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Cervus Equipment

cerv · TSX Industrials
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Industry Agricultural - Machinery
Employees 1001-5000
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FY2015 Annual Report · Cervus Equipment
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People. Power. Service. 

Cervus Equipment 
Corporation 

2015 ANNUAL REPORT 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Dear fellow  
shareholders,  

Cervus  started  the  year  with  19  additional  Canadian  dealerships.    Despite  a  challenging  economic 
climate in 2015, welcoming and integrating these dealerships under the Cervus brand and values has 
been a significant theme of 2015, and I am proud of the efforts by all employees in what we have built 
together.  In 2015 we surpassed a significant milestone of $1 billion of revenue, 3 years ahead of the 
target we set in 2010.  This achievement is made more meaningful in light of how it was achieved: as a 
trusted advisor to our customers’ business in partnership with our OEMs.  This success is evidenced by 
our  Alberta  and  Saskatchewan  agriculture  dealership  groups  being  selected  as  two  of  the  four  Top 
Canadian John Deere dealers for 2015.  Further, our Peterbilt group was recognised by Peterbilt as one 
of their top ten “Best-In-Class” North American dealers in 2015.   

Market conditions also presented some challenges as we navigated the impact of a stronger U.S dollar 
and  depressed  oil  prices.  We  took  action  to  scale  our  operations  and  costs,  particularly  in  our 
Commercial  and  Industrial  (“C&I”)  segment,  and  our  transportation  stores  located  in  Saskatchewan. 
However,  we  continue  to  make  targeted  investments  for  the  future  and  have  expanded  our  service 
efficiency team, and are beginning see strong results from these efforts. We also continue to develop 
our  organization  around  precision  agriculture,  brokering  the  interface  of  the  technology  that  John 
Deere  brings  to  market  to  improve  our  customers’  equipment  performance,  and  ultimately,  their 
business results. Investments like these align with our long term view of the industries and businesses 
we serve, and are foundational to our market positioning across economic cycles.  

Looking into 2016, we see opportunities to improve performance in our Ontario Peterbilt dealerships 
and take advantage of a strong Ontario market.  Oil prices combined with an elevated US dollar will 
continue to weigh on demand in our C&I segment and Saskatchewan Peterbilt dealerships. We remain 
focused on supporting our customers in these geographies, while scaling costs in line with demand.  
Within  agriculture,  Canadian  farmers  ultimately  achieved  record  results  in  2015,  and  we  look  to 
increased opportunity in our Agricultural segment in 2016.  

To our employees and Board of Directors, thank you for your tireless effort in 2015 to grow our Company 
as  we  serve  our  customers.    To  our  original  equipment  manufacturers,  customers,  and  shareholders 
thank  you for  your ongoing  support  as we  continue  to  realize our mission  to  enable our  customer’s 
success by providing practical and reliable equipment solutions and support.  

Sincerely,  

Graham Drake 
President & Chief Executive Officer 
Cervus Equipment Corporation

Cervus Annual Report 2015 

2 

 
 
 
 
 
Q & A  

With Graham Drake 
President & Chief Executive Officer 

As you reflect on 2015, what do you consider to be 
the highlights? 

Our commitment and response to local markets and 
integration of our newly acquired stores was the focus 
for 2015. Our Agricultural acquisitions generated $1.7 
million of income from operating activities in the first 
full year of operations and we continue to see 
strength in these stores for future growth.  Our 
Ontario Peterbilt dealerships improved parts and 
service offerings, expanded into additional locations 
to better serve the market, and maintained consistent 
levels of SG&A expenses while increasing operating 
income over the same store period in 2014.  

The resiliency and dedication of our teams in markets 
impacted by oil prices was also a highlight.  The sharp 
and prolonged decline in resource prices was a 
significant headwind for our C&I and Transportation 
Saskatchewan operations.   Despite these market 
factors, the local teams took action, reducing same 
store SG&A expenses by $12.6 million, while 
continuing to exceed our customer’s expectations.   

Profitability has decreased in 2015 overall and on a 
same store basis.  What should shareholders 
expect looking forward? 

I am proud of the dedication and effort of our 
employees integrating the 19 dealerships acquired in 
late 2014, during a year with significant economic 
headwinds.  However, as a Company we are not 
satisfied with 2015’s financial performance.  Despite 
increased diversification, our industries are cyclical 
and we anticipate the economic impact of low oil 
prices will continue through 2016.  In this 
environment we have identified opportunities which 
will be a focus of the upcoming year, particularly in 
our segments most sensitive to resource prices. 
Improved profitability in the current market is focused 
on: (i) increasing efficiencies within our service 
departments (ii) continued examination of expenses, 

and (iii) opportunities in the Canadian agricultural 
sector supported by strong farm balance sheets.  

As you look back on the first full year of operations 
for the 13 Ontario Peterbilt stores, what are your 
priorities in achieving target profitability in 2016? 

Ontario is a new landscape for Cervus.  Due to high 
purchase volume, buyers hold significant negotiating 
leverage.  This reflects distinct opportunities 
compared to the smaller western Canadian 
transportation market.  The high truck population 
drives significant parts and service demand.  We will 
establish our brand in the Ontario market by 
partnering with our customers in ensuring uptime for 
their trucking operations.    We have seen progress in 
our efforts around parts and service efficiency, and 
have more to achieve.  This will be the focus in Ontario 
for 2016, building on the processes and training 
delivered in 2015.  

Is your liquidity sufficient to meet the demands of 
the business?  

Yes. The Company extended and amended its $100 
million revolving credit facility, providing committed 
general borrowing through to December 2017. At this 
time, there are no known factors that management is 
aware of that would affect its short and long-term 
objectives of meeting the Company’s obligations as 
they come due. Of the $100 million syndicated credit 
facility, $53 million was drawn at December 31, 2015. 
We remain committed to maintaining a strong 
balance sheet, and ensuring we are well positioned to 
weather industry cycles to take advantage of 
opportunities as they arise. 

Has your relationship with your key OEMs been 
affected by recent macroeconomic shifts?  

Our key suppliers (OEMs) have long standing business 
histories that have weathered numerous economic 
cycles.  Our relationships with our OEMs are based on 
a longer term vision of partnering with them to meet 
customer needs. The alignment in values between 
Cervus and our OEM’s is evident in the recognition we 
received in 2015 from both John Deere and Peterbilt, 
based on the mutual success of our Customers, 
Cervus, and manufacturer.    

Cervus Annual Report 2015  3 

 
 
Cervus Equipment  
Corporation 
MANAGEMENT’S 
DISCUSSION + 
ANALYSIS  

For the period from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2015 

The following Management’s Discussion & Analysis (“MD&A”) was prepared as of March 15, 2015 and is provided to 
assist readers in understanding Cervus Equipment Corporation’s (“Cervus” or the “Company”) financial performance 
for  the  three  and  twelve  month  periods  ended  December  31,  2015  and  significant  trends  that  may  affect  future 
performance  of  Cervus.  This  MD&A  should  be  read  in  conjunction  with  the  accompanying  consolidated  financial 
statements for the period ended December 31, 2015 and notes contained therein. The accompanying consolidated 
financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRSs”) and 
Cervus’ functional and reporting currency is the Canadian dollar. Cervus’ common shares trade on the Toronto Stock 
Exchange under the symbol “CVL”.  

Additional  information  relating  to  Cervus,  including  Cervus’  current  annual  information  form,  is  available  on  the 
System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (“SEDAR”) web site at www.sedar.com.  

This  MD&A  contains  forward-looking  statements.  Please  see  the  section  “Note  Regarding  Forward-Looking 
Statements” for a discussion of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to those statements.  This MD&A also 
makes reference to certain non-IFRS financial measures to assist users in assessing Cervus’ performance.  Non-IFRS 
financial measures do not have any standard meaning prescribed by IFRS and are therefore unlikely to be comparable 
to similar measures presented by other issuers. These measures are identified and described under the section “Non-
IFRS Financial Measures.” 

OVERVIEW OF CERVUS 

Cervus  operates  under  three  segments:  Agriculture,  Commercial  and  Industrial,  and  Transportation  based  on  the 
industries which they serve.  These segments are managed separately, and strategic decisions are made on the basis 
of their respective operating results. 

The Agricultural equipment segment consists of interests in 42 John Deere dealership locations with 14 in Alberta, 11 
in  Saskatchewan,  1  in  British  Columbia,  1  in  Manitoba,  9 in  New  Zealand  and  6  in  Australia.  Of  the  42 John  Deere 
Dealerships, 35 are wholly owned, and the Company holds a minority interest in 7.  

The Commercial and Industrial (“C&I”) equipment segment consists of 13 dealership locations with 10 Bobcat/ JCB, 
Clark, Sellick, and Doosan material handling and forklift equipment dealerships operating in Alberta, 2 Clark, Sellick, 
and Doosan material handling and forklift equipment dealerships operating in Saskatchewan and 1 in Manitoba.  

The Transportation segment consists of 17 dealership locations with 4 Peterbilt truck dealerships and 1 collision repair 
centre operating in Saskatchewan, and 12 Peterbilt truck dealerships operating in Ontario. 

Cervus Annual Report 2015 

5 

NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS 

Certain  statements  contained  in  this  MD&A  constitute  “forward-looking  statements”.    These  forward-looking 
statements may include words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “could”, “expect”, “may”, “objective”, “outlook”, “plan”, 
“should”, “target” and “will”.  All statements, other than statements of historical fact, that address activities, events, or 
developments that Cervus or a third party expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including our future 
growth,  results  of  operations,  performance  and  business  prospects  and  opportunities,  and  the  assumptions 
underlying  any  of  the  foregoing,  are  forward-looking  statements.    These  forward-looking  statements  reflect  our 
current beliefs and are based on information currently available to us and on assumptions we believe are reasonable. 
Actual results and developments may differ materially from the results and developments discussed in the forward-
looking statements as they are subject to a number of significant risks and uncertainties, including those discussed 
under  “Business  Risks  and  Uncertainties”  and  elsewhere  in  this  MD&A.  Certain  of  these  risks  and  uncertainties  are 
beyond our control. Consequently, all of the forward-looking statements made in this MD&A are qualified by these 
cautionary statements and other cautionary statements or factors contained herein, and there can be no assurance 
that  the  actual  results  or  developments  will  be  realized  or,  even  if  substantially  realized,  that  they  will  have  the 
expected consequences to, or effects on, Cervus.  These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this 
MD&A,  and  we  assume  no  obligation  to  update  or  revise  them  to  reflect  subsequent  information,  events,  or 
circumstances unless otherwise required by applicable securities legislation. 

The  most  recent  quarterly  dividend  payment  of  $0.2125  per  share  was  made  to  the  shareholders  of  record  as  of 
December 31, 2015 on January 15, 2016. See “Capital Resources - Cautionary note regarding dividends” section within.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
Cervus Annual Report 2015 

6 

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR 

•

•

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•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

The  Company  generated  adjusted  earnings1 of  $13.3  million  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2015,  and 
adjusted  basic  earnings  per  share1 of  $0.86.  For  the  comparable  period  in  2014,  the  Company  generated 
adjusted earnings of $20.2 million and adjusted basic earnings per share of $1.33.

The Company generated a loss of $27.4 million in 2015, including the $36.9 million non-cash settlement with 
the Canada Revenue Agency, compared to net income of $18.5 million in 2014.

The Company generated $1.1 billion revenues in 2015, exceeding the 2018 strategic revenue goal three years 
earlier than target. Total revenues increased $154.3 million and gross profit dollars increased $20.3 million 
compared to 2014.

Targeted  cost  reduction  initiatives  achieved  a  $12.6  million  reduction  in  same  store  selling  general  and 
administrative (“SG&A”) expenses, compared to 2014.

Acquisitions  contributed  $5.9  million  of  earnings  before  interest,  taxes,  depreciation,  and  amortization 
(“EBITDA”)1. Same store1 EBITDA was $40.4 million during the year compared to $50.8 million in 2014. 

The Company extended and amended its revolving credit facility, extending maturity to December 2017. The
$100  million  syndicated  credit  facility  provides  stability  for  our  existing  operations  and  maintains  capital 
flexibility for the future.

The  Company  reached  an  agreement  with  Canada  Revenue  Agency,  confirming  the  eligibility  of 
approximately $44.3 million of tax savings claimed by the company through December 2014.  The agreement 
resulted in a non-cash charge of $33.4 million related to the write-off of a portion of the Company’s deferred 
tax asset.

The  Company  completed  a  review  of  branch  capacity  resulting  in  construction  and  relocation  to  a  new 
Agriculture equipment facility in Ponoka, Alberta, as well as the relocation of our Cranbrook, BC dealership 
to Creston, BC.  We closed our Grande Prairie C&I dealership, and relocated the Essex, Ontario Transportation 
dealership to  a  new  location  in  Windsor, Ontario.   We  also  opened  a  new  dealership in  Barrie, Ontario  to 
better serve the Ontario market.

Dividends of $0.85 per share were declared to shareholders during 2015.

The Company climbed to #66 from #72 on the Alberta Venture’s 2015 Venture 250 ranking.

The Saskatoon Peterbilt branch was awarded Peterbilt’s Platinum Oval award for the third consecutive year, 
highlighting  their  outstanding  performance  as  a  dealership.  Further,  Cervus  Equipment  Peterbilt 
(Saskatchewan and Ontario) was one of ten North American dealer groups to earn Peterbilt’s Best in Class 
award for 2015. 

Throughout this MD&A, same store results are disclosed to assist the reader in identifying year over year trends in 
operations.  Same store results reflect operations in the current period, for which the same operations existed in the 
comparative  period.    Same  store  results  for  our  Agricultural  segment  exclude  the  2015  results  of  six  John  Deere 
dealerships for the periods they were not owned by the Company in 2014.  Four of these dealerships were acquired 
in October of 2014, and therefore 2015 same store results exclude the operations of these four dealerships prior to 
October 2015.  Two of the dealerships were acquired in December of 2014, and 2015 same store results exclude their 
operating results for the period prior to December 2015.  Agricultural segment same store results also exclude the 
consolidated results of Deer Star Systems Inc. (“Deer Star”), prior to October 2015 as Cervus did not own a majority 
interest Deer Star’s operations during the comparative period in 2014. For the Transportation segment, same store 
results for the year ended December 31, 2015 exclude the January 1, 2015 to August 15, 2015 results of our Ontario 
Peterbilt dealerships acquired in August 2014. 

1 Refer to Non-IFRS Measures herein 

 
 
 
 
                                                                  
Cervus Annual Report 2015 

7 

ANNUAL CONSOLIDATED RESULTS 

($ thousands, except per share amounts)

Revenue

Cost of sales

Gross profit 

Other income

Unrealized foreign exchange (loss)

Total other (loss) income 

Selling, general and administrative expense

Income from operating activities

Finance income

Finance costs

Share of profit of equity accounted investees, net of 
income tax 

Income before income tax expense

Income tax expense1

Income (loss) for the period

Income (loss) attributable to shareholders

EBITDA2

EBITDA margin2

Ratios as a percentage of revenue:

Gross profit margin

Selling, general and administrative

Earnings per share

Basic - Adjusted2

Basic

Diluted 

Total 2015

2015 Same Store2

% Change
Compared 
to 2014

2015
Same 
Store

% Change
Compared 
to 2014

2014

16%

889,211

 (9%)

979,609

17% (720,257)

 (9%)

(792,936)

2015

1,133,878

(926,937)

206,941

11%

168,954

 (9%)

186,673

1,091

 (77%)

1,679

 (64%)

(2,810)

195%

(1,826)

92%

(1,719)

 (146%)

(147)

 (104%)

4,667

(952)

3,715

(179,583)

14% (145,121)

 (8%)

(157,678)

25,639

195

 (22%)

 (49%)

23,686

 (28%)

32,710

193

 (50%)

384

(11,428)

49%

(9,279)

21%

(7,656)

542

 (24%)

542

 (24%)

712

14,948

 (43%)

15,142

 (42%)

26,150

(42,327)

453%

(27,379)

 (248%)

(27,421)

 (249%)

(7,654)

18,496

18,362

46,330

4.1%

18.3%

15.8%

0.86

(1.77)

(1.77)

 (9%)

40,444

 (20%)

50,811

4.5%

19.0%

16.3%

 (35%)

 (246%)

 (254%)

5.2%

19.1%

16.1%

1.33

1.21

1.15

[1] – Includes impact of $36.9 million non-cash settlement with the CRA.  

[2] - Refer to Non-IFRS Measures herein 

 
 
 
 
          
         
         
         
 
 
 
 
 
Cervus Annual Report 2015 

8 

Operating Summary:  

Total EBITDA decreased $4.5 million compared to 2014 while income from operating activities decreased $7.1 million.  
Extended uncertainty in oil prices reduced demand for new equipment, particularly in the Commercial and Industrial 
(C&I) segment and the western Canadian locations of our Transportation segment. Within our Agriculture segment, 
early season uncertainty and appreciation of the U.S. dollar reduced demand for new equipment sales. The impact of 
lower  new  equipment  demand  across  these  segments  was  offset  by  relatively  stable  after-market  activity  and 
targeted expense control, which reduced same store SG&A expenses by $12.6 million in the year. 

Same store highlights: 

On  a  same  store  basis,  operating  income  decreased  $9.0  million  compared  to  2014.  The  C&I  segment,  and 
Transportation dealerships located in Saskatchewan were the primary cause of this decrease, resulting from the steep 
reduction in oil prices. The impact of the economic slowdown affecting our Saskatchewan transportation dealerships 
were  offset  by  increased  sales  volumes  and  margin  dollars  in  our  Ontario  dealerships  within  the  Transportation 
segment. New Agriculture equipment sales during the year were impacted by negative early season outlook for the 
2015 crop, combined with the impact of U.S. exchange on equipment pricing. The decrease in Agriculture new sales 
were partially offset by increased late season demand for used equipment as an average crop yield materialized. Parts 
and service activity across all segments were less volatile than new sales, as equipment continues to operate and 
require  servicing.  Further,  the  Company’s  cost  reduction  initiatives  reduced  SG&A  by  $12.6  million  in  the  year 
compared to 2014. 

Acquisition performance: 

Acquisitions  contributed  $3.7  million  of  incremental  adjusted 2  operating  income.    Agriculture  acquisitions 
contributed  $2.1  million  of  income  from  adjusted  operating  activities  on  $108.5  million  of  revenue,  while 
Transportation acquisitions generated adjusted operating income of $1.6 million.   

2 Excluding $1.0 million of unrealized foreign exchange loss on the conversion of U.S. dollar denominated floorplans 
and $0.8 million of non-recurring acquisition and integration related costs.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                  
 
Cervus Annual Report 2015 

9 

ANNUAL BUSINESS SEGMENT RESULTS 

The  Company  has  three  reportable  segments:  Agricultural,  Transportation,  and  Commercial  and  Industrial,  each 
supported by a single shared resources function. The Company allocates the expenditures of shared resources to each 
individual  segment  according  to  specific  identification  and  metrics  to  estimate  use  as  outlined  in  Note  27  of  the 
accompanying Consolidated Annual Financial Statements.  

Agricultural Segment Results 

Total 2015

2015 Same Store

% Change
Compared 
to 2014

2015

2015
Same 
Store

% Change
Compared 
to 2014

2014

    356,445 

    229,265 

    585,710 

      82,045 

      39,260 

        4,328 

    711,343 

(590,638)

120,705

4%      302,010 

 (12%)

  343,473 

25%      191,183 

5%   182,745 

11%      493,193 

 (6%)

  526,218 

24%        70,149 

14%        35,623 

6%      66,341 

3%      34,444 

 (7%)

         3,896 

 (17%)

       4,670 

13%      602,861 
13% (499,342)
12% 103,519

 (5%)
 (5%)

  631,673 

(524,246)

 (4%) 107,427

2,885

 (20%)

2,903

 (20%)

3,609

(97,129)

26,461

36,491

17.0%

13.7%

15%

 (1%)

(81,702)

24,720

32,889

 (3%)

 (7%)

(84,352)

26,684

34,095

17.2%

13.6%

17.0%

13.4%

($ thousands, except per share amounts)
Equipment

New equipment

Used equipment

Total equipment revenue

Parts

Service

Rental and other
Total revenue

Cost of sales

Gross profit 

Other income

Selling, general and administrative expense

Income from operating activities

EBITDA

Ratios as a percentage of revenue:

Gross profit margin

Selling, general and administrative

Operating Summary: 

EBITDA increased $2.4 million and income from operating activities was within 1% of the comparable period in 2014, 
as acquisition performance offset the decrease in our same store results. Same store results were impacted by lower 
early season equipment demand due to early season weather concerns, while late season demand was negatively 
impacted  by  the  appreciation  of  the  U.S.  dollar.  The  impact  of  lower  new  equipment  sales  was  offset  by  used 
equipment sales, parts and service activity and targeted SG&A expense control.     

Same store highlights:  

Income from operating activities decreased $2.0 million compared to 2014, primarily due to reduced new equipment 
demand  on  factors  consistent  with  those  experienced  in  the  overall  results  above.    As  harvest  outlook  improved, 
demand for used equipment accelerated assisted by attractive used equipment pricing relative to new, with used 
equipment sales increasing 5% compared to 2014. Parts and service sales have increased over prior year on strong 
machine  population  in  our  geographies  and  parts  price  increases  due  to  the  higher  U.S.  dollar.  Cost  reduction 
initiatives and expense control reduced SG&A expenses by $2.7 million, resulting in operating income decreasing 
$2.0 million despite a $3.9 million decrease in gross profit.   

 
 
 
 
   
    
  
 
Cervus Annual Report 2015 

10 

Acquisition performance: 

Acquisitions contributed $1.7 million of operating income on $108.5 million of revenue for the period not included 
in same store results above.3 Operating income of $1.7 million was generated despite acquisition geography being 
significantly impacted by below average rainfall in 2015. Included in acquisition performance are operating activities 
generated by Deerstar Systems Inc., which the company acquired a controlling interest in as a result of the Evergreen 
acquisition. Deerstar Systems sells crop sprayers and the sales season for this equipment is typically early summer, 
which  coincided  with  the  period  of  uncertainty  regarding  overall  crop  yield  leading  to  breakeven  income  from 
operating activities for this acquired entity.  

3 Same store results exclude the January - mid October 2015 results for the Evergreen acquisition, and the January 
through November results for the Deer Country acquisition. Results for these periods are reported within the 
Acquisition Performance section.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                  
Cervus Annual Report 2015 

11 

Total 2015

2015 Same Store

% Change
Compared 
to 2014

2015

2015
Same 
Store

% Change
Compared 
to 2014

2014

    157,836 

      12,387 

    170,223 

      93,048 

      28,291 

        9,017 

    300,579 

(246,930)

53,649

(2,392)

(2,810)

(5,202)

(50,203)

(1,756)

5,000

17.8%

16.7%

52%        78,901 

 (24%)

  104,051 

88%          7,435 

13%        6,589 

54%        86,336 

 (22%)

  110,640 

69%        55,392 

1%      54,927 

55%        18,250 

 (0%)

     18,281 

81%          4,416 

 (12%)

       4,990 

59%      164,394 
61% (131,546)
32,848
51%

 (13%)
 (14%)

  188,838 

(153,223)

 (8%)

35,615

 (931%)

195%

(1,822)

(1,826)

(3,648)

 (733%)

92%

288

(952)

(664)

45%

(31,168)

 (10%)

(34,505)

 (494%)

(1,968)

 (541%)

2,716

20.0%

19.0%

446

4,574

18.9%

18.3%

Transportation Segment Results 

($ thousands, except per share amounts)
Equipment

New equipment

Used equipment

Total equipment revenue

Parts

Service

Rental and other
Total revenue

Cost of sales

Gross profit 

Other income

Unrealized foreign exchange (loss)

Total other (loss) 

Selling, general and administrative expense

(Loss) income from operating activities

EBITDA

Ratios as a percentage of revenue:

Gross profit margin

Selling, general and administrative

Operating Summary:  

EBITDA for the segment increased $2.3 million (41%), and income from operating activities decreased $0.3 million 
excluding the impact of unrealized foreign exchange. Our Ontario dealerships generated a $2.4 million improvement 
in operating income on a same store basis due to increased revenues and improved process from integration efforts.  
The  reduction  in  oil  prices  had  a  significant  impact  on  equipment  demand  for  our  Saskatchewan  dealerships, 
resulting in a $4.8 million decrease in operating income.   Within Saskatchewan, the retention of parts and service 
revenues have supported gross margin dollars, due to maintenance of customer relationships and additional focus 
on internal efficiencies.   

Same store highlights:  

Saskatchewan equipment sales have been impacted by persisting low resource prices, compounded by the higher 
price  of  new  equipment  due  to  the  appreciation  of  the  U.S.  dollar  in  the  year.  Saskatchewan  equipment  sales 
decreased $35.4 million compared to 2014, while parts and service revenues remained resilient due to continuing 
utilization of existing equipment. The decrease in parts and service was limited to 6% compared to the 58% decrease 
in equipment sales.  Further, we have scaled the  cost structure in our Saskatchewan  dealerships, eliminating $3.4 
million of SG&A compared to 2014.  

 
 
 
 
     
      
    
 
 
Cervus Annual Report 2015 

12 

Same store operations include the results of Peterbilt of Ontario for August 16, 2015 through to December 31, 2015. 
For  this  period,  the  Ontario  dealerships  generated  a  $2.0  million  improvement  in  operating  income.    This 
improvement resulted from increased sales volume across all Ontario revenue streams, including a number of larger 
fleet sales, increased parts and service volumes, and improved parts and service margins.  This was achieved despite 
SG&A dollars increasing $0.1 million as we continue to invest in developing the management team and implementing 
the framework to support operations. 

Acquisition performance:  

Excluding the portion of Ontario’s results already included in same store results above, Ontario recorded adjusted 
operating income of $1.6 million for the eight months ended August 15, 2015.4  During this period, Ontario achieved 
sales of $136.2 million, while profitability was impacted by margin pressures on reducing acquired inventory in the 
first quarter combined with implementing process and structural efficiencies post acquisition.  

For  the  twelve  months  ended  December  31,  2015,  Ontario’s  income  from  operating  activities  was  $1.9  million 
excluding unrealized foreign exchange losses and acquisition costs.  

4 Excluding $1.0 million of unrealized foreign exchange loss and $0.5 million of non-recurring acquisition and 
integration related costs 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                  
Commercial and Industrial Segment Results 

($ thousands, except per share amounts)
Equipment

New equipment

Used equipment

Total equipment revenue

Parts

Service

Rental and other
Total revenue

Cost of sales

Gross profit 

Other income

Selling, general and administrative expense

Income from operating activities

EBITDA

Ratios as a percentage of revenue:

Gross profit margin

Selling, general and administrative

Operating Summary: 

Cervus Annual Report 2015 

13 

Total 2015

% Change
Compared 
to 2014

2015

2014

       65,191 

         8,798 

       73,989 

       26,767 

       14,737 

         6,463 

     121,956 

(89,369)

32,587

598

 (32%)

     95,681 

3%        8,533 

 (29%)

  104,214 

 (9%)

     29,414 

 (12%)

     16,810 

 (25%)

       8,660 

 (23%)
 (23%)

 (25%)

 (22%)

  159,098 

(115,467)

43,631

770

(32,251)

 (17%)

(38,821)

934

4,839

26.7%

26.4%

 (83%)

5,580

12,142

27.4%

24.4%

EBITDA decreased $7.3 million in the C&I segment, and income from operating activities decreased $4.6 million, due 
to the economic impact of reduced oil prices.  Resource prices have had a significant impact on the light construction 
industry  in  Alberta,  and  is  most  apparent  in  our  customers’  demand  for  new  construction  equipment  which 
decreased 32% year over year.     

Income  from  operating  activities  decreased  in  the  C&I  segment  on  lower  volume  of  equipment  sales  in  our 
construction operations.  The impact of reduced oil prices has been less significant for our industrial customers.   

Across  the  segment,  parts  and  service  revenues  were  less  volatile  than  equipment  revenue  during  the  year, 
decreasing 10% over prior year compared to the 29% decrease in equipment revenue. Revenue and gross margin 
decreases were offset by a $6.6 million reduction in SG&A costs, a result of cost reduction initiatives enacted early in 
the year.  

 
 
 
 
      
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cervus Annual Report 2015 

14 

Cash and cash equivalents – Year Ended December 31, 2015 

Cervus’ primary sources and uses of cash flow for the year ended December 31, 2015 are as follows: 

Operating activities 

Net cash provided by operating activities was $23.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 when compared 
to $61.6 million for the same period of 2014, a decrease of $37.9 million.  The primary reason for this decrease is cash 
taxes paid in 2015 of $7.8 million, higher interest paid of $5.9 million, and $7.9 million of net cash used from working 
capital  items,  compared  to  $13.9  million  provided  by  working  capital  items  in  2014.  Net  cash  change  in  working 
capital  items  was  primarily  due  to  a  $22.7  million  use  of  cash  for  accounts  payables  and  accruals  (a  decrease  in 
accounts payable of $1.8 million in 2015 compared to an increase of $20.8 million in 2014).  

Investing activities 

During  the  year  ended  December  31,  2015,  the  Company  used  $21.4  million  of  net  cash  from  investing  activities 
compared to a use of cash of $93.7 million for the same period in 2014, for a net use of $72.3 million. There were 
several  events  in  2014  which  were  non-recurring  in  2015,  one  of  which  related  to  the  purchase  of  Transportation 
Ontario operations and two Agriculture acquisitions in 2014 totaling $76.9 million. In 2015, amounts were paid for 
final holdback payments of $8.0 million on business acquisitions in 2014, these amounts were accrued as payable in 
2014.   
Financing activities 

During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company used $9.6 million for financing activities, compared to cash 
provided  by  financing  activities  of  $36.1  million  in  2014, a  net  change  of  $45.7  million.    The  primary  driver  of  the 
change compared to 2014 was the $50.9 million source of cash from financing used for acquisitions in 2014, compared 
to the $8.7 million source of cash from financing in 2015.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
Cervus Annual Report 2015 

15 

FOURTH QUARTER CONSOLIDATED RESULTS 

For the fourth quarter consolidated results, same store results in the Agricultural segment exclude the 2015 results of 
Evergreen  acquisitions  until  October  15,  2015  and  Deer Country  to  December  10,  2015,  as  these  operations  were 
acquired during 2014 in the months of October and December.   

($ thousands, except per share amounts)

Revenue

Cost of sales

Gross profit 

Other income

Unrealized foreign exchange (loss)

Total other (loss) income

Selling, general and administrative expense

Income from operating activities

Finance income

Finance costs

Share of profit of equity accounted investees, net of 
income tax 

Income before income tax expense

Income tax expense

Income for the period

Income attributable to shareholders

EBITDA

EBITDA margin

Ratios as a percentage of revenue:

Gross profit margin

Selling, general and administrative

Earnings per share

Basic - Adjusted

Basic

Diluted 

Total Q4 2015

Q4 2015 Same Store

% Change
Compared 
to 2014

2015
Same 
Store

% Change
Compared 
to 2014

2014

 (11%)

251,504

 (13%)

289,040

 (12%)

(200,575)

 (14%)

(233,086)

2015

257,726

(205,631)

52,095

 (7%)

50,929

 (9%)

55,954

145

 (90%)

79

 (94%)

(1,083)

9%

(1,083)

9%

(938)

 (331%)

(1,004)

 (347%)

1,398

(992)

406

(42,486)

 (8%)

(41,548)

 (10%)

(45,966)

8,671

48

 (17%)

 (73%)

8,377

 (19%)

10,394

48

 (73%)

181

(2,823)

39%

(2,810)

39%

(2,028)

246

 (370%)

247

 (371%)

(91)

6,142

(2,267)

3,875

3,768

15,034

5.8%

20.2%

16.5%

0.32

0.24

0.23

 (27%)

 (10%)

 (35%)

 (36%)

5,862

 (31%)

8,456

(2,528)

5,928

5,870

 (6%)

14,714

 (8%)

15,909

5.9%

20.2%

16.5%

 (37%)

 (38%)

5.5%

19.4%

15.9%

0.49

0.38

0.37

 
 
 
 
 
          
         
          
         
          
         
 
 
 
Cervus Annual Report 2015 

16 

Operating Summary: 

Fourth quarter EBITDA decreased $0.9 million compared to prior year and operating income decreased $1.7 million. 
Reduced  new  equipment  demand  across  the  segments  were  offset  by  comparative  resilience  in  the  remaining 
revenue streams combined with a $4.4 million reduction in same store SG&A expenses. Of particular note, our Ontario 
dealerships generated an additional $2.4 million of operating income compared to the same period in 2014.  

Same store highlights: 

Fourth quarter same store EBITDA decreased $1.2 million (8%) due to trends consistent with the year, particularly in 
the  C&I  segment.    Of  the  $1.2  million  decrease  in  EBITDA,  there  was  $1.7  million  of  improved  EBITDA  from  the 
Transportation  segment,  offset  by  a  $2.4  million  and  $0.4  million  reduction  in  EBITDA  in  the  C&I  segment  and 
Agriculture segment, respectively. Across all divisions, the reduction of scalable operating costs reduced same store 
SG&A by $4.4 million.   

Acquisition performance: 

For the fourth quarter, acquisition performance reflects the 2015 results of Evergreen acquisitions prior to October 
15, 2015 and the operating results of Deer Country prior to December 10, 2015.5 During this period, these acquisitions 
contributed  $0.3  million  of  EBITDA  on  $6.2  million  of  incremental  revenue.    Transportation  Ontario  results  are 
included in same store discussion above, as Peterbilt of Ontario was acquired in August 2014.  

5 Operating results for Evergreen and Deer Country for the period between October 15, 2015 and December 10, 
2015 (respectively) through to December 31, 2015, are included in same store results. The acquisition performance 
section discusses the 2015 performance of acquired entities, for the period of 2015 the stores were not owned in the 
comparable period in 2014.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                  
Cervus Annual Report 2015 

17 

FOURTH QUARTER SEGMENT RESULTS 

Agricultural Segment Results 

($ thousands, except per share amounts)
Equipment

New equipment

Used equipment

Total equipment revenue

Parts

Service

Rental and other
Total revenue

Cost of sales

Gross profit 

Other income

Selling, general and administrative expense

Income from operating activities

EBITDA

Ratios as a percentage of revenue:

Gross profit margin

Selling, general and administrative

Operating Summary: 

Total Q4 2015

Q4 2015 Same Store

% Change
Compared 
to 2014

2015

2015
Same 
Store

% Change
Compared 
to 2014

2014

      75,362 

      51,463 

    126,825 

      15,853 

        9,907 

        1,297 

    153,882 

(122,540)

31,342

 (11%)

       71,202 

 (16%)

     84,506 

2%        50,858 

0%      50,648 

 (6%)

     122,060 

 (10%)

  135,154 

 (3%)

       14,957 

 (9%)

     16,417 

 (2%)

         9,375 

 (7%)

     10,082 

 (51%)

         1,268 

 (52%)

       2,634 

 (6%)
 (8%)

 (0%)

     147,660 

(117,484)

 (10%)
 (12%)

  164,287 

(132,869)

30,176

 (4%)

31,418

1,027

 (26%)

961

 (30%)

1,382

(23,308)

9,061

11,707

20.4%

15.1%

0%

(22,370)

 (5%)

8,767

11,387

20.4%

15.1%

 (4%)

 (8%)

(23,232)

9,568

11,825

19.1%

14.1%

Fourth  quarter  EBITDA  decreased  $0.1  million,  while  income  from  operating  activities  decreased  $0.5  million  on 
reduced new equipment demand associated with U.S. exchange and reduced parts and service volume. Parts and 
service revenues were lower primarily due to an earlier harvest in 2015 compared to 2014, combined with the more 
favorable weather of the 2015 harvest reducing service demand in the period.  

Same store highlights:  

Income  from  operating  activities  decreased  $0.8  million  compared  to  the  fourth  quarter  of  2014.  The  decline  in 
activity is primarily related to lower new equipment sales, attributable to U.S. exchange rates as previously discussed. 
Decreased parts and service in the fourth quarter was influenced by an earlier and easier harvest in 2015 compared 
to  2014.  Gross  margin  percentage  has  increased  over  prior  year  on  higher  parts  and  service  sales  as  a  percent  of 
overall  revenue,  as  well  as  increased  used  equipment  margins  for  equipment  taken  on  trade  when  the  Canadian 
dollar was stronger. SG&A expenses decreased $0.9 million in the quarter on expense control initiatives.   

Acquisition performance: 

Acquisition performance includes the results of Evergreen acquisitions prior to October 15, 2015 and Deer Country 
prior to December 10, 2015. For this period, acquisitions contributed $0.3 million of income from operating 
activities on $6.2 million of incremental revenue.  

 
 
 
 
     
      
    
 
 
Transportation Segment Results

($ thousands, except per share amounts)
Equipment

New equipment

Used equipment

Total equipment revenue

Parts

Service

Rental and other
Total revenue

Cost of sales

Gross profit 

Other (loss)

Unrealized foreign exchange (loss)

Total other (loss)

Selling, general and administrative expense

Loss from operating activities

EBITDA

Ratios as a percentage of revenue:

Gross profit margin

Selling, general and administrative

Operating Summary: 

Cervus Annual Report 2015 

18 

Total Q4 2015

% Change
Compared 
to 2014

2015

2014

       40,897 

         3,127 

       44,024 

       22,222 

         6,753 

         3,004 

       76,003 

(62,545)

13,458

(1,192)

(1,083)

(2,275)

 (18%)

     50,007 

60%        1,954 

 (15%)

     51,961 

3%      21,634 

1%        6,715 

14%        2,627 

 (8%)
 (10%)

     82,937 

(69,798)

2% 13,139

751%

9%

(140)

(992)

101%

(1,132)

(12,117)

 (10%)

(13,508)

(934)

1,865

17.7%

15.9%

 (38%)

(1,501)

173

15.8%

16.3%

Fourth  quarter  EBITDA  and  operating  income  increased  $1.7  million  and  $0.6  million,  respectively.  Operating 
improvements in Ontario more than offset the resource related decreases in Saskatchewan. For the segment, higher 
gross margin dollars of $1.3 million within our Ontario parts and service departments combined with $0.4 million of 
SG&A cost reductions in our Saskatchewan dealerships, wholly offset the 57% decrease in Saskatchewan equipment 
sales.   

Consistent  with  trends  explained  in  the  year  to  date  period,  Saskatchewan  equipment  sales  continued  to  be 
significantly impacted by low resource prices and  the appreciation of  the U.S. dollar over prior year. In  the fourth 
quarter,  Saskatchewan  equipment  sales  decreased  $8.4  million  (57%)  compared  to  the  same  period  in  2014.  The 
decrease  in  Saskatchewan’s  parts  and  service  revenues  was  limited  to  3%  compared  to  the  57%  decrease  in 
equipment sales, demonstrating the focus on servicing equipment which remains in use. SG&A reductions of $0.4 
million were achieved by our Saskatchewan operations when compared to 2014.  

Ontario parts and service revenue increased by $1.1 million, as oil prices have not been a significant factor on Ontario 
trucking  activity.    This  additional  revenue  combined  with  process  improvements  in  our  service  departments 
generated  $1.7  million  of  incremental  gross  margin  in  Ontario.  SG&A  dollars  have  decreased  due  to  the  non-
recurrence of $0.2 million of acquisition and integration costs incurred in the fourth quarter of 2014.    The increase in 
gross  margin  dollars  combined  with  reduced  SG&A  expenses  resulted  in  $0.2  million  of  income  from  operating 
activities in the fourth quarter 2015 compared to a loss of $2.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2014.    

 
 
 
 
      
    
 
Commercial and Industrial Segment Results 

($ thousands, except per share amounts)
Equipment

New equipment

Used equipment

Total equipment revenue

Parts

Service

Rental and other
Total revenue

Cost of sales

Gross profit 

Other income

Selling, general and administrative expense

Income from operating activities

EBITDA

Ratios as a percentage of revenue:

Gross profit margin

Selling, general and administrative

Operating Summary: 

Cervus Annual Report 2015 

19 

Total Q4 2015

% Change
Compared 
to 2014

2015

2014

       14,394 

         2,464 

       16,858 

         6,531 

         3,277 

         1,175 

       27,841 

(20,546)

7,295

310

(7,061)

544

1,462

26.2%

25.4%

 (43%)

     25,061 

 (2%)

       2,509 

 (39%)

     27,570 

 (18%)

       7,932 

 (20%)

       4,108 

 (47%)

       2,206 

 (33%)
 (32%)

     41,816 

(30,419)

 (36%)

11,397

99%

 (23%)

 (77%)

156

(9,226)

2,327

3,911

27.3%

22.1%

Fourth quarter EBITDA decreased $2.4 million and income from operating activities decreased $1.8 million primarily 
due to a 43% decrease in new equipment sales.  Action taken to scale operations in response to the market reduced 
SG&A by $2.2 million (23%) and maintained positive income from operating activities in the quarter.   

The economic impact from the decline in oil prices had a significant impact to equipment sales in the fourth quarter. 
In addition, a warmer start to winter reduced demand for snow removal equipment and contributed to the decline 
in equipment and rental revenue compared to the fourth quarter of 2014.  

During 2015, parts and service revenues were less volatile than equipment revenue, indicating equipment continues 
to  operate  and  require  servicing.  This  trend  continued  into  the  fourth  quarter,  with  parts  and  service  decreasing 
18.5% compared to the 39% decrease in equipment revenue. However, the impact of lower market activity became 
more significant to parts and service revenues in the fourth quarter, as the decrease in parts and service was 18.5% in 
the  current  quarter,  compared  to  13%  decrease  in  the  third  quarter  of  2015.    Continuous  monitoring  and  action 
around costs is a key focus in this sector during market cycles, and $2.2 million has been eliminated from SG&A costs 
quarter over quarter.   

 
 
 
 
         
    
 
 
 
 
Cervus Annual Report 2015 

20 

FOURTH QUARTER CASH FLOWS 

Cervus’ primary sources and uses of cash flow for the three month period ended December 31, 2015 are as follows: 

Operating activities 

Net cash provided in operating activities was $20.6 million, compared to cash provided of $19.4 million for the same 
period of 2014, a decrease of $1.2 million. The primary reason for this decrease is cash taxes paid in fourth quarter 
2015 of $5.3 million and higher interest paid of $2.8 million. These changes were partly offset by $14.8 million of net 
cash received from working capital items, compared to $3.3 million in 2014. The $11.5 million increase in cash from 
working capital items is primarily due to cash provided by net change in inventories and floor plan payables. 

Investing activities 

The Company used $3.4 million in net cash for investing activities, compared to a use of $48.7 million in 2014. In 2014 
there were several events which were non-recurring in 2015, the most significant use of cash for investing activities 
was the purchase of Evergreen Equipment Ltd. and Deer-Country Equipment (1996) Ltd in 2014 totaling $42.3 million.   

Financing activities 

Financing activities used $11.1 million in cash flows in the period, primarily from $5.8 million advanced under the 
Company’s debt facilities and the payment of dividends of $3.0 million.  

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL POSITION  

LIQUIDITY 

($ thousands, except ratio amounts)

Current assets
Total assets
Current liabilities
Long-term financial liabilities
Shareholders’ equity
Working capital (see “Non-IFRS Measures”)
Working capital ratio (see “Non-IFRS Measures”)

Working capital 

December 31, 
2015
405,778
629,785
287,891
136,953
193,293
117,887

December 31, 
2014
410,214
669,303
290,838
142,553
229,491
119,376
                     1.41                       1.41 

Cervus’ working capital decreased slightly by $1.5 million to $117.9 million at December 31, 2015 when compared to 
$119.4  million  at  December  31,  2014.    As  at  the  date  of  this  report,  the  Company  is  in  compliance  with  all  of  its 
covenants.   

Based on inventory levels at December 31, 2015, the Company had the ability to floor plan an additional $34.9 million 
of inventory, and $225.0 million of undrawn floor plan capacity.  

The  Company’s  ability  to  maintain  sufficient  liquidity  is  primarily  driven  by  revenue,  gross  profit  realization,  and 
judicious allocation of resources. At this time, there are no known factors that management is aware of that would 
affect its short and long-term objectives of meeting the Company’s obligations as they come due. Working capital 
may  fluctuate  from  time  to  time  based  primarily  on  the  use  of  cash  and  cash  equivalents  to  fund  future  business 
acquisitions,  as  well  as  due  to  the  seasonal  nature  of  our  business.  Cash  resources  can  normally  be  restored  by 
accessing floor plan monies from unencumbered equipment inventories or accessing undrawn credit facilities. Also, 
the seasonality of our business requires greater use of cash resources in the first and fourth quarter of each year to 
fund general operations caused by the seasonal nature of our sales activity.  

 
 
 
 
 
Cervus Annual Report 2015 

21 

Liquidity risk 

The Company's exposure to liquidity risk is dependent on the collection of accounts receivable and the ability to raise 
funds to meet purchase commitments, financial obligations, and to sustain operations.  The Company controls its 
liquidity risk by managing its working capital, cash flows, and the availability of borrowing facilities.  The Company's 
contractual obligations at December 31, 2015 are described below.   

The Company has bank credit facilities available for its current use as follows: 

2015

 2014

($ thousands)

Operating and other bank credit facilities
Capital facilities
Floor plan facilities and rental equipment term loan 
financing
Total borrowing

Total Limits

Borrowings

Total Limits

Borrowings

$

100,832 $
64,131

52,832
42,800

$

103,284 $
64,169

42,707
44,546

479,243

182,959

507,927

195,596

$

644,206 $

278,591

$

675,380 $

282,849

The Company has guaranteed the net residual value of certain customer leases, for leases between customers and 
John Deere Financial (“JDF”) as set out in Note 28 to the consolidated financial statements.  The Company regularly 
assesses the residual value of the JDF lease portfolio relative to wholesale values for comparable equipment.  On the 
maturity of customer’s leases, the equipment is returned to the Company and sold as used equipment.  Upon the 
return of equipment, JDF will provide the Company floor planning based on John Deere’s pricing guide.    Of the lease 
portfolio at December 31, 2015, leases with a residual value of $14.2 million are scheduled to mature in 2016.  

Contractual obligations 

The Company has certain contractual obligations including payments under long-term debt agreements, finance and 
operating lease commitments.  A summary of the Company’s principal contractual obligations are as follows: 

($ thousands)
Term debt payable

Finance lease obligation

Convertible debenture

Total carrying 
value
109,615

22,064

Due 2016
17,917

5,713

Due 2017 
through 2018
84,476

4,850

32,941

                          -                   34,500 

Operating leases

                          -   

Total

Inventories 

164,620

6,161

29,791

4,760

128,586

Due 2018 

through  2019 Due thereafter

7,555

10,341

3,281

21,177

1,160

                          -   

10,678

11,838  

The  nature  of  the  business  has  a  significant  impact  on  the  amount  of  equipment  that  is  owned  by  our  various 
dealerships.  The  majority  of  our  Agricultural  equipment  sales  come  with  a  trade-in,  a  limited  portion  of  our 
Transportation sales come with a trade-in, and our Commercial and Industrial equipment sales usually do not have 
trade-ins. This results in a higher amount of used agricultural equipment than used Transportation and Commercial 
and Industrial equipment. In addition, the majority of our new John Deere equipment is on consignment from John 
Deere, whereas we purchase the new equipment  from our other manufacturers.  These factors directly  impact the 
amount  of  used  and  new equipment  carried  on  our  books.  The  majority  of  our  product  lines,  in  all  segments,  are 
manufactured in the U.S. with pricing based in U.S. dollars, but invoiced in Canadian dollars.  

 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
Cervus Annual Report 2015 

22 

Inventory by segment for the period ended December 31, 2015 compared to December 31, 2014 is as follows: 

($ thousands)
Agricultural
Transportation
Commercial & Industrial
Total

December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014
                 200,374 
                   68,024 
                   56,227 
                 324,625 

                 204,071 
                   69,708 
                   43,947 
                 317,726 

As at December 31, 2015, inventories decreased by $6.9 million when compared to $324.6 million at December 31, 
2014.  The $6.9 million decrease compared to December 31, 2014 is comprised of an $11.1 million decrease in used 
equipment,  partly  offset  by  an  increase  in  parts  of  $3.1  million  and  a  $1.8  million  increase  in  new  equipment.  
Appreciation in the U.S. dollar has increased the carrying value of inventory, as inventory was replaced during the 
year at higher Canadian dollar costs.  The following analysis of inventory discusses the dollar value of inventory, and 
is not necessarily indicative of the number of units held in inventory, as inventory dollar values and inventory unit 
counts have diverged due to the exchange related increases on per unit cost during the year.  The annual average 
USD/CAD exchange rate for 2015 was 1.2787, a 9% average increase over the $1.1728 rate in effect at the beginning 
of the year.6  

The carrying value of same store inventory within the Agriculture segment is above prior year, due to increased parts 
inventory, as increased new inventory was offset by decreases in used. This has been achieved through continued 
focus in managing inventory levels throughout the year and acceleration in used demand in the second half of 2015.  

The increase in our Transportation inventory is due to increased new inventory in Saskatchewan offset by decreased 
new  inventory  in  Ontario.  Saskatchewan  new  equipment  inventory  increased  due  to  stocking  new  equipment 
inventory at the beginning of the year in expectation of typical western Canadian equipment demand. This demand 
did  not  materialize  to  the  economic  implications  of  significantly  lower  resource  prices.  The  decrease  in  our  C&I 
inventory is due to targeted reductions of new inventory during the year.  

As at December 31, 2015, the Company believes that the recoverable amounts of its equipment inventory exceed its 
respective carrying values and no general impairment reserve is required or has been recorded. 

Accounts Receivable 

For the year ended December 31, 2015 the average time to collect the Company’s outstanding accounts receivable 
was approximately 19 days as compared to 18 days for the year ended December 31, 2014. At December 31, 2015 no 
single outstanding customer balance, excluding sales contract financing receivables, represented more than 10% of 
total  accounts  receivable.  The  Company  closely  monitors  the  amount  and  age of  balances  outstanding  on  an  on-
going  basis  and  establishes  provisions  for  bad  debts  based  on  account  aging,  combined  with  specific  customers’ 
credit risk, historical trends, and other economic information.  

The Company’s allowance for doubtful collections has increased to $2.0 million (2014 - $1.4 million) at December 31, 
2015, which represents 4.4% (2014 – 2.4%) of outstanding trade accounts receivable and 0.1% (2014 - 0.1%) of gross 
revenue on an annual basis. Bad debt expense for the year ended December 31, 2015 amounted to a $0.8 million 
(2014 - $0.8 million). 

6 Bank of Canada, http://www.bankofcanada.ca/rates/exchange/10-year-converter/ 

 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                  
 
Cervus Annual Report 2015 

23 

CAPITAL RESOURCES 

We use our capital to finance our current operations and growth strategies.  Our capital consists of both debt and 
equity and we believe the best way to maximize our shareholder value is to use a combination of equity and debt 
financing to leverage our operations.  A summary of the Company’s available credit facilities as at December 31, 2015 
is as follows: 

($ thousands)
Operating and other bank credit facilities
Floor plan facilities and rental equipment
   floor plan facilities
Capital facilities

Total

Operating and other bank credit facilities 

Total 

Amount Borrowings

Letters of 
Credit

Consigned 
Inventory

Amount 
Available

100,832

52,832

2,556

                   -   

45,444

479,243        182,959 

                   -            71,213 

       225,071 

64,131
644,206

42,800
278,591

                   -                       -   

2,556

71,213

21,331
291,846

At December 31, 2015, the Company  has a revolving  credit  facility with  a syndicate of underwriters. The  principal 
amount available under this facility is $100,000 thousand. The facility was amended and extended on December 21, 
2015. The facility is committed for a two year term, but may be extended on or before the anniversary date with the 
consent of the lenders. The facility contains an $80,000 thousand accordion which the Company may request as an 
increase to the total available facility, subject to lender approval. As at December 31, 2015 there was $52,000 thousand 
drawn on the facility and $2,400 thousand had been utilized for outstanding letters of credit to John Deere.   

We believe that the credit facilities available to the Company outlined above are sufficient to meet our market share 
targets and working capital requirements for 2016. 

The Company must meet certain financial covenants as part of its current Canadian credit facility, all of which the 
Company was in compliance as at December 31, 2015. The relating three core covenants are summarized as: 

•  Maintaining “total liabilities to tangible net worth ratio” not exceeding 4.0:1.0 calculated from adjusted total 

liabilities over adjusted equity.   

•  Maintaining “fixed charge coverage ratio” greater to or equal to 0.95:1.0, calculated as adjusted EBITDA net 
of  any  Canadian  debt  or  equity  financing  utilized  over  the  sum  of  interest  expense,  scheduled  principal 
payments,  operating lease payments, and distributions paid to shareholders in the twelve months prior to 
the calculation date. The fixed charge coverage ratio will increase to 1.00:1 commencing on December 31, 
2016 until March 30, 2017, and to 1.10:1 for the period from March 31, 2017 onwards. 

•  Maintaining “asset coverage ratio” greater than 3.0:1.0, calculated as North American adjusted net tangible 
total assets less consolidated debt excluding floor plan liabilities, plus debt due under the Canadian credit 
facility, divided by the amount due under the Canadian credit facility.  

Floor plan facilities 

Floor plan payables consist of financing arrangements for the Company’s inventories and rental equipment financing 
with John Deere Canada ULC, GE Canada Equipment Financing G.P., General Electric Canada Equipment Financing 
G.P., GE Commercial Distribution Finance Canada, De Lage Landen Financial Services Canada Inc., PACCAR Financial 
Ltd.,  US  Bank,  and  Canadian  Imperial  Bank  of  Commerce.    At  December  31,  2015,  floor  plan  payables  related  to 
inventories  was  $168.6  million.      Floor  plan  payables  at  December  31,  2015  and  December  31,  2014  represented 
approximately  53.1%  and  56%  of  our  inventories,  respectively.    Floor  plan  payables  fluctuate  significantly  from 
quarter to quarter based on the timing between the receipt of equipment inventories and their actual repayment so 
that the Company may take advantage of any programs made available to the Company by its key suppliers. Interest 

 
 
 
 
 
Cervus Annual Report 2015 

24 

on floor plans at the contractual rate were largely offset by dealer rebates and interest free periods. Total Agricultural 
segment  interest  otherwise  payable  on  John  Deere  floor  plans  approximates  $2.1  million  for  the  year  ended 
December 31, 2015. This amount was offset by rebates applied during the year ended December 31, 2015 of $1.3 
million. At December 31, 2015 approximately 41% (2014 – 30%) of the C&I and 93% (2014 – 94%) of the Transportation 
segment’s outstanding floor plan balances were interest bearing. 

Outstanding Share Data 

As of the date of this MD&A, there are 15,626 thousand common shares, 39 thousand share options, and 688 thousand 
deferred  shares  outstanding.    The  Company  also  has  convertible  debentures  with  a  face  value  of  $34.5  million, 
convertible at the holder’s option, into common shares prior to the maturity date at a conversion price of $26.15 per 
common share see “Contractual Obligations”).  As at December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company had the following 
weighted average shares outstanding: 

(thousands)

Basic weighted average number of shares outstanding

  Dilutive impact of deferred share plan

  Dilutive impact of share options

Diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding

December 31, 
2015

December 31, 
2014

15,481

                          -   

                          -   

15,481

15,147

745

11
15,903  

The above table excludes all deferred share units and options for the year ended December 31, 2015 (677 thousand) 
as they are considered anti-dilutive. 

Dividends paid and declared to Shareholders 

The Company, at the discretion of the board of directors, is entitled to make cash dividends to its shareholders.  The 
following table summarizes our dividends paid for the year ended December 31, 2015 ($ thousands, except per share 
amounts): 

($ thousands, except 
per share amounts)

Record Date

March 31, 2015
June 30, 2015

September 30, 2015

December 31, 2015

Total

Dividend per Share
0.2125

Dividend Payable
3,287

0.2125

0.2125

0.2125

0.8500

3,293

3,306

3,316

13,202

Dividends 
Reinvested

292

282

270

230

1,074

Net Dividend Paid
2,995

3,011

3,036

3,086

12,128

As of the date of this MD&A, all dividends as described above were paid (see “Capital Resources – Cautionary note 
regarding dividends”).   

Dividend reinvestment plan (“DRIP”) 

The  DRIP  was  implemented  to  allow  shareholders  to  reinvest  quarterly  dividends  and  receive  Cervus  shares.  
Shareholders who elect to participate will see their periodic cash dividends automatically reinvested in Cervus shares 
at a price equal to 95% of the volume-weighted average price of all shares for the ten trading days preceding the 
applicable  record  date.    Eligible  shareholders  can  participate  in  the  DRIP  by  directing  their  broker,  dealer,  or 
investment advisor holding their shares to notify the plan administrator, Computershare Trust Company of Canada 
Ltd., through the Clearing and Depository Services Inc. (“CDS”), or directly where they hold the certificates personally. 

During the year ended December 31, 2015, 71 thousand common shares were issued through the Company’s 
dividend reinvestment plan.  

 
 
 
 
                        
                          
                              
                          
                        
                          
                              
                          
                        
                          
                              
                          
                        
                          
                              
                          
                        
                        
                          
                        
 
 
Cervus Annual Report 2015 

25 

Taxation 

Cervus’ dividends declared and paid to December 31, 2015 are considered to be eligible dividends for tax purposes 
on the date paid.   

The Alberta corporate income tax rate increase announced June 18, 2015 increased Alberta provincial income tax to 
12% from 10% for current and future periods. We estimate that our overall corporate tax rate for current and future 
periods will increase approximately 0.75% to 1.0%, compared to the tax rates in effect prior to the Alberta tax increase. 

On  May  4,  2015,  the  Company  announced  an  agreement  with  the  Canada  Revenue Agency  (CRA)  regarding  their 
objection  to  the  tax  consequences  of  the  conversion  of  the  Company  from  a  limited  partnership  structure  into  a 
corporation in October 2009. The agreement resulted in a non-cash charge of $33.4 million related to the write-off of 
a portion of the Company’s deferred tax asset and $3.6 million of provincial cash taxes payable for the tax years ended 
December 31, 2013 and 2014. Under the agreement, the Company had $1.9 million of unused federal tax attributes 
which have been applied to reduce 2015 income taxes payable. Total expense recognized due to the CRA settlement 
was $36.9 million.  

Cautionary note regarding dividends (see “Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements”) 

The payment of future dividends is not assured and may be reduced or suspended.  Our ability to continue to declare 
and pay dividends will depend on our financial performance, debt covenant obligations and our ability to meet our 
debt  obligations  and  capital  requirements.    In  addition,  the  market  value  of  the  Company’s  common  shares  may 
decline if we are unable to meet our cash dividend targets in the future, and that decline may be significant.  Under 
the terms of our credit facilities, we are restricted from declaring dividends or distributing cash if the Company is in 
breach of its debt covenants.  As at the date of this report, the Company is not in violation of any of its covenants. 

SUMMARY OF RESULTS 

Annual Results Summary 

($ thousands, except per share amounts)
Total Revenues

(Loss) profit for the year

(Loss) profit for the year attributable to shareholders

Net (loss) earnings per share - basic

Net (loss) earnings per share - diluted

Cash provided by operating activities

EBITDA

Total assets

Total long-term liabilities

Total liabilities

Shareholders' equity

Net book value per share - diluted

Dividends declared to shareholders

Dividends declared per share

Weighted average shares outstanding

Basic

Diluted

Actual shares outstanding

2015

2014

2013

1,133,878
(27,379)

(27,421)

(1.77)

(1.77)
23,674

46,330

629,785

148,601

436,492

193,293

12.49

13,202

0.850

15,481

15,481

15,606

979,609
18,496

18,362

1.21

1.15

61,577

50,811

861,138
23,326

23,090

1.54

1.48

30,480

51,883

669,303

426,230

143,752

78,540

439,812

207,810

229,491

218,420

14.43

13.95

12,583

11,759

0.825

0.785

15,147

15,903

15,325

14,968

15,653

15,012

 
 
 
 
Cervus Annual Report 2015 

26 

Quarterly Results Summary 

($ thousands, except per share 
amounts)
Revenues 
Profit (loss) attributable to the 
shareholders
Gross profit dollars
Gross margin percentage
EBITDA
Earnings (loss) per share:

Basic
Diluted

Adjusted earnings (loss) per share1

Basic
Diluted

Weighted average shares outstanding

-          Basic
-          Fully diluted

($ thousands, except per share 
amounts)
Revenues 
Profit (loss) attributable to the 
shareholders
Gross profit dollars
Gross margin percentage 
EBITDA
Earnings (loss) per share:

Basic
Diluted

Adjusted earnings (loss) per share1

Basic
Diluted

Weighted average shares outstanding

-          Basic
-          Fully diluted

December 31, 
2015
257,726

September 30, 
2015
334,742

June 30, 
2015
302,988

March 31,
 2015
238,422

                 3,768 

3,910

(32,203)

(2,896)

               52,095 
20.2%
               15,034 

                     55,278 
16.5%
                     14,863 

                   55,256 
18.2%

               44,312 
18.6%
                   12,305                    4,128 

0.24
0.23

0.32
0.31

15,578
16,255

0.25
0.24

0.43
0.41

15,519
16,222

(2.08)
(2.08)

0.19
0.18

15,446
15,446

(0.19)
(0.19)

(0.08)
(0.08)

15,382
15,382

December 31,
 2014
289,040

September 30,
 2014
286,192

June 30,
 2014
237,488

March 31,
 2014
166,889

5,870

7,707

5,618

(833)

55,954
19.4%
               15,909 

52,345
18.3%
                     17,599 

33,121
19.8%
                   13,247                    4,053 

45,253
19.1%

0.38
0.37

0.49
0.47

15,273
16,023

0.51
0.49

0.57
0.55

15,148
15,884

0.37
0.35

0.39
0.37

15,130
15,835

(0.06)
(0.06)

(0.10)
(0.10)

15,034
15,034

Sales activity for the Agricultural segment is normally highest between April and September during growing seasons 
in Canada and the impact on the growing seasons for New Zealand and Australia has not materially impacted the 
above results. Activity in the Transportation sector generally increases in winter months, while the Commercial and 
Industrial sector generally slows in the winter months. As a result, earnings or losses may not accrue uniformly from 
quarter to quarter. The reason for the change in net profit for the four most recent quarters when compared to prior 
quarters, is primarily the impact of resource prices on western Canadian Transportation and C&I operations, followed 
by our Ontario Peterbilt operations generating operating losses during integration.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cervus Annual Report 2015 

27 

MARKET OUTLOOK (see “Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements”) 

The  Company’s  three  operational  segments  are  subject  to  broad  market  forces  in  addition  to  the  underlying 
economic  factors  specific  to  the  industries  they  serve.    Further,  the  geographical  diversity  of  the  Company’s 
operations  may  temper  or  accelerate  broader  market  forces  in  their  significance  region  to  region.    The  following 
provides an overview of Management’s market outlook as it relates to the Company’s operations.  

Alberta & Saskatchewan  

Agriculture outlook remains the driving variable in the Company’s western Canadian operations, due to the strength 
of  the  agriculture  sector,  as  well  as  oil  prices  significant  impact  on  our  C&I  and  western  Canadian  transportation 
operations.  

Despite weather related concerns through the first half of the 2015 growing season, 2015 ended strong for Canadian 
farmers.  Canadian estimated crop yield for 2015 is second only to the record 2013 crop7, while 2015 farm net cash 
income set a record high.8 Combined with the strength in Canadian agriculture over the last decade, farm net worth 
is also at record highs.9  These factors place Canadian farmers in a solid position to navigate the broader market factors 
currently forecast for 2016.  AAFC is forecasting grain inventory to weigh on global crop pricing, although Canadian 
producers will benefit from depreciation of the Canadian dollar while lower oil prices have reduced input costs of fuel.  
However,  equipment  related  input  costs  have  increased  due  to  the  Canadian  pricing  impact  of  U.S.  dollar  based 
foreign  exchange.    Increased  equipment  cost  associated  with  foreign  exchange  could  continue  to  temper  some 
aspects of new equipment demand in 2016, particularly for discretionary equipment purchases outside of planned 
replacement cycles.  

The increased cost of new equipment has supported the carrying value of our used agricultural inventory and we are 
well positioned to support overall equipment demand with well-priced quality used inventory.  Our parts and service 
activity  remains  a  critical  link  to our  customers,  and  is  a  core  business  line  within  our dealerships.    The  significant 
equipment population  in our geography drives  parts and service revenues, as our  customers plant,  maintain, and 
harvest a crop each year.  We see opportunities to continue to refine our service process to further increase efficiencies 
and partner with our customers in the time and weather sensitive Canadian growing season.  

Our western Canadian Commercial and Industrial segment and our Saskatchewan transportation dealerships have 
been heavily impacted by reduced oil prices and associated market trends.  Our customers curtailed capital spending 
on new equipment in 2015, and we do not anticipate an acceleration of equipment demand in these segments until 
such  time  that  resource  activity  resumes.    However,  industry  activity  continues  related  to  interprovincial  logistical 
transport and material handling, agricultural transportation demand, and construction tied to major capital projects 
already  underway.    Our  focus  in  these  markets  in  the  current  cycle  is  continued  support  of  our  customers,  while 
prudently managing resources.  We have achieved significant reductions in SG&A expenses while retaining our ability 
to service our customers effectively. This theme will be a sustained focus in these markets through 2016.   

Ontario 

Our Ontario Transportation operations ended the year with a small operating profit.  This is a significant turnaround 
from  the  losses  incurred  earlier  in  the  year,  although  still  well  below  our  expectation  for  this  group.      Market 
fundamentals in Ontario are positive, with a provincial economy expected to be a national leader in 2016.10   In these 
conditions,  our  focus  is  continued  building  of  customer  relationships,  developing  our  team,  and  implementing 
processes  to  support  responsive  and  profitable  business.  Supported  by  our  Original  Equipment  Manufacturer 
(“OEM”), 2015 was a year of significant investment in providing the tools and building the team required to deliver 

7 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Outlook for Principal Field Crops, January 25,2016, http://www.agr.gc.ca/eng  
8 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada 2016 Canadian Agricultural Outlook, February 19, 2016, http://www.agr.gc.ca/eng 
9 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada 2016 Canadian Agricultural Outlook, February 19, 2016, http://www.agr.gc.ca/eng 
10 TD Economics, Quarterly Economic Forecast – Canada, December 17, 2015,  https://www.td.com/economics  

 
 
 
 
                                                                  
Cervus Annual Report 2015 

28 

results commensurate with our investment. We have been pleased with the engagement of the team to embrace the 
challenge, and the fourth quarter of 2015 provided indications that these initiatives are bearing fruit. Through 2016 
we continue to focus on branch profitability, and see the largest opportunities in building efficient parts and service 
departments, supported by a capable high volume equipment sales team.   

New Zealand & Australia  

The New Zealand Agriculture outlook continues to be dominated by the dairy sector.  At time of writing, milk payout 
is $4.15/kg and bank forecasts are for this to drop below $4.00/kg. These are ten year lows for dairy prices, and have 
impacted the capital investment of dairy farmers, as the national dairy herd has contracted. Other sectors within New 
Zealand agriculture have provided some broader relief, as cattle and sheep prices remain strong, combined with a 
positive  outlook  for  fruit  and  vegetable  crops.    Under  such  circumstances,  we  expect  farmers  to  be  cautious  with 
investments  in  equipment,  although  existing  equipment  population  will  continue  to  drive  parts  and  service 
requirements. 

In  our  Australian  geography,  farmers  experienced  a  mixed  year.    Grain  prices  were  stable,  and  although  El  Nino 
conditions resulted in lower than average rainfall, farmers are expecting to cover their costs for the year. For dairy 
farmers, recovery of global dairy prices has been slow, while a drier season has increased their input costs. Sheep and 
beef farmers have benefited from low national herd numbers generating strong prices, supported by a decline in the 
Australian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar.  The diversified agriculture in our dealership area has supported overall 
demand in the year, and is a positive factor looking ahead to 2016.  Median rainfall is a significant driver, and was a 
headwind  in 2015.  With  the El Nino year passed,  general expectation of higher  precipitation in 2016 is providing 
farmers a positive outlook for the coming year, one indicator of equipment demand.  

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS  

In the normal course of business, we enter into agreements that include indemnities in favor of third parties, such as 
engagement letters with advisors and consultants, and service agreements. We have also agreed to indemnify our 
directors, officers, and employees and those of our subsidiaries,  in accordance with our governing legislation, our 
constating  documents  and  other  agreements.  Certain  agreements  do  not  contain  any  limits  on  our  liability  and, 
therefore,  it  is  not  possible  to  estimate  our  potential  liability  under  these  indemnities.  In  certain  cases,  we  have 
recourse against third parties with respect to these indemnities. Further, we also maintain insurance policies that may 
provide coverage against certain claims under these indemnities.  

John Deere Credit Inc. (“Deere Credit”) provides financing to certain of the Company’s customers.  A portion of this 
financing  is  with  recourse  to  the  Company  if  the  amounts  are  uncollectible.    At  December  31,  2015,  payments  in 
arrears by such customers aggregated $376 thousand.  In addition, the Company is responsible for assuming all lease 
obligations held by its customers with Deere Credit for the net residual value of the lease outstanding at the maturity 
of the contract.  At December 31, 2015, the net residual value of such leases aggregated $195.0 million of which the 
Company believes all are recoverable.  

The Company is liable for a potential deficiency in the event that the customer defaults on their lease obligation or 
retail finance contract.  Deere Credit retains 1% to 2% of the face amount of the finance or lease contract for amounts 
that the Company owes Deere Credit under this obligation.  The deposits are capped at 3% of the total dollar amount 
of the lease and finance contracts outstanding. The maximum liability that can arise related to these arrangements is 
limited  to  the  deposits  of  $2.7  million  at  December  31,  2015.    Deere  Credit  reviews  the  deposit  account  balances 
quarterly and if the balances exceed the minimum requirements, Deere Credit refunds the difference to the Company.   

The Company has issued irrevocable standby Letters of Credit to Deere Credit and another supplier in the aggregate 
amount of $2.4 million.  The Letters of Credit were issued in accordance with the dealership arrangements with the 
suppliers that would allow the supplier to draw upon the letter of credit if the Company was in default of any of its 
obligations. 

 
 
 
 
Cervus Annual Report 2015 

29 

TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES 

Key management personnel compensation 

In addition to their salaries, the Company also provides non-cash benefits to its directors and executive officers. The 
Company contributes to the deferred share plan on behalf of directors and executive officers, and to the employee 
share  purchase  plan  on  behalf  of  executive  officers,  if  enrolled,  in  accordance  with  the  terms  of  the  plans.    The 
Company has no retirement or post-employment benefits available to its directors and executive officers, aside from 
permitting  unvested  deferred  share  units  earned  during  employment  to  continue  vesting  upon  retirement.    In 
addition, no directors or executive officers are part of the share option plan.   

Total remuneration of key management personnel and directors during the year ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 
was:  

($ thousands)
Short-term benefits

Share-based payments
Total

2015

 3,096 

 387 
 3,483 

2014
 2,684 

 573 
 3,257 

Key management personnel and director transactions 

Key management and directors of the Company control approximately 27% of the common voting shares of the 
Company.   

Other related party transactions 

Certain officers and dealer managers of the Company have provided guarantees to John Deere as required by John 
Deere aggregating $6.5 million. The guarantees are kept in place until released by John Deere.  During the twelve 
month periods ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company paid those individuals $195 thousand and $184 
thousand,  respectively,  for  providing  these  guarantees  which  represents  a  similar  amount  to  guarantee  fees 
otherwise  paid  to  financial  institutions.  These  transactions  were  recorded  at  the  amount  agreed  to  between  the 
Company and the guarantors and are included in selling, general and administrative expenses.  

BUSINESS RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES 

Risk management framework 

The Board of Directors (“Board”) has overall responsibility for the establishment and oversight of the Company’s risk 
management  framework.    The  Board,  together  with  the  Audit  Committee  are  responsible  for  monitoring  and 
oversight of the Company’s risk management policies.  The Company’s risk management policies are established to 
identify and analyze the risks faced by the Company, to set appropriate risk limits and controls, and to monitor risks 
and adherence to limits.  Risk management policies and systems are reviewed regularly to reflect changes in market 
conditions  and  the  Company’s  activities.    The  Company,  through  its  training  and  management  standards  and 
procedures, aims to develop a disciplined and constructive control environment in which all employees understand 
their roles and obligations. 

The  Company’s  Audit  Committee  oversees  how  management  monitors  compliance  with  the  Company’s  risk 
management policies and procedures, and reviews the adequacy of the risk management framework in relation to 
the risks faced by the Company.  The Company’s Audit Committee is assisted in its oversight role by Internal Audit. 
Internal Audit undertakes both regular and ad hoc reviews of risk management controls and procedures, the results 
of which are reported to the Audit Committee. 

The Company’s objective is to manage operational risk so as to balance the avoidance of financial losses and damage 
to the Company’s reputation with overall cost effectiveness and to avoid control procedures that restrict innovation 

 
 
 
 
Cervus Annual Report 2015 

30 

and creativity.  The primary responsibility for the development and implementation of controls to address operational 
risk is assigned to senior management within each business unit.  This responsibility is supported by the development 
of overall Company standards for the management of operational risk. 

The following are considered the primary categories of business risks and uncertainties faced by the business:  

Market risk 

Market risk is the risk that changes in the market place such as foreign exchange rates, interest rates and commodity 
prices that will affect the Company’s income or the value of its holdings of financial instruments.  The objective of 
market  risk  management  is  to  manage  and  control  market  risk  exposures  within  acceptable  parameters  while 
optimizing return. 

Commodity price  

The  Company  is  primarily  a  business  to  business  equipment  retailer.  Many  of  our  customers’  businesses  are  very 
capital intensive, and can be significantly affected by swift changes to external market factors beyond their control.   
Commodity prices can be one of the most significant factors to our customers’ businesses, as rapid changes in food 
input pricing, cattle pricing, or petroleum product pricing can have a material adverse effect on a large number of our 
customers. The Company’s financial success can be largely impacted by changes in these business cycle factors in its 
customer base. These factors would potentially impact the Company’s operating results through eroding margins on 
the products it sells, and valuation concerns over the inventory it holds. 

Monitoring inventory levels, periodic review of inventory valuation across segments, and increasing the geographic 
distribution  and  industry  alignments  of  our  dealer  network  assist  in  reducing  the  impact  of  a  significant  market 
downturn  in  one  particular  region  or  industry.  However,  the  majority  of  sales  continue  to  be  derived  from  the 
Agricultural sector.  Consequently, market factors affecting the liquidity and outlook for our Agriculture customers 
can significantly impact demand for equipment sales, parts & service.   Ongoing focus on internal efficiencies and 
excellence in after-market service to our customers assist in maintaining gross margin in periods where our customers 
are not focused on capital investment.  

Foreign currency exposure 

Many of our products, including equipment and parts, are based on a U.S. dollar price as they are supplied primarily 
by U.S. manufacturers but are settled in Canadian dollars as they are received.  This may cause fluctuations in the sales 
values assigned to equipment and parts inventories, as inventory is recorded based on Canadian dollar cost at the 
time of receipt, but is sold to the customer based on market pricing prevailing at time of sale.  Both sales revenues 
and  gross  profit  margins  may  fluctuate  based  on  differences  in  foreign  exchange  rates  between  the  purchase  of 
inventory and sale of inventory.  Certain of the Company’s manufacturers also have programs in place to facilitate 
and/or  reduce  the  effect  of  foreign  currency  fluctuations,  primarily  on  the  Company’s  new  equipment  inventory 
purchases.   

Further, a portion of the Company’s owned inventory is floor planned in U.S. dollars.  As such, U.S. dollar denominated 
floor plan payables are exposed to fluctuations in the U.S. dollar exchange rate until the unit is sold and the floorplan 
is repaid.  At the time of sale, the Company determines a margin based on the replacement cost of the inventory at 
the time of sale, not the initial cost of the inventory at the time of purchase.  In so doing, the Company’s objective is 
to obtain a target margin on the sale of inventory, by calculating the sale margin based on the cost of repaying the 
U.S. dollar floorplan as at the sale date.   If the Company was unable to recapture fluctuations in the U.S./CAD dollar 
in the sales price for equipment floor planned in U.S. dollars, a $0.01 change in the U.S. exchange rate would have 
increased  (decreased)  profit  or  loss  by  $264  thousand  (2014  -  $260  thousand),  based  on  the  U.S.  dollar  floor  plan 
balances at December 31, 2015.  From time to time the Company also enters into foreign exchange forward contracts 
to manage exposure on timing difference between the payout of floorplan and receipt of funds from a customer.  

In  addition,  the  Company  is  exposed  to  foreign  currency  fluctuation  related  to  translation  adjustments  upon 
consolidation  of  its  Australian  and  New  Zealand  operations.  These  foreign  subsidiaries  report  operating  results  in 
Australia and New Zealand dollars, respectively. Movements in these currencies relative to the Canadian dollar will 
impact  the  consolidated  results  of  these  operations.  Based  on  the  Company’s  results  reported  from  its  foreign 

 
 
 
 
Cervus Annual Report 2015 

31 

subsidiaries, a strengthening or weakening of the Canadian dollar by 5% against the New Zealand dollar at December 
31, 2015 would have increased (decreased) profit or loss by $559 thousand (2014 - $54 thousand).  A strengthening 
or weakening of the Canadian dollar by 5% against the Australian dollar at December 31, 2015 would have increased 
(decreased) profit or loss by $172 thousand (2014 -$20 thousand). 

Interest rate risk 

The Company’s cash flow is exposed to changes in interest rates on its floor plan arrangements and certain term debt 
which bear interest at variable rates.  The cash flows required to service these financial liabilities will fluctuate as a 
result of changes in market interest rates.  The Company mitigates its exposure to interest rate risk by utilizing excess 
cash  resources  to  buy-down  or  pay-off  interest  bearing  contracts,  and  by  managing  its  floor  plan  payables  and 
inventory levels  (turnover) to maximize the benefit of interest-free periods, where available.   

Based on the Company’s outstanding long-term debt at December 31, 2015, a one percent increase or decrease in 
market interest rates would impact the Company’s annual interest expense by approximately $2.6 million (2014 - $2.0 
million).  

Reliance on our key manufacturers and dealership arrangements 

Cervus’  primary  source  of  income  is  from  the  sale  of  agricultural,  transportation,  and  commercial  and  industrial 
equipment and products and services pursuant to agreements to act as an authorized dealer.  The agreement with 
John  Deere  Limited  (“JDL”)  provides  a  framework  under which  JDL  can  terminate  a  John  Deere  dealership  if  such 
dealership  fails  to  maintain  certain  performance  and  equity  covenants.    Each  contract  also  provides  a  one-year 
remedy period whereby the Company has one year to restore any deficiencies.   

The dealership agreements with John Deere obligate the Company to assume leased equipment at residual value 
upon the maturity of Customer’s leases with John Deere.   This equipment is then sold by Cervus as used equipment. 
In the unlikely event of a severe market shock, residual values set at the beginning of a 5 year lease term may exceed 
market  value  of  the  equipment  upon  lease  maturity.  Cervus  routinely  reviews  the  residual  values  and  maturity  of 
customers’ leases with John Deere, and is satisfied with the residual values reflected in the leases and the Company’s 
ability to profitably market the equipment as leases mature.   At December 31, 2015, customer equipment leases with 
John Deere represented residual values of $194,987 thousand, maturing over the next five years.  

The  Company  also  has  dealership  agreements  in  place  with  Peterbilt,  Bobcat,  JCB,  CMI,  Clark,  Sellick,  and 
Doosan.   These agreements are one to three year agreements and are normally renewed annually, except for unusual 
situations such as bankruptcy or fraud.   

The success of our dealerships depend on the timely supply of equipment and parts from our manufacturers to ensure 
the  timely  delivery  of  products  and  services  to  our  customers.    We  also  depend  on  our  suppliers  to  provide 
competitive  prices  and  quality  products.    Currently  all  of  our  dealership  contracts  are  in  good  standing  with  our 
suppliers.  There can be no guarantee that:  (i) circumstances will not arise which give these equipment manufacturers 
the right to terminate their dealership agreements or (ii) one or more of the equipment manufacturers will decide not 
to renew their dealership agreements with us upon expiry. 

Industry competitive factors 

Authorized  John  Deere  agricultural  dealerships  sell  John  Deere  agricultural,  turf,  and  sport  products  and 
equipment.  The majority of sales are derived from the Agricultural sector.  The retail agricultural equipment industry 
is very competitive. The Company faces a number of competitors, including other “in-line” John Deere dealerships 
and other competitors including authorized Agco, Case, Kubota and New Holland dealerships that may be located in 
and around communities in which the Company’s dealerships are located.  Deere & Company has a reputation for the 
manufacture and delivery of high quality, competitively priced products.  John Deere has the largest market share of 
manufacturing  and  sales  of  farm  equipment  in  North  America.   There  can  be  no  assurance  that  John  Deere  will 
continue to maintain its market share in the future.  

The  Transportation  equipment  group  primarily  sells  transport  equipment  through  PACCAR,  which  manufacturers 
Peterbilt and Kenworth trucks.  The major competitors to Peterbilt are Kenworth, International, Freightliner, Volvo, 

 
 
 
 
Cervus Annual Report 2015 

32 

and Mack trucks.  The segment is highly dependent on consumer and commercial transportation of goods, as well as 
service based industries including oil and gas in western Canada, and manufacturing in eastern Canada.  This diverse 
customer base does mitigate the risks inherent in any one of those customer segments.   

The Commercial and Industrial segment sells light and medium construction equipment and is comprised of several 
lines of commercial equipment from major manufacturers, Bobcat and JCB. The major competitors are Caterpillar, 
Komatsu,  CNH  (Case),  John  Deere  Industrial,  Volvo,  Hitachi  and  Liebherr.   The  light  and  medium  commercial 
equipment market is very much dependent upon residential and commercial construction.   The segment also sells 
industrial equipment from several manufacturers, Clark, Sellick, and Doosan being the major suppliers.  Their major 
competitors  are  Toyota,  Hyster,  Crown,  and  Caterpillar.  Industrial  equipment  is  primarily  sold  to  building  supply 
companies,  warehousing,  food  processors,  oilfield  supply  companies,  and  the  grocery  industry.    This  customer 
diversity mitigates to some degree the risks inherent in any one of these customer segments.   

Presently  the  majority  of  the  Transportation,  and  Commercial  and  Industrial  equipment  segment  revenues  are 
derived from the sale of Peterbilt, Bobcat, JCB, Sellick, and Doosan equipment and products.  All these equipment 
manufacturers have established themselves as industry leaders in our markets for the manufacture and delivery of 
on-highway,  vocational  and  medium  duty  Transportation  equipment  and  light  Commercial  and  Industrial 
equipment.   There  can  be  no  assurance  however  that  these  suppliers  will  continue  to  manufacture  high  quality, 
competitively priced products or maintain its market share in the future. 

Seasonality and Cyclicality 

Weather has a direct impact on our customers’ earnings, particularly in the agricultural segment, which in turn affects 
their need and ability to purchase equipment. The transportation and construction and industrial sectors are not as 
seasonal when compared to the agricultural business on an annual basis, but can fluctuate based on market factors 
beyond our control. 

Human resources 

The ability to provide high quality services to our customers depends on our ability to attract and retain well trained, 
experienced employees. Certain of the geographic areas in which we operate are experiencing a very high demand 
for and corresponding shortage of quality employees. We need to attract and retain quality employees, or our long-
term  success  and  ability  to  take  advantage  of  growth  opportunities  could  be  threatened.  We  have  established  a 
number of human resource initiatives and compensation strategies to address this risk. 

Legislative 

The Company is subject to comply with a broad range of legislation, regulation and government policies. A change 
in existing legislation could negatively impact operations.  

Environmental risks 

Our  dealerships  routinely  handle  hazardous  and  non-hazardous  waste  as  part  of  their  day-to-day  operations  and 
though the Company believes it is in full compliance with applicable laws, from time-to-time, the Company may be 
involved in, and subject to, incidents and conditions that render us in non-compliance with environmental laws and 
regulations.  The Company has established safety programs to help reduce these risks.  The Company is not aware of 
any material environmental liabilities at this time. 

Acquisition and integration risks  

Strategic  acquisitions  have  been  an  important  element  of  Cervus’  business  strategy,  and  Cervus  expects  to 
continue to  pursue  such  acquisitions  in  the  future.  Although  Cervus  engages  in  discussions  with,  and  submits 
proposals to acquisition candidates, suitable acquisitions may not be available in the future on reasonable terms. If 
Cervus does identify an appropriate acquisition candidate, Cervus may not be able to successfully negotiate the terms 
of the acquisition, finance the acquisition or, if the acquisition occurs, effectively integrate the acquired business into 
Cervus’ existing business. In addition, the negotiation of a potential acquisition and the integration of an acquired 
business may require a disproportionate amount of management's attention and resources.  

 
 
 
 
Cervus Annual Report 2015 

33 

Cervus’  inability  to  successfully  identify,  execute,  or  effectively  integrate  future  or  previous  acquisitions  may 
negatively affect its results of operations. Even though Cervus performs a due diligence review of the businesses it 
acquires  that  it  believes  is  consistent  with  industry  practices,  such  reviews  are  inherently  incomplete.  Even  an  in-
depth due diligence review of a business may not necessarily reveal existing or potential problems or permit Cervus 
to become familiar enough with the business to fully assess its deficiencies and potential. Even when problems are 
identified, Cervus may assume certain risks and liabilities in connection with the acquired business.  

Credit risk 

By granting credit sales to customers, it is possible these customers may experience financial difficulty and be unable 
to  fulfill  their  repayment  obligations.  The  Company’s  revenue  is  generated  from  customers  in  the  farming, 
construction, industrial, and transportation industries, resulting in a concentration of credit risk from customers in 
these  industries.    The  strength  of  our  Agricultural  segment  is  influenced  by  the  prices  of  crop  inputs,  commodity 
prices, as well as local and global weather patterns in a growing season.   Our Commercial and Industrial equipment 
sector  is  influenced  by  general  economic  and  construction  activity,  and  due  to  location,  oil  prices  for  Western 
Canadian crude oil.  Our Transportation segment is influenced by regional, national, and North American economic 
activity, particularly factors impacting oil and gas activity, manufacturing and the demand for, and transportation of, 
consumer and industrial goods. 

 A  significant  decline  in  economic  conditions  within  these  industries  would  increase  the  risk  that  customers  will 
experience financial difficulty and be unable to fulfill their obligations to the Company.  The Company’s exposure to 
credit risk arises from granting credit sales and is limited to the carrying value of accounts receivable, and deposits 
and guarantees with John Deere.  The Company’s revenues are normally invoiced with payment terms of net, 30 days.  
The average time to collect the Company’s outstanding accounts receivable was approximately 19 days for the year 
ended  December  31,  2015  (18  days  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2014)  and  no  single  outstanding  customer 
balance, excluding sales contract financing receivables, represented more than 10% of total accounts receivable. The 
Company  mitigates  its  credit  risk  by  assessing  the  credit  worthiness  of  its  customers  on  an  ongoing  basis.    The 
Company  closely  monitors  the  amount  and  age  of  balances  outstanding  on  an  on-going  basis  and  establishes 
provisions for bad debts based on specific customers credit risk, historical trends, and other economic information. 

Capital risk management 

The Company’s objective when managing its capital is to safeguard its ability to continue as a going concern, so that 
it can continue to provide returns for Shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders and to provide an adequate 
return to Shareholders by pricing products and services commensurately with the level of risk. In the management of 
capital,  the  Company  monitors  its  adjusted  capital  which  comprises  all  components  of  equity  (i.e.  shares  issued, 
accumulated earnings, shareholder distributions and dilutive instruments).  

The Company sets the amount of capital in proportion to risk.  The Company manages the capital structure and makes 
adjustments to it in the light of changes in economic conditions and the risk characteristics of the underlying assets.  
In  order  to  maintain  or  adjust  the  capital  structure,  the  Company  may  issue  shares/units  to  facilitate  business 
combinations and or retire term debt or may adjust the amount of distributions paid to the Shareholders.   

The Company uses the following ratios in determining its appropriate capital levels; a) a debt to total capital ratio 
(total interest bearing debt divided by total interest bearing debt plus book value of equity); b) an adjusted debt to 
adjusted  EBITDA  ratio  (adjusted  debt  divided  by  adjusted  EBITDA);  c)  an  adjusted  debt  to  adjusted  assets  ratio 
(calculated  as  adjusted  debt  divided  by  adjusted  assets);  d)  a  fixed  charge  coverage  ratio  (calculated  as  adjusted 
EBITDA divided by contractual principal, interest, dividend, and operating lease payments); and e) an asset coverage 
ratio (tangible assets divided by specific drawn amounts under certain credit facilities).  Adjusted assets comprise all 
components of assets other than other intangible assets and goodwill.  Adjusted equity comprises of all components 
of shareholders’ equity and is reduced by other intangible assets and goodwill. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Cervus Annual Report 2015 

34 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTS 

Preparation  of  unaudited  and  audited  consolidated  financial  statements  requires  that  we  make  assumptions 
regarding  accounting  estimates  for  certain  amounts  contained  within  the  unaudited  and  audited  consolidated 
financial statements. We believe that each of our assumptions and estimates is appropriate to the circumstances and 
represents the most likely future outcome. However, because of the uncertainties inherent in making assumptions 
and  estimates  regarding  unknown  future  outcomes,  future  events  may  result  in  significant  differences  between 
estimates and actual results.  

Determination of fair values 

A number of the Company’s accounting policies and disclosures require the determination of fair value, for both 
financial  and  non-financial  assets  and  liabilities.    Fair  values  have  been  determined  for  measurement  and/or 
disclosure purposes based on the following methods.   

Fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations  

The  value  of  acquired  assets  and  liabilities  on  the  acquisition  date  require  the  use  of  estimates  to  determine  the 
purchase  price  allocation.  Estimates  are  made  as  to  the  valuations  of  property,  plant,  and  equipment,  intangible 
assets, and goodwill, among other items. These estimates have been discussed further below. 

Property, plant and equipment 

The fair value of property, plant and equipment recognised as a result of a business combination is the estimated 
amount for which a property could be exchanged on the date of acquisition between a willing buyer and a willing 
seller in an arm’s length transaction after proper marketing wherein the parties had each acted knowledgeably.  The 
fair value of items of plant, equipment, fixtures and fittings is based on the market approach and cost approaches 
using quoted market prices for similar items when available and depreciated replacement cost when appropriate.  
Depreciated  replacement  cost  reflects  adjustments  for  physical  deterioration  as  well  as  functional  and  economic 
obsolescence. 

Intangible assets 

The fair value of dealership distribution agreements and trade names acquired in a business combination is based on 
the incremental discounted estimated cash flows enjoyed post acquisition, or expenditures avoided, as a result of 
owning the intangible assets.  The fair value of customer lists acquired in a business combination is determined using 
income based approaches, whereby the subject asset is valued after deducting a fair return on all other assets that 
are  part  of  creating  the  related  cash  flows.  The  fair  value  of  other  intangible  assets  including  non-competition 
agreements is based on the discounted cash flows expected to be derived from the use and any residual value of the 
assets.  

Inventories 

The fair value of inventories acquired in a business combination is determined based on the estimated selling price 
in the ordinary course of business less the estimated costs of completion and sale, and a reasonable profit margin 
based on the effort required to complete and sell the inventories. 

Trade and other receivables 

The fair value of trade and other receivables is estimated at the present value of the future cash flows, discounted at 
the market rate of interest at the reporting date.  The fair value is determined for disclosure purposes or when such 
assets are acquired in a business combination. 

Other non-derivative financial liabilities 

Fair value, which is determined for disclosure purposes, is calculated based on the present value of future principal 
and  interest  cash  flows,  discounted  at  the  market  rate  of  interest  at  the  reporting  date.    In  respect  of  the  liability 

 
 
 
 
Cervus Annual Report 2015 

35 

component of convertible debentures, the market rate of interest is determined by reference to similar liabilities that 
do not have a conversion option. 

Derivative financial instruments 

The  fair  value  of  foreign  currency  derivative  financial  instruments  is  calculated  based  on  market  comparison 
technique. The fair value is based on similar contracts in an active market and based on quotes using the prevailing 
foreign exchange translation rate from the Bank of Canada or similar sources.  

Taxation matters  

Income  tax  provisions,  including  current  and  future  income  tax  assets  and  liabilities,  require  estimates  and 
interpretations of federal and provincial income tax rules and regulations, and judgements as to their interpretation 
and application to our specific situation. Estimates are also made as to the availability of future taxable profit against 
which carryforward tax losses can be used. 

Lease arrangements 

In determining classification of leases as an operating or finance lease, the Company applies judgement to determine 
whether substantially all of the significant risks and rewards of ownership are transferred to the customer or remain 
with the Company; or where the Company is the lessee, whether substantially all the significant risks and rewards of 
ownership are transferred to the Company or remain with the lessor. These judgements can be significant as to how 
the Company classifies amounts related to the arrangements as rental equipment, net investment in finance lease, or 
lease obligation of these arrangements.  

Net realizable value of inventories 

Inventories  are  recorded  at  the  lower  of  cost  and  net  realizable  value.    The  most  significant  area  of  accounting 
estimate involves our evaluation of used equipment inventory net realizable value.  We perform ongoing quarterly 
reviews of our used equipment inventories based upon local market conditions and the changes in the U.S. currency 
exchange  rates  to  determine  whether  any  adjustments  are  required  to  our  carrying  cost  of  inventory  balances  to 
ensure they are properly stated. 

Asset impairment  

We  assess  the  carrying  value  of  long-lived  assets,  which  include  property,  plant,  and  equipment  and  intangible 
assets, for indications of impairment when events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be 
recoverable  from  estimated  cash  flows.  Estimating  future  cash  flows  requires  assumptions  about  future  business 
conditions and technological developments. Significant, unanticipated changes to these assumptions could require 
a provision for impairment in the future.  

Judgement is used in identifying impairment triggers and the cash generating unit or group of cash generating units 
at which goodwill, intangible assets, and property and equipment are monitored for internal management purposes 
and identifying an appropriate discount rate for these calculations. 

Goodwill is assessed for impairment at least annually. This assessment includes a comparison of the carrying value 
of the Cash Generating Unit (“CGU”) to its estimated recoverable amount to ensure that the recoverable amount is 
greater than the carrying value.  The recoverable amount of an asset or cash-generating unit is the greater of its value 
in use and its fair value less costs to sell.  In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to 
their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money 
and  the  risks  specific  to  the  asset.      These  valuation  methods  employ  a  variety  of  assumptions,  including  future 
revenue growth, expected profit, and profit multiples. Estimating the recoverable amount of a CGU is a subjective 
process and requires the use of our best estimates. If our estimates or assumptions change from those used in our 
current valuation, we may be required to recognize an impairment loss in future periods.  

 
 
 
 
Cervus Annual Report 2015 

36 

FUTURE ACCOUNTING STANDARDS 

Certain new or amended standards or interpretations have been issued by the IASB or IFRIC that are required to be 
adopted in the current or future periods. The new standards, amendments to existing standards effective for annual 
periods beginning on or after January 1, 2016 and have not been applied in preparing these consolidated financial 
statements are set out below.  

Effective January 1, 2016, the Company will be required to adopt amendments to IAS 16 Property, Plant and 
Equipment and IAS 38 Intangible Assets for clarification on acceptable methods of depreciation and amortization. 
The amendments are to be applied prospectively for the annual period commencing January 1, 2016. The Company 
does not expect the amendments to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.  

On September 25, 2014, the IASB issued narrow-scope amendments to a total of four standards as part of its annual 
improvements process. The amendments will apply for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2016. The 
Company intends to adopt these amendments in its financial statements for the annual period beginning on 
January 1, 2016. The Company does not expect the amendments to have a material impact on the financial 
statements.  

On December 18, 2014, the IASB issued amendments to IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements as part of its 
major initiative to improve presentation and disclosure in financial reports. The amendments are effective for 
annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2016. The Company intends to adopt these amendments in its 
financial statements for annual period beginning on January 1, 2016. The Company does not expect the 
amendments to have a material impact on the financial statements.  

On May 6, 2014 the IASB issued Accounting for Acquisitions of Interests in Joint Operations. The Company intends 
to adopt the amendments to IFRS 11 in its financial statements for the annual period beginning on January 1, 2016. 
The Company does not expect the amendments to have a material impact on the financial statements.  

On September 11, 2014 the IASB issued Sale or Contribution of Assets between an Investor and its Associate or Joint 
Venture (Amendments to IFRS 10 and IAS 28). The Company does not intend to early adopt these amendments in its 
financial statements for the annual period beginning January 1, 2016, as the effective date for these amendments 
has been deferred indefinitely.  

Effective January 1, 2018, the Company will be required to adopt IFRS 15 related to revenue from contracts with 
customers. Revenue from Contracts with Customers, was issued in May 2014 and replaces IAS 11 Construction 
Contracts, IAS 18 Revenue, IFRIC 13 Customer Loyalty Programs, IFRIC 15 Agreements for the Construction of Real 
Estate, IFRIC 18 Transfers of Assets from Customers and SIC-31 Revenue – Barter Transactions Involving Advertising 
Services. The extent of the impact of adoption of the standard has not yet been determined.  

The IASB has released updates to IFRS 9, related to the accounting and presentation of financial instruments and 
applies a principal-based approach to the classification and measurement of financial assets and financial liabilities, 
including an expected credit loss model for calculating impairment, and includes new requirements for hedge 
accounting. The mandatory effective date is January 1, 2018; however, early adoption is permitted. The Company 
intends to adopt IFRS 9 (2014) in its financial statements for the annual period beginning on January 1, 2018. The 
extent of the impact of adoption of the standard has not yet been determined.  

On January 13, 2016 the IASB issued IFRS 16 Leases. The new standard is effective for annual periods beginning on 
or after January 1, 2019. Earlier application is permitted for entities that apply IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with 
Customers at or before the date of initial adoption of IFRS 16. IFRS 16 will replace IAS 17 Leases. The Company intends 
to adopt IFRS 16 in its financial statements for the annual period beginning on January 1, 2019. The extent of the 
impact of adoption of the standard has not yet been determined. 

 
 
 
 
 
Cervus Annual Report 2015 

37 

RESPONSIBILITITY OF MANAGEMENT AND BOARD 

Disclosure Controls 

The  CEO  and  the  CFO  are  also  responsible  for  establishing  and  maintaining  adequate  disclosure  controls  and 
procedures  (“DC&P”).  Disclosure  controls  and  procedures  are  controls  and  other  procedures  designed  to  provide 
reasonable  assurance  that  information  required  to  be  disclosed  in  documents  filed  or  submitted  under  securities 
legislation is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in securities legislation 
and includes controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in documents 
filed or submitted under securities legislation is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, 
including the CEO and CFO, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.   

The CEO and the CFO evaluated, or caused to be evaluated under their supervision, the effectiveness of our disclosure 
controls and procedures and based on this evaluation, the CEO and the CFO concluded that, as of December 31, 2015, 
Cervus’ disclosure controls and procedures are effective. 

Internal Controls over Financial Reporting 

The Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and the Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) of Cervus are responsible for establishing 
and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (“ICFR”).  Internal control over financial reporting 
is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the CEO and the CFO and effected by the Board of Directors, 
management and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and 
the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with IFRS. 

The  CEO  and  the  CFO  evaluated,  or  caused  to  be  evaluated  under  their  supervision,  the  effectiveness  of  the 
Corporation’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  as  of  December  31,  2015,  based  on  the  criteria  set  forth  in 
Internal  Control  –  Integrated  Framework  issued  by  the  Committee  of  Sponsoring  Organizations  of  the  Treadway 
Commission (“COSO”), (2013).  Based on this assessment, the CEO and the CFO concluded that, as of December 31, 
2015, Cervus’ internal control over financial reporting are effective.  

It  should  be  noted  a  control  system,  including  the  Company’s  DC&P  and  ICFR,  no  matter  how  well  conceived  or 
operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objective of the control system will be met, 
and it should not be expected that DC&P and ICFR will prevent all errors or fraud. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cervus Annual Report 2015 

38 

NON-IFRS FINANCIAL MEASURES 

This  MD&A  contains  certain  financial  measures  that  do  not  have  any  standardized  meaning  prescribed  by  IFRS. 
Therefore, these financial measures may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. Investors 
are cautioned that these measures should not be construed as an alternative to profit or to cash flow from operating, 
investing,  and  financing  activities  determined  in  accordance  with  IFRS  as  indicators  of  our  performance.  These 
measures are provided to assist investors in determining our ability to generate profit and cash flow from operations 
and to provide additional information on how these cash resources are used. These financial measures are identified 
and defined below:  

Adjusted Earnings  

Adjusted earnings is provided to aid in the comparison of the Company’s results from one period, to the Company’s 
results from another period. The Company calculates Adjusted Earnings as follows: 

($ thousands, except per share amounts)

Income (loss) attributed to shareholders

Adjustments:

CRA settlement

Unrealized foreign currency (gain) loss

Acquisition and integration costs

Loss (gain) on sale of land and building

Adjusted income attributed to shareholders

Adjusted earnings per share: 

Basic
Diluted

EBITDA 

Three month period 
ended December 31

Year ended December 31

2015

3,768

-

1,083

170

-

5,021

0.32
0.31

2014

5,870

2015

(27,421)

2014

18,362

-

992

632

-

36,948

2,810

998

-

-

952

1,525

(680)

7,494

13,335

20,159

0.49
0.47

0.86
0.83

1.33
1.27

Throughout the MD&A, reference is made to EBITDA, which Cervus’ management defines as earnings before interest, 
income taxes and depreciation and amortization.  Management believes that EBITDA is a key performance measure 
in evaluating the Company’s operations and is important in enhancing investors’ understanding of the Company’s 
operating  performance.  As  EBITDA  does  not  have  a  standardized  meaning  prescribed  by  IFRS,  it  may  not  be 
comparable to similar measures presented by other companies.  As a result, we have reconciled profit as determined 
in accordance with IFRS, to EBITDA, as follows: 

EBITDA ($ thousands)
Three months ended December 31, 2015
Net profit (loss)
Add:

Interest
Income taxes
Depreciation and Amortization

EBITDA

Total
3,768

Agricultural Transportation
(1,165)

4,800

Commercial & 
Industrial
133

Other1
-

4,400
2,267
4,599
15,034

1,670
2,889
2,348
11,707

2,345
(692)
1,377
1,865

385
70
874
1,462

-
-
-
-

 
 
 
 
                
                
                
                
                
                
                
                
 
 
Cervus Annual Report 2015 

39 

EBITDA ($ thousands) - Same Store
Three months ended December 31, 2015
Net profit (loss) before tax
Add:

Interest
Depreciation and Amortization

EBITDA

EBITDA ($ thousands)
Three months ended December 31, 2014
Net profit (loss)
Add:

Interest
Income taxes
Depreciation and Amortization

EBITDA

Total
5,755

Agricultural Transportation
(1,857)

7,409

Commercial & 
Industrial
203

4,388
4,571
14,714

1,658
2,320
11,387

2,345
1,377
1,865

385
874
1,462

Total
5,870

Agricultural Transportation
(1,371)

5,828

Commercial & 
Industrial
1,413

2,287
2,528
5,224
15,909

1,272
2,497
2,228
11,825

569
(564)
1,539
173

446
595
1,457
3,911  

EBITDA ($ thousands) 
Year ended December 31, 2015
Net profit (loss)
Add:

Interest
Income taxes
Depreciation and Amortization

EBITDA

EBITDA ($ thousands) - Same Store
Year ended December 31, 2015
Net profit (loss) before tax
Add:

Interest
Depreciation and Amortization

EBITDA

EBITDA ($ thousands)
Year ended December 31, 2014
Net profit 
Add:

Interest
Income taxes
Depreciation and Amortization

EBITDA

Total
(27,421)

Agricultural Transportation
(3,470)

13,288

Commercial & 
Industrial
(291)

Other1
(36,948)

13,571
42,327
17,853
46,330

6,758
7,494
8,951
36,491

5,172
(1,952)
5,250
5,000

1,641
(163)
3,652
4,839

-
36,948
-
-

Total
15,100

Agricultural Transportation
(4,465)

20,019

Commercial & 
Industrial
(454)

11,423
13,921
40,444

5,779
7,091
32,889

4,003
3,178
2,716

1,641
3,652
4,839  

Total
18,362

Agricultural Transportation
(876)

16,061

Commercial & 
Industrial
3,177

8,352
7,654
16,443
50,811

4,980
6,703
6,351
34,095

1,927
(362)
3,885
4,574

1,445
1,313
6,207
12,142  

EBITDA is defined as profit before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization.  We believe, in addition  to profit, 
EBITDA is a useful supplemental profit measure as it provides an indication of the financial results generated by our 
principal business activities prior to consideration of how these activities are financed or how the results are taxed in 
various jurisdictions and before non-cash amortization expense. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Cervus Annual Report 2015 

40 

EBITDA margin  

EBITDA margin is calculated as EBITDA divided by gross revenue. 

Same store  

Same store illustrates the current period results for stores that were included in the comparable period for the prior 
year.  Excluded from same store are the incremental results for newly acquired stores for the period they were not 
owned in the prior year, including any current year acquisition related costs and amortization of intangibles.  

Price earnings ratio 

Price earnings ratio is calculated by dividing the Company’s market capitalization by its total annual profit.   

Working capital 

Working capital is calculated as current assets less current liabilities.  Working capital ratio is calculated as current assets 
divided by current liabilities.  

Market capitalization 

Market capitalization is calculated as current common shares outstanding at a particular time multiplied by the market 
value of those respective shares at that time. 

Net book value per share – diluted 

Net book value per share – diluted is calculated as shareholders’ equity divided by the weighted average number of 
shares outstanding on a diluted basis.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Financial 
Statements of 

CERVUS EQUIPMENT 
CORPORATION 

For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
KPMG LLP 
205 - 5th Avenue SW  
Suite 3100, Bow Valley Square 2 
Calgary AB 
T2P 4B9 

Telephone  (403) 691-8000 
(403) 691-8008 
Fax 
www.kpmg.ca 

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT 

To the Shareholders of Cervus Equipment Corporation 

We  have  audited  the  accompanying  consolidated financial  statements  of  Cervus  Equipment  Corporation,  which 
comprise the consolidated statements of financial position as  at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the 
consolidated statements of comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash flows for the years then ended, and 
notes, comprising a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information. 

Management’s Responsibility for the Consolidated Financial Statements 

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

Auditors’ Responsibility 

Our  responsibility  is  to  express  an  opinion  on  these  consolidated  financial  statements  based  on  our  audits.  We 
conducted our audits in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that 
we comply with ethical requirements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether 
the consolidated financial statements are free from material misstatement. 

An  audit  involves  performing  procedures  to  obtain  audit  evidence  about  the  amounts  and  disclosures  in  the 
consolidated financial statements. The procedures selected depend on our judgment, including the assessment of the 
risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those 
risk  assessments,  we  consider  internal  control  relevant  to  the  entity’s  preparation  and  fair  presentation  of  the 
consolidated financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but 
not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal control. An audit also includes 
evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by 
management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. 

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

Opinion 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial 
position of Cervus Equipment Corporation as at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, and its consolidated 
financial  performance  and  its  consolidated  cash  flows  for  the  years  then  ended  in  accordance  with  International 
Financial Reporting Standards. 

Chartered Professional Accountants 

March 15, 2016 
Calgary, Canada 

KPMG LLP is a Canadian limited liability partnership and a member firm of the KPMG 
network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative 
(“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity.  KPMG Canada provides services to KPMG LLP. 

KPMG Confidential 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CERVUS EQUIPMENT CORPORATION 
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position 
As at December 31, 2015 and 2014 

($ thousands)

Assets

Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other accounts receivable

Inventories

Current portion finance lease receivables

Derivative financial asset

Assets held for sale

Total current assets

Non-current assets

Long-term receivables

Long-term finance lease receivables

Investments in associates, at equity

Deposits with manufacturers

Property and equipment

Deferred tax asset

Intangible assets

Goodwill

Total non-current assets

Total assets

Note

 2015

2014

5

6

7

8

17

9

8

10

11

12

13

14

14

$       11,955  $      18,787 

      59,071 

     58,462 

   317,726 

   324,625 

            584 

        1,600 

        7,195 

        6,559 

        9,247 

            181 

   405,778 

   410,214 

        1,287 

        1,702 

            878 

        1,433 

        5,762 

        5,268 

        2,657 

        3,479 

   141,799 

   148,948 

                 -   

     24,518 

      51,008 

     54,009 

      20,616 

     19,732 

   224,007 

   259,089 

$    629,785  $    669,303 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 

 
 
 
 
CERVUS EQUIPMENT CORPORATION 
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (continued) 
As at December 31, 2015 and 2014 

($ thousands)
Liabilities
Current liabilities

Note

 2015

2014

Trade and other accrued liabilities

15

$       77,938  $      81,237 

Customer deposits

Floor plan payables

Dividends payable

Income taxes payable

Current portion of term debt

Derivative financial liability

Current portion of finance lease obligation

Liabilities associated with assets held for sale

Total current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Term debt

Finance lease obligation

Debenture payable

Deferred income tax liability

Total non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

Equity

Shareholders’ capital

Deferred share plan

Other reserves

Accumulated other comprehensive income

Retained earnings

        3,004 

        8,594 

16

   168,643 

   181,801 

16

17

8

9

16

8

16

13

18

19

18

        3,317 

        3,233 

            142 

                -   

      17,917 

        8,430 

        7,180 

        6,590 

        5,713 

        6,175 

        4,037 

                -   

   287,891 

   296,060 

      87,661 

     92,154 

      16,351 

     18,334 

      32,941 

     32,065 

      11,648 

        1,199 

   148,601 

   143,752 

   436,492 

   439,812 

      88,270 

     83,814 

        7,098 

        7,559 

        5,182 

        6,433 

1,831

            192 

      89,413 

   130,036 

Total equity attributable to equity holders of the Company

   191,794 

   228,034 

Non-controlling interest

Total equity

Total liabilities and equity

Approved by the Board:  
“Peter Lacey” Director 

 “Angela Lekatsas” Director 

1,499

        1,457 

   193,293 

   229,491 

$    629,785  $    669,303 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 

 
 
 
CERVUS EQUIPMENT CORPORATION 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income  
For the year ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 

($ thousands)

Revenue

Equipment sales
Parts
Service
Rentals
Total revenue
Cost of sales
Gross profit 
Other (loss) income 
Selling, general and administrative expense
Income from operating activities
Finance income
Finance costs
Net finance costs
Share of profit of equity accounted investees, net of income tax 
Income before income tax expense
Income tax expense
(Loss) income for the period
Other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation differences for foreign operations
Total comprehensive (loss) income for the period
(Loss) income attributable to:
Shareholders of the Company
Non-controlling interest
(Loss) income for the period

Total comprehensive (loss) income attributable to:

20, 22

21
22

23
10

13

Shareholders of the Company
Non-controlling interest
Total comprehensive (loss) income for the period
Net (loss) income per share attributable to shareholders of the 
Company:
Basic
Diluted

24
24

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 

Note

2015

2014

$

$

$
$

829,922 $
201,860
82,288
19,808
1,133,878
(926,937)
206,941
(1,719)
(179,583)
25,639
195
(11,428)
(11,233)
542
14,948
(42,327)
(27,379)

1,639
(25,740)

(27,421)
42
(27,379)

(25,782)
42

(25,740) $

741,072
150,682
69,535
18,320
979,609
(792,936)
186,673
3,715
(157,678)
32,710
384
(7,656)
(7,272)
712
26,150
(7,654)
18,496

53
18,549

18,362
134
18,496

18,415
134
18,549

(1.77) $
(1.77) $

1.21
1.15

 
 
CERVUS EQUIPMENT CORPORATION 
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity 
For the Years Ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 

Attributable to equity holders of the Company

( $  t ho us a nds )

Balance December 31, 2013
Comprehensive loss for the period
 Profit
Other comprehensive income
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Total comprehensive income (loss) for the period
Transactions with owners, recorded directly in equity
Dividends to equity holders
Distributions to non-controlling interests
Issuance of common shares
Shares issued through DRIP
Shares issued through deferred share plan
Shares issued through option plan
Share-based payment transactions
Shares issued for business acquisitions
Acquisition of non-controlling interests without a change in control
Shares issued in reserve
Transactions with owners
Non-controlling interest identified on acquisition
Balance December 31, 2014
Comprehensive loss for the period
 Profit (loss)
Other comprehensive income
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Total comprehensive income (loss) for the period
Transactions with owners, recorded directly in equity
Dividends to equity holders
Shares issued through reserve
Shares issued through DRIP
Shares issued through deferred share plan
Shares issued through option plan
Share-based payment transactions
Transactions with owners

Share 
capital

Deferred 
share 
plan

Other 
reserves

Cumulative 
translation 
account

Note

Retained 
earnings

Total

Non-
controlling 
interest

Total 
equity

$

78,126 $

6,426 $

5,176 $

139 $

124,982 $

214,849 $

3,571 $

218,420

-

-
-

-
-
1,530
1,040
359
69
-
2,690
-
-
5,688
-

-

-
-

-
-
-
-
(359)
-
1,492
-
-
-
1,133
-

-

-
-

-
-
-
-
-
(17)
258
-
-
1,016
1,257
-

$

83,814 $

7,559 $

6,433 $

-

18,362

18,362

134

18,496

53
53

-
18,362

53
18,415

-
134

53
18,549

-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
192 $

(12,583)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(725)
-
(13,308)
-

(12,583)
-
1,530
1,040
-
52
1,750
2,690
(725)
1,016
(5,230)
-

130,036 $

228,034 $

-
(44)
-
-
-
-
-
-
(3,603)
-
(3,647)
1,399
1,457 $

-

-
-

-
1,524
1,133
1,226
573
-
4,456

-

-
-

-
-
-
(1,226)
-
765
(461)

-

-
-

-
(1,524)
-
-
(202)
475
(1,251)

-

(27,421)

(27,421)

1,639
1,639

-
(27,421)

1,639
(25,782)

-
-
-
-
-
-
-

(13,202)
-
-
-
-
-
(13,202)

(13,202)
-
1,133
-
371
1,240
(10,458)

18
18
18
18
18

42

-
42

-
-
-
-
-
-
-

(12,583)
(44)
1,530
1,040
-
52
1,750
2,690
(4,328)
1,016
(8,877)
1,399
229,491

(27,379)

1,639
(25,740)

(13,202)
-
1,133
-
371
1,240
(10,458)

Balance December 31, 2015

$

88,270 $

7,098 $

5,182 $

1,831 $

89,413 $

191,794 $

1,499 $

193,293

CERVUS EQUIPMENT CORPORATION 
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows 
For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 

($ thousands)

Cash flows from operating activities

Income (loss) for the period

Income tax expense

Depreciation

Amortization of intangibles

Equity-settled share-based payment transactions

Net finance costs

Unrealized foreign exchange loss (gain)

Gain on sale of property and equipment

Impairment loss on long term receivables

Non-cash write-down of inventories

Share of profit of equity accounted investees, net of tax

Proceeds from investments, at equity, net of purchases

Change in non-cash working capital 

Cash taxes paid

Interest paid

Net cash provided from operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities

Interest received

Purchase of property and equipment

Payments for intangible assets

Business acquisitions 

Final working capital payments on business combination

Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment

Proceeds from asset held for sale

Net cash used in investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities

Net proceeds from term debt

Proceeds from issue of share capital

Proceeds from exercise of share options

Acquisition of non-controlling interests

Cash dividends paid

Payment of finance lease liabilities

Increase in deposits with John Deere

Increase in notes payable

Net cash (used in)/provided from financing activities

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

Effect of foreign currency translation on cash 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

Note

2015

2014

13

12

14

19

23

21

21

21

7

10

10

23

12

14

14

18

$

(27,379) $

42,327

13,033

4,820

1,077

13,376

2,810

(1,358)

-

4,661

(542)

-

(7,993)
44,832
(7,760)

(13,398)

23,674

195

(19,539)

(1,479)

-

(7,997)

7,255

150

(21,415)

8,696

-

371

-

(11,987)

(7,472)

838

-

(9,554)

(7,295)

463

5

$

18,787

11,955 $

18,496

7,654

10,610

5,833

1,526

7,968

952

(1,337)

472

1,828

(712)

2,063

13,857
69,210
(88)

(7,545)

61,577

384

(24,777)

(882)

(76,862)

-

4,688

3,775

(93,674)

50,910

1,530

52

(3,354)

(11,358)

(1,363)

(639)

282

36,060

3,963

146

14,678

18,787

 
 
CERVUS EQUIPMENT CORPORATION 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 

1.  Reporting Entity  

Cervus  Equipment  Corporation  (“Cervus”  or  the  “Company”)  is  an  incorporated  entity  under  the  Canada  Business 
Corporations Act and is domiciled in Canada.  The registered office of the Company is situated at 5201 – 333, 96th 
Avenue N.E., Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T3K 0S3.  The consolidated financial statements of the Company as at and for 
the  year  ended  December  31,  2015  comprise  of  the  Company  and  its  subsidiaries  (“the  Group”).    The  Company  is 
primarily  involved  in  the  sale,  after-sale  service  and  maintenance  of  agricultural,  transportation,  construction,  and 
industrial  (“C&I”)  equipment.    The  Company  also  provides  equipment  rental,  primarily  in  the  construction  and 
industrial  equipment  segment.    The  Company  wholly  owns  and  operates  64  John  Deere  agricultural  equipment, 
Bobcat and JCB construction equipment and Clark, Sellick, Doosan material handling equipment and Peterbilt truck 
dealerships in 38 locations in Western Canada, 11 locations in Ontario, 9 locations on the north island of New Zealand 
and 6 locations in Victoria, Australia.  The Company also holds a 21.4% investment in seven John Deere agricultural 
equipment  dealerships  operating  in  Western  Canada.        The  Company’s  shares  are  listed  on  the  Toronto  Stock 
Exchange (“TSX”) and trade under the symbol “CVL”. 

2.  Basis of Preparation  

Statement of compliance  
The  consolidated  financial  statements  have  been  prepared  in  accordance  with  International  Financial  Reporting 
Standards (“IFRSs”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”).    

The Board of Directors authorized the issue of these consolidated financial statements on March 15, 2016. 

Basis of measurement 
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared under a going concern assumption on a historical cost 
basis, with the exception of items that IFRS requires to be measured at fair value.  

Functional currency 
These  consolidated  financial  statements  are  presented  in  Canadian  dollars  which  is  the  Company’s  functional 
currency.  All financial information has been rounded to the nearest thousand except for per share amounts. 

Basis of consolidation 
These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the parent company Cervus Equipment Corporation 
and its wholly-owned subsidiaries.  

Control is achieved where the Company has the power to govern the financial and operating policies of an entity so 
as to obtain benefits from its activities. The results of subsidiaries acquired or disposed of during the year are included 
in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income from the effective date of acquisition and up to the effective 
date of disposal, as appropriate. Non-controlling interests in subsidiaries are identified separately from the Company’s 
equity therein.  The interests of non-controlling shareholders may be initially measured either at fair value or at the 
non-controlling interests’ proportionate share of the fair value of the acquirees’ identifiable net assets.  The choice of 
measurement basis is made on an acquisition-by-acquisition basis.  Subsequent to acquisition, the carrying amount 
of non-controlling interests is the amount of those interests at initial recognition plus the non-controlling interests’ 
share of subsequent changes in equity.  Total comprehensive income is attributed to non-controlling interests even 
if this results in the non-controlling interests having a deficit balance. 

Cervus Annual Report 2015 | 48 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CERVUS EQUIPMENT CORPORATION 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 

2.   Basis of Preparation (continued) 

 Details of the Company’s subsidiaries at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are as follows: 

Proportion of ownership interest and voting power held
Cervus AG Equipment LP
Cervus AG Equipment Ltd
Cervus Collision Center LP
Cervus Contractors Equipment LP 
Cervus Contractors Equipment Ltd
Cervus Equipment NZ Ltd.
Cervus Rental & Leasing NZ Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of 
Cervus NZ Equipment Ltd.
DeerStar Systems Inc. 
101169185 Saskatchewan Ltd
520781 Alberta Ltd
Cervus Equipment Holdings Australia Pty Ltd. 
Cervus Equipment Australia Pty Ltd.
PPJ Investments Pty

Use of judgements and estimates  

2015
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%

100%

57.1%
100%
100%
100%
100%
            -   

2014
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%

100%

57.1%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%

In  preparing  these  consolidated  financial  statements,  management  has  made  judgements,  estimates  and 
assumptions that affect the application of the Company’s accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets, 
liabilities, revenues and expenses.  By their very nature, estimates may differ from actual future results and the impact 
of such changes could be material. 

Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis, with revisions to accounting estimates 
recognized prospectively.  

Judgements 
Information about judgements made in applying accounting policies that have the most significant effects on the 
amounts recognized in these consolidated financial statements are included in the following notes:  

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

Classification of a lease arrangement as an operating or finance lease; judgement is required to determine 
whether substantially all of the significant risks and rewards of ownership are transferred to the customer 
or remain with the Company; or where the Company is the lessee, whether substantially all the significant 
risks and rewards of ownership are transferred to the Company or remain with the lessor. (Note 8 & 25) 
Impairment  tests;  judgement  is  used  in  identifying  impairment  triggers  and  the  cash  generating  unit  or 
group  of  cash  generating  units  at  which  goodwill,  intangible  assets,  and  property  and  equipment  are 
monitored  for  internal  management  purposes  and  identifying  an  appropriate  discount  rate  for  these 
calculations. 

Assumptions and estimation uncertainties 
Information about assumptions and estimation uncertainties which could have a significant effect on the carrying 
amounts of assets and liabilities within the next fiscal year are included in the following notes:  

(cid:1) 
(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

(cid:1) 

Recoverability of inventories and key assumptions in the net realizable value of inventory (Note 7) 
Impairment tests (including intangible assets and goodwill); estimates on key assumptions related to the 
future operating results and cash generating ability of the assets. (Notes 14); 
Assets held for sale; estimates of when the sale will be completed and estimates on future cash flows less 
costs to sell the asset (Note 9) 
Depreciation and amortization expense; assumptions on the useful lives of property and equipment and 
intangible assets (Note 12 and 14) 

Cervus Annual Report 2015 | 49 

 
 
CERVUS EQUIPMENT CORPORATION 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 

2.   Basis of Preparation (continued) 
Determination of fair values 
A number of the groups accounting policies and disclosures require the determination of fair value, for both financial 
and  non-financial  assets  and  liabilities.    Fair  values  have  been  determined  for  measurement  and/or  disclosure 
purposes based on the methods outlined below.  When applicable, further information about the assumptions made 
in determining fair values is disclosed in the notes specific to that asset or liability. 

Property, plant and equipment 
The fair value of property, plant and equipment recognised as a result of a business combination is the estimated 
amount for which a property could be exchanged on the date of acquisition between a willing buyer and a willing 
seller in an arm’s length transaction after proper marketing wherein the parties had each acted knowledgeably.  The 
fair value of items of plant, equipment, fixtures and fittings is based on the market approach and cost approaches 
using quoted market prices for similar items when available and depreciated replacement cost when appropriate.  
Depreciated replacement cost reflects  adjustments for physical deterioration  as well as functional and economic 
obsolescence. 

Intangible assets 
The fair value of dealership distribution agreements and trade names acquired in a business combination is based 
on the incremental discounted estimated cash flows enjoyed post acquisition, or expenditures avoided, as a result 
of owning the intangible assets.  The fair value of customer lists acquired in a business combination is determined 
using income based approaches, whereby the subject asset is valued after deducting a fair return on all other assets 
that are part of creating the related cash flows. The fair value of other intangible assets including non-competition 
agreements is based on the discounted cash flows expected to be derived from the use and any residual value of 
the assets.  

Inventories 
The fair value of inventories acquired in a business combination is determined based on the estimated selling price 
in the ordinary course of business less the estimated costs of completion and sale, and a reasonable profit margin 
based on the effort required to complete and sell the inventories. 

Trade and other receivables 
The fair value of trade and other receivables is estimated at the present value of the future cash flows, discounted at 
the market rate of interest at the reporting date.  The fair value is determined for disclosure purposes or when such 
assets are acquired in a business combination. 

Other non-derivative financial liabilities 
Fair value, which is determined for disclosure purposes, is calculated based on the present value of future principal 
and interest cash flows, discounted at the market rate of interest at the reporting date.  In respect of the liability 
component of convertible debentures, the market rate of interest is determined by reference to similar liabilities 
that do not have a conversion option. 

Derivative financial instruments 
The  fair  value  of  foreign  currency  derivative  financial  instruments  is  calculated  based  on  market  comparison 
technique. The fair value is based on similar contracts in an active market and based on quotes using the prevailing 
foreign exchange translation rate from the Bank of Canada or similar sources.  

Cervus Annual Report 2015 | 50 

 
 
CERVUS EQUIPMENT CORPORATION 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 

3.  Significant Accounting Policies  

The  accounting  policies  set  out  below  have  been  applied  consistently  by  all  the  Group’s  entities  and  to  all  years 
presented in these consolidated financial statements. 

Business segments 
The Company operates three distinct business segments, agricultural, transportation and commercial and industrial 
segments based on the industry which they serve.  These segments are managed separately and strategic decisions 
are made on the basis of their respective operating results.  

The Agricultural equipment  segment consists of John  Deere dealership locations in Alberta, Saskatchewan, British 
Columbia,  New  Zealand,  and  Australia.  The  Transportation  equipment  segment  consists  of  Peterbilt  dealership 
locations in Saskatchewan and Ontario.  The Commercial and Industrial equipment segment consists of Bobcat, JCB, 
Clark, Sellick, and Doosan dealership locations in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. 

Each of these business segment operations are supported by a single corporate head office. Certain corporate head 
office  expenses  are  allocated  to  the  business  segments  according  to  both  specific  identification  and  metrics  to 
estimate usage. The corporate head office also incurs certain costs which are not considered directly related to store 
level  operations,  such  as  interest  cost  on  general  corporate  borrowings,  corporate  personnel  costs,  and  public 
company costs. These corporate costs are allocated to the segments based on respective gross profit dollars of the 
Canadian operations.  

Business combinations 
Acquisitions of subsidiaries are accounted for using the acquisition method.  The cost of the acquisition is measured 
at the aggregate of the fair values, at the date of exchange, of assets given, liabilities and contingent liabilities incurred 
or assumed, and equity instruments issued by the Company in exchange for control of the acquiree.  Transaction costs 
are expensed as incurred. The fair value of identifiable assets acquired, if any, are determined using various valuation 
techniques  including  income  based  approaches.  The  valuation  technique  involves  estimating  the  future  net  cash 
flows  and  applying  the  appropriate  discount  rate  to  those  future  cash  flows  to  determine  the  fair  value  of  the 
identifiable intangible assets acquired. Goodwill arising on acquisition is recognized as an asset and initially measured 
at cost, being the excess of the consideration of the business combination over the Company's interest in the net fair 
value of the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities recognized.   

Where a business combination is achieved in stages, previously held interests in the acquired entity are remeasured 
to  fair  value  immediately  prior  to  the  date  of  acquisition.  If  any  resulting  gain  or  loss  should  arise  from  the 
remeasurement, it is recognized in net income during the period.   

Cervus Annual Report 2015 | 51 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CERVUS EQUIPMENT CORPORATION 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 

3.   Significant Accounting Policies (continued) 

Foreign currency translation  
Foreign currency transactions 
The individual financial statements of each subsidiary are stated in the currency of the primary economic environment 
in which it operates (its functional currency).  Transactions in currencies other than companies’ functional currency 
are recorded at the rate of exchange at the date of the transaction.  At the balance sheet date, monetary assets and 
liabilities denominated in a currency other than subsidiaries’ functional currency, are translated into the subsidiaries’ 
functional currency at the rates of exchange prevailing at that date. Foreign currency differences are recognized in 
profit or loss. 

Foreign operations 
For  the  purpose  of  presenting  consolidated  financial  statements,  the  results  of  entities  and  equity  components 
denominated  in  currencies  other  than  Canadian  dollars  are  translated  at  the  rate  of  exchange  at  the  date  of  the 
transactions and their assets and liabilities at the rates ruling at the balance sheet date.  Foreign exchange differences 
are recognized in other comprehensive income and accumulated in the cumulative translation account.  

Cash and cash equivalents 
Cash  and  cash  equivalents  include  cash  on  hand,  balances  with  banks,  and  short-term  deposits  with  original 
maturities of three months or less. 

Inventories 
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value.  Cost is determined using the specific identification 
method  for  new  and  used  equipment,  average  cost  for  parts  and  a  specific  job  basis  for  work-in-progress.    Net 
realizable value approximates the estimated selling price less all estimated cost of completion and necessary cost to 
complete the sale.  Previous write-downs of inventory are reversed when economic changes support an increased 
value. The amount of the write-down is reversed, and the reversal is limited to the amount of the original write-down, 
so that the new carrying amount is the lower of the cost and the revised net realizable value.  

Property and equipment 
Items  of  property  and  equipment  are  recorded  at  cost,  less  any  accumulated  depreciation  and  accumulated 
impairment losses. Properties under construction are measured at cost less any accumulated impairment. Assets are 
moved from the construction phase and begin depreciation when the asset is available for use.  Assets under finance 
leases are measured initially at an amount equal to the lower of their fair value and the present value of minimum 
lease payments.  

Any gain or loss arising on the disposal or retirement of an item of property and equipment is recognized in profit or 
loss. 

Depreciation is provided for using both the declining balance and straight-line methods at annual rates intended to 
depreciate the cost of each significant component of an asset, less its residual values over its estimated useful lives.  
Assets under finance leases are depreciated on the same basis as owned assets, or where shorter, the term of the lease. 
Land is not depreciated.  

The estimated useful lives, residual values and depreciation methods are reviewed at each reporting period, with the 
effect of any changes in estimate accounted for on a prospective basis. 

Cervus Annual Report 2015 | 52 

 
 
 
 
CERVUS EQUIPMENT CORPORATION 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 

3.   Significant Accounting Policies (continued) 

The following methods and rates are used in the calculation of depreciation:  

Assets 
Buildings 
Leasehold improvements 

Short-term rental equipment 

Method 
Straight-line 
Straight-line 

Straight-line 

Estimated 
useful life 
15 to 40 years 
Over period of lease 

5 to 10 years 

Automotive and trucks and computers and software  

Declining balance 

Furniture and fixtures, parts and shop equipment 

Declining balance 

30% 

20% 

Intangible assets 
Intangible assets  
Intangible  assets  includes  software,  dealership  distribution  agreements,  customer  lists  and  non-competition 
agreements  and  are  recorded  at  cost  less  accumulated  amortization  and  any  accumulated  impairment  losses.  
Software costs under development are measured at cost less any accumulated impairment, software moves from the 
development phase and amortization commences when the asset is available for use.  

Costs of internally generated intangible assets are capitalized only if the expenditure can be measured reliably, the 
product or process is technically and commercially feasible, future economic benefits are probable and the Company 
intends to complete development to use the asset. Otherwise, it is recognized in profit or loss as incurred.  

The estimated useful life and amortization method are reviewed at  the end of each  period, with the effect of any 
changes in estimate being accounted for on a prospective basis. At each year end, the Company reviews the carrying 
amounts  of  the  intangible  assets  to  determine  whether  there  is  any  indication  that  those  assets  have  suffered  an 
impairment loss. If any such indication exits, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine 
the extent of the impairment loss (if any).  

The following are the typical useful lives that are used in the calculation of amortization for each intangible asset. 

Dealership distribution agreements  
Customer lists and non-competition agreements 
Software costs  

20 years 
5 years 
5 years 

Goodwill 
Goodwill is the excess of the consideration of a business combination over the Company's interest in the net fair value 
of  the  identifiable  assets,  liabilities  and  contingent  liabilities  recognized.    Goodwill  is  measured  at  cost  less 
accumulated impairment. 

Cervus Annual Report 2015 | 53 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CERVUS EQUIPMENT CORPORATION 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 

3.   Significant Accounting Policies (continued) 

Investments in associates 
An associate is an entity over which the Company has significant influence and that  is neither a subsidiary nor an 
interest  in  a  joint  venture.    Significant  influence  is  the  power  to  participate  in  the  financial  and  operating  policy 
decisions of the investee but is not control or joint control over those policies. 

The  results  and  assets  and  liabilities  of  associates  are  incorporated  in  these  financial  statements  using  the  equity 
method  of  accounting.  Under  the  equity  method,  investments  in  associates  are  carried  in  the  consolidated 
statements of financial position at cost as adjusted for post-acquisition changes in the Company’s share of the net 
assets of the associate, less any impairment in the value of individual investments.  Losses of an associate in excess of 
the Company’s interest in that associate (which includes any long-term interests that, in substance, form part of the 
Company’s net investment in the associate) are recognized only to the extent that the Company has incurred legal or 
constructive obligations or made payments on behalf of the associate. 

Any excess of the cost of acquisition over the Company’s share of the net fair value of the identifiable assets, liabilities 
and contingent liabilities of the associate recognized at the date of acquisition is recognized as goodwill.  The goodwill 
is included within the carrying amount of the investment and is assessed for impairment as part of that investment.  
Any excess of the Company’s share of the net fair value of the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities 
over the cost of acquisition, after reassessment, is recognized immediately in profit or loss.  

When the Company transacts with an associate of the Company, profit and losses are eliminated to the extent of the 
Company’s interest on the relevant associate. 

Assets held for sale 
Non-current assets are classified as held for sale when it is highly probable that an asset in its present condition will 
be recovered principally through sale instead of its continued use. Assets held for sale are measured at the lower of 
the  carrying  amount  and  fair  value  less  costs  to  sell.    Once  classified  as  held-for-sale  plant  and  equipment  are  no 
longer depreciated.  

Lease arrangements 
At the inception of an arrangement, the Company considers whether the arrangement, is or contains, a lease. The 
Company must determine whether the fulfilment of the arrangement is dependent on the use of a specific asset and 
if the arrangement conveys the right to use the asset. Where it is determined that the arrangement contains a lease, 
the Company classifies the lease as either an operating or finance lease dependent on whether substantially or all of 
the risks or rewards of ownership of the asset have been transferred.  

a) The Company as the lessee 
Payments made under operating leases are recognized in profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the term of the 
lease. Lease incentives received are recognized as an integral part of the total lease expense, over the term of the 
lease.  
At the inception of a finance lease, the asset and finance lease liability is recorded at the lower of its fair value and the 
present value of minimum lease payments. Minimum lease payments made under finance leases are apportioned 
between the finance expense and the reduction of the outstanding liability. The finance expense is allocated to each 
period during the lease term so as to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the 
liability.  

Cervus Annual Report 2015 | 54 

 
 
 
 
CERVUS EQUIPMENT CORPORATION 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 

3.   Significant Accounting Policies (continued) 

b) The Company as the lessor 
An operating lease effectively establishes that the lessor shall retain the rewards and associated risks of ownership of 
that asset for a period of time or use. Where the Company’s equipment rentals and leases to customers are classified 
as operating leases, the payments received are included in revenue on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.  

Revenue  related  to  lease  arrangements  accounted  for  as  finance  leases  are  recognized  using  an  approach  for  a 
constant rate of return on the net investment in the lease. The net investment in the finance lease is the aggregate of 
net  minimum  lease  payments  and  unearned  finance  income  discounted  at  the  interest  rate  implicit  in  the  lease. 
Unearned finance income is deferred and recognized in net income over the lease term.  

Impairment 
Financial assets (including receivables) 
A financial asset not carried at fair value through profit or loss is assessed at each reporting date to determine whether 
there is objective evidence that it is impaired.  A financial asset is impaired if objective evidence indicates that a loss 
event  has  occurred  after  the  initial  recognition  of  the  asset,  and  that  the  loss  event  had  a  negative  effect  on  the 
estimated future cash flows of that asset that can be estimated reliably. 

Objective evidence that financial assets (including equity securities) are impaired can include default or delinquency 
by  a  debtor,  restructuring  of  an  amount  due  to  the  Company  on  terms  that  the  Company  would  not  consider 
otherwise, indications that a debtor or issuer will enter bankruptcy, or the disappearance of an active market for a 
security.  In addition, for an investment in an equity security, a significant or prolonged decline in its fair value below 
its cost is objective evidence of impairment. 

The Company considers evidence of impairment for receivables and held-to-maturity investment securities at both a 
specific asset and collective level.  All individually significant receivables and held-to-maturity investment securities 
found not to be specifically impaired are then collectively assessed for any impairment that has been incurred but not 
yet  identified.    Receivables  and  held-to-maturity  investment  securities  that  are  not  individually  significant  are 
collectively  assessed  for  impairment  by  grouping  together  receivables  and  held-to-maturity  investment  securities 
with similar risk characteristics. 

In  assessing  collective  impairment  the  Company  uses  historical  trends  of  the  probability  of  default,  timing  of 
recoveries and the amount of loss incurred, adjusted for management’s judgement as to whether current economic 
and credit conditions are such that the actual losses are likely to be greater or less than suggested by historical trends. 

An impairment loss in respect of a financial asset measured at amortized cost is calculated as the difference between 
its  carrying  amount  and  the  present  value  of  the  estimated  future  cash  flows  discounted  at  the  asset’s  original 
effective  interest  rate.    Losses  are  recognized  in  profit  or  loss  and  reflected  in  an  allowance  account  against 
receivables. Interest on the impaired asset continues to be recognized through the unwinding of the discount.  When 
a subsequent event causes the amount of impairment loss to decrease, the decrease in impairment loss is reversed 
through profit or loss. 

Cervus Annual Report 2015 | 55 

 
 
 
 
 
 
CERVUS EQUIPMENT CORPORATION 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 

3.   Significant Accounting Policies (continued) 

Non-financial assets 
The amounts for property and equipment and intangible assets with finite useful lives are reviewed at each reporting 
period  to  identify  if  there  are  indicators  of  impairment.  If  any  such  indication  exists,  then  the  asset’s  recoverable 
amount is estimated. The carrying values of intangible assets and goodwill with indefinite lives are periodically tested 
for  impairment,  and  must  be  tested  annually,  at  a  minimum.  We  have  selected  December  31st  as  our  annual 
impairment  test  date,  although  impairment  tests  are  conducted  more  frequently  if  indicators  of  impairment  are 
present at dates other than December 31st.  

When  it  is  not  possible  to  estimate  the  recoverable  amount  of  an  individual  asset,  the  Company  estimates  the 
recoverable  amount  of  the  cash  generating  unit  (CGU)  to  which  the  asset  belongs.  The  CGU  corresponds  to  the 
smallest identifiable group of assets whose continuing use generates cash inflows that are largely independent of the 
cash inflows from other assets or groups of assets. The Company has determined that its CGUs comprise groups of 
stores which provide the same or similar product within a geographic market. 

Goodwill acquired in a business combination is allocated to the CGU which it relates. Intangible assets with indefinite 
useful lives and assets held at the parent level are allocated to the CGU to which they relate.   

Impairment losses are recognized in profit or loss.  Any impairment loss is allocated first to reduce the carrying amount 
of any goodwill allocated to the CGU and then to the other assets of the CGU pro rata based on the carrying amount 
of each asset in the CGU. An impairment loss is recognized when the carrying amount of an asset, or of the CGU to 
which it belongs, exceeds the recoverable amount. The recoverable amount of an asset or cash-generating unit is the 
greater of its value in use and its fair value less costs to sell.  In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows 
are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the 
time value of money and the risks specific to the asset.  

Reversals of previously recognized impairments 
An impairment loss in respect of goodwill is not reversed.  In respect of other assets, impairment losses recognized in 
prior periods are assessed at each reporting date for any indications that the loss has decreased or no longer exists.  
An impairment loss is reversed if there has been a change in the estimates used to determine the recoverable amount.  

An  impairment  loss  is  reversed  only  to  the  extent  that  the  asset’s  carrying  amount  does  not  exceed  the  carrying 
amount  that  would  have  been  determined,  net  of  depreciation  or  amortization,  if  no  impairment  loss  had  been 
recognized. 

Cervus Annual Report 2015 | 56 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CERVUS EQUIPMENT CORPORATION 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 

3.   Significant Accounting Policies (continued) 

Income tax 
Income  tax  expense  represents  the  sum  of  the  tax  currently  payable  and  deferred  tax.    Current  income  taxes  are 
recorded based on the estimated income taxes payable on taxable income for the year and any adjustment to tax 
payable in respect of previous years.  The Company’s liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates that have 
been substantively enacted by the end of the reporting period. 

Deferred tax is recognized in respect of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities 
for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes. Deferred tax is measured at the tax rates 
that  are  expected  to  be  applied  to  temporary  differences  when  they  reverse,  based  on  the  laws  that  have  been 
enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date.  A deferred tax asset is recognized if it is more likely than not 
to be realized. The effect of a change in tax rates on future income tax assets and liabilities is recorded in the period 
in which the change occurs. 

Provisions 
Provisions  are  recognized  when  the  Company  has  a  present  obligation  (legal  or  constructive)  as  a  result  of  a  past 
event, it is probable that the Company will be required to settle the obligation, and a reliable estimate can be made 
of  the  amount  of  the  obligation.    The  amount  recognized  as  a  provision  is  the  best  estimate  of  the  consideration 
required  to  settle  the  present  obligation  at  the  end  of  the  reporting  period,  taking  into  account  the  risks  and 
uncertainties surrounding the obligation. Where a provision is measured using the cash flows estimated to settle the 
present obligation, its carrying amount is the present value of those cash flows. 

When some or all of the economic benefits required to settle a provision are expected to be recovered from a third 
party, a receivable is recognized as an asset if it is virtually certain that reimbursement will be received and measured 
reliably. 

Financial Instruments 
A financial instrument is any contract that gives rise to a financial asset of one entity and a financial liability or equity 
instrument  to  another  entity.  Financial  assets  and  financial  liabilities,  including  derivatives,  are  recognized  on  the 
consolidated statement of financial position at the time the Company becomes a party to the contractual provisions. 
Upon  initial  recognition,  financial  instruments  are  measured  at  fair  value  and  for  the  purpose  of  subsequent 
measurement; they are allocated into one of the following five categories: held-for-trading, held-to-maturity, loans 
and  receivables,  available-for-sale  or  other  financial  liabilities.  Derivative  instruments  are  categorized  as  held  for 
trading unless they are designated as hedges. The Company’s financial assets and liabilities consist primarily of cash 
and cash equivalents, trade and other accounts receivable, trade and other accrued liabilities, dividends payable, floor 
plan payables, foreign currency hedging instruments, debenture payable, finance leases, and term debt and notes 
payable. The designated financial instruments are recognized and measured as follows: 

• 

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss, or held-for-trading instruments, are financial assets and 
liabilities typically acquired with the intention of generating revenues in the short-term. However, an entity is 
allowed  to  designate  any  financial  instrument  as  held-for-trading  on  initial  recognition  even  if  it  would 
otherwise  not  satisfy  the  definition.  Financial  assets  and  financial  liabilities  required  to  be  classified  or 
designated as held for-trading are measured at fair value, with gains and losses recorded in profit or loss for 
the period in which the change occurs.  Upon initial recognition, attributable transaction costs are recognized 
in profit or loss as incurred.   

•  Held-to-maturity financial assets are initially recognized at fair value plus any directly attributable transaction 

costs. Subsequent to initial recognition, they are measured at amortized cost. 

Cervus Annual Report 2015 | 57 

CERVUS EQUIPMENT CORPORATION 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 

3. Significant Accounting Policies (continued) 

• 

Loans  and  receivables  are  measured  at  amortized  cost  using  the  effective  interest  method.    Loans  and 
receivables include trade and other accounts receivable, and deposits with manufacturers.  

•  Available-for-sale financial assets are non-derivative assets that are designated as available-for sale or that are 
not classified as loans and receivables, held-to-maturity investments or held for-trading.  Available-for-sale 
financial assets are initially recognized at fair value plus any directly attributable transaction costs, and are 
carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses included in other comprehensive income (OCI) until such 
gains or losses are realized or an other than temporary impairment is determined to have occurred. Available-
for-sale assets are measured at fair value, except for assets that do not have a readily determinable fair value 
which are recorded at cost and assessed for impairment when indicators for impairment exist.  

•  Other financial liabilities are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method.  The Company’s 
other financial liabilities include trade and other accrued liabilities, dividends  payable, floor plan payables, 
term debt, debenture payable, finance lease obligation and notes payable. 

Derivative  financial  instruments  are  used  to  manage  the  Company’s  foreign  currency  exposure,  utilizing  forward 
currency  contracts  to  lock  the  margin  on  certain  customer  orders  where  the  customer  has  agreed  to  a  price  in 
Canadian dollars, and the Company will be invoiced in U.S Dollars. Derivatives are initially recognized at fair value, 
any directly attributable transaction costs are recognized in profit or loss as incurred. Subsequent to initial recognition 
derivatives are measured at fair value and changes therein are generally recognized in profit or loss.  

Revenue recognition 

Revenue is recognized when it is probable that future economic benefits will flow to the Company, and the amount 
of revenue can be reliably measured.  Revenue is recorded based on the fair value of the consideration received or 
receivable.  Revenue  is  not  recognized  before  there  is  persuasive  evidence  that  an  arrangement  exists,  such  as, 
delivery has occurred, the rate is fixed and determinable, and the collection of outstanding amounts is considered 
probable.  The Company considers persuasive evidence to exist when a formal contract or purchase order is signed 
and required deposits have been received. Sales terms do not include provision for post service obligations. 

Parts revenue is recognized when the part is delivered to the customer. Service revenue is recognized at the time the 
service is provided. For long-term service and maintenance contracts, revenue is recognized on a basis proportionate 
to  the  work  performed.  Rentals  and  operating  lease  revenue  are  recorded  at  the  time  the  service  is  provided, 
recognized evenly over the term of the rental or lease agreement with the customer. 

Finance income and finance costs 

Finance income comprises interest income on funds invested (including available-for-sale financial assets), gains on 
the disposal of available-for-sale financial.   

Finance  costs  comprise  interest  expense  on  borrowings  and  impairment  losses  recognized  on  financial  assets.  
Borrowing costs that are not directly attributable to the construction, acquisition or production of a qualifying asset 
are recognized in profit or loss as incurred. 

Changes in the fair value of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss are included in Other Income or Loss.   

Cervus Annual Report 2015 | 58 

 
 
 
 
CERVUS EQUIPMENT CORPORATION 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 

3.   Significant Accounting Policies (continued) 

Earnings per share 
Basic earnings per share are computed by dividing earnings by the weighted average number of shares outstanding 
for the period.  Diluted earnings per share are calculated giving effect to the potential dilution that would occur if 
share options or other dilutive instruments were exercised or converted to shares.  The treasury stock method is used 
to determine the dilutive effect of share options, convertible preferred shares and other dilutive instruments.  This 
method assumes that any proceeds upon the exercise or conversion of dilutive instruments, for which market prices 
exceed exercise price, would be used to purchase shares at the average market price of the shares during the period.  

Short-term employee benefits 
Short-term employee benefit obligations are measured on an undiscounted basis and are expensed as the related 
service is provided. A liability is recognized for the amount expected to be paid under short-term cash bonus or profit 
sharing  plans if the Company has a  present legal or  constructive obligation  to pay this amount  as a result of  past 
service provided by the employee, and the obligation can be estimated reliably. 

Share-based payment transactions 
The grant date fair value as determined by the black-scholes model for share option awards granted to employees is 
recognized as an employee expense, with a corresponding increase in equity, over the period that the employees 
unconditionally  become  entitled  to  the  awards.  The  amount  recognized  as  an  expense  is  adjusted  to  reflect  the 
number of awards for which the related service and non-market vesting conditions are expected to be met, such that 
the amount ultimately recognized as an expense is based on the number of awards that do meet the related service 
and  non-market  performance  conditions  at  the  vesting  date.  Amounts  for  share  option  payment  transactions  are 
recognized in contributed surplus as they vest, which is captured in other reserves.  

Also  included  in  other  reserves  are  amounts  for  expired  private  placement  warrants  and  conversion  feature  for 
convertible debenture.  

Cervus Annual Report 2015 | 59 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CERVUS EQUIPMENT CORPORATION 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 

4.  Standards issued but not yet effective 

Certain new or amended standards or interpretations have been issued by the IASB or IFRIC that are required to be 
adopted in the current or future periods.  The new standards, amendments to existing standards effective for annual 
periods beginning on or after January 1, 2016 and have not been applied in preparing these consolidated financial 
statements are set out below.   

Effective  January  1,  2016,  the  Company  will  be  required  to  adopt  amendments  to  IAS  16  Property,  Plant  and 
Equipment and IAS 38 Intangible Assets for clarification  on acceptable methods of depreciation and amortization. 
The amendments are to be applied prospectively for the annual period commencing January 1, 2016. The Company 
does not expect the amendments to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.  

On September 25, 2014, the IASB issued narrow-scope amendments to a total of four standards as part of its annual 
improvements  process. The  amendments will apply for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2016. The 
Company intends to adopt these amendments in its financial statements for the annual period beginning on January 
1, 2016. The Company does not expect the amendments to have a material impact on the financial statements.  

On December 18, 2014, the IASB issued amendments to IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements as part of its major 
initiative to improve presentation and disclosure in financial reports. The amendments are effective for annual periods 
beginning on or after January 1, 2016. The Company intends to adopt these amendments in its financial statements 
for annual period beginning on January 1, 2016. The Company does not expect the amendments to have a material 
impact on the financial statements.  

On May 6, 2014 the IASB issued Accounting for Acquisitions of Interests in Joint Operations. The Company intends to 
adopt the amendments to IFRS 11 in its financial statements for the annual period beginning on January 1, 2016. The 
Company does not expect the amendments to have a material impact on the financial statements.  

On September 11, 2014 the IASB issued Sale or Contribution of Assets between an Investor and its Associate or Joint 
Venture (Amendments to IFRS 10 and IAS 28). The Company does not intend to early adopt these amendments in its 
financial statements for the annual period beginning January 1, 2016, as the effective date for these amendments has 
been deferred indefinitely.  

Effective  January  1,  2018,  the  Company  will  be  required  to  adopt  IFRS  15  related  to  revenue  from  contracts  with 
customers.  Revenue  from  Contracts  with  Customers,  was  issued  in  May  2014  and  replaces  IAS  11  Construction 
Contracts, IAS 18 Revenue, IFRIC 13 Customer Loyalty Programs, IFRIC 15 Agreements for the Construction of Real 
Estate, IFRIC 18 Transfers of Assets from Customers and SIC-31 Revenue – Barter Transactions Involving Advertising 
Services. The extent of the impact of adoption of the standard has not yet been determined.  

The  IASB  has  released  updates  to  IFRS  9,  related  to  the  accounting  and  presentation  of  financial  instruments  and 
applies a principal-based approach to the classification and measurement of financial assets and financial liabilities, 
including  an  expected  credit  loss  model  for  calculating  impairment,  and  includes  new  requirements  for  hedge 
accounting.  The  mandatory  effective  date  is  January  1,  2018;  however,  early  adoption  is  permitted.  The  Company 
intends  to adopt IFRS 9 (2014) in its financial statements  for the annual period beginning on January 1, 2018. The 
extent of the impact of adoption of the standard has not yet been determined. 

On January 13, 2016 the IASB issued IFRS 16 Leases. The new standard is effective for annual periods beginning on or 
after  January  1,  2019.  Earlier  application  is  permitted  for  entities  that  apply  IFRS  15  Revenue  from  Contracts  with 
Customers at or before the date of initial adoption of IFRS 16. IFRS 16 will replace IAS 17 Leases. The Company intends 
to adopt IFRS 16 in its financial statements for  the annual period beginning on January 1, 2019. The extent of the 
impact of adoption of the standard has not yet been determined. 

Cervus Annual Report 2015 | 60 

 
 
 
CERVUS EQUIPMENT CORPORATION 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 

5.  Cash and Cash Equivalents 

($ thousands)
Bank and cash balances
Money market funds

6.  Trade and Other Accounts Receivable 

($ thousands)

Trade receivables
Contracts in transit
Current portion of long-term finance contracts
Volume bonus 

Allowance for doubtful debts

Prepaid expenses

2015

11,685
270
11,955

$

$

2014
18,518
269
18,787

$

$

2015

44,916
9,467
608
125
55,116
(1,987)
53,129
5,942
59,071

$

$

2014
42,391
10,777
789
352
54,309
(1,386)
52,923
5,539
58,462

$

$

Movement in allowance for doubtful debts during the year has been recorded in selling, general and administrative 
expense, the details of which are disclosed in Note 26.  

7. 

Inventories 

($ thousands)
New equipment
Used equipment
Parts and accessories
Work-in-progress

2015
$ 165,660
100,412
50,195
1,459
$ 317,726

2014
163,815
111,505
47,047
2,258
324,625

$

$

During the year ended December 31, 2015, included in costs of sales are amounts related to inventories of $874,097 
thousand (2014 - $767,379 thousand).  The total inventory write-downs recorded during the years ended December 
31, 2015 and included in cost of goods sold was $4,661 thousand (2014 - $1,828 thousand). The Company’s inventory 
has been pledged as security for floor plan payables under terms of the floorplan agreements and for long-term debt 
under general security agreements. 

Cervus Annual Report 2015 | 61 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CERVUS EQUIPMENT CORPORATION 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 

8.  Finance Leases 

a) As Lessor - Finance Lease Receivables 

The  Company  has  entered  into  fixed  term  contractual  arrangements  to  allow  customers  to  have  dedicated  use  of 
certain heavy trucks and equipment owned by the Company, where substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership 
are held by the customer. These arrangements are accounted for as finance leases.  

The Company’s net investment in finance lease receivables as at December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:  

Gross investment in finance 
lease receivables

Future finance income

Present value of minimum 
lease payments receivable

($ thousands)
Less than one year
Between one and five years
More than five years
Total

$

$

2015
610 $

1,135
20
1,765 $

2014
1,686 $
1,676
237
3,599 $

2015
(26) $
(268)
(9)
(303) $

2014
(86) $

(369)
(111)
(566) $

2015
584 $
867
11
1,462 $

2014
1,600
1,307
126
3,033

b) As Lessee - Finance Lease Liabilities 

Finance  lease  liabilities  reflect  the  total  future  payments  on  leases  for  heavy  trucks  and  equipment,  including  final 
payments or buyouts. The finance lease assets are subsequently leased to customers, primarily under operating lease 
agreements.  Based  on  the  effective  interest  rate  implicit  in  each  lease  these  future  payments  are  discounted  to 
determine the net scheduled lease payments on each lease. The leases have terms typically between 1 and 7 years. On 
the maturity of the lease, the Company will sell the equipment. The difference between the Company’s proceeds and 
the residual value per the lease agreement remains with the Company. 

Finance lease liabilities as at December 31, 2015 and 2014 are payable as follows: 

Future minimum lease 
payments

($ thousands)
Less than one year
Between one and five years
More than five years
Total

$

$

2015
5,900 $
17,902
1,544
25,346 $

2014
6,398 $

20,844
1,401
28,643 $

Interest

2015
(187) $

(2,711)
(384)
(3,282) $

Present value of minimum 
lease payments

2014
(223) $

(3,501)
(410)
(4,134) $

2015
5,713 $
15,191
1,160
22,064 $

2014
6,175
17,343
991
24,509

9.  Assets Held for Sale 

In  2015,  the  Company  committed  to  a  plan  to  sell  three  buildings  and  land  within  Agricultural  and  C&I  segments. 
Accordingly, these properties and related term debt has been presented as held for sale. The land and buildings with a 
net book value of $9,247 thousand are classified as held for sale as is the term debt due at the time of sale of these 
properties of $4,037 thousand. The operations located at these properties will be relocated to new facilities or serviced 
through surrounding areas.  

Cervus Annual Report 2015 | 62 

 
 
 
 
 
 
CERVUS EQUIPMENT CORPORATION 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 

10.  Equity Accounted Associates 

($ thousands)
Prairie Precision Network Inc.
JD Integrated Solutions Inc. (a)
Maple Farm Equipment Partnership (b) 

Ownership %
22.2%
26.9%
21.4%

2015

29
812
4,921
5,762

$

$

2014
29
550
4,689
5,268

$

$

The Company’s share of profit net of tax in its equity accounted investees for the year ended December 31, 2015 was 
$542 thousand (2014 - $712 thousand).  All of the Company’s investments in associates are measured under the equity 
method. During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company did not receive any repayments from its investees 
(2014 - $2,063 thousand).   

(a) The Company has determined it has significant influence with respect to JD Integrated Solutions Inc. (“JDIS”) as the 
Company holds a seat on JDIS’s board of directors.  

(b)  Maple  Farm  Equipment  Partnership  (“Maple”)  holds  investments  in  seven  John  Deere  agricultural  dealerships 
headquartered  in  Yorkton,  Saskatchewan,  and  operates  in  similar  markets  and  geography  as  the  Company’s 
Agricultural segment.  

Summary  financial  information  for  the  Company’s  equity  accounted  investees,  had  the  Company  owned  100%  of 
investees, is as follows:  

($ thousands)
Current Assets
Long-term assets
Current liabilities
Long-term liabilities
Revenue and other income
Expenses

11.  Deposits with Manufacturers 

$

2015

60,772
26,655
34,136
3,969
190,472
189,299

$

2014
57,932
31,248
34,910
5,386
203,048
196,466

John Deere Credit Inc. (“Deere Credit”) provides and administers financing for retail purchases and leases of new and 
used  equipment.    Under  the  financing  and  lease  plans,  Deere  Credit  retains  the  security  interest  in  the  financed 
equipment.  The Company is liable for a portion of the deficiency in the event that the customer defaults on their lease 
obligation.  Deere Credit retains 1% to 2% of the face amount of the finance or lease contract for amounts that  the 
Company may have to pay Deere Credit under this arrangement.  The deposits are capped at 3% of the total dollar 
amount of the lease finance contracts outstanding.   

The  maximum  liability  that  may  arise  related  to  these  arrangements  is  limited  to  the  deposits  of  $2,657  thousand 
(December  31,  2014  -  $3,479  thousand).    Deere  Credit  reviews  the  deposit  account  balances  quarterly  and  if  the 
balances exceed the minimum requirements, Deere Credit refunds the difference to the Company. 

Cervus Annual Report 2015 | 63 

 
 
 
 
 
 
CERVUS EQUIPMENT CORPORATION 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 

12.  Property and Equipment    

Land and 
Buildings

74,664
8,515
-

5,963
-
-

(210)
88,932

9,161
-
(2,668)
(10,361)
-

Cost
Balance at January 1, 2014
Additions
Additions for finance lease
Additions from business 
acquisition
Disposals
Transfers 
Effect of movements in 
exchange rates
Balance at December 31, 2014
Additions
Additions for finance lease
Disposals
Assets held for sale
Transfers 
Effect of movements in 
exchange rates
Balance at December 31, 2015

Short-term 
Rental  
Equipment

Automotive 
and Trucks

Furniture 
and 
Fixtures

Parts and 
Shop 
Equipment

Computers 
and 
Software

22,990
9,219
1,181

21,975
(5,853)
483

44
50,039

5,452
5,026
(5,152)
-
(4,831)

13,836
4,205
-

1,876
(795)
(21)

280
19,381

2,604
-
(1,555)
-
-

4,107
982
-

279
(12)
-

2
5,358

636
-
(109)
-
1,120

5,690
726
-

2,729
(63)
-

(268)
8,814

586
-
(53)
-
(1,120)

Leasehold 
Improvements

Total
1,327 $ 126,067
24,777
1,181

509
-

1,418
(1)
-

3
3,256

529
-
(98)
-
-

37

34,880
(6,798)
462

(134)
180,435

19,539
5,026
(9,711)
(10,361)
(4,831)

1,010

3,453
621
-

640
(74)
-

15
4,655

571
-
(76)
-
-

37

108

455

264

28

81

85,172

50,989

20,694

7,033

8,308

5,187

3,724 $ 181,107

Cervus Annual Report 2015 | 64 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CERVUS EQUIPMENT CORPORATION 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 

12. Property and Equipment (continued) 

Accumulated Depreciation 
and Impairment
Balance at January 1, 2014
Depreciation expense
Disposals
Transfers 
Effects of movements in 
exchange rates
Balance at December 31, 2014
Depreciation expense
Disposals
Assets held for sale
Transfers 
Effects of movements in 
exchange rates
Balance at December 31, 2015

Land and 
Buildings

Short-term 
Rental  
Equipment

Automotive 
and Trucks

Furniture 
and 
Fixtures

Parts and 
Shop 
Equipment

Computers 
and 
Software

Leasehold 
Improvements

2,827
1,969
-
-

(6)
4,790

2,033
(28)
(1,114)
-

6,088
3,545
(2,604)
(128)

25
6,926

4,990
(2,435)
-
(456)

6,276
2,787
(428)
-

(52)
8,583

3,080
(1,035)
-
-

34
5,715

(1)
9,024

36
10,664

2,486
538
(26)
-

2
3,000

901
(148)
-
-

58
3,811

3,259
872
(20)
-

1
4,112

868
(29)
-
-

11
4,962

2,352
676
(65)
-

10
2,973

757
(41)
-
-

24
3,713

883 $
223
(29)
-

26
1,103

404
(98)
-
-

Total
24,171
10,610
(3,172)
(128)

6
31,487

13,033
(3,814)
(1,114)
(456)

10

172
1,419 $ 39,308

Carrying Value
Balance at December 31, 2014
Balance at December 31, 2015

Land and 
Buildings

84,142

79,457

Short-term 
Rental  
Equipment

43,113

41,965

Automotive 
and Trucks

Furniture 
and 
Fixtures

Parts and 
Shop 
Equipment

Computers 
and 
Software

10,798

10,030

2,358

3,222

4,702

3,346

1,682

1,474

Leasehold 
Improvements

Total
2,153 $ 148,948
2,305 $ 141,799

Depreciation expense has been recorded in cost of sales in the amount of $4,900 thousand (2014 - $3,509 thousand) and 
selling, general and administrative expenses of $8,133 thousand (2014 - $7,101 thousand). Included in total additions were 
amounts for short-term rental equipment relating to additions for lease arrangements classified as finance lease of $5,026 
thousand (2014 – $1,181 thousand). At December 31, 2015, land and buildings included construction in progress costs of 
$523 thousand.   The Company’s property and equipment has been pledged as security for its long-term debt. 

Cervus Annual Report 2015 | 65 

 
 
 
 
CERVUS EQUIPMENT CORPORATION 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 

13.  Income Taxes 

On May 4, 2015, the Company announced that it had entered into an agreement with the Canada Revenue Agency 
(CRA) regarding their objection to the tax consequences of the conversion of the Company from a limited partnership 
structure into a corporation in October 2009.  

The agreement resulted in a non-cash charge of $33.4 million related to the write-off of a portion of the Company’s 
deferred tax asset and recognition of $3.6 million of provincial cash taxes payable for the tax years ended December 31, 
2013 and 2014. Under the agreement, the Company had $1.9 million of unused federal tax attributes which have been 
applied to reduce 2015 income taxes payable. Total expense recognized due to the CRA settlement was $36.9 million.  

The corporate income tax rate increase in Alberta for current and future periods that was enacted in the second quarter 
of the year resulted in an estimated increase in the deferred income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2015 
of $0.4 million. 

Tax expense 

($ thousands)
Current income tax expense 
Deferred income tax expense
Derecognition of deferred tax asset due to CRA settlement
Provincial taxes payable due to CRA settlement
Income tax loss recognized in statement of comprehensive income

2015
3,807
1,572
33,395
3,553
42,327

$

$

2014
113
7,541
-
-
7,654

$

$

Using  federal  and  provincial  statutory  rates  of  26.4%  (2014  –  25.9%),  the  income  tax  expense  for  the  year  can  be 
reconciled to the statement of profit (loss) as follows:  

($ thousands)

Profit before income tax expense
Expected income tax expense
Derecognition of deferred tax asset due to CRA settlement
Provincial taxes payable due to CRA settlement
Non-deductible costs and temporary differences between tax
    and accounting basis 

$

Income tax loss/(recovery) recognized in statement of comprehensive income

$

2015

2014

14,948
3,946
33,395
3,553

1,433
42,327

$

$

26,150
6,773
-
-

881
7,654

Cervus Annual Report 2015 | 66 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CERVUS EQUIPMENT CORPORATION 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 

13.   Income Taxes (continued) 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities 
Continuity of the Company’s tax balances in during the year are as follows:  

($ thousands)
Tax values over carrying value of tangible assets
Carrying value over the tax value of convertible 
debenture liability
Carrying value over the tax value of intangible assets
Carrying value over the tax value of finance lease 
obligation
Federal investment tax credits
Non-capital losses
Deferred tax asset (liability)
Reflected in the statement of financial position
Deferred tax asset
Deferred tax liability
Deferred tax asset (liability), net

Impact of CRA 
Agreement
 $         (9,044)  $                  -   

2014

Recognized in 
Comprehensive 
Income
(470)

$             

2015
 $         (9,514)

(479)
(7,785)

6,349
12,841
21,437
23,319

-
-

-
(12,960)
(20,435)
(33,395)

152
736

(443)
(403)
(1,144)
(1,572)

24,518
(1,199)
 $        23,319 

(24,518)
(8,877)

-
(1,572)
 $       (33,395)  $         (1,572)

(327)
(7,049)

5,906
(522)
(142)
(11,648)

-
(11,648)
(11,648)  

The  Company  has  not  recognized  the  benefits  associated  with  capital  losses  of  $39,690  thousand  (2014  -  $74,025 
thousand) and non-capital losses of $941 thousand (2014 - $943 thousand), as the timing and ultimate application of 
these tax loss carryforwards are uncertain.  

Cervus Annual Report 2015 | 67 

 
 
 
 
 
 
CERVUS EQUIPMENT CORPORATION 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 

14.  Intangible Assets and Goodwill 

Intangible assets are comprised of the following:  

Cost
Balance at January 1, 2014
Additions
Additions through business acquisitions
Effect of movements in exchange rates
Balance at December 31, 2014
Additions
Derecognized
Effect of movements in exchange rates
Balance at December 31, 2015

Accumulated Depreciation and 
Impairment
Balance at January 1, 2014
Amortization expense
Balance at December 31, 2014
Amortization expense
Derecognized
Balance at December 31, 2015

Carrying Value
Balance at December 31, 2014
Balance at December 31, 2015

Dealership 
Distribution 
Agreements

26,447

-
25,601
(106)
51,942

-
-
298
52,240

Dealership 
Distribution 
Agreements

5,676
1,717
7,393

Trade
 Name

4,715

-
-
-
4,715

-
(4,715)
-
-

Trade
 Name

2,356
2,241
4,597

Customer
Lists

10,019

-
5,944
(39)
15,924

-
-
35
15,959

Customer
Lists

7,143
1,791
8,934

Non-
Competition 
Agreements

2,081

-
1,420
1
3,502

-
-
7
3,509

Non-
Competition 
Agreements

1,948
84
2,032

2,673
-
       10,066 

1,635
118
(4,715)
-
             -          10,569 

322
-
         2,354 

Software 
Costs

- $

882
-
-
882

1,479
-
-

2,361 $

Software 
Costs

- $
-
-

72
-

               72  $

Dealership 
Distribution 
Agreements

44,549

Trade
 Name

118

Customer
Lists

6,990

Non-
Competition 
Agreements

Software 
Costs

1,470

882 $

Total
43,262

882
32,965
(144)
76,965

1,479
(4,715)
340
74,069

Total
17,123
5,833
22,956

4,820
(4,715)
23,061

Total
54,009

       42,174 

             -             5,390 

         1,155 

         2,289  $        51,008 

Amortization  expense  of  $4,820  thousand  (2014  -  $5,833  thousand)  has  been  recorded  in  selling,  general  and 
administrative  expense.    Following  completion  of  branding  initiative,  fully  amortized  trade  name  intangibles  were 
derecognized during the year. As of December 2015, the Corporation performed impairment tests, based on value in 
use of intangible assets.  

Cervus Annual Report 2015 | 68 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CERVUS EQUIPMENT CORPORATION 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 

14.   Intangible Assets and Goodwill (continued) 

The continuity of the Company`s goodwill is as follows: 

($ thousands)
Balance at January 1, 2014

Additions through business acquisition 
Impact of translation of goodwill held in foreign currencies

Balance at December 31, 2014

Valuation adjustment on business combination
Impact of translation of goodwill held in foreign currencies

Balance at December 31, 2015

The aggregate carrying amounts of goodwill allocated to each CGU are as follows: 

($ thousands)

Agricultural Segment  
Agricultural - Alberta
Agricultural - Saskatchewan 
Agricultural - New Zealand 
Agricultural - Australia

Commercial and Industrial Segment

Commercial
Industrial

Transportation Segment
Transportation - Ontario

$

$

$

$

6,866

  12,876 
(10)
19,732

480
404
20,616

2014

11,509
327
1,946
1,210

1,527
666

2015

$   11,988 
        327 
     2,274 
     1,287 

     1,527 
        666 

     2,547 
20,616

$

2,547
19,732

$

As  at  December  31,  2014  the  Company  had  accrued  $7,517  thousand  for  holdback  payments  for  outstanding 
consideration  for  the  acquisition  of  the  shares  of  Evergreen  Equipment  Ltd.  The  Company  had  an  adjustment  to 
goodwill of $480 thousand during the year ended December 31, 2015 upon payment of the final holdback amounts for 
the acquisitions of Deer-Country Equipment (1996) Ltd. and Evergreen Equipment Ltd.  

The Company conducted the annual impairment test of goodwill at December 31, 2015. The recoverable amount of 
the  cash  generating  units  (CGUs)  was  determined  using  value  in  use  calculations.   Value  in  use  was  determined  by 
discounting the future cash flow forecasts for a five-year  period and applying discount rates ranging from 11.0% to 
11.8% based on the Company’s post-tax weighted average cost of capital and risks specific to the particular CGU.  Future 
cash flow estimates were based on historical performance of the CGUs adjusted for prospective changes in the business 
and economic climate. No growth rate was applied to extrapolate these cash flows into perpetuity.  

Sensitivity testing was conducted as part of the impairment test.  Had the estimated cost of capital used in determining 
the post-tax discount rate been 1% higher than management’s estimates the recoverable amount of the CGUs would 
continue to exceed their carrying amount. Management believes that any reasonable change in the key assumptions 
used  to  determine  the  recoverable  amount  would  not  cause  the  carrying  amount  of  any  CGU  or  group  of  CGUs  to 
exceed its recoverable amount. Management believes its assumptions are reasonable.  

Cervus Annual Report 2015 | 69 

 
  
 
 
 
CERVUS EQUIPMENT CORPORATION 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 

14.   Intangible Assets and Goodwill (continued) 

The impairment calculations require the use of estimates related to the future operating results and cash generating 
ability of the assets. Judgment is also used in identifying the CGUs or group of CGUs at which goodwill, intangible assets 
and  property  and  equipment  are  monitored  for  internal  management  purposes  and  identifying  an  appropriate 
discount rate for these calculations.  

15.  Trade and Other Payables  

($ thousands)

Trade and other payables
Non-trade payables and accrued expenses

16.  Loans and Borrowings 

2015

48,980
28,958
77,938

$

$

2014
48,990
32,247
81,237

$

$

Bank indebtedness 
At  December  31,  2015,  the  Company  has  a  revolving  credit  facility  with  a  syndicate  of  underwriters.  The  principal 
amount available under this facility is $100,000 thousand. The facility was amended and extended on December 21, 
2015. The facility is committed for a two year term, but may be extended on or before the anniversary date with the 
consent of the lenders. The facility contains an $80,000 thousand accordion which the Company may request as an 
increase to the total available facility, subject to lender approval. As at December 31, 2015 there was $52,000 thousand 
drawn  on  the  facility  and  $2,400  thousand  had  been  utilized  for  outstanding  letters  of  credit  to  John  Deere.    The 
Company’s  credit  facility  bears  interest  at  the  lender’s  prime  rate  plus  the  Applicable  Margin  (currently  1.50%).  
Applicable Margin can range from 0.25% to 2.00% (2014 – 0% to 1.50%) and is based on a liabilities to income ratio. The 
Canadian  facility  is  secured  by  a  general  security  agreement,  a  priority  agreement;  trade  accounts  receivable, 
unencumbered inventories,  assignment of fire insurance and guarantees from the Company’s subsidiaries. As terms 
under the Canadian credit facility, the Company must maintain certain leverage, income coverage, and asset coverage 
ratios, which the Company has complied with throughout 2015, see note 26 for further discussion on covenants. Costs 
directly attributable to the completion of the Syndicated Facility have been deferred and will be amortized over the 
two year term. 

In  addition,  New  Zealand  has  a  $1,500  thousand  credit  facility  agreement  which  is  secured  by  a  general  security 
agreement covering all property, at December 31, 2015 $1,500 thousand was drawn against this facility (2014 - $500 
thousand). 

Cervus Annual Report 2015 | 70 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CERVUS EQUIPMENT CORPORATION 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 

16.   Loans and Borrowings (continued) 

Term Debt 

($ thousands)
Revolving credit facility, lenders prime rate plus the Applicable Margin (currently 
1.50%).  Applicable Margin can range from 0.25% to 2.00% and is based on a 
liabilities to income ratio

Farm Credit Corporation, mortgages payable in monthly instalments ranging from 
$39 thousand to $95 thousand including interest at a rate of lenders prime plus 
1% per annum

Year of 
Maturity

2015

2014

2017

$      52,000  $      41,605 

2017

     23,707 

25,415

Farm Credit Corporation, mortgages payable in monthly instalments of $36 
thousand including interest at a rate of lenders prime plus 1% per annum

2019

4,962

4,962

Affinity Credit Union, mortgages payable in monthly installments ranging from $8 
thousand to $17 thousand, including interest at lenders prime plus 1% per 
annum

2016

9,979

10,266

ANZ National Bank Ltd., New Zealand, mortgage payable, interest only at the rate 
of 6.88% per annum

2017

National Australian Bank, Australia, mortgage, payable monthly payments of $25K 
and a floating interest rate (December 31, 2015 and 2014 - 6.44%)

2017

1,545

1,168

3,211

3,303

Finance contracts, payable in monthly interest instalments ranging up to $4 
thousand including interest of 90 day bankers acceptance plus 3.7%, secured by 
short-term rental equipment

Various

2,509

3,909

John Deere finance contracts, New Zealand, payable in monthly instalments 
including interest at the rate of 5.5% per annum, secured by related equipment

Various

8,757

7,429

Hire purchase contracts, Australia, finance contracts payable in monthly 
installments ranging up to AU$5 thousand including interest at a rate of 5.85% to 
9.75%, secured by related equipment

Various

1,340

1,279

Finance contracts, various, repayable in monthly instalments ranging per month 
including interest from 4.00% to 9.09%

Various

       1,938 

1,712

Less current portion
Less liabilities held for sale
Less deferred debt issuance costs

109,948
(17,917)
(4,037)
(333)
87,661 $

101,048
(8,430)
-
(464)
92,154

$

Cervus Annual Report 2015 | 71 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CERVUS EQUIPMENT CORPORATION 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 

16.   Loans and Borrowings (continued) 

Floor Plan Payables 
The Company utilizes floor plan financing arrangements with various suppliers for inventory purchases.  The terms of 
these arrangements may include an interest-free period followed by a term during which interest is charged at rates 
ranging from 2.45% to 7.25% at December 31, 2015.  Settlement of the floor plan liability occurs at the earlier of sale of 
the inventory, in accordance with terms of the financing arrangement, or based on management’s discretion.  Floor 
plan payables are secured by specific new and used equipment inventories. 

($ thousands)
John Deere Financial, Canada
GE Capital Vendor Finance
John Deere Financial, New Zealand and Australia
PACCAR Financial
CIBC Floor Plan Facility
Other Floor Plan Facilities
Total Floor Plan Payable

Interest Rate
3.95%
3.00% - 5.19%
7.05 - 7.25%
2.99% - 3.56%
2.45%
3.00% - 6.44%

2015

2014
$       75,367  $        76,661 
       34,895 
         9,124 
47,557
8,742
4,822
181,801

      23,113 
      11,835 
      47,600 
        6,901 
        3,827 
$    168,643  $

Convertible Debenture 
On July 24, 2012, the Company issued $34,500 thousand of convertible unsecured subordinated debentures with a face 
value of $1,000 per debenture that mature on July 31, 2017 and bear interest at 6.0% per annum paid semi-annually on 
January  31  and  July  31  of  each  year.    The  debentures  are  convertible  at  the  option  of  the  holder  into  shares  of  the 
Company at any time prior to the maturity date at a rate of $26.15 (the "conversion price") per share.  The Company 
may redeem the debentures at its option after July 31, 2015 if the current market price of the shares on the date of the 
notice of redemption exceeds 125% of the conversion price.   

The  convertible  debentures  are  considered  a  compound  financial  instrument  as  they  can  be  converted  to  a  fixed 
number of common shares at the option of the holder.  The liability component of a compound financial instrument is 
recognized  initially  at  the  fair  value  of  a  similar  liability  that  does  not  have  an  equity  conversion  option,  and 
subsequently accounted for under the effective interest rate method.   The equity component is recognized initially at 
the difference between the fair value of the compound financial instrument as a whole and the fair value of the liability 
component.    Any  directly  attributable  transaction  costs  are  allocated  to  the  liability  and  equity  components  in 
proportion to their initial carrying amounts.   

Aggregate interest and accretion and amortization expense recorded in finance costs to December 31, 2015 was $2,946 
thousand (2014 - $2,870 thousand). Changes in the debenture liability are as follows:  

($ thousands)

Face value of convertible debenture 
Discount to face value at issuance under effective interest method 
Cumulative amortization of discount through  December 31
Carrying value of debenture payable at December 31

2015

34,500 $
(4,251)
2,692
32,941 $

2014
34,500
(4,251)
1,816
32,065

$

$

Cervus Annual Report 2015 | 72 

      
        
        
    
  
 
 
 
CERVUS EQUIPMENT CORPORATION 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 

16.   Loans and Borrowings (continued) 

For these credit facilities, the amount available under which are limited to the lesser of pre-approved credit limits or the 
available unencumbered assets. A summary of the Company’s maximum pre-approved credit limits on available credit 
facilities as at December 31, 2015 are as follows: 

2015

 2014

($ thousands)
Operating and other bank credit facilities
Capital facilities
Floor plan facilities and rental equipment term loan 
financing
Total borrowing

Total Limits

Borrowings

Total Limits

$

100,832 $
64,131

52,832
42,800

$

103,284 $
64,169

Borrowings
42,707
44,546

479,243

182,959

507,927

195,596

$

644,206 $

278,591

$

675,380 $

282,849

Total current portion long term debt
Total liabilities held for sale
Total inventory floor plan facilities
Deferred debt issuance costs
Total long term debt

(17,917)
(4,037)
(168,643)
(333)
87,661

$

644,206 $

(8,430)
-
(181,801)
(464)
92,154

$

675,380 $

17.  Financial instruments 

Fair values are approximate amounts at which financial instruments could be exchanged between willing parties based 
on current markets for instruments with similar characteristics, such as risk, principal and remaining maturities.  

Financial instruments recorded at fair value on the balance sheet are classified using a fair value hierarchy that reflects 
the  significance  of  the  inputs  used  in  making  the  measurements.  The  fair  value  hierarchy  has  the  following  levels:  
Level  1:  Reflects  valuation  based  on  quoted  prices  observed  in  active  markets  for  identical  assets  or  liabilities; 
Level 2: Reflects valuation techniques based on inputs other than quoted prices included in level 1 that are observable 
either directly or indirectly; 
Level 3: Reflects valuation techniques with significant unobservable market inputs, there were no level 3 instruments 
in current or prior year.  

Cervus Annual Report 2015 | 73 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CERVUS EQUIPMENT CORPORATION 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 

17.   Financial instruments (continued)  

The following table shows the carrying amounts and fair values of financial assets and financial liabilities, including their 
levels in the fair value hierarchy. It does not include fair value information for financial assets and financial liabilities not 
measured a fair value if the carrying amount is a reasonable approximation of fair value. 

($ thousands)
Financial Assets
Cash and cash equivalents (a)
Trade and other accounts 
receivable (a)
Derivative financial instruments
Long term receivables (a)
Finance lease receivables
Deposits with manufacturers (a)
Financial Liabilities

Trade and other accrued 
liabilities (a)
Customer deposits (a)
Floor plan payables (a)
Dividends payable (a)
Term debt (b)
Derivative financial liability

Finance lease obligation
Debenture payable (c)

2015

Fair Value

Category

Carrying 
value

Level 1

Level 2

Loans and receivable

$  

11,955

Loans and receivable

59,071

Held-for-trading

Loans and receivable

Loans and receivable

Loans and receivable

7,195

1,287

1,462

2,657

Other liabilities

77,938

7,195

1,469

Other liabilities

Other liabilities

Other liabilities

Other liabilities

Held-for-trading

Other liabilities

Other liabilities

3,004

168,643

3,317

105,578

7,180

22,064

2014

Fair Value

Level 1

Level 2

6,559

3,033

Carrying 
value

$  

18,787

58,462

6,559

1,702

3,033

3,479

81,237

8,594

175,035

3,233

100,584

7,180

6,590

22,606

24,509

6,590

24,881

$  

32,941

34,500

$  

32,065

35,297

(a) The carrying value approximates fair value for cash and cash equivalents, trade and other accounts receivable, trade 
and other accrued liabilities, floor plan payables, and dividends payable in the fair value hierarchy due to the immediate 
or short-term maturity.  

(b) The carrying values of the current and long-term portions of term debt and notes payable approximate fair value 
because the applicable interest rates on these liabilities are fixed at rates similar to prevailing market rates.  

(c) Debenture payable is measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. The fair value of debenture 
payable at December 31, 2015 is the quoted market trading price for the debentures as at December 29, 2015, as the 
debentures did not trade on December 31, 2015.  

For  other  financial  liabilities  where  the  carrying  value  does  not  approximate  the  fair  value  a  discounted  cash  flows 
approach was used to determine the fair value.  For derivative financial instruments, or forward exchange contracts, fair 
value is based on market comparison technique based on quoted prices.  

Cervus Annual Report 2015 | 74 

 
    
    
      
    
      
    
      
      
      
    
      
    
      
      
    
    
      
      
  
  
      
      
  
  
      
    
      
    
    
  
    
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
CERVUS EQUIPMENT CORPORATION 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 

18.  Capital and Other Components of Equity 

The  Company  has  unlimited  authorized  share  capital  without  par  value  for  all  common  shares.  All  issued  common 
shares have been fully paid. 

Share capital 

(thousands)
Balance at January 1, 2014
Issued under the DRIP plan
Issued under the deferred share plan
Issued common shares
Issued for business acquisitions
Issued under the share option plan
Balance at December 31, 2014
Issued under the DRIP plan
Issued under the deferred share plan
Issued under the share option plan
Issued from reserve
Balance at December 31, 2015

Common shares  

Number of 
common shares

Total carrying 
amount
78,126
1,040
359
1,530
2,690
69
83,814
1,133
1,226
573
1,524
88,270

15,012 $
52
38
67
148
8
15,325
71
113
30
67
15,606 $

Shareholders are entitled to: (i) dividends if, as and when declared by the Board of Directors of the Company; (ii) to one 
vote per share at meetings of the holders of Common Shares; and (iii) upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of 
Cervus to receive pro rata the remaining property and assets of the Company, subject to the rights of shares having 
priority over the Common Shares.  

Issuance of common shares 

During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company issued 71 thousand (2014 - 52 thousand) common shares to 
shareholders participating in the Company’s dividend reinvestment plan (“DRIP”), 113 thousand (2014 – 38 thousand) 
common shares as a result of redemptions of vested shares from the deferred share plan, and 30 thousand (2014 – 8 
thousand) common shares as a result of share options exercised, and 67 thousand (2014 – nil) common shares from 
other reserves.  

Dividends declared 

($ thousands)

$0.85 per qualifying common share

2015

2014

$

13,202

$

12,583

Total dividends paid in cash during the year were $11,987 thousand (2014 - $11,358 thousand). Dividends payable as 
at  December  31,  2015  was  $3,317  thousand  (2014  -  $3,233  thousand),  which  includes  amounts  for  DRIP  of  $230 
thousand (2014 - $288 thousand). 

Cervus Annual Report 2015 | 75 

 
 
 
CERVUS EQUIPMENT CORPORATION 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 

18. Capital and Other Components of Equity (continued) 

Dividend reinvestment plan 
The Company has a Dividend Reinvestment Plan ("DRIP") entitling shareholders to reinvest cash dividends in additional 
common shares.  The DRIP allows shareholders to reinvest dividends into new shares at 95 percent of the average share 
price of the previous 10 trading days prior to distribution.  As at December 31, 2015, the company has 46 thousand 
shares reserved for issuance under this plan. 

Accumulated and Other Comprehensive Income 
Accumulated and Other Comprehensive Income is comprised of a cumulative translation account that comprises all 
foreign currency differences that arise on the translation of the financial statements of the Company’s investment in its 
foreign operations, Cervus New Zealand Equipment Ltd. and Cervus Equipment Australia Pty Ltd.   

Other reserves 
Other reserves consists of contributed surplus of accumulated stock option expense less the fair value of the options at 
the grant date that have been exercised and reclassified to share capital. Also included in other reserves are amounts 
for expired private placement warrants, and conversion feature for convertible debenture. Changes in other reserves 
were as follows:  

($ thousands)
Balance at January 1
Share-based compensation
Exercise of stock options
Shares issued in reserve
Balance at December 31

2015
6,433

475
(202)
(1,524)
5,182

$

$

2014
5,176

258
(17)
     1,016 
6,433  

$

$

Cervus Annual Report 2015 | 76 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CERVUS EQUIPMENT CORPORATION 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 

19.  Share Based Payments 

Included in share based payments are the following: 

($ thousands)

Deferred share plan
Share options

2015

602
475
1,077

$

$

2014
1,267
259
1,526

$

$

Deferred share plan 
The  Company  has  a  deferred  share  plan  available  to  officers,  directors  and  employees  whereby,  if  elected,  certain 
payments  to  these  individuals  can  be  deferred,  ranging  in  amounts  up  to  $50  thousand  per  individual,  where  the 
Company also matches the deferred portion.  The deferred shares are granted as approved by the board of directors 
based on 95% of the 10-day average share price prior to the date of grant. The matched component of the plan vests 
over a period of 5 years (50% after 3 years, 25% after 4 years and 25% after 5 years) and is recorded as selling, general 
and administrative expense as it vests.  As at December 31, 2015, the Company has 1,069 thousand shares reserved for 
issuance under this plan.  As at December 31, 2015, 677 thousand (2014 – 745 thousand) deferred shares have been 
issued under the deferred share plan and remain outstanding.  The total deferred share plan balance as at December 
31, 2015, was $7,098 thousand (2014 - $7,559 thousand). As at December 31, 2015, the matching component of the 
plan  to  date  has  aggregated  $4,421  thousand  (2014  -  $4,224  thousand)  of  which  $3,819  thousand  (2014  -  $3,067 
thousand) has been amortized into selling, general and administrative expense to date.  Of the outstanding deferred 
shares, 572 thousand (2014 – 609 thousand) can be converted to common shares.  

20.  Cost of Sales 

The following amounts have been included in cost of sales for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014: 

($ thousands)

Depreciation of rental equipment
Interest paid on rental equipment financing

2015

4,900
2,143
7,043

$

$

2014
3,509
696
4,205

$

$

21.  Other income 

Other income for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 are comprised of the following: 

($ thousands)

Net gain on sale of  property and equipment
Net loss on acquiring controlling interest of subsidiary
Extended warranty commission
Financial compensation and consignment commissions
Unrealized foreign exchange (loss) (a)
Other (loss) income

2015

1,358
-
172
1,446
(2,810)
(1,885)
(1,719)

$

$

2014
$      1,337 
(472)
        397 
     2,022 
(952)
1,383
3,715

$

(a) Unrealized foreign exchange loss is due to changes in fair value of our derivative financial asset and from period 
close translation of floorplan payables denominated in US dollars.  

Cervus Annual Report 2015 | 77 

 
 
 
 
CERVUS EQUIPMENT CORPORATION 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 

22.  Wages and Benefits 

($ thousands)

Included in cost of sales:
Wages and benefits

Included in selling, general and administrative expenses:
Wages and benefits
Share-based payments

2015

2014

$

38,464

$

32,858

105,654
1,077
106,731
145,195

$

92,766
1,526
94,292
$ 127,150

Employee share purchase plan 

The Company has an employee share purchase plan available to all employees on a voluntary basis.  Under the plan, 
employees are able to contribute 2% to 4% of their annual salaries, based on years of service.  The Company contributes 
between 15% and 150% on a matching basis to a maximum of $5,000 per year, per employee.  The shares are purchased 
on the open market through a trustee; therefore, there is no dilutive effect to existing shareholders.  Included in selling, 
general  and  administrative  expenses  are  $1,337  thousand  (2014  -  $1,393  thousand)  of  expenses  incurred  by  the 
Company to match the employee contributions.  

Mid-term management incentive plan 

The  Company  offers  a  mid-term  incentive  plan  (the  “MTIP”)  to  certain  senior  key  employees.  Under  the  MTIP, 
participants  receive  annual  grants  of  performance  share  units  (“PSUs”)  which  are  settled  in  cash  based  on  the 
achievement of performance targets at the end of a three year performance period. A liability for MTIP obligation is 
recognized at its fair value of cash payable, and is re-measured each reporting period until the liability is settled on the 
third anniversary of initial grant. Any changes in the liability are recognized in the statement of comprehensive income. 
For the year ended December 31, 2015 MTIP liability for executives was $467 thousand ($2014 – 1,081 thousand). 

23.  Finance income and Finance Costs 

($ thousands)

Finance Income
Interest expense on convertible debenture
Interest expense on mortgage and term debt obligations
Interest expense on financial liabilities 
Finance Costs

Net finance costs recognized separately
Net finance costs recognized in cost of sales
Total Net Finance Costs

2015

$

195
(2,946)
(3,897)
(4,585)
$ (11,428)

(11,233)
(2,143)
$ (13,376)

2014
384
(2,870)
(1,750)
(3,036)
(7,656)

(7,272)
(696)
(7,968)

$

$

$

Cervus Annual Report 2015 | 78 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CERVUS EQUIPMENT CORPORATION 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 

24.  Earnings per Share 
Per share amounts 
Both basic and diluted earnings per share have been calculated using the net earnings attributable to the shareholders 
of the Company as the numerator.  No adjustments to net earnings were necessary for the years ended December 31, 
2015  and  2014.    The  weighted  average  number  of  shares  for  the  purposes  of  diluted  earnings  per  share  can  be 
reconciled to the weighted average number of basic shares as follows:  

($ thousands)

Issued common shares opening
Effect of shares issued under the DRIP plan
Effect of shares issued under the deferred share plan
Effect of shares issued under the share option plan
Effect of shares issued through reserve
Effect of shares issued for business acquisitions
Effect of shares issued through common shares issuance
Weighted average number of common shares 

Diluted earnings per share 

2015

15,325
39
57
22
38
-
-
15,481

2014
15,012
29
22
7
-
25
52
15,147

The calculation of diluted earnings per share at December 31, 2015 and 2014 was based on the profit attributable to 
common  shareholders  and  the  weighted  average  number  of  common  shares  outstanding  after  adjustment  for  the 
effects of dilutive potential common shares which consist of the following:  

($ thousands)

Weighted average number of common shares (basic)
Effect of dilutive securities:
Deferred share plan
Share options
Weighted average number of shares (diluted)

2015

15,481

-
-
15,481

2014
15,147

745
11
15,903

The above table excludes all deferred share units and options for the year ended December 31, 2015 (677 thousand) as 
they are considered anti-dilutive. 

Cervus Annual Report 2015 | 79 

 
 
 
CERVUS EQUIPMENT CORPORATION 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 

25.  Operating Leases 

a) As Lessee  

The Company leases a number of lands and building facilities, office equipment and vehicles.  The leases typically run 
for a period of between 3 and 10 years with options to renew the leases on the lands and buildings after that date.  The 
land and building leases do not include any provisions for transfer of title, nor does the Company participate in the 
residual value of the land and buildings.  Therefore, it was determined that substantially all the risks and rewards of 
ownership of the land and buildings remains with the landlord.  As such, the Company has determined that the leases 
are operating leases.   

The  Company  is  committed  to  the  following  minimum  payments  under  operating  leases  for  land  and  buildings, 
equipment and vehicles: 

Less than 1 year
Between 1 and 5 years
More than 5 years

b) As Lessor 

$

$

6,161
15,206
3,513
24,880

The  Company  has  entered  into  fixed  term  contractual  arrangements  to  allow  customers  to  have  dedicated  use  of 
certain  heavy  trucks  and  equipment  owned  by  the  Company.  The  minimum  payments  for  the  non-cancellable 
operating leases for rental fleet is as follows:   

Less than 1 year
Between 1 and 5 years
More than 5 years

$

$

4,495
11,963
1,701
18,159

Cervus Annual Report 2015 | 80 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CERVUS EQUIPMENT CORPORATION 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 

26.  Financial Risk Management 

Overview 
The Company has exposure to the following risks from its use of financial instruments: credit risk; liquidity risk; market 
risk; and operational risk. 
This note presents information about the Company’s exposure to each of the above risks, the Company’s objectives, 
policies  and  processes  for  measuring  and  managing  risk,  and  the  Company’s  management  of  capital.  Further 
quantitative disclosures are included throughout these consolidated financial statements. 

Risk management framework 
The Board of Directors (“Board”) has overall responsibility for the establishment and oversight of the Company’s risk 
management framework.  The Board, together with the Audit Committee are responsible for monitoring and oversight 
of the Company’s risk management policies.  The Company’s risk management policies are established to identify and 
analyze the risks faced by the Company, to set appropriate risk limits and controls, and to monitor risks and adherence 
to limits.  Risk management policies and systems are reviewed regularly to reflect changes in market conditions and the 
Company’s activities.  The Company, through its training and management standards and procedures, aims to develop 
a disciplined and constructive control environment in which all employees understand their roles and obligations. 

The  Company’s  Audit  Committee  oversees  how  management  monitors  compliance  with  the  Company’s  risk 
management policies and procedures, and reviews the adequacy of the risk management framework in relation to the 
risks faced by the Company.  The Company’s Audit Committee is assisted in its oversight role by Internal Audit.  Internal 
Audit undertakes both regular and ad hoc reviews of risk management controls and procedures, the results of which 
are reported to the Audit Committee. 

Credit risk  
Trade and other receivables 
By  granting  credit  sales  to  customers,  it  is  possible  these  entities,  to  which  the  Company  provides  services,  may 
experience financial difficulty and be unable to fulfill their obligations. A substantial amount of the Company’s revenue 
is generated from customers in the farming, construction and industrial, and transportation equipment industries. This 
results in a concentration of credit risk from customers in these industries.  A significant decline in economic conditions 
within these industries would increase the risk customers will experience financial difficulty and be unable to fulfill their 
obligations to the Company.  The Company’s exposure to credit risk arises from granting credit sales and is limited to 
the  carrying  value  of  accounts  receivable,  finance  lease  receivables,  long-term  receivables  and  deposits  with 
manufacturers (see Note 6).   

Goods  are  sold  subject  to  retention  of  title  clauses  so  that  in  the  event  of  non-payment,  the  Company  may  have  a 
secured  claim.    The  Company  will  also  register  liens  in  respect  to  trade  and  other  long-term  receivables  as  deemed 
necessary and dependent on the value of the receivable. 

Cervus Annual Report 2015 | 81 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CERVUS EQUIPMENT CORPORATION 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 

26.   Financial Risk Management (continued) 

The carrying amount of financial assets represents the maximum credit exposure.  The maximum exposure to credit risk 
at the reporting dates was: 

($ thousands)

Trade and other accounts receivables
Long term receivables
Long term lease receivables
Derivative financial asset
Deposits with manufacturers

The maximum exposure to credit risk at the reporting date by geographic region was:  

($ thousands)

Domestic
New Zealand
Australia

The aging of loans and receivables at the reporting date was: 

($ thousands)

Current - 60 days
Past due – 61-90 days
Past due – 91 to 120 days
Past due more than 120 days

2015

55,116
1,287
1,462
7,195
2,657
67,717

2015

46,819
5,030
3,267
55,116

2015

46,964
3,772
3,132
1,248
55,116

$

$

$

$

$

$

The Company recorded the following activity in its allowance for impairment of loans and receivables: 

($ thousands)

Balance at January 1
Additional allowance recorded (recovery)
Amounts written-off as uncollectible
Balance at December 31

2015

1,386
835
(234)
1,987

$

$

2014
54,309
1,702
3,033
6,559
3,479
69,082

2014
48,467
2,963
2,879
54,309

2014
45,871
3,043
2,808
2,587
54,309

2014
681
821
(116)
1,386

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

In our industries, customers typically pay invoices within 30 to 60 days. The average time to collect Company’s 
outstanding accounts receivable was approximately 19 days for the year ended December 31, 2015 (2014 – 19 days).  
No single outstanding customer balance represented more than 10% of total accounts receivable.  

Cervus Annual Report 2015 | 82 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CERVUS EQUIPMENT CORPORATION 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 

26.   Financial risk management (continued) 

The Company  mitigates its credit risk  by assessing  the credit worthiness of its customers on an ongoing basis.   The 
Company  closely  monitors  the  amount  and  age  of  balances  outstanding  and  establishes  a  provision  for  bad  debts 
based  on  specific  customers’  credit  risk,  historical  trends,  and  other  economic  information.    For  the  year  ended 
December 31, 2015 and 2014 all customer balances provided as bad debts were calculated based on 25% of accounts  
between  90  to  120  days  outstanding  and  85%  on  amounts  over  120  days  outstanding  unless  allowance  for  certain 
specified accounts requires a greater amount to be allowed for. 

Guarantees 
The Company has irrevocable standby letters of credit to John Deere in the amount of $2,400 thousand (2014 - $2,400 
thousand).  The letter of credit agreements allow for John Deere to draw upon it in whole or in part in the event of any 
default by the Company of any or all obligations. 

Liquidity risk 
The Company’s exposure to liquidity risk is dependent on the collection of accounts receivable and the ability to raise 
funds to meet purchase commitments and financial obligations and to sustain operations. The Company controls its 
liquidity risk by managing its working capital, cash flows, and the availability of borrowing facilities.  As described in 
Note 16, the Company has available for its current use, $100,000 thousand and NZ$1,500 thousand of operating credit 
facilities less $2,400 thousand for irrevocable letters of credit issued to John Deere.   

The Company believes that it has sufficient operating funds available as described above to meet expected operational 
expenses, including the services of financial obligations. 

The following are the contractual maturities of financial liabilities existing as at December 31, 2015.  

($ thousands)

Trade and other accrued liabilities
Floor plans payable
Dividends payable
Term debt payable
Derivative financial liability
Finance lease obligation
Debenture payable

Carrying 
amount
$ 77,938
168,643
3,317
109,615
7,180
22,064
32,941
$ 421,698

Contractual 
principal 
maturities
77,938
168,643
3,317
109,948
7,180
22,064
34,500
423,590

77,938
168,643
3,317
17,917
7,180
5,713
-
280,708

12 months 
or less

1 – 2 
Years

2 – 5 
Years

-
-
-
84,476

-
-
-
7,555

5+ Years
-
-
-
-

4,850
34,500
123,826

10,341
-
17,896

1,160
-
1,160

Cervus Annual Report 2015 | 83 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CERVUS EQUIPMENT CORPORATION 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 

26.   Financial risk management (continued) 

Market risk 

Market risk is the risk that changes in the market place such as foreign exchange rates, interest rates and commodity prices 
that will affect the Company’s income or the value of its holdings of financial instruments.  The objective of market risk 
management is to manage and control market risk exposures within acceptable parameters while optimizing return. 

Currency risk 
Many of our products, including equipment and parts, are based on a U.S. dollar price as they are supplied primarily by U.S. 
manufacturers  but  are  settled  in  Canadian  dollars  as  they  are  received.    This  may  cause  fluctuations  in  the  sales  values 
assigned to equipment and parts inventories, as inventory is recorded based on Canadian dollar cost at the time of receipt, 
but is sold to the customer based on market pricing prevailing at time of sale.  Both sales revenues and gross profit margins 
may fluctuate based on differences in foreign exchange rates between the purchase of inventory and sale of inventory.  
Certain  of  the  Company’s  manufacturers  also  have  programs  in  place  to  facilitate  and/or  reduce  the  effect  of  foreign 
currency fluctuations, primarily on the Company’s new equipment inventory purchases.   

Further, a portion of the Company’s owned inventory is floor planned in U.S. dollars.  As such, US dollar denominated floor 
plan payables are exposed to fluctuations in the U.S. dollar exchange rate until the unit is sold and the floorplan is repaid.  
At the time of sale, the Company determines a margin based on the replacement cost of the inventory at the time of sale, 
not the initial cost of the inventory at the time of purchase.  In so doing, the company’s objective is to obtain a target margin 
on the sale of inventory, by calculating the sale margin based on the cost of repaying the US dollar floorplan as at the sale 
date.   If the Company was unable to recapture fluctuations in the US/CAD dollar in the sales price for equipment floor 
planned in US dollars, a $0.01 change in the U.S. exchange rate would have increased (decreased) profit or loss by $264 
thousand (2014 - $260 thousand), based on the U.S. dollar floor plan balances at December 31, 2015.  From time to time the 
Company  also  enters  into  foreign  exchange  forward  contracts  to  manage  exposure  on  timing  difference  between  the 
payout of floorplan and receipt of funds from a customer.  

In addition, the Company is exposed to foreign currency fluctuation related to translation adjustments upon consolidation 
of  its  Australian  and  New  Zealand  operations.  These  foreign  subsidiaries  report  operating  results  in  Australia  and  New 
Zealand dollars, respectively. Movements in these currencies relative to the Canadian dollar will impact the consolidated 
results  of  these  operations.  Based  on  the  Company’s  results  reported  from  its  foreign  subsidiaries,  a  strengthening  or 
weakening  of  the  Canadian  dollar  by  5%  against  the  New  Zealand  dollar  at  December  31,  2015  would  have  increased 
(decreased) profit or loss by $559 thousand (2014 - $54 thousand).  A strengthening or weakening of the Canadian dollar by 
5% against the Australian dollar at December 31, 2015 would have increased (decreased) profit or loss by $172 thousand 
(2014 -$20 thousand). 

Cervus Annual Report 2015 | 84 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CERVUS EQUIPMENT CORPORATION 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 

26.   Financial risk management (continued) 

Interest rate risk 
The Company’s cash flow is exposed to changes in interest rates on its floor plan arrangements and certain term debt 
which bear interest at variable rates.  The cash flows required to service these financial liabilities will fluctuate as a result 
of changes in market interest rates.  The Company mitigates its exposure to interest rate risk by utilizing excess cash 
resources to buy-down or pay-off interest bearing contracts and by managing its floor plan payables by maximizing the 
interest-free periods. At the reporting dates, the interest bearing financial instruments were: 

($ thousands)

Fixed Rate

Debenture payable

Finance lease obligation

Variable Rate

Floor plan payables

Floor plan payables - interest bearing
Floor plan payables - interest free period (a)

Term debt

2015

2014

$

32,941

$

32,065

22,064

24,509

149,750
18,893
109,948
$ 333,596

145,947
35,854
101,048
$ 339,423

(a)  Various floor plan facilities include an interest free period, further certain incentives and rebates may be available to reduce 

interest expense otherwise due on interest bearing portions of floor plans.  

The Company does not account for any fixed rate financial assets and liabilities at fair value through profit or loss.  A change 
in 100 basis points in interest rates would have increased or decreased equity for the year ended December 31, 2015 by 
approximately $2,590 thousand (2014 -$2,027 thousand). 

Operational risk 
Operational risk is the risk of direct or indirect loss arising from a wide variety of causes associated with the Company’s 
processes, personnel, technology and infrastructure, and from external factors other than credit, market and liquidity 
risks  such  as  those  arising  from  legal  and  regulatory  requirements  and  generally  accepted  standards  of  corporate 
behaviour.  Operational risks arise from all of the Company’s operations. 

The Company’s objective is to manage operational risk so as to balance the avoidance of financial losses and damage 
to the Company’s reputation with overall cost effectiveness and to avoid control procedures that restrict innovation 
and creativity.  The primary responsibility for the development and implementation of controls to address operational 
risk is assigned to senior management within each business unit.  This responsibility is supported by the development 
of overall Company standards for the management of operational risk in the following areas: 

requirements for appropriate segregation of duties, including the independent authorization of transactions; 
requirements for the reconciliation and monitoring of transactions; 
compliance with regulatory and other legal requirements; 

• 
• 
• 
•  documentation of controls and procedures; 
• 

requirements  for  the  periodic  assessment  of  operational  risks  faced,  and  the  adequacy  of  controls  and 
procedures to address the risks identified; 
requirements for the reporting of operational losses and proposed remedial action; 

• 
•  development of contingency plans; 
• 
• 
• 

training and professional development; 
ethical and business standards; and 
risk mitigation, including maintaining insurance coverage. 

Cervus Annual Report 2015 | 85 

 
CERVUS EQUIPMENT CORPORATION 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 

26.   Financial risk management (continued) 

Compliance with Company standards is supported by a program of periodic reviews in consultation with Internal Audit.  
The results of Internal Audit reviews are discussed with the management of the business unit to which they relate, with 
summaries submitted to the Audit Committee and senior management of the Company. 

Capital risk management 
The Company’s objective when managing its capital is to safeguard its ability to continue as a going concern, so that it 
can continue to provide returns for Shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders and to provide an adequate return 
to Shareholders by pricing products and services commensurately with the level of risk. In the management of capital, 
the Company monitors its adjusted capital which comprises all components of equity (i.e. shares issued, accumulated 
earnings, shareholder distributions and dilutive instruments).  

The Company sets the amount of capital in proportion to risk.  The Company manages the capital structure and makes 
adjustments to it in the light of changes in economic conditions and the risk characteristics of the underlying assets.  In 
order  to  maintain  or  adjust  the  capital  structure,  the  Company  may  issue  shares/units  to  facilitate  business 
combinations and or retire term debt or may adjust the amount of distributions paid to the Shareholders.   

The Company uses the following ratios in determining its appropriate capital levels; a) a debt to total capital ratio (total 
interest bearing debt divided by total interest bearing debt plus book value of equity); b) an adjusted debt to adjusted 
earnings ratio (adjusted debt divided by adjusted earnings); c) an adjusted debt to adjusted assets ratio (calculated as 
adjusted debt divided by adjusted assets); d) a fixed charge coverage ratio (calculated as adjusted earnings divided by 
contractual principle, interest, dividend, and operating lease payments); and e) an asset coverage ratio (tangible assets 
divided by specific drawn amounts under certain credit facilities).  Adjusted assets comprise all components of assets 
other than other intangible assets and goodwill.  Adjusted equity comprises of all components of shareholders’ equity 
and is reduced by other intangible assets and goodwill. 

The  Company  must  meet  certain  financial  covenants  as  part  of  its  current  Canadian  credit  facility,  all  of  which  the 
Company was in compliance as at December 31, 2015. The relating three core covenants are summarized as: 

(cid:1)  Maintaining  “total  liabilities  to  tangible  net  worth  ratio”  not  exceeding  4.0:1.0  calculated  from  adjusted  total 
liabilities over adjusted equity.   
(cid:1)  Maintaining “fixed charge coverage ratio” greater to or equal to 0.95:1.0, calculated as adjusted EBITDA net of any 
Canadian debt or equity financing utilized over the sum of interest expense, scheduled principal payments,  operating 
lease payments, and distributions paid to shareholders in the twelve months prior to the calculation date. The fixed 
charge coverage ratio will increase to 1.00:1 commencing on December 31, 2016 until March 30, 2017, and to 1.10:1 
for the period from March 31, 2017 onwards. 
(cid:1)  Maintaining “asset coverage ratio” greater than 3.0:1.0, calculated as North American adjusted net tangible total 
assets less consolidated debt excluding floor plan liabilities, plus debt due under the Canadian credit facility, divided 
by the amount due under the Canadian credit facility.  

There were no changes in the Company’s approach to capital management in the period.  Neither the Company, nor 
any of its other subsidiaries are subject to externally imposed capital requirements, other than as identified in Note 16. 

Cervus Annual Report 2015 | 86 

 
 
 
 
 
 
CERVUS EQUIPMENT CORPORATION 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 

27.  Segment information 

The Company operates under three segments: Agriculture, Commercial and Industrial, and Transportation based on 
the industries which they serve.  These segments are managed separately, and strategic decisions are made on the basis 
of their respective operating results.  These three business segments are described in Note 3 and are considered to be 
the Company’s three strategic business units.  The three business segments offer different products and services and 
are managed separately as they operate in different markets and require separate strategies.  For each of the strategic 
business units, the Company’s key decision makers review internal management reports on a monthly basis.   

Each of these business segment operations are supported by a single shared corporate head office. Certain corporate 
head office expenses are allocated to the business segments under either specific identification approach or a usage 
based metric. The corporate head office also incurs certain costs which are considered as public company costs, which 
are  allocated  to  the  segments  based  on  the  gross  margin  of  the  Canadian  operations.  Total  corporate  related 
expenditures,  excluding  income  taxes,  that  have  been  allocated  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2015  are  $7,001 
thousand (2014 - $6,424 thousand).  

The following is a summary of financial information for each of the reportable segments. 

($ thousands)

Segmented income figures

Year ended December 31, 2015

Revenue

Income (loss) for the period attributable to 
shareholders

Share of profit of equity accounted investees

Depreciation and amortization

Finance income

Finance expense including amounts in costs of 
sales

Capital additions, including finance leases

Segmented assets as at December 31, 2015

Reportable segment assets
Reportable segment liabilities

Investment in associates
Intangible assets

Goodwill 

Agricultural 
Equipment

Transportation 
Equipment

Commercial 
and Industrial 
Equipment

Other1

Total 

$     711,343  $

300,579 $

121,956

$ 1,133,878

13,288

(3,470)

(291) $ (36,948)

(27,421)

            542 

        8,951 

            179 

(6,758)

      12,998 

-

5,250

14

(5,172)

9,749

$     380,131  $
    254,510 
        5,762 
      28,767 
      15,876 

165,342 $
120,447
-
14,985
2,547

-

3,652

2

(1,641)

1,818

84,312
61,535
-
7,256
2,193

542

17,853

195

(13,571)

24,565

629,785
436,492
5,762
51,008
20,616

$

[1] – The impact of the CRA settlement as discussed in Note 13 have not been allocated to the business segments. 

Cervus Annual Report 2015 | 87 

 
 
 
 
 
 
CERVUS EQUIPMENT CORPORATION 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 

27.  Segment information (continued) 

($ thousands)
Segmented income figures

Year ended December 31, 2014

Revenue
Income (loss) for the period attributable to 
shareholders
Share of profit of equity accounted investees
Depreciation and amortization
Finance income

Finance expense including amounts in costs of sales

Capital additions, including finance leases
Segmented assets as at December 31, 2014

Reportable segment assets
Reportable segment liabilities
Investment in associates
Intangible assets
Goodwill 

Agricultural 
Equipment

Transportation 
Equipment

Commercial 
and Industrial 
Equipment

Total 

$          631,673  $

188,838 $

159,098 $

979,609

16,061
                 712 
              6,351 
                 218 

(4,980)
            21,046 

(876)
-
3,885
151

(1,927)
2,204

3,177
-
6,207
15

(1,445)
2,708

18,362
712
16,443
384

(8,352)
25,958

$          386,260  $
         231,500 
              5,268 
            29,665 
            14,992 

169,848 $
139,009
-
16,640
2,547

113,195 $
69,303
-
7,704
2,193

669,303
439,812
5,268
54,009
19,732

The Company primarily operates in Canada but includes subsidiaries in Australia (Cervus Australia PTY Ltd.) and, in New 
Zealand  (Cervus  NZ  Equipment  Ltd.)  which  operate  15  agricultural  equipment  dealerships.  Gross  revenue  and  non-
current assets for the geographic territories of New Zealand and Australia were $133,736 thousand (2014 - $139,487 
thousand) and $29,140 thousand (2014 - $26,577 thousand) respectively.   

28.  Commitments and contingencies 

Financing Arrangements 
John Deere Credit Inc. (“Deere Credit”) and other financing companies provide financing to certain of the Company’s 
customers.  A portion of this financing is with recourse to the Company if the amounts are uncollectible.  At December 
31, 2015 payments in arrears by such customers aggregated $376 thousand (2014 - $304 thousand).  In addition, the 
Company is responsible for assuming all lease obligations held by its customers with Deere Credit and other financing 
companies through recourse arrangements for the net residual value of the lease outstanding at the maturity of the 
contract.  At December 31, 2015, the net residual value of such leases aggregated $194,987 thousand (2014 - $166,703 
thousand).  Management believes that the potential liability in relation to the amounts outstanding is negligible and 
consequently, no accrual has been made in these financial statements in relation to any potential loss on assumed lease 
obligations.   

Cervus Annual Report 2015 | 88 

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
CERVUS EQUIPMENT CORPORATION 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 

29. Related party transactions

Key management personnel compensation 
In  addition  to  their  salaries,  the  Company  also  provides  non-cash  benefits  to  directors  and  executive  officers,  and 
contributes to the deferred share plan and the employee share purchase plan, if enrolled, in accordance with the terms 
of  the  plans.   The  Company  has  no  retirement  or  post-employment  benefits  available  to  its  directors  and  executive 
officers.  In addition, no directors or executive officers are part of the share option plan. 

The remuneration of key management personnel and directors during the year ended December 31 was: 

($ thousands)
Short-term benefits
Share-based payments

2015
3,096 $
387
3,483 $

$

$

2014
2,684
573
3,257

Key management personnel and director transactions 

Key  management  and  directors  of  the  Company  control  approximately  27%  of  the  common  voting  shares  of  the 
Company. 

Other related party transactions 

Certain officers  and dealer  managers of  the Company have provided  guarantees to  John Deere aggregating $6,500 
thousand.  During the year ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company paid those individuals $195 thousand 
(2014  -  $184  thousand)  for  providing  these  guarantees.  These  transactions  were  recorded  at  the  amount  agreed  to 
between the Company and the guarantors, are included in selling, general and administrative expense and have been 
fully paid during the year. 

Cervus Annual Report 2015 | 89