financial instruments are initially recognized at fair value at the date the derivative contracts are entered into and are subsequently remeasured to their fair value at the end of each reporting date. The resulting gain or loss is recognized in the consolidated statements of earnings, unless the derivative is designated and is effective as a hedging instrument, in which event the timing of the recognition in the consolidated statements of earnings depends on the nature of the hedge relationship.

At the inception of a hedge relationship, the Company formally designates and documents the hedge relationship to which the Company wishes to apply hedge accounting and the risk management’s objective and strategy for undertaking the hedge. The documentation includes identification of the hedging instrument, the hedged item or transaction, the nature of the risk being hedged and how the Company will assess the effectiveness of changes in the hedging instrument’s fair value in offsetting the exposure to changes in the hedged item’s fair value or cash flows attributable to the hedged risk. Such hedges are expected to be highly effective in achieving offsetting changes in fair value or cash flows and are assessed on an ongoing basis to determine that they actually have been highly effective throughout the financial reporting periods for which they were designated.

The cash flows of the hedging transactions are classified in the same manner as the cash flows of the position being hedged.

Derivative financial instruments used as hedging items are recorded at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets under current derivative financial instruments, long-term financial assets or long-term derivative financial instruments. Valuation models, such as discounted cash flow analyses using observable market inputs, are utilized to determine the fair values of the derivative financial instruments.

Hedges of net investments in foreign operations

The Company uses cross-currency swaps and foreign currency denominated long-term debt to hedge portions of the Company’s net investments in its U.S. and European operations. Foreign exchange translation gains or losses on the net investments and the effective portions of gains or losses on instruments hedging the net investments are recorded in other comprehensive income. To the extent that the hedge is ineffective, such differences are recognized in consolidated statements of earnings. When the hedged net investment is disposed of, the relevant amount in other comprehensive income is transferred to earnings as part of the gain or loss on disposal.

Cash flow hedges of future revenue and long-term debt

The majority of the Company’s revenue and costs are denominated in currency other than the Canadian dollar. The risk of foreign exchange fluctuations impacting the results is substantially mitigated by matching the Company’s costs with revenue denominated in the same currency. In certain cases where there is a substantial imbalance for a specific currency, the Company enters into foreign currency forward contracts to hedge the variability in the foreign currency exchange rates.

The Company also uses interest rate and cross-currency swaps to hedge either the cash flow exposure or the foreign exchange exposure of the long-term debt.

 

82


FISCAL 2018 RESULTS

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017

(tabular amounts only are in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share data)

    

  LOGO

 

3.

Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING TRANSACTIONS (CONTINUED)

Cash flow hedges of future revenue and long-term debt (continued)

 

These derivatives are documented as cash flow hedges and no component of the derivative contracts’ fair value are excluded from the assessment and measurement of hedge effectiveness. The effective portion of the change in fair value of the derivative financial instruments is recognized in other comprehensive income and the ineffective portion, if any, in the consolidated statements of earnings. The effective portion of the change in fair value of the derivatives is reclassified out of other comprehensive income into the consolidated statements of earnings when the hedged element is recognized in the consolidated statements of earnings.

Fair value hedges of Senior U.S. unsecured notes

The Company entered into interest rate swaps to hedge the fair value exposure of the issued fixed rate Senior U.S. unsecured notes. Under the interest rate swaps, the Company receives a fixed rate of interest and pays interest at a variable rate on the notional amount.

The changes in the fair value of the interest rate swaps are recognized in the consolidated statements of earnings as finance costs. The changes in the fair value of the hedged items attributable to the risk hedged is recorded as part of the carrying value of the Senior U.S. unsecured notes and are also recognized in the consolidated statements of earnings as finance costs. If the hedged items are derecognized, the unamortized fair value is recognized immediately in the consolidated statements of earnings.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

The Company operates both defined benefit and defined contribution post-employment benefit plans.

The cost of defined contribution plans is charged to the consolidated statements of earnings on the basis of contributions payable by the Company during the year.

For defined benefit plans, the defined benefit obligations are calculated by independent actuaries using the projected unit credit method. The retirement benefits obligations in the consolidated balance sheets represent the present value of the defined benefit obligations as reduced by the fair value of plan assets. The retirement benefits assets are recognized to the extent that the Company can benefit from refunds or a reduction in future contributions. Retirement benefits plans that are funded by the payment of insurance premiums are treated as defined contribution plans unless the Company has an obligation either to pay the benefits directly when they fall due or to pay further amounts if assets accumulated with the insurer do not cover all future employee benefits. In such circumstances, the plan is treated as a defined benefit plan.

Insurance policies are treated as plan assets of a defined benefit plan if the proceeds of the policy:

 

  -

Can only be used to fund employee benefits;

 

  -

Are not available to the Company’s creditors; and

 

  -

Either cannot be paid to the Company unless the proceeds represent surplus assets not needed to meet all the benefit obligations or are a reimbursement for benefits already paid by the Company.

Insurance policies that do not meet the above criteria are treated as non-current investments and are held at fair value as long-term financial assets in the consolidated balance sheets.

The actuarial valuations used to determine the cost of defined benefit pension plans and their present value involve making assumptions about discount rates, future salary and pension increases, inflation rates and mortality. Any changes in these assumptions will impact the carrying amount of pension obligations. In determining the appropriate discount rate, management considers the interest rates of high quality corporate bonds that are denominated in the currency in which the benefits will be paid, and that have terms to maturity approximating the terms of the related pension liability.

 

83


CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017

(tabular amounts only are in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share data)

 

3.

Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS (CONTINUED)

 

The current service cost is recognized in the consolidated statements of earnings under costs of services, selling and administrative. The net interest cost calculated by applying the discount rate to the net defined benefit liabilities or assets is recognized as net finance cost or income. When the benefits of a plan are changed or when a plan is curtailed, the resulting change in benefits that relates to past services or the gains or losses on curtailment is recognized immediately in the consolidated statements of earnings. The gains or losses on the settlement of a defined benefit plan are recognized when the settlement occurs.

Remeasurements on defined benefit plans include actuarial gains and losses, changes in the effect of the asset ceiling and the return on plan assets, excluding the amount included in net interest on the net defined liabilities or assets. Remeasurements are charged or credited to other comprehensive income in the period in which they arise.

ACCOUNTING STANDARD ADOPTION

The following amendment to the existing standard has been adopted by the Company on October 1, 2017:

IAS 7 - Statement of Cash Flows

In January 2016, the IASB amended IAS 7, Statement of Cash Flows, to require enhanced disclosures about changes in liabilities arising from financing activities, including changes from financing cash flows, changes arising from obtaining or losing control of subsidiaries or other businesses, the effect of changes in foreign exchange rates and changes in fair value. The additional disclosures are provided in Note 27, Supplementary cash flow information.

FUTURE ACCOUNTING STANDARD CHANGES

The following standards have been issued but were not yet effective as at September 30, 2018:

IFRS 15 - Revenue from Contracts with Customers

In May 2014, the IASB issued IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, to specify how and when to recognize revenue as well as requiring the provision of more informative and relevant disclosures. The standard supersedes IAS 18, Revenue, IAS 11, Construction Contracts, and other revenue related interpretations.

The standard is effective on October 1, 2018 for the Company. The standard permits two possible transition methods for its application: i) retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or ii) retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initially applying the standard recognized on the date of the initial application (modified retrospective method). The Company will adopt IFRS 15 using the modified retrospective method.

In preparation for the conversion to IFRS 15, the Company has developed a detailed conversion plan consisting of four phases: 1) awareness, 2) detailed assessment, 3) design and 4) implementation. As part of the awareness phase, the Company has established a Steering Committee responsible for monitoring the progress and approving recommendations from the project team. The Steering Committee meets regularly and quarterly updates are provided to the Audit and Risk Management Committee.

The Company has completed the second phase of the conversion plan which encompasses a detailed assessment of the differences between current requirements and IFRS15, including the impact assessment of such differences.

The Company expects that, generally, revenue from outsourcing, BPS and systems integration and consulting services arrangements will continue to be recognized as the services are provided in a manner that is consistent with its current accounting policies. However, initial implementation activities, currently not considered as a separately identifiable component, could be in some cases identified as a separate performance obligation as they will meet the criteria of being distinct under IFRS 15 resulting in acceleration of revenue recognition. The Company does not expect a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements.

Currently, when a software license has value to the client on a stand-alone basis and is identified as a separately identifiable component, revenue from the software license is recognized upon delivery. Under IFRS 15, when the arrangement involves significant customization services, revenue from a software license will be combined with the services resulting in deferral of revenue recognition. The Company does not expect a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements.

 

84


FISCAL 2018 RESULTS

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017

(tabular amounts only are in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share data)

    

  LOGO

 

3.

Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

FUTURE ACCOUNTING STANDARD CHANGES (CONTINUED)

IFRS 15 - Revenue from Contracts with Customers (continued)

 

The Company has completed the third phase of the conversion plan and is progressing toward completion of the fourth phase. The Company has not identified any material system changes. Training and guidance have been continually provided to those involved in client contracts. The Company has updated and is finalizing the implementation of revised policies, procedures and controls in order to meet the requirements of the standard, including the additional presentation and disclosure requirements.

IFRS 9 - Financial Instruments

In July 2014, the IASB amended IFRS 9, Financial Instruments, to replace IAS 39, Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement. The standard is effective on October 1, 2018 for the Company and is required to be applied retrospectively. The Company will apply the exemption from the requirement to restate comparative information.

The standard simplifies the classification of financial assets, while carrying forward most of the requirements of IAS 39. The Company’s financial assets currently classified as loans and receivables will continue to be measured at amortized cost and financial assets currently classified as available-for-sale will continue to be measured at fair value through other comprehensive income.

The standard introduces a new impairment model which will apply to the Company’s trade accounts receivable, long-term receivables and long-term bonds. Management does not believe that the Company is subject to any significant credit risk, given its large and diversified client base and its risk mitigation strategy to invest in high credit quality corporate and government bonds with a credit rating of A or higher.

Finally, IFRS 9 introduces a new hedge accounting model that is more closely aligned with risk-management activities. The Company will apply the new hedge accounting model and expects that existing hedge relationships will continue to qualify for hedge accounting under this new model.

The Company is still in the process of evaluating the disclosure requirements of the standard. The Company does not expect that the adoption of this standard will have a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements.

IFRS 16 - Leases

In January 2016, the IASB issued IFRS 16, Leases, to set out the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases for both parties to a lease agreement. The standard supersedes IAS 17, Leases, and other leases related interpretations, eliminates the classification of leases as either operating leases or finance leases and introduces a single lessee accounting model. The standard will be effective on October 1, 2019 for the Company. The standard permits two possible transition methods for its application: i) retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or ii) retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initially applying the standard recognized on the date of the initial application (modified retrospective method). The Company plans to adopt IFRS 16 using the modified retrospective method.

When the Company is the lessee, it is expected that the application of IFRS 16 will result in on-balance sheet recognition of most of its lease agreements that are currently considered operating leases, which are primarily for the rental of premises. The Company also expects a decrease of its property costs and an increase of its finance costs and amortization and depreciation resulting from the change in the recognition, measurement and presentation of rental expenses. The Company does not expect that the adoption of IFRS 16 will have an impact on its ability to comply with the external covenants on its Senior U.S. and euro unsecured notes and unsecured committed revolving credit facility disclosed in Note 32, Capital risk management.

 

85


CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017

(tabular amounts only are in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share data)

 

4.

Accounts receivable

 

     

As at

September 30, 2018

    

As at

                September 30, 2017

 
     $      $  

 

Trade (Note 31)

 

     1,126,772        931,530  

R&D and other tax credits1

     245,980        246,616  

 

Other

     108,616        107,734  
       1,481,368        1,285,880  

 

1 

R&D and other tax credits were related to government programs in Canada, the United States of America (U.S.), France, the United Kingdom (U.K.) and other countries.

 

5.

Funds held for clients

 

      As at
September 30, 2018
     As at
                September 30, 2017
 
     $      $  

 

Cash

     141,151        118,043  

 

Long-term bonds (Note 31)

     184,401        195,509  
       325,552        313,552  

 

86


FISCAL 2018 RESULTS

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017

(tabular amounts only are in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share data)

  LOGO

 

6.

Property, plant and equipment

 

     

Land and

buildings

   

Leasehold

improvements

   

Furniture,

fixtures and

equipment

   

Computer

equipment

    Total  
     $     $     $     $     $  

Cost

          

 

As at September 30, 2017

     65,640       210,326       164,016       645,363       1,085,345  

 

Additions

     748       27,970       11,034       110,776       150,528  

 

Additions - business acquisitions (Note 26a)

           192       943       1,479       2,614  

 

Disposals/retirements

     (8,933     (35,311     (11,082     (73,245     (128,571

 

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     1,000       1,711       (277     2,126       4,560  

As at September 30, 2018

     58,455       204,888       164,634       686,499       1,114,476  

Accumulated depreciation

          

 

As at September 30, 2017

     20,691       154,801       99,131       414,109       688,732  

 

Depreciation expense (Note 23)

     2,000       21,881       16,003       116,703       156,587  

 

Impairment (Notes 23 and 24)

           160       1,764             1,924  

 

Disposals/retirements

     (8,542     (34,251     (10,396     (70,577     (123,766

 

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     503       1,684       (279     998       2,906  

As at September 30, 2018

     14,652       144,275       106,223       461,233       726,383  

Net carrying amount as at September 30, 2018

     43,803       60,613       58,411       225,266       388,093  
     

Land and

buildings

   

Leasehold

improvements

   

Furniture,

fixtures and

equipment

   

Computer

equipment

    Total  
     $     $     $     $     $  

Cost

          

 

As at September 30, 2016

     68,576       206,193       165,807       651,742       1,092,318  

 

Additions

     2,475       16,438       12,642       89,402       120,957  

 

Additions - business acquisitions (Note 26a)

           673       1,206       3,609       5,488  

 

Disposals/retirements

     (4,076     (11,141     (13,696     (87,158     (116,071

 

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     (1,335     (1,837     (1,943     (12,232     (17,347

As at September 30, 2017

     65,640       210,326       164,016       645,363       1,085,345  

Accumulated depreciation

          

 

As at September 30, 2016

     15,001       146,836       97,574       393,614       653,025  

 

Depreciation expense (Note 23)

     2,324       20,687       15,796       114,047       152,854  

 

Impairment (Notes 23 and 24)

     4,985             364       558       5,907  

 

Disposals/retirements

     (1,350     (10,932     (13,558     (87,126     (112,966

 

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     (269     (1,790     (1,045     (6,984     (10,088

As at September 30, 2017

     20,691       154,801       99,131       414,109       688,732  

Net carrying amount as at September 30, 2017

     44,949       55,525       64,885       231,254       396,613  

PP&E include the following assets acquired under finance leases:

 

              As at September 30, 2018              As at September 30, 2017  
      Cost     

Accumulated

depreciation

    

Net

carrying

amount

     Cost     

Accumulated

depreciation

    

Net

carrying

amount

 
     $      $      $      $      $      $  

 

Furniture, fixtures and equipment

     15,309        7,958        7,351        15,201        6,381        8,820  

 

Computer equipment

     46,183        29,831        16,352        46,514        29,992        16,522  
       61,492        37,789        23,703        61,715        36,373        25,342  

 

87


CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017

(tabular amounts only are in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share data)

    

 

7.

Contract costs

 

              As at September 30, 2018              As at September 30, 2017  
      Cost      Accumulated
amortization
     Net
carrying
amount
     Cost      Accumulated
amortization
     Net
carrying
amount
 
     $      $      $      $      $      $  

 

Transition costs

     461,262        235,931        225,331        420,475        185,461        235,014  

 

Incentives

     71,748        53,932        17,816        58,978        50,936        8,042  
       533,010        289,863        243,147        479,453        236,397        243,056  

 

8.

Intangible assets

 

     

Internal-use

software

acquired

   

Internal-use

software

internally

developed

   

Business

solutions

acquired

   

Business

solutions

internally

developed

   

Software

licenses

   

Client

relationships

and other

    Total  
     $     $     $     $     $     $     $  

Cost

              

 

As at September 30, 2017

     99,047       94,788       84,044       387,624       217,875       965,687       1,849,065  

 

Additions

     5,742       21,724             47,125       19,343             93,934  

 

Additions - business acquisitions (Note 26a)

                                   46,755       46,755  

 

Disposals/retirements

     (10,145     (1,605     (1,503     (2,796     (22,278           (38,327

 

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     1,063       (206     (285     12,640       1,550       12,641       27,403  

As at September 30, 2018

     95,707       114,701       82,256       444,593       216,490       1,025,083       1,978,830  

Accumulated amortization

              

 

As at September 30, 2017

     74,286       50,842       78,151       237,351       131,672       786,337       1,358,639  

 

Amortization expense (Note 23)

     7,385       7,757       3,954       33,197       34,186       70,447       156,926  

 

Impairment (Notes 23 and 24)

           1,209             57                   1,266  

 

Disposals/retirements

     (10,145     (1,605     (1,503     (2,062     (21,926           (37,241

 

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     651       9       (16     8,549       1,146       9,575       19,914  

As at September 30, 2018

     72,177       58,212       80,586       277,092       145,078       866,359       1,499,504  

Net carrying amount as at September 30, 2018

     23,530       56,489       1,670       167,501       71,412       158,724       479,326  
     

Internal-use

software

acquired

   

Internal-use

software

internally

developed

   

Business

solutions

acquired

   

Business

solutions

internally

developed

   

Software

licenses

   

Client

relationships

and other

    Total  
     $     $     $     $     $     $     $  

Cost

              

 

As at September 30, 2016

     92,824       72,332       94,209       382,380       213,777       935,100       1,790,622  

 

Additions

     11,815       23,201             43,934       19,563             98,513  

 

Additions - business acquisitions (Note 26a)

     78                         255       50,141       50,474  

 

Disposals/retirements

     (4,750     (805     (7,330     (24,271     (12,804           (49,960

 

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     (920     60       (2,835     (14,419     (2,916     (19,554     (40,584

As at September 30, 2017

     99,047       94,788       84,044       387,624       217,875       965,687       1,849,065  

Accumulated amortization

              

 

As at September 30, 2016

     72,368       46,513       81,611       237,953       111,593       730,803       1,280,841  

 

Amortization expense (Note 23)

     7,232       5,102       6,120       32,758       34,640       71,181       157,033  

 

Disposals/retirements

     (4,750     (805     (7,330     (24,271     (12,804           (49,960

 

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     (564     32       (2,250     (9,089     (1,757     (15,647     (29,275

As at September 30, 2017

     74,286       50,842       78,151       237,351       131,672       786,337       1,358,639  

Net carrying amount as at September 30, 2017

     24,761       43,946       5,893       150,273       86,203       179,350       490,426  

 

88


FISCAL 2018 RESULTS

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017

(tabular amounts only are in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share data)

    

  LOGO

 

9.

Other long-term assets

 

     

As at

September 30, 2018

   

As at

September 30, 2017

 
     $     $  

Long-term maintenance agreements

     21,647       25,561  

Insurance contracts held to fund defined benefit pension and life assurance arrangements - reimbursement rights (Note 16)

     24,652       23,945  

Retirement benefits assets (Note 16)

     27,482       11,623  

Deposits

     11,253       10,843  

Deferred financing fees

     3,182       3,292  

 

Other

     16,732       9,895  
       104,948       85,159  

 

10.

Long-term financial assets

 

      As at
September 30, 2018
    As at
September 30, 2017
 
     $     $  

 

Deferred compensation plan assets (Notes 16 and 31)

     56,900       46,906  

 

Long-term investments (Note 31)

     30,054       23,047  

 

Long-term receivables

     19,470       16,415  

 

Long-term derivative financial instruments (Note 31)

     11,312       24,939  
       117,736       111,307  

 

89


CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017

(tabular amounts only are in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share data)

 

11.

Goodwill

In the prior fiscal year, management reviewed the Company’s operating results through seven operating segments referred to as the Company’s Strategic Business Units, namely: U.S.; Nordics; Canada; France (including Luxembourg and Morocco); U.K.; Eastern, Central and Southern Europe (primarily Netherlands and Germany) (ECS) and Asia Pacific (including Australia, India and the Philippines). During the year ended September 30, 2018, the Company revised its management structure. As a result, the Company was managed through nine operating segments, namely: Northern Europe (including Nordics, Baltics and Poland); Canada; France (including Luxembourg and Morocco); U.S. Commercial and State Government; U.S. Federal; U.K.; Eastern, Central and Southern Europe (primarily Netherlands and Germany) (ECS); Asia Pacific Global Delivery Centers of Excellence (India and Philippines) and Australia. The last two operating segments, which each have reported revenue, earnings and assets that are less than 10% of the Company’s total revenue, earnings and assets, have been aggregated as Asia Pacific.

The operating segments reflected the fiscal year 2018 management structure and the way that the chief operating decision-maker, who is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, evaluated the business.

Due to the change in operating segments, which includes the transfer of the Poland operations from ECS to the Northern Europe operating segment, the Company reallocated goodwill to the revised CGUs using their relative fair value.

The Company completed the annual impairment test during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year 2018 and did not identify any impairment.

The variations in goodwill were as follows:

 

     

Northern

Europe

    Canada      France     

U.S.

Commercial

and State

Government

   

U.S.

Federal

     U.K.      ECS    

Asia

Pacific

    Total  
     $     $      $      $     $      $      $     $     $  

As at September 30, 2017

     1,189,906       1,112,146        883,719        1,886,063              824,265        857,368       306,563       7,060,030  

Business acquisitions (Note 26a)

     136,237       29,081               45,439                                 210,757  

Goodwill reallocation

     14,524                     (853,850     853,850               (14,524            

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     (13,463            14,467        34,067       28,396        5,255        14,072       (11,861     70,933  

As at September 30, 2018

     1,327,204       1,141,227        898,186        1,111,719       882,246        829,520        856,916       294,702       7,341,720  

Key assumptions in goodwill impairment testing

The key assumptions for the CGUs are disclosed in the following tables for the years ended September 30:

 

2018   

Northern

Europe

     Canada      France     

U.S.

Commercial

and State

Government

    

U.S.

Federal

     U.K.      ECS     

Asia

Pacific

 
     %      %      %      %      %      %      %      %  

Pre-tax WACC

     9.1        8.9        8.6        10.9        10.2        8.1        9.0        19.1  

Long-term growth rate of net operating cash flows1

     2.0        2.0        1.7        2.0        2.0        1.9        2.0        2.0  
2017    U.S.      Nordics      Canada      France      U.K.      ECS     

Asia

Pacific

 
     %      %      %      %      %      %      %  

Pre-tax WACC

     11.7        9.2        8.9        9.3        8.1                   9.0        17.2  

Long-term growth rate of net operating cash flows1

     2.0        1.9        2.0        2.0        1.9                   1.9        2.0  

 

1 

The long-term growth rate is based on published industry research.

 

90


FISCAL 2018 RESULTS

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017

(tabular amounts only are in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share data)

    

  LOGO

 

12.

Provisions

 

      Onerous
leases1, 4
    Litigation
and claims2
    Decommissioning
liabilities3
    Restructuring4     Total  
     $     $     $     $     $  

  As at September 30, 2017

     24,961       6,572       32,385       63,128       127,046  

  Additional provisions

     14,433       3,080       2,353       111,878       131,744  

  Utilized amounts

     (15,931     (859     (1,707     (123,766     (142,263

  Reversals of unused amounts

     (9,833     (2,032     (7,940           (19,805

  Discount rate adjustment and imputed interest

     121             210             331  

  Foreign currency translation adjustment

     78       38       543       289       948  

  As at September 30, 2018

     13,829       6,799       25,844       51,529       98,001  

  Current portion

     10,271       6,799       4,868       50,130       72,068  

  Non-current portion

     3,558             20,976       1,399       25,933  
      Onerous
leases1, 4
    Litigation
and claims2
    Decommissioning
liabilities3
    Restructuring4     Total  
     $     $     $     $     $  

  As at September 30, 2016

     16,246       9,000       36,706       13,426       75,378  

  Additional provisions

     17,326       4,207       1,933       72,633       96,099  

  Utilized amounts

     (7,055     (3,649     (1,698     (23,047     (35,449

  Reversals of unused amounts

     (1,417     (2,859     (4,480           (8,756

  Discount rate adjustment and imputed interest

     139             291             430  

  Foreign currency translation adjustment

     (278     (127     (367     116       (656

  As at September 30, 2017

     24,961       6,572       32,385       63,128       127,046  

  Current portion

     9,845       6,572       7,867       61,870       86,154  

  Non-current portion

     15,116             24,518       1,258       40,892  

 

1 

As at September 30, 2018, the timing of cash outflows relating to these provisions ranges between one and eight years (one and nine years as at September 30, 2017) and they were discounted at a weighted average rate of 0.68% (0.71% as at September 30, 2017). The reversals of unused amounts are mostly due to favourable settlements.

 

2 

As at September 30, 2018, litigation and claims include provisions related to tax exposure (other than those related to income tax), contractual disputes, employee claims and other of $985,000, $5,733,000 and $81,000, respectively (as at September 30, 2017, $1,163,000, $5,254,000 and $155,000, respectively). The reversals of unused amounts are mostly due to favourable settlements of contractual disputes.

 

3 

As at September 30, 2018, the decommissioning liabilities were based on the expected cash flows of $26,883,000 ($33,034,000 as at September 30, 2017) and were discounted at a weighted average rate of 0.80% (0.90% as at September 30, 2017). The timing of the settlements of these obligations ranges between one and eleven years as at September 30, 2018 (one and ten years as at September 30, 2017). The reversals of unused amounts are mostly due to favourable settlements.

 

4 

See Note 24, Restructuring costs and Note 26b, Investments in subsidiaries.

 

91


CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017

(tabular amounts only are in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share data)

    

 

13.

Long-term debt

 

      As at
September 30, 2018
       As at
September 30, 2017
 
     $        $  

  Senior U.S. unsecured notes repayable in December by tranches of $180,950 (U.S. $140,000) in 2018 and $323,125 (U.S.$250,000) in 20211

     491,651          485,401  

  Senior unsecured notes repayable in September by tranches of $51,700 (U.S.$40,000) in 2019, $71,088 (U.S.$55,000) in 2021, $387,750 (U.S.$300,000) in 2024, $387,750 (U.S.$300,000) in six yearly repayments of U.S.$50,000 from 2019 to 2024 and $127,704 (85,000) in 2021 2

     1,025,683          1,057,027  

  Unsecured committed revolving credit facility3

     194,795          200,000  

  Obligations repayable in blended monthly installments maturing at various dates until 2021, bearing a weighted average interest rate of 2.46% (2.49% in 2017)

     30,124          61,703  

  Obligations under finance leases repayable in blended monthly installments maturing at various dates until 2022, bearing a weighted average interest rate of 2.40% (2.89% in 2017)

     29,909          29,794  

  Other long-term debt

     28,731          28,078  
     1,800,893          1,862,003  

  Current portion

     348,580          122,467  
       1,452,313          1,739,536  

 

1 

As at September 30, 2018, an amount of $504,075,000 was drawn, less fair value adjustments relating to interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges of $12,274,000 and financing fees of $150,000. The private placement financing with U.S. institutional investors is comprised of two tranches of Senior U.S. unsecured notes with a weighted average maturity of 2.1 years and a weighted average interest rate of 4.76% (4.76% in 2017). The Senior U.S. unsecured notes contain covenants that require the Company to maintain certain financial ratios (Note 32). As at September 30, 2018, the Company was in compliance with these covenants.

 

2 

As at September 30, 2018, an amount of $1,025,992,000 was drawn, less financing fees of $309,000. The private placement is comprised of four tranches of Senior U.S. unsecured notes and one tranche of Senior euro unsecured note, with a weighted average maturity of 4.0 years and a weighted average interest rate of 3.63% (3.62% in 2017). In September 2018, the Company repaid the first of the seven yearly scheduled repayments of U.S.$50,000,000 on a tranche of the Senior U.S. unsecured notes for a total amount of $65,045,000 and settled the related cross-currency swaps (Note 31). The Senior unsecured notes contain covenants that require the Company to maintain certain financial ratios (Note 32). As at September 30, 2018, the Company was in compliance with these covenants.

 

3 

The Company has an unsecured committed revolving credit facility available for an amount of $1,500,000,000 that expires in December 2022. This facility bears interest at bankers’ acceptance, LIBOR or Canadian prime, plus a variable margin that is determined based on the Company’s leverage ratio. As at September 30, 2018, an amount of $120,000,000 was drawn upon this facility at Canadian prime with no margin at a weighted average interest rate of 3.70% and $74,795,000 at banker’s acceptance with a margin of 1.00% and a weighted average interest rate of 1.85%. Also, an amount of $9,610,000 has been committed against this facility to cover various letters of credit issued for clients and other parties. On November 6, 2018, the facility was extended by one year to December 2023 and can be further extended. There were no material changes in the terms and conditions including interest rates and banking covenants. The unsecured committed revolving credit facility contains covenants that require the Company to maintain certain financial ratios (Note 32). As at September 30, 2018, the Company was in compliance with these covenants.

Principal repayments on long-term debt, excluding fair value hedges, obligations under finance leases and financing fees, over the forthcoming years are as follows:

 

      $  

  Less than one year

     336,200  

  Between one and two years

     75,374  

  Between two and five years

     918,354  

  Beyond five years

     453,789  

  Total principal repayments on long-term debt

     1,783,717  

Minimum finance lease payments are as follows:

 

        Principal        Interest        Payment  
       $        $        $  

  Less than one year

       12,380          529          12,909  

  Between one and two years

       9,686          319          10,005  

  Between two and five years

       7,843          219          8,062  

  Total minimum finance lease payments

       29,909          1,067          30,976  

 

92


FISCAL 2018 RESULTS

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017

(tabular amounts only are in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share data)

    

  LOGO

 

14.

Other long-term liabilities

 

      As at
September 30, 2018
    As at
September 30, 2017
 
     $     $  

  Deferred revenue

     86,272       112,244  

  Deferred compensation plan liabilities (Note 16)

     58,197       48,379  

  Deferred rent

     47,325       39,554  

  Other

     13,852       13,259  
       205,646       213,436  

 

15.

Income taxes

 

     Year ended September 30  
      2018        2017  
     $        $  

  Current income tax expense

       

 Current income tax expense in respect of the current year

     386,773          337,331  

 Current income tax expense relating to changes in tax laws

     11,400           

 Adjustments recognized in the current year in relation to the income tax expense of prior years

     (8,357        (15,526

  Total current income tax expense

     389,816          321,805  

  Deferred income tax expense

       

 Deferred income tax expense relating to the origination and reversal of temporary differences

     2,617          70,641  

 Deferred income tax expense relating to changes in tax rates

     (42,437        2,575  

 Adjustments recognized in the current year in relation to the deferred income tax expense of prior years

              2,115  

 Recognition of previously unrecognized temporary differences

     (1,418        (14,434

  Total deferred income tax expense

     (41,238        60,897  

  Total income tax expense

     348,578          382,702  

The Company’s effective income tax rate differs from the combined Federal and Provincial Canadian statutory tax rate as follows:

 

     Year ended September 30  
      2018      2017  
     %      %  

  Company’s statutory tax rate

     26.7        26.8  

  Effect of foreign tax rate differences

     (1.3      1.3  

  Final determination from agreements with tax authorities and expirations of statutes of limitations

     (0.8      (0.9

  Non-deductible and tax exempt items

     (0.2      (0.3

  Recognition of previously unrecognized temporary differences

     0.2        (1.0

  Minimum income tax charge

     0.9        0.9  

  Changes in tax laws and rates

     (2.1      0.2  

  Effective income tax rate

     23.4        27.0  

 

93


CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017

(tabular amounts only are in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share data)

    

 

15.

Income taxes (continued)

 

The continuity schedule of deferred tax balances is as follows:

 

      As at
September
30, 2017
    Additions from
business
acquisitions
    Recognized
in earnings
    Recognized
in other
comprehensive
income
    Recognized
in equity
    Foreign currency
translation
adjustment and
other
    As at
September
30, 2018
 
     $     $     $     $     $     $     $  

  Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities

     82,697       (1,619     (2,795                 (106     78,177  

  Tax benefits on losses carried forward

     78,893       589       (18,141                 1,074       62,415  

  Accrued compensation

     40,830             (4,770           (1,959     786       34,887  

  Retirement benefits obligations

     34,162             (1,286     (7,911           453       25,418  

  Allowance for doubtful accounts

     323             (562                 (21     (260

  PP&E, contract costs, intangible assets and other long-term assets

     (134,083     (8,216     39,646                   (3,554     (106,207

  Work in progress

     (80,898           23,253                   (1,497     (59,142

  Goodwill

     (60,668           8,055                   (1,278     (53,891

  Refundable tax credits on salaries

     (29,785           3,283                         (26,502

  Cash flow hedges

     (2,355           (39     14,618             174       12,398  

  Other

     3,971             (5,406     675             122       (638

  Deferred taxes, net

     (66,913     (9,246     41,238       7,382       (1,959     (3,847     (33,345
      As at
September
30, 2016
    Additions from
business
acquisitions
    Recognized
in earnings
   

Recognized

in other
comprehensive
income

    Recognized
in equity
    Foreign currency
translation
adjustment and
other
    As at
September
30, 2017
 
     $     $     $     $     $     $     $  

Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities

     81,092             4,339                   (2,734     82,697  

Tax benefits on losses carried forward

     134,725       990       (54,545                 (2,277     78,893  

Accrued compensation

     41,780             5,274             (4,876     (1,348     40,830  

Retirement benefits obligations

     41,265             (2,876     (3,822           (405     34,162  

Allowance for doubtful accounts

     598             (275                       323  

PP&E, contract costs, intangible assets and other long-term assets

     (136,663     (4,116     4,217                   2,479       (134,083

Work in progress

     (79,550           (4,836                 3,488       (80,898

Goodwill

     (56,050           (7,117                 2,499       (60,668

Refundable tax credits on salaries

     (22,216           (7,569                       (29,785

Cash flow hedges

     (9,035           140       6,277             263       (2,355

Other

     373             2,351       1,629             (382     3,971  

Deferred taxes, net

     (3,681     (3,126     (60,897     4,084       (4,876     1,583       (66,913

The deferred tax balances are presented as follows in the consolidated balance sheets:

 

      As at
September 30, 2018
    As at
September 30, 2017
 
     $     $  

Deferred tax assets

     139,664       146,602  

Deferred tax liabilities

     (173,009     (213,515
       (33,345     (66,913

 

94


FISCAL 2018 RESULTS

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017

(tabular amounts only are in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share data)

    

  LOGO

 

15.

Income taxes (continued)

 

On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted a tax reform which includes several measures such as a reduction of corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, effective on January 1, 2018, and a one-time repatriation tax on earnings held by foreign subsidiaries. In addition to the U.S. tax reform, the government of France enacted a temporary corporate surtax for the current year and a tax rate reduction was enacted by the government of Belgium. As such, during the year ended September 30, 2018, the Company recorded a net income tax recovery of $34,100,000 resulting from the re-evaluation of its deferred tax assets and liabilities of $45,500,000 partially offset by an income tax expense of $11,400,000 in relation to the U.S. repatriation tax.

As at September 30, 2018, the Company had $387,684,000 ($454,027,000 as at September 30, 2017) in operating tax losses carried forward, of which $53,382,000 ($41,205,000 as at September 30, 2017) expire at various dates up to 2038 and $334,302,000 ($412,822,000 as at September 30, 2017) have no expiry dates. The Company recognized a deferred tax asset of $80,135,000 ($95,491,000 as at September 30, 2017) on the losses carried forward and recognized a valuation allowance of $22,091,000 ($21,218,000 as at September 30, 2017). The resulting net deferred tax asset of $58,044,000 ($74,273,000 as at September 30, 2017) is the amount that is more likely than not to be realized, based on deferred tax liabilities reversal and future taxable profits. The unrecognized losses amounted to $97,440,000 ($89,954,000 as at September 30, 2017).

As at September 30, 2018, the Company had $497,277,000 ($658,734,000 as at September 30, 2017) in non-operating tax losses carried forward that have no expiry dates. The Company recognized a deferred tax asset of $87,801,000 ($110,862,000 as at September 30, 2017) on the losses carried forward and recognized a valuation allowance of $83,430,000 ($106,242,000 as at September 30, 2017). The resulting net deferred tax asset of $4,371,000 ($4,620,000 as at September 30, 2017) is the amount that is more likely than not to be realized, based on deferred tax liabilities reversal and future taxable profits. The unrecognized losses amounted to $479,031,000 ($640,246,000 as at September 30, 2017).

As at September 30, 2018, the Company had $142,414,000 ($126,389,000 as at September 30, 2017) of cash and cash equivalents held by foreign subsidiaries. The tax implications of the repatriation of cash and cash equivalents not considered indefinitely reinvested have been accounted for and will not materially affect the Company’s liquidity. In addition, the Company has not recorded deferred tax liabilities on undistributed earnings of $3,605,464,000 ($2,779,924,000 as at September 30, 2017) coming from its foreign subsidiaries as they are considered indefinitely reinvested. Upon distribution of these earnings in the form of dividends or otherwise, the Company may be subject to taxation.

 

16.

Employee benefits

The Company operates various post-employment plans, including defined benefit and defined contribution pension plans as well as other benefit plans for its employees.

DEFINED BENEFIT PLANS

The Company operates defined benefit pension plans primarily for the benefit of employees in the U.K., Germany and France, with smaller plans in other countries. The benefits are based on pensionable salary and years of service. The U.K. and Germany plans are funded with assets held in separate funds. The France plan is unfunded.

The defined benefit plans expose the Company to interest risk, inflation risk, longevity risk, currency risk and market investment risk.

 

95


CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017

(tabular amounts only are in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share data)

    

 

16.

Employee benefits (continued)

DEFINED BENEFIT PLANS (CONTINUED)

 

The following description focuses mainly on plans registered in the U.K., Germany and France:

U.K.

In the U.K., the Company has three defined benefit pension plans, the CMG U.K. Pension Scheme, the Logica U.K. Pension & Life Assurance Scheme and the Logica Defined Benefit Pension Plan.

The CMG U.K. Pension Scheme is closed to new members and is closed to further accrual of rights for existing members. The Logica U.K. Pension & Life Assurance Scheme is still open but only for employees who come from the civil service with protected pensions. The Logica Defined Benefit Pension Plan was created to mirror the Electricity Supply Pension Scheme and was created for employees that worked for National Grid and Welsh Water with protected benefits.

Both the Logica U.K. Pension & Life Assurance Scheme and the Logica Defined Benefit Pension Plan are employer and employee based contribution plans.

The trustees are the custodians of the defined benefit pension plans and are responsible for the plan administration, including investment strategies. The trustees review periodically the investment and the asset allocation policies. As such, the CMG U.K. Pension Scheme policy is to target an allocation of 33% to return-seeking assets such as equities and 67% towards a mixture of assets such as bonds and liability-driven investments such as investment funds; the Logica U.K. Pension & Life Assurance Scheme policy is to invest 20% of the scheme assets in equities and 80% in bonds; and the Logica Defined Benefit Pension Plan policy is to invest 30% of the plan assets in equities and 70% in bonds.

The U.K. Pensions Act 2004 requires that full formal actuarial valuations are carried out at least every three years to determine the contributions that the Company should pay in order for the plan to meet its statutory objective, taking into account the assets already held. In the interim years, the trustees need to obtain estimated funding updates unless the scheme has less than 100 members in total.

The latest funding actuarial valuations of the three defined benefit pension plans described above are being performed as at September 2018 and the results are expected to be available by the end of the 2019 calendar year. In the meantime, in line with the last funding actuarial valuations, the Company continues to contribute to the CMG U.K. Pension Scheme and to the Logica Defined Benefit Pension plan with quarterly payments of $3,867,000 and monthly payments of $155,000 respectively to ensure that their funding objectives are met and quarterly payments of $304,000 and monthly payments of $10,000 respectively to cover administration expenses.

Germany

In Germany, the Company has numerous defined benefit pension plans which are all closed to new members. In the majority of the plans, upon retirement of employees, the benefits are in the form of a monthly pension and in a few plans, the employees receive an indemnity in the form of a lump-sum payment. About one third of the plans are bound by the former Works Council agreements. There are no mandatory funding requirements. The plans are funded by the contributions made by the Company. In some plans, insurance policies are taken out to fund retirement benefit plans. These do not qualify as plan assets and are presented as reimbursement rights, unless they are part of a reinsured support fund or are pledged to the employees.

France

In France, the retirement indemnities are provided in accordance with the Labour Code. Upon retirement, employees receive an indemnity, depending on the salary and seniority in the Company, in the form of a lump-sum payment.

 

96


 

FISCAL 2018 RESULTS

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017

(tabular amounts only are in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share data)

  LOGO

 

16.

Employee benefits (continued)

DEFINED BENEFIT PLANS (CONTINUED)

 

The following tables present amounts for post-employment benefits plans included in the consolidated balance sheets:

 

  As at September 30, 2018    U.K.        Germany        France        Other        Total  
     $        $        $        $        $  

Defined benefit obligations

     (760,244        (89,959        (55,276        (58,594        (964,073

Fair value of plan assets

     787,550          13,250                   21,421          822,221  
     27,306          (76,709        (55,276        (37,173        (141,852

Fair value of reimbursement rights

              23,170                   1,482          24,652  

Net asset (liability) recognized in the balance sheet

     27,306          (53,539        (55,276        (35,691        (117,200

Presented as:

                      

Other long-term assets (Note 9)

                      

Insurance contracts held to fund defined benefit pension and life assurance arrangements - reimbursement rights

              23,170                   1,482          24,652  

Retirement benefits assets

     27,306                            176          27,482  

Retirement benefits obligations

              (76,709        (55,276        (37,349        (169,334
       27,306          (53,539        (55,276        (35,691        (117,200
  As at September 30, 2017    U.K.        Germany        France        Other        Total  
     $        $        $        $        $  

Defined benefit obligations

     (792,216        (87,995        (52,546        (58,933        (991,690

Fair value of plan assets

     763,859          12,088                   25,074          801,021  
     (28,357        (75,907        (52,546        (33,859        (190,669

Fair value of reimbursement rights

              22,863                   1,082          23,945  

Net liability recognized in the balance sheet

     (28,357        (53,044        (52,546        (32,777        (166,724

Presented as:

                      

Other long-term assets (Note 9)

                      

Insurance contracts held to fund defined benefit pension and life assurance arrangements - reimbursement rights

              22,863                   1,082          23,945  

Retirement benefits assets

     11,316                            307          11,623  

Retirement benefits obligations

     (39,673        (75,907        (52,546        (34,166        (202,292
       (28,357        (53,044        (52,546        (32,777        (166,724

 

97


CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017

(tabular amounts only are in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share data)

    

 

16.

Employee benefits (continued)

DEFINED BENEFIT PLANS (CONTINUED)

 

  Defined benefit obligations    U.K.        Germany        France        Other        Total  
     $        $        $        $        $  

As at September 30, 2017

     792,216          87,995          52,546          58,933          991,690  

Current service cost

     1,383          741          4,536          5,081          11,741  

Interest cost

     21,492          1,557          950          2,983          26,982  

Past service cost

                                2,166          2,166  

Actuarial (gains) losses due to change in financial assumptions1

     (28,091        242          328          (3,977        (31,498

Actuarial gains due to change in demographic assumptions1

     (3,853                 (4,637        (357        (8,847

Actuarial losses due to experience1

     3,116          541          1,206          3,504          8,367  

Plan participant contributions

     192                                     192  

Benefits paid from the plan

     (31,907        (171                 (5,267        (37,345

Benefits paid directly by employer

              (2,611        (507        (834        (3,952

Foreign currency translation adjustment1

     5,696          1,665          854          (3,638        4,577  

As at September 30, 2018

     760,244          89,959          55,276          58,594          964,073  

Defined benefit obligations of unfunded plans

                       55,276          32,749          88,025  

Defined benefit obligations of funded plans

     760,244          89,959                   25,845          876,048  

As at September 30, 2018

     760,244          89,959          55,276          58,594          964,073  
  Defined benefit obligations    U.K.        Germany        France        Other        Total  
     $        $        $        $        $  

As at September 30, 2016

     814,156          97,392          58,565          60,041          1,030,154  

Obligations extinguished on settlements

                                (1,029        (1,029

Current service cost

     1,552          878          4,906          4,735          12,071  

Interest cost

     18,147          982          599          2,778          22,506  

Actuarial gains due to change in financial assumptions1

     (22,195        (9,055        (8,625        (1,884        (41,759

Actuarial gains due to change in demographic assumptions1

     (12,043                 (2,395        (626        (15,064

Actuarial losses (gains) due to experience1

     25,041          422          (209        339          25,593  

Plan participant contributions

     113                                     113  

Benefits paid from the plan

     (18,065        (1,033                 (3,377        (22,475

Benefits paid directly by employer

              (1,634        (305        (708        (2,647

Foreign currency translation adjustment1

     (14,490        43          10          (1,336        (15,773

As at September 30, 2017

     792,216          87,995          52,546          58,933          991,690  

Defined benefit obligations of unfunded plans

                       52,546          33,353          85,899  

Defined benefit obligations of funded plans

     792,216          87,995                   25,580          905,791  

As at September 30, 2017

     792,216          87,995          52,546          58,933          991,690  

 

1 

Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income.

 

98


 

FISCAL 2018 RESULTS

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017

(tabular amounts only are in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share data)

  LOGO

 

16.

Employee benefits (continued)

DEFINED BENEFIT PLANS (CONTINUED)

 

  Plan assets and reimbursement rights    U.K.        Germany        France        Other        Total  
     $        $        $        $        $  

As at September 30, 2017

     763,859          34,951                   26,156          824,966  

Interest income on plan assets

     20,915          626                   1,824          23,365  

Employer contributions

     20,152          2,283          507          1,145          24,087  

Return on assets excluding interest income1

     12,981          226                   1,826          15,033  

Plan participants contributions

     192                                     192  

Benefits paid from the plan

     (31,907        (171                 (5,267        (37,345

Benefits paid directly by employer

              (2,611        (507        (834        (3,952

Administration expenses paid from the plan

     (1,964                          (173        (2,137

Foreign currency translation adjustment1

     3,322          1,116                   (1,774        2,664  

As at September 30, 2018

     787,550          36,420                   22,903          846,873  

Plan assets

     787,550          13,250                   21,421          822,221  

Reimbursement rights

              23,170                   1,482          24,652  

As at September 30, 2018

     787,550          36,420                   22,903          846,873  
  Plan assets and reimbursement rights    U.K.        Germany        France        Other        Total  
     $        $        $        $        $  

As at September 30, 2016

     792,665          35,672                   18,741          847,078  

Assets distributed on settlements

                                (449        (449

Interest income on plan assets

     17,628          364                   1,157          19,149  

Employer contributions

     17,651          1,411          305          11,482          30,849  

Return on assets excluding interest income1

     (29,635        380                   532          (28,723

Plan participants contributions

     113                                     113  

Benefits paid from the plan

     (18,065        (1,033                 (3,377        (22,475

Benefits paid directly by employer

              (1,634        (305        (708        (2,647

Administration expenses paid from the plan

     (2,108                          (113        (2,221

Foreign currency translation adjustment1

     (14,390        (209                 (1,109        (15,708

As at September 30, 2017

     763,859          34,951                   26,156          824,966  

Plan assets

     763,859          12,088                   25,074          801,021  

Reimbursement rights

              22,863                   1,082          23,945  

As at September 30, 2017

     763,859          34,951                   26,156          824,966  

 

1 

Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income.

 

99


CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017

(tabular amounts only are in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share data)

    

 

16.

Employee benefits (continued)

DEFINED BENEFIT PLANS (CONTINUED)

 

The plan assets at the end of the years consist of:

 

  As at September 30, 2018    U.K.        Germany        France        Other        Total  
     $        $        $        $        $  

Quoted equities

     339,915                                     339,915  

Quoted bonds

     198,541                            79          198,620  

Property

     34,399                                     34,399  

Cash

     17,178                            107          17,285  

Other1

     197,517          13,250                   21,235          232,002  
       787,550          13,250                   21,421          822,221  
  As at September 30, 2017    U.K.        Germany        France        Other        Total  
     $        $        $        $        $  

Quoted equities

     233,871                                     233,871  

Quoted bonds

     183,729                            123          183,852  

Property

     32,353                                     32,353  

Cash

     75,044                            51          75,095  

Other1

     238,862          12,088                   24,900          275,850  
       763,859          12,088                   25,074          801,021  

 

1 

Other is mainly composed of various insurance policies and quoted investment funds to cover some of the defined benefit obligations.

Plan assets do not include any shares of the Company, property occupied by the Company or any other assets used by the Company.

The following table summarizes the expense1 recognized in the consolidated statements of earnings:

 

     Year ended September 30  
      2018        2017  
     $        $  

Current service cost

     11,741          12,071  

Settlement gain

              (580

Past service cost

     2,166           

Net interest on net defined benefit obligations or assets

     3,617          3,357  

Administration expenses

     2,137          2,221  
       19,661          17,069  

 

1 

The expense was presented as costs of services, selling and administrative for an amount of $13,907,000 and as net finance costs for an amount of $5,754,000 (Note 25) ($11,491,000 and $5,578,000, respectively for the year ended September 30, 2017).

 

100


 

FISCAL 2018 RESULTS

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017

(tabular amounts only are in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share data)

  LOGO

 

16.

Employee benefits (continued)

DEFINED BENEFIT PLANS (CONTINUED)

 

Actuarial assumptions

The following are the principal actuarial assumptions (expressed as weighted averages). The assumed discount rates, future salary and pension increases, inflation rates and mortality all have a significant effect on the accounting valuation.

 

  As at September 30, 2018      U.K.        Germany        France        Other  
       %        %        %        %  

Discount rate

       2.83          1.73          1.73          4.76  

 

Future salary increases

       3.40          2.50          3.29          1.30  

 

Future pension increases

       3.32          1.50                    

 

Inflation rate

       3.40          2.00          2.00          2.78  
  As at September 30, 2017      U.K.        Germany        France        Other  
       %        %        %        %  

Discount rate

       2.69          1.75          1.75          4.50  

 

Future salary increases

       3.48          2.50          2.86          1.96  

 

Future pension increases

       3.38          1.50                    

 

Inflation rate

       3.48          2.00          2.00          2.85  

 

The average longevity over 65 of a member presently at age 45 and 65 are as follows:

 

 
  As at September 30, 2018                          U.K.        Germany  
                         (in years)  

Longevity at age 65 for current members

                   

Males

                 21.9          20.0  

Females

                 23.8          24.0  

Longevity at age 45 for current members

                   

Males

                 23.3          22.0  

Females

                             25.4          26.0  
  As at September 30, 2017                          U.K.        Germany  
                         (in years)  

Longevity at age 65 for current members

                   

Males

                 22.1          20.0  

Females

                 23.9          24.0  

Longevity at age 45 for current members

                   

Males

                 23.5          22.0  

Females

                             25.4          26.0  

 

101


CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017

(tabular amounts only are in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share data)

    

 

16.

Employee benefits (continued)

DEFINED BENEFIT PLANS (CONTINUED)

Actuarial assumptions (continued)

 

Assumptions regarding future mortality are set based on actuarial advice in accordance with published statistics and experience in each country. Mortality assumptions for the most significant countries are based on the following post-retirement mortality tables for the year ended September 30, 2018: (1) U.K.: 100% S2PxA (year of birth) plus CMI_2017 projections with 1.25% p.a. minimum long term improvement rate, (2) Germany: Heubeck RT2005G and (3) France: INSEE TVTD 2011-2013.

The following tables show the sensitivity of the defined benefit obligations to changes in the principal actuarial assumptions:

 

  As at September 30, 2018      U.K.        Germany        France  
       $        $        $  

Increase of 0.25% in the discount rate

       (32,877        (2,870        (1,998

 

Decrease of 0.25% in the discount rate

       34,433          3,024          2,098  

 

Salary increase of 0.25%

       478          53          2,130  

 

Salary decrease of 0.25%

       (472        (51        (2,037

 

Pension increase of 0.25%

       16,567          1,330           

 

Pension decrease of 0.25%

       (16,157        (1,276         

 

Increase of 0.25% in inflation rate

       26,313          1,330          2,130  

 

Decrease of 0.25% in inflation rate

       (24,808        (1,276        (2,037

 

Increase of one year in life expectancy

       18,676          2,501          377  

 

Decrease of one year in life expectancy

       (18,590        (2,237        (400
  As at September 30, 2017      U.K.        Germany        France  
       $        $        $  

Increase of 0.25% in the discount rate

       (34,430        (2,922        (2,065

 

Decrease of 0.25% in the discount rate

       36,668          3,081          2,174  

 

Salary increase of 0.25%

       582          56          2,208  

 

Salary decrease of 0.25%

       (575        (55        (2,105

 

Pension increase of 0.25%

       17,169          1,338           

 

Pension decrease of 0.25%

       (16,347        (1,282         

 

Increase of 0.25% in inflation rate

       27,484          1,338          2,208  

 

Decrease of 0.25% in inflation rate

       (26,022        (1,282        (2,105

 

Increase of one year in life expectancy

       22,051          2,442          378  

 

Decrease of one year in life expectancy

       (21,965        (2,186        (407

The sensitivity analysis above has been based on a method that extrapolates the impact on the defined benefit obligations as a result of reasonable changes in key assumptions occurring at the end of the year.

The weighted average duration of the defined benefit obligations are as follows:

 

       Year ended September 30  
             2018      2017  
                       (in years)  

U.K.

       18        19  

Germany

       14        14  

France

       15        16  

Other

       11        11  

 

102


 

FISCAL 2018 RESULTS

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017

(tabular amounts only are in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share data)

  LOGO

 

16.

Employee benefits (continued)

DEFINED BENEFIT PLANS (CONTINUED)

 

The Company expects to contribute $24,243,000 to defined benefit plans during the next year, of which $20,151,000 relates to the U.K. plans, and $4,092,000 relates to the other plans. The contributions will include funding payments and new benefit accruals.

DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLANS

The Company also operates defined contribution pension plans. In some countries, contributions are made into the state pension plans. The pension cost for defined contribution plans amounted to $233,376,000 in 2018 ($234,122,000 in 2017).

In addition, in Sweden, the Company contributes to a multi-employer plan, Alecta SE (Alecta) pension plan, which is a defined benefit pension plan. This pension plan is classified as a defined contribution plan as sufficient information is not available to use defined benefit accounting. Alecta lacks the possibility of establishing an exact distribution of assets and provisions to the respective employers. The Company’s proportion of the total contributions to the plan is 0.81% and the Company’s proportion of the total number of active members in the plan is 0.53%.

Alecta uses a collective funding ratio to determine the surplus or deficit in the pension plan. Any surplus or deficit in the plan will affect the amount of future contributions payable. The collective funding is the difference between Alecta’s assets and the commitments to the policy holders and insured individuals. The collective solvency is normally allowed to vary between 125% and 175%. As at September 30, 2018, Alecta collective funding ratio was 159% (158% in 2017). The plan expense was $36,645,000 in 2018 ($34,208,000 in 2017). The Company expects to contribute $28,575,000 to the plan during the next year.

OTHER BENEFIT PLANS

The Company maintains deferred compensation plans covering some of its U.S. and German management. Some of the plans include assets that will be used to fund the liabilities. As at September 30, 2018, the deferred compensation liability totaled $58,197,000 ($48,379,000 as at September 30, 2017) (Note 14) and the deferred compensation assets totaled $56,900,000 ($46,906,000 as at September 30, 2017) (Note 10).

For the deferred compensation plan in the U.S., a trust was established so that the plan assets could be segregated; however, the assets are subject to the Company’s general creditors in the case of bankruptcy. The assets composed of investments vary with employees’ contributions and changes in the value of the investments. The change in liabilities associated with the plan is equal to the change of the assets. The assets in the trust and the associated liabilities totaled $56,642,000 as at September 30, 2018 ($46,480,000 as at September 30, 2017).

 

103


CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017

(tabular amounts only are in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share data)

    

 

17.

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

     

As at

September 30, 2018

    

As at

September 30, 2017

 
     $      $  

Items that will be reclassified subsequently to net earnings:

     

 

Net unrealized gains on translating financial statements of foreign operations, net of accumulated income tax expense of $72,054 as at September 30, 2018 ($65,850 as at September 30, 2017)

     759,015        695,591  

 

Net losses on derivative financial instruments and on translating long-term debt designated as hedges of net investments in foreign operations, net of accumulated income tax recovery of $73,502 as at September 30, 2018 ($69,296 as at September 30, 2017)

     (479,400      (453,690

 

Net unrealized (losses) gains on cash flow hedges, net of accumulated income tax recovery of $12,286 as at September 30, 2018 (net of accumulated tax expense of $2,332 as at September 30, 2017)

     (26,786      1,670  

 

Net unrealized losses on available-for-sale investments, net of accumulated income tax recovery of $734 as at September 30, 2018 ($178 as at September 30, 2017)

     (2,616      (562

 

Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to net earnings:

     

 

Net remeasurement losses on defined benefit plans, net of accumulated income tax recovery of $13,021 as at September 30, 2018 ($20,933 as at September 30, 2017)

     (48,617      (83,618
       201,596        159,391  

For the year ended September 30, 2018, $145,000 of the net unrealized gains previously recognized in other comprehensive For the year ended September 30, 2018, $145,000 of the net unrealized gains previously recognized in other comprehensive income, net of income tax expense of $694,000, were reclassified to net earnings for derivative financial instruments designated income, net of income tax expense of $694,000, were reclassified to net earnings for derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges ($15,425,000 of the net unrealized gains net of income tax expense of $9,534,000 for the year ended as cash flow hedges ($15,425,000 of the net unrealized gains net of income tax expense of $9,534,000 for the year ended September 30, 2017).

 

18.

Capital stock

The Company’s authorized share capital is comprised of an unlimited number, all without par value, of:

 

 

First preferred shares, issuable in series, carrying one vote per share, each series ranking equal with other series, but prior to second preferred shares, Class A subordinate voting shares and Class B multiple voting shares with respect to prior to second preferred shares, Class A subordinate voting shares and Class B multiple voting shares with respect to the payment of dividends; the payment of dividends;

 

 

Second preferred shares, issuable in series, non-voting, each series ranking equal with other series, but prior to Class A subordinate voting shares and Class B multiple voting shares with respect to the payment of dividends; A subordinate voting shares and Class B multiple voting shares with respect to the payment of dividends;

 

 

Class A subordinate voting shares, carrying one vote per share, participating equally with Class B multiple voting shares with respect to the payment of dividends and convertible into Class B multiple voting shares under certain conditions in with respect to the payment of dividends and convertible into Class B multiple voting shares under certain conditions in the event of certain takeover bids on Class B multiple voting shares; and the event of certain takeover bids on Class B multiple voting shares; and

 

 

Class B multiple voting shares, carrying ten votes per share, participating equally with Class A subordinate voting shares with respect to the payment of dividends and convertible at any time at the option of the holder into Class A subordinate with respect to the payment of dividends and convertible at any time at the option of the holder into Class A subordinate voting shares. voting shares.

 

104


FISCAL 2018 RESULTS

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017

(tabular amounts only are in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share data)

    

  LOGO

 

18.

Capital stock (continued)

 

For the fiscal years 2018 and 2017, the number of issued and outstanding Class A subordinate voting shares and Class B multiple voting shares varied as follows:

 

      Class A subordinate voting shares      Class B multiple voting shares              Total  
      Number      Carrying value      Number      Carrying value      Number      Carrying value  
            $             $             $  

As at September 30, 2016

     271,956,913        2,148,898        32,852,748        45,833        304,809,661        2,194,731  

 

Issued upon exercise of stock options1

     2,079,150        60,943                      2,079,150        60,943  

 

PSUs exercised2

            23,666                             23,666  

 

Purchased and cancelled3

     (19,929,268      (227,060                    (19,929,268      (227,060

 

Shares held in trust resold4

            2,445                             2,445  

As at September 30, 2017

     254,106,795        2,008,892        32,852,748        45,833        286,959,543        2,054,725  

 

Issued upon exercise of stock options1

     2,737,156        94,552                      2,737,156        94,552  

 

PSUs exercised2

            7,439                             7,439  

 

Purchased and cancelled3

     (10,325,879      (113,437                    (10,325,879      (113,437

 

Purchased and not cancelled3

            (402                           (402

 

Purchased and held in trusts4

            (24,789                           (24,789

 

Shares held in trusts resold4

            504                             504  

 

Conversion of shares5

     3,907,042        5,451        (3,907,042      (5,451              

As at September 30, 2018

     250,425,114        1,978,210        28,945,706        40,382        279,370,820        2,018,592  

 

1 

The carrying value of Class A subordinate voting shares includes $17,340,000 ($11,169,000 for the year ended September 30, 2017), which corresponds to a reduction in contributed surplus representing the value of accumulated compensation costs associated with the stock options exercised during the year.

 

2 

During the year ended September 30, 2018, 172,068 PSUs were exercised (659,640 during the year ended September 30, 2017) with a recorded value of $7,439,000 ($23,666,000 during the year ended September 30, 2017) that was removed from contributed surplus. As at September 30, 2018, 661,179 Class A subordinate voting shares were held in trusts under the PSU plans (468,668 as at September 30, 2017).

 

3 

On January 31, 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized and subsequently received the regulatory approval for the renewal of the Normal Course Issuer Bid (NCIB) for the purchase for cancellation of up to 20,595,539 Class A subordinate voting shares on the open market through the TSX, the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and/or alternative trading systems or otherwise pursuant to exemption orders issued by securities regulators. The Class A subordinate voting shares are available for purchase for cancellation commencing February 6, 2018, until no later than February 5, 2019, or on such earlier date when the Company has either acquired the maximum number or elects to terminate the bid.

 

    

During the year ended September 30, 2018, the Company purchased for cancellation 3,510,700 Class A subordinate voting shares (15,074,900 during the year ended September 30, 2017) under the current NCIB for a cash consideration of $293,671,000 ($946,664,000 during the year ended September 30, 2017) and the excess of the purchase price over the carrying value in the amount of $265,563,000 ($823,450,000 during the year ended September 30, 2017) was charged to retained earnings. Of the purchased Class A subordinate voting shares, 50,000 Class A subordinate voting shares with a carrying value of $402,000 and a purchase value of $4,180,000 were held by the Company and were paid and cancelled subsequent to September 30, 2018.

 

    

During the year ended September 30, 2018, the Company also purchased for cancellation 3,634,729 Class A subordinate voting shares (4,854,368 during the year ended September 30, 2017) from the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec for a cash consideration of $272,842,000 ($300,000,000 during the year ended September 30, 2017). The excess of the purchase price over the carrying value in the amount of $195,062,000 ($196,154,000 during the year ended September 30, 2017) was charged to retained earnings. The purchase is considered within the annual aggregate limit that the Company is entitled to purchase under its current NCIB.

 

    

In addition, on February 26, 2018, the Company entered into a private agreement with a related party, the Founder and Executive Chairman of the Board of the Company, to purchase for cancellation 3,230,450 Class A subordinate voting shares for a cash consideration of $231,443,000 excluding transaction costs of $300,000. The excess of the purchase price over the carrying value in the amount of $223,792,000 was charged to retained earnings. The transaction was recommended by an independent committee of the Board of Directors of the Company following the receipt of an external opinion regarding the reasonableness of the terms of the transaction. A favourable decision was obtained from the Quebec securities regulator to exempt the Company from the issuer bid requirements. The purchase is considered within the annual aggregate limit that the Company is entitled to purchase under its current NCIB.

 

4 

During the year ended September 30, 2018, the trustees, in accordance with the terms of the PSU plans and Trust Agreements, purchased 372,290 Class A subordinate voting shares of the Company on the open market for a cash consideration of $24,789,000. During the year ended September 30, 2018, the trustees resold 7,711 Class A subordinate voting shares that were held in trusts on the open market in accordance with the terms of the PSU plans (64,000 during the year ended September 30, 2017). The excess of proceeds over the carrying value of the Class A subordinate voting shares, in the amount of $24,000 ($1,601,000 during the year ended September 30, 2017), resulted in an increase of contributed surplus.

 

5 

On February 26, 2018, the Founder and Executive Chairman of the Board of the Company converted a total of 3,031,383 Class B multiple voting shares into 3,031,383 Class A subordinate voting shares. In addition, on May 9, 2018, the Founder and Advisor to the Executive Chairman of the Board of the Company, also a related party of the Company, converted a total of 875,659 Class B multiple voting shares into 875,659 Class A subordinate voting shares.

 

105


CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017

(tabular amounts only are in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share data)

    

 

19.

Share-based payments

 

a)

Stock options

Under the Company’s stock option plan, the Board of Directors may grant, at its discretion, stock options to purchase Class A subordinate voting shares to certain employees, officers and directors of the Company and its subsidiaries. The exercise price is established by the Board of Directors and is equal to the closing price of the Class A subordinate voting shares on the TSX on the day preceding the date of the grant. Stock options generally vest over four years from the date of grant conditionally upon achievement of performance objectives and must be exercised within a ten-year period, except in the event of retirement, termination of employment or death. As at September 30, 2018, 27,823,966 Class A subordinate voting shares were reserved for issuance under the stock option plan.

The following table presents information concerning the outstanding stock options granted by the Company:

 

             2018             2017  
      Number of options     Weighted
average exercise
price per share
     Number of options     Weighted
average exercise
price per share
 
           $            $  

  Outstanding, beginning of year

     15,237,883       44.70        16,623,619       39.40  

 

  Granted

     1,944,829       83.94        2,961,866       63.22  

 

  Exercised

     (2,737,156     28.19        (2,079,150     23.94  

 

  Forfeited

     (1,610,969     61.93        (2,267,952     49.12  

 

  Expired

     (3,761     28.13        (500     7.72  

  Outstanding, end of year

     12,830,826       52.01        15,237,883       44.70  

  Exercisable, end of year

     5,695,951       34.11        7,527,054       28.77  

The weighted average share price at the date of exercise for stock options exercised in 2018 was $74.01 ($64.49 in 2017).

The following table summarizes information about the outstanding stock options granted by the Company as at September 30, 2018:

 

              Options outstanding      Options exercisable  

Range of

exercise price

   Number of
options
     Weighted
average
remaining
contractual life
     Weighted
average
exercise price
     Number of
options
     Weighted
average
exercise price
 
$           (in years)      $             $  

9.31 to 13.26

     339,976        1.01        12.56        339,976        12.56  

 

14.48 to 15.96

     486,850        1.99        15.47        486,850        15.47  

 

19.28 to 21.31

     259,879        3.00        19.75        259,879        19.75  

 

23.65 to 30.79

     1,455,678        4.21        23.88        1,455,678        23.88  

 

34.68 to 38.79

     1,366,457        5.36        37.24        1,268,377        37.20  

 

39.47 to 47.36

     792,932        6.13        39.69        562,583        39.72  

 

47.81 to 56.69

     1,417,422        6.99        48.48        713,048        48.50  

 

57.21 to 63.72

     4,776,343        8.53        63.21        609,560        63.16  

 

67.04 to 85.62

     1,935,289        9.91        84.02                
       12,830,826        7.03        52.01        5,695,951        34.11  

 

106


 

FISCAL 2018 RESULTS

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017

(tabular amounts only are in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share data)

  LOGO

 

19.

Share-based payments (continued)

 

a)

Stock options (continued)

 

The weighted fair value of stock options granted in the year and the weighted average assumptions used in the calculation of their fair value on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model were as follows:

 

     Year ended September 30  
      2018        2017  

  Grant date fair value ($)

     16.45          13.03  

 

  Dividend yield (%)

     0.00          0.00  

 

  Expected volatility (%)1

     19.80          22.52  

 

  Risk-free interest rate (%)

     2.21          1.66  

 

  Expected life (years)

     4.00          4.00  

 

  Exercise price ($)

     83.94          63.22  

 

  Share price ($)

     83.94          63.22  

 

1 

Expected volatility was determined using statistical formulas and based on the weekly historical average of closing daily share prices over the period of the expected life of stock options.

 

b)

Performance share units

The Company operates two PSU plans with similar terms and conditions. Under both plans, the Board of Directors may grant PSUs to senior executives and other key employees (participants) which entitle them to receive one Class A subordinate voting share for each PSU. The vesting performance conditions are determined by the Board of Directors at the time of each grant. PSUs expire on the business day preceding December 31 of the third calendar year following the end of the fiscal year during which the PSU award was made, except in the event of retirement, termination of employment or death. Conditionally upon achievement of performance objectives, granted PSUs under the first plan vest annually over a period of four years from the date of the grant and granted PSUs under the second plan vest at the end of the four-year period.

Class A subordinate voting shares purchased in connection with the PSU plans are held in trusts for the benefit of the participants. The trusts, considered as structured entities, are consolidated in the Company’s consolidated financial statements with the cost of the purchased shares recorded as a reduction of capital stock (Note 18).

The following table presents information concerning the number of outstanding PSUs granted by the Company:

 

  Outstanding as at September 30, 2016

     1,192,308  

 

  Granted1

     221,000  

 

  Exercised (Note 18)

     (659,640

 

  Forfeited

     (285,000

  Outstanding as at September 30, 2017

     468,668  

 

  Granted1

     403,321  

 

  Exercised (Note 18)

     (172,068

 

  Forfeited

     (41,189

  Outstanding as at September 30, 2018

     658,732  

 

1 

The PSUs granted in 2018 had a grant date fair value of $64.75 per unit ($62.49 in 2017).

 

107


CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017

(tabular amounts only are in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share data)

    

 

19.

Share-based payments (continued)

 

c)

Share purchase plan

Under the share purchase plan, the Company contributes an amount equal to a percentage of the employee’s basic contribution, up to a maximum of 3.50%. An employee may make additional contributions in excess of the basic contribution. However, the Company does not match contributions in the case of such additional contributions. The employee and Company’s contributions are remitted to an independent plan administrator who purchases Class A subordinate voting shares on the open market on behalf of the employee through either the TSX or NYSE.

 

d)

Deferred share unit plan

External members of the Board of Directors (participants) are entitled to receive part or their entire retainer fee in DSUs. DSUs are granted with immediate vesting and must be exercised no later than December 15 of the calendar year immediately following the calendar year during which the participant ceases to act as a director. Each DSU entitles the holder to receive a cash payment equal to the closing price of Class A subordinate voting shares on the TSX on the payment date. As at September 30, 2018, the number of outstanding DSUs was 140,886 (136,246 DSUs as at September 30, 2017).

 

e)

Share-based payment costs

The share-based payment expense recorded in costs of services, selling and administrative is as follows:

 

     Year ended September 30  
      2018        2017  
     $        $  

  Stock options

     25,822          25,133  

  PSUs

     12,635          9,310  

  Share purchase plan

     106,770          97,729  

  DSUs

     2,918          2,075  
       148,145          134,247  

 

20.

Earnings per share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the years ended September 30:

 

                         2018                         2017  
     Net earnings        Weighted average
number of shares
outstanding1
       Earnings per
share
    Net earnings       

Weighted average
number of shares

outstanding1

       Earnings per
share
 
    $                 $     $                 $  

  Basic

    1,141,402          283,878,426          4.02     1,035,195          297,516,970          3.48  

  Net effect of dilutive stock options and PSUs

               4,980,154                             5,776,515             
      1,141,402          288,858,580          3.95       1,035,195          303,293,485          3.41  

 

1 

During the year ended September 30, 2018, 10,375,879 Class A subordinate voting shares purchased and 661,179 Class A subordinate voting shares held in trusts were excluded from the calculation of weighted average number of shares outstanding as of the date of transaction (19,929,268 and 468,668, respectively during the year ended September 30, 2017).

 

2 

The calculation of the diluted earnings per share excluded 1,935,289 stock options for the year ended September 30, 2018 (6,419,566 for the year ended September 30, 2017), as they were anti-dilutive.

 

108


FISCAL 2018 RESULTS

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017

(tabular amounts only are in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share data)

    

  LOGO

 

21.

Construction contracts in progress

Revenue from systems integration and consulting services under fixed-fee arrangements where the outcome of the arrangements can be estimated reliably is recognized using the percentage-of-completion method over the service period. The Company primarily uses labour costs or labour hours to measure the progress towards completion. If the outcome of an arrangement cannot be estimated reliably, revenue is recognized to the extent of arrangement costs incurred that are likely to be recoverable.

The status of the Company’s construction contracts still in progress at the end of the reporting period was as follows:

 

      As at
September 30, 2018
    As at
September 30, 2017
 
     $     $  

 

  Recognized as:

    

 

  Revenue in the respective year

     1,561,526       1,527,904  

 

  Recognized as:

    

 

  Amounts due from customers under construction contracts1

     310,924       278,792  

 

  Amounts due to customers under construction contracts

     (56,422     (56,068

 

1 

As at September 30, 2018, retentions held by customers for contract work in progress amounted to $11,541,000 ($11,971,000 as at September 30, 2017).

 

22.

Costs of services, selling and administrative

 

     Year ended September 30  
      2018        2017  
     $        $  

 

  Salaries and other member costs1

     6,846,585          6,412,607  

 

  Professional fees and other contracted labour

     1,369,420          1,273,944  

 

  Hardware, software and data center related costs

     829,655          843,400  

 

  Property costs

     307,496          320,755  

 

  Amortization and depreciation (Note 23)

     383,834          366,377  

 

  Other operating expenses

     64,801          40,576  
       9,801,791          9,257,659  

 

1 

Net of R&D and other tax credits of $182,493,000 in 2018 ($182,951,000 in 2017).

 

23.

Amortization and depreciation

 

     Year ended September 30  
      2018        2017  
     $        $  

 

  Depreciation of PP&E1 (Note 6)

     156,587          152,854  

 

  Amortization of intangible assets (Note 8)

     156,926          157,033  

 

  Amortization of contract costs related to transition costs

     70,321          56,490  

  Included in costs of services, selling and administrative (Note 22)

     383,834          366,377  

 

  Amortization of contract costs related to incentives (presented as a reduction of revenue)

     3,591          2,336  

 

  Amortization of deferred financing fees (presented in finance costs)

     721          1,090  

 

  Amortization of premiums and discounts on investments related to funds held for clients (presented net as a reduction of revenue)

     1,339          1,494  

 

  Impairment of PP&E (presented in restructuring costs) (Notes 6 and 24)

     1,924          5,907  

 

  Impairment of intangible assets (presented in restructuring costs) (Notes 8 and 24)

     1,266           
       392,675          377,204  

 

1 

Depreciation of PP&E acquired under finance leases was $7,841,000 in 2018 ($11,623,000 in 2017).

 

109


CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017

(tabular amounts only are in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share data)

    

 

24.

Restructuring costs

During the prior fiscal year, the Company announced a restructuring program to improve profitability by addressing the underutilization of the Company’s resources due to the accelerating shift in client demand.

The Company completed this restructuring program for a total cost of $189,015,000, of which $100,387,000 was expensed during the year ended September 30, 2018 ($88,628,000 during the year ended September 30, 2017). This amount includes restructuring costs for termination of employment of $94,248,000 accounted for in restructuring provisions ($67,426,000 during the year ended September 30, 2017), for leases of vacated premises of $2,949,000 accounted for in onerous lease provisions ($14,550,000 during the year ended September 30, 2017), impairment of PP&E of $1,924,000 (Notes 6 and 23) ($5,907,000 during the year ended September 30, 2017), impairment of intangible assets of $1,266,000 (Notes 8 and 23) (nil during the year ended September 30, 2017), as well as other restructuring costs of nil ($745,000 during the year ended September 30, 2017). Since inception, the Company paid a total of $131,755,000 related to this restructuring program, of which $119,885,000 were paid during the year ended September 30, 2018 ($11,870,000 during the year ended September 30, 2017).

 

25.

Net finance costs

 

     Year ended September 30  
      2018        2017  
     $        $  

 

  Interest on long-term debt

     62,875          62,022  

 

  Net interest costs on net defined benefit obligations or assets (Note 16)

     5,754          5,578  

 

  Other finance costs

     8,166          5,911  

  Finance costs

     76,795          73,511  

  Finance income

     (2,910        (3,719
       73,885          69,792  

 

110


FISCAL 2018 RESULTS

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017

(tabular amounts only are in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share data)

    

  LOGO

 

26.

Investments in subsidiaries

 

a)

Acquisitions

The Company made the following acquisitions during the year ended September 30, 2018:

 

 

On October 6, 2017 and October 26, 2017, the Company acquired 94.79% and an additional 1.88%, respectively of the outstanding shares of Affecto Plc (Affecto) and subsequently, acquired the remaining outstanding shares in the fiscal year 2018. Affecto is a leading provider of business intelligence and enterprise information management solutions and services, headquartered in Helsinki, Finland;

 

 

On December 7, 2017, the Company acquired all outstanding shares of Paragon Solutions, Inc. (Paragon), a high-end commercial business consultancy with depth in health and life sciences and IT expertise in digital transformation and systems integration, headquartered in Cranford, New Jersey; and

 

 

On May 16, 2018, the Company acquired all outstanding shares of Facilité Informatique Canada Inc. (Facilité Informatique), an IT consulting services firm in high-demand digital services across a wide range of industries with a strong local presence in Montréal and Québec City, headquartered in Montréal, Québec.

The Company made the following acquisitions during the year ended September 30, 2017:

 

 

On November 3, 2016, the Company acquired all units of Collaborative Consulting, LLC, a high-end IT consulting company with specialized expertise in financial, life sciences and public sectors, headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts;

 

 

On April 19, 2017, the Company acquired all outstanding shares of Computer Technology Solutions, Inc., a high-end IT consulting company focused on commercial markets, specialized in cloud, analytics and digital transformation, headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama;

 

 

On May 12, 2017, the Company acquired all outstanding shares of eCommerce Systems, Inc., a high-end consulting IT company focused on commercial markets, specialized in cloud, analytics and digital transformation, headquartered in Denver, Colorado; and

 

 

On August 22, 2017, the Company acquired all outstanding shares of Summa Technologies, Inc., a high-end IT consulting company with expertise in digital experience and agile software development, headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

 

111


CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017

(tabular amounts only are in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share data)

    

 

26.

Investments in subsidiaries (continued)

 

a)

Acquisitions (continued)

 

The following table presents the purchase price allocations for the above acquisitions based on the acquisition-date fair values of the identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed:

 

      2018        2017  
     $        $  

 

Current assets

     109,878          40,705  

 

PP&E (Note 6)

     2,614          5,488  

 

Intangible assets

     47,723          50,474  

 

Goodwill1

     209,992          238,322  

 

Current liabilities

     (89,179        (29,953

 

Deferred tax liabilities

     (9,246        (3,126

 

Debt

     (27,925        (9,648
     243,857          292,262  

Cash acquired

     22,642          14,814  

Net assets acquired

     266,499          307,076  
                     

Consideration paid

     253,428          297,875  

 

Consideration payable2

     13,071          9,201  

 

1 

The goodwill arising from the acquisitions mainly represents the future economic value associated to acquired work force and synergies with the Company’s operations. As at September 30, 2018, $44,674,000 of the goodwill is included in the U.S. Commercial and State Government operating segment, $29,081,000 in the Canada operating segment and $136,237,000 in the Northern Europe operating segment (as at September 30, 2017, all of the goodwill was included in the U.S. Commercial and State Government operating segment). The goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes (as at September 30, 2017, $191,231,000 of the goodwill was deductible for tax purposes).

 

2 

Mostly repayable through the fiscal year 2020 with no interest for acquisitions realized during the year ended September 30, 2018 (repayable in annual installments through the fiscal year 2021 and bearing interest at a rate of 2.04% for acquisitions realized during the year ended September 30, 2017).

The purchase price allocation for Facilité Informatique is preliminary and is expected to be completed as soon as management will have gathered all the significant information available and considered necessary in order to finalize this allocation. During the year ended September 30, 2018, the Company finalized the purchase price allocations for Affecto and Paragon with no significant adjustments. In addition, during the year ended September 30, 2018, the Company finalized the purchase price allocations for the acquisitions realized in the fiscal year 2017, with adjustments resulting mainly in a decrease of intangible assets of $968,000 and an increase of goodwill of $765,000.

During the year ended September 30, 2018, the Company paid an amount of $9,966,000 related to acquisitions realized in the fiscal year 2018 and an additional amount of $7,385,000 related to acquisitions realized in the fiscal year 2017.

These acquisitions were made to complement the Company’s proximity model and further strengthen its global capabilities across several in-demand digital transformation areas.

 

112


FISCAL 2018 RESULTS

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017

(tabular amounts only are in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share data)

    

  LOGO

 

26.

Investments in subsidiaries (continued)

 

b)

Acquisition-related and integration costs

In connection with these acquisitions, the Company expensed $37,482,000 related to acquisition-related and integration costs during the year ended September 30, 2018 ($10,306,000 during the year ended September 30, 2017). This amount includes acquisition-related costs of $1,687,000 ($1,661,000 during the year ended September 30, 2017) and integration costs of $35,795,000 ($8,645,000 during the year ended September 30, 2017). The acquisition-related costs consist mainly of professional fees incurred for the acquisitions. The integration costs mainly include termination of employments of $17,630,000 accounted for in restructuring provisions ($5,207,000 during the year ended September 30, 2017), leases of vacated premises of $10,747,000 accounted for in onerous lease provisions ($1,382,000 during the year ended September 30, 2017), as well as other integration costs of $7,418,000 ($2,056,000 during the year ended September 30, 2017).

 

c)

Disposal

There was no significant disposal during the year ended September 30, 2018.

 

27.

Supplementary cash flow information

a) Net change in non-cash working capital items is as follows for the years ended September 30:

 

      2018        2017  
     $        $  

Accounts receivable

     (106,072        (164,452

Work in progress

     8,290          (8,056

Prepaid expenses and other assets

     10,927          16,403  

Long-term financial assets

     (11,448        (13,338

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     107,889          (92,873

Accrued compensation

     (10,602        44,837  

Deferred revenue

     (61,827        (12,993

Provisions

     (31,831        50,777  

Long-term liabilities

     13,866          8,612  

Retirement benefits obligations

     493          (12,395

Derivative financial instruments

     46          3,229  

Income taxes

     42,032          34,164  
       (38,237        (146,085

b) Non-cash operating and investing activities related to operations are as follows for the years ended September 30:

 

      2018        2017  
     $        $  

Operating activities

       

  Accounts receivable

     (133        (118

  Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     26,333          34,522  

  Provisions

     1,516          1,571  
       27,716          35,975  

Investing activities

       

  Purchase of PP&E

     (17,600        (16,365

  Additions to intangible assets

     (19,441        (23,236
       (37,041        (39,601

 

113


CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017

(tabular amounts only are in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share data)

    

 

27.

Supplementary cash flow information (continued)

 

c) Changes arising from financing activities are as follows for the years ended September 30:

 

             2018            2017  
      Long-term debt     Derivative financial
instruments to
hedge long-term
debt
    Long-term debt     Derivative financial
instruments to
hedge long-term
debt
 
     $     $     $     $  

Balance, beginning of year

     1,862,003       58,844       1,910,975       14,520  

Cash used in financing activities excluding equity

        

   Net change in unsecured committed revolving credit facility

     (5,205           200,000        

   Increase of long-term debt

     20,111             18,921        

   Repayment of long-term debt

     (121,771           (199,841      

   Repayment of debt assumed in business acquisitions

     (28,609           (9,119      

   Settlement of derivative financial instruments (Note 31)

           (2,430            

Non-cash financing activities

        

  Increase in obligations under finance leases

     9,192             3,508        

  Additions through business acquisitions

     27,925             17,879        

  Changes in foreign currency exchange rate

     50,968       (13,197     (69,486     44,324  

Other

     (13,721           (10,834      

Balance, end of year

     1,800,893       43,217       1,862,003       58,844  

d) Interest paid and received and income taxes paid are classified within operating activities and are as follows for the years ended September 30:

 

      2018        2017  
     $        $  

Interest paid

     81,998          78,227  

Interest received

     1,536          3,680  

Income taxes paid

     261,952          244,227  

e) Cash and cash equivalents consisted of unrestricted cash as at September 30, 2018 and 2017.

 

114


FISCAL 2018 RESULTS

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017

(tabular amounts only are in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share data)

    

  LOGO

 

28.

Segmented information

The following tables present information on the Company’s operations based on its revised management structure. Segment results are based on the location from which the services are delivered - the geographic delivery model (Note 11). The Company has retrospectively revised the segmented information for the comparative period to conform to the new segmented information structure.

 

                                               Year ended September 30, 2018  
     Northern
Europe
    Canada     France    

U.S.
Commercial
and State

Government

   

U.S.

Federal

    U.K.     ECS    

Asia

Pacific

    Total  
    $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $  

Segment revenue

    1,800,460       1,687,035       1,715,486       1,674,388       1,458,741       1,290,581       1,272,558       607,576       11,506,825  

Earnings before acquisition-related and integration costs, restructuring costs, net finance costs and income tax expense1

    196,823       367,843       236,207       284,181       198,140       191,514       97,627       129,399       1,701,734  

Acquisition-related and integration costs (Note 26b)

 

                   

 

(37,482

 

 

Restructuring costs (Note 24)

 

                   

 

(100,387

 

 

Net finance costs (Note 25)

                                                                    (73,885

Earnings before income taxes

                                                                    1,489,980  

 

1 

Total amortization and depreciation of $388,764,000 included in the Northern Europe, Canada, France, U.S. Commercial and State Government, U.S. Federal, U.K., ECS and Asia Pacific segments was $57,003,000, $66,996,000, $35,227,000, $73,198,000, $24,269,000, $76,830,000, $38,452,000 and $16,789,000, respectively for the year ended September 30, 2018.

 

                                               Year ended September 30, 2017  
     Northern
Europe
    Canada     France     U.S.
Commercial
and State
Government
    U.S.
Federal
    U.K.     ECS     Asia
Pacific
    Total  
    $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $  

Segment revenue

    1,607,942       1,605,500       1,559,869       1,554,877       1,473,478       1,286,700       1,164,350       592,350       10,845,066  

Earnings before acquisition-related and integration costs, restructuring costs, net finance costs and income tax expense1

    182,775       343,856       193,075       290,333       205,441       152,185       96,195       122,763       1,586,623  

Acquisition-related and integration costs (Note 26b)

 

                   

 

(10,306

 

 

Restructuring costs (Note 24)

 

                   

 

(88,628

 

 

Net finance costs (Note 25)

                                                                    (69,792

Earnings before income taxes

                                                                    1,417,897  

 

1 

Total amortization and depreciation of $370,207,000 included in the Northern Europe, Canada, France, U.S. Commercial and State Government, U.S. Federal, U.K., ECS and Asia Pacific segments was $48,231,000, $62,050,000, $32,377,000, $67,998,000, $30,165,000, $69,506,000, $37,156,000 and $22,724,000, respectively for the year ended September 30, 2017.

The accounting policies of each operating segment are the same as those described in Note 3, Summary of significant accounting policies. Intersegment revenue is priced as if the revenue was from third parties.

 

115


CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017

(tabular amounts only are in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share data)

    

 

28.

Segmented information (continued)

 

GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

The following table provides external revenue information based on the client’s location which is different from the revenue presented under operating segments, due to the intersegment revenue:

 

      2018        2017  
     $        $  

U.S.1

     3,222,912          3,118,044  

Northern Europe

       

    Sweden

     800,221          775,093  

    Finland

     781,346          654,155  

    Others

     309,625          258,821  
     1,891,192          1,688,069  

Canada

     1,823,948          1,746,438  

France

       

    France

     1,717,476          1,555,721  

    Others

     40,962          38,445  
     1,758,438          1,594,166  

U.K.

     1,414,568          1,419,419  

ECS

       

    Germany

     502,703          415,104  

    Netherlands

     448,589          421,673  

    Others

     316,689          313,238  
     1,267,981          1,150,015  

Asia Pacific

       

    Others

     127,786          128,915  
       127,786          128,915  
       11,506,825          10,845,066  

 

1 

External revenue included in the U.S. Commercial and State Government and U.S. Federal operating segments was $1,742,336,000 and $1,480,576,000, respectively in 2018 ($1,615,359,000 and $1,502,685,000, respectively in 2017).

The following table provides information for PP&E, contract costs and intangible assets based on their location:

 

     As at
September 30, 2018
   

As at

September 30, 2017

 
    $     $  

U.S.

    337,191       312,909  

Canada

    319,604       311,667  

U.K.

    140,682       183,213  

France

    53,214       66,416  

Sweden

    68,463       66,953  

Finland

    47,512       35,363  

Germany

    37,331       38,310  

Netherlands

    25,248       25,300  

Rest of the world

    81,321       89,964  
      1,110,566       1,130,095  

 

116


FISCAL 2018 RESULTS

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017

(tabular amounts only are in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share data)

    

  LOGO

 

28.

Segmented information (continued)

 

INFORMATION ABOUT SERVICES

The following table provides revenue information based on services provided by the Company:

 

      2018        2017  
     $        $  

  Outsourcing

       

 IT services

     4,370,194          4,640,892  

 BPS

     1,113,310          1,128,258  

  Systems integration and consulting services

     6,023,321          5,075,916  
       11,506,825          10,845,066  

MAJOR CLIENT INFORMATION

Contracts with the U.S. federal government and its various agencies, included within the U.S. Federal operating segment, accounted for $1,379,525,000 and 12.00% of revenues for the year ended September 30, 2018 ($1,521,821,000 and 14.00% for the year ended September 30, 2017).

 

29.

Related party transactions

 

a)

Transactions with subsidiaries and other related parties

Balances and transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries have been eliminated on consolidation. The Company owns 100% of the equity interests of its principal subsidiaries.

The Company’s principal subsidiaries whose revenues, based on the geographic delivery model, represent more than 3% of the consolidated revenues are as follows:

 

  Name of subsidiary    Country of incorporation  

CGI Technologies and Solutions Inc.

   United States  

CGI Federal Inc.

   United States  

CGI Suomi Oy

   Finland  

CGI Sverige AB

   Sweden  

Conseillers en gestion et informatique CGI Inc.

   Canada  

CGI Information Systems and Management Consultants Inc.

   Canada  

CGI France SAS

   France  

CGI IT UK Limited

   United Kingdom  

CGI Nederland BV

   Netherlands  

CGI Deutschland Ltd & Co KG

   Germany  

CGI Information Systems and Management Consultants Private Limited

   India  

During the year ended September 30, 2018, the Company entered into share repurchase and conversion transactions with related parties as described in Note 18, Capital Stock.

 

b)

Compensation of key management personnel

Compensation of key management personnel, currently defined as the executive officers and the Board of Directors of the Company, was as follows:

 

      2018        2017  
     $        $  

  Short-term employee benefits

     22,326          16,848  

  Share-based payments

     20,773          20,763  

 

117


CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017

(tabular amounts only are in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share data)

    

 

30.

Commitments, contingencies and guarantees

 

a)

Commitments

As at September 30, 2018, the Company is committed under the terms of operating leases with various expiration dates up to 2031, primarily for the rental of premises and computer equipment used in outsourcing contracts, in the aggregate amount of approximately $706,140,000, excluding costs for services and taxes.

The future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases are due as follows:

 

      $  

Less than one year

     167,471  

Between one and two years

     141,569  

Between two and five years

     279,088  

Beyond five years

     118,012  

The majority of the lease agreements are renewable at the end of the lease period at market rates. The lease expenditure charged to earnings during the year was $185,292,000 ($200,424,000 in 2017), net of subleases income of $12,560,000 ($14,653,000 in 2017). As at September 30, 2018, the total future minimum sublease payments expected to be received under non-cancellable subleases were $4,075,000 ($12,868,000 as at September 30, 2017).

The Company entered into long-term service and other agreements representing a total commitment of $283,469,000. Minimum payments under these agreements are due as follows:

 

      $  

Less than one year

     136,509  

Between one and two years

     83,223  

Between two and five years

     63,737  

 

b)

Contingencies

From time to time, the Company is involved in legal proceedings, audits, litigation and claims which primarily relate to tax exposure, contractual disputes and employee claims arising in the ordinary course of its business. Certain of these matters seek damages in significant amounts and will ultimately be resolved when one or more future events occur or fail to occur. Although the outcome of such matters is not predictable with assurance, the Company has no reason to believe that the disposition of any such current matter could reasonably be expected to have a materially adverse impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or the ability to carry on any of its business activities. Claims for which there is a probable unfavourable outcome are recorded in provisions (Note 12).

In addition, the Company is engaged to provide services under contracts with the U.S. Government. The contracts are subject to extensive legal and regulatory requirements and, from time to time, agencies of the U.S. Government investigate whether the Company’s operations are being conducted in accordance with these requirements. Generally, the Government has the right to change the scope of, or terminate, these projects at its convenience. The termination or reduction in the scope of a major government project could have a materially adverse effect on the results of operations and the financial condition of the Company.

 

118


FISCAL 2018 RESULTS

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017

(tabular amounts only are in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share data)

    

  LOGO

 

30.

Commitments, contingencies and guarantees (continued)

 

c)

Guarantees

Sale of assets and business divestitures

In connection with the sale of assets and business divestitures, the Company may be required to pay counterparties for costs and losses incurred as the result of breaches in contractual obligations, representations and warranties, intellectual property right infringement and litigation against counterparties, among others. While some of the agreements specify a maximum potential exposure of approximately $11,350,000 in total, others do not specify a maximum amount or limited period. It is not possible to reasonably estimate the maximum amount that may have to be paid under such guarantees. The amounts are dependent upon the outcome of future contingent events, the nature and likelihood of which cannot be determined at this time. No amount has been accrued in the consolidated balance sheets relating to this type of indemnification as at September 30, 2018. The Company does not expect to incur any potential payment in connection with these guarantees that could have a materially adverse effect on its consolidated financial statements.

Other transactions

In the normal course of business, the Company may provide certain clients, principally governmental entities, with bid and performance bonds. In general, the Company would only be liable for the amount of the bid bonds if the Company refuses to perform the project once the bid is awarded. The Company would also be liable for the performance bonds in the event of default in the performance of its obligations. As at September 30, 2018, the Company had committed a total of $27,812,000 of these bonds. To the best of its knowledge, the Company is in compliance with its performance obligations under all service contracts for which there is a bid or performance bond, and the ultimate liability, if any, incurred in connection with these guarantees, would not have a materially adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated results of operations or financial condition.

Moreover, the Company has letters of credit for a total of $78,720,000 in addition to the letters of credit covered by the unsecured committed revolving credit facility (Note 13). These guarantees are required in some of the Company’s contracts with customers.

 

119


CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017

(tabular amounts only are in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share data)

    

 

31.

Financial instruments

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.

The following table presents the financial liabilities included in the long-term debt (Note 13) measured at amortized cost categorized using the fair value hierarchy.

 

             

As at September 30, 2018

 

    

As at September 30, 2017

 

 
      Level        Carrying amount        Fair value      Carrying amount        Fair value  
              $        $      $        $  

  Financial liabilities for which fair value is disclosed

                    

 Other liabilities

                    

 Senior U.S. and euro unsecured notes

     Level 2          1,517,334          1,550,329        1,542,428          1,638,980  

 Unsecured committed revolving credit facility

     Level 2          194,795          194,795        200,000          200,000  

 Obligations other than finance leases

     Level 2          30,124          29,130        61,703          60,847  

 Obligations under finance leases

     Level 2          29,909          29,193        29,794          29,667  

 Other long-term debt

     Level 2          28,731          27,674        28,078          27,348  
                  1,800,893          1,831,121        1,862,003          1,956,842  

The following table presents financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value categorized using the fair value hierarchy:

 

      Level      As at September 30, 2018        As at September 30, 2017  
            $        $  

  Financial assets

          

 Financial assets at fair value through earnings

          

 Cash and cash equivalents

     Level 2        184,091          165,872  

 Deferred compensation plan assets (Note 10)

     Level 1        56,900          46,906  
                240,991          212,778  

 Derivative financial instruments designated as hedging instruments

          

 Current derivative financial instruments

     Level 2        12,395          8,152  

 Long-term derivative financial instruments (Note 10)

     Level 2        11,312          24,939  
   
                23,707          33,091  

 Available-for-sale

          

 Long-term bonds included in funds held for clients (Note 5)

     Level 2        184,401          195,509  

 Long-term investments (Note 10)

     Level 2        30,054          23,047  
   
                214,455          218,556  

  Financial liabilities

          

 Derivative financial instruments designated as hedging instruments

          

 Current derivative financial instruments

     Level 2        39,418          12,069  

 Long-term derivative financial instruments

     Level 2        77,754          82,365  
   
                117,172          94,434  

There have been no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 for the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017.

 

120


 

FISCAL 2018 RESULTS

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017

(tabular amounts only are in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share data)

  LOGO

 

31.

Financial instruments (continued)

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (CONTINUED)

 

The following table summarizes the fair value of outstanding derivative financial instruments:

 

      Recorded in derivative
financial instruments
   As at
September 30, 2018
     As at
September 30, 2017
 
          $      $  

Hedges of net investments in European operations

        

$762,100 cross-currency swaps in euro ($831,400 as at September 30, 2017)

   Current assets      8,545        2,907  
   Long-term assets             14,539  
   Long-term liabilities      6,560         

$58,419 cross-currency swaps in Swedish krona (nil as at September 30, 2017)

   Long-term assets      2,553         

$136,274 cross-currency swaps in British pound (nil as at September 30, 2017)

 

  

Long-term assets

 

    

 

6,311

 

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Cash flow hedges of future revenue

                      

U.S.$126,537 foreign currency forward contracts between the U.S. dollar and

   Current assets      16        37  

  the Indian rupee (U.S.$65,691 as at September 30, 2017)

   Long-term assets      89        162  
   Current liabilities      3,884        330  
   Long-term liabilities      4,952        427  

$267,104 foreign currency forward contracts between the Canadian dollar and

   Current assets      3,417        4,644  

  the Indian rupee ($146,881 as at September 30, 2017)

   Long-term assets      1,573        7,429  
   Current liabilities      4,254        554  
   Long-term liabilities      8,651        969  

103,588 foreign currency forward contracts between the euro and the Indian

   Current assets      16         

  rupee (21,483 as at September 30, 2017)

   Long-term assets      73         
   Current liabilities      2,936        275  
   Long-term liabilities      4,601        366  

£85,674 foreign currency forward contracts between the British pound and the

   Current assets      12        24  

  Indian rupee (£29,034 as at September 30, 2017)

   Long-term assets      53         
   Current liabilities      2,697        771  
   Long-term liabilities      3,516        895  

74,818 foreign currency forward contracts between the euro and the British

   Current assets      69        33  

  pound (75,374 as at September 30, 2017)

   Long-term assets      8        70  
   Current liabilities      1,289        1,477  
   Long-term liabilities      1,576        1,987  

63,064 foreign currency forward contracts between the euro and the

   Current assets      71         

  Moroccan dirham (53,527 as at September 30, 2017)

   Long-term assets      415        2,669  
   Current liabilities      1,106        1,681  
   Long-term liabilities      2,322        5,427  

Other foreign currency forward contracts

   Current assets      249        507  
   Long-term assets      158        70  
   Current liabilities      1,302        231  
     Long-term liabilities      1,055        345  

 

121


CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017

(tabular amounts only are in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share data)

    

 

31.

Financial instruments (continued)

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (CONTINUED)

 

      Recorded in derivative
financial instruments
   As at
September 30, 2018
     As at
September 30, 2017
 
          $      $  

Cash flow hedges on Senior U.S. unsecured notes

        

U.S.$550,000 cross-currency swaps to Canadian dollar (U.S.$600,000 as at

   Current liabilities      21,950        6,750  

  September 30, 2017)

   Long-term liabilities      32,175        69,540  

U.S.$45,000 cross-currency swaps to Canadian dollar (nil as at September 30, 2017)

   Long-term liabilities      20         

U.S.$105,000 cross-currency swaps to Canadian dollar (nil as at September 30, 2017)

 

  

Long-term assets

 

    

 

79

 

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Fair value hedges of Senior U.S. unsecured notes

                      

U.S.$250,000 interest rate swaps fixed-to-floating (U.S.$250,000 as at September 30, 2017)

 

   Long-term liabilities      12,326        2,409  

Valuation techniques used to value financial instruments are as follows:

 

  -

The fair value of Senior U.S. and euro unsecured notes, the unsecured committed revolving credit facility and the other long-term debt is estimated by discounting expected cash flows at rates currently offered to the Company for debts of the same remaining maturities and conditions;

 

  -

The fair value of long-term bonds included in funds held for clients and in long-term investments is determined by discounting the future cash flows using observable inputs, such as interest rate yield curves or credit spreads, or according to similar transactions on an arm’s-length basis;

 

  -

The fair value of foreign currency forward contracts is determined using forward exchange rates at the end of the reporting period;

 

  -

The fair value of cross-currency swaps and interest rate swaps is determined based on market data (primarily yield curves, exchange rates and interest rates) to calculate the present value of all estimated cash flows;

 

  -

The fair value of cash and cash equivalents is determined using observable quotes; and

 

  -

The fair value of deferred compensation plan assets within long-term financial assets is based on observable price quotations at the reporting date.

As at September 30, 2018, there were no changes in valuation techniques.

The Company expects that approximately $35,330,000 of the accumulated net unrealized loss, which correspond to the effective portion of the change in fair value of the derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges, will be reclassified in the consolidated statements of earnings in the next 12 months.

During the year ended September 30, 2018, the Company’s hedging relationships were effective.

MARKET RISK

Market risk incorporates a range of risks. Movements in risk factors, such as interest rate risk and currency risk, affect the fair values of financial assets and liabilities.

Interest rate risk

The Company has interest rate swaps whereby the Company receives a fixed rate of interest and pays interest at a variable rate on the notional amount of a portion of its Senior U.S. unsecured notes. These swaps are being used to hedge the exposure to changes in the fair value of the debt.

The Company is also exposed to interest rate risk on its unsecured committed revolving credit facility.

 

122


 

FISCAL 2018 RESULTS

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017

(tabular amounts only are in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share data)

  LOGO

 

31.

Financial instruments (continued)

MARKET RISK (CONTINUED)

Interest rate risk (continued)

 

The Company analyzes its interest rate risk exposure on an ongoing basis using various scenarios to simulate refinancing or the renewal of existing positions. Based on these scenarios, a change in the interest rate of 1% would not have had a significant impact on net earnings and comprehensive income.

Currency risk

The Company operates internationally and is exposed to risk from changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The Company mitigates this risk principally through foreign currency denominated debt and derivative financial instruments, which includes foreign currency forward contracts and cross-currency swaps.

The Company hedges a portion of the translation of the Company’s net investments in its U.S. and European operations into Canadian dollar, with Senior U.S. and euro unsecured notes. The Company also hedges a portion of the translation of the Company’s net investments in its European operations with cross-currency swaps.

During the year ended September 30, 2018, the Company entered into Canadian dollar to British pound cross-currency swap agreements for a notional amount of $136,274,000 designated as hedging instruments of the Company’s net investment in the U.K. operations. In addition, during the year ended September 30, 2018, the Company also entered into Canadian dollar to Swedish krona cross-currency swap agreements for a notional amount of $58,419,000 designated as hedging instruments of the Company’s net investment in Swedish operations.

During the year ended September 30, 2018, the Company has entered into cross-currency swap agreements, for a notional amount of U.S.$150,000,000, related to the U.S. tranche of the Senior unsecured notes which has a maturity date of September 2024, to hedge the variability in the exchange rate between the U.S. and Canadian dollar. The cross-currency swaps are designated as cash flow hedges.

During the year ended September 30, 2018, the Company settled cross-currency swaps with a notional amount of $69,300,000 for a net amount of $2,430,000. The loss on settlements was recognized in other comprehensive income and will be transferred to earnings when the net investment is disposed of.

The Company enters into foreign currency forward contracts to hedge the variability in various foreign currency exchange rates on future revenues. Hedging relationships are designated and documented at inception and quarterly effectiveness assessments are performed during the year.

The Company is mainly exposed to fluctuations in the Swedish krona, the U.S. dollar, the euro and the British pound. The following table details the Company’s sensitivity to a 10% strengthening of the Swedish krona, the U.S. dollar, the euro and the British pound foreign currency rates on net earnings and comprehensive income against the Canadian dollar. The sensitivity analysis on net earnings presents the impact of foreign currency denominated financial instruments and adjusts their translation at period end for a 10% strengthening in foreign currency rates. The sensitivity analysis on other comprehensive income presents the impact of a 10% strengthening in foreign currency rates on the fair value of foreign currency forward contracts designated as cash flow hedges and on net investment hedges.

 

                              2018                              2017  
     

Swedish

krona impact

    

U.S. dollar

impact

    

euro

impact

    

British

pound

impact

     Swedish
krona impact
    

U.S. dollar

impact

    

euro

impact

     British
pound
impact
 
     $      $      $      $      $      $      $      $  

(Decrease) increase in net earnings

     (906      (4,870      (778      (2,695      (860      (1,174      2,383        (539

Decrease in other comprehensive income

     (6,522      (65,337      (107,722      (25,018      (1,839      (74,974      (93,866      (4,788

 

123


CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017

(tabular amounts only are in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share data)

    

 

31.

Financial instruments (continued)

 

LIQUIDITY RISK

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company is not able to meet its financial obligations as they fall due or can do so only at excessive cost. The Company’s activities are financed through a combination of the cash flows from operations, borrowing under existing unsecured committed revolving credit facility, the issuance of debt and the issuance of equity. One of management’s primary goals is to maintain an optimal level of liquidity through the active management of the assets and liabilities as well as the cash flows.

The following tables summarize the carrying amount and the contractual maturities of both the interest and principal portion of financial liabilities. All amounts contractually denominated in foreign currency are presented in Canadian dollar equivalent amounts using the period-end spot rate.

 

  As at September 30, 2018   

Carrying

amount

    

Contractual

cash flows

   

Less than one

year

   

Between one
and

two years

   

Between

two and five

years

    Beyond
five years
 
     $      $     $     $     $     $  

Non-derivative financial liabilities

             

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     1,134,802        1,134,802       1,134,802                    

Accrued compensation

     602,245        602,245       602,245                    

Senior U.S. and euro unsecured notes

     1,517,334        1,753,402       354,575       113,955       814,337       470,535  

Unsecured committed revolving credit facility

     194,795        222,331       6,573       6,591       209,167        

Obligations other than finance leases

     30,124        30,794       19,319       9,393       2,082        

Obligations under finance leases

     29,909        30,976       12,909       10,005       8,062        

Other long-term debt

     28,731        29,155       20,302       1,613       5,826       1,414  

Clients’ funds obligations

     328,324        328,324       328,324                    

Derivative financial liabilities

             

Cash flow hedges of future revenue

     37,922             

 Outflow

        49,173       18,120       16,901       14,152        

 (Inflow)

        (6,693     (4,012     (1,830     (851      

Cross-currency swaps

     43,217             

 Outflow

        988,595       326,950       80,922       304,798       275,925  

 (Inflow)

        (1,020,985     (328,646     (88,027     (315,349     (288,963

Interest rate swaps

     12,326             

 Outflow

        61,279       17,508       17,508       26,263        

 (Inflow)

              (56,434     (16,124     (16,124     (24,186      
       3,959,729        4,146,964       2,492,845       150,907       1,044,301       458,911  

 

124


 

FISCAL 2018 RESULTS

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017

(tabular amounts only are in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share data)

  LOGO

 

31.

Financial instruments (continued)

LIQUIDITY RISK (CONTINUED)

 

  As at September 30, 2017   

Carrying

amount

    

Contractual

cash flows

    Less than one
year
   

Between one
and

two years

   

Between

two and five

years

    Beyond
five years
 
     $      $     $     $     $     $  

Non-derivative financial liabilities

             

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     1,004,307        1,004,307       1,004,307                    

Accrued compensation

     578,886        578,886       578,886                    

Senior U.S. and euro unsecured notes

     1,542,428        1,823,352       124,201       343,207       818,095       537,849  

Unsecured committed revolving credit facility

     200,000        226,810       6,400       6,400       214,010        

Obligations other than finance leases

     61,703        63,454       33,850       18,623       10,981        

Obligations under finance leases

     29,794        31,109       14,086       8,341       8,682        

Other long-term debt

     28,078        28,787       13,986       2,988       9,130       2,683  

Clients’ funds obligations

     314,233        314,233       314,233                    

Derivative financial liabilities

             

Cash flow hedges of future revenue

     90             

Outflow

        17,036       5,486       6,530       5,020        

(Inflow)

        (16,989     (5,417     (5,083     (6,489      

Cross-currency swaps

     58,844             

Outflow

        849,762       83,877       317,085       291,798       157,002  

(Inflow)

        (846,228     (91,446     (310,451     (291,936     (152,395

Interest rate swaps

     2,409             

Outflow

        63,248       14,055       14,055       35,138        

(Inflow)

              (70,222     (15,605     (15,605     (39,012      
       3,820,772        4,067,545       2,080,899       386,090       1,055,417       545,139  

As at September 30, 2018, the Company held cash and cash equivalents and long-term investments of $214,145,000 ($188,919,000 as at September 30, 2017). The Company also had available $1,295,595,000 in unsecured committed revolving credit facility ($1,290,369,000 as at September 30, 2017). As at September 30, 2018, trade accounts receivable amounted to $1,126,772,000 (Note 4) ($931,530,000 as at September 30, 2017). Given the Company’s available liquid resources as compared to the timing of the payments of liabilities, management assesses the Company’s liquidity risk to be low.

 

125


CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017

(tabular amounts only are in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share data)

    

 

31.

Financial instruments (continued)

 

CREDIT RISK

The Company takes on exposure to credit risk, which is the risk that a counterparty will be unable to pay amounts in full when due. Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and long-term investments. The maximum exposure of credit risk is generally represented by the carrying amount of these items reported on the consolidated balance sheets.

The Company is exposed to credit risk in connection with long-term investments through the possible inability of borrowers to meet the terms of their obligations. The Company mitigates this risk by investing primarily in high credit quality corporate and government bonds with a credit rating of A or higher.

The Company has accounts receivable derived from clients engaged in various industries including governmental agencies, finance, telecommunications, manufacturing and utilities that are not concentrated in any specific geographic area. These specific industries may be affected by economic factors that may impact trade accounts receivable. However, management does not believe that the Company is subject to any significant credit risk in view of the Company’s large and diversified client base. Overall, management does not believe that any single industry or geographic region represents a significant credit risk to the Company.

The following table sets forth details of the age of trade accounts receivable that are past due:

 

      2018        2017  
     $        $  

  Not past due

     951,277          806,041  

  Past due 1-30 days

     109,668          79,016  

  Past due 31-60 days

     27,806          25,262  

  Past due 61-90 days

     17,005          8,999  

  Past due more than 90 days

     25,768          16,969  
     1,131,524          936,287  

  Allowance for doubtful accounts

     (4,752        (4,757
       1,126,772          931,530  

The carrying amount of trade accounts receivable is reduced by an allowance account and the amount of the loss is recognized in the consolidated statements of earnings within costs of services, selling and administrative. When a receivable balance is considered uncollectible, it is written off against the allowance for doubtful accounts. Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously written off are credited against costs of services, selling and administrative in the consolidated statements of earnings.

 

126


FISCAL 2018 RESULTS

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017

(tabular amounts only are in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share data)

    

  LOGO

 

32.

Capital risk management

 

The Company is exposed to risks of varying degrees of significance which could affect its ability to achieve its strategic objectives for growth. The main objectives of the Company’s risk management process are to ensure that risks are properly identified and that the capital base is adequate in relation to these risks.

The Company manages its capital to ensure that there are adequate capital resources while maximizing the return to shareholders through the optimization of the debt and equity balance. As at September 30, 2018, total managed capital1 was $8,699,845,000 ($8,253,548,000 as at September 30, 2017). Managed capital consists of long-term debt, including the current portion (Note 13), cash and cash equivalents, long-term investments (Note 10) and shareholders’ equity. The basis for the Company’s capital structure is dependent on the Company’s expected business growth and changes in the business environment. When capital needs have been specified, the Company’s management proposes capital transactions for the approval of the Company’s Audit and Risk Management Committee and Board of Directors. The capital risk policy remains unchanged from prior periods.

The Company monitors its capital by reviewing various financial metrics, including the following:

 

-

Net Debt1/Capitalization1

 

-

Debt/EBITDA1

Net debt, capitalization and EBITDA are additional measures. Net debt represents debt (including the current portion and the fair value of foreign currency derivative financial instruments related to debt) less cash and cash equivalents and long-term investments. Capitalization is shareholders’ equity plus debt. EBITDA is calculated as earnings from continuing operations before finance costs, income taxes, depreciation, amortization, restructuring costs and acquisition-related and integration costs. The Company believes that the results of the current internal ratios are consistent with its capital management’s objectives.

The Company is subject to external covenants on its Senior U.S. and euro unsecured notes and unsecured committed revolving credit facility. The ratios are as follows:

 

-

Leverage ratios1, which are the ratio of total debt to EBITDA for its Senior U.S. and euro unsecured notes and the ratio of total debt net of cash and cash equivalent investments to EBITDA for its unsecured committed revolving credit facility for the four most recent quarters2.

 

-

An interest and rent coverage ratio1, which is the ratio of the EBITDAR1 for the four most recent quarters to the total finance costs and the operating rentals in the same periods. EBITDAR is calculated as EBITDA before rent expense2.

 

-

In the case of the Senior U.S. and euro unsecured notes, a minimum net worth is required, whereby shareholders’ equity, excluding foreign exchange translation adjustments included in accumulated other comprehensive income, cannot be less than a specified threshold.

These ratios are calculated on a consolidated basis.

The Company is in compliance with these covenants and monitors them on an ongoing basis. The ratios are also reviewed quarterly by the Company’s Audit and Risk Management Committee. The Company is not subject to any other externally imposed capital requirements.

 

1 

Non-GAAP measure.

 

2 

In the event of an acquisition, the available historical financial information of the acquired company will be used in the computation of the ratios.

 

127


Shareholder Information

 

Shareholder information listing

IPO: 1986

Toronto Stock Exchange, April 1992: GIB.A

New York Stock Exchange, October 1998: GIB

Number of shares outstanding as of September 30, 2018:

250,425,114 Class A subordinate voting shares

28,945,706 Class B shares

High/low of share price from October 1, 2017

to September 30, 2018:

 

TSX (CDN$)                            NYSE  (U.S.$)

High:

   87.22      66.53

Low:

   63.71      51.03

The certifications required by National Instrument 52-109 Certification of Disclosure in Issuers’ Annual and Interim Filings whereby CGI’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer certify the accuracy of the information contained in CGI’s Annual Information Form, Annual Audited Consolidated Financial Statements and Annual Management’s Discussion and Analysis are available on the Canadian Securities Administrators’ website at www.sedar.com. Similar certifications required by Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are attached as exhibits to our Form 40-F which is available on EDGAR at www.sec.gov. The certification required by Section 303A.12(c) of the NYSE Listed Company Manual is also filed annually with the New York Stock Exchange. CGI’s corporate governance practices conform to those followed by U.S. domestic companies under New York Stock Exchange listing standards. A summary of these practices is provided in the report of the Corporate Governance Committee contained in CGI’s Management Proxy Circular which is available on the Canadian Securities Administrators’ website at www.sedar.com, on EDGAR at www.edgar.com and on CGI’s website at www.cgi.com.

Auditors

Ernst & Young LLP

Transfer agent

Computershare Trust Company of Canada

100 University Avenue, 8th Floor

Toronto, Ontario M5J 2Y1

Telephone: 1 800 564-6253

www.investorcentre.com/service

Investor relations

For further information about the Company, additional copies of this report or other financial information, please contact:

CGI Group Inc.

Investor Relations

Email: ir@cgi.com

Web: cgi.com/investors

1350 René-Lévesque Blvd West,

15th floor

Montréal, Quebec H3G 1T4

Canada

Tel.: 514-841-3200

Annual general meeting of shareholders

Wednesday, January 30, 2019 at 11:00 a.m.

Ritz-Carlton Montréal

Oval Room

1228 Sherbrooke Street West

Montréal, Québec H3G 1H6

Canada

A live webcast of the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders will be available via cgi.com/investors. Complete instructions for viewing the webcast will be available on CGI’s website. To vote by phone or by using the internet, please refer to the instructions provided in CGI’s 2018 Management Proxy Circular.

The online version of CGI’s 2018 Annual Report is available at cgi.com/investors.

Le rapport annuel 2018 de CGI est aussi publié en français et disponible sur cgi.com/investisseurs.

 

 

128


 

LOGO

 

ABOUT CGI
Founded in 1976, CGI is among the largest IT and business consulting services firms in the world. Operating in hundreds of locations across the globe, CGI delivers an end-to-end portfolio of capabilities, from IT and business consulting to systems integration, outsourcing services and intellectual property solutions.
CGI works with clients through a local relationship model complemented by a global delivery network to help clients achieve their goals, including becoming customer-centric digital organizations.
cgi.com
CGI Experience the commitment®