EX-99.3 4 d823395dex993.htm EX-99.3 EX-99.3

Exhibit 99.3

 

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BRP INC.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

FOR THE THREE- AND TWELVE-MONTH PERIODS ENDED JANUARY 31, 2020

 

 

The following management’s discussion and analysis (“MD&A”) provides information concerning financial condition and results of operations of BRP Inc. (the “Company” or “BRP”) for the fourth quarter and the fiscal year ended January 31, 2020. This MD&A should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended January 31, 2020. Some of the information contained in this discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from underlying forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those described in the “Forward-Looking Statements” section of this MD&A. This MD&A reflects information available to the Company as at April 9, 2020.

Basis of Presentation

 

 

The audited consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IFRS”). All amounts presented are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated. All references in this MD&A to “Fiscal 2020” are to the Company’s fiscal year ended January 31, 2020, to “Fiscal 2019” are to the Company’s fiscal year ended January 31, 2019 and to “Fiscal 2018” are to the Company’s fiscal year ended January 31, 2018.

This MD&A, approved by the Board of Directors on April 9, 2020, is based on the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes thereto for the years ended January 31, 2020 and 2019.

The Company’s Powersports segment comprise Year-Round Products which consist of all-terrain vehicles (referred to as “ATVs”), side-by-side vehicles (referred to as “SSVs”) and three-wheeled vehicles (referred to as “3WVs”); Seasonal Products which consist of personal watercraft (referred to as “PWCs”) and snowmobiles; and Powersports PA&A and OEM Engines which consist of parts, accessories and apparel (referred to as “PA&A”), engines for karts, motorcycles and recreational aircraft and other services. Additionally, the Company’s Marine segment consist of outboard and jet boat engines, boats and related PA&A and other services.

Forward-Looking Statements

 

 

Certain statements in this MD&A about the Company’s current and future plans, prospects, expectations, anticipations, estimates and intentions, results, levels of activity, performance, objectives, targets, goals or achievements, priorities and strategies, financial position, market position, capabilities, competitive strengths, beliefs, the prospects and trends of the industries in which the Company operates, the expected growth in demand for products and services in the markets in which the Company competes, research and product development activities, including projected design, characteristics, capacity or performance of future products and their expected scheduled entry to market expected financial requirements and the availability of capital resources and liquidities or any other future events or developments and other statements that are not historical facts constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The words “may”, “will”, “would”, “should”, “could”, “expects”, “forecasts”, “plans”, “intends”, “trends”, “indications”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “estimates”, “outlook”, “predicts”, “projects”, “likely” or “potential” or the negative or other variations of these words or other comparable words or phrases, are intended to identify forward-looking statements.

 

 

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Forward-looking statements are presented for the purpose of assisting investors and others in understanding certain key elements of the Company’s current objectives, goals, targets, strategic priorities, expectations and plans, and in obtaining a better understanding of the Company’s business and anticipated operating environment. Readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Forward-looking statements, by their very nature, involve inherent risks and uncertainties and are based on a number of assumptions, both general and specific, as further described below. The Company cautions that its assumptions may not materialize and that current economic conditions render such assumptions, although believed reasonable at the time they were made, subject to greater uncertainty. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results or performance of the Company or the industry to be materially different from the outlook or any future results or performance implied by such statements. Key assumptions in determining forward-looking information are set forth below. In addition, many factors could cause the Company’s actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements or future events or developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, the risk factors described in the “Risk Factors” section of this MD&A.

The forward-looking statements contained in this MD&A are made as of the date of this MD&A, and the Company has no intention and undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect future events, changes in circumstances, or changes in beliefs, unless required by applicable securities regulations. In the event that the Company does update any forward-looking statements contained in this MD&A, no inference should be made that the Company will make additional updates with respect to that statement, related matters or any other forward-looking statement.

Non-IFRS Measures

 

 

This MD&A makes reference to certain non-IFRS measures. These measures are not recognized measures under IFRS, do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and are therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Rather, these measures are provided as additional information to complement those IFRS measures by providing further understanding of the Company’s results of operations from management’s perspective. Accordingly, they should not be considered in isolation nor as a substitute for analysis of the Company’s financial information reported under IFRS. The Company uses non-IFRS measures including Normalized EBITDA, Normalized net income, Normalized income tax expense, Normalized effective tax rate, Normalized basic earnings per share and Normalized diluted earnings per share.

Normalized EBITDA is provided to assist investors in determining the financial performance of the Company’s operating activities on a consistent basis by excluding certain non-cash elements such as depreciation expense, impairment charge, foreign exchange gain or loss on the Company’s long-term debt denominated in U.S. dollars and foreign exchange gain or loss on certain of the Company’s lease liabilities. Other elements, such as restructuring costs, loss on litigation and acquisition related-costs, may also be excluded from net income in the determination of Normalized EBITDA as they are considered not being reflective of the operational performance of the Company. Normalized net income, Normalized income tax expense, Normalized effective tax rate, Normalized basic earnings per share and Normalized diluted earnings per share, in addition to the financial performance of operating activities, take into account the impact of investing activities, financing activities and income taxes on the Company’s financial results.

 

 

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The Company believes non-IFRS measures are important supplemental measures of financial performance because they eliminate items that have less bearing on the Company’s financial performance and thus highlight trends in its core business that may not otherwise be apparent when relying solely on IFRS measures. The Company also believes that securities analysts, investors and other interested parties frequently use non-IFRS measures in the evaluation of companies, many of which present similar metrics when reporting their results. Management also uses non-IFRS measures in order to facilitate financial performance comparisons from period to period, prepare annual operating budgets, assess the Company’s ability to meet its future debt service, capital expenditure and working capital requirements and also as a component in the determination of the short-term incentive compensation for the Company’s employees. Because other companies may calculate these non-IFRS measures differently than the Company does, these metrics are not comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

Normalized EBITDA is defined as net income before financing costs, financing income, income tax expense (recovery), depreciation expense and normalized elements. Normalized net income is defined as net income before normalized elements adjusted to reflect the tax effect on these elements. Normalized income tax expense is defined as income tax expense adjusted to reflect the tax effect on normalized elements and to normalize specific tax elements. Normalized effective tax rate is based on Normalized net income before Normalized income tax expense. Normalized earnings per share—basic and Normalized earnings per share – diluted are calculated respectively by dividing the Normalized net income by the weighted average number of shares – basic and the weighted average number of shares – diluted. The Company refers the reader to the “Selected Consolidated Financial Information” section of this MD&A for the reconciliations of Normalized EBITDA and Normalized net income presented by the Company to the most directly comparable IFRS measure.

Overview

 

 

BRP is a global leader in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and marketing of powersports vehicles and marine products. The Company is a diversified manufacturer of powersports vehicles and marine products, providing enthusiasts with a variety of exhilarating, stylish and powerful products for year-round use on a variety of terrains. The Company’s diversified portfolio of brands and products includes for Powersports: Can-Am ATVs, SSVs and 3WVs, Ski-Doo and Lynx snowmobiles, Sea-Doo PWCs and Rotax engines for karts, motorcycles and recreational aircraft. For Marine, the portfolio of brands and products includes Evinrude outboard boat engines, Rotax engines for jet boats, and Alumacraft, Manitou, Quintrex, Stacer and Savage boats. Additionally, the Company supports its line of products with a dedicated PA&A business.

The Company employs approximately 13,500 people mainly in manufacturing and distribution sites in Mexico, Canada, Austria, the United States, Finland and Australia. The Company sells its products in over 120 countries. The products are sold directly through a network of approximately 3,475 dealers in 21 countries as well as through approximately 200 distributors serving approximately 800 additional dealers.

Highlights of the three-month period ended January 31, 2020

For the three-month period ended January 31, 2020, the Company’s financial performance was the following when compared to the three-month period ended January 31, 2019:

 

   

Revenues of $1,615.9 million, an increase of $110.0 million or 7.3%;

 

   

Gross profit of $383.7 million representing 23.7% of revenues, an increase of $48.8 million;

 

   

Net income of $118.2 million, an increase of $35.5 million, which resulted in a diluted earnings per share of $1.32, an increase of $0.48 per share or 57.1%;

 

   

Normalized net income [1] of $100.2 million, an increase of $14.4 million, which resulted in a normalized diluted earnings per share [1] of $1.12, an increase of $0.24 per share or 27.3%;

 

   

Normalized EBITDA [1] of $221.8 million representing 13.7% of revenues, an increase of $39.9 million or 21.9%.

 

 

[1] See “Non-IFRS Measures” section.

 

 

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In addition, during the three-month period ended January 31, 2020:

The Company launched a factory turbocharged two-stroke engine with an all-new Ski-Doo Summit 850 E-TEC Turbo snowmobile.

Highlights of the year ended January 31, 2020

For the year ended January 31, 2020, the Company’s financial performance was the following when compared to the year ended January 31, 2019:

 

   

Revenues of $6,052.7 million, an increase of $808.9 million or 15.4%;

 

   

Gross profit of $1,454.0 million representing 24.0% of revenues, an increase of $200.6 million;

 

   

Net income of $370.6 million, an increase of $143.3 million, which resulted in a diluted earnings per share of $3.96, an increase of $1.68 per share or 73.7%;

 

   

Normalized net income [1] of $358.4 million, an increase of $49.8 million, which resulted in a normalized diluted earnings per share [1] of $3.83, an increase of $0.73 per share or 23.5%.

 

   

Normalized EBITDA [1] of $804.4 million representing 13.3% of revenues, an increase of $148.5 million or 22.6%;

In addition, during the year:

 

   

The Company introduced an entirely new 6x6 Can-Am Defender model, the Can-Am Maverick X3 Turbo RR with a 195-hp engine and six different electric vehicle concepts.

 

   

The Company acquired 80% of the outstanding shares of Telwater Pty Ltd (“Telwater”), a manufacturer of boats under brands such as Quintrex, Stacer and Savage.

 

   

The Company completed a substantial issuer bid offer (“SIB”) with the repurchase of 6,342,494 subordinate voting shares for a total consideration of $300.0 million.

 

   

The Company amended its term facility to add a new U.S. $335.0 million tranche for a total principal of U.S. $1,235.0 million. It also amended its $575.0 million revolving credit facilities to increase the availability by $125.0 million for a total availability of $700.0 million, to extend the maturity from May 2023 to May 2024 and to improve pricing.

Recent events

On February 4, 2020, the Company amended its term facility to consolidate it into a single tranche which reduces the cost of borrowing by 0.50% for the previous U.S. $335.0 million tranche and extends the maturity from May 2025 to May 2027.

The Company is involved in multiple lawsuits with one of its competitors whereby each party is claiming damages for the alleged infringement of some of its patents. On February 19, 2020, an opinion was rendered by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in one of those lawsuits in favour of the Company. Following this opinion, the Company reversed $40.5 million of provisions.

In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared coronavirus (specifically identified as “COVID-19”) a global pandemic. This contagious disease outbreak resulted in governments worldwide enacting emergency measures to combat the spread of the virus. These measures, which include the implementation of travel bans, self-imposed quarantine periods and social distancing, have caused material disruption to businesses globally resulting in significant economic uncertainty. These measures adopted by various governments worldwide could impact the Company’s business whether through supply chain or retail demand. However, at this time, it is not possible for the Company to reliably estimate the duration or magnitude of the adverse results of the outbreak and its impact on the Company’s financial results in future periods.

On March 18, 2020, the Company drew on its revolving credit facilities to reach the amount of $700 million as a precautionary measure to increase liquidity and preserve financial flexibility in light of the COVID-19 situation and on March 30, 2020, the Company announced that all of its powersports and marine manufacturing operations around the world were temporarily suspended or slowed down.

 

 

[1] See “Non-IFRS Measures” section.

 

 

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Factors Affecting the Company’s Results of Operations

 

 

Revenues and Sales Program Costs

The Company’s revenues are derived primarily from the wholesale activities to dealers and distributors of the Company’s manufactured vehicles, including Year-Round Products, Seasonal Products, Powersports PA&A and OEM Engines as well as Marine products. Revenue recognition normally occurs when products are shipped to dealers or distributors from the Company’s facilities.

In order to support the wholesale activities of the Company and the retail activities of dealers and distributors, the Company may provide support in the form of various sales programs consisting of cash and non-cash incentives. The cash incentives consist mainly of rebates given to dealers, distributors and consumers, volume discounts to dealers and distributors, free or extended coverage period under dealer and distributor inventory financing programs, and retail financing programs. The cost of these cash incentives is recorded as a reduction of revenues. The non-cash incentives consist mainly of extended warranty coverage or free PA&A. When an extended warranty coverage is given with the purchase of a product, a portion of the revenue recognized upon the sale of that product is deferred and recognized during the extended warranty coverage period. The cost of the free PA&A is recorded in cost of sales.

The support provided to dealers, distributors and consumers tends to increase when general economic conditions are difficult, when changing market conditions require the launch of new or more aggressive programs, or when dealer and distributor inventory is above appropriate levels.

Under dealer and distributor inventory financing arrangements, the Company could be required to purchase repossessed new and unused products in certain cases of default by dealers or distributors. The cost of repossession tends to increase when dealers or distributors are facing challenging and prolonged difficult retail conditions and when their non-current inventory level is high. During the current fiscal year and previous fiscal year, the Company did not experience significant repossessions under its dealer and distributor inventory financing arrangements. Refer to the “Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements” section of this MD&A for more information on dealer and distributor inventory financing arrangements.

Commodity Costs

Approximately 75% of the Company’s cost of sales consists of material used in the manufacturing process. Therefore, the Company is exposed to the fluctuation of prices of certain raw materials such as aluminum, steel, plastic, resins, stainless steel, copper, rubber and certain rare earth metals. Additionally, the Company is exposed to fuel price fluctuations related to its procurement and distribution activities. The Company does not hedge its long-term exposure to such price fluctuations. Therefore, an increase in commodity prices could negatively impact the Company’s operating results if it is not able to transfer these cost increases to dealers, distributors or consumers.

Warranty Costs

The Company’s regular warranty generally covers periods ranging from six months to five years for most products. In certain circumstances, the Company provides extended warranty coverage as a result of sales programs, under certain commercial accounts, or as required by local regulations. During the warranty period, the Company reimburses dealers and distributors the entire cost of repair or replacement performed on the products (mainly composed of parts or accessories provided by the Company and labour costs incurred by dealers or distributors). In addition, the Company sells in the normal course of business and provides under certain sales programs extended product warranties.

During its product development process, the Company ensures that high quality standards are maintained at each development stage of a new product. This includes the development of detailed product specifications, the evaluation of the quality of the supply chain and the manufacturing methods and detailed testing requirements over the development stage of the products. Additionally, product quality is ensured by quality inspections during and after the manufacturing process.

 

 

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The Company records a regular warranty provision when products are sold. Management believes that, based on available information, the Company has adequate provisions to cover any future warranty claims on products sold. However, future claim amounts can differ significantly from provisions that are recorded in the consolidated statements of financial position. For extended warranty, the claims are recorded in cost of sales as incurred.

Foreign Exchange

The Company’s revenues are reported in Canadian dollars but are mostly generated in U.S. dollars, Canadian dollars and euros. The Company’s revenues reported in Canadian dollars are to a lesser extent exposed to foreign exchange fluctuations with the Australian dollar, the Brazilian real, the Swedish krona, the Norwegian krone, the British pound, the New Zealand dollar and the Russian ruble. The costs incurred by the Company are mainly denominated in Canadian dollars, U.S. dollars and euros and to a lesser extent in Mexican pesos. Therefore recorded revenues, gross profit and operating income in Canadian dollars are exposed to foreign exchange fluctuations. The Company’s facilities are located in several different countries, which helps mitigate some of its foreign currency exposure.

The Company has an outstanding balance of U.S. $1,219.8 million ($1,612.7 million) under its U.S. $1,235.0 million ($1,632.8 million) term facility agreement (the “Term Facility”), which results in a gain or loss in net income when the U.S. dollar/Canadian dollar exchange rate at the end of the period is different from the opening period rate. Additionally, the Company’s interest expense on the Term Facility is exposed to U.S. dollar/Canadian dollar exchange rate fluctuations. The Company does not currently hedge the U.S. dollar/Canadian dollar exchange rate fluctuation exposures related to its Term Facility, and therefore, an increase in the value of the U.S. dollar against the Canadian dollar could negatively impact the Company’s net income.

For further details relating to the Company’s exposure to foreign currency fluctuations, see “Financial Instruments – Foreign Exchange Risk” section of this MD&A.

Net Financing Costs (Financing Costs less Financing Income)

Net financing costs are incurred principally on long-term debt, defined benefit pension plan liabilities and revolving credit facilities. As at January 31, 2020, the Company’s long-term debt of $1,645.4 million was mainly comprised of two tranches of the Term Facility, which bear interest at respectively LIBOR plus 2.00% and LIBOR plus 2.50%. The Company entered into interest rate cap contracts, which limit its exposure to interest rate increases.

Income Taxes

The Company is subject to federal, state and provincial income taxes in jurisdictions in which it conducts business. The Canadian income tax statutory rate was 26.6% for the three- and twelve-month periods ended January 31, 2020. However, the Company’s effective consolidated tax rate is influenced by various factors, including the mix of accounting profits or losses before income tax among tax jurisdictions in which it operates and the foreign exchange gain or loss on the Term Facility. The Company expects to pay cash taxes in all tax jurisdictions for the fiscal year ending January 31, 2021, except in the United States where the Company plans to utilize its tax attributes to offset taxable income or income tax payable.

Seasonality

The Company’s revenues and operating income experience substantial fluctuations from quarter to quarter. In general, wholesale sales of the Company’s products are highest in the period immediately preceding and during their particular season of use. However, the mix of product sales may vary considerably from time to time as a result of changes in seasonal and geographic demand, the introduction of new products and models, and production scheduling for particular types of products. As a result, the Company’s financial results are likely to fluctuate significantly from period to period.

 

 

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Selected Consolidated Financial Information

 

 

The selected consolidated financial information set out below for the twelve-month period ended January 31, 2020, and January 31, 2019, has been determined based on the audited consolidated financial statements and related notes issued on April 9, 2020. The selected consolidated financial information set out below for the twelve-month period ended January 31, 2018, has been determined based on the audited consolidated financial statements and related notes issued on March 21, 2019. The selected quarterly consolidated financial information set out below has been determined based on the annual audited consolidated financial statements and related notes issued on April 9, 2020 and from the third-quarter unaudited consolidated financial statements and related notes issued on November 26, 2019. All of these documents are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Net Income data

 

     Three-month
periods ended
    Twelve-month periods ended  
(in millions of Canadian dollars)    January 31,
2020
    January 31,
2019
    January 31,
2020
    January 31,
2019
     January 31,
2018
 
              Restated [1]  

Revenues by category

           

Powersports

           

Year-Round Products

   $ 705.1     $ 597.6     $ 2,791.7     $ 2,240.6      $ 1,810.0  

Seasonal Products

     542.7       577.6       1,901.4       1,803.5        1,553.9  

Powersports PA&A and OEM Engines

     215.4       202.7       799.8       707.5        659.7  

Marine

     152.7       128.0       559.8       492.2        428.9  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Revenues

     1,615.9       1,505.9       6,052.7       5,243.8        4,452.5  

Cost of sales

     1,232.2       1,171.0       4,598.7       3,990.4        3,407.4  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Gross profit

     383.7       334.9       1,454.0       1,253.4        1,045.1  

As a percentage of revenues

     23.7%       22.2%       24.0%       23.9%        23.5%  

Operating expenses

           

Selling and marketing

     88.9       88.1       382.5       336.9        288.6  

Research and development

     64.7       63.5       238.4       221.7        198.6  

General and administrative

     68.5       58.9       256.9       214.7        166.3  

Other operating expenses (income)

     (35.8     (2.1     (28.1     7.5        13.9  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     186.3       208.4       849.7       780.8        667.4  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Operating income

     197.4       126.5       604.3       472.6        377.7  

Net financing costs

     24.6       19.2       88.7       73.9        54.4  

Foreign exchange (gain) loss on long-term debt

     9.5       0.8       9.9       69.8        (53.3
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

     163.3       106.5       505.7       328.9        376.6  

Income tax expense

     45.1       23.8       135.1       101.6        137.5  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 118.2     $ 82.7     $ 370.6     $ 227.3      $ 239.1  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Attributable to shareholders

   $ 118.4     $ 82.7     $ 371.4     $ 227.0      $ 238.9  

Attributable to non-controlling interest

   $ (0.2   $     $ (0.8   $ 0.3      $ 0.2  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Normalized EBITDA [2]

   $ 221.8     $ 181.9     $ 804.4     $ 655.9      $ 536.2  

Normalized net income [2]

   $ 100.2     $ 85.8     $ 358.4     $ 308.6      $ 245.5  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

[1]

Restated to reflect the adoption of IFRS 15 “Revenue from contracts with customers” and IFRS 9 “Financial instruments” standards as explained in Note 31 of the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended January 31, 2019.

 

[2] 

See “Non-IFRS Measures” section.

 

 

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Financial Position data

 

As at

(in millions of Canadian dollars)

   January 31,
2020
    January 31,
2019
    January 31,
2018
 
                 Restated [1]  

Cash

   $ 42.5     $ 100.0     $ 226.0  

Working capital

     (211.9     (192.6     (92.9

Property, plant and equipment

     1,027.4       905.1       766.8  

Total assets

     3,767.1       3,077.2       2,623.6  

Total non-current financial liabilities

     1,883.8       1,225.5       1,022.8  

Total liabilities

     4,356.8       3,400.0       2,915.6  

Shareholders deficit

     (589.7     (322.8     (292.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

[1]

Restated to reflect the adoption of IFRS 15 “Revenue from contracts with customers” and IFRS 9 “Financial instruments” standards as explained in Note 31 of the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended January 31, 2019.

Other Financial data

 

     Three-month periods ended      Twelve-month periods ended  
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except per share data)    January 31,
2020
     January 31,
2019
     January 31,
2020
     January 31,
2019
     January 31,
2018
 
                                 Restated [1]  

Revenues by geography

              

United States

   $ 856.2      $ 800.8      $ 3,321.2      $ 2,817.1      $ 2,247.7  

Canada

     238.9        209.4        951.8        845.5        772.2  

International [2]

     520.8        495.7        1,779.7        1,581.2        1,432.6  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 1,615.9      $ 1,505.9      $ 6,052.7      $ 5,243.8      $ 4,452.5  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Declared dividends per share

   $ 0.10      $ 0.09      $ 0.40      $ 0.36      $ 0.24  

Weighted average number of shares – basic

     88,617,489        97,134,909        92,760,943        98,291,845        106,961,014  

Weighted average number of shares – diluted

     89,888,161        97,975,542        93,813,815        99,588,888        107,917,087  

Earnings per share – basic

   $ 1.34      $ 0.85      $ 4.00      $ 2.31      $ 2.23  

Earnings per share – diluted

     1.32        0.84        3.96        2.28        2.21  

Normalized earnings per share – basic [3]

     1.13        0.88        3.87        3.14        2.29  

Normalized earnings per share – diluted [3]

     1.12        0.88        3.83        3.10        2.27  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

[1]

Restated to reflect the adoption of IFRS 15 “Revenue from contracts with customers” and IFRS 9 “Financial instruments” standards as explained in Note 31 of the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended January 31, 2019.

 

[2]

International is defined as all jurisdictions except the United States and Canada.

 

[3]

See “Non-IFRS Measures” section.

 

 

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Reconciliation Tables

The following table presents the reconciliation of Net income to Normalized net income [1] and Normalized EBITDA [1].

 

     Three-month periods
ended
    Twelve-month periods ended  
(in millions of Canadian dollars)    January 31,
2020
    January 31,
2019
    January 31,
2020
    January 31,
2019
    January 31,
2018
 
                             Restated [2]  

Net income

   $ 118.2     $ 82.7     $ 370.6     $ 227.3     $ 239.1  

Normalized elements

          

Foreign exchange (gain) loss on long-term debt and lease liabilities

     9.9       0.8       10.4       69.8       (53.3

Transaction costs and other related expenses [3]

     0.6       1.0       2.9       2.7        

Restructuring and related costs (reversal) [4]

     (0.3     0.4       1.7       1.3       2.9  

(Gain) loss on litigation [5]

     (40.4     0.2       (40.0     1.3       5.9  

Transaction costs on long-term debt

                       8.9       2.1  

Pension plan past service gains

                       (1.4      

Depreciation of intangible assets related to business combinations

     1.2       0.7       3.6       1.2        

Other elements

     0.9       0.2       0.9       1.3       1.5  

Income tax adjustment

     10.1       (0.2     8.3       (3.8     47.3  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Normalized net income [1]

     100.2       85.8       358.4       308.6       245.5  

Normalized income tax expense [1]

     35.0       24.0       126.8       105.4       90.2  

Financing costs adjusted [1] [6]

     24.9       19.9       90.9       68.0       53.5  

Financing income adjusted [1] [6]

     (0.3     (0.7     (2.2     (2.2     (2.2

Depreciation expense adjusted [1] [7]

     62.0       52.9       230.5       176.1       149.2  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Normalized EBITDA [1]

   $ 221.8     $ 181.9     $ 804.4     $ 655.9     $ 536.2  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

[1]

See “Non-IFRS Measures” section.

 

[2]

Restated to reflect the adoption of IFRS 15 “Revenue from contracts with customers” and IFRS 9 “Financial instruments” standards as explained in Note 31 of the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended January 31, 2019.

 

[3]

Costs related to business combinations.

 

[4]

The Company is involved, from time to time, in restructuring and reorganization activities in order to gain flexibility and improve efficiency. The costs related to these activities are mainly composed of severance costs and retention salaries.

 

[5]

The Company is involved in patent infringement litigation cases with one of its competitors.

 

[6]

Adjusted for transaction costs on long-term debt and normal course issuer bid program (“NCIB”) gains and losses in net income.

 

[7]

Adjusted for depreciation of intangible assets acquired through business combinations.

 

 

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9


Results of operations

 

 

Analysis of Results for the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2020

The following section provides an overview of the financial performance of the Company for the three-month period ended January 31, 2020 compared to the same period ended January 31, 2019.

Revenues

Revenues increased by $110.0 million, or 7.3%, to $1,615.9 million for the three-month period ended January 31, 2020, compared with $1,505.9 million for the corresponding period ended January 31, 2019. The revenue increase was mainly due to higher wholesale of Year-Round Products, partially offset by an unfavourable foreign exchange rate variation of $27 million.

The Company’s North American retail sales for powersports vehicles and outboard engines increased by 12% for the three-month period ended January 31, 2020 compared with the three-month period ended January 31, 2019. The increase was driven by Year-Round Products and snowmobile.

As at January 31, 2020, North American dealer inventories for powersports vehicles and outboard engines increased by 4% compared to January 31, 2019, driven mainly by Year-Round Products and partially offset by Seasonal Products.

Gross Profit

Gross profit increased by $48.8 million, or 14.6%, to $383.7 million for the three-month period ended January 31, 2020, compared with $334.9 million for the corresponding period ended January 31, 2019. The gross profit increase includes an unfavourable foreign exchange rate variation of $26 million. Gross profit margin percentage increased by 150 basis points to 23.7% from 22.2% for the three-month period ended January 31, 2019. The increase of 150 basis points was primarily due to favourable pricing and sales programs variation, lower warranty costs and a higher volume of products sold, partially offset by an unfavourable foreign exchange rate variation.

Operating Expenses

Operating expenses decreased by $22.1 million, or 10.6%, to $186.3 million for the three-month period ended January 31, 2020, compared with $208.4 million for the three-month period ended January 31, 2019. This decrease was mainly attributable to the reversal of expenses related to the favourable litigation decision described below, partially offset by higher general and administrative expenses for continued product investments.

The Company is involved in multiple lawsuits with one of its competitors whereby each party is claiming damages for the alleged infringement of some of its patents. On February 19, 2020, an opinion was rendered by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in one of those lawsuits in favour of the Company. Following this opinion, the Company reversed, during the three-month period ended January 31, 2020, $40.5 million of provisions previously recorded in the current and previous fiscal years.

Normalized EBITDA [1]

Normalized EBITDA [1] increased by $39.9 million, or 21.9%, to $221.8 million for the three-month period ended January 31, 2020, compared with $181.9 million for the three-month period ended January 31, 2019. The increase was primarily due to higher gross profit and the impact resulting from the adoption of IFRS 16 “Leases” (“IFRS 16”), partially offset by higher operating expenses without considering the reversal of expenses related to the favourable litigation decision which is excluded from Normalized EBITDA calculation. The main impact of IFRS 16 on normalized EBITDA relates to the replacement of the operating lease expense by a depreciation expense on a right-of-use asset and an interest expense on a lease liability, which are excluded from normalized EBITDA calculation.

 

[1] See “Non-IFRS Measures” section.

 

 

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10


Net Financing Costs

Net financing costs increased by $5.4 million, or 28.1%, to $24.6 million for the three-month period ended January 31, 2020, compared with $19.2 million for the three-month period ended January 31, 2019. The increase primarily resulted from higher interest expense on the Term Facility due to a higher outstanding nominal amount and the interest expense on lease liabilities following the adoption of IFRS 16. The increase was partially offset by lower interest rate on the Term Facility.

Foreign Exchange

The key average exchange rates used to translate foreign-denominated revenues and expenses, excluding any effect of the Company’s hedging program, were as follows for the three-month periods ended January 31, 2020 and 2019:

 

    

January 31,

2020

  

January 31,

2019

U.S. dollars

   1.3166   CA$/US$    1.3322   CA$/US$

Euro

   1.4596   CA$/Euro    1.5173   CA$/Euro

When comparing the operating income and the income before income tax for the three-month period ended January 31, 2020 to the corresponding period ended January 31, 2019, the foreign exchange fluctuations impact was the following:

 

     Foreign exchange
(gain) loss
 
(in millions of Canadian dollars)    Three-month period  

Revenues

   $ 27.4  

Cost of sales

     (1.5
  

 

 

 

Impact of foreign exchange fluctuations on gross profit

     25.9  

Operating expenses

     3.8  
  

 

 

 

Impact of foreign exchange fluctuations on operating income

     29.7  

Long-term debt

     8.7  

Net financing costs

     (0.2
  

 

 

 

Impact of foreign exchange fluctuations on income before income taxes

   $ 38.2  
  

 

 

 

Income Taxes

Income tax expense increased by $21.3 million to $45.1 million for the three-month period ended January 31, 2020, compared with $23.8 million for the three-month period ended January 31, 2019. The increase was primarily due to higher operating income. The effective income tax rate amounted to 27.6% for the three-month period ended January 31, 2020 compared with 22.3% for the three-month period ended January 31, 2019. The increase resulted primarily from the favourable settlement of a tax audit during the three-month period ended January 31, 2019.

Net Income

Net income increased by $35.5 million to $118.2 million for the three-month period ended January 31, 2020, compared with $82.7 million for the three-month period ended January 31, 2019. The increase was primarily due to a higher operating income, partially offset by a higher income tax expense.

 

 

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11


Analysis of Segment Results for the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2020

The following section provides an overview of the financial performance of the Company’s segments for the three-month period ended January 31, 2020 compared to the same period ended January 31, 2019. The inter-segment transactions are included in the analysis.

Powersports

Revenues

Year-Round Products

Revenues from Year-Round Products increased by $107.5 million, or 18.0%, to $705.1 million for the three-month period ended January 31, 2020, compared with $597.6 million for the corresponding period ended January 31, 2019. The increase resulted mainly from a higher volume of SSV sold, partially offset by an unfavourable foreign exchange rate variation of $11 million.

North American Year-Round Products retail sales increased on a percentage basis in the low-twenties range compared with the three-month period ended January 31, 2019.

Seasonal Products

Revenues from Seasonal Products decreased by $34.9 million, or 6.0%, to $542.7 million for the three-month period ended January 31, 2020, compared with $577.6 million for the corresponding period ended January 31, 2019. The decrease was driven by a lower volume of PWC sold and an unfavourable foreign exchange rate variation of $10 million, partially offset by a favourable product mix and price increase in snowmobile and PWC.

North American Seasonal Products retail sales increased on a percentage basis by high-single digits compared with the three-month period ended January 31, 2019.

Powersports PA&A and OEM Engines

Revenues from Powersports PA&A and OEM Engines increased by $11.4 million, or 5.6%, to $215.6 million for the three-month period ended January 31, 2020, compared with $204.2 million for the corresponding period ended January 31, 2019. The increase was mainly attributable to a higher volume of Year-Round Products parts and accessories.

Gross Profit

Gross profit increased by $21.5 million, or 6.2%, to $366.8 million for the three-month period ended January 31, 2020, compared with $345.3 million for the corresponding period ended January 31, 2019. The gross profit increase includes an unfavourable foreign exchange rate variation of $22 million. Gross profit margin percentage increased by 10 basis points to 25.1% from 25.0% for the three-month period ended January 31, 2019. The increase was primarily due to favourable pricing and sales programs variation, partially offset by an unfavourable foreign exchange rate variation.

Marine

Revenues

Revenues from the Marine segment increased by $23.8 million, or 17.8%, to $157.4 million for the three-month period ended January 31, 2020, compared with $133.6 million for the corresponding period ended January 31, 2019. The increase was mainly due to the additional revenues following the acquisition of Telwater and a higher volume of outboard engines sold.

North American outboard engine retail sales decreased on a percentage basis by low-single digits compared with the three-month period ended January 31, 2019.

 

 

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12


Gross Profit

Gross profit increased by $27.3 million to $16.9 million for the three-month period ended January 31, 2020, compared with a gross margin loss of $10.4 million for the corresponding period ended January 31, 2019. The increase was primarily due to lower warranty costs and a higher volume of boats and parts and accessories sold, partially offset by an unfavourable foreign exchange rate variation of $4 million. Gross profit margin percentage increased to 10.7% from a negative gross margin percentage of 7.8% for the three-month period ended January 31, 2019.

Geographical Trends

Revenues

United States

Revenues from the United States increased by $55.4 million, or 6.9%, to $856.2 million for the three-month period ended January 31, 2020, compared with $800.8 million for the corresponding period ended January 31, 2019. The increase resulted from a higher volume of SSV and ATV sold, partially offset by a lower volume of PWC sold and an unfavourable foreign exchange impact of $13 million. The United States represented 53.0% and 53.2% of revenues during the three-month periods ended January 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Canada

Revenues from Canada increased by $29.5 million, or 14.1%, to $238.9 million for the three-month period ended January 31, 2020, compared with $209.4 million for the corresponding period ended January 31, 2019. The increase was driven by a higher volume of snowmobile and SSV sold, partially offset by a lower volume of PWC sold. Canada represented 14.8% and 13.9% of revenues during the three-month periods ended January 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

International

Revenues from International increased by $25.1 million, or 5.1%, to $520.8 million for the three-month period ended January 31, 2020, compared with $495.7 million for the corresponding period ended January 31, 2019. The increase primarily resulted from the additional revenues following the acquisition of Telwater, a higher volume of SSV sold and a favourable product mix in snowmobile. The increase was partially offset by a lower volume of snowmobile sold and an unfavourable foreign exchange impact of $14 million. International represented 32.2% and 32.9% of revenues during the three-month periods ended January 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

 

 

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13


Analysis of Results for the twelve-month period ended January 31, 2020

The following section provides an overview of the financial performance of the Company for the twelve-month period ended January 31, 2020 compared to the same period ended January 31, 2019.

Revenues

Revenues increased by $808.9 million, or 15.4%, to $6,052.7 million for the twelve-month period ended January 31, 2020, compared with $5,243.8 million for the corresponding period ended January 31, 2019. The revenue increase was primarily attributable to higher wholesale of Year-Round Products.

The Company’s North American retail sales for powersports vehicles and outboard engines increased by 12% for the twelve-month period ended January 31, 2020 compared with the twelve-month period ended January 31, 2019, mainly due to an increase in Year-Round Products.

Gross Profit

Gross profit increased by $200.6 million, or 16.0%, to $1,454.0 million for the twelve-month period ended January 31, 2020, compared with $1,253.4 million for the corresponding period ended January 31, 2019. Gross profit margin percentage increased by 10 basis points to 24.0% from 23.9% for the twelve-month period ended January 31, 2019. The increase was primarily due to higher volume of Year-Round Products sold and favourable pricing and sales programs variation, partially offset by higher commodity, production and distribution costs.

Operating Expenses

Operating expenses increased by $68.9 million, or 8.8%, to $849.7 million for the twelve-month period ended January 31, 2020, compared with $780.8 million for the twelve-month period ended January 31, 2019. The increase was mainly attributable to support for the launch of various products, continued product investments, costs related to the modernization of information systems and additional operating expenses resulting from acquisition of boat companies in the Marine segment, partially offset by the reversal of expenses related to the favourable litigation decision.

Normalized EBITDA [1]

Normalized EBITDA [1] increased by $148.5 million, or 22.6%, to $804.4 million for the twelve-month period ended January 31, 2020, compared with $655.9 million for the twelve-month period ended January 31, 2019. The increase was primarily due to higher gross profit and the impact resulting from the adoption of IFRS 16, partially offset by higher operating expenses.

Net Financing Costs

Net financing costs increased by $14.8 million, or 20.0%, to $88.7 million for the twelve-month period ended January 31, 2020, compared with $73.9 million for the twelve-month period ended January 31, 2019. The increase primarily resulted from higher interest expense on the Term Facility due to a higher outstanding nominal amount and interest expense on lease liabilities following the adoption of IFRS 16. The increase was partially offset by the transaction costs on the Term Facility following the refinancing that occurred in Fiscal 2019.

 

[1] See “Non-IFRS Measures” section.

 

 

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14


Foreign Exchange

The key average exchange rates used to translate foreign-denominated revenues and expenses, excluding any effect of the Company’s hedging program, were as follows for the twelve-month periods ended January 31, 2020 and 2019:

 

    

January 31,

2020

  

January 31,

2019

U.S. dollars

   1.3251    CA$/US$    1.3030    CA$/US$

Euro

   1.4799    CA$/Euro    1.5308    CA$/Euro

The key period-end exchange rates used to translate foreign-denominated assets and liabilities were as follows:

 

    

January 31,

2020

  

January 31,

2019

U.S. dollars

   1.3221    CA$/US$    1.3142    CA$/US$

Euro

   1.4651    CA$/Euro    1.5051    CA$/Euro

When comparing the operating income and the income before income tax for the twelve-month period ended January 31, 2020 to the corresponding period ended January 31, 2019, the foreign exchange fluctuations impact was the following:

 

     Foreign exchange
(gain) loss
 
(in millions of Canadian dollars)    Twelve-month
period
 

Revenues

   $ 5.4  

Cost of sales

     21.3  
  

 

 

 

Impact of foreign exchange fluctuations on gross profit

     26.7  

Operating expenses

     2.1  
  

 

 

 

Impact of foreign exchange fluctuations on operating income

     28.8  

Long-term debt

     (59.9

Net financing costs

     0.9  
  

 

 

 

Impact of foreign exchange fluctuations on income before income taxes

   $ (30.2
  

 

 

 

Income Taxes

Income tax expense increased by $33.5 million to $135.1 million for the twelve-month period ended January 31, 2020, compared with $101.6 million for the twelve-month period ended January 31, 2019. The increase was primarily due to higher operating income. The effective income tax rate amounted to 26.7% for the twelve-month period ended January 31, 2020 compared with 30.9% for the twelve-month period ended January 31, 2019. The decrease resulted primarily from the tax and accounting treatment of the foreign exchange loss on the Term Facility.

Net Income

Net income increased by $143.3 million to $370.6 million for the twelve-month period ended January 31, 2020, compared with $227.3 million for the twelve-month period ended January 31, 2019. The increase was primarily due to a higher operating income and a favourable foreign exchange rate variation impact on the U.S. denominated long-term debt, partially offset by a higher income tax expense.

 

 

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15


Analysis of Segment Results for twelve-month period ended January 31, 2020

The following section provides an overview of the financial performance of the Company’s segments for the twelve-month period ended January 31, 2020 compared to the same period ended January 31, 2019. The inter-segment transactions are included in the analysis.

Powersports

Revenues

Year-Round Products

Revenues from Year-Round Products increased by $551.1 million, or 24.6%, to $2,791.7 million for the twelve-month period ended January 31, 2020, compared with $2,240.6 million for the corresponding period ended January 31, 2019. The increase was primarily attributable to a higher volume of SSV and ATV sold, product introduction in 3WV and a favourable foreign exchange rate variation of $5 million.

North American Year-Round Products retail sales increased on a percentage basis in the mid-twenties range compared with the twelve-month period ended January 31, 2019.

Seasonal Products

Revenues from Seasonal Products increased by $97.9 million, or 5.4%, to $1,901.4 million for the twelve-month period ended January 31, 2020, compared with $1,803.5 million for the corresponding period ended January 31, 2019. The increase resulted primarily from a favourable product mix in PWC and snowmobile and a higher volume of snowmobile sold. The increase was partially offset by a lower volume of PWC sold and an unfavourable foreign exchange rate variation of $7 million.

North American Seasonal Products retail sales increased on a percentage basis by mid-single digits compared with the twelve-month period ended January 31, 2019.

Powersports PA&A and OEM Engines

Revenues from Powersports PA&A and OEM Engines increased by $92.1 million, or 13.0%, to $801.5 million for the twelve-month period ended January 31, 2020, compared with $709.4 million for the corresponding period ended January 31, 2019. The increase was mainly attributable to a higher volume of parts and accessories for all product lines.

Gross Profit

Gross profit increased by $193.5 million, or 16.2%, to $1,386.8 million for the twelve-month period ended January 31, 2020, compared with $1,193.3 million for the corresponding period ended January 31, 2019. The gross profit increase includes an unfavourable foreign exchange rate variation of $25 million. Gross profit margin percentage increased by 10 basis points to 25.2% from 25.1% for the twelve-month period ended January 31, 2019. The increase was primarily due to a higher volume of Year-Round Products sold and favourable pricing and sales programs variation, partially offset by higher commodity, production and distribution costs.

Marine

Revenues

Revenues from the Marine segment increased by $55.2 million, or 10.6%, to $577.5 million for the twelve-month period ended January 31, 2020, compared with $522.3 million for the corresponding period ended January 31, 2019. The increase was mainly due to the additional revenues following the acquisition of companies in the Marine segment, partially offset by a lower volume of outboard engines sold.

North American outboard engine retail sales decreased on a percentage basis in the low-twenties range compared with the twelve-month period ended January 31, 2019.

 

 

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16


Gross Profit

Gross profit increased by $7.1 million, or 11.8%, to $67.2 million for the twelve-month period ended January 31, 2020, compared with $60.1 million for the corresponding period ended January 31, 2019. Gross profit margin percentage increased by 10 basis points to 11.6% from 11.5% for the twelve-month period ended January 31, 2019. The increase was primarily due to lower warranty costs, favourable pricing and sales programs variation and a higher volume of boats and parts and accessories sold, partially offset by higher production costs.

Geographical Trends

Revenues

United States

Revenues from the United States increased by $504.1 million, or 17.9%, to $3,321.2 million for the twelve-month period ended January 31, 2020, compared with $2,817.1 million for the corresponding period ended January 31, 2019. The increase is mainly due to a higher volume of SSV sold, a favourable product mix of PWC sold, product introduction in 3WV, the additional revenues following the acquisition of boat companies in the Marine segment and a favourable foreign exchange impact of $27 million. The increase was partially offset by a lower volume of PWC and outboard engines sold. The United States represented 54.9% and 53.7% of revenues during the twelve-month periods ended January 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Canada

Revenues from Canada increased by $106.3 million, or 12.6%, to $951.8 million for the twelve-month period ended January 31, 2020, compared with $845.5 million for the corresponding period ended January 31, 2019. The increase was mainly attributable to a higher wholesale of Year-Round Products and snowmobile. Canada represented 15.7% and 16.1% of revenues during the twelve-month periods ended January 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

International

Revenues from International increased by $198.5 million, or 12.6%, to $1,779.7 million for the twelve-month period ended January 31, 2020, compared with $1,581.2 million for the corresponding period ended January 31, 2019. The increase primarily resulted from higher wholesale of Year-Round Products, a higher volume and a favourable product mix of snowmobiles sold and the additional revenues following the acquisition of Telwater. The increase was partially offset by an unfavourable foreign exchange impact of $32 million. International represented 29.4% and 30.2% of revenues during the twelve-month periods ended January 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

 

 

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17


Assessment of the Company’s performance against its Fiscal 2020 guidance

On March 22, 2019, the Company issued guidance for the year ending January 31, 2020, which was revised on November 27, 2019, to adjust the revenues, the normalized EBITDA [1], the normalized earnings per share – diluted [1] and the net income. The following table provides a comparison of the Company’s performance reported for the year ended January 31, 2020, against the issued and revised guidance for this year:

 

   

Target for Fiscal 2020 (compared to Fiscal 2019)

       
   

As issued on

March 22, 2019

 

As revised on

November 27, 2019

 

Results for Fiscal 2020 (compared to Fiscal 2019)

Revenues   Increase 7% to 11%   Increase 12% to 14%   Increase of 15%   Above due to Year-Round Products
Normalized EBITDA [1]   Increase 19% to 23%   Increase 21.5% to 23.0%   Increase of 23%   As expected
Normalized effective tax rate [1]   26.5% to 27.0%   26.5% to 27.0%   26.1%   Below due to adjustments to prior period estimates

Normalized earnings per share – diluted [1]

  $3.50 to $3.70   $3.70 to $3.80   $3.83   Above due to the lower normalized effective tax rate
Net income  

$340 million to

$365 million

 

$350 million to

$370 million

  $371 million   Slightly above

 

[1] See “Non-IFRS Measures” section.

 

 

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18


Summary of Consolidated Quarterly Results

 

 

 

     Three-month periods ended  
     January 31,
2020
     October 31,
2019
     July 31,
2019
     April 30,
2019
     January 31,
2019
     October 31,
2018
     July 31,
2018
     April 30,
2018
 
(millions of Canadian dollars, except per
share data)
   Fiscal
2020
     Fiscal
2020
     Fiscal
2020
     Fiscal
2020
     Fiscal
2019
     Fiscal
2019
     Fiscal
2019
     Fiscal
2019
 

Revenues by category [1]

                       

Powersports

                       

Year-Round Products

   $ 705.1      $ 725.0      $ 734.6      $ 627.0      $ 597.6      $ 562.4      $ 554.0      $ 526.6  

Seasonal Products

     542.7        554.8        428.5        375.4        577.6        490.9        384.6        350.4  

Powersports PA&A and OEM Engines

     215.4        225.7        173.7        185.0        202.7        201.8        147.1        155.9  

Marine

     152.7        138.1        122.7        146.3        128.0        139.1        121.3        103.8  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Revenues

     1,615.9        1,643.6        1,459.5        1,333.7        1,505.9        1,394.2        1,207.0        1,136.7  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Gross profit

     383.7        441.9        327.8        300.6        334.9        356.8        280.1        281.6  

As a percentage of revenues

     23.7%        26.9%        22.5%        22.5%        22.2%        25.6%        23.2%        24.8%  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income

     118.2        135.3        93.3        23.8        82.7        90.2        41.0        13.4  

Normalized EBITDA [2]

     221.8        268.2        167.7        146.7        181.9        203.2        144.2        126.6  

Normalized net income [2]

     100.2        136.7        68.8        52.7        85.8        102.9        66.4        53.5  

Basic earnings per share

     1.34        1.51        0.97        0.25        0.85        0.93        0.41        0.13  

Diluted earnings per share

     1.32        1.49        0.96        0.25        0.84        0.92        0.41        0.13  

Normalized basic earnings per share [2]

     1.13        1.53        0.72        0.55        0.88        1.06        0.67        0.53  

Normalized diluted earnings per share [2]

   $ 1.12      $ 1.51      $ 0.71      $ 0.54      $ 0.88      $ 1.04      $ 0.66      $ 0.52  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

[1] 

Comparative figures have been modified to reflect the new categories of revenues following the creation of the Marine Group.

 

[2] 

See “Non-IFRS Measures” section.

 

 

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19


Reconciliation Table for Consolidated Quarterly Results

 

 

 

    Three-month periods ended  
    January 31,
2020
    October 31,
2019
    July 31,
2019
    April 30,
2019
    January 31,
2019
    October 31,
2018
    July 31,
2018
    April 30,
2018
 
(millions of Canadian dollars)   Fiscal
2020
    Fiscal
2020
    Fiscal
2020
    Fiscal
2020
    Fiscal
2019
    Fiscal
2019
    Fiscal
2019
    Fiscal
2019
 

Net income

  $ 118.2     $ 135.3     $ 93.3     $ 23.8     $ 82.7     $ 90.2     $ 41.0     $ 13.4  

Normalized elements

               

Foreign exchange (gain) loss on long-term debt and lease liabilities

    9.9       0.1       (27.2     27.6       0.8       10.2       17.3       41.5  

Transaction costs and other related expenses [1]

    0.6       0.6       1.4       0.3       1.0       0.5       1.2        

Restructuring and related costs (reversal) [2]

    (0.3     0.1       1.9             0.4       0.1       0.6       0.2  

(Gain) loss on litigation [3]

    (40.4           0.2       0.2       0.2       0.3       0.2       0.6  

Transaction costs on long-term debt

                                        8.9        

Pension plan past service gains

                                        (1.4      

Depreciation of intangible assets related to business combinations

    1.2       1.1       0.6       0.7       0.7       0.5              

Other elements

    0.9             (0.5     0.5       0.2       1.9       1.2       (2.0

Income tax adjustment

    10.1       (0.5     (0.9     (0.4     (0.2     (0.8     (2.6     (0.2
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Normalized net income [4]

    100.2       136.7       68.8       52.7       85.8       102.9       66.4       53.5  

Normalized income tax expense [4]

    35.0       49.4       22.4       20.0       24.0       40.6       20.8       20.0  

Financing costs adjusted [4] [5]

    24.9       24.1       21.2       20.7       19.9       17.3       16.7       14.1  

Financing income adjusted [4] [5]

    (0.3     (0.3     (0.8     (0.8     (0.7     (0.4     (0.5     (0.6

Depreciation expense adjusted [4] [6]

    62.0       58.3       56.1       54.1       52.9       42.8       40.8       39.6  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Normalized EBITDA [4]

  $ 221.8     $ 268.2     $ 167.7     $ 146.7     $ 181.9     $ 203.2     $ 144.2     $ 126.6  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

[1]

Costs related to business combinations.

 

[2]

The Company is involved, from time to time, in restructuring and reorganization activities in order to gain flexibility and improve efficiency. The costs related to these activities are mainly composed of severance costs and retention salaries.

 

[3] 

The Company is involved in patent infringement litigation cases with one of its competitors.

 

[4] 

See “Non-IFRS Measures” section.

 

[5]

Adjusted for transaction costs on long-term debt and NCIB gains and losses in net income.

 

[6]

Adjusted for depreciation of intangible assets acquired through business combinations.

 

 

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20


Liquidity and Capital Resources

Liquidity

The Company’s primary sources of cash consist of existing cash balances, operating activities and available borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facilities and Term Facility.

The Company’s primary uses of cash are to fund operations, working capital requirements and capital expenditures in connection with product development and manufacturing infrastructure. The fluctuation of working capital requirements is primarily due to the seasonality of the Company’s production schedule and product shipments.

A summary of net cash flows by activities is presented below for the twelve-month periods ended January 31, 2020 and 2019:

 

     Twelve-month periods
ended
 

(millions of Canadian dollars)

   January 31,
2020
    January 31,
2019
 

Net cash flows generated from operating activities

   $ 555.5     $ 561.2  

Net cash flows used in investing activities

     (443.3     (470.5

Net cash flows used in financing activities

     (177.7     (213.2

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

     8.0       (3.5
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease in cash

     (57.5     (126.0

Cash at beginning of period

     100.0       226.0  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash at end of period

   $ 42.5     $ 100.0  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Cash Flows Generated from Operating Activities

Net cash flows generated from operating activities totalled $555.5 million for the twelve-month period ended January 31, 2020 compared with $561.2 million for the twelve-month period ended January 31, 2019. The $5.7 million decrease in net cash flows generated was mainly due to higher income taxes paid and by unfavourable changes in working capital of $130.5 million, partially offset by a higher operating income when excluding the depreciation expense. The unfavourable changes in working capital were primarily driven by higher Inventory and a lower variance in Trade payables and accruals compared to Fiscal 2019.

Net Cash Flows Used in Investing Activities

Net cash flows used in investing activities totalled $443.3 million for the twelve-month period ended January 31, 2020 compared with $470.5 million for the twelve-month period ended January 31, 2019. The $27.2 million decrease was mainly attributable to a lower amount invested in business combinations in Fiscal 2020, partially offset by investments related to the modernization of information systems.

Net Cash Flows Used in Financing Activities

Net cash flows used in financing activities totalled $177.7 million for the twelve-month period ended January 31, 2020 compared with $213.2 million for the twelve-month period ended January 31, 2019. The $35.5 million decrease in net cash flows used was mainly attributable to the new U.S. $335.0 million tranche of the Term Facility, partially offset by a higher amount invested to repurchase shares and stock options, the repayment of lease liabilities due to IFRS 16 adoption and a higher interest paid.

 

 

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21


Contractual Obligations

The following table summarizes the Company’s significant contractual obligations as at January 31, 2020:

 

(millions of Canadian dollars)    Less than
1 year
     1-3 years      4-5 years      More than
5 years
     Total
amount
 

Trade payables and accruals

   $ 1,085.8      $      $      $      $ 1,085.8  

Long-term debt (including interest)

     80.0        162.2        162.0        1,575.3        1,979.5  

Lease liabilities (including interest)

     40.1        73.4        51.4        123.9        288.8  

Derivative financial instruments

     3.5        1.7                      5.2  

Other financial liabilities

     179.4        20.8               24.5        224.7  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 1,388.8      $ 258.1      $ 213.4      $ 1,723.7      $ 3,584.0  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The Company enters into purchasing agreements with suppliers related to material used in production. These agreements are usually entered into before production begins and may specify a fixed or variable quantity of material to be purchased. Due to the uncertainty as to the amount and pricing of material that may be purchased, the Company is not able to determine with precision its commitments in connection with these supply agreements.

Management believes that the Company’s operating activities and available financing capacity will provide adequate sources of liquidity to meet its short-term and long-term needs.

Capital Resources

Revolving Credit Facilities

On March 14, 2019, the Company amended its $575.0 million revolving credit facilities to increase the availability by $125.0 million for a total availability of $700.0 million, to extend the maturity from May 2023 to May 2024 and to improve the pricing grid (the “Revolving Credit Facilities”). The Company incurred transaction fees of $1.5 million related to this amendment. The total available borrowing under the Revolving Credit Facilities is subject to a borrowing base calculation representing 75% of the carrying amount of trade and other receivables plus 50% of the carrying amount of inventories. The Revolving Credit Facilities are available to finance working capital requirements and capital expenditures, or for other general corporate purposes.

As at January 31, 2020, the Company had no outstanding indebtedness under the Revolving Credit Facilities.

The applicable interest rates vary depending on a leverage ratio. The leverage ratio is defined in the Revolving Credit Facilities agreement by the ratio of net debt to consolidated cash flows of the Company (the “Leverage ratio”). The applicable interest rates are as follows:

  (i)

U.S. dollars at either

  (a)

LIBOR plus 1.45% to 3.00% per annum; or

  (b)

U.S. Base Rate plus 0.45% to 2.00% per annum; or

  (c)

U.S. Prime Rate plus 0.45% to 2.00% per annum;

  (ii)

Canadian dollars at either

  (a)

Bankers’ Acceptance plus 1.45% to 3.00% per annum; or

  (b)

Canadian Prime Rate plus 0.45% to 2.00% per annum

  (iii)

Euros at Euro LIBOR plus 1.45% to 3.00% per annum.

In addition, the Company incurs commitment fees of 0.25% to 0.40% per annum on the undrawn amount of the Revolving Credit Facilities.

 

 

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22


As at January 31, 2020, the cost of borrowing under the Revolving Credit Facilities was as follows:

  (i)

U.S. dollars at either

  (a)

LIBOR plus 1.70% per annum; or

  (b)

U.S. Base Rate plus 0.70% per annum; or

  (c)

U.S. Prime Rate plus 0.70% per annum;

  (ii)

Canadian dollars at either

  (a)

Bankers’ Acceptance plus 1.70% per annum; or

  (b)

Canadian Prime Rate plus 0.70% per annum

  (iii)

Euros at Euro LIBOR plus 1.70% per annum.

As at January 31, 2020, the commitment fees on the undrawn amount of the Revolving Credit Facilities were 0.25% per annum.

Under certain conditions, the Company is required to maintain a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio in order to have full access to its Revolving Credit Facilities.

As at January 31, 2020, the Company had issued letters of credit for an amount of $3.3 million under the Revolving Credit Facilities ($2.5 million as at January 31, 2019). In addition, $5.0 million in letters of credit were outstanding under other agreements as at January 31, 2020, ($4.7 million as at January 31, 2019).

Term Facility

On July 23, 2019, the Company amended its term facility to add a new U.S. $335.0 million tranche for a total principal of U.S. $1,235.0 million (the “Term Facility”). The Term Facility agreement contains customary representations and warranties but includes no financial covenants. The Company incurred transaction costs of $6.5 million.

As at January 31, 2020, the cost of borrowing under the new tranche of the Term Facility was as follows:

  (i)

LIBOR plus 2.50% per annum, with a LIBOR floor of 0.00%; or

  (ii)

U.S. Base Rate plus 1.50%; or

  (iii)

U.S. Prime Rate plus 1.50%

As at January 31, 2020, the cost of borrowing under the initial tranche of the Term Facility was as follows:

  (i)

LIBOR plus 2.00% per annum, with a LIBOR floor of 0.00%; or

  (ii)

U.S. Base Rate plus 1.00%; or

  (iii)

U.S. Prime Rate plus 1.00%

Under the Term Facility, the cost of borrowing in U.S. Base Rate or U.S. Prime Rate cannot be lower than the cost of borrowing in LIBOR.

The Company is required to repay a minimum of 0.25% of the nominal amount of U.S. $1,235.0 million each quarter. Consequently, the Company repaid an amount of U.S. $10.7 million ($14.1 million) during the twelve-month period ended January 31, 2020. Also, the Company may be required to repay a portion of the Term Facility in the event that it has an excess cash position at the end of the fiscal year and its leverage ratio is above a certain threshold level. As at January 31, 2020, the Company was not required to repay any portion of the Term Facility.

 

 

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23


Austrian Term Loans

During the twelve-month period ended January 31, 2020, the Company entered into term loan agreements at favourable interest rates under Austrian government programs. These programs support research and development projects based on the Company’s incurred expenses in Austria. The term loans have a total nominal amount of euro 11.5 million ($17.2 million), interest rates at 0.95% (1.12% starting in July 2024) or at Euribor three-months plus 0.99% with a floor at 1.00% and maturities between March 2024 and December 2030.

As at January 31, 2020, the Company had euro 29.7 million outstanding under its Austrian term loans bearing interest at a range between 0.75% and 1.65% and maturing between June 2020 and December 2030.

Lease Liabilities

As at January 31, 2020, the contractual obligations in relation to assets acquired under lease agreements amounted to $288.8 million.

Substantial issuer bid offer (“SIB”)

On July 23, 2019, the Company repurchased 6,342,494 subordinate voting shares following the completion of its SIB for a total consideration of $300.0 million. Prior to the completion of the SIB, 3,239,713 multiple voting shares were converted into an equivalent number of subordinate voting shares. These converted shares were repurchased in the SIB. The Company incurred $1.0 million of fees and expenses related to the SIB, which were recorded in capital stock.

NCIB

On March 22, 2019, the Company announced the renewal of its NCIB to repurchase for cancellation up to 4,170,403 of its outstanding subordinate voting shares. During the twelve-month period ended January 31, 2020, the Company repurchased a total of 2,955,555 subordinate voting shares for a total consideration of $151.5 million.

As at January 31, 2020, a $70.3 million financial liability, with a corresponding amount in equity, was recorded in the consolidated statements of financial position in relation with the NCIB. This liability represented the value of subordinate voting shares expected to be repurchased by a designated broker under an automatic share purchase plan from February 1st to March 23, 2020. This automatic share purchase plan allows for the purchase of subordinate voting shares under pre-set conditions at times when the Company would ordinarily not be permitted due to regulatory restrictions or self-imposed blackout periods.

Repurchase of stock options

Concurrent with the secondary offering, the Company repurchased for cancellation 773,500 stock options of two executive officers for a purchase consideration of $28.0 million.

 

 

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24


Consolidated Financial Position

 

 

The following table shows the main variances that have occurred in the audited consolidated statements of financial position of the Company between January 31, 2020 and January 31, 2019, the impact of the fluctuation of exchange rates on such variances, the related net variance (excluding the impact of the fluctuation of exchange rates on such variances) as well as explanations for the net variance:

 

(millions of Canadian dollars)   January 31,
2020
    January 31,
2019
    Variance     Exchange
Rate
Impact
    Net
Variance
   

Explanation of Net Variance

Trade and other receivables

  $ 399.1     $ 388.3     $ 10.8     $ 10.7     $ 21.5     Mostly explained by an increase in sales tax receivables

Inventories

    1,166.3       946.2       220.1       13.7       233.8     Mostly explained by higher inventory of SSV, PWC and 3WV for upcoming product deliveries
Property, plant and equipment     1,027.4       905.1       122.3       6.4       128.7     Mostly explained by continued investments in property, plant and equipment and the acquisition of Telwater

Trade payables and accruals

    1,085.8       1,003.5       82.3       5.9       88.2     Mostly explained by an increased production level
Long-term debt, including current portion     1,645.4       1,215.5       429.9       (8.7     421.2     Mostly explained by the new U.S. $335.0 million tranche of Term Facility
Employee future benefit liabilities     301.2       237.1       64.1       3.5       67.6     Mostly explained by the decrease of the discount rate by approximately 105 basis points on Canadian defined benefit obligations

 

 

 

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25


Post-Employment Benefits

The Company sponsors defined contribution retirement plans to a majority of its employees and sponsors non-contributory defined benefit plans that provide for pensions and other post-retirement benefits to certain employees mainly located in Canada and Austria.

In Canada, the Company’s defined benefit pension plans coverage are mainly related to pension benefits for its executive employees and life insurance benefits and healthcare benefits to executive and certain eligible employees. Additionally, the Company retained defined benefit obligations with certain active and former Canadian employees for services rendered prior to 2005.

In Austria, the Company’s defined benefit pension plan coverage is related to a lump sum retirement indemnity plan and a defined benefit plan.

A summary of the carrying amounts of employee future benefit liabilities and the discount rates used to establish their carrying amounts for the last two fiscal years were as follows, as at:

 

     January 31, 2020      January 31, 2019  
(in millions of Canadian dollars)    Canada      Foreign      Total      Canada      Foreign      Total  

Employee future benefit liabilities

   $ 155.5      $ 145.7      $ 301.2      $ 106.3      $ 130.8      $ 237.1  

Discount rate

     2.80%        0.69%           3.85%        1.65%     

Compensation increase

     3.00%        3.00%           3.00%        3.00%     

The Company’s liabilities related to defined benefit obligations are highly dependent on prevailing actual and future discount rates, future compensation increases and participant longevity. An increase or decrease of those factors could increase or decrease significantly the employee future benefit liabilities and future cash contributions. The following table presents the impact on the employee future benefit liabilities as at January 31, 2020 of reasonable possible changes of the respective assumptions, while holding all other assumptions constant:

 

     Increase (Decrease) of the employee
future benefit liabilities
 

Discount rate

  

Impact of a 0.5% increase

   $ (41.1

Impact of a 0.5% decrease

     47.3  
  

 

 

 

Expected rate of compensation increase

  

Impact of a 0.5% increase

     11.4  

Impact of a 0.5% decrease

     (9.8
  

 

 

 

Participant longevity

  

Impact of a 1 year increase

     12.1  

Impact of a 1 year decrease

     (12.3
  

 

 

 

The sensitivity analysis presented above may not be representative of the potential change in the employee future benefit liabilities as it is unlikely that the change in assumptions would occur in isolation of one another as some of the assumptions may be correlated.

In accordance with the minimum funding obligations required under the current regulations, the Company expects to contribute $12.6 million to all defined benefit pension plans for the year ending January 31, 2021.

The pension expense incurred by the Company for its defined benefit and defined contribution pension plans was $46.5 million and $43.0 million for the years ended January 31, 2020 and January 31, 2019, respectively, of which 11.2% and 14.7% is related to current service costs under defined benefit plans.

 

 

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26


Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

 

Dealer and Distributor Financing Arrangements

The Company, most of its independent dealers and some of its independent distributors are parties to agreements with third-party financing service providers. These agreements provide financing to facilitate the purchase of the Company’s products and improve the Company’s working capital by allowing an earlier collection of accounts receivable from dealers and distributors. Approximately three-quarters of the Company’s sales are made under such agreements. The parties listed above have agreements with TCF Inventory Finance Inc. and TCF Commercial Finance Canada Inc. (collectively, “TCF”), to provide financing facilities in North America and Latin America, and with Wells Fargo Commercial Distribution Finance, Wells Fargo Bank International, Wells Fargo International Finance LLC and Wells Fargo International Finance (New Zealand) Limited (collectively “Wells Fargo”) for financing facilities in North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. The agreement between the Company and TCF will expire on January 31, 2023. For most of the contracts with Wells Fargo, the maximum commitment period is up to April 9, 2021.

The total amount of financing provided to the Company’s independent dealers and distributors totalled $1,210.0 million and $4,670.5 million for the three- and twelve-month periods ended January 31, 2020, compared to $1,115.7 million and $3,972.3 million for the three- and twelve-month periods ended January 31, 2019. The outstanding financing between the Company’s independent dealers and distributors and third-party finance companies amounted to $2,281.7 million and $1,998.1 million as at January 31, 2020, and January 31, 2019, respectively.

The breakdown of outstanding amounts by country and local currency between the Company’s independent dealers and distributors with third-party finance companies were as follows, as at:

 

(in millions)    Currency      January 31,
2020
     January 31,
2019
 

Total outstanding

     CAD      $ 2,282      $ 1,998  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

United States

     USD      $ 1,264      $ 1,107  

Canada

     CAD        $458        $422  

Europe

     Euro        47        40  

Australia and New Zealand

     AUD        $94        $62  

Latin America

     USD        $1        $1  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The costs incurred by the Company under the dealers’ and distributors’ financing agreements totalled $16.4 million and $63.4 million for the three- and twelve-month periods ended January 31, 2020 compared with $5.8 million and $48.3 million for the three- and twelve-month periods ended January 31, 2019.

Under the dealer and distributor financing agreements, in the event of default, the Company may be required to purchase, from the finance companies, repossessed new and unused products at the total unpaid principal balance of the dealer or distributor to the finance companies. In North America, the obligation is generally limited to the greater of U.S. $25.0 million ($33.1 million) or 10% of the last twelve-month average amount of financing outstanding under the financing agreements, whereas in Europe, the obligation is generally limited to the greater of U.S. $10.0 million ($13.2 million) or 10% of the last twelve-month average amount of financing outstanding under the financing agreements. In Australia and New Zealand, the obligation to purchase repossessed new and unused products is limited to the greater of AU $5.0 million ($4.4 million) or 10% of the last twelve-month average amount of financing outstanding under the financing agreements. For boat products, in North America, the repurchase obligation decreases according to the age of the inventory and there is no obligation to repurchase for boat products older than 900 days while, in Australia, the obligation to purchase repossessed new and unused boat products is limited to AU $2.5 million ($2.2 million).

 

 

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27


The maximum amount subject to the Company’s obligation to purchase repossessed new and unused products from the finance companies was $238 million as at January 31, 2020 ($217 million in North America, $13 million in Europe and $8 million in Australia and New Zealand) and $227 million as at January 31, 2019 ($209 million in North America, $13 million in Europe and $5 million in Australia and New Zealand).

The Company did not incur significant losses related to new and unused products repossessed by the finance companies for the three- and twelve-month periods ended January 31, 2020 and 2019.

Consumer Financing Arrangements

The Company has contractual relationships with third-party financing companies in order to facilitate consumer credit for the purchase of its products in North America. The agreements generally allow the Company to offer a subsidized interest rate to consumers for a certain limited period under certain sales programs. In Canada, the Company has agreements with TD Financing Services and the Fédération des caisses Desjardins du Québec for such purposes. In the United States, the Company has agreements with Sheffield Financial, Citi Retail Services and Roadrunner Financial. Under these contracts, the Company’s financial obligations are mainly related to the commitments made under certain sales programs.

Transactions Between Related Parties

 

 

Transactions with Key Management Personnel

Key management personnel of the Company, defined as employees with authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the Company, are considered related parties to the Company. The key management personnel of the Company are the directors and the executive officers listed in the Annual Information Form of the Company dated April 9, 2020, and available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

The Company incurred the following benefit expenses in relation with key management personnel:

 

     Twelve-month
periods ended
 
(in millions of Canadian dollars)    January 31,
2020
     January 31,
2019
 

Current remuneration

   $ 17.6      $ 16.1  

Post-employment benefits

     1.3        1.1  

Termination benefits

            0.5  

Stock-based compensation expense

     7.3        6.1  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 26.2      $ 23.8  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Transactions with the Principal Shareholders and Stock Option Repurchase

On December 16, 2019, Beaudier Group, Bain Capital and one director of the Company completed a secondary offering of 5,000,000 subordinate voting shares of the Company through a syndicate of underwriters. Prior to such transaction, Beaudier Group and Bain Capital converted respectively 2,816,844 and 2,153,156 multiple voting shares into an equivalent number of subordinate voting shares. The Company did not receive any of the proceeds of the secondary offering. In accordance with the terms of the registration rights agreement entered into in connection with the initial public offering of the Company’s subordinate voting shares, the Company incurred approximately $0.9 million of fees and expenses related to this secondary offering.

In addition, concurrent with the secondary offering, the Company repurchased for cancellation 773,500 stock options of two executive officers for a purchase consideration of $28.0 million.

 

 

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Transactions with Bombardier Inc., a Company Related to Beaudier Group

Pursuant to the purchase agreement entered into in 2003 in connection with the acquisition of the recreational product business of Bombardier Inc., the Company committed to reimburse to Bombardier Inc. income taxes amounting to $22.3 million as at January 31, 2020 and $22.3 million as at January 31, 2019, respectively. The payments will begin when Bombardier Inc. starts making income tax payments in Canada and/or in the United States. The Company does not expect to make any payments to Bombardier Inc. in relation with that obligation for the year ending January 31, 2021.

Financial Instruments

 

 

The Company’s financial instruments, divided into financial assets and financial liabilities, are measured at the end of each period at fair value or amortized costs using the effective interest method depending on their classification determined by IFRS. By nature, financial assets are exposed to credit risk whereas financial liabilities are exposed to liquidity risk. Additionally, the Company’s financial instruments and transactions could be denominated in foreign currency creating a foreign exchange exposure that could be mitigated by the use of derivative financial instruments. The Company is to a lesser extent exposed to interest risk associated to its Revolving Credit Facilities, Term Facility and Austrian term loans.

Foreign Exchange Risk

The elements reported in the consolidated statements of net income, in the consolidated statements of financial position and in the consolidated statements of cash flows presented in the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements in Canadian dollars are significantly exposed to the fluctuation of exchange rates, mainly the Canadian dollar/U.S. dollar rate and the Canadian dollar/euro rate.

The Company’s cash inflows and outflows are mainly comprised of Canadian dollars, U.S. dollars and euros. The Company intends to maintain, as a result of its business transactions, a certain offset position on U.S. dollar and euro denominated cash inflows and outflows.

For currencies over which the Company cannot achieve an offset through its recurring business transactions, mainly the Australian dollar, the Swedish krona, the Norwegian krone and the British pound, the Company uses foreign exchange contracts according to the Company’s hedging policy. Under this policy, the Company hedges up to 50% of the budgeted revenue exposure in these currencies during the annual budget period and continually increases the coverage up to 80% six months before the expected exposures arise. Management periodically reviews the relevant hedging position and may hedge at any level within the authorized parameters of the policy, up to the maximum percentage allowed. Those contracts are accounted for under the cash flow hedge model covering highly probable forecasted sales in these currencies, and the gains or losses on those derivatives are recorded in net income only when the forecasted sales occur.

Finally, the Company reduces the exposure on its net income arising from the revaluation at period-end of U.S. dollar-denominated trade payables and accruals by using foreign exchange contracts having the same inception and maturity dates. Those contracts are recorded in net income at each period end in order to mitigate the gains or losses resulting from the revaluation at spot rate of these foreign-denominated liabilities.

While the Company’s operating income is protected, to a certain extent, from significant fluctuations of foreign exchange rates resulting from the application of the Company’s hedging strategy, the net income is significantly exposed to Canadian dollar/U.S. dollar rate fluctuations due to the U.S. dollar-denominated long-term debt. However, there is a monetary impact for the Company only to the extent the Term Facility is repaid.

 

 

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Liquidity Risk

The Company is exposed to the risk of encountering difficulty in meeting obligations related to its financial liabilities. In order to manage its liquidity risk accurately, the Company continuously monitors its operating cash requirements taking into account the seasonality of the Company’s working capital needs, revenues and expenses. The Company believes the cash flows generated from operations combined with its cash on hand and the availability of funds under its credit facilities ensures its financial flexibility and mitigates its liquidity risk.

Credit Risk

The Company could be exposed, in the normal course of business, to the potential inability of dealers, distributors and other business partners to meet their contractual obligations on financial assets and on amounts guaranteed under dealer and distributor financing arrangements with TCF and Wells Fargo.

The Company considers that its credit risk associated with its trade receivables and its limited responsibilities under the dealer and distributor financing agreements with TCF and Wells Fargo does not represent a significant concentration of risk and loss due to the large number of dealers, distributors and other business partners and their dispersion across many geographic areas. Moreover, the Company mitigates such risk by doing business through its own distribution channels and by monitoring the creditworthiness of the dealers and distributors in the different geographic areas.

Interest Rate Risk

The Company is exposed to the variation of interest rates mainly resulting from the LIBOR on its Term Facility. However, the Company entered into interest rate cap contracts, which limit its exposure to interest rate increases.

Critical Accounting Estimates

 

 

Significant Estimates and Judgments

The preparation of the audited consolidated financial statements in accordance with the Company’s accounting policies requires management to make estimates and judgments that can affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, related amounts of revenues and expenses, other comprehensive income and disclosures made.

The Company’s best estimates are based on the information, facts and circumstances available at the time estimates are made. Management uses historical experience and information, general economic conditions and trends, as well as assumptions regarding probable future outcomes as the basis for determining estimates. Estimates and their underlying assumptions are reviewed periodically and the effects of any changes are recognized immediately. Actual results could differ from the estimates used and such differences could be significant.

The Company’s annual operating budget and operating budget revisions performed during the year (collectively “Budget”) and the Company’s strategic plan comprise fundamental information used as a basis for some significant estimates necessary to prepare the audited consolidated financial statements. Management prepares the annual operating budget and strategic plan each year using a process whereby a detailed one-year budget and three-year strategic plan are prepared by each entity and then consolidated.

Cash flows and profitability included in the Budget are based on the existing and future expected sales orders, general market conditions, current cost structures, anticipated cost variations and current agreements with third parties. Management uses the annual operating budget information as well as additional projections or assumptions to derive the expected results for the strategic plan and periods thereafter.

 

 

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The Budget and the strategic plan are approved by management and the Board of Directors. Management then tracks performance as compared to the Budget. Significant variances in actual performance are a key trigger to assess whether certain estimates used in the preparation of financial information must be revised.

Management needs to rely on estimates in order to apply the Company’s accounting policies and considers that the most critical ones are the following:

Estimating the Net Realizable Value of Inventory

The net realizable value of materials and work in progress is determined by comparing inventory components and value with production needs, current and future product features, expected production costs to be incurred and the expected profitability of finished products. The net realizable value of finished products and parts and accessories is determined by comparing inventory components and value with expected sales prices, sales programs and new product features.

Estimating the Useful Life of Tooling

Tooling useful life is estimated by product line based on their expected physical life and on the expected life of the product platform to which they are related.

Estimating the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed (“Net assets”) in business combinations

The acquisition method, which requires significant estimates and judgments, is used to record business combinations. As part of the allocation process, estimated fair values are assigned to the Net assets acquired, including trademark and dealer network. The estimation is based on the Company’s expectations with respect to future cash flows, economic conditions and discount rate. The excess of the purchase consideration over the estimated fair value of the Net assets acquired is then assigned to goodwill.

Estimating Impairment on Property, Plant and Equipment, Intangible Assets and Right-of-Use Assets

Management assesses the value in use of property, plant and equipment, intangible assets and right-of-use assets mainly at groups of CGU level using a discounted cash flow approach by product line based on annual budget and strategic plan process. When the Company acquired the recreational products business from Bombardier Inc. in 2003, trademarks and goodwill were recorded as part of the business acquisition. As at January 31, 2020, $136.0 million of trademarks and $114.7 million of goodwill were related to this transaction. In addition, trademarks of $83.2 million and goodwill of $115.5 million were recorded following various business combinations that occurred after 2003.

 

  (i)

Trademarks and Goodwill Impairment Test

For the purpose of impairment testing, trademarks are allocated to their respective CGU. As at January 31, 2020, the carrying amount of trademarks amounting to $219.2 million is related to Ski-Doo, Sea-Doo, Evinrude, Alumacraft, Manitou, Quintrex, Stacer and Savage for $63.5 million, $59.1 million, $13.4 million, $25.7 million, $38.5 million, $13.9 million, $4.4 million and $0.7 million respectively.

Following the creation of the Powersports and Marine segments during Fiscal 2019, the Company has fully allocated the goodwill of $114.7 million created in 2003 to the Powersports segment. Goodwill of $21.0 million related to Alumacraft Boat Co. acquisition, $33.3 million related to Triton Industries, Inc. acquisition and $60.0 million related to the Telwater acquisition was allocated to their respective CGU.

 

 

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Recoverable Amount

The recoverable amount for the group of CGU is based on a value-in-use calculation using cash flow projections, which takes into account the Company’s one-year budget and three-year strategic plan, with a terminal value calculated by discounting the final year in perpetuity. The figures used as the basis for the key assumptions in the value-in-use calculation includes sales volume, sales price, production costs, distribution costs and operating expenses as well as discount rates. This information represents the best available information as at the date of impairment testing. The estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value. In addition, a market approach was performed to assess the reasonability of the conclusions reached.

(ii) Sensitivity analysis

The Company performs sensitivity analysis on the cash flows and discount rates in order to confirm that the trademarks and goodwill are not impaired. The analyses are presented in isolation from one another and all the other estimates are unchanged. The result is that a 5% decrease in the estimated future cash flows or an increase of 100 basis points in the discount rates used would not have resulted in an impairment during the twelve-month period ended January 31, 2020.

Estimating Recoverability of Deferred Tax Assets

Deferred tax assets are recognized only if management believes it is probable that they will be realized based on annual budget, strategic plan and additional projections to derive the expected results for the periods thereafter.

Estimating Provisions for Regular Product Warranty, Product Liability, Sales Program and Restructuring

The regular warranty cost is established by product line and recorded at the time of sale based on management’s best estimate, using historical cost rates and trends. Adjustments to the regular warranty provision are made when the Company identifies a significant and recurring issue on products sold or when costs and trend differences are identified in the analysis of regular warranty claims.

The product liability provision at period end is based on management’s best estimate of the amounts necessary to resolve existing claims. In addition, the product liability provision at the end of the reporting period includes incurred, but not reported claims, based on average historical cost information.

Sales program provision is estimated based on current program features, historical data and expected retail sales for each product line.

Estimating the Discount Rates Used in Assessing Defined Benefit Plan Expenses and Liability

In order to select the discount rates used to determine defined benefit plan expenses and liabilities, management consults with external actuarial firms to provide commonly used and applicable discount rates that are based on the yield of high quality corporate fixed income investments with cash flows that match expected benefit payments for each defined benefit plan. Management uses its knowledge and comprehension of general economic factors in order to conclude on the accuracy of the discount rates used.

Estimating the incremental borrowing rate used in measuring lease liability

Management makes estimates in the determination of the incremental borrowing rate used to measure the lease liability for each lease contract when the interest rate implicit in the lease is not readily available. The incremental borrowing rate should reflect the interest rate the Company would have to pay to borrow the same asset at a similar term and with a similar security.

 

 

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Estimating the lease term

On commencement date, when determining the lease term, management considers all facts and circumstances that create an economic incentive to exercise an extension option or not exercise a termination option. Extension options or periods subject to termination options are only included in the lease term if the lease is reasonably certain to be extended or not terminated. This assessment is reviewed if a significant change in circumstances occurs within the Company’s control.

Significant Judgments in Applying the Company’s Accounting Policies

Management needs to make certain judgments in order to apply the Company’s accounting policies and the most significant ones are the following:

Impairment of Property, Plant and Equipment, Intangible Assets and Right-of-Use Assets

The Company operates using a high level of integration and interdependency between design, development, manufacturing and distribution operations. The cash inflows generated by each product line require the use of various assets of the Company, limiting the impairment testing to be done for a single asset. Therefore, management performs impairment testing by grouping assets into CGUs.

Functional Currency

The Company operates worldwide but its design, development, manufacturing and distribution operations are highly integrated, which require significant judgments from management in order to determine the functional currency of each entity using factors provided by IAS 21 “The Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates”. Management established the functional currency of each entity as its local currency unless the assessment of the criteria established by IAS 21 to assess the functional currency leads to the determination of another currency. IAS 21 criteria are reviewed annually for each entity and are based on transactions with third-parties only.

Changes in Accounting Policies

 

 

During the twelve-month period ended January 31, 2020, the Company adopted IFRS 16 “Leases” standard as explained in Note 11 of the audited consolidated financial statements for the three- and twelve-month periods ended January 31, 2020.

Future Accounting Changes

 

 

Amendments to IFRS 3 Business combinations

In October 2018, the IASB issued amendments to IFRS 3 “Business combinations”. The amendments clarify the definition of a business, with the objective of assisting entities in determining whether a transaction should be accounted for as a business combination or as an asset acquisition. The amendments are effective for the Company to transactions for which the acquisition date is on or after February 1, 2020. The Company will apply these amendments to applicable future acquisition transactions.

Other standards or amendments

The IASB has issued other standards or amendments to existing standards that are not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

 

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Controls and Procedures

 

 

The Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer are responsible for establishing and maintaining the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as well as its internal control over financial reporting, as those terms are defined in National Instrument 52-109Certification of Disclosure in Issuers Annual and Interim Filings of the Canadian securities regulatory authorities and Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

Disclosure controls and procedures

The President and Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer have designed, or caused to be designed under their supervision, disclosure controls and procedures in order to provide reasonable assurance that:

 

   

material information relating to the Company has been made known to them; and

   

information required to be disclosed in the Company’s filings is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in securities legislation.

An evaluation of the design and effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures was carried out under the supervision of the President and Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer. Based on this evaluation, the President and Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded, as of January 31, 2020, that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were ineffective as a result of a material weakness identified in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, which is further described below. A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the Company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.

Management’s report on internal control over financial reporting

The President and Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer have designed, or caused to be designed under their supervision, such internal control over financial reporting to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with IFRS.

An evaluation of the design and effectiveness of the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting was carried out under the supervision of the President and Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer. In making this evaluation, the President and Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013). Based on this evaluation, the President and Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded, as of January 31, 2020, that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was ineffective as a result of an identified material weakness.

Management determined it did not design and maintain effective information technology general controls (ITGCs) in the areas of user access security, system change management and job processing for certain information technology (IT) systems that support the Company’s financial reporting processes. Management concluded these deficiencies in aggregate resulted in a material weakness. As a result, automated controls and manual controls that are dependent on the completeness and accuracy of information derived from the affected IT systems were ineffective because they could have been adversely impacted. There were no material adjustments to the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements for the period ended January 31, 2020 and prior, however, as a result of the material weakness identified a possibility exists that material misstatements in the Company’s financial statements would not be prevented or detected on a timely basis in the future.

 

 

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Management will continue to design and implement certain remedial measures throughout Fiscal 2021 including the design, review and appropriate modification of access in the affected systems, in addition to monitoring controls to prevent and detect inappropriate or unauthorized access or activities. In addition, various aspects of the logical access process will be automated to reduce the possibility of manual error. Management will also work with control owners to improve the quality of evidence retained to support the operation of change management controls.

The Company has and will continue to take actions to remediate the material weakness, but the weakness will not be considered fully remediated until the applicable controls operate for a sufficient period of time and management has concluded, through testing, that these controls are operating effectively. No assurance can be provided at this time that the actions and remediation efforts will effectively remediate the material weakness described above.

During Fiscal 2020, management has implemented the previously disclosed remediation plan associated to the material weakness identified during Fiscal 2019 related to the accuracy and completeness of information used in the execution of internal controls over critical spreadsheets and reports created from data extracted from the Company’s information systems. The evaluation of these controls was completed in the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2020, concluding that the implemented controls are effective, and the material weakness has been remediated.

The President and Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer do not expect that disclosure controls and procedures or internal control over financial reporting will prevent all misstatements. The design of a system of internal controls is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that the design will succeed in achieving the stated goals under all potential future conditions. Nevertheless, management has designed and implemented controls to mitigate this risk to the extent practicable.

Notwithstanding the material weakness, management has concluded that the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended January 31, 2020 present fairly, in all material respects, the Company’s financial position, results of operations, changes in equity and cash flows in accordance with IFRS. There were no material adjustments to the Company’s audited consolidated financial statement for the year ended January 31, 2020 and there were no changes to previously released financial results.

The effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of January 31, 2020 has been audited by Deloitte LLP, the Company’s independent auditors. Deloitte LLP’s opinion, as stated in their report, is consistent with management’s report on internal control over financial reporting as set forth above.

Changes in internal control over financial reporting

Other than the material weaknesses described above, there were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the three- and twelve-month periods ended January 31, 2020, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Dividend

 

 

On March 19, 2020, as part of the Company’s measures to preserve its financial flexibility in light of the ongoing COVID-19 health crisis, the Company’s Board of Directors announced that it had decided not to declare a quarterly cash dividend, and that such decision would apply until further notice.

 

 

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Risk Factors

 

 

The risks and uncertainties described in this MD&A are those the Company currently believes to be material, but they are not the only ones it faces. If any of the following risks, or any other risks and uncertainties that the Company has not yet identified or that it currently considers not to be material, actually occur or become material, the Company’s business, guidance, prospects, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows and consequently the price of the subordinate voting shares could be materially and adversely affected.

Economic conditions that impact consumer spending may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition

The Company’s business is cyclical in nature, and the Company’s products compete with a variety of other recreational products and activities for consumers’ discretionary income and leisure time. The Company’s results of operations are sensitive to changes in overall economic conditions, primarily in North America and Europe, that impact consumer spending and particularly discretionary spending. Fluctuations in economic conditions that result in high levels of unemployment in the Company key markets, or market volatility, such as those experienced recently in connection with the ongoing COVID-19 health crisis, may negatively affect disposable consumer income such as personal income levels, the availability of consumer credit, employment levels, consumer confidence, business conditions, changes in housing market conditions, capital markets, tax rates, savings rates, interest rates, exchange rates, fuel and energy costs, tariffs. Natural disasters, acts of terrorism, epidemic or pandemic outbreaks, or other similar events, could also reduce consumer spending generally or discretionary spending in particular. Such reductions could materially adversely affect the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition. Changes in economic conditions could also result in a deterioration or increased volatility in the credit and lending markets, which could adversely impact the consumers who purchase the Company’s products from dealers and rely upon financing for such purchases as well as the availability of financing arrangements for dealers and distributors to finance their inventory. If financing is not available to consumers or dealers and distributors on satisfactory terms, the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition could be materially adversely affected.

The continued spread of the COVID-19 around the globe and the responses of governmental authorities and corporate entities, including through mandated or voluntary shutdowns, have led to a general slow-down in the global economy and the Company’s business with temporary disruptions and slowdowns to our work force and facilities, our consumers, our sales and operations and our supply chain. The situation is dynamic and changing day-to-day, such that the Company will continue to monitor it closely as it develops and will take appropriate measures to mitigate any impact on the Company.

Any decline in the social acceptability of the Company’s products or any increased restrictions on the access or the use of the Company’s products in certain locations could materially adversely affect its business, results of operations or financial condition

Demand for the Company’s products depends in part on their social acceptability. Public concerns about the environmental impact of the Company’s products or their perceived safety could result in diminished social acceptance. Circumstances outside the Company’s control, such as social action to reduce the use of fossil fuels, could also negatively impact consumers’ perceptions of the Company’s products. Any decline in the social acceptability of the Company’s products could negatively impact their sales or lead to changes in laws, rules and regulations that prevent their access to certain locations, including trails and lakes, or restrict their use or manner of use in certain areas or during certain times. Additionally, while the Company has implemented various initiatives to address these risks, including the improvement of the environmental footprint and safety of its products, there can be no assurance that the perceptions of the Company’s customers will not change. Consumers’ attitudes towards the Company’s products and the activities in which they are used also affect demand. Any failure by the Company to maintain the social acceptability of its products could impact its ability to retain existing customers or attract new ones which, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on its business, results of operations or financial condition.

 

 

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Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates could result in declines in reported sales and net earnings

The Company reports its financial results in Canadian dollars and the majority of its sales and operating costs are realized in currencies other than the Canadian dollar. In Fiscal 2020, 54.9% of the Company’s revenues were realized in the United States. The Company is also exposed to other currencies such as the Australian dollar, the Brazilian real, the Euro, the Mexican peso, the Norwegian krone, the Swedish krona and the Russian rubble. If the value of any currencies in which sales are realized depreciates relative to the Canadian dollar, the Company’s foreign currency revenue will decrease when translated to Canadian dollars for reporting purposes. In addition, any depreciation in foreign currencies could result in higher local prices, which may negatively impact local demand and have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition. Alternatively, if the value of any of the currencies in which operating costs are realized appreciates relative to the Canadian dollar, the Company’s operating costs will increase when translated to Canadian dollars for reporting purposes. Although these risks may sometimes be naturally hedged by a match in the Company’s sales and operating costs denominated in the same currency, fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates could create discrepancies between the Company’s sales and its operating costs in a given currency that could have a material adverse effect on its business, results of operations or financial condition. Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates could also have a material adverse effect on the relative competitive position of the Company’s products in markets where they face competition from manufacturers who are less affected by such fluctuations in exchange rates.

In addition, the Company’s indebtedness under the Term Facility and a portion of the Revolving Credit Facilities are denominated in U.S. dollars. As a result, any strengthening of the U.S. dollar versus the Canadian dollar or any revaluation of the denomination of the Term Facility into Canadian dollars at the end of each reporting period can result in significant fluctuations of net income, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition.

While the Company actively manages its exposure to foreign-exchange rate fluctuations and enters into hedging contracts from time to time, such contracts hedge foreign-currency denominated transactions and any change in the fair value of the contracts could be offset by changes in the underlying value of the transactions being hedged. Furthermore, the Company does not have foreign-exchange hedging contracts in place with respect to all currencies in which it does business. As a result, there can be no assurance that the Company’s approach to managing its exposure to foreign-exchange rate fluctuations will be effective in the future or that the Company will be able to enter into foreign-exchange hedging contracts as deemed necessary on satisfactory terms.

The Company has, and is expected to continue to have and incur, a significant amount of indebtedness and there can be no assurance that it will be able to pay its indebtedness as it becomes due

The Company has, and is expected to continue to have and incur, a significant amount of indebtedness, including obligations under the Revolving Credit Facilities as well as substantial fixed obligations under the Term Facility. In addition, the Company may incur greater levels of indebtedness as a result of challenging economic or other conditions affecting the Company, such as the ongoing COVID-19 health crisis. For example, the Company recently announced that it drew down on its revolving credit facility in order to ensure access to liquidity as economic conditions grow more uncertain. The amount of indebtedness that the Company has from time to time may, among other things, limit the Company’s ability to obtain additional financing, require the Company to dedicate a substantial portion of its cash flow generated from operations to payments on its indebtedness or fixed costs (thereby reducing the funds available for other purposes), make the Company more vulnerable to economic downturns, or limit the Company’s flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, competitive pressures or changes in its business environment, any of which could, in turn, have a material adverse effect on its business, results of operations or financial condition.

 

 

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The ability of the Company to make scheduled payments under its indebtedness will depend on, among other things, its future operating performance and its ability to refinance its indebtedness, if necessary. In addition, as the Company incurs indebtedness that bears interest at fluctuating interest rates and is mainly denominated in U.S. dollars, to the extent that interest rates increase or the U.S. dollar appreciates relative to the Canadian dollar, its interest expense will increase. Each of these factors is, to a large extent, subject to economic, financial, competitive, regulatory, operational and other factors, many of which are beyond the Company’s control. Any failure by the Company to generate sufficient cash from its operations to pay its debt and other financial obligations could have a material adverse effect on its business, results of operations and financial condition.

The Company uses cash generated from its operating activities to fund its business and execute its growth strategy and may require additional capital that may not be available to the Company

The Company relies on net cash generated from its operating activities as its primary source of liquidity. To support the Company’s business and execute its growth strategy as planned, the Company will need to continue to generate significant amounts of cash from operations, including funds to pay personnel, invest further in its infrastructure and facilities and invest in research and development. In case of decreasing capacity of the Company to generate cash from operations, the eventual recovery of the Company may be delayed due to factors such as the cyclical nature of the Company’s business, the seasonality of certain of its products, and the inventory levels of the Company, and that of its distributors and dealers. If the Company’s business does not generate cash flow from operating activities sufficient to fund these activities, and if sufficient funds are not otherwise available from its credit facilities, which may be the case as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 health crisis, the Company may need to seek additional capital, through debt or equity financings, to fund its business or execute its growth strategy. Conditions in the credit markets (such as availability of financing, fluctuations in interest rates and deterioration of the global economic condition, including as experienced recently in connection with the ongoing COVID-19 health crisis) may make it difficult for the Company to obtain such financing on attractive terms, or even at all. Additional debt financing that the Company may undertake may be expensive and might impose on it covenants that restrict the Company’s operations and strategic initiatives, including limitations on its ability to incur liens or additional debt, pay dividends, repurchase its capital shares, make investments or engage in merger, consolidation and asset sale transactions. Any equity financing may also be on terms that are dilutive to the Company’s shareholders, and the prices at which new investors would be willing to purchase equity securities may be lower than the price per share of the Company’s subordinate voting shares. If new sources of financing are required, but are unattractive, insufficient or unavailable, then the Company could be required to modify its business plans or growth strategy based on available funding, if any, which, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition.

Unfavourable weather conditions may reduce demand and negatively impact sales and production of certain of the Company’s products

The sales of the Company’s products are affected by unfavourable weather conditions. Unfavourable weather in any particular geographic region may have a material adverse effect on sales of the Company’s products in that region. In particular, lack of snowfall during winter may materially adversely affect snowmobile sales, while excessive rain before and during spring and summer may materially adversely affect sales of off-road vehicles, three-wheeled vehicles, PWCs, boats and marine propulsion systems. To the extent that unfavourable weather conditions are exacerbated by global climate change or otherwise, the Company’s sales may be affected to a greater degree than previously experienced. There is no assurance that unfavourable weather conditions could not affect the Company’s sales for any of its products, which, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition.

 

 

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The Company’s results of operations fluctuate from quarter to quarter and from year to year as they are affected, among other things, by the seasonal nature of its business

The Company’s results of operations experience substantial fluctuations from quarter to quarter and year to year. In general, retail sales of the Company’s products are highest in their particular season of use and in the immediately preceding period. For example, retail sales for snowmobiles will be highest in fall and winter, retail sales for PWCs will be highest in spring and summer and retail sales for boats will be highest in winter and spring. Revenues in the first half of the fiscal year have generally been lower than those in the second half. However, the mix of product sales may vary considerably from time to time as a result of changes in seasonal and geographic demand, the introduction of new products and models and production scheduling for particular types of products. In addition, the Company’s dealers and distributors may modify orders, change delivery schedules or change the mix of products ordered. The Company may also make strategic decisions to deliver and invoice products at certain dates in order to lower costs or improve supply chain efficiencies. As a result, the Company’s results of operations are likely to fluctuate significantly from period to period such that any historical results should not be considered indicative of the results to be expected for any future period. In addition, the Company incurs significant additional expenses in the periods leading up to the introduction of new products which may also result in fluctuations in the Company’s results of operations. The Company’s annual and quarterly gross profit margins are also sensitive to a number of factors, many of which are beyond its control, including shifts in product sales mix, geographic sales trends, and currency exchange rate fluctuations, all of which the Company expects will continue. This seasonality in revenues, expenses and margins, along with other factors that are beyond the Company’s control, including general economic conditions, changes in consumer preferences, weather conditions, tariffs, free-trade arrangements, the cost or availability of raw materials or labour, discretionary spending habits and currency exchange rate fluctuations, could materially adversely affect the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition.

The Company is subject to laws, rules and regulations regarding product safety, health, environmental and noise pollution and other issues that could cause the Company to incur fines or penalties or increase its capital or operating costs

The Company is subject to federal, provincial/state and local/municipal laws, rules and regulations in Canada, the United States and other countries regarding product safety, health, environmental and noise pollution and other issues that could cause the Company to incur fines or penalties or increase the Company’s capital or operating costs, all of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition. A failure to comply with, or compliance with, any such requirements or any new requirements could result in increased expenses to modify the Company’s products, or harm to its reputation, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition. Certain jurisdictions require or are considering requiring a license to operate the Company’s products. While such licensing requirements are not expected to be unduly restrictive, they may deter potential customers, thereby reducing the Company’s sales. The Company’s products are also subject to laws, rules and regulations imposing environmental, noise emission, zoning and permitting restrictions, which laws, rules and regulations are subject to change and may limit the locations where the Company’s products may be sold or used or restrict their use during certain times or on certain conditions.

Climate change is receiving increasing attention worldwide. A perceived consensus among scientists, legislators and others regarding the impact of increased levels of greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, on climate change has led to significant legislative and regulatory efforts to limit greenhouse gas emissions. Greenhouse gas regulations could require the Company to purchase allowances to offset the Company’s own emissions or result in an overall increase in costs of raw materials or operating expenses, any of which could reduce competitiveness in a global economy or otherwise have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition. Many of the Company’s suppliers face similar circumstances. Moreover, the Company may face greater regulatory or customer pressure to develop products that generate less emissions. This may require the Company to spend additional funds on research and development and implementation and subject the Company to the risk that the Company’s competitors may respond to these pressures in a manner that gives them a

 

 

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competitive advantage. The development of such products may also present challenges in maintaining the look, sound and feel of the Company’s products. While additional regulation of emissions in the future appears likely, it is too early to predict whether this regulation could ultimately have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition.

The Company is also subject to environmental laws, rules and regulations pursuant to which, among other things, current or previous owners or occupants of property may become liable for the contamination of such property and, as a result, may be liable for the costs of investigating, removing and monitoring any hazardous substances found on the property. Given the nature of the Company’s manufacturing activities and the fact that certain of its facilities have been in operation for many years, the Company and the prior owners or occupants of its property may have generated and disposed of materials that are or may be considered hazardous. The Company is aware of certain current environmental liabilities in relation to certain of its property and it is possible that additional environmental liabilities may arise in the future as a result of any prior or future generation or disposal of hazardous materials. The Company may therefore incur material costs and obligations related to environmental compliance and remediation matters in the future. Any failure to comply with, or the compliance with, any applicable environmental laws, rules or regulations, could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition.

The Company has a relatively large fixed cost base that can affect its profitability in a declining sales environment

The fixed costs involved in owning and operating the Company’s facilities can reduce the Company’s gross profit margins when sales and production decline, such as is the case as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 health crisis. The Company’s profitability is dependent, in part, on its ability to spread fixed costs over an increasing number of products sold and shipped, and if the Company is required to reduce its rate of production, gross profit margins could be negatively affected. Consequently, decreased demand can lower the Company’s ability to absorb fixed costs, which could have a material adverse effect on its business, results of operations or financial condition.

The inability of the Company’s dealers and distributors to secure adequate access to capital could materially adversely affect the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition

The Company’s dealers and distributors require adequate liquidity to finance their operations and to purchase the Company’s products. Dealers and distributors are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties that could unfavourably affect their liquidity positions, including, among other things, continued access to adequate financing sources on a timely basis and on reasonable terms. The Company currently has agreements in place with large financing companies to provide inventory financing to its dealers and distributors to facilitate their purchase of the Company’s products. These sources of financing are instrumental to the Company’s ability to sell products through the Company’s distribution network, as a significant percentage of the Company’s sales are done under such arrangements. The Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition could be materially adversely affected if a decline in financing availability to the Company’s dealers and distributors occurs, or if financing terms change unfavourably, which may be the case as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 health crisis. This could require the Company to find alternative sources of financing, including the Company potentially providing financing directly to dealers and distributors, which could require additional capital to fund the associated receivables. In the event of a dealer or distributor default, the Company may be required to purchase new and unused products at the total unpaid principal balance to the finance company from financing companies providing inventory financing to the Company’s dealers and distributors, subject to certain caps. Any requirement of the Company to purchase the inventory of several of its dealers or distributors could result in a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition.

 

 

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Supply problems, termination or interruption of supply arrangements or increases in the cost of materials could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition

The primary raw materials used in manufacturing the Company’s products are aluminum, steel, plastic, resins, stainless steel, copper, rubber and certain rare earth metals. Certain suppliers provide the Company with certain product parts and components. In some instances, the Company also purchases systems, components, raw materials and parts that are derived from a single source and which may represent an increased risk of supply disruptions. The Company cannot be certain that it will not experience supply problems, such as the untimely delivery of, or defects or variations in, raw materials, parts or components. At present, there is a risk that production stoppages and slowdowns resulting from government regulation and prevention measures undertaken in response to the COVID-19 outbreak could lead to supply disruptions and delivery delays for the Company. Any prolonged disruption in the supply could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s operations or profitability and the insolvency, bankruptcy, financial restructuring or force majeure event of any critical suppliers could result in the Company incurring unrecoverable costs related to the financial work-out or resourcing costs of such suppliers and/or increased exposure for product liability, warranty or recall costs relating to the components supplied by such suppliers to the extent such supplier is not able to assume responsibility for such amounts.

As well, the Company obtains certain of the raw materials, parts and components it uses from either sole suppliers or a limited number of suppliers. If these supply arrangements were terminated or interrupted for reasons such as supplied goods not meeting the Company’s quality or safety standards or the suppliers’ operations being disrupted as a result of a variety of internal or external risks, including a deterioration in general economic conditions, which may be the case as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 health crisis, the Company could have difficulty establishing substitute supply arrangements on satisfactory terms. Problems with the Company’s supplies could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition.

Moreover, the Company’s profitability is affected by significant fluctuations in the prices of the raw materials, parts and components it uses. The Company may not be able to pass along price increases in raw materials, parts or components to its customers. As a result, an increase in the cost of raw materials, parts and components used in the manufacturing of the Company’s products could reduce its profitability and have a material adverse effect on its business, results of operations or financial condition.

The Company faces intense competition in all product lines and any failure to compete effectively against competitors or any failure to meet consumers’ evolving expectations could materially adversely impact the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition

The powersports industry is highly competitive. Competition in such industry is based upon a number of factors, including price, quality, reliability, styling, product features, warranties and overall consumer experience. At the dealer and distributor level, factors impacting competition include sales and marketing support programs such as retail sales promotions, dealer and distributor performance bonuses, and dealer and distributor inventory financing. Some of the Company’s competitors are more diversified and have financial and marketing resources that are substantially greater than the Company’s, which allow these competitors to invest more heavily in intellectual property, product development, sales and marketing support and innovative consumer offers. The Company is also subject to competitive pricing. Such pricing pressure may limit the Company’s ability to maintain prices or to increase prices for its products in response to raw material, component and other cost increases, and therefore negatively affect the Company’s profit margins. In addition, the industries in which the Company does business may experience significant change in the coming years. Participants could disrupt the historic business model of such industries through the introduction of new technologies, products or services. The Company expects to face increased pressure in the future to develop new products and services, including products and services that could be viewed as falling outside its historical core business such as electric vehicles and digital services. The process of designing and developing new technologies, products and services is complex, costly and uncertain, requires extensive capital investment and is dependent upon the ability to

 

 

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recruit and retain talent. There can be no assurance that future innovation is achievable or will occur in a timely manner, or that competitors of the Company will not be able to develop new technologies, products and services before the Company does or that it will acquire technologies on an exclusive basis or at a significant price advantage. If the Company is not able to compete with new products, product features, models or product prices of its competitors, to attract new dealers and distributors, or to adapt to changing consumer habits or disruption in historical business models, the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition could be materially adversely affected.

The Company may be unable to successfully execute its growth strategy

The Company’s strategic plan established by management includes an organic growth strategy, which is focused mainly on the development of new products and features, and may involve from time to time growth through strategic acquisitions, investments, alliances, joint ventures and similar transactions.

While the Company makes significant investments in research and development and emerging product lines, there can be no assurance that it will be able to continue to successfully enhance its existing products, develop new innovative products and distinguish its products from its competitors’ products through innovation and design. Product improvements and new product introductions also require significant planning, design, development and testing at the technological, product and manufacturing process levels and the Company may not be able to develop product improvements or new products in a timely manner, notably in light of temporary slowdowns or suspensions of production lines as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 health crisis. The new products of the Company’s competitors may access the market more rapidly, be more effective with more features and/or less expensive than the Company’s products, obtain better market acceptance, or render the Company’s products obsolete. The Company may therefore not be able to satisfy the needs and preferences of customers and compete effectively with its competitors. Product development requires significant financial, technological and other resources. The Company expended approximately $238.4 million in research and development in Fiscal 2020. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to sustain this level of investment or that this level of investment in research and development will be sufficient to successfully maintain the Company’s competitive advantages in product innovation and design in the future. Further, the sales of any new products are expected to decline over such new products’ life cycle, with sales being higher early in the life cycle of the new products and sales decreasing over time as the new products age. The Company cannot predict the length of the life cycle for any new product. Any failure by the Company to continue to enhance existing products and develop and market new products that respond to customer needs and preferences and achieve market acceptance could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition. In addition, even if the Company is able to successfully develop improvements to existing products and develop new products, there is no guarantee that the markets for the Company’s existing products and new products will evolve as anticipated. If any of the markets in which the Company’s existing products compete do not develop as expected, the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition could be materially adversely affected.

The Company has completed acquisitions in the past years and it may also consider pursuing acquisitions, investments, alliances, joint ventures or similar transactions in the future. Any such transactions would involve a number of risks, including:

 

   

difficulties in integrating the operations of any acquired or new businesses with the Company’s existing operations and the failure by management to accomplish such integration successfully;

 

   

the necessity to raise additional capital, through debt or equity, or use cash that would otherwise have been available to support the Company’s existing business operations and research and development activities to finance the transaction (see “Risk Factors — The Company uses cash generated from its operating activities to fund its business and execute its growth strategy and may require additional capital that may not be available to the Company”);

 

   

the diversion of management’s attention;

 

 

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difficulties in realizing projected efficiencies, cost savings and synergies;

 

   

the potential loss of key employees or customers of an acquired business or adverse effects on existing business relationships with suppliers and customers;

 

   

a negative impact on overall profitability if any acquired or new businesses do not achieve the financial results projected in the Company’s valuation models;

 

   

dilution to existing shareholders if securities of the Company are issued as part of transaction consideration or to fund the transaction consideration; and

 

   

the inability to direct the management and policies of any acquired business, joint venture, strategic alliance, or partnership, particularly in circumstances where other participants may be able to take action contrary to the Company’s instructions or requests and against its policies and objectives.

The Company’s ability to grow through strategic acquisitions, investments, alliances, joint ventures or other similar transactions will depend, among other things, on the availability of such strategic opportunities, their cost, their terms and conditions, the Company’s ability to compete effectively for such strategic opportunities and the availability to the Company of required capital and personnel. The Company may also be precluded from pursuing such transactions as a result of financial or other covenants in agreements to which it is a party. The Company’s inability to take advantage of future strategic opportunities, or its failure to successfully address the risks associated with any strategic opportunities that is completed, could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition.

The Company’s international sales and operations subject it to additional risks, which risks may differ in each country in which the Company operates

The Company manufactures its products in Australia, Austria, Canada, Finland, Mexico and the United States. The Company maintains sales and administration facilities in approximately 20 countries. The Company’s primary distribution facilities distribute the Company’s products to its North American dealers and the Company relies on various other locations around the world, including in Australia, Belgium, Finland and Russia, that distribute its products to its international dealers and distributors. The Company’s total sales outside Canada and the United States represented 29.4% of the Company’s total sales for Fiscal 2020 and the Company intends to continue to expand its international operations by investing in developing its dealer network and promoting the Company’s brands and products in international markets. International markets have been and are expected to continue generating sales growth. Several factors, including weakened international economic conditions, the introduction of new trade restrictions, increased protectionism or changed in free-trade arrangements, tariffs, negative geo-political events or an outbreak of infectious disease, a pandemic or a similar public health threat, such as the recent outbreak of the COVID-19, could adversely affect such growth. The COVID-19 is spreading globally, and the World Health Organization has declared it a pandemic, causing various international jurisdictions to impose restrictions such as quarantines, business closures and travel restrictions. As a result, the Company has taken temporary measures to suspend or reduce operations at its manufacturing plants and distribution facilities. While these measures are expected to be temporary, the duration of the business disruptions internationally and related financial impact will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted at this time, and include the duration, severity and scope of the outbreak and the actions taken in each jurisdiction to contain or treat the COVID-19 outbreak.

Additionally, the expansion of the Company’s existing international operations and entry into additional international markets require significant management attention and financial resources. The risks inherent in having sales or operations in foreign countries include:

 

   

increased costs of adapting products for foreign countries’ laws, rules and regulations;

 

 

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difficulties in managing and staffing international operations and increased infrastructure and operational costs;

 

   

risk of travel advisories or travel restrictions related to the outbreak of contagious illnesses, such as the COVID-19 that is currently impacting several geographic locations, which could impact the Company’s ability to operate in certain markets and/or manage our operations in those markets;

 

   

the imposition of additional Canadian or foreign governmental controls or regulations; new or enhanced trade restrictions and restrictions on the activities of foreign agents, representatives, and distributors; the imposition of increased costs or delays, or the introduction of new import and export licensing and other compliance requirements, customs duties or tariffs, or other non-tariff barriers to trade;

 

   

breaches or violation of any anti-corruption laws, rules or regulations by any of the Company’s employees, consultants, dealers or distributors;

 

   

the imposition of Canadian and/or international sanctions against a country, company, person, or entity with whom the Company does business which restricts or prohibits the Company’s continued business with the sanctioned country, company, person, or entity;

 

   

international pricing pressures;

 

   

laws and business practices favouring local companies;

 

   

governmental expropriation;

 

   

the imposition of any travel or trade restrictions, or other similar restrictions impacting commercial activities among countries;

 

   

adverse currency exchange rate fluctuations;

 

   

longer payment cycles and difficulties in enforcing agreements and collecting receivables through certain foreign legal systems; and

 

   

difficulties and inconsistencies relating to the enforcement of laws, rules, and regulations, including rules relating to environmental, health, safety and intellectual property matters.

Some of the Company’s manufacturing facilities are located in Mexico, and could be impacted by changes in economic, regulatory, social or political conditions affecting such country. In the past, Mexico has been subject to political instability, changes and uncertainties and there can be no assurance that similar events will not occur again in the future. In addition, the impact of any changes in economic, regulatory, social and political conditions affecting Mexico would be beyond the Company’s control, and there can be no assurance that any mitigating actions by the Company would be effective. As a result, the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition could be materially adversely affected by any significant change in economic, regulatory, social and political conditions affecting Mexico. Moreover, goods produced in Mexico and Canada and sold to the United States benefit from the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). CUSMA has been signed and ratified by all three countries. While CUSMA has not yet been implemented, its implementation may cause business changes to the Company and its suppliers. For example, more stringent rules for the “Regional Value Content” calculations are expected to be applied to qualify certain products and parts. The implementation of CUSMA, including the impact of its underlying rules and principles is difficult to predict as of today and could, particularly if coupled with other changes such as changes in the global economic condition, have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition.

 

 

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The failure of the Company’s information technology systems or a security breach could materially adversely affect the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition

The Company’s global business operations are managed through a variety of information technology systems. These systems govern all aspects of the Company’s operations around the world. The Company is dependent on these systems for all commercial transactions, financial reporting, dealership and distributorship interactions, and supply chain and inventory management. Certain of the Company’s key IT systems are dated and require, or are in the process of, modernization. If one of the Company’s key IT systems were to suffer a failure, no assurance can be given that the Company’s backup systems or contingency plans will sustain critical aspects of the Company’s operations, and the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition could be materially adversely affected. Further, the Company relies on large outsourcing contracts for IT services with a major third-party service providers, and if such service providers were to fail or the relationships with the Company were to end, and the Company were unable to find suitable replacements in a timely manner, the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition could be materially adversely affected. The Company is continually modifying and enhancing its IT systems and technologies to increase productivity and efficiency. As new systems and technologies are implemented, the Company could experience unanticipated difficulties resulting in unexpected costs and adverse impacts to its financial reporting and manufacturing and other business processes. When implemented, the systems and technologies may not provide the benefits anticipated and could add costs and complications to ongoing operations, which may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition.

The Company and its dealers and distributors receive and store personal information in connection with their human resources operations, credit operations, warranty management, marketing efforts and other aspects of their businesses. Additionally, the Company maintains financial information in its IT system and exchanges electronically information with a large number of trading partners across all aspects of its commercial operations. The Company makes significant investments in research and development each year and data from such activities is maintained in the Company’s IT systems. Any security breach of the Company’s IT systems could result in disruptions to its operations, erroneous transactions or reporting, loss of data from research and development activities or the devaluation of intellectual property. The Company has security measures and controls in place to protect personal and business information, and on an ongoing basis, continues to make investments to reinforce secure access to our information technology network. In addition, despite the Company’s preventive efforts to address cybersecurity threats, these threats are increasingly complex and can change frequently such that the Company may be unable to proactively address those threats or to implement adequate preventive measures. To the extent that a cybersecurity breach results in a loss or damage to the Company’s data, or in inappropriate disclosure of confidential or personal information, it could cause significant damage to the Company’s reputation, affect its relationships with its customers, lead to claims against the Company and ultimately materially adversely affect its business, results of operations or financial condition.

If the Company fails to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting, the Company may not be able to produce accurate and timely financial statements

Ensuring that the Company has adequate internal financial and accounting controls and procedures in place so that it can produce accurate financial statements on a timely basis is a costly and time-consuming effort that needs to be evaluated frequently. In connection with the audit of the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2020, management has identified a material weakness in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. It had also found a different material weakness in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting in connection with the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2019, which has been remediated. If the Company fails to correct any material weakness in its internal controls, or having corrected such material weakness, thereafter fails to maintain the adequacy of its internal controls, the Company may be unable to report its financial results accurately, which could increase operating costs and harm its business, including investors’ perception of its business and the price of its subordinate voting shares. The actions that the Company has taken in the past and plans to take to remediate a material weakness are subject to continued management review supported by confirmation and testing,

 

 

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as well as Audit Committee oversight. While management expects changes will be made including in its IT systems and infrastructures enabling it to fully remediate such material weakness, it cannot assure that it will be able to do so in a timely manner. Any continued or future failure to maintain adequate internal controls over financial reporting could materially adversely affect the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition.

If the Company loses the services of members of its management team or employees who possess specialized market knowledge and technical skills, the Company’s ability to compete, to manage its operations effectively, or to develop new products could be materially adversely affected

Many members of the Company’s management team have extensive experience in the Company’s industry and with its business, products and customers. The loss of the technical, management and operational knowledge and expertise of one or more members of the management team could result in a diversion of management resources, as the remaining members of management would need to cover the duties of any senior executive who leaves the Company and would need to spend time usually reserved for managing the Company’s business to search for, hire and train new members of management. The loss of some or all of the members of Company’s management team, particularly if combined with difficulties in finding qualified substitutes, could negatively affect the Company’s ability to develop and pursue its business strategy, which could materially adversely affect the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition.

In addition, the Company’s success depends to a large extent upon its ability to retain skilled employees. There is intense competition for qualified and skilled employees, and the Company’s failure to recruit, train and retain such employees could have a material adverse effect on its business, results of operations or financial condition. To implement and manage the Company’s business and operating strategies effectively, the Company must maintain a high level of efficiency, performance and content quality, continue to enhance its operational and management systems and continue to effectively attract, train, motivate and manage its employees. If the Company is not successful in doing so, it may have a material adverse effect on its business, results of operations or financial condition.

The risks to the Company of a pandemic, epidemic or other public health crisis, such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, include risks to employee health and safety, prolonged restrictive measures put in place in order to control the outbreak and limitations on travel, which may result in temporary shortages of staff or unavailability of certain employees or consultants with key expertise or knowledge of the Company, impact on workforce productivity and increased medical costs/insurance premiums.

The Company’s success depends upon the continued strength of its reputation and brands

The Company’s well-established brands include Can-Am off-road vehicles (ATVs and SSVs) and Can-Am on-road vehicles (Spyder and Ryker vehicles), Ski-Doo and Lynx snowmobiles, Sea-Doo PWCs, Alumacraft, Manitou, Quintrex, Stacer and Savage boats, Rotax engines, and Evinrude outboard engines. The Company believes that its reputation and brands are significant contributors to the success of its business. Any negative publicity about the Company’s products could diminish customer trust, do significant damage to the Company’s reputation and brands and negatively impact sales. As the Company expands into new geographical markets, maintaining and enhancing its brands may become increasingly difficult and expensive, as consumers in these markets may not accept its brand image. Failure to maintain and enhance the Company’s brands in any of its markets may materially adversely affect the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition.

The Company’s brands and branded products could also be adversely affected by incidents that reflect negatively on the Company. Moreover, the negative impact of these events may be aggravated as the perceptions of consumers and others are formed based on modern communication and social media tools over which the Company has no control. The increasing use of social media has heightened the need for reputational risk management. Any actions the Company takes that cause negative public opinion have the potential to negatively impact the Company’s reputation, which may materially adversely affect its business, results of operations or financial condition.

 

 

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An adverse determination in any significant product liability claim against the Company could materially adversely affect its business, results of operations or financial condition

The development, manufacturing, sale and usage of the Company’s products expose the Company to significant risks associated with product liability claims. If the Company’s products are defective, malfunction or are used incorrectly by its consumers, it may result in bodily injury, property damage or other injury, including death, which could give rise to product liability claims against the Company. Changes to the Company’s manufacturing processes and the production of new products could result in product quality issues, thereby increasing the risk of litigation and potential liability. Any losses that the Company may suffer from any liability claims and the effect that any product liability litigation may have upon the brand image, reputation and marketability of the Company’s products could have a material adverse impact on its business, results of operations or financial condition.

The Company does not believe the outcome of any pending product liability claim could have a material adverse effect on its business, results of operations or financial condition, and the Company has insurance with respect to future claims in amounts it believes to be appropriate. However, no assurance can be given that the Company’s historical claims record will not change, that material product liability claims will not be made in the future against the Company, or that claims will not arise in the future in excess or outside the coverage of the Company’s indemnities and insurance. The Company records provisions for known potential liabilities, but there is the possibility that actual losses may exceed these provisions and therefore negatively impact earnings. Also, the Company may not be able in the future to obtain adequate product liability insurance or the cost of doing so may be prohibitive. Adverse determinations of material product liability claims made against the Company could also harm the Company’s reputation and cause it to lose customers and could have a material adverse effect on its business, results of operations or financial condition.

Significant product repair and/or replacement due to product warranty claims or product recalls could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition

The Company provides a limited warranty against defects for all of its products for a period generally varying from six months to five years. The Company may provide extended warranty coverage related to certain promotional programs, as well as extended warranty coverage in certain geographical markets as determined by local laws, rules or regulations and market conditions. The Company also provides a limited emissions warranty for certain emissions related parts in its products as required by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the California Air Resources Board. Although the Company employs quality control procedures, it happens that a product manufactured by the Company needs repair or replacement or be recalled. The Company’s standard warranties require that dealers repair or replace defective products during such warranty periods at no cost to the consumer. The Company records provisions based on an estimate of product warranty claims, but there is the possibility that actual claims may exceed these provisions and therefore negatively impact earnings. The Company could make major product recalls or could be held liable in the event that some of its products do not meet safety standards or statutory requirements on product safety or consumer protection. In addition, the risks associated with product recalls may be aggravated if production volumes increase significantly, supplied goods do not meet the Company’s standards, the Company fails to perform its risk analysis systematically or product-related decisions are not fully documented. Historically, product recalls have been administered through the Company’s dealers and distributors. The repair and replacement costs that the Company could incur in connection with a recall could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition. Product recalls could also harm the Company’s reputation and cause it to lose customers, particularly if recalls cause consumers to question the safety or reliability of the Company’s products, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition.

 

 

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The Company relies on a network of independent dealers and distributors to manage the retail distribution of its products

The Company depends on the capability of its independent dealers and distributors to develop and implement effective retail sales plans to create demand among retail purchasers for its products. If the Company’s independent dealers and distributors are not successful in these endeavours, then the Company will be unable to maintain or grow its sales. The measures taken by governmental authorities in connection with the COVID-19, including with respect to labour stoppages, business interruptions or temporary shutdowns may impact the ability of our independent dealers and distributors to carry out their retail sales plans for a certain period of time.

Further, independent dealers and distributors may experience difficulty in funding their day-to-day cash flow needs and paying their obligations resulting from adverse business conditions, including weakened consumer spending or tightened credit. Inability to fund operations can force dealers and distributors to cease business, and the Company may not be able to obtain alternate distribution in the vacated market, which could negatively impact the Company’s sales through reduced market presence or inadequate market coverage. In the event of a dealer or distributor default under any financing arrangement, the Company may also be required to repurchase such dealer’s or distributor’s inventory from the financing company. See “Risk Factors — The inability of the Company’s dealers and distributors to secure adequate access to capital could materially adversely affect the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition”. In addition to dealers or distributors ceasing business, in some cases, the Company may seek to terminate relationships with some dealers or distributors leading to a reduction in the number of its dealers or distributors. Being forced to liquidate a former dealer’s or distributor’s inventory of the Company’s products could add downward pressure on such products’ prices. Further, the unplanned loss of any of the Company’s independent dealers or distributors may create negative impressions of the Company with its retail customers and have a material adverse impact on the Company’s ability to collect wholesale receivables that are associated with that dealer or distributor. Also, if the Company’s dealer and distributor base were to consolidate, competition for the business of fewer dealers and distributors would intensify. If the Company does not provide product offerings and pricing that meet the needs of its dealers and distributors, or if the Company loses a substantial amount of, or is not able to expand in certain key regions as North America, its dealer and distributor base, its business, results of operations or financial condition could be materially adversely affected.

The Company sells a majority of its products through dealer and distributor agreements. In general, distributors are contractually obligated to offer the Company’s products on an exclusive basis. On the other hand, many of the dealers through which the Company sells its products also carry competing product offerings and most dealers who sell the Company’s products exclusively are not contractually obligated to continue to do so and may choose to sell competing products at any time, which may lower the Company’s sales. The Company also relies on its dealers and distributors to service and repair its products. There can be no assurance that its dealers and distributors will provide high quality repair services to the Company’s customers. If dealers or distributors fail to provide quality service during either trial, delivery or after-sales service to the Company’s customers, the Company’s brand identity and reputation may be damaged, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition.

 

 

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The Company depends upon the successful management of the inventory levels, both at the Company’s and the dealers’ and distributors’ levels, and any failure to successfully manage inventory levels could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition

The Company must maintain sufficient inventory levels to operate its business successfully. However, the Company must also guard against accumulating excess inventory as it seeks to minimize lost sales. The nature of the Company’s product lines requires the Company to purchase supplies and manufacture products well in advance of the time these products are offered for sale. As a result, the Company may experience difficulty in responding to a changing retail environment, such as the one currently caused by the ongoing COVID-19 health crisis, which may lead to excess inventory or to inventory shortages if supply does not meet demand.

Sales for certain product lines are managed through longer term purchase commitments, and the Company plans annual production levels and long-term product development and introduction based on anticipated demand, as determined by the Company in reliance on its own market assessment and regular communication with its dealers, distributors and other customers. If the Company does not accurately anticipate the future demand for a particular product or the time it will take to adjust inventory, its inventory levels will not be appropriate and its results of operations may be negatively impacted, including through lower gross profit margins due to greater than anticipated discounts and markdowns that might be necessary to reduce inventory levels. On the other hand, the sales of certain other product lines are managed through shorter-term purchase commitments, and the Company has introduced a flexible order management system for some of its products. Any failure by the Company to maintain adequate inventory levels for such products could result in undesirable delivery delays for its customers or result in the loss of certain sales, which could, in turn, have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition.

Additionally, the Company’s dealers and distributors could decide to reduce the number of units of the Company’s products they hold. Such a decision would likely require the Company to reduce its production levels, thus resulting in lower rates of absorption of fixed costs in the Company’s manufacturing facilities and lower gross profit margins. If the Company’s dealers and distributors then placed additional orders for the Company’s products, this could impair the Company’s ability to respond rapidly to these demands and adequately manage its inventory levels, which could materially adversely affect its business, results of operations or financial condition.

The Company may be unable to protect its intellectual property or it may incur substantial costs as a result of litigation or other proceedings relating to protection of its intellectual property

The Company’s success depends in part on its ability to protect its patents, trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets from unauthorized use by others. If substantial unauthorized use of the Company’s intellectual property rights occurs, the Company may incur significant costs in enforcing such rights by prosecuting actions for infringement of its rights, particularly taking into account that policing unauthorized use of the Company’s intellectual property may be particularly difficult outside North America and Europe. Such unauthorized use could also result in the diversion of engineering and management resources to these matters at the expense of other tasks related to the business. Others may also initiate litigation to challenge the validity of the Company’s patents, trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets, or allege that the Company infringes their patents, trademarks, copyrights or trade secrets. If the Company’s competitors initiate litigation to challenge the validity of the Company’s patents, trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets, or allege that the Company infringes theirs, the Company may incur substantial costs to defend its rights. If the outcome of any such litigation is unfavourable to the Company, its business, results of operations or financial condition could be materially adversely affected. The Company also cannot be sure that the patents it has obtained, or other protections such as confidentiality and trade secrets, will be adequate to prevent imitation of its products and technology by others. If the Company is unable to protect its technology through the enforcement of intellectual property rights, its ability to compete based on technological advantages may be harmed. If the Company fails to prevent substantial unauthorized use of

 

 

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its trade secrets, it risks the loss of certain competitive advantages, which could have a material adverse effect on its business, results of operations or financial condition.

Some of the Company’s direct competitors and indirect competitors may have significantly more resources to direct toward developing and patenting new technologies. It is possible that the Company’s competitors will develop and patent equivalent or superior engine technologies and other products that compete with the Company’s products. They may assert these patents against the Company and the Company may be required to license these patents on unfavourable terms or cease using the technology covered by these patents, either of which could harm the Company’s competitive position and may materially adversely affect its business, results of operation or financial condition.

Additionally, the Company is currently a defendant in a patent proceedings relating to its snowmobiles and PWCs, and similar actions could be introduced by others. If the Company is unsuccessful in its defense of any of these actions, there could be material adverse consequences including payment of monetary damages, licensing of patents on unfavourable terms, limitations on its ability to use certain technology and removal of desirable features from the Company’s products. Even if the Company is able to defeat such claims, the allegation that it is infringing on others’ intellectual property rights could harm its reputation and cause it to incur significant costs in connection with its defense of these actions. Also, from time to time, third parties have challenged, and may in the future try to challenge, the Company’s trademark rights and branding practices. The Company may be required to institute or defend litigation to enforce its trademark rights, which, regardless of the outcome, could result in substantial costs and diversion of resources and could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition. If the Company loses the use of a product name, its efforts spent building that brand will be lost and it will have to rebuild a brand for that product, which it may or may not be able to do.

The Company may not be able to successfully execute its manufacturing strategy

One of the priorities of the strategic plan established by management consists of sustained efforts in the areas of cost reduction and operational efficiencies. This priority aims in part at leveraging the strength of the Company’s established manufacturing centers. In addition, in order to help the Company respond to ongoing changes in the market place and reduce inventory across the supply chain, the Company’s cost reduction and operational efficiencies efforts also focus on further implementing model mix production on its assembly lines, which allows the Company to produce a greater range of models on a weekly and daily basis, without expensive set-up costs or production downtime. The Company believes that flexible manufacturing is the key element to enable improvements in the Company’s ability to respond to customers in a cost-effective manner. The success of the Company in implementing this priority of its strategic plan is dependent on the involvement of management, production employees and suppliers. Any failure to achieve this cost reduction and operational efficiencies priority (including the anticipated levels of productivity and operational efficiencies) in the Company’s manufacturing facilities, could materially adversely impact the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition and its ability to deliver the right product at the right time to the customer.

 

 

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Increased freight and shipping costs or disruptions in transportation and shipping infrastructure could adversely impact the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition

The Company uses external freight shipping and transportation services to transport and deliver products and raw materials. Adverse fluctuations in freight costs, limitations on shipping and receiving capacity, and other disruptions in the transportation and shipping infrastructure at important geographic points of exit and entry for our products and raw materials could adversely affect our business and results of operations. For example, delivery delays or increases in transportation costs (including through increased fuel costs, increased carrier rates or driver wages as a result of driver shortages, a decrease in transportation capacity for overseas shipments, or work stoppages or slowdowns) could significantly decrease our ability to make sales and earn profits. Labour shortages or work stoppages in the transportation industry or long-term disruptions to the national and international transportation infrastructure that lead to delays or interruptions of deliveries or which would necessitate our securing alternative shipping suppliers could also increase our costs or otherwise negatively affect our business, results of operations or financial condition. In recent months, the Company has experienced an increase in our freight costs and expects such increased freight costs may continue, which could have an impact on our results of operations. Disruptions in the movement of freight caused by the global COVID-19 outbreak are also expected to impact our freight costs and ultimately our revenues.

Covenants contained in agreements to which the Company is a party affect and, in some cases, significantly limit or prohibit the manner in which the Company operates its business

Some of the financing and other major agreements to which the Company is a party, including the Term Facility and the Revolving Credit Facilities, contain certain covenants that affect and, in some cases, significantly limit, among other things, the activities in which the Company may engage, the ability of the Company to incur debt, grant liens over its assets, engage in lines of business different from its own, consummate asset sales, pay dividends or make other distributions, redeem or otherwise retire capital stock or make other restricted payments, make loans, advances and other investments, and merge consolidate or amalgamate with another person. Under the Revolving Credit Facilities, the Company is bound by a fixed charge coverage ratio applicable if excess availability under our Revolving Credit Facilities is less than $100.0 million for seven consecutive business days.

A failure by the Company to comply with such contractual obligations or to pay amounts due under financing and other major agreements could result in an acceleration of the debt incurred under such agreements, a termination of the commitments made thereunder, as well as an exercise of remedies provided therein by the creditors of the Company (including foreclosure over substantially all of the assets of the Company). In such a situation, the Company may not be able to repay the accelerated indebtedness, fulfill its obligations under certain contracts or otherwise cover its fixed costs, which could result in a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition.

Tax matters and changes in tax laws could materially adversely affect the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition

The Company, as a multinational company conducting operations through subsidiaries in multiple jurisdictions, is subject to income taxes in Canada, the United States and numerous other foreign jurisdictions. The Company’s effective income tax rate in the future could be adversely affected as a result of a number of factors, including changes in the mix of earnings in countries with different statutory tax rates, changes in the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities, changes in tax laws and the outcome of income tax audits in various jurisdictions around the world. The Company regularly assesses all of these matters to determine the adequacy of its tax liabilities. If any of the Company’s assessments turn out to be incorrect, the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition could be materially adversely affected.

 

 

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The Company’s Canadian and foreign entities undertake certain operations with other currently existing or new subsidiaries in different jurisdictions, including Canada, the United States, Mexico, Finland, Austria and Switzerland. The tax laws of these jurisdictions, including Canada, have detailed transfer pricing rules that require that all transactions with non-resident related parties be priced using arm’s length pricing principles. Although the Company believes that its transfer pricing policies have been reasonably determined in accordance with arm’s length principles, the taxation authorities in the jurisdictions where the Company carries on business could challenge its arm’s length related party transfer pricing policies. International transfer pricing is a subjective area of taxation and generally involves a significant degree of judgment. If any of these taxation authorities were to successfully challenge the Company’s transfer pricing policies, its income tax expense may be adversely affected and the Company could also be subjected to interest and penalties. Any such increase in the Company’s income tax expense and related interest and penalties could have a material adverse effect on its business, results of operations or financial condition.

The Company’s Canadian and foreign entities are entitled to claim certain expenses and tax credits, including research and development expenses and Scientific Research and Experimental Development tax credits. Although the Company believes that the claims or deductions have been reasonably determined, there can be no assurance that the Canadian or the relevant foreign taxation authorities will agree. If a taxation authority were to successfully challenge the correctness of such expenses or tax credits claimed, or if a taxation authority were to reduce any tax credit either by reducing the rate of the grant or the eligibility of some research and development expenses in the future, the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition could be materially adversely affected.

An impairment in the carrying value of goodwill and intangibles could negatively impact the Company’s consolidated results of operations and net worth

Goodwill and intangible assets, such as the Company’s trademarks, are recorded at fair value at the time of acquisition and are not amortized but are reviewed for impairment annually or more frequently if impairment indicators arise. The determination of whether goodwill impairment has occurred is based on a comparison of each of the Company’s reporting units’ fair market value with its carrying value. Significant and unanticipated changes in circumstances, such as significant and long-term adverse changes in business climate, unanticipated competition, and/or changes in technology or markets, could require a provision for impairment in a future period that could negatively impact the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition, and reduce the Company’s consolidated net worth and shareholders’ equity.

Deterioration in relationships with the Company’s non-unionized and unionized employees could have a material adverse effect on the business, results of operations or financial condition

A majority of the Company’s employees are non-unionized, including in all facilities in Canada and the United States. The maintenance of a productive and efficient labour environment and, in the event of unionization of these employees, the successful negotiation of a collective bargaining agreement, cannot be assured. A deterioration in relationships with employees or in the labour environment could result in work interruptions or other disruptions, or cause management to divert time and resources from other aspects of the Company’s business, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition.

The Company is party to some national collective arrangements in Austria, Finland and Mexico that expire at various times in the future. As the Company is dependent on national unions to renew these agreements on terms that are satisfactory as they become subject to renegotiation from time to time, the outcome of these labour negotiations could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition. Such could be the case if current or future labour negotiations or contracts were to further restrict its ability to maximize the efficiency of its operations. In addition, its ability to make short-term adjustments to control compensation and benefit costs is limited by the terms of its national collective arrangements.

 

 

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The Company cannot predict the outcome of any current or future negotiations relating to labour disputes, union representation or the renewal of its national collective arrangements, nor can the Company assure that it will not experience work stoppages, strikes, property damage or other forms of labour protests pending the outcome of any current or future negotiations. If its unionized workers engage in a strike or any other form of work stoppage, it could experience a significant disruption to its operations, damage to its property and/or interruption to its services, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition.

Pension plan liability may have a material adverse effect on the Company

Economic cycles can have a negative impact on the funding of the Company’s remaining defined benefit pension obligations and related expenditures. In particular, a portion of the Company’s pension plan assets are invested in equity securities, which can experience significant declines if financial markets weaken. The Company’s latest actuarial funding valuation reports show that the defined benefit components of the Company’s registered pension plans present a combined deficit and, as a result of such deficit combined with the application of the stabilization provisions of the law, the Company is required to make additional contributions to fund that deficit. There is no guarantee that the expenditures and contributions required to fund these defined benefit pension obligations will not increase in the future and therefore negatively impact the Company’s operating results, liquidity and financial position. Risks related to the funding of defined benefit pension plans may materialize if total obligations with respect to such a pension plan exceed the total value of the plan fund’s assets. Shortfalls may arise due to lower-than-expected returns on investments, changes in the discount rate used to assess the pension plan’s obligations, and actuarial losses. Any of these risks could result in a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition.

Natural disasters, unusually adverse weather, epidemic or pandemic outbreaks, boycotts and geo-political events could materially adversely affect the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition

The occurrence of one or more natural disasters, such as hurricanes and earthquakes, unusually adverse weather, epidemic or pandemic outbreaks, such as the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, boycotts and geo-political events, such as civil unrest and acts of terrorism, or similar disruptions could materially adversely affect the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition. These events could result in physical damage to one or more of the Company’s properties, increases in fuel or other energy prices, temporary or permanent closure of one or more of the Company’s facilities, temporary lack of an adequate workforce in a market, temporary or long-term disruption in the supply of raw materials, product parts and components, temporary disruption in transport to and from overseas, disruption in the Company’s distribution network and disruption to the Company’s information systems. It is unknown whether and how the Company may be affected if the COVID-19 health crisis persists for an extended period of time. The Company may incur expenses or delays relating to such events outside of its control, which could have a material adverse impact on its business, operating results and financial condition.

Failure to carry adequate insurance coverage may have a material adverse effect on the Company

The Company maintains liability insurance, property and business interruption insurance, cargo insurance, workers’ compensation coverage in the United States to the required statutory limits, automotive liability insurance, aviation insurance and directors and officers insurance, and its insurance coverage reflects deductibles, self-insured retentions, limits of liability and similar provisions. However, there is no guarantee that the Company’s insurance coverage will be sufficient, or that insurance proceeds will be paid to it in a timely manner. In addition, there are types of losses the Company may incur but against which it cannot be insured or which it believes are not economically reasonable to insure, such as losses due to acts of war and certain natural disasters. If the Company incurs these losses and they are material, the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition could be materially adversely affected.

 

 

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Volatility in the market price of the subordinate voting shares

The market price of the subordinate Voting Shares may be volatile and subject to wide fluctuations in response to numerous factors, many of which are beyond the Company’s control. Such factors include the following:

 

   

actual or anticipated fluctuations in the Company’s quarterly results of operations;

 

   

changes in estimates of the Company’s future results of operations by the Company;

 

   

changes in forecasts, estimates or recommendations of securities research analysts regarding the Company’s future results of operations or financial performance;

 

   

changes in the economic performance or market valuations of other companies that investors deem comparable to the Company;

 

   

changes in overall economic conditions, primarily in North America and Europe, including changes that impact consumer spending and discretionary spending;

 

   

additions or departures of the Company’s senior management team or other key employees;

 

   

sales or perceived sales of additional subordinate voting shares;

 

   

significant acquisitions or business combinations, strategic partnerships, joint ventures or capital commitments by or involving the Company or its competitors; and

 

   

news reports relating to trends, concerns or competitive developments, regulatory changes and other related issues in the Company’s industry or target markets.

Financial markets have in the past experienced, and are currently experiencing, significant price and volume fluctuations that particularly affect market prices of equity securities of companies. Such fluctuations have also, in many cases, been unrelated to the operating performance, underlying asset values or prospects of such companies. Accordingly, the market price of the subordinate voting shares may decline even if the Company’s operating results, financial condition or prospects have not changed. As well, certain institutional investors may base their investment decisions on consideration of the Company’s environmental, governance and social practices and performance against such institutions’ respective investment guidelines and criteria, and failure to meet such criteria may result in a limited or no investment in the subordinate voting shares by those institutions, which could materially adversely affect the trading price of the subordinate voting shares. There can be no assurance that continuing fluctuations in price and volume will not occur. If such increased levels of volatility and market turmoil continue, the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition could be materially adversely impacted and the trading price of the subordinate voting shares could be materially adversely affected. Recently the spread of the COVID-19 caused a slowdown in the global economy, has caused volatility in global financial markets and may adversely affect the market price of the subordinate voting shares.

 

 

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BRP Inc. is a holding company and its financial performance and results are dependent on the earnings of its subsidiaries and the distribution of those earnings to BRP Inc.

BRP Inc. is a holding company and a substantial portion of its assets consists in the shares of its direct and indirect subsidiaries. As a result, BRP Inc. is subject to the risks attributable to its subsidiaries. As a holding company, BRP Inc. conducts substantially all of its business through its subsidiaries, which generate substantially all of its revenues. Consequently, BRP Inc.’s cash flows and ability to complete current or desirable future enhancement opportunities are dependent on the earnings of its subsidiaries and the distribution of those earnings to BRP Inc. The ability of these entities to pay dividends and other distributions will depend on their operating results and will be subject to applicable laws and regulations that require that solvency and capital standards be maintained by such companies and contractual restrictions contained in the instruments governing their debt. In the event of a bankruptcy, liquidation or reorganization of any of its subsidiaries, holders of indebtedness and trade creditors will generally be entitled to payment of their claims from the assets of those subsidiaries before any assets are made available for distribution to BRP Inc. As at January 31, 2020, the shares were effectively junior to approximately $4,498.6 million of indebtedness of BRP Inc.’s subsidiaries.

Beaudier Group and Bain Capital have significant influence with respect to matters put before the shareholders, which may have a negative impact on the trading price of the subordinate voting shares

As at April 8, 2020, Beaudier Group and Bain Capital owned 23,282,228 and 17,796,615 multiple voting shares, respectively, which represented approximately 44.10% and 33.71%, respectively, of the combined voting power of the Company’s outstanding Shares. Accordingly, Beaudier Group and Bain Capital have significant influence with respect to all matters submitted to the Company’s shareholders for approval, including without limitation the election and removal of directors, amendments to the articles of incorporation and by-laws of the Company and the approval of certain business combinations. Holders of subordinate voting shares have a limited role in the Company’s affairs. This concentration of voting power may impact the market price of the subordinate voting shares, delay or prevent any acquisition or delay or discourage take-over attempts that shareholders may consider to be favourable, or make it more difficult or impossible for a third party to acquire control of the Company or effect a change in the Company’s Board of Directors and management. Any delay or prevention of a change of control transaction could deter potential acquirors or prevent the completion of a transaction in which the Company’s shareholders could receive a substantial premium over the then current market price for their subordinate voting shares.

In addition, Beaudier Group’s and Bain Capital’s interests may not in all cases be aligned with interests of the other shareholders of the Company. Beaudier Group and Bain Capital may have an interest in pursuing acquisitions, divestitures and other transactions that, in the judgment of their management, could enhance their equity investment, even though such transactions might involve risks to the shareholders of the Company and may ultimately affect the market price of the subordinate voting shares.

Future sales of subordinate voting shares by Beaudier Group, Bain Capital or the Company’s directors and officers

As at April 8, 2020, Beaudier Group owned 23,282,228 multiple voting shares, which in the aggregate represented approximately 50.73% of the issued and outstanding multiple voting shares of the Company, and Bain Capital owned 17,796,615 multiple voting shares, which in the aggregate represented approximately 38.78% of the issued and outstanding multiple voting shares of the Company. Each outstanding multiple voting share may at any time, at the option of the holder, be converted into one subordinate voting share.

 

 

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Subject to compliance with applicable securities laws, Beaudier Group, Bain Capital or the Company’s directors and officers may sell some or all of their subordinate voting shares in the future. No prediction can be made as to the effect, if any, such future sales of subordinate voting shares will have on the market price of the subordinate voting shares prevailing from time to time. However, the future sale of a substantial number of subordinate voting shares by Beaudier Group, Bain Capital or the Company’s directors and officers or the perception that such sales could occur, could materially adversely affect prevailing market prices for the subordinate voting shares.

Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, each of Beaudier Group and Bain Capital is granted certain registration rights.

Disclosure of Outstanding Shares

 

 

As at April 8, 2020, the Company had the following issued and outstanding shares and stock options:

 

   

45,891,671 multiple voting shares with no par value.

 

   

41,407,024 subordinate voting shares with no par value.

 

   

3,735,979 stock options to acquire subordinate voting shares.

Additional Information

 

 

Additional information relating to BRP Inc. is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

 

 

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