UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
___________________________________________________________________
FORM 20-F
o Registration statement pursuant to Section 12(b) or (g)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
or
ý Annual report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017
or
o Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the transition period from to
or
o Shell company report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of event requiring this shell company report:
Commission file number: 1-14832
___________________________________________________________________
CELESTICA INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Ontario, Canada
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
844 Don Mills Road
Toronto, Ontario, Canada M3C 1V7
(Address of principal executive offices)
Paul Carpino
416-448-2211
clsir@celestica.com
844 Don Mills Road
Toronto, Ontario, Canada M3C 1V7
(Name, Telephone, E-mail and/or Facsimile number and Address of Company Contact Person)
___________________________________________________________________
SECURITIES REGISTERED OR TO BE REGISTERED
PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT:
Title of each class:
Subordinate Voting Shares
Name of each exchange on which registered:
The Toronto Stock Exchange
New York Stock Exchange
___________________________________________________________________
SECURITIES REGISTERED OR TO BE REGISTERED
PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(g) OF THE ACT:
N/A
__________________________________________________________________
SECURITIES FOR WHICH THERE IS A REPORTING OBLIGATION
PURSUANT TO SECTION 15(d) OF THE ACT:
N/A
___________________________________________________________________
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer's classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report.
0 Preference Shares
123,208,647 Subordinate Voting Shares
18,600,193 Multiple Voting Shares
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ý No o
If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Yes o No ý
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such
shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ý No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405
of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ý No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or an emerging growth company. See definition of "large accelerated filer, "accelerated
filer," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer ý Accelerated filer o Non-accelerated filer o
If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for
complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards† provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o
Emerging growth company o
†The term "new or revised financial accounting standard" refers to any update issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board to its Accounting Standards Codification after April 5,
2012.
Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the statements included in this filing:
U.S. GAAP o International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ý Other o
If "Other" has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow. Item 17 o Item 18 o
If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No ý
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Part I.
Item 1.
Item 2.
Item 3.
Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers
Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable
Key Information
A.
Selected Financial Data
B. Capitalization and Indebtedness
C. Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds
D. Risk Factors
Item 4.
Information on the Company
A. History and Development of the Company
B. Business Overview
C. Organizational Structure
D.
Property, Plants and Equipment
Item 4A. Unresolved Staff Comments
Item 5.
Item 6.
Operating and Financial Review and Prospects
Directors, Senior Management and Employees
A. Directors and Senior Management
B. Compensation
C. Board Practices
D.
E.
Employees
Share Ownership
Item 7.
Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions
A. Major Shareholders
B. Related Party Transactions
C.
Interests of Experts and Counsel
Item 8.
Financial Information
A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information
B.
Significant Changes
Item 9.
The Offer and Listing
A. Offer and Listing Details
Plan of Distribution
B.
C. Markets
D.
Selling Shareholders
E. Dilution
F.
Expenses of the Issue
Item 10. Additional Information
A.
Share Capital
B. Memorandum and Articles of Incorporation
C. Material Contracts
Exchange Controls
D.
Taxation
E.
F.
Dividends and Paying Agents
ii
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151
G.
Statement by Experts
H. Documents on Display
I.
Subsidiary Information
Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Item 12. Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities
A. Debt Securities
B. Warrants and Rights
C. Other Securities
D. American Depositary Shares
Part II.
Item 13. Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies
Item 14.
Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds
Item 15.
Controls and Procedures
Item 16.
[Reserved]
Item 16A. Audit Committee Financial Expert
Item 16B. Code of Ethics
Item 16C. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
Item 16D. Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees
Item 16E.
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
Item 16F. Change in Registrant's Certifying Accountant
Item 16G. Corporate Governance
Item 16H. Mine Safety Disclosure
Part III.
Item 17.
Financial Statements
Item 18.
Financial Statements
Item 19.
Exhibits
Page
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159
iii
Part I.
In this Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2017 (referred to herein as "this Annual Report"),
"Celestica," the "Corporation," the "Company," "we," "us" and "our" refer to Celestica Inc. and its subsidiaries.
In this Annual Report, all dollar amounts are expressed in United States dollars, except where we state otherwise. All references
to "U.S.$" or "$" are to United States dollars and all references to "C$" are to Canadian dollars. Unless we indicate otherwise,
any reference in this Annual Report to a conversion between U.S.$ and C$ is a conversion at the average of the exchange rates
in effect for the year ended December 31, 2017. During that period, based on the relevant noon buying rates in New York City for
cable transfers in Canadian dollars, as certified for customs purposes by the Board of Governors of the U.S. Federal Reserve
Bank, the average daily exchange rate was U.S.$1.00 = C$1.2984.
Unless we indicate otherwise, all information in this Annual Report is stated as of February 14, 2018.
Forward-Looking Statements
Item 3, "Key Information — Risk Factors," Item 4, "Information on the Company," Item 5, "Operating and Financial Review
and Prospects" and other sections of this Annual Report contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A
of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the U.S. Securities Act, Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended, or the U.S. Exchange Act, and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities
laws (collectively, "forward-looking statements"), including, without limitation, statements related to: our future growth, including
in our Advanced Technology Solutions (ATS) businesses; trends in the electronics manufacturing services (EMS) industry; our
anticipated financial and/or operational results (including our anticipated non-IFRS operating margin performance during the
second half of 2018); our anticipated acquisition of Atrenne Integrated Solutions, Inc. (Atrenne), the expected timing, cost, terms
and funding thereof, and the expected impact of such acquisition, if consummated, on our position in the aerospace and defense
and industrial markets; our goals with respect to broadening our portfolio of ATS products and services and growing our ATS
business (including aerospace and defense); our diversification plans (and potential hindrances thereto); the impact of acquisitions
and program wins or losses on our liquidity, financial results and working capital requirements; anticipated expenses, restructuring
actions and charges, capital expenditures, and other anticipated working capital requirements, including the anticipated amounts,
timing and funding thereof; the anticipated repatriation of undistributed earnings from foreign subsidiaries; the impact of tax and
litigation outcomes; our cash flows, financial targets and current priorities; intended investments in our business; changes in our
mix of revenue by end market; our ability to diversify and grow our customer base and develop new capabilities; the effect of the
pace of technological changes, customer outsourcing and program transfers, and the global economic environment on customer
demand; the impact of increased competition, pricing and margin pressures, demand volatility, and materials constraints on our
financial results, and the expected continuation of such adverse market conditions in our Enterprise and Communications end
markets; raw materials prices; our intention to settle outstanding equity awards with subordinate voting shares; the number of
subordinate voting shares we may repurchase under our normal course issuer bid (NCIB); the expected timing of the collection
of outstanding solar accounts receivable and the possibility of future write-downs on unrecovered amounts from such solar accounts
receivable and other solar assets; the expected timing of the sale of our solar panel manufacturing equipment; the impact of
outstanding indebtedness under our credit facility on our liquidity, future operations and financial condition; the timing and terms
of the sale of our real property in Toronto and related transactions, including the expected lease of our new corporate headquarters
(collectively, the Toronto Real Property Transactions); the cost, timing and execution of relocating our existing Toronto
manufacturing operations and the anticipated temporary relocation of our corporate headquarters while space in a new office
building is under construction; the potential impact of Britain's intention to leave the European Union (Brexit) and/or policies or
legislation proposed or instituted by the current administration in the U.S. on the economy, financial markets, currency exchange
rates and our business; the anticipated impact of the U.S. Tax Reform (as defined herein) on our operations and our global tax rate;
our expectations with respect to future pioneer incentives for limited portions of our Malaysian business; the impact of new wins,
recent program transfers, and acquisitions; the anticipated impact of new accounting standards on our consolidated financial
statements and the timing of related transition activities; the impact of longer-term contacts; our expectations with respect to
increasing fulfillment services offered to customers; our intentions with respect to our U.K Supplementary pension plan; and the
potential use of cash, securities issuances and/or increased third-party indebtedness to fund our operations or acquisitions, and the
potential adverse impacts of such uses on our liquidity, subordinate voting share price, debt leverage, agency ratings, business and/
or operations. Such forward-looking statements may, without limitation, be preceded by, followed by, or include words such as
"believes," "expects," "anticipates," "estimates," "intends," "plans," "continues," "project," "potential," "possible," "contemplate,"
"seek," or similar expressions, or may employ such future or conditional verbs as "may," "might," "will," "could," "should" or
"would," or may otherwise be indicated as forward-looking statements by grammatical construction, phrasing or context. For those
statements, we claim the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the U.S. Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws.
1
Forward-looking statements are provided for the purpose of assisting readers in understanding management's current
expectations and plans relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes.
Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks that could cause actual results to
differ materially from conclusions, forecasts or projections expressed in such forward-looking statements, including, as is described
in more detail in Item 3(D), "Key Information — Risk Factors" and elsewhere in this Annual Report, risks related to:
•
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•
•
our customers' ability to compete and succeed in the marketplace with the services we provide and the products
we manufacture;
customer and end market concentration and the challenges of diversifying our customer base and replacing
revenue from completed or lost programs or customer disengagements;
changes in our mix of customers and/or the types of products or services we provide;
higher concentration of fulfillment services and/or other lower margin programs impacting gross profit;
price, margin pressures, and other competitive factors generally affecting, and the highly competitive nature of,
the EMS industry;
price and other competitive factors affecting our Communications and Enterprise end markets;
responding to changes in demand, rapidly evolving and changing technologies, and changes in our customers'
business and outsourcing strategies, including the insourcing of programs;
customer, competitor and/or supplier consolidation;
integrating any acquisitions or strategic transactions (including "operate-in-place" arrangements);
our having sufficient financial resources and working capital to fund currently anticipated financial obligations
and to pursue desirable business opportunities, and potential negative impacts on our liquidity, financial condition
and/or results of operations resulting from significant uses of cash and/or any future securities issuances or
increased third-party indebtedness for acquisitions or to otherwise fund our operations;
delays in the delivery and availability of components, services and materials, including from suppliers upon
which we are dependent for certain components;
our restructuring actions, including achieving the anticipated benefits therefrom, and the potential negative
impact of transitions resulting from our restructuring actions on our operations;
the incurrence of future impairment charges or other write-downs of assets;
managing our operations, growth initiatives and our working capital performance during uncertain market and
economic conditions;
disruptions to our operations, or those of our customers, component suppliers and/or logistics partners, including
as a result of global or local events outside our control (including as a result of Brexit and/or policies or legislation
proposed or instituted by the current U.S. administration, including the impact of the U.S. Tax Reform on our
operations, or those of our customers, component suppliers and/or logistics partners);
retaining or expanding our business due to execution issues relating to the ramping of new and existing programs
or new offerings;
the expansion or consolidation of our operations;
recruiting or retaining skilled talent;
changes to our operating model;
changing commodity, material and component costs as well as labor costs and conditions;
defects or deficiencies in our products, services or designs;
2
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non-performance by counterparties, including our former solar supplier, from whom we have accounts receivable
outstanding;
our financial exposure to foreign currency volatility, including fluctuations that may result from Brexit and/or
policies or legislation proposed or instituted by the current U.S. administration;
managing our global operations and supply chain;
the failure to obtain (or a delay in obtaining) the necessary regulatory approvals or the failure to satisfy the other
closing conditions required for our purchase of Atrenne, a material adverse change at Atrenne, the failure to
consummate our purchase of Atrenne in a timely manner or at all, our failure to obtain adequate funding for the
acquisition on acceptable terms, the purchase price varying from the expected amount, and if the acquisition is
consummated, a failure to achieve the anticipated benefits therefrom, to successfully integrate the acquisition,
to further develop our capabilities in the aerospace and defense market or otherwise expand our portfolio of
solutions, and/or to achieve the other expected benefits from the acquisition;
our dependence on industries affected by rapid technological change;
any failure to adequately protect our intellectual property or the intellectual property of others;
increasing income and other taxes, tax audits, and challenges of defending our tax positions, and obtaining,
renewing or meeting the conditions of tax incentives and credits;
the potential that conditions to closing the Toronto Real Property Transactions may not be satisfied on a timely
basis or at all;
the costs, timing and/or execution of relocating our existing Toronto manufacturing operations and/or corporate
headquarters proving to be other than anticipated;
computer viruses, malware, hacking attempts or outages that may disrupt our operations;
the variability of revenue and operating results;
compliance with applicable laws, regulations, government grants and social responsibility initiatives; and
current or future litigation, governmental actions, and/or changes in legislation.
These and other material risks and uncertainties are discussed in our public filings, which can be found at www.sedar.com
and www.sec.gov, including in this Annual Report, and subsequent reports on Form 6-K furnished to the U.S. Securities and
Exchange Commission, and as applicable, the Canadian Securities Administrators.
Our forward-looking statements are based on various assumptions, many of which involve factors that are beyond our control.
Our material assumptions include those related to:
•
•
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•
production schedules from our customers, which generally range from 30 to 90 days and can fluctuate
significantly in terms of volume and mix of products or services;
the timing and execution of, and investments associated with, ramping new business, including new business
associated with acquisitions;
the successful pursuit, completion and integration of acquisitions;
the success in the marketplace of our customers' products;
the pace of change in our traditional end markets and our ability to retain programs and customers;
the stability of general economic and market conditions, currency exchange rates and interest rates;
our pricing, the competitive environment and contract terms and conditions;
supplier performance, pricing and terms;
compliance by third parties with their contractual obligations, the accuracy of their representations and warranties,
and the performance of their covenants;
3
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•
•
the costs and availability of components, materials, services, plant and capital equipment, labor, energy and
transportation;
operational and financial matters, including the extent, timing and costs of replacing revenue from completed
or lost programs, or customer disengagements;
technological developments;
that the impact of the U.S. Tax Reform on our operations will be as we currently anticipate;
our ability to recover accounts receivable outstanding from a former solar supplier;
the timing, execution and effect of restructuring actions;
our having sufficient financial resources and working capital to fund currently anticipated financial obligations
and to pursue desirable business opportunities;
our ability to diversify our customer base and develop new capabilities;
the availability of cash resources for repurchases of outstanding subordinate voting shares under our current
NCIB; and compliance with applicable laws and regulations pertaining to NCIBs; and
applicable regulatory approvals will be obtained and the other closing conditions to our purchase of Atrenne
will be satisfied in a timely manner, that our purchase of Atrenne will be consummated in a timely manner and
on anticipated terms, that internal cash flow and our ability to incur further indebtedness under our revolving
credit facility will be as expected in order to finance the Atrenne acquisition as anticipated, and that, once acquired,
we are able to successfully integrate Atrenne, further develop our capabilities in the aerospace and defense
market, expand our portfolio of solutions, and achieve the other expected benefits from the acquisition.
Our assumptions and estimates are based on management's current views with respect to current plans and events, and are
and will be subject to the risks and uncertainties discussed above and elsewhere in this Annual Report. While management believes
these assumptions to be reasonable under current circumstances, they may prove to be inaccurate.
Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we disclaim any intention or obligation
to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as
required by applicable law. You should read this Annual Report, and the documents, if any, that we incorporate herein by reference,
with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from what we expect. All forward-looking statements
attributable to us are expressly qualified by the cautionary statements contained in this Annual Report.
Item 1. Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers
Not applicable.
Item 2. Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable
Not applicable.
4
Item 3. Key Information
A. Selected Financial Data
You should read the following selected financial data together with Item 5, "Operating and Financial Review and Prospects,"
the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 18, and the other information in this Annual Report. The selected financial data
presented below is derived from our Consolidated Financial Statements, which are prepared in accordance with International
Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). See Item 18. No dividends
have been declared by the Corporation.
Year ended December 31
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
(in millions, except per share amounts)
389.5
Consolidated Statements of Operations Data(1):
Revenue............................................................................................ $ 5,796.1
Cost of sales(1) ..........................................................................
5,406.6
Gross profit(1) ...........................................................................
Selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A), including
research and development(2).......................................................
Amortization of intangible assets.....................................................
Other charges(3).........................................................................
Earnings from operations(1)........................................................
Refund interest income(4) ...........................................................
Finance costs(5) .........................................................................
Earnings before income taxes(1)..................................................
Income tax expense..........................................................................
Net earnings(1) .......................................................................... $
239.7
133.6
130.7
118.0
12.2
12.7
4.0
2.9
—
$ 5,631.3
5,225.9
$ 5,639.2
5,248.1
$ 6,016.5
5,588.9
$ 6,110.5
5,692.7
405.4
391.1
427.6
417.8
230.0
10.6
37.1
127.7
—
3.1
124.6
16.4
$
108.2
$
230.7
9.2
35.8
115.4
—
6.3
109.1
42.2
66.9
236.0
9.4
25.5
156.7
(14.3)
10.0
161.0
24.7
229.4
8.9
37.0
142.5
—
10.1
132.4
27.4
$
136.3
$
105.0
Other Financial Data:
Basic earnings per share................................................................... $
Diluted earnings per share ............................................................... $
Property, plant and equipment and computer software cash
expenditures ..................................................................................... $
Shares used in computing per share amounts (in millions):
Basic.................................................................................................
Diluted..............................................................................................
0.64
0.64
52.8
$
$
$
0.61
0.60
61.3
$
$
$
0.43
0.42
62.8
$
$
$
0.96
0.95
64.1
$
$
$
183.4
185.4
178.4
180.4
155.8
157.9
141.8
143.9
0.73
0.72
102.6
143.1
145.2
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data
Cash and cash equivalents............................................................... $
Working capital(6) ............................................................................
Property, plant and equipment.........................................................
Total assets ......................................................................................
Borrowings under credit facility(7) .............................................
Capital stock....................................................................................
Total equity(1)...........................................................................
____________________________________
5
As of December 31
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
(in millions)
544.3
$
565.0
$
545.3
$
557.2
$
515.2
1,011.3
1,049.9
313.6
312.4
990.6
314.6
1,100.8
1,188.7
302.7
323.9
2,638.9
2,583.6
2,612.0
2,822.3
2,944.7
—
2,712.0
1,402.0
—
2,609.5
1,394.9
262.5
2,093.9
1,091.0
227.5
2,048.2
1,238.8
187.5
2,048.3
1,350.7
(1)
Changes in accounting policies:
Effective January 1, 2014, we adopted IFRIC Interpretation 21, Levies, which clarified when the liability for certain levies should be recognized and
required retroactive adoption, and IAS 32, Financial Instruments — Presentation (revised), which clarified the requirements for offsetting financial assets
and liabilities. The adoption of these standards did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Effective January 1, 2013, we adopted the amendment issued by the IASB to IAS 19, Employee Benefits, which required a retroactive restatement of
prior periods related to unrecognized past service credits that we had been amortizing to operations on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. Upon
retroactive adoption of this amendment, we recognized these past service credits on our balance sheet and decreased our post-employment benefit
obligations and our deficit. Under this amendment, we continue to recognize actuarial gains or losses on plan assets or obligations in other comprehensive
income and to reclassify the amounts to deficit.
SG&A expenses include research and development costs of $26.2 million in 2017, $24.9 million in 2016, $23.2 million in 2015, $19.7 million in 2014,
and $17.4 million in 2013.
Other charges in 2013 totaled $4.0 million, comprised primarily of: (a) $28.0 million in restructuring charges, offset in part by (b) a $24.0 million recovery
of damages from the settlement of class action lawsuits in which we were a plaintiff.
Other charges in 2014 totaled $37.1 million, comprised primarily of: (a) a non-cash impairment of $40.8 million against the goodwill of our semiconductor
business resulting from our annual impairment assessment; and (b) a non-cash settlement loss of $6.4 million relating to the purchase of annuities for
the defined benefit component of a certain pension plan, offset in part by: (i) an $8.0 million recovery of damages resulting from the settlement of class
action lawsuits in which we were a plaintiff; and (ii) a $2.1 million net reversal of restructuring charges.
Other charges in 2015 totaled $35.8 million, comprised primarily of: (a) $23.9 million in restructuring charges, and (b) an aggregate non-cash impairment
of $12.2 million against the property, plant and equipment of our CGUs (defined herein) in Japan and Spain (recorded in the fourth quarter of 2015).
See note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 18.
Other charges in 2016 totaled $25.5 million, comprised of: (a) $31.9 million in restructuring charges, offset in part by (b) $6.4 million, consisting primarily
of net legal recoveries. See note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 18.
Other charges in 2017 totaled $37.0 million, comprised of: (a) $28.9 million in restructuring charges, (b) a $1.9 million non-cash loss incurred on the
purchase of pension annuities, (c) $1.6 million in transition costs relating to the relocation of our Toronto manufacturing operations, and (d) $4.6 million,
primarily for acquisition-related costs and activities. See note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 18.
Refund interest income represents the refund of interest on cash then-held on account with tax authorities in connection with the resolution of certain
previously-disputed tax matters in the second half of 2016. See notes 17, 20 and 24 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 18.
Finance costs are comprised primarily of interest expenses and fees related to our credit facility (including our Term Loan commencing in 2015), our
accounts receivable sales program, and a customer supplier financing program. See notes 5, 12 and 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in
Item 18.
Calculated as current assets less current liabilities.
Borrowings under our credit facility do not include our finance lease obligations.
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
Exchange Rate Information
The rate of exchange as of February 14, 2018 for the conversion of one Canadian dollar into United States dollars was U.S.
$0.7959 and for the conversion of one United States dollar into Canadian dollars was C$1.2564. The following table sets forth the
exchange rates for the conversion of U.S.$1.00 into Canadian dollars for the identified periods. The rates of exchange set forth
herein are shown as, or are derived from, the reciprocals of the noon buying rates in New York City for cable transfers payable in
Canadian dollars, as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The source of this data is the Board
of Governors of the U.S. Federal Reserve's website (http://www.federalreserve.gov).
Average .....................................................................................
2013
1.0300
2014
1.1043
2015
1.2791
2016
1.3243
2017
1.2984
High ...................................................................
.
Low ....................................................................
B. Capitalization and Indebtedness
Not applicable.
February 2018
(through February 14)
1.2612
January
2018
1.2534
December
2017
1.2900
November
2017
1.2890
1.2280
1.2293
1.2517
1.2693
October
2017
1.2894
1.2470
September
2017
1.2509
1.2131
6
C. Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds
Not applicable.
D. Risk Factors
Any of the following risk factors, or any combination of them, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial
condition, and operating results. Our shareholders and prospective investors should carefully consider each of the following risks
and all of the other information set forth in this Annual Report.
We are dependent on our customers' ability to compete and succeed in the marketplace with the services we provide and the
products we manufacture.
Our operating results are highly dependent upon our customers' ability to compete and succeed in the marketplace with the
services we provide and the products we manufacture. Factors affecting our customers include: rapid changes in technology,
evolving industry standards, and requirements for continuous improvement in products and services that result in short product
life cycles; demand for our customers' products may be seasonal; our customers may fail to successfully market their products,
and our customers' products may fail to gain widespread commercial acceptance; our customers' products may have supply chain
issues; our customers may experience dramatic shifts in demand which may cause them to lose market share or exit businesses;
and there may be recessionary periods in our customers' markets. In addition, certain of our customers have experienced, and may
in the future experience, severe revenue erosion, pricing and margin pressures, and excess inventories that, in turn, have adversely
affected (and in the future may adversely affect) our operating results. If technologies or standards supported by our customers'
products and services or their business models become obsolete, fail to gain widespread acceptance or are canceled, our business
would be adversely affected.
Demand patterns are volatile across our end markets, particularly in the Enterprise and Communications end markets. Rapid
shifts in technology, model obsolescence, commoditization of certain products, the emergence of new business models (including
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS)), shifting demand, such as the
shift from traditional network infrastructures to highly virtualized and cloud-based environments, the proliferation of software-
defined technologies enabling the disaggregation of software and hardware, increased competition, the oversupply of products,
pricing pressures, and the volatility of the economy, all contribute to the complexity of managing our operations and fluctuations
in our financial results.
See "Our customers may be negatively affected by rapid technological changes, shifts in business strategy and/or the
emergence of new business models, and new entrants/competition with disruptive products and/or services" below.
We are dependent on a limited number of customers and end markets. A decline in revenue from, or the loss of, any significant
customer, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and operating results.
Our customers include original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and service providers. We depend upon a small number
of customers for a significant portion of our revenue. During 2017, two customers (2016 — two customers; 2015 — three customers)
individually represented more than 10% of our total revenue, and our top 10 customers represented 71% (2016 — 68%;
2015 — 67%) of our total revenue. We also remain dependent upon revenue from our traditional end markets (Communications
and Enterprise), which represented 68% of our consolidated revenue in each of 2017, 2016 and 2015. We continue to focus on
expanding beyond these traditional end markets by growing our ATS end market and enhancing and adding new technologies and
capabilities to our offerings.
A decline in revenue from, or the loss of, any significant customer could have a material adverse effect on our financial
condition and operating results. We cannot assure the replacement of completed, delayed, cancelled or reduced orders with new
business. In addition, the ramping of new programs may take from several months to more than a year before production starts
and significant up-front investments and increased working capital requirements may be required. During this start-up period,
these programs may generate losses or may not achieve the expected financial performance due to production ramp inefficiencies,
lower than expected volume, or delays in ramping to volume. Our customers may significantly change these programs, or even
cancel them altogether, due to changes in end-market demand or changes in the actual or anticipated success of their products in
the marketplace. See "Our revenue and operating results may vary significantly from period to period" below.
To reduce our reliance on any one customer or end market (including the concentration of our revenues in the Communications
and Enterprise end markets), we continue to target new customers and services, including a continued focus on the expansion of
our ATS end market (which in 2017 consisted of our aerospace and defense, industrial, smart energy, healthcare, semiconductor
equipment, and consumer businesses), including through acquisitions. However, revenue from our ATS end market (as a percentage
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of total revenue) has remained flat in recent years, as our operating results in this end market have been negatively impacted by
the costs associated with ramping new business, and most recently, our exit from the solar panel manufacturing business. See "We
may encounter difficulties expanding or consolidating our operations or introducing new competencies or new offerings, which
could adversely affect our operating results" below.
Notwithstanding our expansion efforts, we remain dependent on our Communications and Enterprise end markets for a large
portion of our revenue, which are subject to the various factors described above and continue to experience slower growth rates
and increased pricing pressures. As a result, we also remain focused on expanding revenue in our higher value-added services and
solutions, such as design and development, engineering, supply chain management and after-market services. Failure to secure
business from existing or new customers in our traditional or other end markets would adversely impact our operating results.
There can be no assurance that our efforts to secure new customers and programs in our traditional or new markets, including
through acquisitions, will succeed in reducing our customer concentration. Acquisitions are also subject to integration risk, and
revenues and margins could be lower than we anticipate.
Any of the foregoing may adversely affect our margins, cash flow, and our ability to grow our revenue, and may increase
the variability of our operating results from period to period.
A change in the mix of customers and/or the types of products or services we provide could have a material adverse effect on
our financial condition and operating results.
The mix of our customers and the type of products or services we provide to these customers may have an impact on our
financial condition and operating results from period-to-period. For example, in 2017, a higher concentration of fulfillment services
(that contributed significantly lower gross profit than our historical full-service traditional EMS programs), as well as increased
pricing pressures (mostly significantly in our Communications and Enterprise end markets), adversely impacted our margins and
operating results for the year. As a result of the high concentration of our business in the Communications and Enterprise end
markets (68% of total revenue in 2017), we expect this demand shift, as well as competitive pressures and aggressive pricing, to
continue to negatively impact these businesses in future periods to the extent we cannot offset such impacts with increases in
higher-margin services, cost reductions or otherwise. In addition, certain of our customer agreements require us to provide specific
price reductions over the contract term, which may also negatively impact our financial condition and operating results if they
cannot be offset.
We operate in an industry comprised of numerous competitors and aggressive pricing dynamics.
We operate in a highly competitive industry. Our competitors include Benchmark Electronics, Inc., Flex Ltd., Hon Hai
Precision Industry Co., Ltd., Jabil Circuit, Inc., Plexus Corp., and Sanmina Corporation, as well as smaller EMS companies that
often have a regional, product, service or industry-specific focus, and original design manufacturers (ODMs). In recent years, we
have expanded our joint design and manufacturing (JDM) offering, which encompasses advanced technology design solutions
that customers can tailor to their specific platform applications. We may face increased competition from ODMs, who also specialize
in providing internally designed products and manufacturing services, as well as component and sub-system suppliers, distributors
and/or systems integrators. As part of our JDM offering, we also provide complete hardware platform solutions, which may compete
with those of our customers. Offering products or services to customers that compete with the offerings of other customers may
negatively impact our relationship with, or result in a loss of business from, such other customers. We face indirect competition
from the manufacturing operations of our current and prospective customers, as these companies may choose to manufacture
products internally rather than outsource to EMS providers, or they may choose to insource previously outsourced business,
particularly where internal excess capacity exists. In addition to the foregoing, we may face competition from distribution and
logistics providers expanding their services across the supply chain.
The competitive environment in our industry is very intense and aggressive pricing is a common business dynamic. Some
of our competitors have greater scale and provide a broader range of services than we offer. While we have increased our capacity
in lower-cost regions to reduce our costs, these regions may not provide the same operational benefits that they have in the past
due to rising costs and a continued aggressive pricing environment. Additionally, our current or potential competitors may: increase
or shift their presence in new lower-cost regions to try to offset continuous competitive pressure and increasing labor costs or to
secure new business; develop or acquire services comparable or superior to those we develop; combine or merge to form larger
competitors; or adapt more quickly than we do to new technologies, evolving industry trends and changing customer requirements.
In addition, our competitors may be more effective than we are in investing in IT solutions to differentiate their offerings to capture
a larger share of the market. Some of our competitors have increased their vertical capabilities by manufacturing modules or
components used in the products they assemble, such as metal or plastic parts and enclosures, backplanes, circuit boards, cabling
and related products. Although we have also expanded our capabilities, including through our Karel acquisition and recent "operate-
8
in-place" arrangements, our competitors' expansion efforts may be more successful than ours. Competition may cause pricing
pressures, reduced profits or a loss of market share (for example, from program losses or customer disengagements). We may not
be able to compete successfully against our current and future competitors. See Item 5, "Operating and Financial Review and
Prospects — Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Recent
developments — End Markets."
Our customers may be negatively affected by rapid technological changes, shifts in business strategy and/or the emergence of
new business models, and new entrants/competition with disruptive products and/or services.
Many of our customers compete in markets that are characterized by rapidly changing technology, evolving industry standards,
continuous improvements in products and services, commoditization of certain products, changes in preferences by end customers
or other changes in demand, and the emergence of new entrants or competitors with disruptive products, services, or new business
models that deemphasize the traditional OEM distribution channels. These conditions frequently result in shorter product lifecycles
and may lead to shifts in our customers' business strategies. Our success will depend on the success achieved by our customers in
developing, marketing and selling their products. If technologies or standards supported by our customers' products and services
or their business models become obsolete, fail to gain widespread acceptance or are cancelled, our business could be adversely
affected.
For example, declines in end-market demand for customer-specific proprietary systems in favor of open systems with
standardized technologies has had an adverse impact on our customers, and consequently, our business. Other examples include
the shift from traditional network infrastructures to highly virtualized and cloud-based environments, the prevalence of solid state
or flash memory technology as a replacement for hard disk drives, as well as the proliferation of software-defined technologies
enabling the disaggregation of software and hardware, any or all of which could adversely impact our business. The highly
competitive nature of our customers' products and services could also drive further consolidation among OEMs, and result in
product line consolidation that could adversely impact our customer relationships and our revenue. Including as a result of the
foregoing, certain of our customers have experienced, and may in the future experience, severe revenue erosion, pricing and margin
pressures, and excess inventories that, in turn, have adversely affected (and in the future may adversely affect) our operating results.
Consolidation within the EMS industry, or among our customers or suppliers, may adversely affect our business relationships
or the volume of business we conduct with our customers.
Our customers, competitors and/or suppliers may be subject to consolidation. Increasing consolidation in industries that
utilize our services may occur as companies combine to achieve economies of scale and other synergies, which could result in an
increase in excess manufacturing capacity as companies seek to divest manufacturing operations or eliminate product lines. Excess
manufacturing capacity may increase pricing and competitive pressures in our industry as a whole and for us in particular.
Consolidation could also result in an increasing number of very large companies offering products in multiple industries. The
significant purchasing power and market power of these large companies could increase pricing and competitive pressures for us.
If one of our customers is acquired by another company that does not rely on us to provide services, has its own production services,
or relies on another provider of similar services, we may lose that customer's business. Such consolidation may reduce the number
of customers from which we generate a significant percentage of our revenue, and further expose us to increased risks relating to
our dependence on a small number of customers. Any of the foregoing results of industry consolidation could adversely affect our
business. Consolidation among our competitors may create a competitive advantage over us, which may also result in a loss of
business and revenue if customers shift their production. Such consolidation may also result in pricing pressures, which could
negatively impact our profit margins. Changes in OEM strategies, including the divestiture or exit from certain of their businesses,
may also result in a loss of business for us.
We may encounter integration and other significant challenges with respect to our acquisitions and strategic transactions which
could adversely affect our operating results.
We intend to expand our presence in new end markets and expand our capabilities in existing markets and technologies,
some of which may occur through acquisitions (including through our anticipated acquisition of Atrenne). These transactions may
involve acquisitions of entire companies or acquisitions of selected assets. We have also completed numerous strategic transactions,
including multi-year "operate-in-place" arrangements, where we manage certain production, assembly or other services for
customers directly from their locations, acquire their inventory, equipment and/or other assets, hire their employees, and lease or
acquire their manufacturing sites. Potential challenges related to these acquisitions and transactions (including our acquisition of
Atrenne, if consummated) include: integrating acquired operations, systems and businesses; meeting customers' expectations as
to volume, product quality and timeliness; supporting legacy contractual obligations; retaining customer, supplier, employee or
other business relationships of acquired operations; addressing unforeseen liabilities of acquired businesses; limited experience
9
with new technologies and markets; failure to realize anticipated benefits, such as cost savings and revenue enhancements; failure
to achieve anticipated business volumes or operating margins; valuation methodologies not accurately capturing the value of the
acquired business; the effects of diverting management's attention from day-to-day operations to matters involving the integration
of acquired businesses; incurring potentially substantial transaction costs associated with these transactions; increased burdens on
our staff and on our administrative, internal control and operating systems, which may hinder our legal and regulatory compliance
activities; overpayment for an acquisition; and potential impairments resulting from post-acquisition deterioration in, or reduced
benefit from, an acquired business. While we often obtain indemnification rights from the sellers of acquired businesses, such
rights may be difficult to enforce, the losses may exceed any dedicated escrow funds, and the indemnitors may not have the ability
to financially support the indemnity. Any of these factors may prevent us from realizing the anticipated benefits of an acquisition,
including additional revenue, operational synergies and economies of scale. Any delay or failure to realize the anticipated benefits
of acquisitions may adversely affect our business and operating results and may require us to write-down the carrying value of
any related goodwill and intangible assets in periods subsequent to the acquisitions.
In addition, there is no assurance that we will find suitable acquisition targets, that we will be able to consummate any such
transactions on terms and conditions acceptable to us, or that we will be able to fund any such acquisitions with existing cash
resources or through debt instruments provided by external lenders. We may require additional capital to grow our business through
acquisitions. We may be unable to obtain additional capital if and when required on terms acceptable to us or at all. We may pursue
sources of additional capital through various financing transactions or arrangements, including debt financing, equity financing
or other means. We may not be successful in consummating suitable financing transactions in the time period required or at all,
and we may not be able to obtain the capital we require by other means. If the amount of capital we are able to raise from financing
activities, together with the cash from our operations, is not sufficient to consummate an acquisition we have deemed desirable,
we may not be able to implement our intended business plan, which could adversely affect our business, results of operations and
financial condition. See "We may use cash on hand, issue debt securities or otherwise incur substantial debt, or issue equity
securities (or any combination thereof) to complete future business acquisitions or otherwise fund our operations, which may
adversely affect our liquidity, debt leverage, credit ratings, financial condition and results of operations" below.
Acquisitions may also involve businesses we are not familiar with, and expose us to additional business risks that are different
than those we have traditionally experienced or anticipated at the time of acquisition. In addition, increased costs associated with
recent hires retained to support our pursuit of acquisitions and/or other strategic opportunities may not result in the consummation
of any such transactions, and such costs are expected to continue to adversely impact our operating results.
We may use cash on hand, issue debt securities or otherwise incur substantial debt, or issue equity securities (or any combination
thereof) to complete future business acquisitions or otherwise fund our operations, which may adversely affect our liquidity,
debt leverage, credit ratings, financial condition and results of operations.
Any significant use of cash (for acquisitions or otherwise) may adversely impact our current and future cash position and
liquidity. In addition, we may choose to issue debt securities or otherwise incur substantial debt, to fund future acquisitions or
otherwise fund our operations. Any significant incurrence of debt (either through the issuance of debt securities or through a new
or refinanced credit facility) could have a variety of negative effects, including, but not limited to: (i) default and foreclosure on
our assets if we have insufficient funds to repay the debt obligations; (ii) the imposition of restrictive covenants on our operations;
(iii) acceleration of such indebtedness or cross-defaults if we breach financial or other covenants under applicable debt agreements;
(iv) use of a substantial portion of our cash flow to pay principal and interest on such debt, which will reduce the funds available
for expenses, capital expenditures, acquisitions and other general corporate purposes; (v) limitations on our flexibility in planning
for and reacting to changes in our business and in the industries in which we operate; (vi) increased vulnerability to adverse changes
in general economic, industry and competitive conditions and adverse changes in government regulation; (vii) limitations on our
ability to refinance our indebtedness on terms acceptable to us or at all; and (viii) limitations on our ability to borrow additional
amounts for expenses, capital expenditures, acquisitions, debt service requirements, execution of our strategy and other purposes
and other disadvantages compared to our competitors who have less debt. To the extent we sell equity or convertible debt securities,
the issuance of these securities (the pricing of which would be subject to market conditions at the time of issuance) could result
in material dilution to our stockholders. Sales of our equity securities or convertible debt, or the perception that these sales could
occur, could also cause the market price for our subordinate voting shares to fall, and new securities could have rights, preferences
and privileges senior to the holders of our subordinate voting shares.
In addition, our credit ratings impact the cost and availability of future borrowings and, accordingly, our cost of capital. Our
ratings reflect the opinions of the ratings agencies of our financial strength, operating performance and ability to meet our debt
obligations. There can be no assurance that we will achieve a particular rating or maintain a particular rating in the future, which
could place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to better capitalized competitors and prevent us from taking actions that
10
could benefit us in the long term. We may not be able to obtain financing arrangements on acceptable terms or in amounts sufficient
to meet our needs in the future, which could harm our ability to grow our business, internally or through acquisitions.
We are dependent on third parties to supply certain materials, and our results can be negatively affected by the availability and
cost of such materials.
The purchase of materials and electronic components represents a significant portion of our costs. We rely on third parties
to provide such items. Although our OEM customers often dictate the materials to be used in their products, materials shortages
or other issues affecting timely access to these materials (which often occur in our industry) may impact our ability to successfully
complete a program. A delay or interruption in supply from a component supplier, especially for single-sourced components, could
have a significant impact on our operations and on our customers if we are unable to deliver finished products in a timely manner.
If the amount we are required to pay for equipment and supplies exceeds what we have estimated, especially in a fixed price
contract, we may suffer losses on these contracts. If a supplier or manufacturer fails to provide supplies or equipment as required
under a contract for any reason, we may be required to source these items from other third parties on a delayed basis or on less
favorable terms, which could impact our profitability. Additionally, quality or reliability issues at any of our component providers,
or financial difficulties that affect their production and ability to supply us with components, could halt or delay production of a
customer's product, or result in claims against us for failure to meet required customer specifications, which could materially
adversely impact our operating results. Shortages may also result in our carrying higher levels of inventory and extended lead-
times, or result in increased component prices, which may require price increases in the products and services that we provide.
Any increase in our costs that we are unable to recover would negatively impact our margins and operating results. Changes in
forecasted volumes or in our customers' requirements can also negatively affect our ability to obtain components and adversely
impact our operating results. During 2017, materials constraints from certain suppliers caused delays in the production of customer
products, resulted in higher than expected levels of inventory, and in combination with volatile market demand, negatively impacted
our margins for the year. We expect these materials constraints and adverse impacts to continue in the near term.
Inherent challenges in managing unanticipated changes in customer demand may impact our planning, supply chain execution
and manufacturing, and may adversely affect our operating performance and results.
Our customers use EMS providers for new product introductions and expect rapid response times to meet changes in volume
requirements. Although we generally enter into master supply agreements with our customers, the level of business to be transacted
under those agreements is not guaranteed. Instead, we bid on a program-by-program basis and typically receive customer purchase
orders for specific quantities and timing of products. Most of our customers typically do not commit to production schedules for
more than 30 to 90 days in advance and we often experience volatility in customer orders and inventory levels. There can be no
assurance that present or future customers will not terminate their manufacturing or service arrangements with us, or that they will
not significantly change, reduce or delay the volume of manufacturing or other services they order from us, any of which would
adversely affect our operating results. Customers may also shift business to our competitors, in-source programs, or adjust the
concentration of their supplier base. Customers may in-source production that they had previously outsourced, among other reasons,
to better utilize their internal capacity. The global economic environment, political pressures, negative sentiment from our customers'
customers or changes made by local governments (such as tax benefits or income tax rate reductions) may also impact our customers'
business decisions. These and other factors could adversely affect the rate of outsourcing generally, or adversely affect the rate of
outsourcing to EMS providers like Celestica. Additionally, a significant portion of our revenue can occur in the last month of the
quarter, and purchase orders may be subject to change or cancellation, all of which affect our operating results when they occur.
For example, late changes in demand from certain customers in the fourth quarter of 2017 negatively impacted our operating
results, as the timing of the changes prevented us from reducing certain variable production costs in light of the lower volumes.
Accordingly, our forecasts of customer orders may be inaccurate, and may make it difficult to order appropriate levels of materials,
schedule production, and maximize utilization of our manufacturing capacity and resources.
Our customers may change their forecasts, production quantities or product type requirements, or may accelerate, delay or
cancel production quantities for various reasons. When customers change production volumes or request different products to be
manufactured from those in their original forecast, the unavailability of components and materials for such changes could also
adversely impact our revenue and working capital performance. See "We are dependent on third parties to supply certain materials,
and our results can be negatively affected by the availability and cost of such materials" above.
Further, to guarantee continuity of supply for many of our customers, we are required to manufacture and warehouse specified
quantities of finished goods. The uncertainty of demand in our customers' end markets, intense competition in our customers'
industries and general order volume volatility may result in customers delaying or canceling the delivery of products we manufacture
for them or placing purchase orders for lower volumes of products than previously anticipated.
11
Order cancellations, or changes or delays in production, may result in higher than expected levels of inventory, which could
in turn have a material adverse impact on our operating results and working capital performance. Although we required additional
inventory to support new program ramps during 2017, we also experienced demand volatility in our Communications and Enterprise
end markets during the year, including late changes from certain customers, as well as materials constraints from suppliers, all of
which resulted in us carrying higher than expected levels of inventory at December 31, 2017. We may not be able to return or re-
sell this inventory, or we may be required to hold the inventory for a period of time, any of which may result in our having to
record additional reserves for the inventory if it becomes excess or obsolete. For example, unprecedented declines in the pricing
of solar panels, a slowing of demand, and related deferred and cancelled orders from customers resulted in us recording aggregate
net inventory provisions of $12.0 million in 2016 and $3.3 million in 2017, primarily to write down our solar panel inventory to
applicable market prices. Order cancellations and delays could also lower our asset utilization, resulting in higher levels of
unproductive assets, lower inventory turns, and lower margins.
We have incurred significant restructuring charges in recent periods, and expect to incur further significant restructuring
charges during 2018 in connection with our cost efficiency initiative; we may not achieve some or all of the expected benefits
from our cost efficiency initiative and other restructuring activities, and these activities may adversely affect our business.
We perform ongoing evaluations of our business, operational efficiency and cost structure, and implement restructuring
actions as we deem necessary. We have undertaken numerous initiatives to respond to changes in the EMS industry and in end-
market demand, with the intention of improving utilization and reducing our overall cost structure. See note 16 to the Consolidated
Financial Statements in Item 18.
We recorded restructuring charges of $28.9 million in 2017, primarily for employee termination costs relating to our Global
Business Services (GBS) and Organizational Design (OD) initiatives, costs in connection with the rationalization of certain
operations in the third quarter of 2017, and $8.0 million of charges in connection with our new cost efficiency initiative (described
below) in the fourth quarter of 2017, and to write down the carrying value of our solar manufacturing equipment. We recorded
restructuring charges of $31.9 million in 2016, primarily for employee termination costs relating to our GBS and OD initiatives,
the closure of our solar panel manufacturing operations and other exited operations, and impairment charges to write down certain
plant assets and equipment to recoverable amounts, including our solar manufacturing equipment. During 2015, we recorded
restructuring charges of $23.9 million, primarily related to headcount reductions implemented at various of our sites, and costs
associated with the consolidation of two of our semiconductor sites, including the write-down of certain equipment and a reduction
in the related workforce.
In addition, in response to challenging markets and continued margin pressures (driven primarily by volatility in our
Communications and Enterprise end markets), we are implementing additional restructuring actions (which commenced in the
fourth quarter of 2017) under a new cost efficiency initiative. Such initiative will include reductions to our workforce, the potential
consolidation of certain sites to better align capacity and infrastructure with current and anticipated customer demand, related
transfers of customer programs and production, re-alignment of business processes, management reorganizations, and other
associated activities. We currently estimate that we will incur aggregate restructuring charges of between $50.0 million and $75.0
million (consisting primarily of cash charges) with respect to this initiative (including $8.0 million of restructuring charges incurred
in the fourth quarter of 2017). This initiative is expected to continue through mid-2019. Implementation of our cost efficiency
initiative may be costly and disruptive to our business, and we may not be able to achieve the cost savings and benefits that we
anticipate in connection therewith. We may not be able to retain or expand existing business due to execution issues relating to
anticipated headcount reductions, plant closures or product/service transfers, and we may incur higher operating expenses during
the periods of transition. Additionally, restructuring actions related to this initiative may result in a loss of continuity and accumulated
knowledge in our workforce and related operational inefficiencies, as well as negative publicity. Headcount reductions can also
have a negative impact on morale and our ability to attract and hire new qualified personnel in the future. Our cost efficiency
initiative is expected to require a significant amount of management and other employees’ time and focus, which may divert
attention from operating and growing our business.
Any failure to achieve some or all of the expected benefits of our cost efficiency initiative or any other restructuring activities,
including any delay in implementing planned related restructuring actions, may have a material adverse effect on our competitive
position and operating results.
12
We have incurred significant impairment charges and operating losses in recent periods, and may incur such charges and
losses in future periods.
We have in recent periods recorded charges relating to the impairment of property, plant and equipment, goodwill and other
intangible assets, and have incurred operating losses for certain of our businesses. These amounts have varied from period to period.
We evaluate the recoverability of the carrying amount of our goodwill, intangible assets, and property, plant and equipment
on an ongoing basis, and we may incur impairment charges, which could be substantial and could adversely affect our financial
results. Impairment assessments inherently involve judgment as to assumptions about expected future cash flows and the impact
of market conditions on those assumptions. Future events and changing market conditions may impact our assumptions as to prices,
costs, or other factors that may result in changes in our estimates of future cash flows. Factors that might reduce the recoverable
amount of goodwill, intangible assets, and property, plant and equipment below their respective carrying values include declines
in our stock price and market capitalization, reduced future cash flow estimates, and slower growth rates in any of our businesses.
During 2017, we incurred operating losses related to the wind-down of our solar panel manufacturing operations, and we recorded
provisions of $0.9 million to further write down the carrying value of our remaining solar panel inventory (to reflect lower prices
obtained in then-current purchase orders), a provision of $0.5 million to write down the carrying value of our solar accounts
receivable (primarily as a result of a solar customer's bankruptcy) to recoverable amounts, and net impairment charges of $3.8
million (through restructuring charges) to further write down the carrying value of our solar panel manufacturing equipment to its
estimated fair value less costs to sell, based on executed sale agreements. We currently expect the sale of such equipment to be
completed by the end of the first quarter of 2018. If we are unable to collect the current carrying value of our remaining solar
assets ($2.6 million in solar panel manufacturing equipment and $6.7 million in solar accounts receivable as of December 31,
2017), we will incur additional asset write downs in future periods. During 2016, we recorded impairment charges of $21.2 million
(through restructuring charges) to write down certain plant assets and equipment to recoverable amounts. During 2015, we recorded
impairment charges of $12.2 million to write down the property, plant and equipment of two of our CGUs. See notes 16(a) and (b)
to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 18.
Sustained market price decreases, demand softness, and/or failure to realize future revenue at an appropriate profit margin
in any CGU could negatively impact our operating results, including restructuring actions and/or impairment losses for such CGU,
in future periods.
We continue to operate in an uncertain global economic and political environment.
Concerns over global economic conditions and geopolitical issues, energy costs, inflation, the availability and cost of credit,
and the European, Asian and the U.S. financial markets have contributed to increased global economic and political uncertainty.
Brexit, the current U.S. administration, and tensions with North Korea have contributed to such uncertainty. See "Our operations
could be adversely affected by global or local events outside our control" and "Policies or legislation proposed or instituted by
the current U.S. administration could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial
condition" below. Changes in policies by the U.S. or other governments could negatively affect our operating results due to changes
in duties, tariffs or taxes, or limitations on currency or fund transfers, as well as government-imposed restrictions on producing
certain products in, or shipping them to, specific countries (including the current renegotiation of the North American Free Trade
Agreement (NAFTA) and its implications for our business). Uncertain global economies have adversely impacted, and may continue
to unpredictably impact, currency exchange rates. See "We are exposed to translation and transaction risks associated with
foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations; hedging instruments may not be effective in mitigating such risks" below. Financial
market instability may result in lower returns on our financial investments, and lower values on some of our assets. Alternately,
inflation may lead to higher costs for labor and materials and/or increase our costs of borrowing and raising capital. Uncertainty
surrounding the global economic environment and geopolitical outlook may impact current and future demand for some of the
products we manufacture or services we provide, the financial condition of our customers and/or suppliers, as well as the number
and pace of customer consolidations. If the foregoing impacts the financial condition of our customers, they may delay payments
to us or request extended payment terms, which could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and working capital. If
the foregoing impacts the financial condition of our suppliers, this may have an adverse effect on our operations, financial condition
and/or customer relationships.
We cannot predict the precise nature, extent, or duration of these economic or political conditions or if they will have any
impact on our financial results. A deterioration in the economic environment may accelerate the effect of the various risk factors
described in this Annual Report and could result in other unforeseen events that may adversely impact our business and financial
condition.
13
Our operations could be adversely affected by global or local events outside our control.
Our operations and those of our customers, component suppliers and/or our logistics partners may be disrupted by global
or local events outside our control, including: natural disasters and related disruptions; political instability; terrorism; armed conflict;
labor or social unrest; criminal activity; disease or illness that affects local, national or international economies; unusually adverse
weather conditions; and other risks present in the jurisdictions in which we, our customers, our suppliers and/or our logistics
partners operate. These types of events could disrupt operations at one or more of our sites or those of our customers, component
suppliers and/or our logistics partners. Any such disruption could lead to higher costs, supplier shortages, delays in the delivery
of components to us, and/or our inability to provide finished products or services to our customers, any of which could adversely
affect our operating results materially. We carry insurance to cover damage to our sites and interruptions to our operations, including
those that may occur as a result of natural disasters, such as flooding, earthquakes or other events. Our insurance policies, however,
are subject to deductibles, coverage limitations and exclusions, and may not provide adequate (or any) coverage should such
events occur.
Increased international political volatility, including changes to previously accepted trading or other government policies or
legislation in the United States and Europe, instability in parts of the Middle East, as well as the ongoing refugee crisis, anti-
immigrant activities, social unrest and fears of terrorism, enhanced national security measures, armed conflicts, security issues at
the U.S./Mexico border related to illegal immigration or criminal activities associated with illegal drug activities, labor or social
unrest, strained international relations, including increased tensions between the United States and North Korea, and the related
decline in consumer confidence arising from these and other factors may materially hinder our ability to conduct business, or may
reduce demand for our products or services. Any escalation in these events or similar future events may disrupt our operations or
those of our customers and suppliers and could adversely affect the availability of materials needed to manufacture our products
or the means to transport those materials to manufacturing sites and finished products to customers.
The June 2016 Brexit referendum led to, among other things, volatility in currency exchange rates that resulted in the
strengthening of the U.S. dollar against foreign currencies in which we conduct business. Given the lack of comparable precedent,
it is unclear what financial, trade and legal implications the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union will
have and how such withdrawal will affect us, our customers and their demand for our services. We cannot predict changes in
currency exchange rates, the impact of exchange rate changes on our operating results, nor the degree to which we will be able to
manage the impact of currency exchange rate changes, and any of these effects of Brexit, among others, could materially adversely
affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. Also see "Policies or legislation proposed or instituted by the
current U.S. administration could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition"
below for a discussion of uncertainties arising out of the current U.S. administration with respect to, among other things, existing
and proposed trade agreements (including the status of NAFTA), free trade generally, and potential significant increases on tariffs
on goods imported into the United States, particularly from Mexico, Canada and China, and how changes in U.S. social, political,
regulatory and economic conditions or in laws and policies governing foreign trade, taxes, manufacturing, clean energy, the
healthcare industry, development and investment in the jurisdictions in which we and/or our customers or suppliers operate, could
materially adversely affect, among other things, the supply chain strategies of our customers, the pace of outsourcing in our industry,
the economy (including inflationary trends) and our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We rely on a variety of common carriers for the transportation of materials and products and for their ability to route these
materials and products through various international ports and other transportation hubs. A work stoppage, strike or shutdown of
any important supplier's site or operations, or at any major port or airport, or the inability to access any such site for any reason,
could result in manufacturing and shipping delays or expediting charges, which could have a material adverse effect on our operating
results.
Such events have had and may in the future have an adverse impact on the U.S. and global economy in general, and on
consumer confidence and spending, which may adversely affect our revenue and financial results. Such events could increase the
volatility of the market price of our securities and may limit the capital resources available to us and our customers and suppliers.
Policies or legislation proposed or instituted by the current U.S. administration could have a material adverse effect on our
business, results of operations and financial condition.
The current U.S. administration has created uncertainty with respect to, among other things, existing and proposed trade
agreements (including the renegotiation of NAFTA to better implement U.S. trade policy objectives, including through the potential
addition of new provisions to address regulatory practices, state-owned enterprises, services, customs procedures, sanitary
measures, labor, the environment, and other matters which may affect our business or the businesses of our customers), free trade
generally, and potential significant increases on tariffs on goods imported into the U.S., particularly from Mexico, Canada and
14
China. We currently ship a significant portion of our worldwide production into the U.S. from other countries. Changes to U.S. laws
or policies (as described above or otherwise) may impact the supply chain strategies of, as well as the pace of outsourcing by,
U.S. customers in the future, including the possibility of such customers insourcing programs that were previously outsourced
(including to companies like ours).
The U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (U.S. Tax Reform) was enacted on December 22, 2017, and became effective January 1,
2018. As the legislative changes are extensive, and significant uncertainties remain as to how the U.S. government will implement
the new tax law, we do not yet know all of the consequences of this legislation on our global business, including whether it will
have any unintended impacts. We do not currently expect the new legislation to have a significant impact on our future global tax
rate. In addition, we do not currently anticipate that the one-time transition tax on foreign unremitted earnings and the base erosion
and anti-abuse tax will have a significant impact on us, however, there can be no assurance that this will be the case. Other aspects
of the new legislation may have a positive impact on our future U.S. income tax provision, but we cannot quantify any potential
future impact at this time.
In general, tax reform efforts, including with respect to tax base or rate, transfer pricing, inter-company dividends, cross
border transactions, controlled corporations, and limitations on tax relief allowed on the interest on inter-company debt, will require
us to continually assess our organizational structure against tax policy trends, and could lead to an increased risk of international
tax disputes and an increase in our effective tax rate, and could adversely affect our financial results.
It is unknown at this time to what extent other new laws will be passed or pending or new regulatory proposals will be
adopted, if any, or the effect that such passage or adoption may have on the economy and/or our business. However, changes in
U.S. social, political, regulatory and economic conditions or in laws and policies governing foreign trade, taxes, manufacturing,
clean energy, the healthcare industry, development and investment in the jurisdictions in which we and/or our customers or suppliers
operate, could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We may encounter difficulties expanding or consolidating our operations or introducing new competencies or new offerings,
which could adversely affect our operating results.
As we expand our business, open new sites, enter into new markets, products and technologies, invest in research, design
and development, acquire new businesses or capabilities, transfer business from one location to another location within our network,
consolidate certain operations, and/or introduce new business models or programs, we may encounter difficulties that result in
higher than expected costs associated with such activities. Potential difficulties related to such activities include our ability: to
manage growth effectively; to maintain existing business relationships during periods of transition; to anticipate disruptions in our
operations that may impact our ability to deliver to customers on time, produce quality products and ensure overall customer
satisfaction; and to respond rapidly to changes in customer demand or volumes.
We may also encounter difficulties in ramping and executing new programs. We may require significant investments to
support these new programs, including increased working capital requirements, and may generate lower margins or losses during
and/or following the ramp period. For example, we incurred higher costs in 2017 with respect to ramping new programs, including
aerospace and defense programs, as well as programs that required the establishment of infrastructures in multiple jurisdictions.
We also anticipate increased ramping costs going forward as we expand our ATS businesses. There can be no assurance that our
increased investments will benefit us or result in business growth. As we pursue opportunities in new markets or technologies, we
may encounter challenges due to our limited knowledge or experience in these areas. In addition, the success of new business
models or programs depends on a number of factors including: understanding the new business or markets; timely and successful
product development; market acceptance; the effective management of purchase commitments and inventory levels in line with
anticipated demand; the development or acquisition of appropriate intellectual property and capital investments, to the extent
required; the availability of materials in adequate quantities and at appropriate costs to meet anticipated demand; and the risk that
new offerings may have quality or other defects in the early stages of introduction. Any of these factors could prevent us from
realizing the anticipated benefits of growth in new markets or technologies, which could materially adversely affect our business
and operating results.
For example, we made the decision in the fourth quarter of 2016 to exit the solar panel manufacturing business. In connection
therewith, we recorded approximately $21.0 million in restructuring charges in the fourth quarter of 2016 to close our solar panel
manufacturing operations at our two locations, including $19.0 million in impairment charges to write down the carrying value of
our solar panel manufacturing equipment to then-recoverable amounts. During 2017, we incurred operating losses related to the
wind-down of our solar panel manufacturing operations, and we recorded a net aggregate of $5.2 million in additional provisions/
impairment charges to write down our inventory, accounts receivable and solar panel manufacturing equipment to recoverable
amounts. If we are unable to recover the current carrying value our remaining solar assets ($2.6 million in solar panel manufacturing
15
equipment and $6.7 million in solar accounts receivable as of December 31, 2017), we will incur additional asset write downs in
future periods. See Item 5, "Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations — Recent developments."
As part of our strategy to enhance our end-to-end service offerings, we intend to continue to expand our design (including
our JDM offering) and engineering capabilities. Providing these services may expose us to different or greater potential risks than
those we face when providing our manufacturing services. Our design services offerings require significant investments in research
and development, technology licensing, testing and tooling equipment, patent applications and talent recruitment. Our margins
may be adversely impacted if we incur higher than expected investment costs, or if our customers are not satisfied with our progress,
or do not approve our completed designs. In addition, our design activities often require the purchase of inventory for initial
production runs before we have a firm purchase commitment from a customer. Furthermore, we may face increased competition
with respect to this offering from ODMs and other companies providing similar services, including our own customers. As we
anticipate continuing to grow this business, costs required to support our design and engineering capabilities may adversely affect
our profitability. In addition, some of the products we design and develop must satisfy safety and regulatory standards and some
must receive government certifications. If we fail to obtain these approvals or certifications on a timely basis, we would be unable
to sell these products, which would harm our revenues, profitability and reputation.
There can be no assurance that our expansion into new markets or new business will be successful, or that we will achieve
the anticipated benefits.
If we are unable to recruit or retain highly skilled talent, our business could be adversely affected.
The recruitment of personnel in the EMS industry is highly competitive. We believe that our future success depends, in part,
on our ability to attract and retain highly skilled executive, technical and management talent in the various geographies in which
Celestica operates. The time required to replace or redistribute responsibilities related to the loss of the services of certain executive,
management and technical employees, individually or in the aggregate, could have a material adverse effect on our operations,
and there can be no assurance that we will be able to retain their services. In addition, leadership transitions (which we implemented
with respect to our senior management during 2017 in order to support our current priorities and strategic goals) can be inherently
difficult to manage and may cause uncertainty or a disruption to our business or may increase the likelihood of turnover in key
officers and employees. Organizational changes made by our leadership team may impact our relationships with customers, vendors,
and employees, potentially resulting in loss of business, loss of vendor relationships, and the loss of key employees or declines in
the productivity of existing employees. The uncertainties associated with senior management transitions could lead to concerns
from current and potential third parties with whom we do business, any of which could hurt our business prospects. Turnover in
key leadership positions within the Company, or any failure to successfully integrate key new hires or promoted employees, may
adversely impact our ability to manage the Company efficiently and effectively, could be disruptive and distracting to management
and may lead to additional departures of existing personnel, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business,
operating results, financial results and internal controls over financial reporting.
Changes to our operating model may adversely affect our business.
We continuously work to improve our productivity, quality, delivery performance and flexibility. In connection therewith,
we recently completed our GBS initiative, which focused on integrating, standardizing and optimizing our end-to-end business
processes, and our OD initiative, which involved redesigning our organizational structure with the goal of increasing our overall
effectiveness. In addition, we are implementing a new cost efficiency initiative, which commenced in the fourth quarter of 2017,
to further streamline our business and improve our margin performance. Charges related to these initiatives may adversely impact
our financial condition and results of operations in the periods incurred. See Item 5, "Operating and Financial Review and
Prospects — Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Operating
Results — Other Charges." Implementation of these initiatives presents a number of risks, including: (i) actual or perceived
disruption of service or reduction in service levels to customers; (ii) potential adverse effects on our internal control environment
with respect to general and administrative functions during transitions resulting from such initiatives; (iii) actual or perceived
disruption to suppliers, distribution networks and other important operational relationships and the inability to resolve potential
conflicts in a timely manner; (iv) diversion of management attention from ongoing business activities and strategic objectives;
and (v) failure to retain key employees. Because of these and other factors, we cannot predict whether we will fully realize the
purpose and anticipated benefits or cost savings of these initiatives and, if we do not, our business and results of operations may
be adversely affected. Furthermore, if we experience adverse changes to our business, additional restructuring or reorganization
activities may be required in the future. See "We have incurred significant restructuring charges in recent periods, and expect
to incur further significant restructuring charges during 2018 in connection with our cost efficiency initiative; we may not
16
achieve some or all of the expected benefits from our cost efficiency initiative and other restructuring activities, and these
activities may adversely affect our business" above.
Our results may be negatively affected by rising labor costs.
There is some uncertainty with respect to the pace of rising labor costs in various regions in which we operate. Any increase
in labor costs that we are unable to recover in our pricing to our customers would negatively impact our margins and operating
results.
Volatility in commodity prices may negatively impact our operating results.
We rely on various energy sources in our production and transportation activities. The price of commodities can be volatile.
Increases in prices for energy and other commodities could result in higher raw material and component costs and transportation
costs. Any increase in our costs that we are unable to recover in our pricing to our customers would negatively impact our margins
and operating results.
There may be problems with the products we design or manufacture that could result in liability/warranty claims against us,
which may reduce demand for our services, damage our reputation, and/or cause us to incur significant costs.
In most of our sales contracts, we provide warranties against defects or deficiencies in our products, services, or designs.
The extent of the warranties varies by customer, and warranties generally range from one to three years. However, the warranty
period for our JDM designs, and our solar panel products (which remain in force notwithstanding our exit from this business), are
generally longer. We generally design and manufacture products to our customers' specifications, many of which are highly complex,
and include products for industries, such as healthcare, aerospace and defense, that tend to have higher risk profiles. The customized
design solutions that form a part of our JDM offering also subject us to the risk of liability claims if defects are discovered or
alleged. Despite our quality control and quality assurance efforts, problems may occur, or may be alleged, in or resulting from the
design and/or manufacturing of these products. Whether or not we are responsible, problems in the products we design and/or
manufacture, or in products which include components we manufacture, whether real or alleged, whether caused by faulty customer
specifications, the design or manufacturing processes or a component defect, may result in increased costs to us, as well as delayed
shipments to our customers, and/or reduced or canceled customer orders. These potential claims may include damages for the
recall of a product and/or injury to person or property, including consequential and/or punitive damages.
Even if customers or third parties, such as component suppliers, are responsible for defects, they may not, or may not be
able to, assume responsibility for any such costs or required payments to us. While we seek to insure against many of these risks,
insurance coverage may be inadequate, not cost effective or unavailable, either in general or for particular types of products
or issues.
As we expand our service offerings (for example, our JDM offerings) and pursue business in new end markets, our warranty
obligations are likely to increase and we may not be successful in pricing our products to appropriately cover our warranty costs.
A successful claim for damages arising from defects or deficiencies for which we are not adequately insured, and for which
indemnification from a third party is not timely (or otherwise) available, could have a material adverse effect on our reputation
and/or our operating results and financial condition.
We may experience increased financial and reputational risk due to non-performance by counterparties.
A failure by counterparties, including customers, suppliers, financial institutions or other third parties with whom we conduct
business, to fulfill their contractual obligations, may result in financial loss to us and may have adverse effects on our business.
We have key suppliers that are important to our sourcing activities. If a key supplier, or any company within that supplier's
supply chain, were to experience financial difficulties, it may affect their ability to supply us with materials, components or services,
which could halt or delay the production of a customer's products, which could in turn have a material adverse impact on our
operations, financial results, and customer relationships.
Our ability to collect outstanding accounts receivable is contingent, in part, on the financial strength of our customers. We
provide flexible payment terms to most of our customers (generally ranging from 30 to 90 days), however, we extend or provide
longer payment terms from time to time for new customers or with respect to new programs. If this becomes more prevalent, it
could adversely impact our working capital requirements, and increase our financial exposure and credit risk. Our accounts
receivable balance at December 31, 2017 was $764.8 million, with two customers representing more than 10% of total accounts
receivable. Customers having financial difficulties may result in payment delays, defaults in payments, or requests for extended
payment terms, any of which could adversely impact our short-term cash flows, financial performance and/or operating results.
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In addition, customer financial difficulties may result in purchase order cancellations or volume reductions, resulting in increased
inventory levels, which could have a material adverse impact on our operating results and working capital performance. We may
not be able to return or resell this inventory, or we may be required to hold the inventory for an extended period of time, which
may result in inventory obsolescence and the need to record additional inventory reserves. We may also be unable to recover all
of the amounts owed to us by a customer, including amounts to cover unused inventory or capital investments incurred to support
a customer's business. Furthermore, if a customer bankruptcy occurs, our profitability may be adversely impacted if affected
accounts receivable are in excess of our allowance for doubtful accounts. Additionally, our future revenues could be adversely
impacted by a customer bankruptcy. Inability to collect accounts receivable and/or the loss of one or more major customers could
adversely impact our operating results, financial position and cash flows. We cannot reasonably determine the extent to which a
customer or supplier may have financial difficulties, or whether we will be required to adjust customer pricing, payment terms
and/or the amounts we pay to suppliers for materials and components.
We are exposed to translation and transaction risks associated with foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations; hedging
instruments may not be effective in mitigating such risks.
Global currency markets can be volatile. Although we conduct the majority of our business in U.S. dollars (our functional
currency), our global operations subject us to translation and transaction risks associated with fluctuations in currency exchange
rates that could have a material adverse impact on our operating results and/or financial condition. A significant portion of our
operational costs (including payroll, pensions, site costs, costs of locally sourced supplies and inventory, and income taxes) are
denominated in various currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Fluctuations in currency exchange rates may significantly increase
the amount of translated U.S. dollars required for costs incurred in other currencies or significantly decrease the U.S. dollars
received from non-U.S. dollar revenues. Our significant non-U.S. currency exposures include the Canadian dollar, Thai baht,
Malaysian ringgit, Mexican peso, British pound sterling, Chinese renminbi, Euro, Romanian leu and Singapore dollar.
Although our functional currency is the U.S. dollar, currency risk on our income tax expense arises as we are generally
required to file our tax returns in the local currency for each country in which we have operations. A weakening of the local currency
against the U.S. dollar could have a negative impact on our income taxes payable (related to increased local-currency taxable
profits) and on our deferred tax costs (primarily related to the revaluation of non-monetary foreign assets from historical average
exchange rates to the period-end exchange rates). See note 21 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 18. While our
hedging programs are designed to mitigate currency risk vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar, we remain subject to taxable foreign exchange
impacts in our translated local currency financial results relevant for tax reporting purposes.
As part of our risk management program, we enter into foreign exchange forward contracts to lock in the exchange rates for
future foreign currency transactions, which is intended to reduce the variability of our operating costs and future cash flows
denominated in local currencies. While these contracts are intended to reduce the effects of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange
rates, our hedging strategy does not mitigate the longer-term impacts of changes to foreign exchange rates. We do not enter into
these contracts for trading purposes or speculation, and our management believes all such contracts are entered into as hedges of
underlying transactions. Nonetheless, these instruments involve costs and risks of their own in the form of transaction costs, credit
requirements and counterparty risk. If our hedging program is not successful, or if we change our hedging activities in the future,
we may experience significant unexpected expenses from fluctuations in exchange rates.
Our financial results have, in prior periods, been adversely impacted by negative foreign currency translation effects, and
such adverse effects, some of which may be substantial, are likely to recur in the future.
Our ability to successfully manage unexpected changes or risks inherent in our global operations and supply chain may adversely
impact our financial performance.
We have sites in the following countries: Canada, the United States, China, Ireland, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Mexico, Romania,
Singapore, Spain and Thailand. During 2017, approximately 80% of our revenue was produced at locations outside of North
America. We also purchase the majority of our components and materials from international suppliers.
Global operations are subject to inherent risks which may adversely affect us, including:
• changes in local tax rates and tax incentives and the adverse tax consequences of repatriating earnings;
• labor unrest and differences in regulations and statutes governing employee relations, including increased scrutiny
of labor practices within our industry;
• cultural differences and/or differences in local business customs;
18
• negative impacts, or ineffectiveness, of executing restructuring activities;
• changes in regulatory requirements;
• inflationary trends and rising costs;
• changes in international political relations;
• difficulty in staffing (including skilled labor availability and cost) and managing foreign operations;
• challenges in building and maintaining infrastructure to support operations;
• compliance with a variety of foreign laws, including import and export tariffs and regulations;
• adverse changes in trade policies between countries in which we maintain operations;
• changes in logistics costs;
• changes in the availability, lead time, and cost of components and materials;
• weaker laws protecting intellectual property rights and/or greater difficulty enforcing such rights;
• global economic, political and/or social instability;
• potential restrictions on the transfer of funds and/or other restrictive actions by foreign governments;
• the effects of terrorist activity, armed conflict, natural disasters and epidemics; and
• global currency fluctuations.
Any of these risks could disrupt the supply of our components or materials, slow or stop our production, and/or increase our
costs. Compliance with trade and foreign tax laws may increase our costs and actual or alleged violations of such laws could result
in enforcement actions or financial penalties that could result in substantial costs. In addition, the introduction or expansion of
certain social programs in foreign jurisdictions may increase our costs, and certain supplier's costs, of doing business.
We currently ship a significant portion of our worldwide production into the U.S. from other countries. Potential changes
to, among other things, laws or policies in the U.S. regarding foreign trade, import/export duties, tariffs or taxes, manufacturing
and/or investments, could materially adversely affect our U.S. and foreign operations. See "Policies or legislation proposed or
instituted by the current U.S. administration could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and
financial condition" above.
There can be no assurance that the acquisition of Atrenne will be consummated in a timely manner or at all, and that if acquired,
we will be able to successfully integrate Atrenne.
In January 2018, we executed an agreement for the acquisition of Atrenne (through a merger whereby Atrenne will become
one of our wholly-owned subsidiaries). The consummation of such acquisition is subject to the receipt of applicable regulatory
approvals, as well as other customary closing conditions. There can be no assurance that such approvals will be obtained, that the
other closing conditions will be satisfied or waived in a timely manner or at all, that our purchase of Atrenne will be consummated
in a timely manner or at all, that internal cash flow and our ability to incur further indebtedness under our revolving credit facility
will be as expected in order to finance the acquisition as anticipated, or that, if acquired, we will be able to successfully integrate
Atrenne, further develop our capabilities in the aerospace and defense market or otherwise expand our portfolio of solutions, or
achieve the other expected benefits from the acquisition. Also see “We may encounter integration and other significant challenges
with respect to our acquisitions and strategic transactions which could adversely affect our operating results" above for a
discussion of challenges that we may encounter with respect to our acquisition of Atrenne, if consummated.
We may not keep pace with rapidly evolving technology.
Many of the markets for our manufacturing and engineering services are characterized by rapidly changing technology and
evolving process development. We believe our future success will depend, in part, upon our ability to: continually develop and
deliver electronic and complex mechanical manufacturing services that meet our customers' evolving needs; hire, retain and expand
our qualified engineering and technical personnel; maintain and continually improve our technological expertise; and successfully
anticipate or respond to technological changes in manufacturing processes on a cost-effective and timely basis.
19
Although we believe that our operations use the assembly and testing technologies, equipment and processes that are currently
required by our customers, we cannot be certain that we will maintain or develop the capabilities required by our customers in the
future. The emergence of new technologies, industry standards or customer requirements may render our equipment, designs,
inventory or processes obsolete or noncompetitive. In addition, we may have to invest in new processes, capabilities or equipment
to support new technologies used in our customers' current or future products, and to support their supply chain processes.
Additionally, as we expand our service offerings or pursue business in new markets where our experience may be limited, we may
be less effective in adapting to technological change. Our manufacturing, engineering, supply chain processes, and test development
efforts and design capabilities may not be successful due to rapid technological shifts in any of these areas. The acquisition and
implementation of new technologies and equipment and the offering of new or additional services to our customers may require
significant expense or capital investment, which could reduce our operating margins and our operating results. Our failure to
anticipate and adapt to our customers' changing technological needs and requirements or to hire and retain a sufficient number of
engineers and maintain our engineering, technological and manufacturing expertise could have a material adverse effect on
our operations.
Various industry-specific standards, qualifications and certifications are required to produce certain types of products for
our customers. Failure to obtain or maintain those certifications may adversely affect our ability to maintain existing levels of
business or win new business.
We may not adequately protect our intellectual property or the intellectual property of others.
We believe that certain of our proprietary intellectual property rights and information provide us with a competitive advantage.
Accordingly, we take steps to protect this proprietary information, including entering into non-disclosure agreements with
customers, suppliers, employees and other parties, and by implementing security measures. However, our protection measures
may not be sufficient to prevent or detect the misappropriation or unauthorized use or disclosure of our property or information.
There is also a risk that claims of intellectual property infringement could be brought against us, our customers and/or our
suppliers. If such claims are successful, we may be required to spend significant time and money to develop processes that do not
infringe upon the rights of another person or to obtain licenses for the technology, process or information from the owner. We may
not be successful in such development, or any such licenses may not be available on commercially acceptable terms, if at all. In
addition, any litigation could be lengthy and costly and could adversely affect us even if we are successful. As we expand our JDM
and other service offerings and pursue business in new end markets, we may be less effective in anticipating or mitigating the
intellectual property risks related to new manufacturing, design and other services, which could be significant.
We are subject to the risk of increasing income and other taxes, tax audits, and the challenges of successfully defending our
tax positions, and obtaining, renewing or meeting the conditions of tax incentives and credits, any of which may adversely
affect our financial performance.
We conduct business operations in a number of countries, including countries where tax incentives have been extended to
encourage foreign investment or where income tax rates are low. Our income tax expense could increase significantly if certain
tax incentives from which we benefit are retracted. A retraction could occur if we fail to satisfy the conditions on which these tax
incentives are based, or if they are not renewed or replaced upon expiration. Our income tax expense could also increase if tax
rates applicable to us in such jurisdictions are otherwise increased, or due to changes in legislation or administrative practices.
Changes in our outlook in any particular country could impact our ability to meet the required conditions. See Item 5 "Operating
and Financial Review and Prospects — Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations — Income taxes" and note 20 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 18 for a discussion of recently expired
tax incentives, the status of existing tax incentives, and a challenge to our Brazilian sales tax levy rates.
We develop our tax filing positions based upon the anticipated nature and structure of our business and the tax laws,
administrative practices and judicial decisions currently in effect in the jurisdictions in which we have assets or conduct business,
all of which are subject to change or differing interpretations, possibly with retroactive effect.
Certain of our subsidiaries provide financing or products and services to, and may from time-to-time undertake certain
significant transactions with, other subsidiaries in different jurisdictions. Moreover, several jurisdictions in which we operate have
tax laws with detailed transfer pricing rules which require that all transactions with non-resident related parties be priced using
arm's-length pricing principles, and that contemporaneous documentation must exist to support such pricing.
We are subject to tax audits globally by various tax authorities of historical information, which could result in additional tax
expense in future periods relating to prior results. Any such increase in our income tax expense and related interest and/or penalties
could have a significant adverse impact on our future earnings and future cash flows. The successful pursuit of assertions made
20
by any taxing authority could result in our owing significant amounts of tax, interest, and possibly penalties. We believe we
adequately accrue for any probable potential adverse tax ruling. However, there can be no assurance as to the final resolution of
any claims and any resulting proceedings. If any claims and any ensuing proceedings are determined adversely to us, the amounts
we may be required to pay could be material, and could be in excess of amounts accrued.
As at December 31, 2017, a significant portion of our cash and cash equivalents was held by foreign subsidiaries outside of
Canada, and is subject to withholding taxes upon repatriation under current tax laws. We currently expect to repatriate $88.0 million
from various subsidiaries in the near term, and have recognized any applicable deferred tax liabilities with respect thereto. At
December 31, 2017, we had approximately $351.0 million (December 31, 2016 — $340.0 million) of cash and cash equivalents
held by foreign subsidiaries outside of Canada that we do not intend to repatriate in the foreseeable future.
The sale of our real property in Toronto may not be completed on a timely basis or at all, and the costs, timing and execution
of our related Toronto manufacturing and corporate relocations may prove to be other than anticipated.
On July 23, 2015, we entered into a property sale agreement (Property Sale Agreement) to sell our real property located in
Toronto, Ontario, which includes the site of our corporate headquarters and our Toronto manufacturing operations. The purchase
price, should the transaction be consummated, is approximately $137 million Canadian dollars (approximately $109 million at
year-end exchange rates), exclusive of applicable taxes and subject to certain adjustments. Upon execution of the Property Sale
Agreement, we received a cash deposit of $15 million Canadian dollars ($11.2 million at the then-prevailing exchange rates) which
is non-refundable except in limited circumstances. In April 2017, we received notice from the Property Purchaser that the required
municipal zoning approval process will take longer than originally anticipated. As a result, the Property Purchaser exercised its
option under the Property Sale Agreement to extend the approvals period by one year. Assuming the timely satisfaction of various
conditions, we currently expect the transaction to close during 2018. However, there can be no assurance that this transaction will
be completed during 2018, or at all. Whether or not this transaction is consummated, however, we are moving our existing Toronto
manufacturing operations to another location. In connection therewith, we entered into a long-term lease in November 2017 (in
the Greater Toronto area) for the relocation of our Toronto manufacturing operations. Occupancy under such lease is anticipated
to commence at the end of the first quarter of 2018. We currently expect to complete the transition to this new manufacturing
location by the end of the first quarter of 2019.
In addition, should the sale be consummated, we will enter into a short-term interim lease with the Property Purchaser for
our existing corporate headquarters and manufacturing premises on a portion of the real estate on a rent-free basis (subject to
certain payments, including taxes and utilities), followed by a long-term lease for our new corporate headquarters on commercially
reasonable arm's length terms. In connection therewith, we intend to move our corporate headquarters to a temporary location
while space in a new office building (to be built by the Property Purchasers on the site of our current location) is under construction.
The temporary office relocation is currently expected to occur by the end of the first quarter of 2019. We will incur significant
costs throughout the transition period (which commenced in the fourth quarter of 2017) to relocate our corporate headquarters and
to transfer our Toronto manufacturing operations to its new location, and as we prepare and customize the new site to meet our
manufacturing needs. These costs will consist of building improvements and new equipment, as well as transition-related costs.
Transition costs are comprised of direct relocation costs, duplicate costs (such as rent expense, utility costs, depreciation charges,
and personnel costs) incurred during the transition period, as well as cease-use costs incurred in connection with idle or vacated
portions of the relevant premises that we would not have incurred but for these relocations. The costs, timing and execution of
these relocations could result in unforeseen events, and/or have a material adverse impact on our business, operating results and
financial position. Any adverse impacts in connection with these transitions on our business, operating results and financial position
may be exacerbated to the extent that the timing, execution and/or costs of such transitions are other than anticipated.
Our operations and our customer relationships may be adversely affected by disruptions to our information technology (IT)
systems, including disruptions from cybersecurity breaches of our IT infrastructure.
We rely on information technology networks and systems, including those of third-party service providers, to process, transmit
and store electronic information. In particular, we depend on our IT infrastructure for a variety of functions, including worldwide
financial reporting, inventory and other data management, procurement, invoicing and email communications. Any of these systems
may be susceptible to outages due to fire, floods, power loss, telecommunications failures, terrorist attacks, sabotage and similar
events. Global cybersecurity threats and incidents can range from uncoordinated individual attempts to gain unauthorized access
to our IT systems to sophisticated and targeted measures known as 'advanced persistent threats'. The ever-increasing use and
evolution of technology, including cloud-based computing and the rise of the 'Internet of Things,' creates opportunities for the
unintentional dissemination or intentional destruction of confidential information stored in our systems or in non-encrypted portable
media or storage devices. We could also experience a business interruption, information theft of confidential data, or reputational
damage from industrial espionage attacks, malware or other cyber-attacks, which may compromise our system infrastructure or
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lead to data leakage, either internally or at our third-party providers. Despite the implementation of advanced threat protection,
information and network security measures and disaster recovery plans, our systems and those of third parties on which we rely
may also be vulnerable to computer viruses, break-ins and similar disruptions. If we or our vendors are unable (or are perceived
as unable) to prevent or promptly identify and remedy such outages and breaches, our operations may be disrupted, our business
reputation could be adversely affected, and there could be a negative impact on our financial condition and results of operations.
We expect that risks and exposures related to cybersecurity attacks will remain high for the foreseeable future due to the
rapidly evolving nature and sophistication of these threats.
We may not be able to prevent or detect all errors or fraud.
Due to the inherent limitations of internal control systems, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and may not be
detected in a timely manner or at all. Accordingly, we cannot provide absolute assurance that all control issues, errors or instances
of fraud, if any, within (or otherwise impacting) the Corporation have been or will be prevented or detected. In addition, over time,
certain aspects of a control system may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with
the policies or procedures may deteriorate, which we may not be able to address quickly enough to prevent all instances of error
or fraud.
Our revenue and operating results may vary significantly from period to period.
Our quarterly and annual results may vary significantly depending on various factors, certain of which are described below,
and many of which are beyond our control.
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the volume and timing of customer demand relative to our capacity;
the typical short life cycle of our customers' products and success in the marketplace of our customers'
products;
customers' financial condition;
changes to our mix of customers, programs and/or end market demand;
varying revenues and gross margins among geographies and programs for the products or services
we provide;
pricing pressures, the competitive environment and contract terms and conditions;
upfront investments and challenges associated with the ramping of programs for new or existing customers;
provisions or charges resulting from unexpected changes in market conditions impacting our industry or the
end markets we serve;
unanticipated customer disengagements;
the timing of expenditures in anticipation of future orders;
our effectiveness in planning production and managing inventory, fixed assets and manufacturing processes;
operational inefficiencies and disruptions in production at individual sites;
changes in cost and availability of commodities, materials, components, services and labor;
current or future litigation;
governmental actions or changes in legislation;
currency fluctuations; and
changes in U.S. and global economic and political conditions and world events.
Our mix of revenue by end market is also impacted by, among other factors, overall end market demand, the timing and
extent of new program wins, program completions or losses, customer disengagements, or follow-on business from customers and
from acquisitions. Changes to our mix of revenue by end market, and the conditions that are specific to each end market, could
lead to volatility in our revenue and margins from period to period and adversely impact our financial position and cash flows.
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Materials constraints from certain suppliers throughout 2017 lead to volatility in our revenue and margins, and resulted in
us carrying higher than expected levels of inventory at December 31, 2017. These adverse market conditions are expected to
continue in the near term.
From time to time we experience some level of seasonality in our quarterly revenue patterns across some of our businesses.
As our revenue from quarter-to-quarter is dependent on various factors, including the level of demand and mix in each of our end
markets, it is difficult to isolate the impact of seasonality and other external factors on our business. In recent periods, revenue
from the storage component of our Enterprise end market has increased in the fourth quarter of the year compared to the third
quarter, and then decreased in the first quarter of the following year, reflecting the increase in customer demand we typically
experience in this business in the fourth quarter. In addition, we typically experience our lowest overall revenue levels during the
first quarter of each year. There is no assurance that these patterns will continue.
Compliance with governmental laws and obligations could be costly and may negatively impact our financial performance.
We are subject to various federal/national, state/provincial, local, foreign and supra-national environmental laws and
regulations. Our environmental management systems and practices have been designed to provide for compliance with these laws
and regulations. Maintaining compliance with and responding to increasingly stringent regulations requires a significant investment
of time and resources and may restrict our ability to modify or expand our manufacturing sites or to continue production. Any
failure to comply with these laws and regulations may potentially result in significant fines and penalties, our operations may be
suspended or subjected to increased oversight, and our cost of related investigations could be material in any period.
More complex and stringent environmental legislation continues to be imposed, including laws that place increased
responsibility and requirements on the "producers" of electronic equipment and, in turn, their providers and suppliers. Such laws
may relate to product inputs (such as hazardous substances and energy consumption), product use (such as energy efficiency and
waste management/recycling), and/or operational outputs/by-products from our manufacturing processes that can result in
environmental contamination (such as waste water, air emissions and hazardous waste). Noncompliance with these requirements
could result in substantial costs, including fines and penalties, and we may incur liability to our customers and consumers.
Where compliance responsibility rests primarily with OEMs rather than with EMS companies, OEMs may turn to EMS
companies like Celestica for assistance in meeting their obligations. Our customers remain focused on issues such as waste
management (including recycling), climate change (including the reduction of carbon emissions) and product stewardship, and
expect their EMS providers to be environmental leaders. We strive to meet such customer expectations, although these demands
may extend beyond our regulatory obligations and require significant investments of time and resources to attract and retain
customers.
We generally conduct environmental assessments, or review assessment reports undertaken by others, for our manufacturing
sites at the time of acquisition or leasing. However, such assessments may not reveal all environmental liabilities, and assessments
have not been obtained for all sites. In addition, some of our operations involve the use of hazardous substances that could cause
environmental impacts. While we have operational systems to provide environmental management, we cannot rule out all risk of
non-compliance and could incur substantial costs to comply. Although if deemed necessary, we may investigate, remediate or
monitor emissions and site conditions at some of our owned or leased sites (such as air, soil and/or groundwater conditions), we
may not be aware of, or adequately address, all such emissions and conditions, and we may incur significant costs should such
work be required. In many jurisdictions in which we operate, environmental laws impose liability for the costs of removal,
remediation or risk assessment of hazardous or toxic substances on an owner, occupier or operator of real estate, even if such
person or company was unaware of or not responsible for the discharge or migration of such substances. In some instances where
soil or groundwater contamination existed prior to our ownership or occupation, landlords or former owners may have retained
some contractual responsibility or regulatory liability, but this may not provide sufficient protection to reduce or eliminate our
liability. Third-party claims for damages or personal injury are also possible and could result in significant costs to us. If more
stringent compliance or cleanup standards under environmental laws or regulations are imposed, or the results of future testing
and analyses at our current or former operating sites indicate that we are responsible for the release of hazardous substances into
the air, ground and/or water, we may be subject to additional liability. Additional environmental matters may arise in the future at
sites where no problem is currently known or at sites that we may acquire in the future.
Our healthcare business is subject to regulation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Health Canada, the
European Medicines Agency, the Brazilian Health Surveillance Agency, and similar regulatory bodies in other jurisdictions, relating
to the medical devices and hardware we manufacture for our customers. Our sites that deliver products to the healthcare business
are certified or registered in quality management standards applicable to the healthcare industry. We are required to comply with
various statutes and regulations related to the design, development, testing, manufacturing and labeling of our medical devices in
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addition to reporting of certain information with respect to the safety of such products. Any failure to comply with these regulations
could result in fines, injunctions, product recalls, import detentions, additional regulatory controls, suspension of production, and/
or the shutting down of one or more of our sites, among other adverse outcomes. Failure to comply with these regulations may
also materially affect our reputation and/or relationships with customers and regulators.
We provide design, engineering and manufacturing related services to our customers in the aerospace and defense end market.
As part of these services, we are subject to substantial regulation from government agencies including the U.S. Department of
Defense (DOD) and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration. Our aerospace and defense sites are certified in quality management
standards applicable to the aerospace and defense industry. Failure to comply with these regulations or the loss of any of our quality
management certifications may result in fines, penalties and injunctions, and could prevent us from executing on current or winning
future contracts, any of which may materially adversely affect our financial condition and operating results. In addition to quality
management standards, there are several other U.S. regulations with which we are required to comply, including the Federal
Acquisition Regulations (FAR), which provides uniform policies and procedures for acquisition; the Defense Federal Acquisition
Regulation Supplement, a DOD agency supplement to the FAR that provides DOD-specific acquisition regulations that DOD
government acquisition officials, and those contractors doing business with DOD, must comply with in the procurement process
for goods and services; and the Truth in Negotiations Act, which requires full and fair disclosure by contractors in the conduct of
negotiations with the government and its prime contractors. We are also subject to the export control laws and regulations of the
countries in which we operate, including, but not limited to, the U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the
Export Administration Regulations (EAR).
Our international operations require us to comply with various anti-bribery laws, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices
Act (FCPA) and the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act (Canada) (CFPOA). In some countries in which we operate, it may
be customary for businesses to engage in business practices that are prohibited by the FCPA, CFPOA or other laws and regulations.
Although we have implemented policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance with the FCPA, CFPOA and similar laws
in other jurisdictions, there can be no assurance that all of our employees and agents, as well as those companies to which we
outsource certain business operations, will not be in violation of these laws and our policies or procedures. In addition to the
difficulty of monitoring compliance, any suspected or alleged activity would require a costly investigation by us and may result
in the diversion of management's time, resources and attention. Failure to comply with these laws may subject us to, among other
things, adverse publicity, penalties and legal expenses that may harm our reputation and have a material adverse effect on our
business, financial condition and operating results.
As a public company, we are subject to stringent laws, regulations and other requirements, including the U.S. Sarbanes-
Oxley Act and the U.S. Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Dodd-Frank), affecting, among other areas,
our accounting, internal controls, corporate governance practices, securities disclosures and reporting. For example, Dodd-Frank
contains provisions concerning specified minerals originating from the Democratic Republic of Congo or adjoining countries
(referred to as "conflict minerals"). As required by Dodd-Frank, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has adopted
due diligence, disclosure and reporting requirements for companies that manufacture, or contract to manufacture, products that
include conflict minerals. We manufacture such products for our customers. Due to our complex supply chain, compliance with
these rules is time-consuming and costly. If we are unable to ascertain the origins of all such minerals used in the manufacturing
of our products through the due diligence procedures we implement, we may be unable to satisfy our customers' certification
requirements. This may harm our reputation, damage our customer relationships and result in a loss of revenue. If the SEC rules
or other new social or environmental standards limit our pool of suppliers in order to produce "conflict free" or "socially responsible"
products, or otherwise adversely affect the sourcing, supply and pricing of materials used in our products, we could also experience
cost increases and a material adverse impact on our operating results.
The regulatory climate can itself affect the demand for our services. For example, government reimbursement rates and other
regulations, as well as the financial health of healthcare providers, changes in how healthcare in the U.S. is structured, including
as a result of the U.S. Affordable Care Act (or any successor legislation), and how medical devices are taxed, could affect the
willingness and ability of end customers to purchase the products of our customers in this market as well as impact our margins.
Our customers are also required to comply with various government regulations, legal requirements and industry standards,
including many of the industry-specific regulations discussed above. Our customers' failure to comply could affect their businesses,
which in turn would affect our sales to them. In addition, if our customers are required by regulation or other requirements to make
changes in their product lines, these changes could significantly disrupt particular programs for these customers and create
inefficiencies in our business.
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In addition, a failure by a supplier or manufacturer to comply with applicable laws, regulations or customer requirements
could negatively impact our business, and for governmental customers, could result in fines, penalties, suspension or even debarment
being imposed on us, which could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Also see "Policies or legislation proposed or instituted by the current U.S. administration could have a material adverse
effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition" above for a discussion of potential adverse impacts on our
business that may result from changes to U.S. laws, regulations and/or policies proposed or implemented by the current U.S.
administration.
Any failure to comply with customer-driven policies and standards, and third party certification requirements, including those
related to social responsibility, could adversely affect our business and reputation.
In addition to government regulations and industry standards, our customers may require us to comply with their own social
responsibility, conflict minerals, quality or other business policies or standards, which may be more restrictive than current laws
and regulations and our pre-existing policies, before they commence, or continue, doing business with us. Such policies or standards
may be customer-driven, established by the industries in which we operate, or imposed by third party organizations. For example,
we are a member of the Responsible Business Alliance (RBA), formerly known as the Electronic Industry Citizenship Coalition.
The RBA is a non-profit coalition of electronics companies that, among other things, establishes standards for its members in
responsible and ethical practices in the areas of labor, environmental compliance, employee health and safety, ethics and social
responsibility. Our compliance with these policies, standards and third-party certification requirements could be costly, and our
failure to comply could adversely affect our operations, customer relationships, reputation and profitability.
Compliance or the failure to comply with employment laws and regulations may negatively impact our financial performance.
We are subject to a variety of domestic and foreign employment laws, including those related to: workplace safety,
discrimination, harassment, whistle-blowing, wages and overtime, personal taxation, classification of employees and severance
payments. Compliance with such laws may increase our costs. In addition, such laws are subject to change, and enforcement
activity relating to these laws, particularly outside of the United States, may increase as a result of greater media attention due to
alleged violations by other companies, changes in law, political and other factors. There can be no assurance that, in the future,
we will not be found to have violated elements of such laws. Any such violations could lead to the assessment of fines or damages
against us by regulatory authorities or claims by employees, any of which could adversely affect our operating results and/or
our reputation.
We may be required to make larger contributions to our defined benefit pension and other pension plans in the future.
We maintain defined benefit, defined contribution pension plans, as well as other pension plans. Our pension funding policy
for our defined pension plans is to contribute amounts sufficient, at minimum, to meet local statutory funding requirements that
are based on actuarial calculations. Our obligations are based on certain assumptions relating to expected plan asset performance,
salary escalation, employee turnover, retirement ages, life expectancy, expected healthcare costs, the performance of the financial
markets, future interest rates, and plan and legislative changes. If actual results or future expectations differ from these assumptions
or if statutory funding requirements change, the amounts we are obligated to contribute to the pension plans may increase and
such increase could be significant. We are also required to contribute amounts to our other pension plans to meet local statutory
funding requests. The amounts we are obligated to contribute may increase due to legislative and other changes.
Failure to comply with the conditions of government grants may lead to grant repayments and adversely impact our financial
performance.
We have received grants from government organizations or other third parties as incentives related to capital investments
or other expenditures. These grants often have future conditions with which we must comply. If we do not meet these future
conditions, we could be obligated to repay all or a portion of the grant, which could adversely affect our financial position and
operating results.
There are inherent uncertainties involved in the estimates, judgments and assumptions used in the preparation of our financial
statements. Any changes in estimates, judgments and assumptions could have a material adverse effect on our financial position
and results of operations.
Our Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in accordance with IFRS. The preparation of our financial statements
in conformity with IFRS requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of
our assets, liabilities and related reserves, revenues and expenses. Estimates, judgments and assumptions are inherently subject to
change in future periods, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial position and results of operations.
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Our credit agreement contains restrictive covenants that may impair our ability to conduct business, and the failure to comply
with such covenants could cause our outstanding debt to become immediately payable.
Our credit agreement contains restrictive covenants that limit our management's discretion with respect to certain business
matters. Among other factors, these covenants limit our ability and our subsidiaries' ability to incur additional debt, create liens
or other encumbrances, change the nature of our business, sell or otherwise dispose of assets, merge or consolidate with other
entities, or effect a change in control. This agreement also contains certain financial covenants related to indebtedness and interest
coverage. If we are not able to comply with these covenants, our outstanding debt could become immediately due and payable,
and the incurrence of additional debt under our revolving credit facility would not be allowed, any of which could have a material
adverse effect on our liquidity and ability to conduct our business. Future acquisitions are part of our diversification strategy and
we are likely to incur additional debt to finance these transactions, at least in part. See "We may use cash on hand, issue debt
securities or otherwise incur substantial debt, or issue equity securities (or any combination thereof) to complete future business
acquisitions or otherwise fund our operations, which may adversely affect our liquidity, debt leverage, credit ratings, financial
condition and results of operations" above for a discussion of potential negative impacts resulting from the incurrence of additional
debt.
We are subject to interest rate fluctuations.
We have a $300.0 million revolving credit facility (Revolving Facility), which may be increased by an additional
$150.0 million on an uncommitted basis under specified circumstances, and a $250.0 million term loan (Term Loan) that each
mature in May 2020 (collectively, the "credit facility"). Outstanding borrowings under the Revolving Facility bear interest at
LIBOR, Prime, Base Rate Canada or Base Rate (each as defined in our current credit agreement), at our option, plus a margin.
The Term Loan bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin. At December 31, 2017, we had $187.5 million outstanding under the Term
Loan, and no amounts outstanding under the Revolving Facility (December 31, 2016 — $212.5 million outstanding under the
Term Loan and $15.0 million outstanding under the Revolving Facility; December 31, 2015 — $237.5 million outstanding under
the Term Loan and $25.0 million outstanding under the Revolving Facility). Our borrowings under our credit facility, which vary
from time to time, expose us to interest rate risks due to fluctuations in these rates and margins. If the amount we borrow under
our credit facility is substantial, an increase in interest rates would have a more pronounced impact on our interest expense.
Significant interest rate fluctuations may affect our business, operating results and financial condition.
In connection with our 2015 Substantial Issuer Bid, we incurred significant additional indebtedness, which could adversely
affect us, including by decreasing our business flexibility.
The financing of a substantial portion of our $350.0 million "modified Dutch auction" substantial issuer bid (SIB) with the
Term Loan in 2015 significantly increased our indebtedness in comparison to recent historical levels. This has increased our interest
expense and could have the effect, among other things, of reducing our flexibility to respond to changing business and economic
conditions. The amount of cash required to pay interest and principal repayments impacts our liquidity and the cash resources that
would otherwise be available to conduct our business; including for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, future
expansion of our business, and for other general corporate purposes. Also see "We may use cash on hand, issue debt securities
or otherwise incur substantial debt, or issue equity securities (or any combination thereof) to complete future business
acquisitions or otherwise fund our operations, which may adversely affect our liquidity, debt leverage, credit ratings, financial
condition and results of operations" above.
Deterioration in financial markets or in the macro-economic environment may adversely affect our ability to raise funds or
increase the cost of raising funds.
We currently have access to the Revolving Facility, which matures in May 2020. We may also issue or wish to incur additional
debt or issue equity securities to fund our operations or make acquisitions. Our ability to borrow or raise capital, or renew or
increase our facility, may be impacted if financial markets are unstable. Disruptions in the capital and credit markets could adversely
affect our ability to draw on our Revolving Facility (or any successor or additional facility). Our access to funds under our credit
facility (or any successor or additional facility) will be dependent on the ability of our senior lenders to meet their funding
commitments. They may not be able to meet their funding commitments to us if they experience shortages of capital and liquidity
or if they experience excessive volumes of borrowing requests from us and other borrowers within a short period of time. Longer
term disruptions in the capital and credit markets as a result of uncertainty, changing or increased regulation, reduced alternatives,
or failures of significant financial institutions could adversely affect our access to liquidity needed for our business. Any disruption
could require us to take measures to conserve cash until the markets stabilize or until alternative credit arrangements or other
funding sources can be arranged. Such measures could include deferring capital expenditures, and reducing or eliminating
discretionary uses of cash.
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Our credit rating may be downgraded.
Any negative change in our credit rating or outlook may make it more expensive for us to raise additional capital in the
future on terms that are acceptable to us, if at all. See "We may use cash on hand, issue debt securities or otherwise incur
substantial debt, or issue equity securities (or any combination thereof) to complete future business acquisitions or otherwise
fund our operations, which may adversely affect our liquidity, debt leverage, credit ratings, financial condition and results of
operations" above.
The interest of our controlling shareholder, Onex Corporation, with an approximate 79% voting interest, may conflict with the
interests of other shareholders.
Onex Corporation (Onex) beneficially owns all of our outstanding multiple voting shares and less than 1% of our outstanding
subordinate voting shares. The number of subordinate voting shares and multiple voting shares beneficially owned by Onex
represents approximately 79% of the voting interest in Celestica. Accordingly, Onex has the ability to exercise significant influence
over our business and affairs and generally has the power to determine all matters submitted to a vote of our shareholders where
our shares vote together as a single class. Onex may make decisions regarding Celestica and our business that are opposed to other
shareholders' interests or with which other shareholders may disagree. Onex's voting power could have the effect of deterring or
preventing a change in control of our Corporation that might otherwise be beneficial to our other shareholders.
Through its shareholdings, Onex has the power to elect our directors and its approval is required for significant corporate
transactions such as certain amendments to our Restated Articles of Incorporation (Articles), the sale of all or substantially all of
our assets and plans of arrangement. The directors so elected have the authority, subject to applicable laws, to appoint or replace
senior management, cause us to issue additional subordinate voting shares or multiple voting shares or repurchase subordinate
voting shares or multiple voting shares, declare dividends or take other actions. Under our credit agreement, it is an event of default
entitling our lenders to demand repayment if Onex ceases to control Celestica unless the shares of Celestica become widely held
("widely held" meaning that no one person or entity owns more than 33% of the votes).
Gerald W. Schwartz, the Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of Onex, indirectly owns shares
representing the majority of the voting rights of the shares of Onex. The interests of Onex and Mr. Schwartz may differ from the
interests of the remaining holders of subordinate voting shares. For additional information about shareholder rights and restrictions
relative to our subordinate voting shares and multiple voting shares, see Item 10(B), "Memorandum and Articles of Incorporation."
For additional information about our principal shareholders, see Item 7(A), "Major Shareholders." Also see Item 7(B), "Related
Party Transactions" for a description of Mr. Schwartz's ownership interest in the purchasing entity under an agreement of purchase
and sale with respect to our real property located in Toronto, Ontario.
Onex has, from time-to-time, issued debentures exchangeable and redeemable under certain circumstances for our subordinate
voting shares, entered into forward equity agreements with respect to our subordinate voting shares, sold our subordinate voting
shares (after exchanging multiple voting shares for subordinate voting shares), or redeemed these debentures through the delivery
of our subordinate voting shares, and could take similar actions in the future. These sales may impact our share price or have
consequences on our debt and ownership structure.
We are subject to litigation, which may result in substantial litigation expenses, settlement costs or judgments, require the time
and attention of key management resources, and result in adverse publicity, any of which may negatively impact our financial
performance.
We are from time to time party to various copyright, patent and trademark infringement, unfair competition, breach of contract,
customs, employment and other legal actions incidental to our business, as plaintiff or defendant, as well as various other claims,
suits, investigations and legal proceedings (including securities class action and shareholder derivative lawsuits which have been
settled or dismissed). Additional legal claims or regulatory matters may arise in the future and could involve matters relating to
commercial disputes, government regulation and compliance, intellectual property, antitrust, tax, employment or shareholder issues,
product liability claims and other issues on a global basis. Regardless of the merits of the claims, litigation may be both time-
consuming and disruptive to our business. The defense and ultimate outcome of any lawsuits or other legal proceedings may result
in higher operating expenses and a decrease in our margins, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial
condition, or results of operations. We cannot predict the final outcome of such lawsuits or the likelihood that other proceedings
will be instituted against us. Accordingly, the cost of defending against such lawsuits or any future lawsuits or proceedings may
be high and, in any event, these legal proceedings may result in the diversion of our management's time and attention away from
our business. In the event that there is an adverse ruling in any legal proceeding, we may be required to make payments to third
parties that could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, financial condition and results of operations.
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Changes in accounting standards enacted by the relevant standard-setting bodies may adversely affect our reported operating
results, profitability and financial performance.
Accounting standards are revised periodically and/or expanded upon by applicable standard-setting bodies. We are required
to adopt new or revised accounting standards and to comply with revised interpretations issued from time-to-time by these
authoritative bodies, including the Canadian Accounting Standards Board (CASB), the IASB, and the SEC. While these accounting
changes do not typically affect the economies of our business, such standards could have a significant effect on our accounting
methods and reported results. For example, the IASB issued a new revenue recognition standard and amended the standard relating
to the classification, measurement and impairment of financial assets and hedge accounting; both of these standards became
effective as of January 1, 2018. We have determined that the new revenue recognition standard will change the timing of revenue
recognition for a significant portion of our business, and that the adoption of such standard will materially impact our consolidated
financial statements, primarily in relation to inventory and accounts receivable. See note 2(x) to the Consolidated Financial
Statements in Item 18. Additionally, the standard relating to leases was also amended to bring most leases onto the balance sheet
for lessees, eliminating the distinction between operating and finance leases. This standard will apply to us beginning January 1,
2019. Changes in accounting standards could materially affect (either positively or negatively) our reported operating results or
financial condition. Our Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in accordance with IFRS. Our reported financial
information may not be comparable to the information reported by our competitors or other public companies that use different
accounting standards.
Shares eligible for public sale may adversely affect our share price.
Future sales of our subordinate voting shares in the public market, or the issuance of subordinate voting shares in connection
with our equity-based compensation plans or otherwise, could adversely affect the market price of the subordinate voting shares.
At February 14, 2018, we had approximately 124.2 million subordinate voting shares and approximately 18.6 million
multiple voting shares outstanding. In addition, as of such date, there were approximately 11.3 million subordinate voting shares
reserved for issuance from treasury for outstanding awards under our employee and director equity-based compensation plans,
including approximately 0.4 million subordinate voting shares underlying stock options (vested and unvested), approximately
1.0 million subordinate voting shares underlying unvested restricted share units, approximately 0.7 million subordinate voting
shares underlying unvested performance share units (assuming vesting of 100% of the target amount granted), and approximately
1.5 million subordinate voting shares underlying deferred share units (granted from 2003 to 2007) that have not been settled.
Moreover, pursuant to our Articles, we may issue an unlimited number of additional subordinate voting shares without further
shareholder approval (subject to any required stock exchange approvals). Sales of a substantial number of our subordinate voting
shares in the public market by holders of exercised vested options or vested share units settled in or exercised for subordinate
voting shares may lower the prevailing market price for such shares and could impair our ability to raise capital through the future
sale of our equity securities. Additionally, if we issue additional subordinate voting shares, or if holders of outstanding vested
options exercise those options or if vested shares units are settled in newly-issued subordinate voting shares, our shareholders will
incur dilution. See "We may use cash on hand, issue debt securities or otherwise incur substantial debt, or issue equity securities
(or any combination thereof) to complete future business acquisitions or otherwise fund our operations, which may adversely
affect our liquidity, debt leverage, credit ratings, financial condition and results of operations" above. The exercise price of all
options is subject to adjustment upon stock dividends, splits and combinations, if any, as well as anti-dilution adjustments as set
forth in the relevant award agreement.
The market price of our stock may be volatile.
Volatility in our business can result in significant price and volume fluctuations in the market price of our stock. Factors
such as changes in our operating results, announcements by our customers, competitors or other events affecting companies in the
electronics industry, currency fluctuations, general market fluctuations, and macro-economic conditions may cause the market
price of our subordinate voting shares to decline. In addition, if our operating results do not meet the expectations of securities
analysts or investors, the price of our stock could decline. Furthermore, the existence of our NCIB could cause our subordinate
voting share price to be higher than it would be in the absence of such a program, and repurchases under the NCIB expose us to
risks resulting from a reduction in the size of our "public float," which may reduce our trading volume as well as our stock price.
There can be no assurance that we will continue to repurchase subordinate voting shares for cancellation.
Although we currently have an NCIB in effect, whether we repurchase shares under such NCIB for cancellation and the
amount and timing of any such share repurchases, is subject to capital availability and periodic determinations by our Board that
share repurchases are in the best interest of our shareholders and are in compliance with all applicable laws and agreements. Future
share repurchases, including their timing and amount, may be affected by, among other factors: our views on potential future capital
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requirements for strategic transactions, including acquisitions; debt service requirements; our credit rating; changes to applicable
tax laws or corporate laws; and changes to our business model. In addition, the amount we spend and the number of shares we are
able to repurchase under our NCIB and any future SIB may further be affected by a number of other factors, including the prices
of our subordinate voting shares and blackout periods in which we are restricted from repurchasing shares. Our share repurchases
may change from time to time, and we cannot provide assurance that we will continue to repurchase subordinate voting shares for
cancellation in any particular amounts or at all. A reduction in or elimination of our share repurchases could have a negative effect
on our stock price.
Potential unenforceability of judgments.
We are incorporated under the laws of the Province of Ontario, Canada. Our controlling persons, a majority of our directors,
and several of our officers are residents of (or are organized in) Canada. Also, a substantial portion of our assets and the assets of
these person are located outside of the United States. As a result, it may be difficult to effect service of process within the United
States upon those directors, officers, or controlling persons who are not residents of the United States, or to enforce judgments in
the United States obtained in courts of the United States. It may also be difficult for shareholders to enforce a U.S. judgment in
Canada predicated upon the civil liability provisions of U.S. federal or state securities laws or to succeed in a lawsuit in Canada
based only on U.S. federal or state securities laws.
Negative publicity could adversely affect our reputation as well as our business, financial results and share price.
Unfavorable media related to our industry, company, brand, marketing, personnel, operations, business performance, or
prospects may affect our share price and the performance of our business, regardless of its accuracy or inaccuracy. The speed at
which negative publicity can be disseminated has increased dramatically with the capabilities of electronic communication,
including social media outlets, websites, blogs, and newsletters. Our success in maintaining, extending, and expanding our brand
image depends on our ability to adapt to this rapidly changing media environment. Adverse publicity or negative commentary
from any media outlet could damage our reputation and reduce the demand for our products, which would adversely affect
our business.
Our business could be negatively impacted as a result of actions by activist shareholders or others.
Although Onex controls a substantial majority of the voting power of our securities, we may be subject to challenges in the
operation of our business due to actions instituted by activist shareholders or others. Responding to such actions could be costly
and time-consuming, may not align with our business strategies and could divert the attention of our Board and senior management
from the pursuit of our business strategies. Perceived uncertainties as to our future direction as a result of shareholder activism
may lead to the perception of a change in the direction of the business or other instability and may make it more difficult to attract
and retain qualified personnel and business partners and may adversely affect our relationships with vendors, customers and other
third parties.
Our business and operations could be adversely impacted by climate change initiatives.
Concern over climate change has led to international legislative and regulatory initiatives directed at limiting carbon dioxide
and other greenhouse gas emissions. Proposed and existing efforts to address climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions
could directly or indirectly affect our costs of energy, materials, manufacturing, distribution, packaging and other operating costs,
which could adversely impact our business and financial results.
Item 4. Information on the Company
A. History and Development of the Company
We were incorporated in Ontario, Canada on September 27, 1996. Our legal and commercial name is Celestica Inc. We are
a corporation domiciled in the Province of Ontario, Canada and operate under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario)
(the "OBCA"). Our principal executive offices are currently located at 844 Don Mills Road, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M3C 1V7
and our telephone number is (416) 448-5800. Our website is www.celestica.com. Information on our website is not incorporated
by reference into this Annual Report.
Prior to our incorporation, we were an IBM manufacturing unit that provided manufacturing services to IBM for more than
75 years. In 1993, we began providing electronics manufacturing services to non-IBM customers. In October 1996, we were
purchased from IBM by an investor group led by Onex, and in 1998, we completed our initial public offering.
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A description of our acquisition activities, our principal capital expenditures (including property, plant and equipment), and
financing activities, over the last three fiscal years is set forth in notes 3, 4, 5, 12, 13, 22, 24 and 25 to the Consolidated Financial
Statements in Item 18, and Item 5, "Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations." A description of our divestiture activities (including our restructuring activities)
over the last three fiscal years is set forth in notes 4, 7, 16 and 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 18, and Item 5,
"Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations."
See Item 5, "Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity and Capital Resources" for a description of our significant commitments for
capital expenditures as at December 31, 2017 and those planned for 2018, our execution of an agreement to acquire Atrenne, as
well as a discussion of the status of the sale of our solar panel manufacturing equipment, and an agreement we entered into in
July 2015 for the sale of our real property located in Toronto, Ontario, including the site of our corporate headquarters and our
current Toronto manufacturing operations, and related transition matters.
There were no public takeover offers by third parties in respect of the Corporation's subordinate voting shares or multiple
voting shares or by the Corporation in respect of other companies' shares which occurred during the last or current financial year.
B. Business Overview
General
As previously disclosed, commencing in the first quarter of 2017, we aligned our end markets into two customer focused
areas: ATS and Connectivity & Cloud Solutions (CCS). Our ATS end market consists of our former Diversified and Consumer
end markets, and is comprised of our aerospace and defense, industrial, smart energy, healthcare, semiconductor equipment, and
consumer businesses. CCS consists of our Communications and Enterprise end markets. Our Enterprise end market is comprised
of our servers and storage businesses, which were combined into one end market as a result of their converging technologies. All
period percentages herein reflect these changes. We believe our services and solutions create value for our customers by accelerating
their time-to-market, and by providing higher quality, lower cost, and reduced cycle times in our customers' supply chains as
compared to their insourcing of these activities. We believe this results in lower total cost of ownership, greater flexibility, higher
return on invested capital and improved competitive advantage for our customers in their respective markets.
Our global headquarters is located in Toronto, Canada. We operate a network of sites in various geographies with specialized
end-to-end supply chain capabilities tailored to meet specific market and customer product lifecycle requirements. In an effort to
drive speed, quality and flexibility for our customers, we execute our business in sites and centers of excellence (discussed below)
strategically located in North America, Europe and Asia.
We offer a range of services to our customers, including design and development (such as our JDM offering, which consists
of developing design solutions in collaboration with customers, as well as managing aspects of the supply chain and manufacturing),
engineering services, supply chain management, new product introduction, component sourcing, electronics manufacturing,
assembly and test, complex mechanical assembly, systems integration, precision machining, order fulfillment, logistics and after-
market repair and return services.
Although we supply products and services to over 100 customers, we depend upon a small number of customers for a
substantial portion of our revenue. In the aggregate, our top 10 customers represented 71% of our total 2017 revenue. In 2017, we
had two customers that individually represented more than 10% of total revenue (Cisco Systems, Inc. and Juniper Networks, Inc.
accounted for 18% and 13%, respectively, of our total revenue for 2017). Significant reductions in, or the loss of, revenue from
these or any of our major customers may have a material adverse effect on us. See Item 3(D) — Key Information — Risk
Factors — "We are dependent on a limited number of customers and end markets. A decline in revenue from, or the loss of,
any significant customer, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and operating results."
In 2017, our revenue by end market was as follows: ATS (32% of revenue); Communications (43% of revenue); and Enterprise
(25% of revenue). The products and services we provide serve a wide variety of applications, including servers; networking and
telecommunications equipment; storage systems; converged systems; optical equipment; aerospace and defense electronics;
healthcare products and applications; semiconductor equipment; and a range of industrial and alternative energy products.
To increase the value we deliver to our customers, we continue to make investments in people, value-added service offerings,
new capabilities, capacity, technology, IT systems, software and tools. We continuously work to improve our productivity, quality,
delivery performance and flexibility in our efforts to be recognized as a leading company in the EMS industry. In connection
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therewith, we have recently completed our GBS initiative and our OD initiative. Our GBS initiative focused on integrating,
standardizing and optimizing our end-to-end business processes. Our OD initiative involved redesigning our organizational
structure, with the goal of increasing the overall effectiveness of our organization by improving internal alignment, reducing
complexity and increasing our speed to outcome. To streamline our processes and reduce costs, we have invested in automation
and the connected factory. Our recently announced cost efficiency initiative, and related anticipated restructuring actions, are also
intended to further streamline our business, increase operational efficiencies and improve our productivity.
A key focus for us is to grow our ATS end market, in order to reduce the revenue concentration of our Communications and
Enterprise end markets (which constituted an aggregate of 68% of total revenue in 2017). Our current priorities include: (i) growing
and diversifying our customer and product portfolios to help achieve longer-term consistency, increasing our revenue, and improving
operating margins; (ii) increasing the contribution from our ATS end market to our overall profitability, while continuing to invest
in capabilities and targeted end markets; (iii) generating strong annual free cash flow and adjusted return on invested capital
("adjusted ROIC"); and (iv) continuing to improve our execution by focusing on increased productivity and simplification
throughout our organization. We believe that continued investments in these areas support our long-term growth strategy, and will
strengthen our competitive position, enhance customer satisfaction, and increase long-term shareholder value. We intend to continue
to focus on expanding our revenue base in our higher-value-added services, such as design and development, engineering, and
after-market services. However, as we are experiencing slower growth rates and increased pricing pressures in our traditional
markets, which account for a substantial portion of our revenue, we will also focus on expanding our business beyond our traditional
end markets, including by pursuing new customers and acquisition opportunities in our ATS end market to expand our end market
penetration, to diversify our end market mix, and to enhance and add new technologies and capabilities to our offerings. Note that
operating margin, free cash flow and adjusted ROIC are non-IFRS measures without standardized meanings and may not be
comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. See "Non-IFRS measures" in Item 5 — Operating and Financial
Review and Prospects, for a discussion of the non-IFRS measures included herein, and a reconciliation of our non-IFRS measures
to the most directly comparable IFRS measures.
Electronics Manufacturing Services Industry
Overview
Leading EMS companies manage global networks that are capable of delivering customized supply chain solutions. They
offer end-to-end services for the entire product lifecycle, including design and engineering services, manufacturing, assembly and
test, systems integration, fulfillment and after-market services. OEMs, service providers and other companies use these services
to enhance their competitive positions. Outsourcing manufacturing and related services can help companies to address their business
challenges related to cost, asset utilization, quality, time-to-market, demand volatility, customer support, and rapidly changing
technologies.
We believe outsourcing by OEMs and other companies will continue across a number of industries as a means to:
Reduce Operating Costs and Invested Capital. OEMs are under continuous pressure to reduce total product lifecycle costs,
and property, plant and equipment expenditures. The manufacturing process for electronics products has become increasingly
automated, requiring greater levels of investment in property, plant and equipment. EMS companies help enable OEMs to gain
access to a global network of manufacturing sites with supply chain management expertise, advanced engineering capabilities,
flexible capacity and economies of scale. By working with EMS companies, OEMs can reduce their overall product lifecycle and
operating costs, working capital and property, plant and equipment investment requirements, and improve their financial
performance.
Focus Resources on Core Competencies. Our customers operate in highly competitive environments, characterized by
rapid technological change and short product lifecycles. In this environment, many customers prioritize their resources on their
core competencies of product development, sales, marketing and customer service, by outsourcing design, engineering,
manufacturing, supply chain and other product support requirements to their EMS partners.
Improve Time-to-Market. Electronic products generally experience short lifecycles, requiring OEMs to continually reduce
the time and cost of bringing products to market. We believe that OEMs can significantly improve product development cycles
and enhance time-to-market by benefiting from the expertise and infrastructure of EMS providers, including their capabilities
relating to design and engineering services, prototyping and the rapid ramp-up of new products to high-volume production, all
with the critical support of global supply chain management and manufacturing networks.
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Utilize EMS Companies' Procurement, Inventory Management and Logistics Expertise. We believe that the successful
manufacturing of electronic products requires significant resources to manage the complexities in planning, procurement and
inventory management, frequent design changes, short product lifecycles and product demand fluctuations. OEMs can help manage
these complexities by outsourcing to those EMS providers that (i) possess sophisticated IT systems and global supply chain
management capabilities and (ii) can leverage significant component procurement advantages to lower product costs.
Access Leading Engineering Capabilities and Technologies. Electronic products and the electronics manufacturing
technology needed to support them are complex and require significant investment. As a result, some OEMs rely on EMS companies
to provide design and engineering services, supply chain management, and manufacturing and technological expertise. Through
their design and engineering services, and through the knowledge gained from manufacturing and repairing products, EMS
companies can assist OEMs in the development of new product concepts, or the re-design of existing products, as well as assist
with improvements in the performance, cost and time required to bring products to market. In addition, OEMs can gain access to
high-quality manufacturing expertise and capabilities in the areas of advanced process, interconnect and test technologies.
Improve Access to Global Markets. Some of our customers provide products or services to a global customer base. EMS
companies with global infrastructure and support capabilities help to provide customers with efficient global manufacturing
solutions, distribution capabilities and after-market services.
Access Value-Added Service Offerings. EMS providers strive to expand their offerings to include services such as design,
fulfillment and after-market services, including repair and recycling, to encourage OEMs to outsource more of their cost of
goods sold.
Celestica's Strategy
We are focused on building solid partnerships and delivering informed, flexible solutions intended to contribute to our
customers' success. To achieve this, we collaborate with our customers in an effort to identify and meet their current and future
requirements. We offer a range of services designed to deliver lower costs, increased flexibility and predictability, improved quality
and responsive service. We constantly seek to advance our quality, engineering, manufacturing and supply chain capabilities to
help our customers achieve a competitive advantage. We will continue to focus on our pursuit of the following, intended to strengthen
our competitive position and enhance customer satisfaction and shareholder value:
Increase Penetration in our End Markets. We strive to establish a diverse customer base across several industries. We
believe our expertise in technology, quality and supply chain management, in addition to our service offerings and centers of
excellence, have positioned us as an attractive partner to companies across various markets. Our goal is to grow across our end
markets, with particular emphasis on expanding our ATS end market, which in 2017 was comprised of our aerospace and defense,
industrial, smart energy, healthcare, semiconductor equipment, and consumer businesses. Revenue dollars from our ATS end market
increased by 8% from 2015 to 2017, while representing 32% of our total revenue over the same period.
Our revenue by end market as a percentage of total revenue is as follows:
ATS................................................................................................................................
Communications ...........................................................................................................
Enterprise ......................................................................................................................
2015
32%
40%
28%
2016
32%
42%
26%
2017
32%
43%
25%
Selectively Pursue Acquisitions and Strategic Transactions. We will selectively seek acquisition opportunities and strategic
transactions in order to (i) profitably grow our revenue, (ii) further develop strategic relationships with customers in our end markets
and (iii) enhance the scope of our capabilities and service offerings. See Item 5, "Operating and Financial Review and
Prospects — Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Recent developments"
for a discussion of our most recent "operate-in-place" arrangement with an existing aerospace and defense customer, and our
anticipated acquisition of Atrenne.
Continuously Improve Operational Performance. We will continue to focus on (i) managing our mix of business, service
offerings and volume of business to improve our overall margins, (ii) leveraging our supply chain practices globally to lower
material costs, minimize lead times and improve our planning cycle to better meet changes in customers' demand and improve
asset utilization, and (iii) improving operating efficiencies to reduce costs and improve margins, including through our new cost
efficiency initiative.
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We have been increasing our investments in the connected factory, and automating and connecting our equipment, people
and systems throughout our global network, including our customers and suppliers. Automation is intended to help us streamline
our processes, and our organizational initiatives are intended to reduce costs, complexity, and improve our responsiveness to
customers. Nonetheless, the mix of our business can impact our revenue and overall margins. Although our revenues increased in
2017 compared to 2016, our mix of programs negatively impacted our gross margins, as certain new programs contributed lower
gross profit than past programs (including a higher concentration of fulfillment services that contributed significantly lower gross
profit than our historical full-service traditional EMS programs). In addition, as we expand our business, our operating results
have been, and will continue to be, negatively impacted by the costs of ramping new programs. As with any business expansion,
we may encounter difficulties pertaining to such ramping activities that may result in higher than expected costs, adversely impacting
our operating results. Revenue from our ATS end market (as a percentage of total revenue) has remained flat in recent years as we
have encountered challenges in connection with expanding our semiconductor and solar panel manufacturing businesses (with
respect to the latter, prior to our recent exit from that business), resulting in lower margins and/or losses for such businesses during
and/or following the ramp periods. In addition, our semiconductor business may incur lower margins and/or losses largely due to
demand fluctuations associated with the cyclical semiconductor market. See Item 5, "Operating and Financial Review
and Prospects."
Develop and Grow Trusted Relationships with Leading Customers. We continue to seek to build profitable, strategic
relationships with industry leaders that we believe can benefit from our services and solutions. We strive to respond to our customers'
needs with speed, flexibility and predictability in delivering results. We have established and maintain strong relationships with a
diverse mix of leading OEMs and service providers across our end markets. We believe that our customer base is a strong potential
source of growth for us as we seek to strengthen these relationships through the delivery of additional services.
Expand Range of Service Offerings and Continue to Invest in Developing New Technology, Quality Products and Supply
Chain Solutions and Services. We continually seek to expand the services we offer to our customers, and we are committed to
meeting our customers' needs in the areas of technology, quality and supply chain management. We believe our expertise in these
areas enables us to meet the rigorous demands of our customers, allows us to produce a variety of electronic products ranging
from high-volume electronics to highly complex technology infrastructure products used in a broad array of end markets, and
allows us to deliver consistently reliable products to our customers. We also believe the systems and collaborative processes
associated with our expertise in supply chain management help us to adjust our operations to meet the lead time requirements of
our customers, and quickly and effectively deliver products directly to end customers. We collaborate with our suppliers to influence
component design for the benefit of our customers. As a result of the successes that we have had in these areas, we have been
recognized with numerous customer and industry achievement awards.
Celestica's Business
Innovative Supply Chain Solutions and Services
We are a global provider of innovative supply chain solutions. We offer a range of services including design and development
(such as our JDM offering, which consists of developing design solutions in collaboration with customers, as well as managing
aspects of the supply chain and manufacturing), engineering services, supply chain management, new product introduction,
component sourcing, electronics manufacturing, assembly and test, complex mechanical assembly, systems integration, precision
machining, order fulfillment, logistics and after-market repair and return services. We believe that our JDM offering differentiates
us from other EMS providers, by encompassing advanced technology design solutions that customers can tailor to their specific
platform applications. We execute our business in our global network of sites, including our designated centers of excellence,
strategically located in North America, Europe and Asia. We leverage these sites and centers of excellence, information technology,
and our supply chain expertise using collaborative processes and a team of highly skilled, customer-focused employees. We believe
that our ability to deliver a range of supply chain solutions, including hardware platforms, to our customers provides them with a
competitive lead time, and advantages in quality, flexibility and total cost of ownership.
The objective of our centers of excellence program is to help ensure that our operations reflect a solid understanding of the
markets we serve, have current capabilities and standardized practices, and are positioned to provide efficiency, consistency, and
value to our customers around the globe. To obtain "center of excellence" status, our sites must meet our defined criteria pertaining
to quality, supply chain capabilities, Lean and Six Sigma, market specific certifications (to the extent applicable), and other matters
regarding their operations.
Quality, Lean and Six Sigma Culture
We believe one of our strengths is our ability to consistently deliver high-quality services and products. We have an extensive
quality management system that focuses on continual process improvement and achieving high levels of customer satisfaction.
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We employ a variety of advanced statistical engineering techniques and other tools to assist in improving product and service
quality. Most of our principal sites are ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified (international quality management standards), and have
other required industry-specific certifications.
In addition to these standards, we deploy Lean and Six Sigma initiatives throughout our operations network to deliver
customer value and eliminate defects and waste. Implementing Lean initiatives across our manufacturing processes helps drive
efficiencies, cycle times velocities and improve product quality. We use Six Sigma extensively in an effort to reduce process
variation and to drive root cause problem-solving. Lean and Six Sigma methods are also used in non-production areas to streamline
our processes and eliminate waste. For example, our GBS initiative focused on integrating, standardizing and optimizing our end-
to-end business processes throughout our organization. We apply the knowledge we gain in our after-market services to help
improve the quality and reliability of next-generation products. Success in these areas helps our customers to lower their costs,
positioning them more competitively in their respective markets.
Design and Engineering Services
Our global design teams are focused on delivering flexible solutions and expertise, intended to help customers reduce overall
product costs, improve time-to-market, and introduce competitively differentiated products. For customer-owned designs, we
partner with our customers to augment their design teams, and utilize our proprietary design analysis tools to minimize design
revisions and to achieve improved manufacturing yields. Our JDM service involves developing design solutions in collaboration
with customers, managing aspects of the supply chain and manufacturing of their products. We continue to invest in leading-edge
product roadmaps and design capabilities aligned with both market standards and emerging technologies in support of our JDM
offering. We are currently delivering both partially customized JDM products, and complete hardware platform solutions to
customers in the storage, servers, communications, and industrial markets. These products are intended to help our customers
reach their markets faster, while reducing product costs and building valuable IP for their product portfolios. Through our collective
experience with common technologies across multiple industries and product groups, we believe we provide quality and cost-
focused solutions for a wide range of our customers' design needs. Our JDM business represented approximately 10% of our
aggregate Enterprise and Communications end market revenue in 2017, growing 12% from 2016.
We collaborate with some of our core customers' product designers in the early stages of product development, using advanced
tools to enable new product ideas to progress from electrical and application-specific integrated circuit design, to simulation,
physical layout and design review, all intended to ensure readiness for manufacturing. We leverage our design expertise to create
innovative technologies and hardware product solutions, and leverage key ecosystem partners to drive both innovation and supply
chain leverage. Our JDM offerings encompass advanced technology hardware design solutions that customers can tailor to their
specific platform applications. We believe that collaboration between our customers' teams, key ecosystem partners, and our design
and manufacturing groups help to ensure that new designs are released rapidly, smoothly and cohesively into production.
Our engineering services team works with our customers throughout the product life-cycle. We believe our engineering
expertise and experience in design review, product test solutions, assembly technology, automation, quality and reliability, position
us to deliver the services required to address the challenges facing our customers. We maintain ties with key industry associations
and engineering firms to help us stay apprised of advances in technical knowledge.
Prototyping and New Product Introduction
Prototyping is a critical early-stage process in the development of new products. Our engineers collaborate with our customers'
engineers to provide quick responses in the early stages of the product development lifecycle.
Supply Chain Management and Services
We use advanced planning, analytics, enterprise resource planning, and supply chain management systems to optimize
materials management from suppliers to our customers' customers. We believe that the effective management of the supply chain
is critical to our customers' success, as it directly impacts the time and cost required to deliver products to market and the capital
requirements associated with carrying inventory.
We strive to reduce our customers' total cost of ownership by providing lower costs and reduced cycle times in their supply
chain, and by delivering higher quality products. We also strive to align our preferred suppliers in close proximity to our centers
of excellence to increase the speed and flexibility of our supply chain, to deliver higher quality products and to reduce time-to-
market. We believe we deliver a differentiated supply chain offering.
Through our global supply chain management processes and integrated IT tools, we endeavor to provide our customers with
enhanced visibility to balance their global demand and supply requirements, including inventory and order management.
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Manufacturing Services
Printed Circuit Board Assembly
Printed circuit board assembly includes the attachment of electronic components, such as capacitors, microprocessors,
resistors and memory modules, to printed circuit boards. Our global network of engineers helps us to provide our customers with
full printed circuit board ("PCB") assembly technology capabilities. These capabilities include design for manufacturing, PCB
layout, packaging, assembly, lead-free soldering, test development, and data analytics for complex flexible and rigid-flex circuits
and hybrid PCBs.
Complex Mechanical Assembly
We provide systems integration and precision machined components to our semiconductor capital equipment customers.
Complex mechanical systems integration consists of multiple interconnected subsystems that interact with various materials,
e.g., fluids, solids, particles and rigid bodies. Such systems are often used in advanced manufacturing applications such as
semiconductor manufacturing and processes equipment, medical applications using robotics, and other applications such as cash
handling machines where precise standards are required.
As a result of our recent acquisition of the assets of Karel, we now also provide complex mechanical assembly primarily to
our aerospace customers, including wire harness assembly, systems integration, sheet metal fabrication, welding and machining.
Precision Machining
We utilize specialized computer-controlled machines to manufacture high quality components to tight tolerance requirements.
Such components are often used in applications similar to those noted above for complex mechanical assembly.
Smart Energy Services
We provide integrated smart energy solutions and services to our renewable energy customers in the areas of power generation,
conversion and monitoring. We deliver complete product lifecycle solutions, including design, manufacturing and reliability
services for power inverters, metering and controls electronics, and energy storage subsystems. Although we have exited the solar
panel manufacturing business, we remain committed to growing the other areas within our smart energy market portfolio, which
include power inverters, energy storage products, smart meters and other electronic componentry.
Systems Assembly and Test
We use sophisticated technologies in the assembly and testing of our products. We continue to make investments in the
development of automated solutions, as well as new assembly and test process techniques intended to enhance product quality,
reduce cost and improve delivery time to customers. We work independently and also collaborate with customers and suppliers
to develop assembly and test technologies. Systems assembly and testing require sophisticated logistics capabilities to rapidly
procure components, assemble products, perform complex testing and distribute products to customers around the world. Our full
systems assembly services involve combining and testing a wide range of sub-assemblies and components before shipping them
to their final destination. Increasingly, customers require custom build-to-order system solutions with very short lead times and
we are focused on using our advanced supply chain management capabilities to respond to our customers' needs.
Quality and Product Assurance
We provide complete product reliability testing, inspection and qualification capabilities to support our customers' full product
lifecycle requirements. Our quality and product assurance teams perform product testing to ensure that designs meet or exceed
required specifications. We are capable of testing to various industry standards, and we work closely with our customers to execute
unique test protocols. We believe that this service allows our customers to assess certification risks early in the product development
lifecycle, reducing cost and time-to-market.
Failure Analysis and After-Market Services
Our extensive failure analysis capabilities concentrate on identifying the root cause of product failures and determining
corrective actions. The root causes of failures typically relate to inherent component defects and/or deficiencies in design
specifications. Products are subjected to various environmental extremes, including temperature, humidity, vibration, voltage and
contamination. Field conditions are simulated in failure analysis laboratories which employ electron microscopes, spectrometers
and other advanced equipment. Our engineers work proactively in partnership with suppliers and customers in an effort to discover
product failures before products are shipped, and to develop and implement resolutions if required.
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We also seek to provide value to our customers through our after-market services offerings which include repair, fulfillment,
reverse logistics, reclamation and returns processing and prevention. Our fulfillment offering includes the design and management
of integrated supply chain and materials management for light manufacturing and final assembly and reclamation. Our reverse
logistics offering includes the design and management of transportation networks, warehousing and distribution of products, asset
recovery services, and transportation and supply chain event monitoring. The returns processing and prevention offering provides
our customers with product screening and testing and product design and process analysis. Our reclamation offering includes
product disassembly, reassembly and re-use, as well as certified scrap disposition processing. We offer these services individually
or integrated through a 'Control Tower' model which coordinates our people, systems and processes with those of our customers
to improve service levels by providing an increased level of visibility and analytics throughout the entire after-market value chain.
Geographies
For each of 2015, 2016 and 2017, approximately three-quarters of our revenue was produced in Asia and one-fifth of our
revenue was produced in North America. Revenue produced in Canada represented 8% of revenue in 2017 (2016 — 8%;
2015 — 9%). Our property, plant and equipment in Canada represented 6% of our property, plant and equipment at December 31,
2017 (December 31, 2016 — 7%; December 31, 2015 — 8%). A listing of our principal locations is included in Item 4(D),
"Information on the Company — Property, Plants and Equipment." Certain geographic information for countries exceeding 10%
of our external revenue or property, plant and equipment, intangible assets and goodwill is set forth in note 25 to the Consolidated
Financial Statements in Item 18.
Marketing and Customer Experience
We structure our business development teams by end market, with a focus on offering market insight and expertise, and
complete manufacturing and supply chain solutions to our customers. We have customer-focused teams, each headed by a group
general manager who oversees the global relationship with our key customers. These teams work with our Solutions Architects
to meet the requirements of each customer's product or supply chain. Our global network is comprised of customer-focused teams,
operational and project managers, and supply chain management teams, as well as senior executives.
Our goal is to effectively collaborate with our customers, and towards that end, we provide comprehensive support before,
during and after the delivery of our products and services. We seek to deepen and grow our customer relationships by providing
consistent, high-quality implementation and customer support services, which we believe drives higher customer retention and
additional opportunities within our existing customer base.
Customer Concentration and Relationship Management
As stated above, we supply products and services to over 100 customers. We target industry-leading customers in our end
markets. Our customers include Applied Materials, Inc., Cisco Systems, Inc., Dell EMC, Hewlett-Packard Enterprise, Hewlett-
Packard Inc., Honeywell Inc., IBM Corporation, Juniper Networks, Inc., NEC Corporation, Oracle Corporation, Polycom, Inc.,
and Western Digital Corporation. We are focused on strengthening our relationships with these and other strategic customers
through the delivery of new and expanding end-to-end solutions.
During 2017, two customers (Cisco Systems, Inc., which accounted for 18% of total 2017 revenue, and Juniper
Networks, Inc., which accounted for 13% of total 2017 revenue) individually represented more than 10% of total revenue (2016
— two customers: Cisco Systems (19%) and Juniper Networks (11%); 2015 — three customers: Cisco Systems (16%), IBM (10%)
and Juniper Networks (12%)). Our top 10 customers represented 71%, 68%, and 67% of total revenue for 2017, 2016 and 2015,
respectively.
We generally enter into master supply agreements with our customers that provide the framework for our overall relationship,
although the level of business under those agreements is not guaranteed. Instead, we bid on a program-by-program basis and
typically receive customer purchase orders for specific quantities and timing of products. A majority of these agreements also
require the customer to purchase unused inventory that we have purchased to fulfill that customer's forecasted manufacturing
demand. Some of these agreements require us to provide, among other things, specific price reductions over the term of the
contracts. We expect such price reductions to become more prevalent as customers increasingly seek longer-term contracts to lock
in their supply, terms and pricing. This could adversely impact our operating results in future periods.
Research and Technology Development
We use advanced technology to design, assemble and test the products we manufacture. We continue to increase investment
in our global design services and capabilities to conceive differentiated JDM product solutions for our customers.
36
We believe that our customer-focused factories are flexible and can be reconfigured as needed to meet customer-specific
product requirements and fluctuations in volumes (although we do incur increased production costs from time to time in connection
with unexpected demand changes). We have extensive capabilities across a broad range of specialized assembly, configuration
and test processes. We work with a variety of substrates based on the products we build for our customers, from thin, flexible
printed circuit boards to highly complex, dense multi-layer printed circuit boards, as well as a broad array of advanced component
and attachment technologies employed in our customers' products and our own product designs. We believe that increasing demand
for full-system assembly solutions continues to drive technical advancement in complex mechanical assembly and configuration.
We also develop and manufacture sub-components, such as optical modules and complex machined parts, intended to drive targeted
technical advancements to support these opportunities.
Our automated electronics assembly lines are continuously refreshed with the latest generation technology, with a focus on
flexible lines with quick changeover, large board capability, and small component capability. Our assembly capabilities are
complemented by advanced test capabilities. The technologies we use include high-speed functional testing, optical, burn-in,
vibration, radio frequency, and in-circuit and in-situ dynamic thermal cycling stress testing. Our inspection technology includes
X-ray computed tomography, advanced automated optical inspection, three-dimensional paste volumetric inspection and scanning
electron microscopy. We work directly with leaders in the equipment industry to optimize their products and solutions or to jointly
design solutions to meet the needs of our customers. We apply automation solutions for higher volume products, where possible,
to help improve product quality, lower product costs, and increase manufacturing efficiencies.
Our ongoing research and development activities include the development of processes and test technologies, as well as
focused product development and technology building blocks that can be used by customers in the development of their products,
or to accelerate their products' time-to-market. Our JDM offering is focused on developing these design solutions and subsequently
managing the other aspects of the supply chain, including manufacturing of the products. We focus our solutions on developing
current and next generation storage, server and communications products (in particular, elements of data centers, which include
the development of complete hardware platform solutions to reduce product costs and accelerate time to market, and which we
believe will continue to grow). We work directly with our customers to understand their product roadmaps and to develop technology
solutions intended to meet their particular needs. We are proactive in developing manufacturing techniques that take advantage of
the latest component, product and packaging designs. We have worked with, and have taken leadership roles in, industry and
academic groups that strive to advance the state of technology in the industry. As we continue to pursue deeper relationships with
our customers, and participate in additional services and revenue opportunities with them, we anticipate an increase in our spending
in these development areas.
Supply Chain Management
We share data electronically with our key suppliers, and help ensure speed of supply through strong relationships with our
component suppliers and logistics partners. We view the size and scale of our procurement activities, including our IT systems,
as an important competitive advantage, as they enhance our ability to obtain better pricing, influence component packaging and
designs, and obtain a supply of components in constrained markets. We procure substantially all of our materials and components
on behalf of our customers pursuant to individual purchase orders that are generally short-term in nature.
Components and raw materials are sourced globally, with a majority of electronic components originating from Asian
countries. Supply constraints and shortages have increased in recent periods, in part due to the rising demand for electronic
components. As a result, we expect prices for raw materials to increase. See Item 3(D) — "Key Information — Risk Factors" for
a discussion of various risks related to our foreign operations. All of the products we manufacture or assemble require one or more
components. In many cases, there may be only one supplier of a particular component. Some of these components could be rationed
in response to supply shortages. We work with our suppliers and customers to attempt to ensure continuity in the supply of these
components. In cases where unanticipated customer demand or supply shortages occur, we attempt to arrange for alternative sources
of supply, where available, or defer planned production in response to the availability of the critical components. Notwithstanding
these efforts, however, materials constraints from certain suppliers caused delays in the production of customer products during
2017. See Item 3(D) Key Information — Risk Factors, "We are dependent on third parties to supply certain materials, and our
results can be negatively affected by the availability and cost of such materials."
We utilize our enterprise systems, as well as specific supply chain IT tools, to provide comprehensive information on our
logistics, financial and engineering support functions. These systems provide management with the data and analytics required to
manage the logistical complexities of the business and are augmented by and integrated with other applications, such as shop floor
controls, component and product database management, and design tools.
37
To minimize the risk associated with inventory, we primarily order materials and components only to the extent necessary
to satisfy existing customer orders and forecasts covered by the applicable customer contract terms and conditions. We have
implemented specific inventory management strategies with certain suppliers, such as "supplier managed inventory" (pulling
inventory at the production line on an as-needed basis) and on-site stocking programs. Our initiatives in Lean and Six Sigma also
focus on eliminating excess inventory throughout the supply chain. Notwithstanding the foregoing, however, as a result of demand
volatility from our customers and the materials constraints from certain suppliers discussed above, we carried higher than expected
levels of inventory at December 31, 2017. We expect these dynamic market conditions to continue in the near future.
Intellectual Property
We hold licenses to various technologies which we have acquired in connection with acquisitions. In addition, we believe
that we have secured access to all required technology that is material to the current conduct of our business.
We regard our manufacturing processes and certain designs as proprietary trade secrets and confidential information. We
rely largely upon a combination of trade secret laws, non-disclosure agreements with our customers, suppliers, employees and
other parties, and upon our internal security systems, confidentiality procedures and employee confidentiality agreements to
maintain the trade secrecy of our designs and manufacturing processes. Although we take steps to protect our trade secrets, there
can be no assurance that misappropriation will not occur. See Item 3(D) Key Information — Risk Factors, "We may not adequately
protect our intellectual property or the intellectual property of others."
We currently have a limited number of patents and patent applications pending to protect our intellectual property. However,
we believe that the rapid pace of technological change makes patent protection less significant than such factors as the knowledge
and experience of management and personnel, and our ability to develop, enhance and market electronics manufacturing services.
Each of our customers typically provides us with a license to its technology for use in providing electronics manufacturing
services to such customer. Generally, the agreements governing such technology grant to us non-exclusive, worldwide licenses
with respect to the subject technologies, are typically provided without charge, and terminate upon a material breach by us of the
terms of such agreements, or termination of the program to which such licenses relate.
We also license some technology from third parties that we use in providing electronics manufacturing services to our
customers. We believe that such licenses are generally available on commercial terms from a number of licensors. Generally, the
agreements governing such technology grant to us non-exclusive, worldwide licenses with respect to the subject technologies and
terminate upon expiration, or a material breach by us of the terms, of such agreements.
Competition
The EMS industry is highly competitive with multiple global EMS providers competing for customers and programs. Our
competitors include Benchmark Electronics, Inc., Flex Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd., Jabil Circuit, Inc., Plexus Corp.,
and Sanmina Corporation, as well as smaller EMS companies that often have a regional, product, service or industry-specific
focus, and ODMs that provide internally designed products and manufacturing services. As part of our JDM offering, we also
provide complete hardware platform solutions, which may compete with those of our customers. Offering products or services to
customers that compete with the offerings of other customers may negatively impact our relationship with, or result in a loss of
business from, such other customers.
We also face indirect competition from current and prospective customers who evaluate our capabilities and commercial
models against the merits of manufacturing products internally, and from distribution and logistics providers expanding their
services across the supply chain, including assembly, fulfillment, logistics and in some cases, engineering services. We compete
with different companies depending on the type of service or geographic area. Some of our competitors have greater scale and
provide a broader range of services than we offer. We believe our competitive advantage is our track record in manufacturing
technology, quality, complexity, responsiveness and cost-effective, value-added services. To remain competitive, we believe we
must continue to provide technologically advanced manufacturing services and solutions, maintain quality levels, offer flexible
delivery schedules, deliver finished products and services on time and compete favorably on price.
The competitive landscape in the CCS area remains aggressive, as demand growth is moving from traditional enterprise
network infrastructure providers to cloud-based service providers, resulting in aggressive bidding from EMS providers and
increased competition from ODMs as they further penetrate these markets. As a result of the high concentration of our business
in the CCS marketplace, we expect continued competitive pressures, aggressive pricing and technology-driven demand shifts, as
well as certain materials constraints, to negatively impact our CCS businesses in future periods. We intend to continue to monitor
38
these dynamics and focus on cost management in response to these factors. To enhance our competitiveness, we continue to focus
on expanding our service offerings and capabilities beyond our traditional areas of EMS expertise.
See Item 3(D) Key Information — Risk Factors — "We operate in an industry comprised of numerous competitors and
aggressive pricing dynamics" and Item 5, "Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Recent developments, under "End Markets" and "Restructuring
Update."
Environmental Matters
We are subject to various federal/national, state/provincial, local, foreign and supra-national laws and regulations, including
environmental measures relating to the release, use, storage, treatment, transportation, discharge, disposal and remediation of
contaminants, hazardous substances and waste, and health and safety measures related to practices and procedures applicable to
the construction and operation of our sites. We have management systems in place designed to maintain compliance with such
laws and regulations.
Our past operations and the historical operation by others of our sites may have resulted in soil and groundwater contamination
on our sites, and in many jurisdictions in which we operate, environmental laws impose liability for the costs of removal, remediation
or risk assessment of hazardous or toxic substances on an owner, occupier or operator of real property even if such person or
company was unaware of or not responsible for the discharge or migration of such substances. From time-to-time we investigate,
remediate and monitor soil and groundwater contamination at certain operating sites. We generally obtain Phase I or similar
environmental assessments (which involve general inspections without soil sampling or groundwater analysis), or review
assessment reports undertaken by others, for our manufacturing sites at the time of acquisition or leasing. However, such assessments
may not reveal all environmental liabilities (due, for example, to limited available information about prior operations at the properties
or other gaps in information at the time we acquire or lease such sites), and assessments have not been obtained for all sites. Where
contamination is suspected at sites being acquired or leased, Phase II intrusive environmental assessments (that can include soil
and/or groundwater testing) are usually performed. We expect to conduct Phase I or similar environmental assessments in respect
of future property acquisitions or leases and intend to perform Phase II assessments where appropriate. Past environmental
assessments have not revealed any environmental liability that we believe will have a material adverse effect on our operating
results or financial condition, in part because of contractual retention of liability by landlords and former owners at certain sites.
However, any such contractual retention of liability may not provide sufficient protection to reduce or eliminate our liability.
Third‑party claims for damages or personal injury are also possible and could result in significant costs to us. If more stringent
compliance or cleanup standards under environmental laws or regulations are imposed, or the results of future testing and analyses
at our current or former sites indicate that we are responsible for the release of hazardous substances into the air, ground and/or
water, we may be subject to additional liability. Environmental matters may arise in the future at sites where no problem is currently
known or at sites that we may acquire in the future. See Item 3(D) Key Information — Risk Factors — "Compliance with
governmental laws and obligations could be costly and may negatively impact our financial performance."
Environmental legislation also occurs at the product level. Celestica works with its customers in connection with compliance
with applicable product-level environmental legislation in the jurisdictions where products are manufactured and/or offered for
use and sale by our customers.
Backlog
Although we obtain purchase orders from our customers, they typically do not commit to delivery of products more than
30 days to 90 days in advance. We do not believe that the backlog of expected product sales covered by purchase orders is a
meaningful measure of future sales, since generally orders may be rescheduled or cancelled.
Seasonality
Seasonality is reflected in the mix of products we manufacture from quarter-to-quarter. From time to time we experience
some level of seasonality in our quarterly revenue patterns across certain of our businesses. The pace of technological change, the
frequency of customers transferring business among EMS competitors and the constantly changing dynamics of the global economy
will also continue to impact us. As a result of these factors, the impact of new program wins or program losses, overall demand
variability, and limited visibility in technology end markets, it is difficult to isolate the impact of seasonality on our business. In
recent periods, revenue from the storage component of our Enterprise end market has increased in the fourth quarter of the year
compared to the third quarter, and then decreased in the first quarter of the following year, reflecting the increase in customer
demand we typically experience in this business in the fourth quarter. In addition, we typically experience our lowest overall
39
revenue levels during the first quarter of each year. There is no assurance that these patterns will continue. See also Item 3D Key
Information — Risk Factors — "Our revenue and operating results may vary significantly from period to period."
Controlling Shareholder Interest
Onex is our controlling shareholder with an approximate 79% voting interest in Celestica. Accordingly, Onex has the ability
to exercise a significant influence over our business and affairs and generally has the power to determine all matters submitted to
a vote of our shareholders where the subordinate voting shares and multiple voting shares vote together as a single class. Such
matters include electing our Board and thereby influencing significant corporate transactions, including mergers, acquisitions,
divestitures and financing arrangements. Gerald W. Schwartz, the Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer
of Onex (and one of our directors from 1998 through December 31, 2016) indirectly owns shares representing the majority of the
voting rights of the shares of Onex. For further details, refer to Item 3D Key Information — Risk Factors — "The interest of our
controlling shareholder, Onex Corporation, with an approximate 79% voting interest, may conflict with the interests of other
shareholders" and footnotes 2 and 3 of Item 7(A) "Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions — Major Shareholders."
Government Regulation
Information regarding material effects of government regulations on Celestica's business is provided in the risk factors
entitled "We are subject to the risk of increasing income and other taxes, tax audits and the challenges of successfully defending
our tax positions, and obtaining, renewing or meeting the conditions of tax incentives and credits, any of which may adversely
affect our financial performance," "Compliance with governmental laws and obligations could be costly and may negatively
impact our financial performance," "Compliance or the failure to comply with employment laws and regulations may negatively
impact our financial performance," and "Policies or legislation proposed or instituted by the current U.S. administration could
have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition" in Item 3(D) Key
Information — Risk Factors.
Sustainability
Our belief in strong corporate citizenship is manifested in policies and principles focused across five key areas: energy and
water, materials stewardship, sustainable solutions, our employees, and community giving.
Our guiding policies and principles include:
•
•
•
Our Values, developed with input from our employees to reflect the characteristics and behaviors that are core
to Celestica;
Our Business Conduct Governance Policy, which outlines the ethics and practices we consider necessary for a
positive working environment and the high legal and ethical standards to which our employees are held
accountable; and
The Code of Conduct of the RBA, of which we were a founding (and remain a) member. The RBA's Code of
Conduct outlines industry standards intended to ensure that working conditions in the supply chain are safe,
workers are treated with respect and dignity, and manufacturing processes are environmentally responsible. We
are continually working to implement, manage and audit our compliance with the RBA's Code of Conduct.
We publish a Sustainability Report and a Business Conduct Governance Policy, both of which are available (along with our
Values) on our corporate website at www.celestica.com. These documents outline our sustainability strategy, our high standards
for business ethics, the policies we value and uphold, the progress we have made as a socially responsible organization and the
key milestones we are working to achieve in 2018 and beyond.
Financial Information Regarding Geographic Areas
Details of our financial information regarding geographic areas are disclosed in note 25 to the Consolidated Financial
Statements in Item 18, Item 4(B) "Information on the Company — Business Overview — Geographies," and Item 4(D)
"Information on the Company — Property, Plants and Equipment." Risks associated with our foreign operations are disclosed in
Item 3(D) "Key Information — Risk Factors", including "Our ability to successfully manage unexpected changes or risks inherent
in our global operations and supply chain may adversely impact our financial performance."
40
C. Organizational Structure
Onex, an Ontario corporation, is the Corporation's controlling shareholder with an approximate 79% voting interest in
Celestica (via its direct and indirect beneficial ownership of approximately 18.6 million (100%) of the Corporation's multiple
voting shares, and approximately 0.4 million of the Corporation's subordinate voting shares). Gerald W. Schwartz, a director of
Celestica (from 1998 through December 31, 2016), is the Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Onex,
and indirectly owns multiple voting shares of Onex carrying the right to elect a majority of the Onex Board of Directors
(see footnotes 2 and 3 to the Major Shareholders Table in Item 7(A) below).
Celestica conducts its business through subsidiaries operating on a worldwide basis. The following companies are considered
significant subsidiaries of Celestica, and each of them is wholly-owned, directly or indirectly, by Celestica:
Celestica Cayman Holdings 1 Limited, a Cayman Islands corporation;
Celestica Cayman Holdings 9 Limited, a Cayman Islands corporation;
Celestica (Dongguan-SSL) Technology Limited, a China corporation;
Celestica Electronics (S) Pte Limited, a Singapore corporation;
Celestica Holdings Pte Limited, a Singapore corporation;
Celestica Hong Kong Limited, a Hong Kong corporation;
Celestica LLC, a Delaware, U.S. limited liability company;
Celestica (Suzhou) Technology Co. Ltd, a China corporation;
Celestica (Thailand) Limited, a Thailand corporation;
Celestica (USA) Inc., a Delaware, U.S. corporation;
Celestica (US Holdings) LLC, a Delaware, U.S. limited liability company; and
2480333 Ontario Inc., an Ontario, Canada corporation.
D. Property, Plants and Equipment
The following table summarizes our principal owned and leased properties as of February 14, 2018. These sites are used to
provide manufacturing services and solutions, such as the manufacture of printed circuit boards, assembly and configuration of
final systems, complex mechanical assembly, precision machining as well as other related services and customer support activities,
including design and development, warehousing, distribution, fulfillment and after-market services.
41
(1)
Square Footage
(in thousands)
888
Owned/Leased
Owned
Major locations
Canada(2)(5)...................................................
Canada (3) .....................................................
Arizona..............................................................
California(3) ..................................................
Oregon...............................................................
Mexico(3)......................................................
Ireland(3).......................................................
Spain..................................................................
Romania ............................................................
China(3)(4) .....................................................
Malaysia(3)(4) ................................................
Thailand(3)(4).................................................
Singapore(3) ..................................................
Japan(3)(4)......................................................
Laos ...................................................................
____________________________________
343
111
286
188
488
214
109
276
1,074
1,350
1,070
202
563
114
Leased
Leased
Leased
Leased
Leased
Leased
Owned
Owned
Owned/Leased
Owned/Leased
Owned/Leased
Leased
Lease Expiration Dates
N/A
between 2020 and 2028
2027
between 2018 and 2023
2021
2018
between 2020 and 2024
N/A
N/A
2056
between 2018 and 2060
between 2018 and 2029
between 2019 and 2020
Owned/Leased
between 2020 and 2022
Leased
2021
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
Represents estimated square footage being used.
Our owned property in Canada is included in the assets pledged as security for borrowings under our credit agreement.
Represents multiple locations.
With respect to these locations, the land is leased, and the buildings are either owned or leased by us.
In July 2015, we entered into an agreement to sell our real property located in Toronto, Ontario, which includes the site of our corporate headquarters
and our Toronto manufacturing operations. The closing is subject to various conditions and is currently anticipated to occur during 2018. We have
agreed upon closing to enter into a short-term interim lease with the purchasers of such property for our existing corporate headquarters and manufacturing
premises on a portion of the real estate on a rent-free basis (subject to certain payments including taxes and utilities), followed by a long-term lease for
our new corporate headquarters based on commercially reasonable arm's-length terms. Whether or not this transaction is consummated, however, we
are moving our existing Toronto manufacturing operations to another location, and in connection therewith, entered into a long-term lease in November
2017 (in the Greater Toronto area) for the relocation of our Toronto manufacturing operations (the new facility will reduce excess capacity that we had
in our previous location). Occupancy is anticipated to commence at the end of the first quarter of 2018. We expect to complete the transition to this
new location by the end of the first quarter of 2019. In addition (should the sale be consummated), we intend to move our corporate headquarters to a
temporary location while space in a new office building (to be built by the purchasers of our Toronto real estate on the site of our current location) is
under construction. The temporary office relocation is currently expected to occur by the end of the first quarter of 2019. We will incur significant
costs throughout the transition period (which commenced in the fourth quarter of 2017) to relocate our corporate headquarters and to transfer our
Toronto manufacturing operations to its new location, and as we prepare and customize the new site to meet our manufacturing needs (all of which is
anticipated to be funded with cash on hand). These costs will consist of building improvements and new equipment, as well as transition-related costs
(direct relocation costs, duplicate costs incurred during the transition period, as well as cease-use costs incurred in connection with idle or vacated
portions of the relevant premises that we would not have incurred but for these relocations). During the fourth quarter of 2017, we recorded $1.6 million
of such transition costs. We expect to incur approximately $16 million in building improvement and capital expenditure costs for the new manufacturing
location, all anticipated to be incurred during 2018, and to be funded from cash on hand. We have incurred approximately $2 million of such costs
through February 14, 2018. The costs, timing and execution of this relocation could have a material adverse impact on our business, our operating
results and our financial position. See Item 5, "Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity, "Cash requirements."
We consider each of the properties in the table above to be adequate for its purpose and suitably utilized according to the
individual nature and requirements of the relevant operations. We currently expect to be able to extend the terms of expiring
leases or to find replacement sites on commercially acceptable terms. Also see "Environmental Matters" in Item 4(B) above.
Our principal executive office is currently located at 844 Don Mills Road, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M3C 1V7.
Our material tangible fixed assets are described in note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 18.
Item 4A. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
42
Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects
CELESTICA INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017
The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A) should
be read in conjunction with our 2017 audited consolidated financial statements, which we prepared in accordance with International
Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). Unless otherwise noted,
all dollar amounts are expressed in U.S. dollars. The information in this discussion is provided as of February 14, 2018 unless
we indicate otherwise.
Certain statements contained in this MD&A constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of
the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (U.S.
Exchange Act), and contain forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. Such forward-looking
information includes, without limitation, statements related to: our future growth, including in our Advanced Technology Solutions
(ATS) businesses; trends in the electronics manufacturing services (EMS) industry; our anticipated financial and/or operational
results (including our anticipated non-IFRS operating margin performance during the second half of 2018); our anticipated
acquisition of Atrenne Integrated Solutions, Inc. (Atrenne), the expected timing, cost, terms and funding thereof, and the expected
impact of such acquisition, if consummated, on our position in the aerospace and defense and industrial markets; our goals with
respect to broadening our portfolio of ATS products and services and growing our ATS business (including aerospace and defense);
our diversification plans (and potential hindrances thereto); the impact of acquisitions and program wins or losses on our liquidity,
financial results and working capital requirements; anticipated expenses, restructuring actions and charges, capital expenditures,
and other anticipated working capital requirements, including the anticipated amounts, timing and funding thereof; the anticipated
repatriation of undistributed earnings from foreign subsidiaries; the impact of tax and litigation outcomes; our cash flows, financial
targets and current priorities; intended investments in our business; changes in our mix of revenue by end market; our ability to
diversify and grow our customer base and develop new capabilities; the effect of the pace of technological changes, customer
outsourcing and program transfers, and the global economic environment on customer demand; the impact of increased competition,
pricing and margin pressures, demand volatility, and materials constraints on our financial results, and the expected continuation
of such adverse market conditions in our Enterprise and Communications end markets; raw materials prices; our intention to
settle outstanding equity awards with subordinate voting shares; the number of subordinate voting shares we may repurchase
under our normal course issuer bid (NCIB); the expected timing of the collection of outstanding solar accounts receivable and
the possibility of future write-downs on unrecovered amounts from such solar accounts receivable and other solar assets; the
expected timing of the sale of our solar panel manufacturing equipment; the impact of outstanding indebtedness under our credit
facility on our liquidity, future operations and financial condition; the timing and terms of the sale of our real property in Toronto
and related transactions, including the expected lease of our new corporate headquarters (collectively, the Toronto Real Property
Transactions); the costs, timing and execution of relocating our existing Toronto manufacturing operations and the anticipated
temporary relocation of our corporate headquarters while space in a new office building is under construction; the potential
impact of Britain's intention to leave the European Union (Brexit) and/or policies or legislation proposed or instituted by the
current administration in the U.S. on the economy, financial markets, currency exchange rates and our business; the anticipated
impact of the U.S. Tax Reform (as defined herein) on our operations and our global tax rate; our expectations with respect to
future pioneer incentives for limited portions of our Malaysian business; the impact of new wins, recent program transfers, and
acquisitions; the anticipated impact of new accounting standards on our consolidated financial statements and the timing of related
transition activities; the impact of longer-term contracts; our expectations with respect to increasing fulfillment services offered
to customers; our intentions with respect to our U.K. Supplementary pension plan; and the potential use of cash, securities issuances
and/or increased third-party indebtedness to fund our operations or acquisitions, and the potential adverse impacts of such uses
on our liquidity, subordinate voting share price, debt leverage, agency ratings, business and/or operations. Such forward-looking
statements may, without limitation, be preceded by, followed by, or include words such as “believes”, “expects”, “anticipates”,
“estimates”, “intends”, “plans”, “continues”, “project”, “potential”, “possible”, “contemplate”, “seek”, or similar expressions,
or may employ such future or conditional verbs as “may”, “might”, “will”, “could”, “should” or “would”, or may otherwise be
indicated as forward-looking statements by grammatical construction, phrasing or context. For those statements, we claim the
protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
and applicable Canadian securities laws.
43
Forward-looking statements are provided for the purpose of assisting readers in understanding management’s current
expectations and plans relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other
purposes. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks that could cause actual
results to differ materially from conclusions, forecasts or projections expressed in such forward-looking statements, including,
among others, risks related to: our customers' ability to compete and succeed in the marketplace with the services we provide and
the products we manufacture; customer and end market concentration and the challenges of diversifying our customer base and
replacing revenue from completed or lost programs or customer disengagements; changes in our mix of customers and/or the
types of products or services we provide; higher concentration of fulfillment services and/or other lower margin programs impacting
gross profit; price, margin pressures, and other competitive factors generally affecting, and the highly competitive nature of, the
EMS industry; price and other competitive factors affecting our Communications and Enterprise end markets; responding to
changes in demand, rapidly evolving and changing technologies, and changes in our customers' business and outsourcing strategies,
including the insourcing of programs; customer, competitor and/or supplier consolidation; integrating any acquisitions or strategic
transactions (including "operate-in-place" arrangements); our having sufficient financial resources and working capital to fund
currently anticipated financial obligations and to pursue desirable business opportunities, and potential negative impacts on our
liquidity, financial condition and/or results of operations resulting from significant uses of cash and/or any future securities
issuances or increased third-party indebtedness for acquisitions or to otherwise fund our operations; delays in the delivery and
availability of components, services and materials, including from suppliers upon which we are dependent for certain components;
our restructuring actions, including achieving the anticipated benefits therefrom, and the potential negative impact of transitions
resulting from our restructuring actions on our operations; the incurrence of future impairment charges or other write-downs of
assets; managing our operations, growth initiatives, and our working capital performance during uncertain market and economic
conditions; disruptions to our operations, or those of our customers, component suppliers and/or logistics partners, including as
a result of global or local events outside our control (including as a result of Brexit and/or policies or legislation proposed or
instituted by the current U.S. administration, including the impact of the U.S. Tax Reform on our operations, or those of our
customers, component suppliers and/or logistics partners); retaining or expanding our business due to execution issues relating
to the ramping of new and existing programs or new offerings; the expansion or consolidation of our operations; recruiting or
retaining skilled talent; changes to our operating model; changing commodity, material and component costs as well as labor
costs and conditions; defects or deficiencies in our products, services or designs; non-performance by counterparties, including
our former solar supplier, from whom we have accounts receivable outstanding; our financial exposure to foreign currency volatility,
including fluctuations that may result from Brexit and/or policies or legislation proposed or instituted by the current
U.S. administration; managing our global operations and supply chain; the failure to obtain (or a delay in obtaining) the necessary
regulatory approvals or the failure to satisfy the other closing conditions required for our purchase of Atrenne, a material adverse
change at Atrenne, the failure to consummate our purchase of Atrenne in a timely manner or at all, our failure to obtain adequate
funding for the acquisition on acceptable terms, the purchase price varying from the expected amount, and if the acquisition is
consummated, a failure to achieve the anticipated benefits therefrom, to successfully integrate the acquisition, to further develop
our capabilities in the aerospace and defense market or otherwise expand our portfolio of solutions, and/or to achieve the other
expected benefits from the acquisition; our dependence on industries affected by rapid technological change; any failure to
adequately protect our intellectual property or the intellectual property of others; increasing income and other taxes, tax audits,
and challenges of defending our tax positions, and obtaining, renewing or meeting the conditions of tax incentives and credits;
the potential that conditions to closing the Toronto Real Property Transactions may not be satisfied on a timely basis or at all; the
costs, timing and/or execution of relocating our existing Toronto manufacturing operations and/or corporate headquarters proving
to be other than anticipated; computer viruses, malware, hacking attempts or outages that may disrupt our operations; the
variability of revenue and operating results; compliance with applicable laws, regulations, government grants and social
responsibility initiatives; and current or future litigation, governmental actions, and/or changes in legislation. The foregoing and
other material risks and uncertainties are discussed in our public filings at www.sedar.com and www.sec.gov, including in this
MD&A, our most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with, and subsequent reports on Form 6-K furnished to, the U.S.
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and as applicable, the Canadian Securities Administrators.
Our forward-looking statements are based on various assumptions, many of which involve factors that are beyond our
control. Our material assumptions include those related to the following: production schedules from our customers, which generally
range from 30 to 90 days and can fluctuate significantly in terms of volume and mix of products or services; the timing and execution
of, and investments associated with, ramping new business (including new business associated with acquisitions); the successful
pursuit, completion and integration of acquisitions; the success in the marketplace of our customers’ products; the pace of change
in our traditional end markets and our ability to retain programs and customers; the stability of general economic and market
conditions, currency exchange rates, and interest rates; our pricing, the competitive environment and contract terms and conditions;
supplier performance, pricing and terms; compliance by third parties with their contractual obligations, the accuracy of their
representations and warranties, and the performance of their covenants; the costs and availability of components, materials,
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services, plant and capital equipment, labor, energy and transportation; operational and financial matters including the extent,
timing and costs of replacing revenue from completed or lost programs, or customer disengagements; technological developments;
that the impact of the U.S. Tax Reform on our operations will be as we currently anticipate; our ability to recover accounts
receivable outstanding from a former solar supplier; the timing, execution, and effect of restructuring actions; our having sufficient
financial resources and working capital to fund currently anticipated financial obligations and to pursue desirable business
opportunities; our ability to diversify our customer base and develop new capabilities; the availability of cash resources for
repurchases of outstanding subordinate voting shares under our current NCIB; compliance with applicable laws and regulations
pertaining to NCIBs; applicable regulatory approvals will be obtained and the other closing conditions to our purchase of Atrenne
will be satisfied in a timely manner; that our purchase of Atrenne will be consummated in a timely manner and on anticipated
terms; that internal cash flow and our ability to incur further indebtedness under our revolving credit facility will be as expected
in order to finance the Atrenne acquisition as anticipated; and that, once acquired, we are able to successfully integrate Atrenne,
further develop our capabilities in the aerospace and defense market, expand our portfolio of solutions, and achieve the other
expected benefits from the acquisition. While management believes these assumptions to be reasonable under the current
circumstances, they may prove to be inaccurate. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made,
and we disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new
information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.
All forward-looking statements attributable to us are expressly qualified by these cautionary statements.
Overview
What Celestica does:
We deliver innovative supply chain solutions globally to customers in the following end markets: Advanced Technology
Solutions (ATS) (consists of our former Diversified and Consumer end markets, and is comprised of our aerospace and defense,
industrial, smart energy, healthcare, semiconductor equipment, and consumer businesses), Communications (consists of our
enterprise communications and telecommunications businesses), and Enterprise (consists of our servers and storage businesses).
We believe our services and solutions create value for our customers by accelerating their time-to-market, and by providing higher
quality, lower cost and reduced cycle times in our customers’ supply chains as compared to their insourcing of these activities. We
believe this results in lower total cost of ownership, greater flexibility, higher return on invested capital and improved competitive
advantage for our customers in their respective markets.
Our global headquarters is located in Toronto, Canada. We operate a network of sites in various geographies with
specialized end-to-end supply chain capabilities tailored to meet specific market and customer product lifecycle requirements. In
an effort to drive speed, quality and flexibility for our customers, we execute our business in sites and centers of excellence
strategically located in North America, Europe and Asia.
We offer a range of services to our customers, including design and development (such as our Joint Design and
Manufacturing (JDM) offering, which consists of developing design solutions in collaboration with customers, as well as managing
aspects of the supply chain and manufacturing), engineering services, supply chain management, new product introduction,
component sourcing, electronics manufacturing, assembly and test, complex mechanical assembly, systems integration, precision
machining, order fulfillment, logistics and after-market repair and return services.
The products and services we provide serve a wide variety of applications, including: servers; networking and
telecommunications equipment; storage systems; converged systems; optical equipment; aerospace and defense electronics;
healthcare products and applications; semiconductor equipment; and a range of industrial and alternative energy products.
To increase the value we deliver to our customers, we continue to make investments in people, value-added service
offerings, new capabilities, capacity, technology, IT systems, software and tools. We continuously work to improve our productivity,
quality, delivery performance and flexibility in our efforts to be recognized as a leading company in the EMS industry. In connection
therewith, we have recently completed our Global Business Services (GBS) initiative, which was focused on integrating,
standardizing and optimizing our end-to-end business processes, and our Organizational Design (OD) initiative, which involved
redesigning our organizational structure, with the goal of increasing the overall effectiveness of our organization by improving
internal alignment, reducing complexity and increasing our speed to outcome. To streamline our processes and reduce costs, we
have invested in automation and the connected factory. Our recently announced cost efficiency initiative, and related anticipated
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restructuring actions, are also intended to further streamline our business, increase operational efficiencies and improve our
productivity.
A key focus for us is to grow our ATS end market (which constituted 32% of total revenue in 2017) in order to reduce
the revenue concentration of our Communications and Enterprise end markets (which constituted an aggregate of 68% of total
revenue in 2017). Our current priorities include (i) growing and diversifying our customer and product portfolios to help achieve
longer-term consistency, increasing our revenue and improving operating margins, (ii) increasing the contribution from our ATS
end market to our overall profitability, while continuing to invest in capabilities and targeted end markets, (iii) generating strong
annual free cash flow and adjusted return on invested capital (“adjusted ROIC”) and (iv) continuing to improve our execution by
focusing on increased productivity and simplification throughout our organization. We believe that continued investments in these
areas support our long-term growth strategy, and will strengthen our competitive position, enhance customer satisfaction, and
increase long-term shareholder value. Operating margin, adjusted ROIC and free cash flow are non-IFRS measures without
standardized meanings and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. See “Non-IFRS measures”
below for a discussion of the non-IFRS measures included herein, and a reconciliation of our non-IFRS measures to the most
directly comparable IFRS measures.
We believe that profitable revenue growth depends significantly on increasing sales and capabilities in our ATS businesses,
as well as increasing sales to and expanding the range of services we provide to existing customers in all of our end markets for
their current and future product generations. Accordingly, we will continue to focus on investing both organically and through
acquisitions to expand our offerings of higher-value added services, including design and development, engineering, and after-
market services. Our CCS businesses, together representing 68% of total revenue in 2017 (and consisting of our Enterprise and
Communications end markets), generally experience a high degree of volatility in terms of revenue and service mix, as well as
recent negative pricing pressures. We were impacted by these adverse market conditions in 2017, and expect these conditions to
continue in 2018. To help grow our overall revenue and to offset these market factors, we are pursuing new customers and
acquisition opportunities in our ATS businesses to expand our end market penetration, to diversify our end market mix, and to
enhance and add new technologies and capabilities to our offerings. In support of this expansion, we have executed two “operate-
in-place” outsourcing agreements with existing aerospace and defense customers, pursuant to which we provide manufacturing
and after-market repair services for specific product lines at each customer’s site. Under such arrangements, we assume the
workforce assigned to the relevant operations and purchase the required inventory. In addition, we expanded our capabilities in
the aerospace and defense market with our November 2016 acquisition of Karel (defined below), and anticipate further expansion
of our aerospace and defense and industrial capabilities should our acquisition of Atrenne Integrated Solutions, Inc. (Atrenne) be
consummated (see “Recent developments” below).
Overview of business environment:
The EMS industry is highly competitive, with multiple global EMS providers competing for customers and programs.
Although the industry is characterized by a large revenue base and new business opportunities, demand can be volatile from period
to period, and aggressive pricing is a common business dynamic, particularly in the Enterprise and Communications end markets.
Capacity utilization, customer mix and the types of products and services we provide are important factors affecting our financial
performance. The number of sites, the location of qualified personnel, the manufacturing capacity, and the mix of business through
that capacity are vital considerations for EMS providers in terms of supporting their customers and generating appropriate returns.
Because the EMS industry is working capital intensive, we believe that adjusted ROIC (discussed in “Non-IFRS measures” below),
which is primarily based on non-IFRS operating earnings and investments in working capital and equipment, is an important metric
for measuring an EMS provider’s financial performance.
EMS companies provide a range of services to a variety of customers and end markets. However, demand patterns are
volatile, particularly in the Enterprise and Communications end markets, making customer revenue and mix, revenue by end
market, and overall profitability difficult to forecast. Product lifecycles in the markets we serve, production lead times required
by our customers, rapid shifts in technology, model obsolescence, commoditization of certain products, the emergence of new
business models (including Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS)),
shifting patterns of demand, such as the shift from traditional network infrastructures to highly virtualized and cloud-based
environments, the prevalence of solid state or flash memory technology as a replacement for hard disk drives, as well as the
proliferation of software-defined technologies enabling the disaggregation of software and hardware, increased competition,
oversupply of products, pricing pressures, and the volatility of the economy all contribute to the complexity of managing our
operations and fluctuations in our financial results. For example, declines in end-market demand for customer-specific proprietary
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systems in favor of open systems with standardized technologies has had an adverse impact on our customers, and consequently,
our business.
In addition, uncertainty in the global economy and financial markets may impact current and future demand for our
customers’ products and services, and consequently, the operations of EMS providers, including Celestica. We continue to monitor
the dynamics and impacts of the global economic and financial environment and work to manage our priorities, costs and resources
to anticipate and prepare for any changes we deem necessary.
External factors that could impact the EMS industry and our business include natural disasters and related disruptions,
political instability, terrorism, armed conflict, labor or social unrest, criminal activity, disease or illness that affects local, national
or international economies, unusually adverse weather conditions, and other risks present in the jurisdictions in which we, our
customers, our suppliers, and/or our logistics partners operate. These types of events could disrupt operations at one or more of
our sites or those of our customers, component suppliers and/or our logistics partners. These events could lead to higher costs or
supply shortages or may disrupt the delivery of components to us, or our ability to provide finished products or services to our
customers, any of which could adversely affect our operating results. We carry insurance to cover damage to our sites and
interruptions to our operations, including those that may occur as a result of natural disasters, such as flooding and earthquakes,
or other events. Our insurance policies, however, are subject to deductibles, coverage limitations and exclusions, and may not
provide adequate coverage should such events occur. Uncertainties resulting from Brexit, policies or legislation proposed or
instituted by the current administration in the U.S., and/or increased tensions with North Korea, may adversely affect our business,
results of operations and financial condition. Given the lack of comparable precedent, it is unclear what financial, trade and legal
implications the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union will have and how such withdrawal will affect us,
our customers and their demand for our services. In addition, the current U.S. administration has created uncertainty with respect
to, among other things, existing and proposed trade agreements (including the status of the North American Free Trade Agreement
(NAFTA)), free trade generally, and potentially significant increases on tariffs on goods imported into the U.S., particularly from
Mexico, Canada and China. We currently ship a significant portion of our worldwide production to customers in the U.S. from
other countries. Changes to U.S. laws or policies may impact the pace of outsourcing by U.S. customers in the future, including
the possibility of such customers' insourcing programs that were previously outsourced (including to companies like ours). It is
unknown at this time to what extent new legislation, or pending or new regulatory proposals will be adopted in the U.S., if any,
or the effect that such adoption may have on our business, including the full extent of the impact of recent U.S. tax reform (discussed
in “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” below). However, changes in U.S. social, political, regulatory and economic
conditions or in laws and policies governing foreign trade or taxation, manufacturing, clean energy, the healthcare industry,
development and investment in the jurisdictions in which we, and/or our customers or suppliers operate, could materially adversely
affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We have significant suppliers that are important to our sourcing activities. If a key supplier (or any company within such
supplier's supply chain) experiences financial or other difficulties, this may affect its ability to supply us with materials, components
or services, which could halt or delay the production of a customer's product, and/or have a material adverse impact on our
operations, financial results and customer relationships. During 2017, we experienced materials constraints from certain suppliers,
which caused delays in the production of customer products, and resulted in higher than expected levels of inventory. We expect
these materials constraints and adverse impacts to continue in the near term.
Our ability to collect our accounts receivable and future sales depends, in part, on the financial strength of our customers.
If any of our customers have insufficient liquidity, we could encounter significant delays or defaults in payments owed to us by
such customers, or we may extend our payment terms, which could adversely impact our short-term cash flows, financial condition
and/or operating results. From time to time, we have extended the payment terms applicable to certain customers, which has
adversely impacted our working capital requirements, and increased our financial exposure and credit risk. In addition, customer
financial difficulties or changes in the demand for our customers' products may result in order cancellations and higher than
expected levels of inventory, which could in turn have a material adverse impact on our operating results and working capital
performance. We may not be able to return or re-sell this inventory, or we may be required to hold the inventory for a period of
time, any of which may result in our having to record additional reserves for the inventory. We also may be unable to recover all
of the amounts owed to us by a customer, including amounts to cover unused inventory or capital investments we incurred to
support that customer's business. Furthermore, if a customer bankruptcy occurs, our profitability may be adversely impacted by
our failure to collect our accounts receivable in excess of our estimated allowance for uncollectible accounts or amounts insured
(which occurred with respect to one of our solar customers during 2017, whose bankruptcy caused us to record accounts receivable
provisions, discussed below). Additionally, our future revenues could be reduced by the loss of a customer due to bankruptcy. Our
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failure to collect accounts receivable and/or the loss of one or more major customers could have an adverse effect on our operating
results, financial position and cash flows.
We cannot reliably determine if and to what extent customers or suppliers may have financial and other difficulties,
whether we will be required to adjust our prices or the amount we pay for materials and components, or face collection issues with
customers, or if customer or supplier bankruptcies will occur. In connection with our exit from the solar panel manufacturing
business, we recorded aggregate charges in excess of $30 million to write down the carrying values of our solar panel manufacturing
equipment, inventories and accounts receivable during 2016 and 2017. If we are unable to collect the current carrying value of
our remaining solar assets ($2.6 million in solar panel manufacturing equipment and $6.7 million in solar accounts receivable as
of December 31, 2017), we will incur additional asset write downs in future periods. See “Summary of 2017” below for further
details.
Our business is also affected by customers who may shift production between EMS providers (including shifts to our
competitors) for a number of reasons, including pricing concessions, more favorable terms and conditions, their preference or need
to consolidate their supply chain capacity or the number of supply chain partners, tax benefits, new trade policies or legislation,
or consolidation among customers. Customers may also choose to increase the amount of business they outsource, insource
previously outsourced business, or change the concentration or location of their EMS suppliers to better manage their supply
continuity risk. These customer decisions may impact, among other items, our revenue and margins, the need for future restructuring,
the level of capital expenditures and our cash flows.
While the demand environment remains volatile, driven largely by technology shifts and increased competition in the
Communications and Enterprise end markets, we remain committed to making the investments we believe are required to support
our long-term objectives and to create shareholder value. These efforts include a focus on the diversification of our customer mix
and product portfolios to address changing needs, including a larger emphasis on fulfillment and after-market services, as well as
broadening our ATS capabilities, including expanding our aerospace and defense, healthcare, smart energy, and industrial offerings,
and continuing to expand the breadth of our JDM offerings in the areas of storage, network switching and converged storage and
servers. The costs of investments that we deem desirable may be prohibitive, and therefore prevent us from achieving these
diversification objectives. In addition, the ramping activities associated with investments that we do make may be significant and
could negatively impact our margins in the short and medium term. Simultaneously, we intend to continue to manage our costs
and resources to maximize our efficiency and productivity.
To reduce our reliance on any one customer or end market (including the concentration of our revenues in the
Communications and Enterprise end markets), we continue to target new customers and services, including through our efforts to
expand our ATS end market. As we expand our business and open new sites, we may encounter difficulties that result in higher
than expected costs associated with such activities. Potential difficulties related to such activities include our ability: to manage
growth effectively; to maintain existing business relationships during periods of transition; to anticipate disruptions in our operations
that may impact our ability to deliver to customers on time, produce quality products and ensure overall customer satisfaction;
and to respond rapidly to changes in customer demand or volumes. We may also encounter difficulties in ramping and executing
new programs. We may require significant investments in additional capabilities and increased working capital to support these
new programs, including those associated with business acquisitions, and may generate lower margins or losses during and/or
following the ramp period. There can be no assurance that our increased investments will benefit our financial performance or
result in business growth. As we pursue opportunities in new markets or technologies, we may encounter challenges due to our
limited knowledge or experience in these areas. In addition, the success of new business models or programs depends on a number
of factors including: understanding the new business or markets; timely and successful product development; market acceptance;
the effective management of purchase commitments and inventory levels in line with anticipated demand; the development or
acquisition of appropriate intellectual property and capital investments, to the extent required; the availability of materials in
adequate quantities and at appropriate costs to meet anticipated demand; and the risk that new offerings may have quality or other
defects in the early stages of introduction. Any of these factors could prevent us from realizing the anticipated benefits of growth
in new markets or technologies, which could materially adversely affect our business and operating results. See “Summary of
2017” below for a discussion of our exit from the solar panel manufacturing business.
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Recent developments:
Anticipated Acquisition to Broaden Capabilities in the Aerospace and Defense Market:
In January 2018, we entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Atrenne, a leading U.S. - based designer and
manufacturer of ruggedized electromechanical solutions. This acquisition is intended to expand our capabilities, improve our
diversification, and bolster our leadership position within the aerospace and defense market. Atrenne's capabilities include
connectors, machining, and the thermal and mechanical design and manufacture of ruggedized chassis and enclosures, primarily
for military and commercial aerospace applications. We also believe that Atrenne's capabilities in the design and manufacture of
value-added mechanical solutions will expand our service offerings for industrial customers. The purchase price for Atrenne is
approximately $139 million (subject to specific adjustments as set forth in the definitive agreement), which we intend to finance
with a combination of cash on hand and availability under the revolving portion of our credit facility. The transaction is expected
to close in the second quarter of 2018, subject to receipt of applicable regulatory approvals and satisfaction of other customary
closing conditions. However, there can be no assurance that this acquisition will be consummated in a timely manner, or at all.
Toronto Real Property Update:
As previously disclosed, and assuming the timely satisfaction of various conditions, we currently anticipate the sale of
our Toronto corporate headquarters and manufacturing operations to close during 2018. See “Liquidity — Cash requirements”
below. However, there can be no assurance that this transaction will be completed during 2018, or at all. Whether or not the sale
is consummated, we are moving our existing Toronto manufacturing operations to another location in the Greater Toronto area,
and in connection therewith, entered into a long-term lease in November 2017 with occupancy anticipated to commence at the
end of the first quarter of 2018. We currently expect to complete the transition to this new manufacturing location by the end of
the first quarter of 2019. In addition, should the sale be consummated, we will enter into a short-term interim lease with the
purchasers of our Toronto real property for our existing corporate headquarters and manufacturing premises on a portion of the
real estate on a rent-free basis (subject to certain payments, including taxes and utilities), followed by a long-term lease with such
purchasers for our new corporate headquarters, and intend to move such headquarters to a temporary location while space in a
new office building (to be built by such purchasers on the site of our current location) is under construction. The temporary office
relocation is currently expected to occur by the end of the first quarter of 2019. We will incur significant costs throughout the
transition period (which commenced in the fourth quarter of 2017 and is expected to continue into 2019) to relocate our corporate
headquarters and to transfer our Toronto manufacturing operations to its new location, and as we prepare and customize the new
site to meet our manufacturing needs. These costs will consist of building improvements and new equipment which we will
capitalize, as well as transition-related costs which we will record in other charges. The costs, timing, and execution of these
relocations could have a material adverse impact on our business, our operating results and our financial position. See “Liquidity
— Cash requirements” below and notes 16(d) and 18 to our 2017 audited consolidated financial statements.
End Markets:
Commencing in the first quarter of 2017, we aligned our end markets into two customer focused areas: Advanced
Technology Solutions (ATS) and Connectivity & Cloud Solutions (CCS). Our ATS end market consists of our former Diversified
and Consumer end markets, and is comprised of our aerospace and defense, industrial, smart energy, healthcare, semiconductor
equipment, and consumer businesses. CCS consists of our Communications and Enterprise end markets (the latter of which is
comprised of our servers and storage businesses, which were combined into one end market as a result of their converging
technologies). All period percentages herein reflect these changes.
The competitive landscape in the CCS area remains aggressive, as demand growth is moving from traditional enterprise
network infrastructure providers to cloud-based service providers, resulting in aggressive bidding from EMS providers and
increased competition from original design manufacturers as they further penetrate these markets. In addition, although we offered
a broad range of services to our CCS customers in 2017, we experienced a shift in the mix of our programs, in particular, growth
in our lower-margin fulfillment services. This shift in mix, combined with the pricing pressures described above, demand volatility,
and investments we have made to grow our higher-value added after-market services, resulted in lower than anticipated revenues
and margins in our CCS businesses during 2017. As a result of the high concentration of our business in the CCS marketplace, we
expect continued competitive pressures, aggressive pricing and technology-driven demand shifts, as well as certain materials
constraints, to negatively impact our CCS businesses in future periods. We intend to continue to monitor these dynamics and focus
on cost management in response to these factors, including our new cost efficiency initiative (discussed under “Restructuring
Update” below), which is targeted, in part, towards margin improvements in our CCS businesses.
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Restructuring Update:
During the fourth quarter of 2017, we recorded $6.6 million of restructuring charges to complete actions previously
identified as part of our OD and GBS initiatives, and an additional $8.0 million of restructuring charges in connection with our
new cost efficiency initiative described below.
In response to challenging markets and continued margin pressures (driven primarily by volatility in our Communications
and Enterprise end markets), we announced in October 2017 our intention to implement additional restructuring actions in the
near term to further streamline our business and improve our margin performance, and engaged an outside consultant to identify
cost reduction opportunities throughout our network, including through increased operational efficiencies and productivity
improvements. In connection therewith, we have commenced the implementation of additional restructuring actions under a new
cost efficiency initiative. Such initiative will include reductions to our workforce, the potential consolidation of certain sites to
better align capacity and infrastructure with current and anticipated customer demand, related transfers of customer programs and
production, re-alignment of business processes, management reorganizations, and other associated activities. We currently estimate
that we will incur aggregate restructuring charges of between $50.0 million and $75.0 million, which will consist primarily of cash
charges, with respect to our cost efficiency initiative, including $8.0 million of the $14.6 million in cash restructuring charges we
recorded in the fourth quarter of 2017. We currently expect restructuring charges under this initiative to continue through mid-2019.
We anticipate that our cost efficiency initiative, combined with the anticipated expansion of our ATS product mix, will result in
improved non-IFRS operating margins by the second half of 2018.
Launch of New NCIB:
In November 2017, the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) accepted our notice to launch a new NCIB (2017 NCIB), which
allows us to repurchase, at our discretion, until the earlier of November 12, 2018 or the completion of the purchases thereunder,
up to approximately 10.5 million subordinate voting shares (representing approximately 7.3% of our total outstanding subordinate
voting and multiple voting shares at the time of launch) in the open market, or as otherwise permitted. Since the commencement
of the 2017 NCIB through February 14, 2018, we paid $36.9 million (including transaction fees) to repurchase and cancel 3.5
million subordinate voting shares at a weighted average price of $10.48 per share.
Senior Management Changes:
Mr. Todd Cooper was appointed Chief Operations Officer, effective January 4, 2018, following the departure of Mr. Glen
McIntosh at the end of 2017.
We previously announced the departure of Mr. Darren Myers, our former Chief Financial Officer, effective at the end of
July 2017. Upon such announcement, we appointed Mr. Mandeep Chawla (formerly Senior Vice President, Finance) as interim
Chief Financial Officer during our search for a permanent replacement. After conducting a full and diligent search process, we
appointed Mr. Chawla as Chief Financial Officer, effective October 19, 2017.
Board Member Resignations:
During 2017, two of our board members, Mr. Joseph M. Natale and Mr. Thomas S. Gross, resigned from Celestica's
Board.
Program Transfer:
In September 2017, one of our existing aerospace and defense customers outsourced certain operations to us. As part of
a 10-year “operate-in-place” agreement, we currently provide manufacturing and after-market repair services for electromechanical
and electronic assemblies across a wide array of technologies at the customer’s site. We have also assumed the workforce assigned
to these operations and purchased approximately $5 million in related inventory. This agreement further expanded our relationship
with this customer, enhanced our ability to provide end-to-end product lifecycle solutions to our customers, and supports our
strategy of growing our aerospace and defense business.
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Brazilian Assessment:
In 2017, the Brazilian Ministry of Science, Technology, Innovation and Communications (MCTIC) issued assessments
seeking to disqualify certain amounts of research and development (R&D) expenses for the years 2006 to 2009, which entitled
our Brazilian subsidiary (which ceased operations in 2009) to charge reduced sales tax levies to its customers. The assessments
against our Brazilian subsidiary (including interest and penalties) total approximately 39 million Brazilian real (approximately
$12 million at year-end exchange rates) for such years.
Although we cannot predict the outcome of this matter, we believe that our R&D activities for the period are supportable,
and it is probable that our position will be sustained upon full examination by the appropriate Brazilian authorities and, if necessary,
upon consideration by the Brazilian judicial courts. Our position is supported by our Brazilian legal advisers.
See “Summary of 2017” below for an update on our exit from the solar panel manufacturing business.
Summary of 2017
Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB and accounting
policies we adopted in accordance with IFRS. These consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments that are, in the opinion
of management, necessary to present fairly our financial position as at December 31, 2017 and the financial performance,
comprehensive income and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2017. See “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates”
below.
The following table sets forth certain key operating results and financial information for the periods indicated (in millions,
except per share amounts):
Revenue ........................................................................................................................... $
Gross profit......................................................................................................................
Selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A) ...................................................
Other charges...................................................................................................................
Net earnings.....................................................................................................................
Diluted earnings per share ............................................................................................... $
Year ended December 31
2015
5,639.2
391.1
207.5
35.8
66.9
0.42
2016
$ 6,016.5
427.6
211.1
25.5
136.3
0.95
$
2017
$ 6,110.5
417.8
203.2
37.0
105.0
0.72
$
December 31
2016
December 31
2017
Cash and cash equivalents ..............................................................................................................
$
557.2
$
Borrowings under credit facility.....................................................................................................
Total assets......................................................................................................................................
227.5
2,822.3
515.2
187.5
2,944.7
Revenue of $6.1 billion for 2017 increased 2% compared to 2016. Compared to 2016, revenue dollars in 2017 from our
Enterprise end market were relatively flat, as growth from new programs primarily in the first half of 2017 was offset by softer
demand in the second half of 2017. Revenue dollars from our ATS end market were also relatively flat compared to 2016 as growth
in our semiconductor business and from new programs (discussed in “Operating Results” below) were offset by a 7% decrease in
revenue due to our exit from the solar panel manufacturing business, and a decrease in revenue due to the completion of programs
with one of our then-largest consumer customers during the third quarter of 2016. Despite revenue dollars and revenue concentration
(32%) being relatively flat compared to 2016, revenue concentration from our ATS end market increased to 33% of total revenue
for the fourth quarter of 2017, compared to 29% for the fourth quarter of 2016 and 31% for the third quarter of 2017. We currently
expect revenue from our ATS end market to continue to grow in future periods from organic growth, as well as from acquisition
activities (however, there can be no assurance that any acquisitions will occur in a timely manner, or at all). Revenue dollars from
our Communications end market increased 4% compared to 2016 primarily due to demand strength in certain programs and new
program growth (including with respect to our fulfillment services and JDM programs). Although Communications revenue
increased compared to 2016, we experienced slower growth rates (particularly in the second half of 2017) compared to the prior
51
year primarily due to new programs from 2016 reaching their full production levels, and increased pricing pressures and late
changes in demand from certain customers in 2017.
Gross profit of $417.8 million (6.8% of total revenue) for 2017 decreased 2% compared to $427.6 million (7.1% of total
revenue) for 2016. Gross profit and gross margin for 2017 were negatively impacted by unfavorable changes in program mix,
increased pricing pressures and higher ramping costs, offset in part by margin improvements in our ATS end market. During 2017,
our Communications and Enterprise end markets faced increased pricing pressures (see “Recent developments — End markets”
above), and were also negatively impacted by a higher concentration than in 2016 of new programs, including fulfillment services,
that contributed significantly lower gross profit than our historical full-service traditional EMS programs. We also incurred
additional ramping costs with respect to new programs, including aerospace and defense programs, as well as programs that
required the establishment of infrastructures in multiple jurisdictions. Gross profit and gross margin for our ATS end market in
2017 increased compared to the prior year, as a result of increases in each of our semiconductor and former solar businesses (the
latter as a result of lower provisions recorded in 2017), offset in part by the completion of consumer programs which benefited
gross margin in 2016. The gross margin for our former solar business was negatively impacted in 2016 by higher provisions
(accounting for 15 basis points in 2016), primarily to write-down the carrying value of our solar panel inventory to then-recoverable
amounts). SG&A for 2017 decreased $7.9 million to $203.2 million compared to 2016, primarily due to lower foreign exchange
losses, stock-based compensation expense, and variable expenses in 2017 (described under “Operating Results” below). Other
charges for 2017 increased $11.5 million to $37.0 million compared to 2016, primarily due to $12 million of recoveries of damages
related to a legal settlement in 2016, and $3.1 million in higher acquisition-related costs in 2017, offset in part by the costs to settle
a legal matter during 2016. Net earnings for 2017 of $105.0 million decreased $31.3 million compared to 2016, primarily due to
$9.8 million in lower gross profit and $11.5 million in higher other charges in 2017 as discussed above, as well as $14 million of
refund interest income that benefited 2016.
New tax legislation was enacted in the U.S. in December 2017. In connection therewith, in the fourth quarter of 2017,
we recorded a one-time, non-cash increase to our deferred income tax expense of $2.0 million, to re-value our recognized net
deferred tax assets. Net income tax expense for 2016 was favorably impacted by a reversal of $45 million Canadian dollars
(approximately $34 million at the exchange rate at the time of recording) in provisions previously recorded for tax uncertainties
related to the resolution of a transfer pricing matter for one of our Canadian subsidiaries, offset in part by withholding taxes,
deferred tax expense relating to the anticipated repatriation of undistributed earnings from certain Chinese subsidiaries, and negative
impacts related to taxable foreign exchange. See “Operating Results — Income taxes” below for further details.
We made the decision in the fourth quarter of 2016 to exit the solar panel manufacturing business. As part of this exit,
we terminated (prior to its scheduled expiration) a supply agreement with an Asia-based solar cell supplier under which we had
made specific cash advances. All such cash advances were repaid in full by the end of the second quarter of 2017 (December 31,
2016 — $12.5 million). Under this supply agreement, we also manufactured and sold completed solar panels to this supplier as a
customer (discussed below). In connection with our exit from this business, we wrote down the carrying values of our solar panel
manufacturing equipment (by $19.0 million) and inventories (by approximately $10 million) during 2016 to then-recoverable
amounts, and completed production of the final solar panels in the first quarter of 2017. During 2017, we incurred operating losses
related to the wind-down of our solar panel manufacturing operations, and recorded additional provisions of $0.9 million to further
write down the carrying value of our remaining solar panel inventory (to reflect lower prices obtained in then-current purchase
orders), a provision of $0.5 million to write down the carrying value of our solar accounts receivable (primarily as a result of a
solar customer's bankruptcy) to recoverable amounts, and net impairment charges of $3.8 million (through restructuring) to further
write down the carrying value of our solar panel manufacturing equipment (which was classified as assets held-for-sale) to its
estimated fair value less costs to sell, based on executed sale agreements. Such equipment was valued at $2.6 million as of December
31, 2017. We currently expect the sale of such equipment to be completed by the end of the first quarter of 2018. A substantial
portion of our solar panel manufacturing equipment was subject to finance lease agreements. As of December 31, 2017, our
outstanding lease obligations for this equipment totaled $11.1 million. In anticipation of the sale, we terminated and settled these
lease obligations in full in January 2018. During the third quarter of 2017, we shipped all of our remaining solar panel inventory
to customers, including to the former solar supplier described above. As of December 31, 2017, we had $6.7 million of outstanding
solar accounts receivable, all from the former solar supplier described above, which we expect to collect in the first quarter of
2018. If we are unable to recover the carrying value of these amounts owed to us, we will incur additional write-downs to these
receivables in future periods.
52
Our cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2017 were $515.2 million (December 31, 2016 — $557.2 million). Our
cash provided by operating activities of $127.0 million for 2017 decreased $46.3 million compared to $173.3 million for 2016,
primarily due to $52 million of income tax refunds which benefited cash in 2016 and the decrease in net earnings in 2017 compared
to 2016, offset in part by lower working capital requirements in 2017 as compared to the prior year (discussed below).
At December 31, 2017, we sold $80.0 million (December 31, 2016 — $50.0 million) of accounts receivable (A/R) under
our A/R sales program and sold $52.3 million (December 31, 2016 — $51.4 million) to a third-party bank under a customer's
supplier financing program, all of which have been de-recognized from our accounts receivable balances. We utilized this customer's
supplier financing program to substantially offset the effects of extended payment terms required by such customer on our working
capital for the period. See “Capital Resources” below. We increased the amount of A/R sold under our A/R sales program in 2017
compared to 2016 as an alternative to drawing on the revolving portion of our credit facility (Revolving Facility).
At December 31, 2017, we had $187.5 million outstanding under the term loan portion of our credit facility (Term Loan)
(December 31, 2016 — $212.5 million) and no amounts outstanding under our Revolving Facility (December 31, 2016 — $15.0
million). We repaid the remaining $15.0 million outstanding under the Revolving Facility in the first quarter of 2017, and made
four scheduled quarterly principal repayments totaling $25.0 million under the Term Loan in each of 2016 and 2017. See “Liquidity
and Capital Resources — Liquidity — Cash requirements” below.
We have repurchased subordinate voting shares in the open market and otherwise for cancellation in recent years pursuant
to NCIBs and substantial issuer bids (SIBs), which allow us to repurchase a limited number of subordinate voting shares during
a specified period. The maximum number of subordinate voting shares we are permitted to repurchase for cancellation under each
NCIB is reduced by the number of subordinate voting shares purchased in the open market during the term of such NCIB to satisfy
delivery obligations under our stock-based compensation plans. We enter into program share repurchases (PSRs) from time to
time as part of the NCIB process (if permitted by the TSX), pursuant to which we make a prepayment to a broker for the right to
receive a variable number of subordinate voting shares upon such PSR's completion. Under such PSRs, the price and number of
subordinate voting shares to be repurchased by us is generally determined based on a discount to the volume weighted-average
market price of such shares during the term of the PSR, subject to certain terms and conditions. The subordinate voting shares
repurchased under any PSR are cancelled upon such PSR's completion.
In November 2017, the TSX accepted our notice to launch the 2017 NCIB. See “Overview — Recent developments”
above. Since the commencement of this NCIB through December 31, 2017, we paid $19.9 million (including transaction fees) to
repurchase and cancel 1.9 million subordinate voting shares at a weighted average price of $10.58 per share. In addition, we
repurchased 1.4 million subordinate voting shares during 2017 (0.3 million of which were repurchased under the 2017 NCIB) to
satisfy delivery obligations under our stock-based compensation plans.
See “Overview — Recent developments” above for a discussion of our recent acquisition activities.
Summary of 2016
Revenue of $6.0 billion for 2016 increased 7% compared to 2015. Compared to 2015, revenue dollars in 2016 from our
Communications end market increased 12%, primarily driven by demand strength and new program wins. Revenue dollars from
our ATS end market increased 8% from 2015 primarily due to new program ramps in our smart energy business (including new
solar programs prior to our exit from that business), and a new “operate-in-place” program outsourced to us from one of our
aerospace and defense customers in April 2015, offset in part by completion of programs with one of our then-largest Consumer
customers. Revenue dollars from our Enterprise end market in 2016 decreased 3% compared to 2015, primarily due to customer
demand softness.
Gross profit of $427.6 million (7.1% of total revenue) for 2016 increased 9% compared to $391.1 million (6.9% of total
revenue) for 2015, primarily driven by higher revenue levels in 2016 and margin improvements in our ATS end market, including
our semiconductor business and our then-solar business, partially offset by changes in program mix as some of our 2016 programs
contributed lower gross profit than past programs. Our solar margins for 2016 improved compared to 2015 despite the higher
provisions recorded in 2016 (accounting for approximately 15 basis points) primarily to write down the value of our solar panel
inventory in the second half of 2016 to then-current market prices (see discussion above). SG&A for 2016 of $211.1 million
increased compared to $207.5 million in 2015. Net earnings for 2016 of $136.3 million were $69.4 million higher compared to
2015, primarily due to higher gross profit, lower other charges (driven by $12 million of recoveries of damages related to a legal
settlement in 2016) and a net benefit of approximately $32 million related to income taxes, comprised primarily of income tax
53
recoveries and related refund interest income attributable to the resolution of certain previously disputed tax matters in Canada,
offset in part by withholding taxes and income tax expense related to taxable foreign exchange. See “Operating Results — Income
taxes” below for further details.
In connection with our decision in the fourth quarter of 2016 to exit the solar panel manufacturing business, we recorded
restructuring charges in the fourth quarter of 2016 to close our solar panel manufacturing operations at our two locations, including
$19.0 million in impairment charges to write down the carrying value of our solar panel manufacturing equipment to recoverable
amounts. We also recorded inventory provisions of approximately $10 million in 2016, primarily in the third quarter of 2016, to
write down our solar inventory to recoverable amounts as a charge through cost of sales.
Our cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2016 were $557.2 million (December 31, 2015 — $545.3 million). Our
cash provided by operating activities was $173.3 million for 2016 compared to $196.3 million for 2015, primarily due to higher
working capital requirements in 2016, offset in part by the increase in net earnings for 2016 described above and the cash income
tax refund of $52 million we received during the fourth quarter of 2016, representing the refund of cash previously deposited on
account with the Canadian tax authorities and related interest income resolution of previously disputed tax matters. See “Operating
Results — Income taxes” below for further details.
At December 31, 2016, we sold $50.0 million (December 31, 2015 — $50.0 million) of accounts receivable (A/R) under
our A/R sales program and sold $51.4 million to a third-party bank under a customer's supplier financing program that we joined
in the fourth quarter of 2016. See “Liquidity and Capital Resources — Liquidity — Capital requirements” below.
At December 31, 2016, we had an aggregate of $227.5 million outstanding under our credit facility, including $212.5
million outstanding under the Term Loan (December 31, 2015 — an aggregate of $262.5 million outstanding under our credit
facility, including $237.5 million outstanding under the Term Loan). During the first quarter of 2016, we borrowed $40.0 million
under the Revolving Facility, partly to fund the PSR described below. During 2016, we repaid $50.0 million of the amount
outstanding under the Revolving Facility and made four scheduled quarterly principal repayments totaling $25.0 million under
the Term Loan. See “Liquidity and Capital Resources — Liquidity — Cash requirements” below.
On February 22, 2016, the TSX accepted our notice to launch an NCIB (2016 NCIB) which was amended in March 2016
to permit PSRs. The 2016 NCIB allowed us to repurchase, at our discretion, until the earlier of February 23, 2017 or the completion
of purchases thereunder, up to approximately 10.5 million subordinate voting shares (representing approximately 7.3% of our total
outstanding subordinate voting and multiple voting shares at the time of launch) in the open market or as otherwise permitted,
subject to the normal terms and limitations of such bids. During 2016, we paid an aggregate of $34.3 million (including transaction
fees) to repurchase and cancel 3.2 million subordinate voting shares under the 2016 NCIB at a weighted average price of $10.69
per share, including 2.8 million subordinate voting shares repurchased at a weighted average price of $10.69 per share under a
$30.0 million PSR funded in March 2016. We did not repurchase any subordinate voting shares for cancellation in 2016 prior to
the launch of the 2016 NCIB, and we did not repurchase any shares for cancellation under the 2016 NCIB during 2017. The
maximum number of subordinate voting shares we were permitted to repurchase for cancellation under the 2016 NCIB was reduced
by 1.6 million subordinate voting shares we purchased in the open market during 2016 to satisfy delivery obligations under our
stock-based compensation plans.
In November 2016, we acquired the business assets of Lorenz, Inc. and Suntek Manufacturing Technologies, SA de CV,
collectively known as Karel Manufacturing (Karel) for a cash purchase price of $14.9 million. Karel is a manufacturing services
company that specializes in complex wire harness assembly, systems integration, sheet metal fabrication, welding and machining
serving primarily aerospace and defense customers. This acquisition supported our strategy to accelerate our growth in the aerospace
and defense market through the addition of value-add capabilities and services.
54
Other performance indicators:
In addition to the key operating results and financial information described above, management reviews the following
measures (which are not measures defined under IFRS):
1Q16
2Q16
3Q16
4Q16
1Q17
2Q17
3Q17
4Q17
Cash cycle days:
Days in A/R .............................................................................................
Days in inventory.....................................................................................
45
60
43
59
43
58
42
55
47
62
43
61
44
64
44
66
Days in A/P ..............................................................................................
(58)
(55)
(55)
(53)
(59)
(56)
(56)
(56)
Cash cycle days........................................................................................
47
47
46
44
50
48
52
54
Inventory turns.........................................................................................
6.1x
6.2x
6.3x
6.6x
5.9x
6.0x
5.7x
5.6x
Amount of A/R sold (in millions) ................ $
60.0 $
60.0 $
50.0 $
101.4
$
94.5 $
115.4 $
105.1 $
132.3
2016
2017
March
31
June
30
September
30
December
31 (i)
March
31 (i)
June
30 (i)
September
30 (i)
December
31 (i)
(i)
Includes $52.3 million of A/R sold to a third-party bank at December 31, 2017 ($55.1 million at September 30, 2017; $65.4 million at June 30, 2017; $44.5 million at March
31, 2017; $51.4 million at December 31, 2016) in connection with a customer's uncommitted supplier financing program that we joined in the fourth quarter of 2016. We
utilized this program to receive earlier payment on such customer's A/R, to substantially offset the effect of extended payment terms required by such customer on our
working capital.
Days in A/R is calculated as the average A/R for the quarter divided by the average daily revenue. Days in inventory is
calculated as the average inventory for the quarter divided by the average daily cost of sales. Days in accounts payable (A/P) is
calculated as the average A/P for the quarter divided by average daily cost of sales. Cash cycle days is calculated as the sum of
days in A/R and days in inventory, minus the days in A/P. Inventory turns is calculated as 365 divided by the number of days in
inventory. A lower number of days in A/R, days in inventory, and cash cycle days, and a higher number of days in A/P and inventory
turns generally reflect improved cash management performance.
We believe that cash cycle days (and the components thereof) and inventory turns are useful measures in providing
investors with information regarding our cash management performance and are accepted measures of working capital management
efficiency in our industry. These are not measures of performance under IFRS, and may not be defined and calculated in the same
manner by other companies. These measures should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to working capital as an
indicator of performance.
Management also reviews other non-IFRS measures including adjusted net earnings, operating margin, adjusted ROIC
and free cash flow. See “Non-IFRS measures” below.
55
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to make judgments, estimates and
assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenue and
expenses, and the related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. We base our estimates and assumptions on current facts,
historical experience and various other factors that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances. Our assessment of these
factors forms the basis for our judgments on the carrying values of our assets and liabilities, and the accrual of our costs and
expenses. Actual results could differ materially from these estimates and assumptions. We review our estimates and underlying
assumptions on an ongoing basis and make revisions as determined necessary by management. Revisions are recognized in the
period in which the estimates are revised and may impact future periods as well. Significant accounting policies and methods used
in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements are described in note 2 to our 2017 audited consolidated financial
statements. The following is a discussion of those accounting policies which management considers to be “critical,” defined as
accounting policies that management believes are both most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results and
require application of management’s most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates
about the effects of matters that are inherently uncertain.
Key sources of estimation uncertainty and judgment: We have applied significant estimates and assumptions in the
following areas which we believe could have a significant impact on our reported results and financial position: our valuations of
inventory, assets held for sale and income taxes; the amount of our restructuring charges or recoveries; the measurement of the
recoverable amounts of our cash generating units (CGUs, as defined below), which includes estimating future growth, profitability,
discount and terminal growth rates, and the fair value of our real property; our valuations of financial assets and liabilities, pension
and non-pension post-employment benefit costs, employee stock-based compensation expense, provisions and contingencies; and
the allocation of the purchase price and other valuations related to our business acquisitions.
We define a CGU as the smallest identifiable group of assets that cannot be tested individually and that generates cash
inflows that are largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets or groups of assets. CGUs can be comprised of a single
site, a group of sites, or a line of business.
We have also applied significant judgment in the following areas: the determination of our CGUs and whether events or
changes in circumstances during the relevant period are indicators that a review for impairment should be conducted, and the
timing of the recognition of charges or recoveries associated with our restructuring actions. The near-term economic environment
could also impact certain estimates necessary to prepare our consolidated financial statements, including the estimates related to
the recoverable amounts used in our impairment testing of our non-financial assets (see note 16(b) to our 2017 audited consolidated
financial statements), and the discount rates applied to our net pension and non-pension post-employment benefit assets or liabilities
(see note 19 to our 2017 audited consolidated financial statements). Other than changes to our estimates of the fair value of our
solar panel manufacturing equipment, we did not identify any triggering event during 2017 that would indicate the carrying amount
of our assets or CGUs may not be recoverable.
Inventory valuation:
We procure inventory and manufacture based on specific customer orders and forecasts and value our inventory on a
first-in, first-out basis at the lower of cost and net realizable value. The cost of our finished goods and work-in-progress includes
direct materials, labor and overhead. We may require valuation adjustments if actual market conditions or demand for our customers'
products or services are less favorable than originally projected. The determination of net realizable value involves significant
management judgment. We consider factors such as shrinkage, the aging of and future demand for the inventory, and contractual
arrangements with customers. We attempt to utilize excess inventory in other products we manufacture or return inventory to the
relevant suppliers or customers. We use future sales volume forecasts to estimate excess inventory on-hand. A change to these
assumptions may impact our inventory valuation and our gross margins. Should circumstances change, we may adjust our previous
write-downs in our consolidated statement of operations in the period a change in estimate occurs. See “Operating Results —
Gross margin” below for a discussion of the write down in the value of our solar panel inventory during 2017 and 2016.
Assets classified as held for sale:
We classify assets as held for sale if the carrying amount will be recovered principally through a sale transaction rather
than through continued use. Management must be committed to the sale transaction and the asset must be immediately available
for sale in its present condition to qualify as an asset held for sale. Assets classified as held for sale are measured at the lower of
56
their carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell, and are no longer depreciated. The determination of fair value less costs to
sell involves judgment by management of the probability and timing of disposition and the expected amount of recoveries and
costs. We may engage independent third parties to assist in the determination of the estimated fair values less costs to sell for assets
classified as held for sale. At the end of each reporting period, we evaluate the appropriateness of our estimates and assumptions.
We may require adjustments to reflect actual experience or changes in estimates. During the second quarter of 2017, we wrote
down the value of our solar panel manufacturing equipment to its estimated fair value less costs to sell based on then-broker
estimates. We recorded a $1.4 million reversal to such write-down in the fourth quarter of 2017 based on executed sales agreements.
See “Summary of 2017” for details of charges recorded with respect to our solar panel manufacturing equipment.
Income taxes:
We record income tax expense or recovery based on taxable income earned or loss incurred in each tax jurisdiction where
we operate at the enacted or substantively enacted tax rate applicable to that income or loss. In the ordinary course of business,
we engage in many transactions for which the ultimate tax outcome is uncertain and therefore estimates are required for exposures
related to potential and actual examinations by taxation authorities. We review these transactions and exposures and record tax
liabilities for open years based on our assessment of many factors, including past experience and interpretations of tax law applied
to the facts of each matter. Management periodically evaluates the positions taken in our tax returns with respect to situations in
which applicable tax rules are subject to interpretation. We establish provisions related to tax uncertainties where appropriate,
based on our estimate of the amount that ultimately will be paid to or received from the tax authorities. The various judgments
and estimates by management in establishing provisions related to tax uncertainties significantly affect the amounts we recognize
in our consolidated financial statements. The determination of tax liabilities is subjective and generally involves a significant
amount of judgment. We believe that our income tax liability reflects the probable outcome of our income tax obligations based
on known facts and circumstances; however, the final income tax outcome may be different from our estimates. A change to these
estimates could impact our income tax provision.
We recognize deferred income tax assets to the extent we believe it is probable, based on management’s estimates, that
future taxable profit will be available against which the deductible temporary differences as well as unused tax losses and tax credit
carryforwards can be utilized. We consider factors such as the reversal of taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable
income, the character of the income tax asset, tax planning strategies, changes in tax laws and other factors. A change to these
factors could impact the amount of deferred income tax assets we recognize. We review our deferred income tax assets at each
reporting date and reduce them to the extent it is no longer probable that we will realize the related tax benefits.
The U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (U.S. Tax Reform) was enacted on December 22, 2017 and became effective January 1,
2018. Although the legislative changes contained in the U.S. Tax Reform are extensive and the interpretation of several aspects
of such Tax Reform is still unclear, we recorded an income tax expense for all significant known and determinable impacts during
the fourth quarter of 2017. In connection with the reduction in U.S. federal corporate tax rates from 35% to 21%, we recorded a
one-time, non-cash increase to our deferred income tax expense of $2.0 million, or $0.01 per diluted share, to re-value our recognized
net deferred tax assets. We believe we have recorded all significant one-time impacts resulting from the U.S. Tax Reform in the
fourth quarter of 2017, but will continue to assess additional impacts, if any, throughout 2018 as they become known due to changes
in our interpretations and assumptions, as well as additional regulatory guidance that may be issued.
Certain aspects of the U.S. Tax Reform are not expected to have a significant impact on us, including the one-time transition
tax on foreign unremitted earnings and the base erosion and anti-abuse tax, while other aspects of the U.S. Tax Reform may have
a positive impact on our future U.S. income tax provision, such as the elimination of the U.S. corporate alternative minimum tax.
Although we cannot quantify the potential future impact at this time, we do not expect the U.S. Tax Reform to have a significant
impact on our future global tax rate.
Goodwill, intangible assets and property, plant and equipment:
We estimate the useful lives of intangible assets and property, plant and equipment based on the nature of the asset,
historical experience, the projected period of expected future economic benefits to be provided by the asset, the terms of any related
customer contract, and expected changes in technology. We review the carrying amounts of goodwill, intangible assets and property,
plant and equipment for impairment on an annual basis and whenever events or changes in circumstances (triggering events)
indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or CGU may not be recoverable. If any such indication exists, we test the carrying
amount of an asset or a CGU for impairment. In addition to an assessment of triggering events during the year, we conduct an
annual impairment assessment in the fourth quarter of the year to correspond with our annual planning cycle. Judgment is required
57
in the determination of our CGUs and whether events or changes in circumstances during the year are indicators that a review for
impairment should be conducted prior to the annual assessment.
We recognize an impairment loss when the carrying amount of an asset, CGU or group of CGUs exceeds its recoverable
amount. The recoverable amount of an asset, CGU or group of CGUs is measured as the greater of its expected value-in-use and
its fair value less costs to sell. The process of determining the recoverable amount is subjective and requires management to exercise
significant judgment in estimating future growth, profitability, discount and terminal growth rates, and in projecting future cash
flows, among other factors. Our expected value-in-use is determined based on the discounted cash flows of the relevant asset,
CGU or group of CGUs. The process of determining fair value less costs to sell requires valuations and use of appraisals. Where
applicable, we engage independent brokers to obtain market prices to estimate our real property and other asset values. We recognize
impairment losses in our consolidated statement of operations. We first allocate impairment losses in respect of a CGU or group
of CGUs to reduce the carrying amount of its goodwill, and then to reduce the carrying amount of other assets in such CGU or
group of CGUs generally on a pro rata basis. See notes 16(a) and 16(b) to our 2017 audited consolidated financial statements for
a description of impairment charges recorded through restructuring during 2016 and 2017, and impairment charges to property,
plant and equipment recorded in 2015.
We do not reverse impairment losses for goodwill in future periods. We reverse impairment losses for property, plant and
equipment and intangible assets if the losses we recognized in prior periods no longer exist or have decreased as a result of changes
in circumstances. At each reporting date, we review for indicators that could change the estimates we used to determine the
recoverable amount of the relevant assets. The amount of the reversal will be limited to the carrying amount that would have been
determined, net of depreciation or amortization, had we recognized no impairment loss in prior periods.
Restructuring charges:
We incur restructuring charges relating to workforce reductions, site consolidations, and costs associated with businesses
we are downsizing or exiting. Our restructuring charges include employee severance and benefit costs, gains, losses or impairments
related to owned sites and equipment we no longer use and which are available for sale, impairment of related intangible assets,
and costs related to leased sites and equipment we no longer use.
The recognition of restructuring charges requires management to make certain judgments and estimates regarding the
nature, timing and amounts associated with our restructuring plans. Our major assumptions include the number of employees to
be terminated and the timing of such terminations, the measurement of termination costs, the timing and amount of lease obligations
and any anticipated sublease recoveries from exited sites, and the timing of disposition and estimated fair values less costs to sell
of assets we no longer use and which are available for sale. We develop detailed plans and record termination costs in the period
that employees are informed of their termination. For owned sites and equipment that are no longer in use and are available for
sale, we recognize an impairment loss based on their fair value less costs to sell, with fair value estimated based on market prices
for similar assets. We may engage independent third parties to determine the estimated fair values less costs to sell for these assets.
For leased sites that we intend to exit, the lease obligation costs represent future contractual lease payments and cancellation fees,
if any, less estimated sublease recoveries, if any. We recognize any change in provisions due to the passage of time as finance
costs. To estimate future sublease recoveries, we engage independent brokers to determine the estimated tenant rents we can expect
to realize. At the end of each reporting period, we evaluate the appropriateness of our restructuring charges and balances. Adjustments
to the recorded amounts may be required to reflect actual experience or changes in estimates for future periods. See note 16(a) to
our 2017 audited consolidated financial statements for a discussion of restructuring charges recorded in 2015 — 2017.
Legal and other contingencies:
In the normal course of our operations, we may be subject to lawsuits, investigations and other claims, including
environmental, labor, product, customer disputes and other matters. The filing of a suit or formal assertion of a claim does not
automatically trigger a requirement to record a provision. We recognize a provision for loss contingencies, including legal claims,
based on management’s estimate of the probable outcome. Judgment is required when there is a range of possible outcomes.
Management considers the degree of probability of the outcome and the ability to make a reasonable estimate of the loss. We may
also use third party advisors in making our determination. The ultimate outcome, including the amount and timing of any payments
required, may vary significantly from our original estimates. Potential material legal and other contingent obligations that have
not been recognized as provisions, as the outcome is remote or not probable, or the amount cannot be reliably estimated, are
disclosed as contingent liabilities.
58
Warranty:
We offer product and service warranties to our customers. We record a provision for future warranty costs based on
management’s estimate of probable claims under these warranties. In determining the amount of the provision, we consider several
factors including the terms of the warranty (which vary by customer, product or service), the current volume of products sold or
services rendered during the warranty period, and historical warranty information. We review and adjust these estimates as necessary
to reflect our experience and new information. The amount and aging of our provision will vary depending on various factors
including the length of the warranty offered, the remaining life of the warranty and the extent and timing of warranty claims. We
classify the portion of our warranty provision for which payment is expected in the next twelve months as current, and the remainder
as non-current.
Financial assets and financial liabilities:
We review financial assets at each reporting date and these are deemed to be impaired when objective evidence resulting
from one or more events subsequent to the initial recognition of the asset indicates the estimated future cash flows of the asset
have been negatively impacted. We measure an impairment loss as the excess of the carrying amount over the present value of the
estimated future cash flows discounted using the financial asset’s original discount rate, and we recognize this loss in our
consolidated statement of operations.
We value our derivative assets and liabilities based on inputs that are either readily available in public markets or derived
from information available in public markets. The inputs we use include discount rates and forward exchange rates. Changes in
these inputs can cause significant volatility in the fair value of our financial instruments in the short-term.
We enter into forward exchange contracts and swaps to hedge the cash flow risk associated with firm purchase commitments
and forecasted transactions in foreign currencies that are considered highly probable and to hedge foreign-currency denominated
balances. We use estimates to forecast future cash flows and the future financial position of net monetary assets or liabilities
denominated in foreign currencies. We apply hedge accounting to those hedge transactions that are considered effective.
Management assesses the effectiveness of hedges by comparing actual outcomes against these estimates on a regular basis.
Subsequent revisions in estimates of future cash flow forecasts, if significant, may result in the discontinuation of hedge accounting
for that hedge.
Pension and non-pension post-employment benefits:
We have pension and non-pension post-employment benefit costs and liabilities that are determined from actuarial
valuations. Actuarial valuations require management to make certain judgments and estimates relating to salary escalation,
compensation levels at the time of retirement, retirement ages, the discount rate used in measuring the net interest on the net defined
benefit asset or liability, and expected healthcare costs (as applicable). These actuarial assumptions could change from period-to-
period and actual results could differ materially from the estimates originally made by management. The fair values of our pension
assets were based on a measurement date of December 31, 2017. We evaluate our assumptions on a regular basis, taking into
consideration current market conditions and historical data. Market driven changes may affect the actual rate of return on plan
assets compared to our assumptions, as well as our discount rates and other variables which could cause actual results to differ
materially from our estimates. Changes in assumptions could impact our defined benefit pension plan valuations and our future
defined benefit pension expense and required funding.
To mitigate the actuarial and investment risks of our defined benefit pension plans, we from time to time purchase annuities
(using existing plan assets) from third party insurance companies for certain, or all, plan participants. The purchase of annuities
by the pension plan substantially hedges the financial risks associated with the pension obligations. Where annuities are purchased
on behalf of, and held by the pension plan, the relevant employer retains the ultimate responsibility for the payment of benefits to
plan participants, and we retain the pension assets and liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet. These annuity purchases have
resulted in losses in past periods (and may apply to future annuity purchases), as a result of the reduction in the value of the plan
assets to the value of the plan obligations as of the date of the annuity purchase. We record these non-cash losses in other
comprehensive income (OCI) on our consolidated balance sheet and simultaneously reclassify such amounts to deficit in the same
period. Alternatively, where we purchase annuities from insurance companies on behalf of applicable plan participants with the
intention of winding up the relevant plan in the future (with the expectation of transferring the annuities to the individual plan
members), the insurance company assumes responsibility for the payment of benefits to the relevant plan participants once the
wind-up is complete. In this case, settlement accounting is applied to the purchase of the annuities and the non-cash loss (if any)
59
is recorded in other charges in our consolidated statement of operations. In addition, both the pension assets and liabilities will be
removed from our consolidated balance sheet once the wind-up of the plan is complete. See note 19(a) to our 2017 audited
consolidated financial statements.
Employee stock-based compensation:
We generally grant stock options, performance share units (PSUs) and restricted share units (RSUs) to employees under
our stock-based compensation plans. Stock options and RSUs vest in installments over the vesting period. Stock options generally
vest 25% per year over a four-year period, and RSUs generally vest one-third per year over a three-year period. PSUs vest at the
end of their respective terms, generally three years from the grant date, to the extent that specified performance conditions have
been met.
Options are exercisable for subordinate voting shares. We recognize the grant date fair value of options granted to
employees as compensation expense in our consolidated statement of operations, with a corresponding charge to contributed
surplus on our consolidated balance sheet, over the vesting period. We adjust compensation expense to reflect the estimated number
of options that we expect to vest at the end of the vesting period. When options are exercised, we credit the proceeds to capital
stock on our consolidated balance sheet. We measure the fair value of options using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.
Measurement inputs include the price of our subordinate voting shares on the grant date, the exercise price of the option, and our
estimates of the following: expected price volatility of our subordinate voting shares (based on weighted average historic volatility),
weighted average expected life of the option (based on historical experience and general option holder behavior), and the risk-free
interest rate.
The cost we record for RSUs and 40% of PSUs granted annually is based on the market value of our subordinate voting
shares at the time of grant. The cost we record for these PSUs, which vest based on a non-market performance condition related
to the achievement of pre-determined financial targets over a specified period, is based on our estimate of the outcome of such
performance condition. We adjust the cost of these PSUs as new facts and circumstances arise; the timing of these adjustments is
subject to judgment. We generally record adjustments to the cost of these PSUs during the last year of the three-year term based
on management's estimate of the expected level of achievement of such performance condition. We amortize the cost of RSUs
and these PSUs to compensation expense in our consolidated statement of operations, with a corresponding charge to contributed
surplus on our consolidated balance sheet, over the vesting period.
We determine the cost we record for 60% of PSUs granted annually using a Monte Carlo simulation model. The number
of awards expected to vest is factored into the grant date Monte Carlo valuation for the award. The number of these PSUs that will
vest depends on the level of achievement of total shareholder return (TSR), which is a market performance condition, relative to
the TSR of a pre-defined group of companies over a three-year period. We do not adjust the grant date fair value regardless of the
eventual number of awards that vest based on the level of achievement of the market performance condition. We recognize
compensation expense in our consolidated statement of operations on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period and we
reduce this expense for the estimated PSU awards that are not expected to vest because the employment conditions are not expected
to be satisfied.
Business combinations:
We use the acquisition method to account for any business combinations. All identifiable assets and liabilities are recorded
at fair value as of the acquisition date. Any goodwill that arises from business combinations is tested annually for impairment.
Potential obligations for contingent consideration and contingencies are also recorded at fair value as of the acquisition date. We
record subsequent changes in the fair value of such potential obligations from the date of acquisition to the settlement date in our
consolidated statement of operations.
We use judgment to determine the estimates to value identifiable net assets and the fair value of contingent consideration,
if applicable, at the acquisition date. We may engage independent third parties to determine the fair value of property, plant and
equipment and intangible assets. We use estimates to determine cash flow projections, including the period of expected future
benefit, and future growth and discount rates, among other factors.
60
Operating Results
Our annual and quarterly operating results, including our product and service volumes, revenues, and working capital
performance, vary from period-to-period as a result of the level and timing of customer orders, mix of revenue, and fluctuations
in materials and other costs and expenses. The level and timing of customer orders vary due to changes in demand for, and success
in the marketplace of, their products, general economic conditions, their attempts to balance their inventory, availability of
components and materials, and changes in their supply chain strategies or suppliers. Our annual and quarterly operating results
are specifically affected by, among other factors: our mix of customers and the types of products or services we provide (as discussed
below); the rate at which, the costs associated with, and the execution of, new program ramps; volumes and the seasonality of our
business; price competition and other competitive factors; the mix of manufacturing or service value-add; capacity utilization;
manufacturing efficiency; the degree of automation used in the assembly process; the availability of components or labor; the
timing of receiving components and materials; costs and inefficiencies of transferring programs between sites; program completions
or losses, or customer disengagements and the timing and the margin of any replacement business; the impact of foreign exchange
fluctuations; the performance of third-party providers; our ability to manage inventory, production location and equipment
effectively; our ability to manage changing labor, component, energy and transportation costs effectively; fluctuations in variable
compensation costs; the timing of our expenditures in anticipation of forecasted sales levels; and the timing of any acquisitions
and related integration costs. Our operations may also be affected by natural disasters or other local risks present in the jurisdictions
in which we, our suppliers, logistics partners, and/or our customers operate. These events could lead to higher costs or supply
shortages or may disrupt the delivery of components to us or our ability to provide finished products or services to our customers,
any of which could adversely affect our operating results.
In the EMS industry, customers award new programs or shift programs to other EMS providers for a number of reasons,
including changes in demand for the customers’ products, pricing benefits offered by other EMS providers, execution or quality
issues, preference for consolidation or a change in their supplier base, re-balancing the concentration or location of their EMS
providers, consolidation among customers, and decisions to adjust the volume of business being outsourced. Customer or program
transfers between EMS providers are part of the competitive nature of our industry. Some customers use more than one EMS
provider to manufacture a product and/or may have the same EMS provider support them from more than one geographic location.
Customers may choose to change the allocation of demand among their EMS providers and/or may shift programs from one region
to another region within an EMS provider’s global network. Customers may also decide to insource production they had previously
outsourced to utilize their internal capacity or for other reasons. Our operating results for each period include the impacts associated
with new program wins, follow-on business, program completions or losses, as well as any acquisitions. The volume, profitability
and the location of new business awards vary from period-to-period and from program-to-program. Significant period-to-period
variations can also result from the timing of new programs reaching full production or programs reaching end-of-life, the timing
of follow-on or next generation programs and/or the timing of existing programs being fully or partially transferred internally or
to a competitor.
61
Operating results expressed as a percentage of revenue:
Revenue ................................................................................................................
Cost of sales .........................................................................................................
Gross profit...........................................................................................................
SG&A...................................................................................................................
Research and development costs..........................................................................
Amortization of intangible assets .........................................................................
Other charges........................................................................................................
Finance costs, net of refund interest income ........................................................
Earnings before income tax..................................................................................
Income tax expense ..............................................................................................
Net earnings..........................................................................................................
Revenue:
Year ended December 31
2015
2016
2017
100.0%
93.1%
100.0%
92.9%
100.0%
93.2%
6.9%
3.7%
0.4%
0.2%
0.6%
0.1%
1.9%
0.7%
1.2%
7.1%
3.5%
0.4%
0.1%
0.4%
—%
2.7%
0.4%
2.3%
6.8%
3.3%
0.4%
0.1%
0.6%
0.2%
2.2%
0.5%
1.7%
Revenue of $6.1 billion for 2017 increased 2% compared to 2016. Compared to revenue from our end markets in 2016,
revenue dollars from our Communications end market increased 4% in 2017, and revenue dollars from our ATS and Enterprise
end markets were relatively flat in 2017, due to the factors discussed in “Summary of 2017” above and the discussions below.
Revenue of $6.0 billion for 2016 increased 7% compared to 2015. Compared to revenue from our end markets in 2015,
revenue dollars from our Communications end market increased 12% in 2016, revenue dollars from our ATS end market increased
8% in 2016, and revenue dollars from our Enterprise end market decreased 3% in 2016, due to the factors discussed in “Summary
of 2016” above and the discussions below.
The following table sets forth revenue from our end markets as a percentage of our total revenue for the periods indicated:
ATS ..................................................................................................................................................
Communications..............................................................................................................................
Enterprise.........................................................................................................................................
2015
2016
2017
32%
40%
28%
32%
42%
26%
32%
43%
25%
Revenue (in billions) ....................................................................................................................... $ 5.64
$ 6.02
$ 6.11
Due to the converging technologies of our storage and servers businesses, we combined them into a single “Enterprise”
end market for reporting purposes, commencing with the quarter ended March 31, 2017. In addition, due to the decreasing size of
our Consumer end market, we added it to our former Diversified end market to create our ATS end market for reporting purposes,
commencing with the quarter ended March 31, 2017. All period percentages reflect these changes. See “Recent developments”
above.
Our product and service volumes, revenue and operating results vary from period-to-period depending on various factors,
including the success in the marketplace of our customers’ products, changes in demand from our customers for the products we
manufacture, the mix and complexity of the products or services we provide, the timing of receiving components and materials,
the extent, timing and rate of new program wins, follow-on business, program completions or losses, the transfer of programs
among our sites at our customers’ request, the costs, terms, timing and execution of new program ramps, and the impact of
seasonality on various end markets. We are dependent on a limited number of customers for a substantial portion of our revenue.
We also expect that the pace of technological change, the frequency of customers’ transferring business among EMS competitors
or customers changing the volumes they outsource, and the dynamics of the global economy will continue to impact our business
from period-to-period. See “Overview” above.
62
From time to time, we experience some level of seasonality in our quarterly revenue patterns across some of our businesses.
However, the numerous factors described above that affect our period-to-period results make it difficult to isolate the impact of
seasonality and other external factors on our business. In the past, revenue from the storage component of our Enterprise end
market has increased in the fourth quarter of the year compared to the third quarter, and then decreased in the first quarter of the
following year, reflecting the increase in customer demand we typically experience in this business in the fourth quarter. In addition,
we typically experience our lowest overall revenue levels during the first quarter of each year. There is no assurance that these
patterns will continue.
Our ATS end market represented 32% of total revenue for each of 2017, 2016 and 2015. Revenue dollars from our ATS
end market for 2017 were relatively flat in 2017 compared to 2016, as growth in our semiconductor business and from new programs
were offset by a 7% decrease in revenue due to our exit from the solar panel manufacturing business, and a decrease in revenue
due to the completion of programs with one of our then-largest consumer customers during the third quarter of 2016. ATS revenue
for 2017 benefited from a new “operate-in-place” program outsourced to us from one our aerospace and defense customers in
September 2017, as well as our Karel acquisition completed in November 2016. Despite revenue dollars and revenue concentration
(32%) for 2017 being relatively flat compared to 2016, revenue concentration from our ATS end market increased to 33% of total
revenue for the fourth quarter of 2017, compared to 29% for the fourth quarter of 2016 and 31% for the third quarter of 2017. We
currently expect revenue from our ATS end market to continue to grow in future periods from organic growth, as well as from
acquisition activities (however, there can be no assurance that any acquisitions will occur in a timely manner, or at all). Revenue
dollars from our ATS end market for 2016 increased 8% compared to 2015, primarily due to new program ramps in our smart
energy business, including new solar programs prior to our exit from that business, and a new “operate-in-place” program outsourced
to us from an aerospace and defense customer in April 2015.
Our Communications end market represented 43% of total revenue for 2017, compared to 42% for 2016 and 40% for
2015. Revenue dollars from this end market in 2017 increased 4% compared to 2016, primarily due to demand strength in certain
programs and new program growth (including with respect to our fulfillment services and JDM programs). Although
Communications revenue increased compared to 2016, we experienced slower growth rates (particularly in the second half of
2017), compared to the prior year primarily due to new programs from 2016 reaching their full production levels, and increased
pricing pressures and late changes in demand from certain customers in 2017. We expect adverse pricing pressures to continue in
future periods in this end market (see “Recent developments — End markets” above). Revenue dollars from this end market in
2016 increased 12% compared to 2015, primarily driven by demand strength from certain customer programs and new program
wins.
Our Enterprise end market represented 25% of total revenue for 2017, 26% for 2016 and 28% for 2015. In 2017, revenue
dollars from our Enterprise end market were relatively flat compared to 2016, as growth from new programs primarily in the first
half of 2017 was offset by softer demand in the second half of 2017. We also expect adverse pricing pressures to continue in future
periods in this end market (see “Recent developments — End markets” above). Revenue dollars from this end market in 2016
decreased 3% compared to 2015, due primarily to customer demand softness.
Although we supply products and services to over 100 customers, we depend upon a small number of customers for a
substantial portion of our revenue. In the aggregate, our top 10 customers represented 71% of total revenue for 2017 (2016 —
68%; 2015 — 67%). For 2017, we had two customers that individually represented more than 10% of total revenue (2016 — two
customers; 2015 — three customers). Cisco Systems and Juniper Networks accounted for 18% and 13%, respectively, of our total
revenue for 2017 (2016 — Cisco Systems (19%) and Juniper Networks (11%); 2015 — Cisco Systems (16%), IBM (10%) and
Juniper Networks (12%)). Whether any of our customers individually accounts for more than 10% of our total revenue in any
period depends on various factors affecting our business with that customer and with other customers, including overall changes
in demand for our customers' products, the extent and timing of new program wins, follow-on business, program completions or
losses, the phasing in or out of programs, the relative growth rate or decline of our business with our various customers, price
competition and changes in our customers' supplier base or supply chain strategies, and the impact of seasonality on our business.
We are dependent to a significant degree upon continued revenue from our largest customers. We generally enter into
master supply agreements with our customers that provide the framework for our overall relationship. These agreements typically
do not guarantee a particular level of business or fixed pricing. Instead, we bid on a program-by-program basis and typically receive
customer purchase orders for specific quantities and timing of products. There can be no assurance that revenue from any of our
major customers will continue at historical levels or will not decrease in absolute terms or as a percentage of total revenue. A
significant revenue decrease or pricing pressures from these or other customers, or a loss of a major customer or program, could
63
have a material adverse impact on our business, our operating results and our financial position. Changes in the types of product
or services we provide to our customers in a particular period may also adversely impact our margins and operating results for
such period. For example, providing a relatively higher concentration of fulfillment services (which occurred in 2017 as compared
to prior years, and is expected to continue) negatively impacts our operating results, as our fulfillment services generally have
significantly lower margins than our traditional value-added services. Some of our customer agreements require us to provide
specific price reductions to our customers over the term of the contracts. Our margins and operating results will be negatively
impacted to the extent we cannot compensate for such reductions. In addition, as longer-term contracts are becoming more prevalent,
we anticipate that these adverse effects will increasingly impact our business in future periods.
In the EMS industry, customers may cancel contracts and volume levels can be changed or delayed. Customers may also
shift business to a competitor or bring programs in-house to improve their own utilization or to adjust the concentration of their
supplier base to manage supply continuity risk. We cannot assure the replacement of completed, delayed, cancelled or reduced
orders with new business. In addition, we cannot assure that any of our current customers will continue to utilize our services.
Changes in demand (which occurred during 2017 with respect to particular customers), order cancellations, and changes or delays
in production could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations and working capital performance, including
requiring us to carry higher than expected levels of inventory. Material constraints (which also occurred during 2017) and supplier
quality issues can also cause delays in production and could have a material adverse impact on our operations and our inventory
levels. Order cancellations and delays could also lower our asset utilization, resulting in lower margins. Significant period-to-
period changes in margins can also result if new program wins or follow-on business are more competitively priced than
past programs. In addition, customers from time to time shift programs to us from other service providers, including some for
lower complexity, light touch programs that are aggressively priced, which can adversely impact future operating results.
Gross profit:
The following table shows gross profit and gross margin (gross profit as a percentage of total revenue) for the periods
indicated:
Year ended December 31
2015
2016
2017
Gross profit (in millions) ................................................................................................... $
Gross margin......................................................................................................................
391.1
$ 427.6
$
417.8
6.9%
7.1%
6.8%
Gross profit for 2017 decreased 2% compared to 2016. Gross profit and gross margin for 2017 were negatively impacted
by unfavorable changes in program mix, increased pricing pressures and higher ramping costs, offset in part by margin improvements
in our ATS end market. During 2017, our Communications and Enterprise end markets faced increased pricing pressures (see
“Recent developments — End markets” above), and were also negatively impacted by a higher concentration than in 2016 of new
programs, including fulfillment services, that contributed significantly lower gross profit than our historical full-service traditional
EMS programs. We also incurred additional ramping costs with respect to new programs, including aerospace and defense programs,
as well as programs that required the establishment of infrastructures in multiple jurisdictions. Gross profit and gross margin for
our ATS end market in 2017 increased compared to the prior year, as a result of increases in each of our semiconductor and former
solar businesses (the latter as a result of lower provisions recorded in 2017), offset in part by the completion of consumer programs
which benefited gross margin in 2016. The gross margin for our former solar business was negatively impacted in 2016 by higher
provisions (accounting for 15 basis points in 2016), primarily to write-down the carrying value of our solar panel inventory to
then-recoverable amounts).
Gross profit for 2016 increased 9% compared to 2015, primarily driven by higher revenue levels in 2016 and margin
improvements in our ATS end market, including in our semiconductor business and our then-solar business, partially offset by
changes in program mix as some of our 2016 programs contributed lower gross profit than earlier programs. Our solar margins
for 2016 improved compared to 2015 despite the higher provisions recorded in 2016 (accounting for approximately 15 basis points),
primarily to write down the value of our solar panel inventory in the second half of 2016 to then-current market prices. Additionally,
we made margin improvements in our semiconductor business during 2016 as compared to the prior year reflecting improvements
in productivity and the restructuring actions we implemented in 2015.
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In general, multiple factors cause gross margin to fluctuate including, among others: volume and mix of products or
services; higher/lower revenue concentration in lower gross margin products and end markets; pricing pressures; contract terms
and conditions; production efficiencies; utilization of manufacturing capacity; changing material and labor costs, including variable
labor costs associated with direct manufacturing employees; manufacturing and transportation costs; start-up and ramp-up activities;
new product introductions; disruption in production at individual sites, including as a result of program transfers; cost structures
at individual sites; foreign exchange volatility; and the availability of components and materials.
Our gross profit and SG&A (discussed below) are also impacted by the level of variable compensation expense we record
in each period. Variable compensation expense includes expense related to awards under our team incentive plans, our sales
incentive plans, and our stock-based compensation plans, including stock options, PSUs and RSUs. See “Stock-based
compensation” below. The amount of variable compensation expense related to performance-based compensation varies each
period depending on the level of achievement of pre-determined performance goals and financial targets.
Selling, general and administrative expenses:
SG&A for 2017 of $203.2 million (3.3% of total revenue) decreased $7.9 million compared to $211.1 million (3.5% of
total revenue) for 2016, primarily due to $2.5 million of lower foreign exchange losses, $2.5 million of lower stock-based
compensation expense in 2017 (discussed below), and lower variable expenses, including costs associated with our OD initiative
incurred in 2017 compared to 2016. As part of the wind down of our solar panel business, we recorded a provision of $0.5 million
in SG&A expenses during the second quarter of 2017 to write down our solar accounts receivable, primarily as a result of a solar
customer's bankruptcy.
SG&A for 2016 of $211.1 million (3.5% of total revenue) increased compared to $207.5 million (3.7% of total revenue)
for 2015, primarily due to higher foreign exchange losses and costs associated with our OD initiative, offset in part by $3.3 million
lower stock-based compensation expense in 2016 (discussed below). The decrease in SG&A as a percentage of revenue for 2016
compared to 2015 reflects the higher revenue levels in 2016.
Stock-based compensation:
Our employee stock-based compensation expense, which excludes DSU expense, varies each period. The portion of our
expense that relates to performance-based compensation generally varies depending on our level of achievement of pre-determined
performance goals and financial targets. In 2017, we recorded employee stock-based compensation expense of $14.6 million (2016
— $15.0 million; 2015 —$16.3 million) in cost of sales and $15.5 million (2016 — $18.0 million; 2015 — $21.3 million) in
SG&A.
The following table shows employee stock-based compensation for the periods indicated:
Year ended December 31
2015
2016
2017
Employee stock-based compensation (in millions)..................................................... $
37.6
$
33.0
$
30.1
Compared to 2016, our employee stock-based compensation expense for 2017 decreased by $2.9 million (predominately
through SG&A), primarily due to lower adjustments recorded in 2017 to reflect the reduced level of achievement related to our
performance based compensation. In addition, the increase in forfeited awards during 2017 decreased our stock-based compensation
by a further $2.4 million in 2017, which offset a $2.0 million increase in the accelerated recognition of stock-based compensation
expense for employees eligible for retirement in 2017.
Compared to 2015, our employee stock-based compensation expense for 2016 decreased by $4.6 million, primarily due
to lower amounts recorded in 2016 in connection with the accelerated recognition of stock-based compensation expense for
employees eligible for retirement.
Management currently intends to settle all outstanding RSUs and PSUs with subordinate voting shares purchased in the
open market by a broker or by issuing subordinate voting shares from treasury. Accordingly, we have accounted for these share
unit awards as equity-settled awards. See “Cash requirements” below.
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In 2017, we recorded DSU expense of $2.2 million (2016 — $2.1 million; 2015 — $1.9 million) through SG&A. During
2017, we paid $1.7 million in cash to a director that resigned in July 2017 to settle his outstanding DSUs, and we settled the
outstanding DSUs of a director that resigned in November 2017 with 14,098 subordinate voting shares that we purchased in the
open market, in each case in accordance with the provisions of the Directors' Share Compensation Plan.
Other charges:
(i) Restructuring charges:
We have recorded the following restructuring charges for the periods indicated (in millions):
Year ended December 31
2015
2016
2017
Restructuring charges ...........................................................................................
$
23.9
$
31.9
$
28.9
We perform ongoing evaluations of our business, operational efficiency and cost structure, and implement restructuring
actions as we deem necessary. We recorded aggregate restructuring charges of $28.9 million in 2017, consisting of cash charges
of $25.1 million, comprised of employee termination costs resulting from our OD and GBS initiatives, costs in connection with
the rationalization of certain operations in the third quarter of 2017, and $8.0 million of charges in connection with our new cost
efficiency initiative (described below) in the fourth quarter of 2017, as well as net non-cash impairment charges of $3.8 million
to write down the carrying value of our solar panel manufacturing equipment to its fair value less costs to sell (we recorded non-
cash charges of $5.2 million to write down the carrying value of such equipment in the second quarter of 2017 based on then-
broker estimates, and recorded reversals to such charges of $1.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2017 based on executed sale
agreements). Our restructuring provision at December 31, 2017 was $12.7 million, comprised primarily of employee termination
costs which we currently expect to pay in 2018. All cash outlays have been, and the balance is expected to be, funded with cash
on hand.
Our aggregate restructuring charges of $31.9 million for 2016 consisted of cash charges of $10.7 million, primarily for
employee termination costs relating to our GBS and OD initiatives, our solar panel manufacturing operations and other exited
operations, and non-cash charges of $21.2 million, to write down certain plant assets and equipment to recoverable amounts,
including $19.0 million related to our solar panel manufacturing equipment at our two locations. Our restructuring provision at
December 31, 2016 was $6.6 million, comprised primarily of employee termination costs, which were all paid with cash on hand.
Our aggregate restructuring charges of $23.9 million for 2015 consisted of cash charges of $19.5 million, primarily for
employee termination costs at various sites, including headcount reductions in certain under-utilized manufacturing sites in higher
cost locations, and non-cash charges of $4.4 million, primarily to write down certain equipment to recoverable amounts. These
2015 charges also included costs associated with the consolidation of two of our semiconductor sites in the second quarter of 2015,
to reduce the cost structure and improve the margin performance of that business. Our restructuring provision at December 31,
2015 was $10.7 million, comprised primarily of employee termination costs, which were all paid with cash on hand.
In response to challenging markets and continued margin pressures, we announced in October 2017 our intention to
implement additional restructuring actions in the near term to further streamline our business and improve our margin performance,
and our related engagement of an outside consultant to identify cost reduction opportunities throughout our network, including
through increased operational efficiencies and productivity improvements. In connection therewith, we have commenced the
implementation of additional restructuring actions under a new cost efficiency initiative. Such initiative will include reductions to
our workforce, the potential consolidation of certain sites to better align capacity and infrastructure with current and anticipated
customer demand, related transfers of customer programs and production, re-alignment of business processes, management
reorganizations, and other associated activities. We currently estimate that we will incur aggregate restructuring charges of between
$50.0 million and $75.0 million, which will consist primarily of cash charges, with respect to our cost efficiency initiative, including
$8.0 million of the $14.6 million in cash restructuring charges that we recorded in the fourth quarter of 2017. We currently expect
the restructuring charges under this initiative to continue through mid-2019.
66
We may also propose additional future restructuring actions or divestitures as a result of changes in our business, the
marketplace and/or our exit from less profitable, under-performing, non-core or non-strategic operations. In addition, an increase
in the frequency of customers transferring business to our EMS competitors, changes in the volumes they outsource, pricing
pressures, or requests to transfer their programs among our sites or to lower-cost locations, may also result in our taking future
restructuring actions. We may incur higher operating expenses during periods of transitioning programs within our network or to
our competitors. Any such restructuring activities, if undertaken at all, could adversely impact our operating and financial results,
and may require us to further adjust our operations.
(ii) Asset impairment:
We have recorded the following asset impairment charges for the periods indicated (in millions):
Year ended December 31
2015
2016
2017
Asset impairment ...................................................................................................
$
12.2
$
— $
—
We conduct our annual impairment assessment of goodwill, intangible assets and property, plant and equipment (Annual
Impairment Assessment) in the fourth quarter of each year (which corresponds to our annual planning cycle), and whenever events
or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset, CGU or a group of CGUs may not be recoverable
(triggering events). We recognize an impairment loss when the carrying amount of an asset, CGU or a group of CGUs exceeds its
recoverable amount, which is measured as the greater of its expected value-in-use and its fair value less costs to sell. We did not
identify any triggering event during the course of 2017 indicating that the carrying amount of our assets or CGUs may not be
recoverable, other than with respect to our exit from the solar panel manufacturing business. In connection therewith, we recorded
net impairment losses (through restructuring charges) of $3.8 million on our solar panel manufacturing equipment in 2017, to
reduce the carrying value of such equipment to its estimated fair value less costs to sell based on executed sale agreements.
In the fourth quarter of 2017, we performed our Annual Impairment Assessment and determined that there was no additional
impairment as the recoverable amount of our assets and CGUs exceeded their respective carrying values as of December 31, 2017.
For our Annual Impairment Assessments, other than with respect to our solar panel manufacturing equipment in 2016
and 2017 (which were based on estimated fair value less costs to sell), we used cash flow projections based primarily on our plan
for the following year and, to a lesser extent, on our three-year strategic plan and other financial projections. Our plans are primarily
based on financial projections submitted by our subsidiaries in the fourth quarter of each year, together with inputs from our
customer teams, and is subjected to in-depth reviews performed by various levels of management as part of our annual planning
cycle. The plan for 2018 (used for our 2017 Annual Impairment Assessment) was approved by management and presented to our
Board of Directors in December 2017.
In the fourth quarter of 2016, we performed our Annual Impairment Assessment and determined that, other than the write
down of our solar panel manufacturing equipment (recorded through restructuring charges and described in clause (i) above), there
was no impairment as the recoverable amount of our assets and CGUs exceeded their respective carrying values as of December
31, 2016.
In the fourth quarter of 2015, we performed our Annual Impairment Assessment, and in connection therewith, recorded
non-cash impairment charges totaling $12.2 million, comprised of $6.5 million and $5.7 million, against the property, plant and
equipment of our CGUs in Japan and Spain, respectively. Such charges were primarily due to the reduction of our then-long-term
cash flow projections for these CGUs as a result of reduced customer demand and challenging market conditions that we were
experiencing in these CGUs at that time, and our assessment of the continued negative impact of these factors on the future
profitability of these two CGUs. After recording the 2015 impairment charges, the carrying value of the property, plant and
equipment held by each such CGU was reduced to approximate the fair value of its real property at the end of 2015.
The recoverable amount of a CGU is the greater of its expected value-in-use and its fair value less costs to sell. The
process of determining the recoverable amount of a CGU is subjective and requires management to exercise significant judgment
in estimating future growth, profitability, and discount and terminal growth rates, among other factors. The assumptions used in
our 2017 Annual Impairment Assessment were determined based on past experiences adjusted for expected changes in future
67
conditions. Where applicable, we engaged independent brokers to obtain market prices to estimate our real property and other
asset values. For our 2017 assessment (where cash flow projections were used), we used cash flow projections ranging from 4 to
6 years (2016 — 1 to 7 years; 2015 — 3 to 10 years) for our CGUs, in line with the remaining useful lives of the CGUs’ essential
assets. Additionally, in order to estimate the cash flows beyond our most recent cash flow projection period used, we applied a
perpetuity growth rate of 2%, which is consistent with long-term inflation guidance. We generally used our weighted-average cost
of capital of approximately 9% (2016 — approximately 10%; 2015 — approximately 8%) to discount our cash flows. For our
semiconductor CGU, however, we applied a discount rate of 17% to our cash flow projections for this CGU in 2015 through 2017
reflecting the higher risk inherent in these cash flows, notwithstanding the recent positive performance of this CGU.
As part of our annual impairment assessment of goodwill, we also perform sensitivity analysis for the relevant CGUs in
order to identify the impact of changes in key assumptions, including projected growth rates, profitability, and discount and terminal
growth rates. Our goodwill balance at December 31, 2017 of $23.2 million was comprised of $19.5 million attributable to our
semiconductor CGU and $3.7 million attributable to our Karel acquisition. For purposes of our 2017 impairment assessment of
our semiconductor CGU, we assumed future revenue growth at an average compound annual growth rate of 9% over a 6-year
period (2016 — 7% over a 7-year period; 2015 — 9% over an 8-year period), representing the remaining life of the CGU’s most
significant customer contract. We believe that this growth rate is supported by the level of new business awarded in recent years
and the expectation of future new business awards. We also assumed that the average annual margins for this CGU over the
projection period will be slightly above our overall margin performance for 2017, consistent with the average annual margins we
assumed for our 2016 impairment analysis. For our 2017 Annual Impairment Assessment, we did not identify any key assumptions
where a reasonable possible change would result in material impairments to our semiconductor CGU. For purposes of our 2017
impairment assessment of our Karel goodwill, we assumed modest revenue growth over a 4-year period, and average margins
over the projection period equal to our overall margin performance for 2017. We did not identify any key assumptions where a
reasonable possible change would result in material impairments related to the goodwill attributable to our acquisition of Karel.
Impairment assessments inherently involve judgment as to assumptions about expected future cash flows and the impact
of market conditions on those assumptions. Future events and changing market conditions may impact our assumptions as to prices,
costs or other factors that may result in changes in our estimates of future cash flows. Failure to realize the assumed revenues at
an appropriate profit margin of a CGU could result in impairment losses in such CGU in future periods.
(iii) Loss on pension annuity purchases:
In March 2017, the Trustees of our U.K. Main pension plan entered into an agreement with a third party insurance company
to purchase an annuity for participants of the Main plan who have retired. The purchase of the annuity resulted in a non-cash loss
of $17.0 million which we recorded in other comprehensive income and simultaneously re-classified to deficit during 2017, with
a corresponding reduction in the value of our pension assets which is recorded in other non-current assets on our consolidated
balance sheet. See note 19(a) of our 2017 audited consolidated financial statements.
In April 2017, the Trustees of our U.K. Supplementary pension plan entered into an agreement with a third party insurance
company to purchase an annuity for all participants of this plan. The purchase of the annuity resulted in a non-cash loss of $1.9
million which we recorded during 2017 in other charges in our consolidated statement of operations, with a corresponding reduction
in the value of our pension assets which is recorded in other non-current assets on our consolidated balance sheet. This non-cash
loss is recorded through our consolidated statement of operations as we anticipate transferring the pension annuity to individual
plan members and winding up the plan in 2018. See note 19(a) of our 2017 audited consolidated financial statements.
(iv) Toronto transition costs:
In connection with the anticipated sale of our Toronto real property, we entered into a long-term lease in November 2017
(in the Greater Toronto area) for the relocation of our Toronto manufacturing operations, with occupancy anticipated to commence
at the end of the first quarter of 2018. We currently expect to complete the transition to this new manufacturing location by the
end of the first quarter of 2019. In addition, should the sale be consummated, we will enter into a short-term interim lease with
the purchasers of our Toronto real property for our existing corporate headquarters and manufacturing premises on a portion of
the real estate on a rent-free basis (subject to certain payments, including taxes and utilities), followed by a long-term lease with
such purchasers for our new corporate headquarters. In connection therewith, we intend to move such headquarters to a temporary
location while space in a new office building (to be built by such purchasers on the site of our current location) is under construction.
The temporary office relocation is currently expected to occur by the end of the first quarter of 2019. We will incur significant
costs throughout the transition period (which commenced in the fourth quarter of 2017) to relocate our corporate headquarters and
68
to transfer our Toronto manufacturing operations to its new location, and as we prepare and customize the new site to meet our
manufacturing needs. These costs will consist of building improvements and new equipment which we will capitalize, as well as
transition-related costs which we will record in other charges. Transition costs are comprised of direct relocation costs, duplicate
costs (such as rent expense, utility costs, depreciation charges, and personnel costs) incurred during the transition period, as well
as cease-use costs incurred in connection with idle or vacated portions of the relevant premises that we would not have incurred
but for these relocations. Any amounts received from the purchasers of our Toronto real property, or gains recorded in connection
with its sale, will be recorded as recoveries through other charges (recoveries). In the fourth quarter of 2017, we recorded $1.6
million of such transition costs, consisting of utility costs related to idle premises, depreciation charges and personnel costs used
in the operation of duplicate production lines in advance of the transition.
(v) Other:
In 2017, we recorded $4.5 million for consulting, transaction and integration costs related to potential and completed
acquisitions (Acquisition Costs).
In 2016, we recorded $1.4 million of Acquisition Costs pertaining to our acquisition of Karel (2015 — nil), and received
recoveries of damages (Damage Recoveries) of $12.0 million in connection with the settlement of class action lawsuits in which
we were a plaintiff, related to certain purchases we made in prior periods (2015 — nil). The Damage Recoveries in 2016 were
offset in part by the cost to settle an unrelated legal matter.
Refund interest income:
In 2016, we received refund interest income totaling $14.3 million in connection with the resolution of certain previously
disputed tax matters. See “Income taxes” below.
Income taxes:
For 2017, we had a net income tax expense of $27.4 million on earnings before tax of $132.4 million, compared to a net
income tax expense of $24.7 million on earnings before tax of $161.0 million for 2016 and a net income tax expense of $42.2
million on earnings before tax of $109.1 million for 2015.
Our net income tax expense for 2017 of $27.4 million was favorably impacted by the recognition of a deferred income
tax benefit of $4.3 million (Solar Benefit) related to our solar assets (discussed below), which was largely offset by deferred income
tax expense related to taxable temporary differences associated with the anticipated repatriation of undistributed earnings from
certain of our Chinese subsidiaries, and a $2.0 million deferred income tax expense related to recently enacted U.S. Tax Reform
(discussed below). In connection with our exit from the solar panel manufacturing business, we withdrew one of our tax incentives
in Thailand (which related solely to such operations) during the second quarter of 2017. The withdrawal of this incentive allows
us to apply future tax losses arising from the ultimate disposition of our solar assets against other fully taxable profits in Thailand,
resulting in the recognition of the $4.3 million Solar Benefit. The Solar Benefit was reduced (from $5.0 million as disclosed in
the second quarter of 2017) based on adjustments to the impairment charges we recorded for our solar assets throughout 2017.
Our net income tax expense for 2017 was also favorably impacted by taxable foreign exchange benefits resulting from the
strengthening of the Malaysian ringgit and Chinese renminbi relative to the U.S. dollar. Our functional and reporting currency is
the U.S. dollar; however, our income tax expense is based primarily on taxable income determined in the currency of the country
of origin. As a result, foreign currency translation differences impact our income tax expense from period to period.
The U.S. Tax Reform was enacted on December 22, 2017 and became effective January 1, 2018. Although the legislative
changes contained in the U.S. Tax Reform are extensive and the interpretation of several aspects of such U.S. Tax Reform is still
unclear, we recorded an income tax expense for all significant known and determinable impacts during the fourth quarter of 2017.
In connection with the reduction in U.S. federal corporate tax rates from 35% to 21%, we recorded a one-time, non-cash increase
to our deferred income tax expense of $2.0 million, or $0.01 per diluted share, to re-value our recognized net deferred tax assets.
We believe we have recorded all significant one-time impacts resulting from the U.S. Tax Reform in the fourth quarter of 2017,
but will continue to assess additional impacts, if any, throughout 2018 as they become known due to changes in our interpretations
and assumptions, as well as additional regulatory guidance that may be issued. See “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates”
above.
69
Our net income tax expense for 2016 of $24.7 million was favorably impacted by a reversal of provisions previously
recorded for tax uncertainties related to the final reassessments and settlement of tax accounts in connection with the resolution
of a transfer pricing matter for one of our Canadian subsidiaries. In connection therewith, we recorded aggregate income tax
recoveries of $45 million Canadian dollars (approximately $34 million at the exchange rates at the time of recording), as well as
aggregate refund interest income of $14.3 million. Our net income tax expense for 2016 was negatively impacted by withholding
taxes of $1.5 million pertaining to the repatriation of $50.0 million from a U.S. subsidiary, deferred income tax expense of $8.0
million related to taxable temporary differences associated with the then-anticipated repatriation of undistributed earnings from
certain of our Chinese subsidiaries, as well as taxable foreign exchange impacts of $7.3 million resulting from the weakening of
the Malaysian ringgit and Chinese renminbi relative to the U.S. dollar (Currency Tax Expense). There was no tax impact recorded
in 2016 associated with the $21.2 million non-cash impairment charges (recorded through restructuring), however, as discussed
above, we recorded the Solar Benefit of $4.3 million in 2017.
Our net income tax expense for 2015 of $42.2 million was negatively impacted by a Currency Tax Expense of $12.2
million. There was no net tax impact associated with the $12.2 million non-cash impairment charge we recorded in 2015.
We conduct business operations in a number of countries, including countries where tax incentives have been extended
to encourage foreign investment or where income tax rates are low. Our effective tax rate can vary significantly from period to
period for various reasons, including as a result of the mix and volume of business in various tax jurisdictions, and in jurisdictions
with tax holidays and tax incentives that have been negotiated with the respective tax authorities (see discussion below). Our
effective tax rate can also vary as a result of restructuring charges, foreign exchange fluctuations, operating losses, cash repatriations,
certain tax exposures, the time period in which losses may be used under tax laws and whether management believes it is probable
that future taxable profit will be available to allow us to recognize deferred income tax assets.
Certain countries in which we do business grant tax incentives to attract and retain our business. Our tax expense could
increase significantly if certain tax incentives from which we benefit are retracted. A retraction could occur if we fail to satisfy the
conditions on which these tax incentives are based, or if they are not renewed or replaced upon expiration. Our tax expense could
also increase if tax rates applicable to us in such jurisdictions are otherwise increased, or due to changes in legislation or
administrative practices. Changes in our outlook in any particular country could impact our ability to meet the required conditions.
We continue to negotiate Malaysian income tax incentives for one of our Malaysian subsidiaries, and expect to be granted
new pioneer incentives for only limited portions of our Malaysian business. Since the expiry of our previous incentives at the end
of 2014, we have been recording Malaysian income taxes at full statutory tax rates. As these negotiations are ongoing, including
the activities covered, exemption levels, incentive conditions or commitments, and the effective commencement date of the
incentive, we are currently unable to quantify the benefits or applicable periods of any such incentives, and there can be no assurance
that any such incentives will be granted.
We have multiple income tax incentives in Thailand with varying exemption periods. These incentives initially allow for
a 100% income tax exemption (including distribution taxes), which after eight years transition to a 50% income tax exemption
for the next five years (excluding distribution taxes). Upon full expiry of each of the incentives, taxable profits associated with
such expired tax incentives become fully taxable. As a result of our exit from the solar panel manufacturing business, we withdrew
our tax incentive related to our solar panel manufacturing operations in Thailand during the second quarter of 2017. Two of our
remaining three Thailand tax incentives expire between 2019 and 2020, while the third incentive will transition to the 50% exemption
in 2022, and expire in 2027. The withdrawal of the solar-related tax incentive in Thailand resulted in recognition in 2017 of the
$4.3 million Solar Benefit, as such withdrawal allows future tax losses arising from the ultimate disposition of our solar assets to
be applied against other fully taxable profits in Thailand.
In certain jurisdictions, primarily in the Americas and Europe, we currently have significant net operating losses and other
deductible temporary differences, which we expect will be used to reduce taxable income in these jurisdictions in future periods,
although not all are currently recognized as deferred tax assets.
We develop our tax filing positions based upon the anticipated nature and structure of our business and the tax laws,
administrative practices and judicial decisions currently in effect in the jurisdictions in which we have assets or conduct business,
all of which are subject to change or differing interpretations, possibly with retroactive effect. We are subject to tax audits of
historical information by tax authorities in various jurisdictions which could result in additional tax expense in future periods
relating to prior results. Reviews by tax authorities generally focus on, but are not limited to, the validity of our inter-company
transactions, including financing and transfer pricing policies which generally involve subjective areas of taxation and a significant
70
degree of judgment. Any such increase in our income tax expense and related interest and/or penalties could have a significant
adverse impact on our future earnings and future cash flows.
Certain of our subsidiaries provide financing, or products and services to, and may from time-to-time undertake certain
significant transactions with other subsidiaries in different jurisdictions. Moreover, several jurisdictions in which we operate have
tax laws with detailed transfer pricing rules which require that all transactions with non-resident related parties be priced using
arm’s-length pricing principles, and that contemporaneous documentation must exist to support such pricing.
As previously disclosed, Canadian tax authorities withdrew their position related to certain transfer pricing matters
involving one of our Canadian subsidiaries and reversed their adjustments for the years 2001 through 2004. In connection therewith,
in the second half of 2016, we recorded aggregate current income tax recoveries of $45 million Canadian dollars (approximately
$34 million at the exchange rates at the time of recording) to reverse previously recorded provisions for tax uncertainties related
to transfer pricing, as well as aggregate refund interest income of $19 million Canadian dollars ($14.3 million at the exchange
rates at the time of recording) for cash held on account with the tax authorities in connection with such matters. Canadian tax
authorities had also taken an unfavorable position relating to the deductibility of certain Canadian interest amounts, which we
successfully appealed. The Canadian tax authorities issued revised reassessments and the matter was closed in the fourth quarter
of 2016. As a result of the resolution of the above tax matters, we received $70 million Canadian dollars (approximately $52 million
at settlement date exchange rates) during the fourth quarter of 2016, representing the refund of cash previously deposited on account
with the Canadian tax authorities and related refund interest income, and $6 million Canadian dollars (approximately $4 million
at settlement date exchange rates) in January 2017. The aggregate amount of cash refunds received represented the return of all
deposits and related refund interest in respect of the Canadian tax matters.
In 2015, we de-recognized the future benefit of certain Brazilian tax losses, which were previously recognized on the
basis that these tax losses could be fully utilized to offset unrealized foreign exchange gains on inter-company debts that would
become realized in the fiscal period ending on the date of dissolution of our Brazilian subsidiary. Due to the weakening of the
Brazilian real against the U.S. dollar, the unrealized foreign exchange gains had diminished to the point where the tax cost to settle
such inter-company debt was significantly reduced. Accordingly, our Brazilian inter-company debts were settled on April 7, 2015
triggering a tax liability of $1 million and the relevant tax costs related to the foreign exchange gains were accrued as at December
31, 2015.
The successful pursuit of assertions made by any taxing authority could result in our owing significant amounts of tax,
interest and possibly penalties. We believe we adequately accrue for any probable potential adverse tax ruling. However, there can
be no assurance as to the final resolution of any claims and any resulting proceedings. If any claims and any ensuing proceedings
are determined adversely to us, the amounts we may be required to pay could be material, and could be in excess of amounts
accrued.
Acquisitions:
In November 2016, we acquired the business assets of Karel for a cash purchase price of $14.9 million (see “Summary
of 2016” above). In January 2018, we entered into a definitive agreement to acquire U.S.-based Atrenne (see “Overview — Recent
developments” above). There can be no assurance that the Atrenne acquisition will be completed in a timely manner, or at all.
We may, at any time, be engaged in ongoing discussions with respect to possible acquisitions that could expand our
revenue base and/or service offerings, increase our penetration in various industries, establish strategic relationships with new or
existing customers, enhance our competitiveness, and/or enhance our global supply chain network. There can be no assurance
that any of these discussions will result in a definitive purchase agreement and, if they do, what the terms or timing of any such
agreement would be. There can also be no assurance that any acquisition will be successfully integrated or will generate the returns
we expect.
We may fund acquisitions from cash on hand, third-party borrowings, the issuance of securities, or a combination thereof.
71
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity
The following tables set forth key liquidity metrics for the periods indicated (in millions):
Cash and cash equivalents............................................................................................ $
Borrowings under credit facility ..................................................................................
Cash provided by operating activities .......................................................................... $
Cash used in investing activities ..................................................................................
Cash used in financing activities ..................................................................................
Changes in non-cash working capital items (included in operating activities above):
December 31
2015
2016
2017
545.3
$
557.2
$
262.5
227.5
515.2
187.5
Year end December 31
2015
2016
2017
196.3
$
173.3
$
127.0
(75.3)
(140.7)
(64.0)
(97.4)
(89.3)
(79.7)
A/R ............................................................................................................................... $
Inventories ....................................................................................................................
Other current assets ......................................................................................................
A/P, accrued and other current liabilities and provisions .............................................
Working capital changes .............................................................................................. $
12.5
$
(104.6) $
25.7
(75.6)
38.2
28.8
(89.5)
(5.3)
75.4
(171.2)
(2.0)
52.1
3.9
$
(124.0) $
(95.4)
Cash provided by operating activities:
In 2017, we generated $127.0 million of cash from operating activities compared to $173.3 million in 2016. The decrease
in cash provided by operating activities as compared to 2016 was primarily due to the income tax refund of $52 million related to
the resolution of certain tax matters we received in the fourth quarter of 2016 (See “Operating results — Income taxes” above),
and the decrease in net earnings in 2017, offset in part by $28.6 million in lower working capital requirements in 2017 as compared
to the prior year. Lower working capital requirements in 2017 were primarily due to improvements in A/R from the prior year,
offset in part by higher inventory levels. Cash generated from A/R improved compared to 2016, primarily due to lower revenue
levels in the fourth quarter of 2017 compared to the same period in 2016, as well as $30.0 million of additional A/R sold under
our A/R sales program in 2017 compared to 2016, which we used as an alternative to drawing on our Revolving Facility. Our
inventory levels increased compared to 2016, in part to support our new program ramps, but also as a result of demand volatility
in our Communications and Enterprise end markets, including late changes from certain customers, as well as materials constraints
throughout 2017, all of which resulted in us carrying higher than expected levels of inventory at December 31, 2017. We expect
these adverse market conditions to continue into 2018.
From time to time, we extend the payment terms applicable to certain customers, and/or provide longer payment terms
to new customers or with respect to new programs. If this becomes more prevalent, it could adversely impact our working capital
requirements, and increase our financial exposure and credit risk. Commencing in the fourth quarter of 2016, the payment terms
of one of our significant customers was extended. In connection therewith, we registered for that customer's supplier financing
program pursuant to which participating suppliers may sell A/R from such customer to a third-party bank on an uncommitted basis
in order to receive earlier payment. At December 31, 2017, we sold $52.3 million of A/R under this program (December 31, 2016
— $51.4 million; December 31, 2015 — nil). We utilized this program to substantially offset the effect of the extended payment
terms on our working capital for the period. We pay interest with respect to this arrangement, which we record in finance costs in
our consolidated statement of operations.
72
In 2016, we generated $173.3 million in cash from operating activities compared to $196.3 million in 2015. The decrease
in cash provided by operating activities as compared to 2015 was primarily due to $127.9 million in higher working capital
requirements in 2016 to support our growth, offset in part by the increase in net earnings in 2016 and the cash income tax refund
of $52 million we received in the fourth quarter of 2016. See “Operating results — Income taxes” above. Higher inventory levels
were required in 2016 compared to 2015, primarily to support new customer programs and increased demand from certain customers,
and the increase in accounts receivable reflected the higher revenue levels in 2016 and the timing of revenue in the fourth quarter
of 2016.
Free cash flow (non-IFRS):
Our non-IFRS free cash flow (defined below) of $21.0 million for 2017 decreased $89.2 million compared to 2016,
primarily due to lower cash generated from operating activities in 2017 (discussed above) and $38.5 million of higher capital
expenditures in 2017 as compared to 2016. We continue to invest in our manufacturing capabilities globally and to support new
customer programs (see “Cash used in investing activities” below).
Our non-IFRS free cash flow of $110.2 million for 2016 decreased $3.0 million compared to 2015, primarily due to higher
use of cash for operating activities in 2016 (as discussed above) compared to 2015, offset in part by the repayment of $14 million
in cash advances by a former solar supplier in 2016.
Non-IFRS free cash flow is defined as cash provided by or used in operations after the purchase of property, plant and
equipment (net of proceeds from the sale of certain surplus equipment and property), finance lease payments, repayments from a
former solar supplier, and finance costs paid. As a measure of liquidity, in periods where it is relevant (the third quarter of 2015),
non-IFRS free cash flow also included deposits received on the anticipated sale of our Toronto real property. Similarly, it is our
intention to include any amounts received from the purchasers of our Toronto real property (should the sale be consummated) in
non-IFRS free cash flow in the period of receipt. Note, that non-IFRS free cash flow, however, does not represent residual cash
flow available to Celestica for discretionary expenditures. Management uses non-IFRS free cash flow as a measure, in addition
to IFRS cash provided by or used in operations, to assess our operational cash flow performance. We believe non-IFRS free cash
flow provides another level of transparency to our liquidity. A reconciliation of this measure to cash provided by operating activities
measured under IFRS is set forth below:
Year ended December 31
2015
2016
2017
IFRS cash provided by operations......................................................................
Purchase of property, plant and equipment, net of sales proceeds ...................
Deposit on anticipated sale of real property.....................................................
Finance lease payments ....................................................................................
Repayments from (advances to) former solar supplier ....................................
Finance costs paid ............................................................................................
Non-IFRS free cash flow ....................................................................................
$
$
196.3
(60.0)
11.2
—
(26.5)
(7.8)
113.2
$
$
173.3
(63.1)
—
(4.5)
14.0
(9.5)
110.2
$
$
127.0
(101.8)
—
(6.5)
12.5
(10.2)
21.0
Cash used in investing activities:
Our capital expenditures for 2017 were $102.6 million (2016 — $64.1 million; 2015 — $62.8 million). The capital
expenditures were incurred primarily as a result of increased investments, primarily to enhance our manufacturing capabilities in
various geographies and to support new customer programs. These expenditures in 2017 included expanding one of our production
sites in Romania to support new ATS customers. We funded these capital expenditures from cash on hand. From time-to-time, we
receive cash proceeds from the sale of surplus equipment and property. In 2015, we received a cash deposit of $11.2 million related
to the anticipated sale of our Toronto real property. See “Cash Requirements” below for a description of the Property Sale Agreement.
In November 2016, we completed the acquisition of Karel. The purchase price of $14.9 million was financed with cash
on hand. See “Summary of 2016” above.
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In 2015, we entered into a supply agreement with a solar supplier (which was terminated in the fourth quarter of 2016)
that included a commitment by us to provide cash advances to help secure our solar cell supply (prior to our exit from this business).
All such cash advances were repaid in full by the second quarter of 2017. We advanced $26.5 million under this agreement in 2015
(net of repayments in 2015) and received cash repayments from the solar supplier of $12.5 million in 2017 (2016 — $14.0 million).
See “Summary of 2017” above for a discussion of accounts receivable that remain outstanding from this entity as a customer.
Cash used in financing activities:
Share repurchases for cancellation:
During 2017, we paid $19.9 million (including transaction fees) to repurchase and cancel 1.9 million subordinate voting
shares under our 2017 NCIB, which was launched in November 2017, at a weighted average price of $10.58 per share.
During 2016, we paid $34.3 million (including transaction fees) to repurchase and cancel 3.2 million subordinate voting
shares under the 2016 NCIB at a weighted average price of $10.69 per share, including 2.8 million subordinate voting shares
repurchased under a $30.0 million PSR we funded in March 2016 and completed in May 2016. Our 2016 NCIB expired in February
2017.
In addition to the completion of a $350.0 million SIB in 2015, pursuant to which we repurchased and cancelled
approximately 26.3 million subordinate voting shares, we also paid $19.8 million (including transaction fees) in 2015 to repurchase
and cancel 1.7 million subordinate voting shares under an NCIB we launched in 2014 at a weighted average price of $11.66 per
share.
The SIB was funded with the proceeds of our $250.0 million Term Loan, $25.0 million drawn on our Revolving Facility
and $75.0 million of cash. See “Capital Resources” below for a description of the Term Loan and Revolving Facility. We borrowed
an additional $40.0 million under the Revolving Facility in 2016 to fund a portion of the share repurchases under our 2016 NCIB
(described above), including under the $30.0 million PSR. During 2017, we made scheduled quarterly principal repayments of
$25.0 million (2016 — $25.0 million; 2015 — $12.5 million) under the Term Loan and a $15.0 million (2016 — $50.0 million;
2015 — nil) repayment under the Revolving Facility.
Finance costs:
During 2017, we paid finance costs of $10.2 million (2016 — $9.5 million; 2015 — $7.8 million) (see “Cash requirements”
below). Finance costs in 2015 included $2.1 million of debt issuance costs in connection with the amendment of our credit facility
in May 2015. Commencing in June 2015, finance costs include interest on the Term Loan.
Treasury share repurchases:
During 2017, we paid $16.7 million (including transaction fees) for a broker to purchase 1.4 million subordinate voting
shares in the open market to satisfy delivery obligations under our stock-based compensation plans (2016 — $18.2 million paid
to purchase 1.6 million subordinate voting shares; 2015 — $28.9 million paid to purchase 2.5 million subordinate voting shares).
Finance lease payments:
During 2017, we paid $6.5 million (2016 — $4.5 million; 2015 — nil) under our finance lease agreements (see “Cash
Requirements” below). Payments under these leases reduce our non-IFRS free cash flow. At December 31, 2017, $11.1 million
(December 31, 2016 — $15.3 million; December 31, 2015 — $19.0 million) of our finance lease obligations related to our solar
panel manufacturing equipment. In connection with the anticipated disposition of such equipment, we terminated and settled these
obligations in full in January 2018.
74
Cash requirements:
We maintain the Revolving Facility, uncommitted bank overdraft facilities, and an A/R sales program, and participate in
a customer's supplier financing program, to provide short-term liquidity and to have funds available for working capital and other
investments to support our strategic priorities. Our working capital requirements can vary significantly from month-to-month due
to a range of business factors, including the ramping of new programs, expansion of our services and business operations, timing
of purchases, higher levels of inventory for new programs and anticipated customer demand, timing of payments and A/R collections,
and customer forecasting variations. The international scope of our operations may also create working capital requirements in
certain countries while other countries generate cash in excess of working capital needs. Moving cash between countries on a
short-term basis to fund working capital is not always expedient due to local currency regulations, tax considerations, and other
factors. To meet our working capital requirements and to provide short-term liquidity, we may draw on our Revolving Facility,
sell A/R through our A/R sales program or participate in a customer's supplier financing program, while available. The timing and
the amounts we borrow or repay under these facilities can vary significantly from month-to-month depending upon our cash
requirements. In addition, since our A/R sales program and the supplier financing program are both on an uncommitted basis, there
can be no assurance that any participant bank will purchase the accounts receivable we wish to sell to them under these programs.
See “Capital Resources” below.
We do not believe that the aggregate amounts outstanding under our credit facility (together with amounts expected to
be borrowed in connection with our anticipated acquisition of Atrenne) have had or will have a material adverse impact on our
liquidity, our results of operations or financial condition. We are required to make quarterly principal repayments on the Term
Loan of $6.25 million. We anticipate that interest on the Term Loan, based on current interest rates, will be less than $2 million
per quarter. We anticipate that interest on the Revolving Facility, should our acquisition of Atrenne be consummated, will be
approximately $1 million per quarter, based on current interest rates and anticipated borrowings. Any increase in prevailing interest
rates or margins could cause this amount to increase. See “Capital Resources — Financial risks — Interest rate risk” below. We
believe that cash flow from operating activities, together with cash on hand, availability under our Revolving Facility and intra-
day and overnight bank overdraft facilities, and cash from the sale of A/R, will be sufficient to fund our acquisition of Atrenne (if
consummated), as well as our working capital needs and planned capital spending (including the commitments described elsewhere
herein).
We may use cash on hand, issue debt (including convertible debt) or equity securities, and are likely to increase our levels
of third-party indebtedness (or any combination thereof) in the future to fund operations and/or make acquisitions. Any significant
use of cash may adversely impact our cash position and liquidity. Any issuance or incurrence of debt would increase our debt
leverage, and may reduce our debt agency ratings. In addition, any issuance of equity or convertible debt securities (the pricing
of which would be subject to market conditions at the time of issuance) could dilute current shareholders’ positions; debt or
convertible debt securities could have rights and privileges senior to those of equity holders; and the terms of debt securities could
impose restrictions on our operations. Sales of our equity securities or convertible debt, or the perception that these sales could
occur, could also cause the market price of our subordinate voting shares to decline. Any increase in our overall debt levels and/
or the terms of any new or refinanced credit facility could: limit our ability to refinance our indebtedness on terms acceptable to
us or at all; limit our flexibility to plan for and adjust to changing business and market conditions, and increase our vulnerability
to general adverse economic and industry conditions; require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow to make interest
and principal payments on such indebtedness, thereby limiting the availability of our cash flow to fund future acquisitions, working
capital, business activities, and other general corporate requirements; limit our ability to obtain additional financing for working
capital, to fund growth or for general corporate purposes; and subject us to higher levels of indebtedness than our competitors,
which may cause a competitive disadvantage and may reduce our flexibility in responding to increased competition. In addition,
the terms of any new or refinanced credit facility may contain restrictive covenants that limit our ability to engage in specified
types of transactions and could require us to maintain specified financial ratios and satisfy other financial condition tests. Our
ability to meet those financial ratios and tests will depend on our ongoing financial and operating performance, which, in turn,
will be subject to economic conditions and to financial, market, and competitive factors, many of which are beyond our control.
A breach of any of such covenants could result in a default under the instruments governing such indebtedness.
As at December 31, 2017, a significant portion of our cash and cash equivalents was held by foreign subsidiaries outside
of Canada and is subject to withholding taxes, if applicable, upon repatriation under current tax laws. Cash and cash equivalents
held by subsidiaries related to undistributed earnings that are considered indefinitely reinvested outside of Canada (which we do
not intend to repatriate in the foreseeable future) are not subject to these withholding taxes. We currently expect to repatriate
approximately $63 million from our Chinese subsidiaries and approximately $25 million from our Malaysian subsidiaries in the
near term and have recorded the anticipated future withholding taxes as deferred income tax liabilities. While some of our
75
subsidiaries are subject to local governmental restrictions on the flow of capital into and out of their jurisdictions (including in the
form of cash dividends, loans or advances to us), which is required or desirable from time to time to meet our international working
capital needs and other business objectives (as described above), these restrictions have not had a material impact on our ability
to meet our cash obligations. At December 31, 2017, we had approximately $351 million (December 31, 2016 — $340 million)
of cash and cash equivalents that were held by foreign subsidiaries outside of Canada that we do not intend to repatriate in the
foreseeable future.
As at December 31, 2017, we had known contractual obligations that require future payments as follows (in millions):
Total
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
Thereafter
Borrowings under credit facility(i).....................
Operating leases ................................................
Finance leases (ii) ...............................................
Pension plan contributions(iii) ............................
Non-pension post-employment plan payments.
Binding purchase order obligations (iv)..............
Purchase obligations under IT support
agreements(v) ..................................................
Total(vi)...............................................................
$ 187.5
116.4
$
18.2
11.9
37.1
25.0
33.2
13.2
11.9
4.2
870.0
870.0
$
25.0
25.7
$ 137.5
15.5
2.0
—
2.4
—
1.6
—
3.0
—
36.4
$1,277.5
20.7
$ 978.2
$
11.2
66.3
3.4
$ 161.0
$ — $ — $
9.2
1.1
—
2.9
—
1.1
7.4
0.3
—
3.1
—
—
—
25.4
—
—
21.5
—
—
$
14.3
$
10.8
$
46.9
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
Represents mandatory principal repayment obligations for our borrowings under the Revolving Facility and the Term Loan (based on amounts outstanding
as of December 31, 2017), which mature concurrently on May 29, 2020, and excludes related interest and fees. The Term Loan requires mandatory
quarterly principal repayments of $6.25 million until its maturity (when remaining amounts outstanding are due), and borrowings under the Revolving
Facility are due upon maturity. Borrowings under the Revolving Facility bear interest for the period of the draw at various base rates selected by us
consisting of LIBOR, Prime, Base Rate Canada, and Base Rate (each as defined in our current credit agreement), plus a margin ranging from 0.6% to
1.4% (except in the case of the LIBOR base rate, in which case, the margin ranges from 1.6% to 2.4%), based on a specified financial ratio based on
indebtedness. Outstanding amounts under the Term Loan bear interest at LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 2.0% to 3.0% based on the same financial
ratio. Based on the rates and the principal amount outstanding under the Term Loan ($187.5 million) and the Revolving Facility ($0.00) as of December 31,
2017, interest and fees are estimated to be less than $2 million per quarter, however, our interest expense is expected to increase by approximately $1
million per quarter if we use the Revolving Facility to partially fund our acquisition of Atrenne as anticipated. Actual amounts could differ materially
from these estimates. Payment defaults under the credit facility will incur interest on unpaid amounts at an annual rate equal to the sum of (i) 2%, plus
(ii) the Prime Rate, in the case of overdue amounts payable in Canadian dollars, or the Base Rate Canada, in the case of overdue amounts payable in
U.S. dollars. If an event of default occurs and is continuing, the administrative agent may declare all advances on the facility to be immediately due
and payable, and may cancel the lenders' commitments to make further advances thereunder. See “Capital Resources” below and note 12 to our 2017
audited consolidated financial statements for a description of our credit facility, including amounts outstanding thereunder, repayment dates and interest
obligations.
Represents contractual obligations under finance leases, including $11.1 million related to solar panel manufacturing equipment (recorded as a current
liability at December 31, 2017). In connection with the anticipated disposition of our solar equipment, we terminated and settled the remaining lease
obligations related to this equipment in full in January 2018.
Based on our latest actuarial valuations, we estimate our funding requirement for 2018 to be $11.9 million (2017 — $11.9 million; 2016 — $19.4
million). In mid-2016, we provided a parental guarantee to the Trustees of our U.K. pension plans, and since the plans were considered sufficiently
funded, no further contributions to these plans were required. See further details in note 19 to our 2017 audited consolidated financial statements. A
significant deterioration in the asset values or asset returns could lead to higher than expected future contributions. Risks and uncertainties associated
with actuarial valuation measurements may also result in higher future cash contributions. We fund our pension contributions from cash on hand.
Although we have defined benefit plans that are currently in a net unfunded position, we do not expect our pension obligations will have a material
adverse impact on our future results of operations, cash flows or liquidity.
Represents outstanding purchase orders with suppliers to acquire inventory. These purchase orders are generally short-term in nature and legally binding.
However, a substantial portion of these purchase orders are for standard inventory items which we have procured for specific customers based on their
purchase orders or forecasts, under which such customers have contractually assumed liability for such material, if not consumed.
Represents obligations under IT support agreements.
This table excludes $27.5 million of long-term deferred income tax liabilities and $35.4 million of provisions and other non-current liabilities primarily
pertaining to warranties and asset retirement obligations, as we are unable to reliably estimate the timing of any future payments related thereto. However,
long-term liabilities included in our consolidated balance sheet include these items.
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As at December 31, 2017, we had additional commitments that expire as follows (in millions):
Foreign currency contracts(i) .............................
Letters of credit, letters of guarantee and
surety bonds(ii) .................................................
Capital expenditures(iii)......................................
Total...................................................................
Total
$ 576.1
2018
$ 576.1
2019
2020
2021
2022
$ — $ — $ — $ — $
Thereafter
—
36.8
10.5
27.5
$ 640.4
27.5
$ 614.1
$
1.2
—
1.2
23.2
—
$
23.2
$
0.2
—
0.2
—
—
$ — $
1.7
—
1.7
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
Represents the aggregate notional amounts of our forward currency contracts and swaps.
Includes $23.2 million in letters of credit issued under our Revolving Facility.
Our capital spending varies each period based on the timing of new business wins and forecasted sales levels. Based on our current operating plans,
we anticipate capital spending for 2018 to be approximately 1.5% to 2.0% of revenue, and expect to fund these expenditures from cash on hand and
through the financing agreements described below. As at December 31, 2017, we had committed $27.5 million for capital expenditures, principally for
machinery and equipment to support new customer programs, of which approximately 40% is committed for Asia, 25% is committed for North America
(excluding Canada), 20% is committed for Canada and 15% is committed for Europe.
Customer or program transfers between EMS providers are part of the competitive nature of our industry. From time-to-
time, we make commitments to purchase assets, primarily inventory, or fund certain costs, as part of transitioning programs from
a customer or a competitor. In April 2015, we purchased $27.6 million of inventory and assumed the relevant workforce in
connection with a program transferred to us under an “operate-in-place” arrangement with one of our aerospace and defense
customers. In September 2017, we purchased $5 million of inventory and assumed the relevant workforce in connection with a
similar arrangement.
We have entered into financing agreements for the lease of machinery and equipment. For leases where the risks and
rewards of ownership have substantially transferred to us, we capitalize the leased asset and record a corresponding liability on
our consolidated balance sheet. In relation to our former solar panel manufacturing business, we entered into five-year lease
agreements in April 2015, pursuant to which we leased $19.3 million of manufacturing equipment for our solar operations in Asia.
At December 31, 2017, our remaining solar equipment lease obligations totaled $11.1 million, which we settled in full in January
2018, in anticipation of the sale of such equipment. See “Finance leases” in the contractual obligations table above.
On July 23, 2015, we entered into a property sale agreement (Property Sale Agreement) to sell our real property located
in Toronto, Ontario, which includes the site of our corporate headquarters and our Toronto manufacturing operations, to a special
purpose entity (Property Purchaser) to be formed by a consortium of three real estate developers. Subject to completion of the
transaction, the purchase price is approximately $137 million Canadian dollars (approximately $109 million at year-end exchange
rates), exclusive of applicable taxes and subject to certain adjustments. Upon execution of the Property Sale Agreement, the Property
Purchaser paid us a cash deposit of $15 million Canadian dollars ($11.2 million at the then-prevailing exchange rate), which is
non-refundable except in limited circumstances. Upon closing, which is subject to various conditions, including municipal
approvals, the Property Purchaser is to pay us an additional $53.5 million Canadian dollars in cash (approximately $43 million at
year-end exchange rates). The balance of the purchase price is to be satisfied upon closing by an interest-free, first-ranking mortgage
in the amount of $68.5 million Canadian dollars (approximately $55 million at year-end exchange rates) to be registered on title
to the property and having a term of two years from the closing date. In April 2017, we received notice from the Property Purchaser
that the municipal zoning approval process required to complete the transaction will take longer than originally anticipated. As a
result, the purchaser exercised its option under the Property Sale Agreement to extend the approvals period by one year. Assuming
the timely satisfaction of various conditions, we currently expect the transaction to close during 2018. However, there can be no
assurance that this transaction will be completed during 2018, or at all. As part of the transaction, we have agreed, upon closing,
to enter into a short-term interim lease for our existing corporate headquarters and manufacturing premises on a portion of the real
estate on a rent-free basis (subject to certain payments including taxes and utilities), which is to be followed by a long-term lease
for our new corporate headquarters, on commercially reasonable arm’s-length terms. Whether or not this transaction is
consummated, however, we are moving our existing Toronto manufacturing operations to another location.
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In connection therewith, we entered into a long-term lease in November 2017 (in the Greater Toronto area) for the
relocation of our Toronto manufacturing operations. Occupancy under such lease is anticipated to commence at the end of the first
quarter of 2018. Such lease is included in the table above under “Operating Leases.” We currently expect to complete the transition
to this new manufacturing location by the end of the first quarter of 2019. In addition (as noted above), should the sale be
consummated, we will enter into a long-term lease with the Property Purchaser for our new corporate headquarters. In connection
therewith, we intend to move such headquarters to a temporary location while space in a new office building (to be built by the
Property Purchaser on the site of our current location) is under construction. The temporary office relocation is currently expected
to occur by the end of the first quarter of 2019. We will incur significant costs throughout the transition period (which commenced
in the fourth quarter of 2017) to relocate our corporate headquarters and to transfer our Toronto manufacturing operations to its
new location, and as we prepare and customize the new site to meet our manufacturing needs. These costs will consist of building
improvements and new equipment which we will capitalize, as well as transition-related costs which we will record in other charges.
We expect to incur approximately $16 million in building improvement and capital expenditure costs for the new manufacturing
location, all anticipated to be incurred during 2018 and to be funded from cash on hand. We have incurred approximately $2 million
of such costs through February 14, 2018. Transition costs are comprised of direct relocation costs, duplicate costs (such as rent
expense, utility costs, depreciation charges, and personnel costs) incurred during the transition period, as well as cease-use costs
incurred in connection with idle or vacated portions of the relevant premises that we would not have incurred but for these
relocations. Any amounts received from the purchasers of our Toronto real property or gains recorded in connection with its sale,
will be recorded as recoveries through other charges (recoveries). We incurred $1.6 million of such costs in the fourth quarter of
2017, consisting of utility costs related to idle premises, and depreciation charges and personnel costs used in the operation of
duplicate production lines in advance of the transition. The costs, timing and execution of these relocations could have a material
adverse impact on our business, our operating results and our financial position.
We have granted share unit awards to employees under our stock-based compensation plans. Under one such plan, we
have the option to satisfy the delivery of shares upon vesting of the awards by purchasing subordinate voting shares in the open
market or by settling such awards in cash, although we currently expect to satisfy these awards with subordinate voting shares
purchased in the open market. Under our other stock-based compensation plan, we may (at the time of grant) authorize the grantee
to elect to settle awards in either cash or subordinate voting shares. Absent such permitted election, grants will be settled in
subordinate voting shares, which may be purchased in the open market or issued from treasury, subject to certain limits. The timing
of, and the amounts paid for, these purchases can vary from period to period. We have funded, and expect to continue to fund,
share repurchases for this purpose from cash on hand. During 2017, we paid $16.7 million (2016 — $18.2 million; 2015 — $28.9
million) to purchase subordinate voting shares in the open market through a broker for this purpose.
We have funded and intend to continue to fund share repurchases under our NCIBs and our SIBs from cash on hand,
borrowings under our Revolving Facility, or a combination thereof. During 2017, we paid $19.9 million (2016 — $34.3 million;
2015 — $370.4 million), including transactions costs, to repurchase subordinate voting shares in the open market for cancellation.
We provide routine indemnifications, the terms of which range in duration and often are not explicitly defined. These
may include indemnifications against third-party intellectual property infringement claims and certain third-party negligence claims
for property damage. We have also provided indemnifications in connection with the sale of certain businesses and real property.
The maximum potential liability from these indemnifications cannot be reasonably estimated. In some cases, we have recourse
against other parties to mitigate our risk of loss from these indemnifications. Historically, we have not made significant payments
relating to these types of indemnifications.
Litigation and contingencies:
In the normal course of our operations, we may be subject to lawsuits, investigations and other claims, including
environmental, labor, product, customer disputes and other matters. Management believes that adequate provisions have been
recorded where required. Although it is not always possible to estimate the extent of potential costs, if any, management believes
that the ultimate resolution of all such pending matters will not have a material adverse impact on our financial performance,
financial position or liquidity.
In 2007, securities class action proceedings were initiated against us and our former Chief Executive and Chief Financial
Officers in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. The proceedings were dismissed on January 16, 2017 with no payments by the
defendants.
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In the third quarter of 2017, the Brazilian Ministry of Science, Technology, Innovation and Communications (MCTIC)
issued assessments seeking to disqualify certain amounts of research and development (R&D) expenses for the years 2006 to 2009,
which entitled our Brazilian subsidiary (which ceased operations in 2009) to charge reduced sales tax levies to its customers. The
assessments against our Brazilian subsidiary (including interest and penalties) total approximately 39 million Brazilian real
(approximately $12 million at year-end exchange rates) for such years. Although we cannot predict the outcome of this matter, we
believe that our R&D activities for the period are supportable, and it is probable that our position will be sustained upon full
examination by the appropriate Brazilian authorities and, if necessary, upon consideration by the Brazilian judicial courts. Our
position is supported by our Brazilian legal advisers.
Capital Resources
Our capital resources consist of cash provided by operating activities, access to the Revolving Facility, intraday and
overnight bank overdraft facilities, an A/R sales program, a customer's supplier financing program, and our ability to issue debt
or equity securities. We regularly review our borrowing capacity and make adjustments, as permitted, for changes in economic
conditions and changes in our requirements. As part of our strategic initiatives to scale and diversify our ATS end market revenue
base and expand our capabilities in our ATS businesses, we may use cash on hand, issue equity or debt, and are likely to increase
our levels of third-party indebtedness (or any combination thereof) in order to fund operations or acquisitions, which could adversely
impact our cash position and liquidity, increase our debt leverage (in the case of the issuance or incurrence of debt), reduce our
debt agency ratings, dilute the current holders of our subordinate voting shares, and/or decrease the market price of such shares.
Issuances of debt or convertible debt securities could have rights and privileges senior to those of equity holders, and the terms of
such securities could impose restrictions on our operations. In addition, increases in our overall indebtedness levels, and/or the
terms of any new or refinanced credit facility, could limit our flexibility to plan for and adjust to changing business and market
conditions, increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions, limit our ability to refinance our
indebtedness on terms acceptable to us or at all, require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow to make interest and
principal payments on such indebtedness, subject us to higher levels of indebtedness than our competitors (which may put us at a
competitive disadvantage), subject us to restrictive and financial covenants, and limit our ability to obtain additional financing.
See “Liquidity — Cash requirements” above for further detail. We centrally manage our funding and treasury activities in accordance
with corporate policies, the main objectives of which are to ensure appropriate levels of liquidity, to have funds available for
working capital or other investments we determine are required to grow our business, to comply with debt covenants, to maintain
adequate levels of insurance, and to balance our exposures to market risks.
At December 31, 2017, we had cash and cash equivalents of $515.2 million (December 31, 2016 — $557.2 million), of
which approximately 78% was cash and 22% was cash equivalents, consisting of bank deposits. The majority of our cash and cash
equivalents was denominated in U.S. dollars, and the remainder was held primarily in Canadian dollars and Chinese renminbi.
We also held cash and cash equivalents in the following currencies: British pound sterling, Brazilian real, Czech koruna, Euro,
Hong Kong dollar, Indian rupee, Japanese yen, Lao kip, Malaysian ringgit, Mexican peso, Philippines peso, Romanian leu,
Singapore dollar, Taiwan dollar and Thai baht.
The majority of our cash and cash equivalents is held with financial institutions each of which had at December 31, 2017
a Standard and Poor’s short-term rating of A-1 or above. Our cash and cash equivalents are subject to intra-quarter swings, generally
related to the timing of A/R collections, inventory purchases and payments, and other capital uses.
We are party to an amended and restated credit agreement that consists of the $300.0 million Revolving Facility and the
$250.0 million non-revolving Term Loan (which is fully drawn), each of which matures in May 2020. The Term Loan was used
to fund a portion of our share repurchases under a 2015 SIB. The remainder of the SIB was funded with $25.0 million drawn on
the Revolving Facility (which has since been repaid) and $75.0 million in cash. The Revolving Facility has an accordion feature
that allows us to increase the $300.0 million limit by an additional $150.0 million on an uncommitted basis upon satisfaction of
certain terms and conditions. The Revolving Facility also includes a $25.0 million swing line, subject to the overall revolving
credit limit, that provides for short-term borrowings up to a maximum of seven days. The Revolving Facility permits us and certain
designated subsidiaries to borrow funds for general corporate purposes, including acquisitions. Borrowings under the Revolving
Facility bear interest for the period of the draw at various base rates selected by us consisting of LIBOR, Prime, Base Rate Canada,
and Base Rate (each as defined in the amended credit agreement), plus a margin. The margin for borrowings under the Revolving
Facility ranges from 0.6% to 1.4% (except in the case of the LIBOR base rate, in which case, the margin ranges from 1.6% to
2.4%), based on a specified financial ratio based on indebtedness. Outstanding amounts under the Revolving Facility are due at
maturity (but are required to be repaid prior thereto under specified circumstances). Amounts under the Revolving Facility are
generally drawn for fixed periods of time, and if repaid, can be redrawn until the maturity date of the facility. The Term Loan bears
79
interest at LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 2.0% to 3.0% based on the same financial ratio. The Term Loan requires quarterly
principal repayments of $6.25 million, with the remainder due at maturity. We are permitted to make voluntary prepayments of
the Term Loan, subject to certain terms and conditions. Prepayments on the Term Loan are also required under certain circumstances.
Repaid amounts on the Term Loan may not be re-borrowed. During the first quarter of 2016, we borrowed $40.0 million under
the Revolving Facility to fund share repurchases under our 2016 NCIB, including the $30.0 million PSR thereunder. In 2016, we
repaid a total of $50.0 million under the Revolving Facility and $25.0 million under the Term Loan. In 2017, we repaid a total of
$15.0 million under the Revolving Facility and $25.0 million under the Term Loan. During 2017, we incurred $6.5 million in
interest expense under our credit facility (2016 — $7.3 million, 2015 — $3.9 million). As of December 31, 2017, there were no
amounts outstanding under our Revolving Facility.
We are required to comply with certain restrictive covenants under the credit facility, including those relating to the
incurrence of senior ranking indebtedness, the sale of assets, a change of control, and certain financial covenants related to
indebtedness and interest coverage. Certain of our assets are pledged as security for borrowings under this facility. If an event of
default occurs and is continuing, the administrative agent may declare all advances on the facility to be immediately due and
payable and may cancel the lenders’ commitments to make further advances thereunder. At December 31, 2017, there was $187.5
million outstanding under our Term Loan and no amounts outstanding under our Revolving Facility (December 31, 2016 — $212.5
million outstanding under our Term Loan and $15.0 million outstanding under our Revolving Facility), and we were in compliance
with all restrictive and financial covenants thereunder. The credit facility is scheduled to mature in May 2020.
At December 31, 2017, we had $23.2 million (December 31, 2016 — $25.8 million) outstanding in letters of credit under
the Revolving Facility. We also arrange letters of credit and surety bonds outside of the Revolving Facility. At December 31, 2017,
we had $13.6 million (December 31, 2016 — $12.0 million) of such letters of credit and surety bonds outstanding.
At December 31, 2017, we had $276.8 million available (December 31, 2016 — $259.2 million available) under the
Revolving Facility for future borrowings. We also have a total of $73.5 million of uncommitted bank overdraft facilities available
for intraday and overnight operating requirements. There were no amounts outstanding under these overdraft facilities at
December 31, 2017 or December 31, 2016.
We have an accounts receivable sales agreement to sell up to $200.0 million (reduced from $250.0 million on March 23,
2017 based on a review of our requirements under this agreement) at any one time in accounts receivable on an uncommitted basis
(subject to pre-determined limits by customer) to two third-party banks. Each of these banks had a Standard and Poor’s short-term
rating of A-2 or above and a long-term rating of A- or above at December 31, 2017. The term of this agreement has been annually
extended in recent years (including in November 2017) for additional one-year periods (and is currently extendable to November
2019 under specified circumstances) but may be terminated earlier as provided in the agreement. At December 31, 2017, $80.0
million (December 31, 2016 — $50.0 million) of A/R were sold under this program, and de-recognized from our accounts receivable
balance. As our A/R sales program is on an uncommitted basis, there can be no assurance that any of the banks will purchase the
A/R we intend to sell to them under this program.
We have entered into an agreement with a third-party bank as part of a customer's supplier financing program pursuant
to which participating suppliers may sell accounts receivable from such customer to a third-party bank on an uncommitted basis
in order to receive earlier payment. At December 31, 2017, we sold $52.3 million of accounts receivable under this program
(December 31, 2016 — $51.4 million). We utilized this program to substantially offset the effect of extended payment terms
required by such customer on our working capital for the period. As the supplier financing program is on an uncommitted basis,
there can be no assurance that the bank will purchase the A/R we intend to sell to them thereunder.
The timing and the amounts we borrow and repay under our revolving credit and overdraft facilities, or sell under our
A/R sales program or the supplier financing program, can vary significantly from month-to-month depending upon our working
capital and other cash requirements.
Standard and Poor’s assigns a corporate credit rating to Celestica. This rating is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold
securities, as it does not comment as to market price or suitability for a particular investor. This rating may be subject to revision
or withdrawal at any time by the rating organization. At December 31, 2017, our Standard and Poor’s corporate credit rating was
BB, with a stable outlook. A reduction in our credit rating or change in outlook could adversely impact our future cost of borrowing.
80
Our strategy on capital risk management has not changed significantly since the end of 2016. Other than the restrictive
and financial covenants associated with our credit facility noted above, we are not subject to any contractual or regulatory capital
requirements. While some of our international operations are subject to government restrictions on the flow of capital into and out
of their jurisdictions, these restrictions have not had a material impact on our operations or cash flows.
Financial instruments:
Our short-term investment objectives are to preserve principal and to maximize yields without significantly increasing
risk, while at the same time not materially restricting our short-term access to cash.
The majority of our cash balances are held in U.S. dollars. We price the majority of our products in U.S. dollars and the
majority of our materials costs are also denominated in U.S. dollars. However, a significant portion of our non-materials costs
(including payroll, pensions, site costs and costs of locally sourced supplies and inventory) are denominated in various other
currencies. As a result, we may experience foreign exchange gains or losses on translation or transactions due to currency
fluctuations.
We have a foreign exchange risk management policy in place to govern our hedging activities. We do not enter into
speculative trades. Our current hedging activity is designed to reduce the variability of our foreign currency costs where we have
local manufacturing operations. We enter into foreign exchange forward contracts to hedge our cash flow exposures and foreign
currency swaps to hedge our balance sheet exposures. Balance sheet hedges are based on our forecasts of the future position of
net monetary assets or liabilities denominated in foreign currencies and, therefore, may not mitigate the full impact of any translation
impacts in the future. There can be no assurance that our hedging transactions will be successful in mitigating our foreign exchange
risk.
At December 31, 2017, we had foreign exchange forwards and swaps to trade U.S. dollars in exchange for the following
currencies:
Currency
Canadian dollar............................................................ $
Thai baht......................................................................
Malaysian ringgit.........................................................
Mexican peso...............................................................
British pound ...............................................................
Chinese renminbi.........................................................
Euro .............................................................................
Romanian leu...............................................................
Singapore dollar...........................................................
Other ............................................................................
Total ............................................................................. $
Contract amount
in
U.S. dollars (in
millions)
Weighted
average
exchange rate
of U.S. dollars
Maximum
period in
months
Fair value
gain (loss) (in
millions)
204.8
$
79.0
48.4
29.3
56.4
71.6
28.7
28.4
25.0
4.5
576.1
$
0.80
0.03
0.23
0.05
1.34
0.15
1.19
0.25
0.73
12
12
12
12
3
12
12
12
12
4.1
2.2
2.6
(0.9)
(0.5)
1.5
0.1
0.6
0.6
—
$
10.3
These contracts, which generally extend for periods of up to 12 months, will expire by the end of the fourth quarter of
2018. The fair value of the outstanding contracts at December 31, 2017 was a net unrealized gain of $10.3 million (December 31,
2016 — net unrealized loss of $9.6 million). The unrealized gains or losses are a result of fluctuations in foreign exchange rates
between the date the currency forward or swap contracts were entered into and the valuation date at period end.
81
Financial risks:
We are exposed to a variety of risks associated with financial instruments and otherwise.
Currency risk: Due to the global nature of our operations, we are exposed to exchange rate fluctuations on our financial
instruments denominated in various currencies. The majority of our currency risk is driven by operational costs, including income
tax expense, incurred in local currencies by our subsidiaries. As part of our risk management program, we attempt to mitigate
currency risk through a hedging program using forecasts of our anticipated future cash flows and balance sheet exposures
denominated in foreign currencies. We enter into foreign exchange forward contracts and swaps, generally for periods up to 12
months, to lock in the exchange rates for future foreign currency transactions, which is intended to reduce the variability of our
operating costs and future cash flows denominated in local currencies. While these contracts are intended to reduce the effects of
fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, our hedging strategy does not mitigate the longer-term impacts of changes to
foreign exchange rates. Although our functional currency is the U.S. dollar, currency risk on our income tax expense arises as we
are generally required to file our tax returns in the local currency for each particular country in which we have operations. While
our hedging program is designed to mitigate currency risk vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar, we remain subject to taxable foreign exchange
impacts in our translated local currency financial results relevant for tax reporting purposes. We do not use derivative financial
instruments for speculative purposes.
We cannot predict changes in currency exchange rates, the impact of exchange rate changes on our operating results, nor
the degree to which we will be able to manage the impact of currency exchange rate changes. Such changes, including as a result
of Brexit or other global events impacting currency exchange rates could materially adversely affect our business, results of
operations and financial condition.
Interest rate risk: Borrowings under our credit facility bear interest at specified rates, plus specified margins (as described
above). Our borrowings under this facility expose us to interest rate risk due to potential increases to the specified rates and margins.
A one-percentage point increase in these rates would increase interest expense, based on outstanding borrowings of $187.5 million
at December 31, 2017, by approximately $2 million annually.
Credit risk: Credit risk refers to the risk that a counterparty may default on its contractual obligations resulting in a financial
loss to us. We believe our credit risk of counterparty non-performance is relatively low, however, if a key supplier (or any company
within such supplier's supply chain) or customer experiences financial difficulties or fails to comply with their contractual
obligations, this could result in a financial loss to us. In connection therewith, see “Summary of 2017” and “Summary of 2016”
above for a description of the write-downs recorded in each of 2017 and 2016 related to our exit from the solar panel manufacturing
business. With respect to our financial market activities, we have adopted a policy of dealing only with credit-worthy counterparties
to help mitigate the risk of financial loss from defaults. We monitor the credit risk of the counterparties with whom we conduct
business, through a combined process of credit rating reviews and portfolio reviews. To attempt to mitigate the risk of financial
loss from defaults under our foreign currency forward contracts and swaps, our contracts are held by counterparty financial
institutions, each of which had at December 31, 2017 a Standard and Poor’s rating of A-2 or above. In addition, we maintain cash
and short-term investments in highly-rated investments or on deposit with major financial institutions. Each financial institution
with which we have our A/R sales program and the supplier financing program had a Standard and Poor’s short-term rating of A-2
or above and a long-term rating of A- or above at December 31, 2017. Each financial institution from which annuities have been
purchased for the defined benefit component of our Canadian pension plan had an A.M. Best or Standard and Poor’s long-term
rating of A- or above at December 31, 2017. In addition, the financial institutions from which annuities have been purchased for
the defined benefit component of our U.K. pension plans are governed by local regulatory bodies.
We also provide unsecured credit to our customers in the normal course of business. From time to time, we extend the
payment terms applicable to certain customers, and/or provide longer payment terms to new customers or with respect to new
programs. If this becomes more prevalent, it could adversely impact our working capital requirements, and increase our financial
exposure and credit risk. We attempt to mitigate customer credit risk by monitoring our customers’ financial condition and
performing ongoing credit evaluations as appropriate. In certain instances, we may obtain letters of credit or other forms of security
from our customers. We may also purchase credit insurance from a financial institution to reduce our credit exposure to certain
customers. We consider credit risk in determining our allowance for doubtful accounts and we believe our allowances, as adjusted
from time to time, are adequate.
82
Liquidity risk: Liquidity risk is the risk that we may not have cash available to satisfy our financial obligations as they
come due. The majority of our financial liabilities recorded in accounts payable, accrued and other current liabilities and provisions
are due within 90 days. We believe that cash flow from operating activities, together with cash on hand, cash from the sale of
A/R, and borrowings available under our Revolving Facility and intraday and overnight bank overdraft facilities are sufficient to
fund our currently anticipated financial obligations.
See note 21 to our 2017 audited consolidated financial statements for further details.
Related Party Transactions
Onex Corporation (Onex) beneficially owns or controls, directly or indirectly, all of our outstanding multiple voting
shares. Accordingly, Onex has the ability to exercise significant influence over our business and affairs and generally has the power
to determine all matters submitted to a vote of our shareholders where the subordinate voting shares and multiple voting shares
vote together as a single class. Mr. Gerald Schwartz, the Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of Onex,
and one of our directors until December 31, 2016, indirectly owns shares representing the majority of the voting rights of Onex.
In January 2009, we entered into a Services Agreement with Onex for the services of Mr. Schwartz as a director of
Celestica, pursuant to which Onex received compensation for such services. The initial term of this agreement was one year and
it automatically renews for successive one-year terms unless either party provides a notice of intent not to renew. In connection
with the retirement of Mr. Schwartz from our Board of Directors as of December 31, 2016, and the appointment of Mr. Tawfiq
Popatia (also an officer of Onex) as his replacement effective January 1, 2017, the Services Agreement was amended as of such
date to replace all references to Mr. Schwartz therein with references to Mr. Popatia, and to increase the annual fee payable to
Onex thereunder from $200,000 per year to $235,000 per year (to be consistent with current annual Board retainer fees), payable
in DSUs in equal quarterly installments in arrears. The Services Agreement terminates automatically and the rights of Onex to
receive compensation (other than accrued and unpaid compensation) will terminate (a) 30 days after the first day on which Onex
ceases to hold at least one multiple voting share of Celestica or any successor company or (b) the date Mr. Popatia ceases to be a
director of Celestica for any reason.
Also see discussion in “Cash requirements” above for a description of the Property Sale Agreement (and lease
arrangements) with respect to our real property located in Toronto, Ontario (which includes our corporate headquarters and our
Toronto manufacturing operations). Approximately 30% of the interests in the Property Purchaser are to be held by a privately-
held company in which Mr. Schwartz has a material interest. Mr. Schwartz also has a non-voting interest in an entity which is to
have an approximate 25% interest in the Property Purchaser.
Outstanding Share Data
As of February 14, 2018, we had 124,246,948 outstanding subordinate voting shares and 18,600,193 outstanding multiple
voting shares. As of such date, we also had 372,458 outstanding stock options, 3,716,960 outstanding RSUs, 3,300,645 outstanding
PSUs (assuming vesting of 100% of the target amount granted (amounts that will vest range from 0% to 200% of the target amount
granted)), and 1,455,550 outstanding DSUs; each vested option or unit entitles the holder thereof to receive one subordinate voting
share (or in certain cases, cash) pursuant to the terms thereof (subject to certain time or performance-based vesting conditions).
Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures:
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining a system of disclosure controls and procedures (as defined
in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the U.S. Exchange Act) designed to ensure that information we are required to disclose
in the reports that we file or submit under the U.S. Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time
periods specified in the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include,
without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by an issuer in the reports
that it files or submits under the U.S. Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the issuer’s management, including its
principal executive officer or officers and principal financial officer or officers, or persons performing similar functions, as
appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
83
Under the supervision of and with the participation of management, including our principal executive officer and principal
financial officer, we have evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of
December 31, 2017. Based on that evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that,
as of December 31, 2017, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to meet the requirements of Rules 13a-15(e)
and 15d-15(e) under the U.S. Exchange Act.
A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that
its objectives are met. Due to inherent limitations in all such systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance
that all control issues within a company have been detected. Accordingly, our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to
provide reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of our disclosure control system are met.
Changes in internal control over financial reporting:
We did not identify any change in our internal control over financial reporting in connection with our evaluation thereof
that occurred during the year ended December 31, 2017 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect,
our internal control over financial reporting. Although we implemented certain changes to our business processes, systems and
controls in preparation for the adoption of new accounting standards IFRS 15 (Revenue from Contracts with Customers) and IFRS
9 (Financial Instruments), no significant changes were made to our internal control over financial reporting due to the adoption
of these standards.
Management’s report on internal control over financial reporting:
Reference is made to our Management’s Report on page F-1 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended
December 31, 2017. Our auditors, KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, have issued an audit report on
our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017. This report appears on page F-2 of such Annual Report.
Unaudited Quarterly Financial Highlights (in millions, except percentages and per share amounts):
Revenue .........................................................
Gross profit %................................................
Net earnings...................................................
Weighted average # of basic shares...............
Weighted average # of diluted shares ............
# of shares outstanding ..................................
IFRS earnings per share:
2016
2017
First
Quarter
Second
Quarter
Third
Quarter
Fourth
Quarter
First
Quarter
Second
Quarter
Third
Quarter
Fourth
Quarter
$1,353.3
$1,485.5
$1,554.0
$1,623.7
$1,469.9
$1,558.5
$1,528.2
$1,553.9
6.9%
7.5%
7.1%
6.9%
7.0%
7.0%
6.8%
6.6%
$
25.6
$
36.2
$
53.6
$
20.9
$
22.8
$
34.4
$
33.4
$
14.4
143.5
145.2
143.3
142.1
144.1
140.7
140.8
143.0
140.8
140.9
143.4
140.9
142.1
144.0
143.2
143.4
145.5
143.6
143.7
145.7
143.7
143.3
145.5
141.8
basic ............................................................
diluted .........................................................
$
$
0.18
0.18
$
$
0.25
0.25
$
$
0.38
0.37
$
$
0.15
0.15
$
$
0.16
0.16
$
$
0.24
0.24
$
$
0.23
0.23
$
$
0.10
0.10
Comparability quarter-to-quarter:
The quarterly data reflects the following: the fourth quarters of 2016 and 2017 include the results of our annual impairment
testing of goodwill, intangible assets and property, plant and equipment; and all quarters have been impacted by our restructuring
actions. The amounts attributable to these items vary from quarter-to-quarter.
84
Fourth quarter 2017 compared to fourth quarter 2016:
Revenue of $1.55 billion for the fourth quarter of 2017 decreased 4% compared to the same period in 2016. Compared
to the fourth quarter of 2016, revenue dollars in the fourth quarter of 2017 from our Communications end market decreased 12%,
primarily due to weaker demand (offset in part by new programs) relative to the fourth quarter of 2016, which had benefited from
new programs and demand strength. Revenue dollars from our Enterprise end market decreased 4% in the fourth quarter of 2017
compared to the prior year period, primarily due to demand softness. These decreases were offset in part by a 6% revenue increase
from our ATS end market in the fourth quarter of 2017 compared to the prior year period, primarily due to new programs, as well
as stronger demand in our semiconductor business, which more than offset the decline in revenue due to our exit from the solar
panel manufacturing business (which negatively impacted ATS end market revenue by 4%). Gross margin for the fourth quarter
of 2017 decreased to 6.6% of total revenue compared to 6.9% of total revenue for the same period in 2016, primarily due to lower
revenue (primarily in our Communications end market), unfavorable changes in program mix, $3 million of additional ramping
costs with respect to certain new programs (described in “Operating Results” above), offset in part by margin improvements in
our ATS end market, including from our semiconductor business. Net earnings for the fourth quarter of 2017 of $14.4 million were
$6.5 million lower compared to the same period in the prior year, primarily due to the decrease in gross profit described above
and $8.3 million in refund interest income that benefited the fourth quarter of 2016, offset in part by lower other charges ($17.5
million in the fourth quarter of 2017 as compared to $25.8 million in the prior year period), primarily due to an $11.2 million
reduction in restructuring charges in the fourth quarter of 2017 as compared to the prior year period. Restructuring charges for the
fourth quarter of 2016 were negatively impacted by charges related to our exit from the solar panel manufacturing business.
Fourth quarter 2017 compared to third quarter 2017:
Revenue for the fourth quarter of 2017 increased 2% compared to the third quarter of 2017. Compared to the previous
quarter, revenue dollars from our Enterprise end market increased 15%, primarily due to demand strength, and revenue dollars
from our ATS end market increased 6%, primarily due to our new “operate-in-place” program that commenced in the third quarter
of 2017 in our aerospace and defense business. These increases were offset in part by an 8% sequential revenue decline in our
Communications end market, primarily due to lower demand, including late changes in the quarter from certain customers. Gross
margin for the fourth quarter of 2017 decreased to 6.6% of total revenue compared to 6.8% of total revenue for the third quarter
of 2017. Although revenue was higher in the fourth quarter of 2017, gross margin was negatively impacted by changes in program
mix and the late changes in demand, the timing of which prevented us from reducing certain variable production costs in light of
lower volumes. Net earnings for the fourth quarter of 2017 of $14.4 million were $19.0 million lower compared to the previous
quarter, primarily due to $13.6 million in higher other charges, including higher restructuring charges of $9.1 million and $1.6
million of Toronto transition costs, and $3.1 million in higher SG&A expense in the fourth quarter of 2017 as compared to the
prior quarter.
Fourth quarter 2017 actual compared to guidance:
IFRS earnings per share (EPS) for the fourth quarter of 2017 of $0.10 on a diluted basis reflected an aggregate charge of
$0.15 (pre-tax) per share for employee stock-based compensation expense, amortization of intangible assets (excluding computer
software) and restructuring charges. We provided a range on October 26, 2017 of an aggregate charge of between $0.09 to $0.15
per share for these items. We cannot predict changes in currency exchange rates, the impact of such changes on our operating
results, or the degree to which we will be able to manage such impacts. IFRS earnings before income taxes as a percentage of
revenue for the fourth quarter of 2017 was 1.4%.
On October 26, 2017, we provided the following guidance for the fourth quarter of 2017:
IFRS revenue (in billions) ...............................................................................................
Non-IFRS operating margin ............................................................................................
Non-IFRS adjusted earnings per share (diluted) .............................................................
Q4 2017
Guidance
$1.5 to $1.6
3.6% at the mid-
point of
expectations
$0.27 to $0.33
Actual
$1.55
3.3%
$0.27
85
For the fourth quarter of 2017, revenue of $1.55 billion was at the mid-point of our guidance range, reflecting demand
strength from our Enterprise end market, offset by demand softness from our Communications end market. Our non-IFRS operating
margin of 3.3% for the fourth quarter of 2017 was negatively impacted by late demand changes from certain customers, the timing
of which prevented us from reducing certain variable production costs in light of the lower volumes. This also negatively impacted
our non-IFRS adjusted EPS of $0.27 per share for the fourth quarter of 2017.
Our guidance includes a range for adjusted EPS (which is a non-IFRS measure and is defined below). Management
considers non-IFRS adjusted EPS to be an important measure for investors to understand our core operating performance. A
reconciliation of non-IFRS adjusted net earnings to IFRS net earnings is set forth below.
Non-IFRS measures:
Management uses adjusted net earnings and the other non-IFRS measures described herein (i) to assess operating
performance and the effective use and allocation of resources, (ii) to provide more meaningful period-to-period comparisons of
operating results, (iii) to enhance investors’ understanding of the core operating results of our business, and (iv) to set management
incentive targets. We believe the non-IFRS measures we present herein are useful to investors, as they enable investors to evaluate
and compare our results from operations in a more consistent manner (by excluding specific items that we do not consider to be
reflective of our ongoing operating results), to evaluate cash resources that we generate each period, and to provide an analysis of
operating results using the same measures our chief operating decision makers use to measure performance. In addition, management
believes that the use of a non-IFRS adjusted tax expense and a non-IFRS adjusted effective tax rate provides improved insight
into the tax effects of our ongoing business operations, and is useful to management and investors for historical comparisons and
forecasting. These non-IFRS financial measures result largely from management’s determination that the facts and circumstances
surrounding the excluded charges or recoveries are not indicative of the ordinary course of the ongoing operation of our business.
We believe investors use both IFRS and non-IFRS measures to assess management’s past, current and future decisions
associated with our priorities and our allocation of capital, as well as to analyze how our business operates in, or responds to,
swings in economic cycles or to other events that impact our core operations.
In addition to cash cycle days (including the components thereof) and inventory turns (each described under the caption
“Other Performance Indicators” above), which have no defined meanings under IFRS, we use the following non-IFRS measures:
adjusted gross profit, adjusted gross margin (adjusted gross profit as a percentage of revenue), adjusted SG&A, adjusted SG&A
as a percentage of revenue, operating earnings (adjusted EBIAT), operating margin (operating earnings as a percentage of revenue),
adjusted net earnings, adjusted EPS, adjusted ROIC, free cash flow, adjusted tax expense and adjusted effective tax rate. Adjusted
EBIAT, adjusted ROIC, free cash flow, adjusted tax expense and adjusted effective tax rate are further described in the tables
below. In calculating these non-IFRS financial measures, management excludes the following items, where applicable: employee
stock-based compensation expense, amortization of intangible assets (excluding computer software), restructuring and other
charges, net of recoveries (including Toronto transition costs (recoveries), described below), other solar charges (described below),
and the write-down of goodwill, intangible assets, and property, plant and equipment, all net of the associated tax adjustments
(which are set forth in the table below), and deferred tax write-offs/costs or recoveries associated with restructuring actions or
restructured sites.
Non-IFRS measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and may not be comparable to similar
measures presented by other companies. Non-IFRS measures are not measures of performance under IFRS and should not be
considered in isolation or as a substitute for any standardized measure under IFRS. The most significant limitation to management’s
use of non-IFRS financial measures is that the charges or credits excluded from the non-IFRS measures are nonetheless charges
or credits that are recognized under IFRS and that have an economic impact on us. Management compensates for these limitations
primarily by issuing IFRS results to show a complete picture of our performance, and reconciling non-IFRS results back to IFRS
results.
The economic substance of these exclusions and management’s rationale for excluding them from non-IFRS financial
measures is provided below:
Employee stock-based compensation expense, which represents the estimated fair value of stock options, RSUs and PSUs
granted to employees, is excluded because grant activities vary significantly from quarter-to-quarter in both quantity and fair value.
In addition, excluding this expense allows us to better compare core operating results with those of our competitors who also
86
generally exclude employee stock-based compensation expense in assessing their operating performance, who may have different
granting patterns and types of equity awards, and who may use different valuation assumptions than we do.
Amortization charges (excluding computer software) consist of non-cash charges against intangible assets that are
impacted by the timing and magnitude of acquired businesses. Amortization of intangible assets varies among our competitors,
and we believe that excluding these charges permits a better comparison of core operating results with those of our competitors
who also generally exclude amortization charges in assessing operating performance.
Restructuring and other charges, net of recoveries, include costs relating to employee severance, lease terminations, site
closings and consolidations, write-downs of owned property and equipment which are no longer used and are available for sale,
reductions in infrastructure, Toronto transition costs (recoveries) (discussed below), acquisition-related consulting, transaction and
integration costs, and legal settlements (recoveries). We exclude restructuring and other charges, net of recoveries, because we
believe that they are not directly related to ongoing operating results and do not reflect expected future operating expenses after
completion of these activities. We believe these exclusions permit a better comparison of our core operating results with those of
our competitors who also generally exclude these charges, net of recoveries, in assessing operating performance.
Restructuring and other charges, net of recoveries, also includes Toronto transition costs (recoveries), which are costs
(recoveries) recorded in connection with the sale of our Toronto real property, the relocation of our existing Toronto manufacturing
operations, the move of our corporate headquarters to a temporary location while space in a new office building for such headquarters
at our current location (to be built by, and which we intend to lease from, the purchasers of our Toronto real property) is under
construction, as well as the move to such new office space upon its completion. Toronto transition costs consist of direct relocation
costs, duplicate costs (such as rent expense, utility costs, depreciation charges, and personnel costs) incurred during the transition
period, as well as cease-use costs incurred in connection with idle or vacated portions of the relevant premises that we would not
have incurred but for these relocations. Toronto transition recoveries will consist of amounts received from the purchasers of the
Toronto real property or gains we record in connection with its sale, if consummated. We believe that excluding these costs and
recoveries permits a better comparison of our core operating results from period-to-period, as these costs will not reflect our
ongoing operations once these relocations are complete.
Other solar charges, consisting of non-cash charges to further write-down the carrying value of our then-remaining solar
panel inventory and the write-down of solar accounts receivable (A/R) (primarily as a result of a solar customer's bankruptcy) to
estimated recoverable amounts, were recorded in the second quarter of 2017 through cost of sales and SG&A expenses, respectively.
Both of these impairment charges, which were identified during the wind down phase of our solar operations after our decision
to exit the solar panel manufacturing business, are excluded as they pertain to a business we have exited, and we therefore believe
they are no longer directly related to our ongoing core operating results. Although we recorded significant impairment charges to
write down our solar panel inventory in the third quarter of 2016, those charges were not excluded in the determination of our
non-IFRS financial measures for such period, as we were then still engaged in the solar panel manufacturing business. In connection
with this wind-down, we also recorded net non-cash impairment charges to write down the carrying value of our solar panel
manufacturing equipment held for sale to its estimated sales value less costs to sell, which we recorded through other charges
during 2017.
Impairment charges, which consist of non-cash charges against goodwill, intangible assets and property, plant and
equipment, result primarily when the carrying value of these assets exceeds their recoverable amount. Our competitors may record
impairment charges at different times, and we believe that excluding these charges permits a better comparison of our core operating
results with those of our competitors who also generally exclude these charges in assessing operating performance.
Deferred tax write-offs/costs or recoveries associated with restructuring actions or restructured sites are excluded, as we
believe that these write-offs/costs or recoveries do not reflect core operating performance and vary significantly among those of
our competitors who also generally exclude these charges or recoveries in assessing operating performance.
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the various non-IFRS measures discussed above, and a
reconciliation of IFRS to non-IFRS measures, (in millions, except percentages and per share amounts):
87
IFRS revenue
IFRS gross profit
Employee stock-based compensation expense
Other solar charges (inventory write-down)
Non-IFRS adjusted gross profit
IFRS SG&A
Employee stock-based compensation expense
Other solar charges (A/R write-down)
Non-IFRS adjusted SG&A
IFRS earnings before income taxes
Finance costs
Refund interest income
Employee stock-based compensation expense
Amortization of intangible assets (excluding computer
software)
Net restructuring, impairment and other charges
Other solar charges (inventory and A/R
write-down)
Non-IFRS operating earnings (adjusted EBIAT) (1)
IFRS net earnings
Employee stock-based compensation expense
Amortization of intangible assets (excluding computer
software)
Net restructuring, impairment and other charges
Other solar charges (inventory and A/R
write-down)
Adjustments for taxes (2)
Non-IFRS adjusted net earnings
Diluted EPS
Weighted average # of shares (in millions)
IFRS earnings per share
Non-IFRS adjusted earnings per share
# of shares outstanding at period end (in millions)
IFRS cash provided by operations
Purchase of property, plant and equipment, net of sales
proceeds
Finance lease payments
Repayments from former solar supplier
Finance costs paid
Non-IFRS free cash flow (3)
IFRS ROIC % (4)
Non-IFRS Adjusted ROIC % (4)
Three months ended December 31
Year ended December 31
2016
2017
2016
2017
% of
revenue
% of
revenue
% of
revenue
% of
revenue
$ 1,623.7
$ 1,553.9
$ 6,016.5
$ 6,110.5
$
111.9
6.9%
$
102.4
6.6%
$
427.6
7.1%
$
417.8
6.8%
$
$
$
$
$
$
4.6
—
116.5
7.2%
53.2
3.3%
(5.8)
—
47.4
2.9%
1.8%
29.3
2.7
(8.3)
10.4
1.5
25.8
—
61.4
3.8%
1.3%
20.9
10.4
1.5
25.8
—
0.9
$
$
$
$
$
$
3.2
—
105.6
6.8%
51.1
3.3%
(4.2)
—
46.9
3.0%
22.1
1.4%
2.6
—
7.4
1.1
17.5
—
50.7
3.3%
0.9%
14.4
7.4
1.1
17.5
—
(0.7)
15.0
—
442.6
7.4%
211.1
3.5%
(18.0)
—
193.1
3.2%
161.0
2.7%
10.0
(14.3)
33.0
6.0
25.5
—
221.2
3.7%
136.3
2.3%
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
33.0
6.0
25.5
—
0.1
14.6
0.9
433.3
7.1%
203.2
3.3%
(15.5)
(0.5)
187.2
3.1%
132.4
2.2%
10.1
—
30.1
5.5
37.0
1.4
216.5
3.5%
105.0
1.7%
30.1
5.5
37.0
1.4
(6.7)
$
59.5
$
39.7
$
200.9
$
172.3
$
$
$
143.4
0.15
0.41
140.9
87.5
(17.8)
(1.0)
3.0
(2.4)
$
$
$
145.5
0.10
0.27
141.8
43.7
(20.6)
(1.7)
—
(2.6)
$
$
143.9
0.95
1.40
140.9
$
$
145.2
0.72
1.19
141.8
$
173.3
$
127.0
(63.1)
(4.5)
14.0
(9.5)
(101.8)
(6.5)
12.5
(10.2)
$
69.3
$
18.8
$
110.2
$
21.0
10.8%
22.7%
7.4%
17.0%
15.2%
20.8%
11.7%
19.1%
88
(1) Management uses non-IFRS operating earnings (adjusted EBIAT) as a measure to assess our operational performance related to our core operations. Non-
IFRS adjusted EBIAT is defined as earnings before finance costs (consisting of interest and fees related to our credit facility, our accounts receivable sales
program, and a customer's supplier financing program), amortization of intangible assets (excluding computer software) and income taxes. Non-IFRS adjusted
EBIAT also excludes, in periods where such charges have been recorded, employee stock-based compensation expense, restructuring and other charges,
including acquisition-related consulting, transaction and integration costs (net of recoveries) and Toronto transition costs (recoveries), impairment charges,
other solar charges, and refund interest income with respect to amounts previously held on account with Canadian tax authorities. During the fourth quarter
of 2017, we recorded $1.6 million of Toronto transition costs. We expect these costs to continue into 2019. The Toronto transition costs are reported as other
charges.
(2) The adjustments for taxes, as applicable, represent the tax effects on our non-IFRS adjustments and tax write-offs/costs or recoveries related to restructured
sites (described below).
The following table sets forth a reconciliation of our IFRS tax expense and IFRS effective tax rate to our non-IFRS adjusted tax expense and our non-IFRS
adjusted effective tax rate for the periods indicated, in each case determined by excluding the tax benefits or costs associated with the listed items (in millions,
except percentages) from our IFRS tax expense for such periods:
Three months ended
December 31
Year ended
December 31
2016
Effective
tax rate
2017
Effective
tax rate
2016
Effective
tax rate
2017
Effective
tax rate
IFRS tax expense/IFRS effective tax rate
$
8.4
29%
$
7.7
35%
$
24.7
15%
$
27.4
21%
Tax costs (benefits) of the following items excluded from
IFRS tax expense:
Employee stock-based compensation
Amortization of intangible assets (excluding
computer software)
Net restructuring, impairment and other charges
Other solar charges (inventory and A/R write-down)
Other charges related to restructured sites
Non-IFRS adjusted tax expense/Non-IFRS adjusted effective
tax rate
(0.5)
—
0.1
—
(0.5)
0.9
—
(0.2)
—
—
0.9
—
0.4
—
(1.4)
1.7
—
1.2
0.4
3.4
$
7.5
11%
$
8.4
17%
$
24.6
11%
$
34.1
17%
(3) Management uses non-IFRS free cash flow as a measure, in addition to IFRS cash flow provided by (used in) operations, to assess our operational cash flow
performance. We believe non-IFRS free cash flow provides another level of transparency to our liquidity. Non-IFRS free cash flow is defined as cash provided
by (used in) operations after the purchase of property, plant and equipment (net of proceeds from the sale of certain surplus equipment and property), finance
lease payments, repayments from a former solar supplier, and finance costs paid. As a measure of liquidity, in periods when it is relevant (the third quarter
of 2015), non-IFRS free cash flow also included deposits received on the anticipated sale of real property (see note 18 to our 2017 audited consolidated
financial statements). Similarly, it is our intention to include any amounts received from the purchasers of our Toronto real property (should the sale be
consummated) in non-IFRS free cash flow in the period of receipt. Note that non-IFRS free cash flow, however, does not represent residual cash flow available
to Celestica for discretionary expenditures.
(4) Management uses non-IFRS adjusted ROIC as a measure to assess the effectiveness of the invested capital we use to build products or provide services to
our customers, by quantifying how well we generate earnings relative to the capital we have invested in our business. Our non-IFRS adjusted ROIC measure
reflects non-IFRS operating earnings, working capital management and asset utilization. Non-IFRS adjusted ROIC is calculated by dividing non-IFRS
adjusted EBIAT by average net invested capital. Net invested capital (calculated in the table below) consists of the following IFRS measures: total assets
less cash, accounts payable, accrued and other current liabilities and provisions, and income taxes payable. We use a two-point average to calculate average
net invested capital for the quarter and a five-point average to calculate average net invested capital for the year. A comparable measure under IFRS would
be determined by dividing IFRS earnings before income taxes by net invested capital (which we have set forth in the charts above and below), however, this
measure (which we have called IFRS ROIC), is not a measure defined under IFRS.
89
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, our calculation of IFRS ROIC % and non-IFRS adjusted ROIC
% (in millions, except IFRS ROIC % and non-IFRS adjusted ROIC %):
IFRS earnings before income taxes
Multiplier
Annualized IFRS earnings before income taxes
Average net invested capital for the period
IFRS ROIC % (1)
Non-IFRS operating earnings (adjusted EBIAT)
Multiplier
Annualized non-IFRS adjusted EBIAT
Average net invested capital for the period
Non-IFRS adjusted ROIC % (1)
Three months ended
December 31
Year ended
December 31
2016
2017
2016
2017
$
$
$
$
$
$
29.3
4
117.2
1,083.8
$
$
$
22.1
4
88.4
1,196.3
10.8%
7.4%
Three months ended
December 31
2016
2017
61.4
4
245.6
1,083.8
$
$
$
50.7
4
202.8
1,196.3
$
$
$
$
$
$
161.0
1
161.0
1,062.3
$
$
$
132.4
1
132.4
1,133.1
15.2%
11.7%
Year ended
December 31
2016
2017
221.2
1
221.2
1,062.3
$
$
$
216.5
1
216.5
1,133.1
22.7%
17.0%
20.8%
19.1%
December 31
2016
March 31
2017
June 30
2017
September 30
2017
December 31
2017
Net invested capital consists of:
Total assets
Less: cash
Less: accounts payable, accrued and other current liabilities,
provisions and income taxes payable
Net invested capital at period end (1)
$
$
2,822.3
$
2,814.6
$
2,857.7
$
2,871.7
$
2,944.7
557.2
558.0
582.7
527.0
515.2
1,189.7
1,165.5
1,168.4
1,152.7
1,075.4
$
1,091.1
$
1,106.6
$
1,192.0
$
1,228.9
1,200.6
Net invested capital consists of:
Total assets
Less: cash
Less: accounts payable, accrued and other current liabilities,
provisions and income taxes payable
Net invested capital at period end (1)
(1)
See footnote 4 of the previous table.
December 31
2015
March 31
2016
June 30
2016
September 30
2016
December 31
2016
$
$
2,612.0
$
2,621.9
$
2,720.1
$
2,813.7
$
2,822.3
545.3
1,104.3
962.4
511.5
472.9
542.0
557.2
1,053.8
1,122.5
1,179.4
$
1,056.6
$
1,124.7
$
1,092.3
$
1,189.7
1,075.4
90
Recently issued accounting pronouncements:
IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers:
In May 2014, the IASB issued this standard, which provides a single, principles-based five-step model for revenue recognition
to be applied to all customer contracts, and requires enhanced disclosures. The new standard is effective for annual periods beginning
on or after January 1, 2018, and allows for early adoption. We adopted this standard on January 1, 2018, and have elected to use
the retrospective approach, pursuant to which we will restate each relevant comparative reporting periods presented and recognize
the transitional adjustments through equity at the start of the first comparative reporting period to be presented in our quarterly
and annual consolidated financial statements (which will be January 1, 2016 for our annual financial statements). The new standard
will change the timing of our revenue recognition for a significant portion of our business, resulting in the recognition of revenue
for certain customer contracts earlier than under the previous recognition rules (which was generally upon delivery). The new
standard will materially impact our consolidated financial statements, primarily in relation to inventory and accounts receivable
balances.
We currently estimate the following impacts under the new standard (in millions):
Accounts receivable/Contract asset.......................................................... $
Inventories ................................................................................................
Deferred taxes ..........................................................................................
Deficit.......................................................................................................
Revenue ....................................................................................................
Cost of sales .............................................................................................
Net earnings..............................................................................................
January 1
December 31
Year ended
2016
2016
December 31, 2016
Increase (decrease)
197
$
(178)
227
$
(206)
(2)
(17)
—
—
—
(2)
(19)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
30
28
2
We are currently analyzing and will disclose the anticipated extent of the financial impact of the new standard on the
specific line items above as of December 31, 2017 and for the year ended December 31, 2017 when our analysis is completed. We
have made the necessary changes to our business processes, systems and controls to support the recognition and disclosures required
for the new standard.
IFRS 9, Financial Instruments:
In July 2014, the IASB issued a final version of this standard, which replaces IAS 39, Financial Instruments: Recognition
and Measurement, and is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018, with earlier adoption permitted. The
standard introduces a new model for the classification and measurement of financial assets, a single expected credit loss model
for the measurement of the impairment of financial assets, and a new model for hedge accounting that is aligned with a company's
risk management activities. We adopted this standard effective January 1, 2018. The adoption of this standard will not have a
material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
IFRS 16, Leases:
In January 2016, the IASB issued this standard, which brings most leases on-balance sheet for lessees under a single model,
eliminating the distinction between operating and finance leases. IFRS 16 supersedes IAS 17, Leases, and related interpretations
and is effective for periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019, with earlier adoption permitted. We do not intend to adopt this
standard early. We have established a project team to evaluate the anticipated impact of this standard on our consolidated financial
statements, as well as any changes to our business processes, systems and controls that may be required to support the recognition
and disclosures required by the new standard. Transition efforts are currently underway, and are anticipated to be complete by
January 1, 2019.
Research and development, patents and licenses, etc.
The information required by this item is set forth above in Item 3(A) "Key Information — Selected Financial Data" in
footnote 2, and in Item 4(B) "Information on the Company — Business Overview — Research and Technology Development."
91
Trend Information
The information required by this item is set forth above in "Overview," "Operating Results," and "Liquidity and Capital
Resources," in Item 3(D) "Key Information — Risk Factors," and in Item 4(B) "Information on the Company — Business
Overview."
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Not applicable.
Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees
A. Directors and Senior Management
Each director of Celestica is elected by the shareholders to serve until the close of the next annual meeting of shareholders
or until a successor is elected or appointed, unless such office is earlier vacated in accordance with the Corporation's by-laws. The
following table sets forth certain information regarding the current directors and executive officers of Celestica as of February 14,
2018.*
* Mr. Deepak Chopra (age 54), a resident of Ontario, Canada, is currently a nominee for director, and is standing for election at
the Corporation's 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the "Meeting").
Age
Director
Name
Since
William A. Etherington(1)................................... 76 2001
Daniel P. DiMaggio ............................................... 67 2010
Laurette T. Koellner............................................... 63 2009
Carol S. Perry ........................................................ 67 2013
Tawfiq Popatia(2)............................................... 43 2017
Eamon J. Ryan ....................................................... 72 2008
Michael M. Wilson ................................................ 66 2011
Robert A. Mionis ................................................... 54 2015
Position with Celestica
Chair of the Board
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director, President and Chief
Executive Officer
Age
Name
Mandeep Chawla(3) ................................................ 41
Todd C. Cooper(4) .................................................. 48
Executive
Officer
Since
2017
Position with Celestica
Chief Financial Officer
2018
Chief Operations Officer
Elizabeth L. DelBianco ......................................... 58
1998
John ("Jack") J. Lawless........................................ 57
2015
Chief Legal and Administrative
Officer and Corporate Secretary
President, Advanced Technology
Solutions (ATS)
Residence
Ontario, Canada
Georgia, U.S.
Florida, U.S.
Ontario, Canada
Ontario, Canada
Ontario, Canada
Alberta, Canada
Arizona, U.S.
Residence
Ontario, Canada
Connecticut,
U.S.
Ontario, Canada
Georgia, U.S.
Michael P. McCaughey.......................................... 55
2007
Nicolas Pujet.......................................................... 45
2016
____________________________________
President, Connectivity and Cloud
Solutions (CCS)
Chief Strategy Officer
Québec, Canada
Colorado, U.S.
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
Chair of the Board since April 2012
Director since January 1, 2017
Interim Chief Financial Officer effective May 23, 2017; appointed Chief Financial Officer effective October 19, 2017
Executive Officer since January 4, 2018
92
The following is a brief biography of each of Celestica's directors, director nominees and executive officers:
William A. Etherington. Mr. Etherington is a corporate director. In addition to being the Chair of the Board of Celestica,
he is also a director of Onex* (a public company). He is a former director and non-executive Chairman of the board of directors
of the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (a public company), and a former director of St. Michael's Hospital. In 2001,
Mr. Etherington retired as Senior Vice President and Group Executive, Sales and Distribution, IBM Corporation (a public company),
and as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of IBM World Trade Corporation. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree
in Electrical Engineering and a Doctor of Laws (Hon.) from Western University.
*
Onex holds an approximate 79% voting interest in Celestica. See "Controlling Shareholder Interest" under Item 4(B) above.
Deepak Chopra (nominee). Mr. Chopra most recently served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Canada Post
Corporation from February 2011 to March 2018. He has more than 30 years of global experience in the financial services, technology,
logistics and supply-chain industries. Mr. Chopra worked for Pitney Bowes Inc., a NYSE-traded technology company known for
postage meters, mail automation and location intelligence services, for more than 20 years. He served as President of Pitney Bowes
Canada and Latin America from 2006 to 2010. He held a number of increasingly senior executive roles internationally, including
President of its new Asia Pacific and Middle East region from 2001 to 2006 and Chief Financial Officer for the Europe, Africa
and Middle East (EAME) region from 1998 to 2001. He has previously served on the boards of Canada Post Corporation, Purolator
Inc., SCI Group, the Canada Post Community Foundation and the Toronto Region Board of Trade. He currently sits on the board
of the Conference Board of Canada. Mr. Chopra is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada and
has a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce (Honours) and a Master’s Degree in Business Management (PGDBM).
Daniel P. DiMaggio. Mr. DiMaggio is a corporate director. Prior to retiring in 2006, he spent 35 years with United Parcel
Services ("UPS") (a public company), most recently as Chief Executive Officer of the UPS Worldwide Logistics Group. Prior to
leading UPS' Worldwide Logistics Group, Mr. DiMaggio held a number of positions at UPS with increasing responsibility, including
leadership roles for the UPS International Marketing Group, as well as the Industrial Engineering function. In addition to his senior
leadership roles at UPS, Mr. DiMaggio was a member of the board of directors of Greatwide Logistics Services, Inc.* and CEVA
Logistics (a public company). He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the Lowell Technological Institute (now the University
of Massachusetts Lowell).
*
Mr. DiMaggio was serving as a director of Greatwide Logistics Services, Inc., a privately held company, when that entity filed for bankruptcy
in 2008.
Laurette T. Koellner. Ms. Koellner is a corporate director. She most recently served as Executive Chairman of International
Lease Finance Corporation, an aircraft leasing subsidiary of American International Group, Inc. ("AIG") from 2012 until its sale
in 2014. Ms. Koellner retired as President of Boeing International, a division of The Boeing Company, in 2008. While at Boeing,
she was a member of the Office of the Chairman and served as the Executive Vice President, Internal Services, Chief Human
Resources and Administrative Officer, President of Shared Services, and Corporate Controller. Ms. Koellner currently serves on
the board of directors of Papa John's International, Inc., The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, and Nucor Corporation, all public
companies. Ms. Koellner previously served on the board of directors and was the Chair of the Audit Committee of Hillshire Brands
Company (a public company, formerly Sara Lee Corporation and now merged with Tyson Foods, Inc.), and on the board of directors
of AIG (a public company). She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from the University of Central
Florida and a Masters of Business Administration from Stetson University, as well as a Certified Professional Contracts Manager
designation from the National Contracts Management Association.
Carol S. Perry. Ms. Perry is a corporate director. She is Chair of the Independent Review Committee of the mutual funds
managed by 1832 Asset Management L.P., a mutual fund manager and wholly-owned affiliate of The Bank of Nova Scotia.
Previously, she was a Commissioner of the Ontario Securities Commission, and has served on adjudicative panels and acted as a
director and Chair of its Governance and Nominating Committee. With over 20 years of experience in the investment industry as
an investment banker, Ms. Perry held senior positions with leading financial services companies including RBC Capital Markets,
Richardson Greenshields of Canada Limited and CIBC World Markets and later founded MaxxCap Corporate Finance Inc., a
financial advisory firm. She is a former director of Softchoice Corporation, Atomic Energy of Canada Limited and DALSA
Corporation. Ms. Perry has a Bachelor of Engineering Science (Electrical) degree from the University of Western Ontario and a
Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Toronto. She also holds the professional designation ICD.D from
the Institute of Corporate Directors.
93
Tawfiq Popatia. Mr. Popatia has been a Managing Director of Onex* since 2014 and leads its efforts in automation,
aerospace and other transportation-focused industries, having joined the firm in 2007. Prior to joining Onex, Mr. Popatia worked
at the private equity firm of Hellman & Friedman LLC and in the Investment Banking Division of Morgan Stanley & Co.
Mr. Popatia currently serves on the boards of Advanced Integration Technology, an aerospace automation company, and BBAM,
a provider of commercial jet aircraft leasing, financing and management. He previously served on the board of Spirit Aerosystems
(a public company), and is a former Employer Trustee of the International Association of Machinists National Pension Fund.
Mr. Popatia holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology and a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Finance from the University
of British Columbia.
*
Onex holds an approximate 79% voting interest in Celestica. See "Controlling Shareholder Interest" under Item 4(B) above.
Eamon J. Ryan. Mr. Ryan is a corporate director. He is the former Vice President and General Manager, Europe, Middle
East and Africa for Lexmark International Inc. (a public company). Prior to that, he was the Vice President and General Manager,
Printing Services and Solutions Manager, Europe, Middle East and Africa. Mr. Ryan joined Lexmark International Inc. in 1991
as the President of Lexmark Canada. Prior to that, he spent 22 years at IBM Canada, where he held a number of sales and marketing
roles in its Office Products and Large Systems divisions. Mr. Ryan's last role at IBM Canada was Director of Operations for its
Public Sector, a role he held from 1986 to 1990. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Western Ontario.
Michael M. Wilson. Mr. Wilson is a corporate director. Until his retirement in December 2013, he was the President and
Chief Executive Officer, and a director, of Agrium Inc. (a public agricultural crop inputs company), and has over 30 years of
international and executive management experience. Prior to joining Agrium Inc., Mr. Wilson served as President of Methanex
Corporation (a public company), and held various senior positions in North America and Asia during his 18 years with The Dow
Chemical Company (a public company). Mr. Wilson also currently serves on the board of directors of Air Canada and Suncor
Energy Inc., and previously served on the board of directors of Finning International Inc. (each a public company), and was also
the past Chair of the Calgary Prostate Cancer Centre. He holds a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Waterloo.
Robert A. Mionis. Mr. Mionis has been President and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation since August 1, 2015.
From July 2013 until August 2015, he was an Operating Partner at Pamplona Capital Management (Pamplona), a global private
equity firm focused on companies in the industrial, aerospace, healthcare and automotive segments. Before joining Pamplona,
Mr. Mionis spent over six years as the President and CEO of StandardAero, a global aerospace maintenance, repair and overhaul
company. Before StandardAero, Mr. Mionis held senior leadership roles at Honeywell, most recently as the head of the Integrated
Supply Chain Organization for Honeywell Aerospace. Prior to Honeywell, Mr. Mionis held a variety of progressively senior
leadership roles with General Electric (GE) and Axcelis Technologies (each a public company) and AlliedSignal. He holds a
Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Massachusetts.
Mandeep Chawla. Mr. Chawla has been Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation since October 19, 2017. As Chief
Financial Officer, Mr. Chawla is responsible for overseeing Celestica's accounting, financial and investor relations functions. Since
joining Celestica in 2010, Mr. Chawla has held progressively senior roles in the finance organization, most recently Interim Chief
Financial Officer (from May to October 2017), and Senior Vice President, Finance (from July 2016 until May 2017). Prior to
joining Celestica, he held finance positions with MDS Inc., Tyco International, and General Electric. Mr. Chawla holds a Master
of Finance degree from Queen's University and a Bachelor of Commerce degree from McMaster University. He is a Certified
Management Accountant.
Todd C. Cooper. Mr. Cooper joined Celestica as Chief Operations Officer in 2018 with over 25 years of experience in
operations leadership and advisory roles. Prior to joining Celestica, Mr. Cooper led Supply Chain, Procurement, Logistics, and
Sustainability value creation efforts across the portfolio companies of KKR, a leading global investment firm, from 2008 to 2018.
Prior to that, he was the Vice President of Global Sourcing in Honeywell's Aerospace Division from 2005 to 2008. Before Honeywell,
Mr. Cooper held various management roles at Storage Technology Corporation, McKinsey & Company, and served as a Captain
in the U.S. Army.
Elizabeth L. DelBianco. Ms. DelBianco is Chief Legal and Administrative Officer and Corporate Secretary. In this role,
she oversees legal, contracts, brand and communications, and sustainability. Ms. DelBianco joined Celestica in 1998 and since
that time has been responsible for managing legal, governance, and compliance matters for Celestica on a global basis. From 2007
to 2016, Ms. DelBianco was also responsible for overseeing human resources policies and practices. Prior to joining Celestica,
Ms. DelBianco was a senior corporate legal advisor in the telecommunications industry. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from
the University of Toronto, a Bachelor of Laws degree from Queen's University, and a Master of Business Administration degree
from the University of Western Ontario. She is admitted to practice in Ontario and New York.
94
John ("Jack") J. Lawless. Mr. Lawless is President, Advanced Technology Solutions (ATS). In this role, he is responsible
for the strategy and execution of Celestica's aerospace and defense, industrial, healthcare, and smart energy businesses, as well as
semiconductor capital equipment and consumer. He has served in this role since joining Celestica in October 2015; however, his
title changed in October 2016 from Executive Vice President, Diversified Markets in order to reflect organizational developments
made to better align with the Corporation's business strategy and operational model. From 2009 to 2014, Mr. Lawless was the
CEO of Associated Air Center, a subsidiary of StandardAero, one of the world's largest independent global aerospace maintenance,
repair and overhaul companies. He also held the role of Chief Operating Officer of StandardAero, where he was responsible for
operations, supply chain, quality, IT, and engineering. Prior to StandardAero, Mr. Lawless held a number of Vice President-level
roles with Honeywell. Before joining Honeywell, he held progressively senior positions with Axcelis Technologies, General Cable
and AlliedSignal.
Michael P. McCaughey. Mr. McCaughey is President, Connectivity and Cloud Solutions (CCS). In this role, he is
responsible for the strategic direction of the Corporation's enterprise and communications businesses, as well as its managed
services businesses. He also oversees key activities for all customer accounts in the Corporation's enterprise and communications
businesses. He has served in this role since 2012; however, his title changed in October 2016 from Executive Vice President,
Communications, Enterprise and Managed Services in order to reflect organizational developments made to better align with the
Corporation's business strategy and operational model. From 2005 to 2012, he held senior positions within the Corporation's
enterprise and communications businesses. Prior to joining Celestica in 2005, Mr. McCaughey held the role of Senior Vice President,
Wireline Network Systems, at Sanmina-SCI. Before joining Sanmina-SCI, Mr. McCaughey held senior roles at Hyperchip Inc.
and SCI Systems (prior to that company's merger with Sanmina). He holds a DEC in Electrotechnology from Vanier College and
studied Electrical Engineering at McGill University.
Nicolas Pujet. Mr. Pujet has been Chief Strategy Officer since July 2016. In this role, he leads Celestica's strategy and
corporate development including the design and development of the Company's vision, strategic framework and planning activities
in support of the Company's business objectives, as well as mergers and acquisitions. Prior to joining Celestica, Mr. Pujet spent
more than 16 years in various strategic and leadership roles. From 2003 to 2016, he served in various strategy positions at Level 3
Communications. Most recently, he was the Senior Vice President, Corporate Strategy and was responsible for that company's
strategic outlook and strategic planning and analyses worldwide. From 1999 to 2003, Mr. Pujet served as a Management Consultant
with McKinsey & Company, a global management consulting firm. He holds a Ph.D. in Aeronautics and Astronautics from MIT.
There are no family relationships among any of the foregoing persons, and there are no arrangements or understandings with
any person pursuant to which any of our directors or executive officers were selected.
None of the directors of the Corporation during 2017, or current directors or nominees serve together as directors of other
corporations.
95
The following table identifies the functional competencies, expertise and qualifications of the Corporation's current directors
and nominees pursuant to a skills matrix developed by the Nominating and Governance Committee to identify functional
competencies, expertise and qualifications that our Board would ideally possess:
Skills
Service on Other Public (For-Profit) Company Boards
Senior Officer or CEO Experience
Financial Literacy
Communications and/or Enterprise Computing
A&D, Healthcare, Semiconductor, Solar, Industrial
Services (design, after-market)
Europe and/or Asia Business Development
Operations (supply chain management and manufacturing)
Marketing and Sales
Strategy Deployment/M&A
Talent Development and Succession Planning
IT and Business Transformation
Finance and Treasury
Other Characteristics
ü
ü
ü ü ü
ü ü ü
ü
ü
ü ü
ü ü
ü ü
ü ü ü
ü ü ü
ü ü ü
ü
ü
ü
ü
ü ü ü ü
ü ü
ü
ü ü ü ü
ü
ü ü
ü ü
ü
ü
ü ü
ü
ü ü
ü
ü
ü
ü ü ü ü
ü ü
ü ü
ü
ü ü
ü ü
ü
ü ü
ü ü
ü ü
ü
7
8
9
2
3
3
7
4
7
9
7
5
5
Gender
M M M F M F M M M 7M/2F
B. Compensation
Director Compensation
Director compensation is set by the Board on the recommendation of the Compensation Committee and in accordance with director
compensation guidelines and principles established by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Under these
guidelines and principles, the Board seeks to maintain director compensation at a level that is competitive with director compensation
at comparable companies, and requires a substantial portion of such compensation to be taken in the form of DSUs. The director
fee structure for 2017 is set forth in Table 1 below.
Table 1: Directors’ Fees (1)
Element
Annual Board Retainer(3)
Travel Fees(4)
Annual Retainer for the Audit Committee Chair
Annual Retainer for the Compensation Committee Chair
Annual Retainer for the Nominating and Governance Committee Chair(5)
Director Fee Structure
for 2017(2)
$360,000 – Board Chair
$235,000 – Directors
$2,500
$20,000
$15,000
–
DSU Election(6)
Directors must elect to be paid either 100% or
75% of their aggregate annual retainers
(including committee Chair retainers) and travel
fees in the form of DSUs
96
(1) Does not include Mr. Mionis, President and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) of the Corporation, whose compensation is set out in Table 15. Does not include
fees payable to Onex for the service of Mr. Popatia as a director, which is described in footnote 9 to Table 2.
(2) Directors may also receive further retainers and meeting fees for participation on ad hoc committees. No fees were paid for participation on the Director
Search Committee (an ad hoc committee formed to identify potential new directors) during 2017. The Board has the discretion to grant supplemental equity
awards to individual directors as deemed appropriate (no such discretion was exercised in 2017).
(3) Paid on a quarterly basis.
(4) The travel fee is available only to directors who travel outside of their home state or province to attend a Board or Committee meeting.
(5) The Chair of the Board also served as the Chair of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee in 2017, for which no additional fee was paid.
(6) Credited on a quarterly basis. The number of DSUs granted are calculated by dividing the notional cash amount for the quarter by the closing price of SVS
on the NYSE on the last business day of such quarter. If no election is made, 100% of a director’s aggregate annual retainer and travel fees will be paid in
DSUs.
Subject to the terms of the Directors’ Share Compensation Plan, each DSU represents the right to receive one SVS or an
equivalent value in cash (at the Corporation’s discretion) when the director (a) ceases to be a director of the Corporation and (b)
is not an employee of the Corporation or a director or employee of any corporation that does not deal at arm’s‑length with the
Corporation (collectively, “Retires”). The date used in valuing the DSUs for settlement is the date that is 45 days following the
date on which the director Retires, or as soon as practicable thereafter. DSUs are redeemed and payable on or prior to the 90th day
following the date on which the director Retires. The number of DSUs granted is calculated by dividing the fee that would otherwise
be payable by the closing price of SVS on the NYSE on the last business day of the quarter.
The Compensation Committee plans to conduct a review of director compensation in 2018.
Directors’ Fees Earned in 2017
All compensation paid in 2017 by the Corporation to its directors is set out in Table 2, except for the compensation of Mr.
Mionis, President and CEO of the Corporation, which is set out in Table 15, and Mr. Chopra, who is standing for election by
shareholders for the first time at the Meeting. In 2017, the Board (excluding Mr. Popatia – see footnote 9 to Table 2) earned total
annual board retainer fees, committee chair retainer fees and travel fees (collectively, “Annual Fees”) in the amount of $1,937,011,
including total grants of DSUs in the amount of $1,696,125.
Table 2: Director Fees Earned in Respect of 2017
Annual Fees Earned
Allocation of Annual Fees( 1)
Name
Daniel P. DiMaggio
William A. Etherington(4)(11)
Thomas S. Gross(6)
Laurette T. Koellner
Joseph M. Natale(7)
Carol S. Perry
Tawfiq Popatia(9)
Eamon J. Ryan(11)
Michael M. Wilson(11)
Annual Board
Retainer
$235,000
$360,000
$196,046
$235,000
$133,465 (8)
$235,000
–
$235,000
$235,000
Annual
Committee
Chair
Retainer
–
–
–
$20,000(5)
–
–
–
$15,000(10)
Travel Fees
Total Fees
$10,000
–
$7,500
$10,000
–
–
–
–
$245,000
$360,000
$203,546
$265,000
$133,465
$235,000
–
$250,000
$245,000
DSUs(2)
$183,750
$360,000
$152,660
$198,750
$133,465
$235,000
–
$187,500
$245,000
Cash(3)
$61,250
–
$50,886
$66,250
–
–
–
$62,500
–
–
$10,000
(1) Directors must elect to receive either 75% or 100% of their Annual Fees (set forth in the “Total Fees” column above) in DSUs (i.e., at least 75% of such fees
are payable in DSUs). If a director does not make such election, 100% of such director’s Annual Fees will be paid in DSUs. The Annual Fees received by
directors in DSUs for 2017 were credited quarterly, and the number of DSUs granted in respect of the amounts credited quarterly was determined using the
closing price of the SVS on the NYSE on the last business day of each quarter, which was $14.53 on March 31, 2017, $13.58 on June 30, 2017, $12.38 on
September 29, 2017 and $10.48 on December 29, 2017.
(2) Amounts in this column for each of Messrs. DiMaggio, Gross and Ryan and Ms. Koellner (who elected to receive 75% of their Annual Fees in DSUs),
represent the grant date fair value of DSUs issued in respect of 75% of their Annual Fees. Amounts in this column for each of Messrs. Etherington, Natale
and Wilson and Ms. Perry (who elected to receive 100% of their Annual Fees paid in DSUs), represent the grant date fair value of DSUs issued in respect
of 100% of their Annual Fees. The grant date fair value of the grants is the same as their accounting value.
97
(3) Amounts in this column for Messrs. DiMaggio, Gross and Ryan and Ms. Koellner represent the portion of their Annual Fees (25%), which they elected to
have paid in cash.
(4) During 2017, Mr. Etherington was the Chair of the Board and the Chair of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Mr. Etherington received
an annual Board Chair retainer fee in the amount of $360,000. He did not receive a committee chair annual retainer in his capacity as Chair of the Nominating
and Corporate Governance Committee.
(5) Represents the annual retainer for the Chair of the Audit Committee.
(6) Mr. Gross resigned from the Board effective November 1, 2017.
(7) Mr. Natale resigned from the Board effective July 26, 2017.
(8) Mr. Natale was Vice-Chair of the Board until his resignation from the Board effective July 26, 2017. He did not receive an additional retainer in his capacity
as Vice-Chair of the Board.
(9) Mr. Popatia is an officer of Onex and did not receive any compensation in his capacity as a director of the Corporation in 2017; however, Onex received
compensation for providing the services of Mr. Popatia as a director in 2017 pursuant to a Services Agreement between the Corporation and Onex, entered
into on January 1, 2009 (as amended, the “Services Agreement”). The initial term of the Services Agreement was one year and the agreement automatically
renews for successive one year terms unless the Corporation or Onex provide notice of intent not to renew. The Services Agreement terminates automatically
and the rights of Onex to receive compensation (other than accrued and unpaid compensation) will terminate (a) 30 days after the first day on which Onex
ceases to hold at least one MVS of Celestica or any successor company or (b) the date Mr. Popatia ceases to be a director of Celestica, for any reason. Onex
receives compensation under the Services Agreement in an amount equal to $235,000 per year (consistent with the current annual Board retainer fees paid
to directors), payable in DSUs in equal quarterly installments in arrears. The number of DSUs is determined using the closing price of the SVS on the NYSE
on the last day of the fiscal quarter in respect of which the installment is to be credited.
(10) Represents the annual retainer for the Chair of the Compensation Committee.
(11) No fees were paid for participation on the Director Search Committee during 2017.
Directors’ Ownership of Securities
Outstanding Share‑Based Awards
Information concerning all outstanding share‑based awards as of December 31, 2017 made by the Corporation to each director
proposed for election at the Meeting (other than Mr. Mionis, whose information is set out in Table 16, and Mr. Chopra, who is
standing for election by shareholders for the first time at the Meeting), including awards granted prior to 2017, is set out in Table
3. DSUs that were granted prior to January 1, 2007 may be settled in the form of SVS issued from treasury, SVS purchased in the
open market, or an equivalent value in cash (at the discretion of the Corporation). DSUs granted after January 1, 2007 may only
be settled in SVS purchased in the open market or an equivalent value in cash. In 2005, the Corporation amended its Long-Term
Incentive Plan (“LTIP”) to prohibit grants to directors of options to acquire SVS. There are no options granted to directors (or
former directors) prior to the foregoing amendment which remain outstanding.
Table 3: Outstanding Share‑Based Awards
Name
Daniel P. DiMaggio
William A. Etherington
Laurette T. Koellner
Carol S. Perry
Tawfiq Popatia(3)
Eamon J. Ryan
Michael M. Wilson
Number of
Outstanding DSUs(1)
(#)
169,144
Market Value of
Outstanding DSUs(2)
($)
$1,772,629
384,702
193,448
100,953
–
244,617
166,296
$4,031,678
$2,027,334
$1,057,986
–
$2,563,585
$1,742,778
(1) Represents all outstanding DSUs, including the regular quarterly grant of DSUs issued on January 1, 2018 in respect of the fourth quarter of 2017.
(2) The market value of DSUs was determined using a share price of $10.48, which was the closing price of the SVS on the NYSE on December 29, 2017.
98
(3) Mr. Popatia did not have any share-based awards from the Corporation outstanding as of December 31, 2017; however 196,390 DSUs have been issued to
Onex (and are outstanding) pursuant to the Services Agreement since its inception, including 18,721 DSUs issued to Onex for the services of Mr. Popatia as
a director of the Corporation in 2017. For further information see footnote 9 to Table 2.
Changes in Directors’ Equity Interest
The following table sets out, for each director proposed for election at the Meeting (other than Mr. Mionis, whose information
is set out in Table 16, and Mr. Chopra, who is standing for election by shareholders for the first time at the Meeting), such director’s
direct or indirect beneficial ownership of, or control or direction over, shares and share-based awards in the Corporation as of
February 14, 2018, and any changes therein since February 15, 2017, the date of disclosure in the Corporation’s 2016 Annual
Report on Form 20-F (the “2016 Annual Report”).
Table 4: Changes in Directors’ Equity Interest (1)
Name
Daniel P. DiMaggio
William A. Etherington(2)
Laurette T. Koellner
Carol S. Perry
Tawfiq Popatia(2)(3)
Eamon J. Ryan
Michael M. Wilson
Date
Feb. 15, 2017
Feb. 14, 2018
Change
Feb. 15, 2017
Feb. 14, 2018
Change
Feb. 15, 2017
Feb. 14, 2018
Change
Feb. 15, 2017
Feb. 14, 2018
Change
Feb. 15, 2017
Feb. 14, 2018
Change
Feb. 15, 2017
Feb. 14, 2018
Change
Feb. 15, 2017
Feb. 14, 2018
Change
SVS
(#)
–
–
–
10,000
10,000
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
Share-Based
Awards (DSUs)
(#)
154,506
169,144
14,638
356,023
384,702
28,679
177,615
193,448
15,833
82,232
100,953
18,721
–
–
–
229,680
244,617
14,937
146,778
166,296
19,518
Total
(#)
154,506
169,144
14,638
366,023
394,702
28,679
177,615
193,448
15,833
82,232
100,953
18,721
–
–
–
229,680
244,617
14,937
146,778
166,296
19,518
(1)
Information as to SVS beneficially owned, or controlled or directed, directly or indirectly, is not within the Corporation’s knowledge and therefore has been
provided by each individual set forth in the table.
(2) As of February 14, 2018, Mr. Etherington also owned 10,000 subordinate voting shares of Onex and Mr. Popatia owned 3,894 subordinate voting shares of
Onex. Other than Messrs. Etherington and Popatia, no director of the Corporation during 2017 owned, and no current director nominee owns, shares of Onex.
(3)
18,721 DSUs were issued to Onex for the services of Mr. Popatia as a director of the Corporation in 2017. 196,390 DSUs have been issued to Onex (and are
outstanding) pursuant to the Services Agreement since its inception. Onex’s beneficial ownership of securities of the Corporation (which does not include
DSUs) is set forth in footnote 2 to the Major Shareholder’s Table in Item 7(A).
Director Share Ownership Guidelines
The Corporation has minimum shareholding requirements for directors who are not employees or officers of the Corporation
or Onex (the “Director Share Ownership Guidelines”) (see Executive Share Ownership for share ownership guidelines applicable
to Mr. Mionis in his role as President and CEO of the Corporation). The Director Share Ownership Guidelines require that a director
hold SVS and/or DSUs with an aggregate value equal to 150% of the annual retainer and that the Chair of the Board hold SVS
and/or DSUs with an aggregate value equal to 187.5% of the annual retainer. Directors have five years from January 1, 2016 or
from the time of their appointment to the Board, as applicable, to comply with the Director Share Ownership Guidelines.
It is the Corporation’s policy that directors with five years or more service on the Board shall continue to receive a minimum
of 75% of their Annual Fees in securities of the Corporation.
99
Although directors subject to the Director Share Ownership Guidelines will not be deemed to have breached such Guidelines
by reason of a decrease in the market value of the Corporation’s securities, such directors are required to purchase further securities
within a reasonable period of time after such occurrence to comply with the Director Share Ownership Guidelines. Each director’s
holdings of securities, which for the purposes of the Director Share Ownership Guidelines include all SVS and DSUs, are reviewed
annually as of December 31. The following table sets out, for each applicable director proposed for election at the Meeting (other
than Mr. Chopra), whether such director was in compliance with the Director Share Ownership Guidelines as of December 31,
2017. If elected to the Board of Directors, Mr. Chopra will be required to comply with the Director Share Ownership Guidelines
within five years of his election.
Director(1)
Daniel P. DiMaggio
William A. Etherington
Laurette T. Koellner
Carol S. Perry
Eamon J. Ryan
Michael M. Wilson
Table 5: Shareholding Requirements
Target Value as of
December 31, 2017
$352,500
$675,000
$352,500
$352,500
$352,500
$352,500
Shareholding Requirements
Value as of
December 31, 2017 (2)
$1,772,629
$4,136,478
$2,027,334
$1,057,986
$2,563,585
$1,742,778
Met Target as of
December 31, 2017
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
(1) As President and CEO of the Corporation, Mr. Mionis is subject to the Executive Share Ownership Guidelines. As an officer of Onex, Mr. Popatia is not
subject to the Director Share Ownership Guidelines.
(2) The value of the aggregate number of SVS and DSUs held by each director is determined using a share price of $10.48, which was the closing price of the
SVS on the NYSE on December 29, 2017.
Attendance of Directors at Board and Committee Meetings
The following table sets forth the attendance of directors at Board meetings and at meetings of those standing committees of
which they are members, from January 1, 2017 to February 14, 2018. All then-members of the Board attended the Corporation’s
last annual meeting of shareholders except for Mr. Gross. If elected, Mr. Chopra is expected to be appointed to the Audit,
Compensation, and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees following the Meeting.
Table 6: Directors’ Attendance at Board and Committee Meetings
Director
Daniel P. DiMaggio
William A. Etherington
Thomas S. Gross(1)
Laurette T. Koellner
Robert A. Mionis
Joseph M. Natale(1)
Carol S. Perry
Tawfiq Popatia
Eamon J. Ryan
Michael M. Wilson
Board
9 of 9
9 of 9
4 of 6
9 of 9
9 of 9
4 of 5
9 of 9
9 of 9
9 of 9
9 of 9
Audit
7 of 7
7 of 7
4 of 5
7 of 7
–
3 of 4
7 of 7
–
7 of 7
7 of 7
Compensation
Nominating and
Corporate Governance
Board
Committee
Meetings Attended %
6 of 6
6 of 6
3 of 4
6 of 6
–
2 of 3
6 of 6
–
6 of 6
6 of 6
4 of 4
4 of 4
2 of 3
4 of 4
–
1 of 2
4 of 4
–
4 of 4
4 of 4
100%
100%
67%
100%
100%
80%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
75%
100%
–
67%
100%
–
100%
100%
(1) Messrs. Gross and Natale resigned from the Board of Directors effective November 1, 2017 and July 26, 2017, respectively. Their attendance in this table
represents meetings which occurred during their respective service periods.
100
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
This Compensation Discussion and Analysis sets out the policies of the Corporation for determining compensation paid to
the Corporation’s CEO, its Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), and the three other most highly compensated executive officers
(together with Mr. Darren Myers as the former CFO, collectively, the “Named Executive Officers” or “NEOs”). The NEOs who
are the subject of this Compensation Discussion and Analysis are:
•
•
•
•
•
Robert A. Mionis – President and CEO;
Mandeep Chawla – CFO;
Michael P. McCaughey – President, CCS;
John “Jack” Lawless – President, ATS; and
Elizabeth L. DelBianco – Chief Legal and Administrative Officer.
A description and explanation of the significant elements of compensation awarded to the foregoing NEOs during 2017 is set out
in the section Compensation Discussion and Analysis – 2017 Compensation Decisions. Disclosure regarding Mr. Myers is included
in the section Arrangements Regarding Resignation of Former CFO and is otherwise excluded from this Compensation Discussion
and Analysis as his tenure as CFO of the Corporation ended as of July 31, 2017.
Compensation Objectives
The Corporation’s executive compensation philosophies and practices are designed to attract, motivate and retain the leaders
who will drive the success of the Corporation. The Compensation Committee reviews compensation policies and practices regularly,
considers related risks, and makes any adjustments it deems necessary to ensure the compensation policies are not reasonably
likely to have a material adverse effect on the Corporation.
A substantial portion of the compensation of our executives is linked to the Corporation’s performance. The Compensation
Committee establishes target compensation with reference to the median compensation of a comparator group of Celestica’s
competitors, major suppliers, customers, and other major international technology companies that generally fall in the range of
50% to 200% of Celestica’s revenue (such group, the “Comparator Group”). However, neither each element of compensation nor
total compensation is expected to match the median of such Comparator Group exactly. NEOs have the opportunity for higher
compensation for performance that exceeds target performance goals, and will receive lower compensation for performance that
is below target performance goals.
The 2017 compensation package was designed to:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
ensure executives are compensated fairly and in a way that does not result in the Corporation incurring undue risk or
encouraging executives to take inappropriate risks;
provide competitive fixed compensation (i.e., base salary and benefits), as well as a substantial amount of at-risk pay
through our annual and equity‑based incentive plans;
reward executives, through both annual incentives and equity‑based incentives, for achieving operational and financial
results that meet or exceed the Corporation’s business plan and that are superior to those of direct competitors in the
electronics manufacturing services (“EMS”) industry;
align the interests of executives and shareholders through equity‑based compensation;
recognize tenure and utilize a multi-year approach for setting and transitioning target compensation for executives who
are new in their role;
recognize differing roles and responsibilities, and that the executives work as a team to achieve corporate results; and
ensure direct accountability for the annual operating results and the long-term financial performance of the Corporation.
101
Independent Advice
The Compensation Committee, which has the sole authority to retain and terminate an executive compensation consultant,
has engaged Willis Towers Watson (the “Compensation Consultant”) since October 2006 as its independent compensation
consultant to assist in identifying appropriate comparator companies against which to evaluate the Corporation’s compensation
levels, to provide data about those companies, and to provide observations and recommendations with respect to the Corporation’s
compensation practices versus those of the Comparator Group and the market in general.
The Compensation Consultant also provides advice (upon request) to the Compensation Committee on the policy
recommendations prepared by management and keeps the Compensation Committee apprised of market trends in executive
compensation. The Compensation Consultant attended portions of all Compensation Committee meetings held in 2017, in person
or by telephone, as requested by the Chair of the Compensation Committee. At each of its meetings, the Compensation Committee
held an in camera session with the Compensation Consultant without any member of management being present. Decisions made
by the Compensation Committee, however, are the responsibility of the Compensation Committee and may reflect factors and
considerations supplementary to the information and recommendations provided by the Compensation Consultant.
Each year, the Compensation Committee reviews the scope of activities of the Compensation Consultant and, if it deems
appropriate, approves the corresponding budget. During such review, the Compensation Committee also considers the independence
factors required to be considered by the NYSE prior to the selection or receipt of advice from a compensation consultant. After
consideration of such independence factors and prior to engaging the Compensation Consultant in 2017, the Compensation
Committee determined that the Compensation Consultant was independent. The Compensation Consultant meets with the Chair
of the Compensation Committee and management at least annually to identify any initiatives requiring external support and agenda
items for each Compensation Committee meeting throughout the year. The Compensation Consultant reports directly to the chair
of the Compensation Committee and is not engaged by management. The Compensation Consultant may, with the approval of the
Compensation Committee, assist management in reviewing and, where appropriate, developing and recommending compensation
programs to align the Corporation’s practices with competitive practices. Any such service in excess of $25,000 provided by the
Compensation Consultant relating to executive compensation must be pre‑approved by the Chair of the Compensation Committee.
In addition, any non-executive compensation consulting service in excess of $25,000 must be submitted by management to the
Compensation Committee for pre-approval, and any services that will cause total non‑executive compensation consulting fees to
exceed $25,000 in aggregate in a calendar year must also be pre‑approved by the Compensation Committee.
The following table sets out the fees paid by the Corporation to the Compensation Consultant in each of the past two years:
Table 7: Fees of the Compensation Consultant
Executive Compensation-Related Fees (1)
All Other Fees (2)
Year Ended December 31
2017
C$246,859
C$–
2016
C$262,612
C$4,495
(1) Services for 2017 and 2016 included support on executive compensation matters that are part of its annual agenda (e.g., executive compensation competitive
market analysis, review of trends in executive compensation, peer group review, pay-for-performance analysis and assistance with executive compensation-
related disclosure), annual valuation of PSUs for accounting purposes, attendance at all Compensation Committee meetings, and support with ad-hoc executive
compensation issues that arose throughout the year. Services for 2017 also included advice on incentive plan design changes, research and commentary on
strategic incentive awards and total shareholder return (“TSR”) peer group analysis. Services for 2016 also included incentive plan design review and business
strategy review.
(2) Services for 2016 consisted of a review of competitive levels of compensation for our non-NEO executives.
102
Compensation Process
Executive compensation is determined as part of an annual process followed by the Compensation Committee, as supported
by the Compensation Consultant, as follows:
Before and at Commencement
of the Performance Period
• Review and approve
Comparator Group
• Review of Comparator
Group compensation and pay
positioning
• Establish target
compensation levels
• Review trends in executive
compensation for potential
program changes
• Establish performance
objectives
• Conduct risk assessment of
compensation programs
During the Performance Period
Following the Performance
Period
• Review of pay-for-
• Evaluate individual
performance relative to
objectives
• Determine achievement of
performance criteria for
annual and long term
incentives
performance alignment
relative to Comparator
Group
• Evaluate interim
performance relative to
objectives
• Approve appointments to
designated positions and any
related compensation
changes
• Re-evaluate Comparator
Group and update for the
next performance period, as
applicable
• Review management
succession plans including
retention value of unvested
equity awards
The Compensation Committee reviews and approves compensation for the CEO and the other NEOs, including base salaries,
target annual incentive awards under the CTI and equity‑based incentive grants. The Compensation Committee evaluates the
performance of the CEO relative to financial and business goals and objectives approved by the Board from time to time for such
purpose. The Compensation Committee reviews competitive data for the Comparator Group and consults with the Compensation
Consultant before exercising its independent judgment to determine appropriate compensation levels. The CEO reviews the
performance evaluations of the other NEOs with the Compensation Committee and provides compensation recommendations. The
Compensation Committee considers these recommendations, reviews market compensation information, consults with the
Compensation Consultant, and then exercises its independent judgment to determine if any adjustments are required prior
to approval of the compensation of such other NEOs.
The Compensation Committee generally meets five times a year, in January, April, July, October and December. At the July
meeting, the Compensation Committee, based on recommendations from the Compensation Consultant, approves the Comparator
Group that will be used for the compensation review for the following year. At the October meeting, the Compensation Consultant
presents a competitive analysis of the total compensation for each of the NEOs, including the CEO, with reference to the established
Comparator Group. Using this analysis, the CEO develops base salary and equity‑based incentive recommendations for the NEOs
which are then reviewed with the Compensation Consultant. The CEO’s compensation is determined by the Compensation
Committee in consultation with the Compensation Consultant with input from the Corporation’s chief human resources executive.
At the December meeting, preliminary compensation proposals for the CEO and the NEOs for the following year are reviewed,
including base salary recommendations and the value and mix of their equity‑based incentives. By reviewing the compensation
proposals in advance, the Compensation Committee is afforded sufficient time to discuss and provide input regarding proposed
compensation changes prior to the January meeting at which time the Compensation Committee approves the compensation
proposals, revised as necessary or appropriate, based on input provided at the December meeting. Previous grants of equity‑based
awards and their current retention value are reviewed and may be taken into consideration when making decisions related to
equity‑based compensation. The Compensation Committee also considers the potential value of the total compensation package
for the CEO, which is stress-tested at different levels of performance and different stock prices to ensure that there is an appropriate
link between pay and performance, taking into consideration the range of potential total compensation. The CEO and the NEOs
are not present at the Compensation Committee meetings when their respective compensation is discussed.
103
Based on a management plan approved by the Board, CTI targets for the relevant year are approved by the Compensation
Committee at the beginning of the year. The Compensation Committee reviews the Corporation’s performance relative to these
targets and the projected payment at the October and December meetings. At the January meeting of the following year, final
payments under the CTI, as well as the vesting percentages for any previously granted equity‑based incentives that have performance
vesting criteria, are calculated and approved by the Compensation Committee based on the Corporation’s year-end results as
approved by the Audit Committee. The amounts related to the CTI are then paid in February.
In addition to the above regular business, the Compensation Committee also made key decisions concerning the CFO succession
in 2017 and the related compensation decisions, as more fully described below under CFO Succession and, with respect to Mr.
Myers’ resignation, under Arrangements Regarding Resignation of Former CFO. The Compensation Committee may exercise its
discretion to either award compensation absent attainment of a relevant performance goal or similar condition, or to reduce or
increase the size of any award or payout to any NEO. The Compensation Committee did not exercise such discretion for 2017
compensation with respect to any NEO.
Compensation Risk Assessment and Governance Analysis
The Compensation Committee, in performing its duties and exercising its powers under its mandate, considers the implications
of the risks associated with the Corporation’s compensation policies and practices. This includes: identifying any such policies or
practices that encourage executive officers to take inappropriate or excessive risks, identifying risks arising from such policies
and practices that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Corporation; and considering the risk implications
of the Corporation’s compensation policies and practices and any proposed changes to them.
The Corporation’s compensation programs are designed with a balanced approach aligned with its business strategy and risk
profile. A number of compensation practices have been implemented to mitigate potential compensation policy risk. It is the
Compensation Committee’s view that the Corporation’s 2017 compensation policies and practices did not promote excessive risk-
taking that would be reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Corporation, and that appropriate risk mitigation
features are in place within the Corporation’s compensation program. In reaching its opinion, the Compensation Committee
reviewed key risk-mitigating features in the Corporation’s compensation governance processes and compensation structure
including the following:
Governance
Compensation Decision-
Making Process
Non-binding Shareholder
Advisory Vote on
Executive Compensation
Annual Review of
Incentive Programs
External Independent
Compensation Advisor
Overlapping
Committee Membership
•
•
• The Corporation has formalized compensation objectives to help guide compensation
decisions and incentive design and to effectively support its pay-for-performance policy
(see Compensation Discussion and Analysis – Compensation Objectives).
• The Corporation annually holds an advisory vote on executive compensation, allowing
shareholders to express approval or disapproval of its approach to executive compensation.
• Each year, the Corporation reviews and sets performance measures and targets for the CTI
and for PSU grants under the Celestica Share Unit Plan (“CSUP”) and the LTIP that are
aligned with the business plan and the Corporation’s risk profile to ensure continued
relevance and applicability.
• When new compensation programs are considered, they are stress‑tested to ensure
potential payouts would be reasonable within the context of the full range of performance
outcomes. CEO compensation is stress‑tested annually.
On an ongoing basis, the Compensation Committee retains the services of an independent
compensation advisor, to provide an external perspective as to marketplace changes and
best practices related to compensation design, governance and compensation risk
management.
All of the Corporation’s independent directors sit on the Compensation Committee to
provide continuity and to facilitate coordination between the Committee’s and the Board’s
respective oversight responsibilities.
Compensation Program Design
Review of
Incentive Programs
• At appropriate intervals, Celestica conducts a review of its compensation strategy,
including pay philosophy and program design, in light of business requirements, market
practice and governance considerations.
104
Fixed versus Variable
Compensation
“One-company”
Annual Incentive Plan
Balance of Financial
Performance Metrics
as well as Absolute and
Relative Performance
Metrics
• For the NEOs, a significant portion of target total direct compensation is delivered through
variable compensation (CTI and long‑term, equity‑based incentive plans).
• The majority of the value of target variable compensation is delivered through grants under
long‑term, equity‑based incentive plans which are subject to time and/or performance
vesting requirements.
• The mix of variable compensation provides a strong pay-for-performance relationship.
• The NEO compensation package provides a competitive base level of compensation
through salary, and mitigates the risk of encouraging the achievement of short‑term goals
at the expense of creating and sustaining long‑term shareholder value, as NEOs benefit if
shareholder value increases over the long‑term.
• Celestica’s “one-company” annual incentive plan (the CTI) helps to mitigate risk-taking by
tempering the results of any one business unit on Celestica’s overall corporate
performance, and aligning executives and employees in the various business units and
regions with corporate goals.
• The CTI ensures a holistic assessment of performance with ultimate payout tied to measurable
corporate financial metrics (for 2017, revenue, non-IFRS Operating Margin (as defined in
footnote 2 to Table 11), and non-IFRS adjusted return on invested capital (“adjusted ROIC”)
(as defined in footnote 4 to Table 11)).
• Individual performance is assessed based on business results, teamwork and key
accomplishments, and market performance is captured through PSUs (which have vesting
subject to both measurable corporate financial metrics and relative performance features) and
RSUs.
Minimum Performance
Requirements and
Maximum Payout Caps
• For 2017, two non-IFRS thresholds existed for any payout to occur under the CTI.
• Additionally, target non-IFRS Operating Margin (as defined in footnote 2 to Table 11) must
be achieved for other measures to pay above target.
• Each of the CTI and PSU payouts have a maximum payout of two times target.
Share Ownership
Requirement
Anti-hedging and
Anti-pledging Policy
“Clawback” Policy
• The Corporation’s share ownership guidelines require executives to hold a significant
minimum amount of the Corporation’s securities to help align their interests with those of
shareholders’ and the long‑term performance of the Corporation.
• This practice also mitigates against executives taking inappropriate or excessive risks to
•
improve short‑term performance at the expense of longer-term objectives.
In the event of the cessation of Mr. Mionis’ employment with the Corporation for any
reason, he will be required to retain the share ownership level set out in the Executive
Share Ownership Guidelines on his termination date for the 12 month period immediately
following his termination date as set out in Mr. Mionis’ amended CEO employment
agreement effective August 1, 2016 (the “CEO Employment Agreement”).
• Executives and directors are prohibited from entering into speculative transactions and
transactions designed to hedge or offset a decrease in market value of equity securities of
the Corporation granted as compensation or purchasing securities of the Corporation on
margin, borrowing against securities of the Corporation held in a margin account, or
pledging Celestica securities as collateral for a loan.
• A “clawback” policy provides for recoupment of incentive-based compensation from the
CEO and CFO that was received during a specified period in the event of an accounting
restatement due to material non‑compliance with financial reporting requirements as a
result of misconduct, as well as any profits realized from the sale of securities during such
period (see – “Clawback” Provisions).
• In addition, all longer‑term incentive awards made to NEOs may be subject to recoupment
if certain employment conditions are breached.
“Double Trigger”
•
The LTIP and CSUP currently provide for change of control treatment for outstanding
equity based on a “double trigger” requirement
Severance Protection
• NEOs’ entitlements on termination without cause are in part contingent on complying with
Pay-For-Performance
Analysis
•
confidentiality, non‑solicitation and non‑competition obligations (two years).
Periodic scenario testing of the executive compensation programs is conducted, including a
pay-for-performance analysis.
105
Comparator Group
The Compensation Committee establishes salary, annual incentive and equity‑based incentive awards with reference to the
median of such elements for the Comparator Group, but is not bound to any target percentile for any element of compensation of
the Comparator Group. The Comparator Group is comprised of a selection of the Corporation’s competitors, major suppliers,
customers, and other international technology companies that generally fall in the range of 50% to 200% of the Corporation’s
revenues and is approved annually by the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee also considers the Corporation’s
business objectives and its participation in global markets when approving the Comparator Group. While the Corporation is
incorporated and headquartered in Canada, our business is global and we compete for executive talent worldwide with companies
in the technology industry. Our global recruiting strategy has been evidenced by the fact that several of our executive officers were
not recruited from Canada; and in fact, the Corporation’s three most recent CEOs have come from the United States. There are no
EMS competitor companies in the Comparator Group that are headquartered in Canada. For non-EMS companies, competitors of
similar size and scope within Canada would not provide the desired global perspective. As a result, the determination of the
Comparator Group is not bound by geographic limitations and instead includes a representation from a broad group of relevant
companies which are publicly traded and against which the Corporation competes for executive leaders. Most of the companies
in the current Comparator Group are based in the United States. The Comparator Group chosen in 2016 was used to establish 2017
executive compensation. In 2017, Lexmark International Inc. was acquired by another company and was subsequently removed
from the Comparator Group. The Comparator Group chosen in 2017 to establish 2018 executive compensation was reviewed and
approved by the Compensation Committee, and is set out in Table 8 below.
Industry
Company Name
Electronic
Manufacturing
Services
Flex Ltd.
Jabil Circuit, Inc.
Sanmina
Corporation
Benchmark
Plexus Corp.
Electronic
Components
Corning Inc.
Amphenol
Corporation
2016 Annual
Revenue
(millions)
$24,419
$18,353
$6,481
$2,310
$2,556
$9,390
$6,286
Table 8: Comparator Group(1)
Industry
Company Name
Communications
Harris Corp.
Juniper Networks, Inc.
Motorola Solutions
Level 3 Communications
ARRIS International
Diversified Markets
2016 Annual
Revenue
(millions)
Industry
Company Name
2016 Annual
Revenue
(millions)
$7,467
$4,990
$6,038
$8,172
$6,829
Technology Hardware, Storage,
Peripherals
NCR Corp.
NetApp, Inc.
$6,543
$5,546
Semiconductor
Agilent Technologies Inc.
$4,202
Applied Materials Inc.
Advanced Micro Devices Inc.
Lam Research
NVIDIA Corp.
Overall
25th Percentile
50th Percentile
75th Percentile
Celestica Inc.
Percentile
$10,825
$4,272
$5,886
$5,010
$5,000
$6,286
$7,820
$6,017
44th percentile
(1) All data was provided by the Compensation Consultant (sourced by it from Standard & Poor’s Capital IQ), reflecting fiscal year 2016 revenue for each
company, and is presented in U.S. dollars.
Additionally, broader market compensation survey data for other similarly‑sized organizations provided by the Compensation
Consultant is analyzed in accordance with a process approved by the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee
considered such survey data, among other matters, in making compensation decisions. In addition to the survey data, proxy
disclosure of the Comparator Group companies for the most recently completed fiscal year was considered when determining the
compensation of the CEO and the other NEOs.
106
CFO Succession
Following the announcement by the Corporation of Mr. Myers’ intention to leave the Corporation by the end of July 2017 to
pursue an opportunity in another industry, the Board approved the CEO’s recommendation for the appointment of Mandeep
Chawla as the interim CFO effective May 23, 2017 with the intention of providing internal leadership continuity during the CFO
search process. The Corporation undertook a comprehensive CFO search process that included both external and internal
candidates, and engaged an executive search firm to help identify candidates for the successor CFO. CFO candidates were evaluated
under a structured leadership assessment. Following the conclusion of the search and assessment, the Compensation Committee
approved the appointment of Mr. Chawla as CFO on October 19, 2017 and the compensation package for his new role.
Anti-Hedging and Anti-Pledging Policy
The Insider Trading Policy prohibits executives from, among other things, entering into speculative transactions and
transactions designed to hedge or offset a decrease in market value of equity securities of the Corporation granted as compensation.
Accordingly, executive officers may not sell short the Corporation’s securities, buy or sell put or call options on the Corporation’s
securities, or purchase financial instruments (including prepaid variable contracts, equity swaps, collars or units of exchange funds)
which are designed to hedge or offset a decrease in market value of the Corporation’s securities. Executive officers are also
prohibited from purchasing the Corporation’s securities on margin, borrowing against the Corporation’s securities held in a margin
account, or pledging the Corporation’s securities as collateral for a loan. The directors of the Corporation also must comply with
the provisions of the Insider Trading policy which prohibit hedging and/or pledging of the Corporation’s securities.
“Clawback” Provisions
The Corporation is subject to the “clawback” provisions of the Sarbanes‑Oxley Act of 2002. Accordingly, if the Corporation
is required to restate financial results due to material non‑compliance with financial reporting requirements as a result of misconduct,
the CEO and CFO would be required to reimburse the Corporation for any bonuses or incentive‑based compensation they had
received during the 12‑month period following the first public issuance or filing with the SEC (whichever is earlier) of a financial
document embodying such financial reporting requirement, as well as any profits they had realized from the sale of securities of
the Corporation during that 12-month period.
In addition, under the terms of the stock option grants and the PSU and RSU grants made under the LTIP and the CSUP, an
NEO may be required by the Corporation to repay an amount equal to the market value of the shares (or in the case of options,
the intrinsic value realized by the executive) at the time of release, net of taxes, if, within 12 months of the release date, the executive:
•
•
•
accepts employment with, or accepts an engagement to supply services, directly or indirectly to, a third party that is in
competition with the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries; or
fails to comply with, or otherwise breaches, the terms and conditions of a confidentiality agreement or non‑disclosure
agreement with, or confidentiality obligations to, the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries; or
on his or her behalf or on another’s behalf, directly or indirectly recruits, induces or solicits, or attempts to recruit, induce
or solicit any current employee or other individual who is/was supplying services to the Corporation or any of its
subsidiaries.
Executives who are terminated for cause also forfeit all unvested RSUs, PSUs and stock options as well as all vested and
unexercised stock options.
107
Compensation Elements for the Named Executive Officers
The compensation of the NEOs in 2017 was comprised of the following elements:
Elements
Base Salary
Rationale
Provides a fixed level of compensation intended to reflect the scope of an executive’s
responsibilities and level of experience and to reward sustained performance over time, as
well as to approximate competitive base salary levels
Annual Cash Incentives
Aligns executive performance with the Corporation’s annual goals and objectives
Equity-Based Incentives
• RSUs
• PSUs
Benefits
Pension
Perquisites
Provides a strong incentive for long-term executive retention
Aligns executive’s interests with shareholder interests and provides incentives for long-
term performance
Executives participate in company-wide benefit programs which are designed to help
ensure the health and wellness of employees
Designed to assist executives in saving for their retirement
Perquisites are provided to executives on a case-by-case basis as considered appropriate
and in the interests of the Corporation
Compensation Element Mix
In order to ensure that our executive compensation program is market competitive, we annually review the program design
and pay levels of companies in the Comparator Group. We assess total target direct compensation (base salary, annual cash incentive
and equity grants) as well as specific elements of compensation when reviewing market information relative to our executive
compensation program. The Compensation Committee uses the median of the Comparator Group as a guideline when determining
total target direct compensation but is not bound to any target percentile for any specific element of compensation. In addition to
the Comparator Group, we also consider executive compensation relative to internal peers where responsibilities and experience
vary. In determining appropriate positioning relative to the Comparator Group and internal peers, we utilize a multi-year approach
for setting and transitioning target compensation for executives who are new in their role.
The at‑risk portion of total compensation varies by role and executive level, but has the highest weighting at the most senior
levels of management. CTI awards and certain equity‑based incentive plan awards are contingent upon the Corporation’s financial
and operational performance and are therefore at-risk. With a significant portion of total target direct compensation delivered
through variable compensation, the Corporation intends to continue to align NEO compensation with shareholder interests. The
relative weighting of the compensation elements for the CEO and the other NEOs (average) for 2017 is set forth below.
Compensation Element Mix for CEO
Compensation Element Mix for Other NEOs
(Average)
108
Base Salary
The objective of base salary is to attract, reward and retain top talent. Base salaries for executive positions are determined
with consideration given to the market median of the Comparator Group. Base salaries are reviewed annually and adjusted if
appropriate, to reflect individual performance, relevant knowledge, experience and the executive’s level of responsibility within
the Corporation.
Celestica Team Incentive Plan
The objective of the CTI is to reward all eligible employees, including the NEOs, for the achievement of annual objectives.
CTI awards for the NEOs are based on the achievement of pre‑determined corporate and individual goals, and are paid in cash.
Actual performance which impacts payouts can vary from 0% for performance below a threshold up to a maximum capped at
200% of the Target Award (defined below). Awards are determined in accordance with the following formula:
Target Award
The target award is calculated as each NEO’s Eligible Earnings (i.e., base salary) multiplied by the
Target Incentive (expressed as a percentage of base salary in the applicable plan year) (the “Target
Award”).
CPF
IPF
The maximum CTI payment is two times the Target Award.
The CPF is based on certain corporate financial targets (described for 2017 in more detail in Table
11 below) established at the beginning of the performance period and approved by the
Compensation Committee and can vary from 0% to 200%.
The CPF must be greater than zero for an executive to be entitled to any CTI payment.
Actual results relative to the targets, as described above, determine the amount of the annual
incentive and for 2017, were subject to the following parameters:
•
•
a minimum corporate profitability threshold must be achieved for the CPF to exceed zero;
and
target non-IFRS Operating Margin (as defined in footnote 2 to Table 11) must be achieved
for other measures to pay above target (collectively, the “CTI Parameters”).
The CTI Parameters were set in addition to the CPF thresholds in order to ensure challenging limits
reflective of our current business environment.
Individual contribution is recognized through the IPF component of the CTI. The IPF is determined
through the annual performance review process and is based on an evaluation of the NEO’s
performance measured against specific criteria established at the beginning of each year. The criteria
may include factors such as the NEO’s individual performance relative to business results,
teamwork and the executive’s key accomplishments.
The IPF can adjust the executive’s actual award by a factor of between 0.0x and 1.5x (reduced from
2.0x in 2016) depending on individual performance; however the CTI payment is subject to an
overall maximum cap of 200% of the Target Award.
109
Equity‑Based Incentives
The Corporation’s equity‑based incentives for the NEOs consist of RSUs, PSUs and/or stock options. The objectives of
equity‑based compensation are to:
•
•
•
align the NEOs’ interests with those of shareholders and incent appropriate behaviour for long‑term performance;
reward the NEOs’ contributions to the Corporation’s long‑term success; and
enable the Corporation to attract, motivate and retain qualified and experienced employees.
At the December or January meeting, as the case may be, the Compensation Committee determines the dollar value and mix
of the equity‑based grants to be awarded to the NEOs, if any. On the grant date, the dollar value is converted into the number of
units that will be granted using the closing price of the SVS on the day prior to the grant. The annual grants are made following
the blackout period that ends not less than 48 hours after the Corporation’s year‑end results have been released. The mix of equity
based incentives is reviewed and approved by the Compensation Committee each year, and is based on factors including competitive
grant practices, balance between performance incentive and retention value, and the effectiveness of each equity vehicle for
motivating and retaining critical leaders.
Target equity‑based incentives are determined using the median awards of the Comparator Group as a guideline; however,
consideration is also given to individual performance and contribution when determining actual awards. In establishing the grant
value of the annual equity awards for the NEOs, we start by assessing the median total target direct compensation of the Comparator
Group. This data is then compared over a number of years for additional context and market trends. The Compensation Committee
also considers individual performance, the need to retain experienced and talented leaders to execute the Corporation’s business
strategies and the executive’s potential to contribute to long-term shareholder value. Also considered are the executive’s role and
responsibilities, internal equity and the level of previous long-term incentive awards. Once all of these factors are taken into
consideration, the grant value of the annual equity-based awards for the NEOs is set.
The CEO has the discretion to issue equity‑based awards throughout the year to attract new hires and to retain current employees
within limits set by the Compensation Committee. The number of units available throughout the year for these grants is pre‑approved
by the Compensation Committee at the January meeting. Subject to the Corporation’s blackout periods, these grants typically take
place at the beginning of a month. Any such grants to NEOs must be reviewed with the Compensation Committee at the next
meeting following such grant and typically are reviewed in advance with the Chair of the Compensation Committee. No such
grants were made to NEOs for 2017, except for a one-time grant made to Mr. Myers in March 2017 in recognition of his role and
accomplishments in 2016 (these equity awards were forfeited upon his resignation) and a one-time grant of 48,180 RSUs to Mr.
Chawla in June 2017 in connection with his appointment as interim CFO.
RSUs
NEOs may be granted RSUs under either the LTIP or the CSUP as part of the Corporation’s annual equity grant. Such awards
may be subject to vesting requirements, including time-based or other conditions as may be determined by the Compensation
Committee in its discretion. RSUs granted by the Corporation generally vest in instalments of one-third per year, over three years.
Each vested RSU entitles the holder to one SVS on the release date. The payout value of the award is based on the number of
RSUs being released and the market price of the SVS at the time of release. The Corporation has the right under the CSUP to settle
RSUs in either cash or SVS. Under the LTIP, the Corporation may, at the time of grant, authorize grantees to settle RSUs either
in cash or in SVS. Absent such permitted election, grants under the LTIP will be settled in SVS. If the Corporation has authorized
a settlement in SVS or cash, the holder can choose which of these the holder receives. See Compensation of Named Executive
Officers – Equity Compensation Plans.
PSUs
NEOs may be granted PSUs under the LTIP or the CSUP as part of the Corporation’s annual equity grant. The vesting of such
awards requires the achievement of specified performance‑based conditions over a specified time period, as determined by the
Compensation Committee in its discretion. PSUs granted by the Corporation generally vest at the end of a three‑year performance
period subject to pre‑determined performance criteria. Each vested PSU entitles the holder to receive one SVS on the applicable
release date. The payout value of the award is based on the number of PSUs that vest (which ranges from 0% to 200% of the target
110
amount granted) and the market price of the SVS at the time of release. The Corporation has the right under the CSUP to settle
the PSUs in either cash or SVS. Under the LTIP, the Corporation may, at the time of grant, authorize grantees to settle PSUs either
in cash or in SVS. Absent such permitted election, grants under the LTIP will be settled in SVS. If the Corporation has authorized
a settlement in SVS or cash, the holder can choose which of these the holder receives. See Compensation of Named Executive
Officers – Equity Compensation Plans.
Stock Options
NEOs may be granted stock options under the LTIP. The exercise price of a stock option is the closing market price on the
business day prior to the date of the grant. Stock options granted by the Corporation generally vest at a rate of 25% annually on
each of the first four anniversaries of the date of grant and expire after a ten‑year term. The LTIP is not an evergreen plan and no
stock options have been re‑priced.
Other Compensation
Benefits
NEOs participate in the Corporation’s health, dental, pension, life insurance and long-term disability programs. Benefit
programs are determined with consideration given to market median levels in the local geographic region.
Perquisites
Perquisites are provided to executives on a case-by-case basis as considered appropriate in the interests of the Corporation.
NEOs are entitled to an annual comprehensive medical examination at a private health clinic. Where applicable, tax equalization
is provided to NEOs as an integral part of the Corporation's Short Term Business Travel Program and is designed to maintain an
individual’s tax burden at approximately the same level it would have otherwise been had they remained in their home country.
Due largely to variables such as timing and tax rate differences between Canada and the U.S., tax equalization amounts may vary
from one year to the next and the net benefit may be positive or negative in the year. While the Corporation is incorporated and
headquartered in Canada, our business is global and we compete for executive talent worldwide. As a result, we believe it is
appropriate to make tax equalization payments in order to attract and retain non-Canadian executive officers with specific
capabilities.
Tax Deductibility of Executive Compensation for U.S. Tax Purposes
Prior to December 22, 2017, when the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (U.S. Tax Reform) became law, Section 162(m)
of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, which did not apply to foreign private issuers, generally disallowed a tax deduction to public
companies for compensation paid to specified executive officers in excess of $1 million per officer in any year that did not qualify
as performance-based compensation. Pursuant to the U.S. Tax Reform, however, foreign private issuers registered under Section
12 of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (like the Corporation) have become subject to Section 162
(m), to the extent they have U.S-based executive officers for which they take a deduction for U.S. tax purposes. Under the revisions
to Section 162(m) implemented by the U.S. Tax Reform, the performance-based exception has been repealed and the $1 million
deduction limit now applies to anyone serving as the chief executive officer or the chief financial officer at any time during the
taxable year and the top three other highest compensated executive officers serving at fiscal year-end (if relevant deductions for
such executives are taken for U.S. tax purposes). The new rules generally apply to taxable years beginning after December 31,
2017, but do not apply to remuneration provided pursuant to a written binding contract in effect on November 2, 2017 that has not
been modified in any material respect after that date. Because of ambiguities and uncertainties as to the scope of the foregoing
exception, no assurance can be given that the compensation of our CEO and Mr. Lawless will be so exempted. In addition, the
Corporation’s executive compensation program had already been structured prior to the time that the U.S. Tax Reform changes to
Section 162(m) became effective. With respect to future periods, although the Compensation Committee intends to consider the
potential tax deductibility of executive compensation under Section 162(m) for applicable executive officers, the primary goal of
our compensation programs is to meet the objectives set forth in this Compensation Discussion and Analysis. Accordingly, the
Compensation Committee reserves the right to use its business judgment to authorize compensation payments that may be subject
to the Section 162(m) deduction limit if it believes such payments are appropriate and in the best interests of the Corporation and
its shareholders.
111
2017 Compensation Decisions
Each element of compensation is considered independently of the other elements. However, the total package is reviewed to
ensure that the achievement of target levels of corporate and individual performance will result in total compensation that is
generally comparable to the median total compensation of the Comparator Group.
Base Salary
The following table sets forth the annual base salary for the NEOs for the years ended December 31, 2015 through December
31, 2017:
Table 9: NEO Base Salary Changes
NEO
Robert A. Mionis
Mandeep Chawla
Michael P. McCaughey
Jack Lawless
Elizabeth L. DelBianco
Year
2017
2016
2015
2017
2016
2015
2017
2016
2015
2017
2016
2015
2017
2016
2015
Salary
($)
$950,000
$850,000
$850,000
$450,000
$246,000
$185,111
$475,000
$475,000
$475,000
$460,000
$410,000
$410,000
$460,000
$460,000
$460,000
The base salaries for the NEOs were reviewed taking into account individual performance and experience, level of responsibility
and median competitive data.
In January 2017, the Compensation Committee approved an increase in Mr. Mionis’ annual base salary from $850,000 to
$950,000 and an increase in Mr. Lawless’ annual base salary from $410,000 to $460,000, effective April 1, 2017. These increases
were made in order to better align their respective salaries to the median of the Comparator Group given their accomplishments
during 2016, and were consistent with the Corporation’s multi-year approach for setting compensation for executives who are in
a new role, and then transitioning such compensation to more competitive levels after a period where performance can be adequately
assessed.
As interim CFO, Mr. Chawla’s annual base salary did not change from his prior role; however, in recognition of his significantly
expanded responsibilities, he received a one-time cash award of C$260,000 paid in two equal instalments during 2017. Upon his
appointment as CFO, the Compensation Committee approved an annual base salary of $450,000 for Mr. Chawla. When setting
the base salary for Mr. Chawla, the Compensation Committee considered his experience and the responsibilities and duties connected
with the CFO position, as well as variable incentive compensation and median aggregate compensation. The Compensation
Committee also reviewed salaries for CFOs within the Comparator Group, median competitive data and historical data concerning
CFO base salaries at the Corporation.
112
Equity‑Based Incentives
Annual Equity Grant Reporting
In 2015, the Compensation Committee reviewed the Corporation’s equity grant practices with the Compensation Consultant.
Following the review, the Corporation revised its disclosure with respect to its annual equity grant to reflect that equity grants
made in-year are granted with respect to the current and future year performance, rather than as a reward in respect of the most
recently completed year. This change was made in order to reflect that annual equity grants are intended to incentivize future
performance and further connect pay for performance, and also to ensure direct accountability for the long-term financial
performance of the Corporation. The revised grant disclosure did not impact how annual equity grants made in 2015 or prior years
were reported. However, RSUs and PSUs granted in 2016, which would previously have been reported as 2015 compensation for
the NEOs, were instead reflected as part of 2016 compensation (the year of grant). See – NEO Equity Awards below.
Equity Mix
The Compensation Committee determined that the mix of equity in respect of 2017 compensation would be comprised of
RSUs (50% weight) and PSUs (50% weight), and that no stock options would be granted to NEOs. In reaching this decision, the
Compensation Committee took into account competitive equity compensation trends and practices among the Corporation’s
Comparator Group and the Corporation’s objective of attracting and retaining key talent to effectively execute its strategic business
goals. See Compensation Elements for the Named Executive Officers – Equity‑Based Incentives for a general description of the
process for determining the amounts of these awards and Key 2018 Executive Compensation Program Design Changes for a
discussion of the changes to the equity mix that have been implemented for 2018.
CFO Transition Equity Award
In recognition of Mr. Chawla’s significantly expanded responsibilities upon his appointment as interim CFO, he received a
one-time award of 48,180 RSUs on June 5, 2017 based on a share price of $14.01, which was the closing price of the SVS on the
NYSE on June 2, 2017 (the last business day before the date of grant).
NEO Equity Awards
Target equity based incentives were determined for the NEOs for 2017 with reference to the median awards of the Comparator
Group. Consideration was also given to individual performance, the roles and responsibilities of the NEOs, retention value and
market trends. The following table sets forth equity awards granted to the NEOs on January 31, 2017 as part of their 2017
compensation:
Table 10: NEO Equity Awards
Name
Robert A. Mionis
Mandeep Chawla(4)
Michael P. McCaughey
Jack Lawless
Elizabeth L. DelBianco
RSUs
(#)(1)
201,317
60,991
56,734
54,904
52,159
PSUs
(#)(2)
201,317
12,811
56,734
54,904
52,159
Stock Options
(#)
-
-
-
-
-
Value of Equity
Award(3)
$5,500,000
$1,025,000
$1,550,000
$1,500,000
$1,425,000
(1) Grants were based on a share price of $13.66, which was the closing price of the SVS on the NYSE on January 30, 2017 (the last business day before the
date of grant).
(2) Assumes achievement of 100% of target level performance.
(3) Represents the aggregate grant date fair value of the RSUs and PSUs.
(4) Represents: (i) the equity awards granted to Mr. Chawla during 2017 for his role as Senior Vice President, Finance of the Corporation, based on a share price
of $13.66, the closing price of the SVS on the NYSE on January 30, 2017 (the last business day before the date of grant); and (ii) the one-time award of
48,180 RSUs granted on June 5, 2017 in recognition of Mr. Chawla’s significantly expanded responsibilities upon his appointment as interim CFO, based
on a share price of $14.01, the closing price of the SVS on the NYSE on June 2, 2017 (the last business day before the date of grant).
113
PSUs granted as set forth in the table above vest at the end of a three-year performance period subject to pre-determined
performance criteria. For such awards, each NEO is granted a target number of PSUs. The number of PSUs that will actually vest
ranges from 0% to 200% of the target amount granted and will be determined by Celestica’s TSR and non-IFRS adjusted ROIC
positioning relative to a comparator group selected by the Compensation Committee for each such purpose.
TSR measures the performance of a company’s shares over time. It combines share price appreciation and dividends, if any,
paid over the period to determine the total return to the shareholder expressed as a percentage of the initial investment. With respect
to each TSR Comparator (as defined below), TSR is calculated as the change in share price over the three year performance period
(plus any dividends paid in respect of the common shares of such TSR Comparator during the period) where the average of the
daily closing share price for the month of December 2016 will be the beginning share price and the average of the daily closing
price for the month of December 2019 will be the ending share price. The TSR of Celestica is calculated in the same manner in
respect of the SVS (Celestica does not currently pay dividends).
For purposes of PSUs granted in 2017 that vest based on TSR performance, TSR will be measured relative to the information
technology companies within the S&P 1500 Index as at January 1, 2017 with the addition of Flex Ltd., that remain publicly traded
on an established U.S. stock exchange for the entire performance period (the “TSR Comparators”). The Compensation Committee,
with advice from the Compensation Consultant, determined that this peer group provides reasonable market alignment and was
appropriate given it is broadly representative of the U.S. technology sector and includes many of the Corporation’s customers,
suppliers, and competitors for talent. The Corporation’s market capitalization is positioned around the median of the
TSR Comparators.
For purposes of PSUs granted in 2017 that vest based on non-IFRS adjusted ROIC performance, the Corporation’s non-IFRS
adjusted ROIC will be measured against the adjusted ROIC of five direct competitors in the EMS industry chosen by the
Compensation Committee (Benchmark Electronics, Inc., Flex Ltd., Jabil Circuit, Inc., Sanmina Corporation and Plexus Corp.,
collectively, the “ROIC Competitors”) during the last year of the three-year vesting period. The Compensation Committee, with
advice from the Compensation Consultant, determined that this peer group was appropriate for measuring relative adjusted ROIC.
Of the target number of PSUs granted to each NEO in respect of 2017 compensation, 60% will vest based on Celestica’s TSR
positioning and 40% will vest based on Celestica’s non-IFRS adjusted ROIC ranking, each calculated as described below.
The PSUs that vest based on Celestica’s TSR positioning (as determined by the Corporation) will be determined as follows:
•
•
•
•
Celestica’s TSR will be ranked against that of each of the TSR Comparators;
the percentage of PSUs that will vest and become payable on the applicable release date will correspond to Celestica’s
TSR position as set out in the table below;
Celestica’s percentile position will be calculated by first arranging the TSR results from highest to lowest for all TSR
Comparators, excluding Celestica, and calculating the percentile rank for each TSR Comparator. The percentage of PSUs
that will vest and become payable on the release date with respect to Celestica’s TSR positioning will be calculated by
interpolating between the corresponding payout percentages immediately above and immediately below Celestica’s
percentile position as set out in the table below; and
if Celestica’s TSR is less than 0%, then regardless of Celestica’s TSR positioning amongst the TSR Comparators, the
maximum number of PSUs that may vest and become payable on the applicable release date will be 100% of the
target number issued.
Celestica’s TSR Positioning
90th Percentile
75th Percentile
50th Percentile
40th Percentile
25th Percentile
<25th Percentile
114
Percentage of target
number that will vest
200%
175%
100%
75%
50%
0%
The PSUs that vest based on Celestica’s non-IFRS adjusted ROIC ranking among the ROIC Competitors (as determined by the
Corporation) will be determined as follows:
Celestica’s non-IFRS adjusted ROIC Ranking
Highest (First)
Between Median and Highest
Median (Average of third and fourth)
Between Lowest and Median
Lowest (Sixth)
Percentage of target
number that will vest
200%
Prorated between 100%
and 200%
100%
Prorated between 0% and
100%
0%
The RSUs vest ratably over a three year period, commencing on the first anniversary of the date of grant. The value of the
RSUs granted on January 31, 2017 was determined at the January 2017 meeting of the Compensation Committee. The number of
RSUs granted was determined using the closing price of the SVS on January 30, 2017 (the day prior to the date of grant) on the
NYSE of $13.66.
Annual Incentive Award (CTI)
2017 Company Performance Factor
The CPF component of the CTI calculation for 2017 was based on the achievement by the Corporation of specified targets
with respect to certain pre-selected financial measures as set forth in Table 11 below. These measures were approved by the
Compensation Committee as they were determined to be aligned with the Corporation’s key objectives of driving profitable growth,
on both a “top line” and “bottom line” basis. Further, non-IFRS adjusted ROIC (as defined in footnote 4 to Table 11 below) was
selected as a financial measure to encourage effective capital deployment and sustained, long-term value creation.
The 2017 financial targets were established at levels consistent with the Corporation’s Annual Operating Plan for 2017, which
was approved by the Board. As described above, no minimum CTI payments are guaranteed. Before the CPF was calculated, the
Compensation Committee reviewed the CTI Parameters and determined that the minimum threshold requirements were met.
The CPF for 2017 was 83% based on the results in the following table:
Table 11: Company Performance Factor
Measure(1)
Non-IFRS Operating Margin (adjusted EBIAT Margin)(2)
Revenue(3)
Non-IFRS adjusted ROIC(4)
CPF
Weight
Threshold
Target
Maximum
50%
25%
25%
2.8%
$5,700M
16%
3.7%
$6,200M
21%
4.6%
$6,700M
26%
Achieved
Results
3.5%
$6,111M
19%
Weighted Achievement
43.6%
21.6%
17.8%
83%
(1) See “Non-IFRS measures” in Item 5, “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” above for a discussion of, among other things, how non-IFRS operating
margin (adjusted EBIAT Margin) and non-IFRS adjusted ROIC are calculated and used, as well as a reconciliation of such non‑IFRS measures to the most
directly comparable IFRS measures. These non‑IFRS measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and therefore may not be comparable
to similar measures presented by other companies.
(2) Non-IFRS Operating Margin is a non‑IFRS measure calculated as non-IFRS operating earnings (adjusted EBIAT) divided by Revenue. “Adjusted EBIAT”
is defined as earnings before interest and fees relating to the Corporation’s credit facility, accounts receivable sales program, and a customer’s supplier
financing program, amortization of intangible assets (excluding computer software), income taxes and in periods where such charges have been recorded,
employee stock‑based compensation expense, restructuring and other charges, including acquisition-related consulting, transaction, and integration costs
(net of recoveries) and Toronto transition costs (recoveries), impairment charges, other charges relating to the Corporation’s solar panel manufacturing
business, and refund interest income with respect to amounts previously held on account with Canadian tax authorities. See footnote (1) above for information
on where to find a discussion of the components of these measures, as well as a reconciliation of such measures to the most directly comparable IFRS
measures.
(3) Revenue means the Corporation’s annual revenue.
115
(4) Non-IFRS adjusted ROIC is a non-IFRS measure calculated by dividing non-IFRS adjusted EBIAT by average net invested capital, where average net invested
capital consists of the following IFRS measures: total assets less cash, accounts payable, accrued and other current liabilities and provisions, and income
taxes payable, using a five-point average to calculate average net invested capital for the year. A comparable measure under IFRS would be determined by
dividing IFRS earnings before income taxes by net invested capital, however, this measure is not a measure defined under IFRS. See footnote (1) above for
information on where to find a discussion of the components of this measure, as well as a reconciliation of such measure to the most directly comparable
IFRS measure.
2017 Individual Performance Factor
The IPF can increase an executive’s CTI award by a factor of up to 1.5x (reduced from 2.0x in 2016) or reduce the CTI award
to zero depending on individual performance (an IPF of less than 1.0 will result in a reduction of the CTI award otherwise payable).
Notwithstanding the foregoing, CTI payments are subject to an overall maximum cap of 200% of the Target Award. The IPF is
determined through the annual performance review process.
At the beginning of each year, the Compensation Committee and the CEO agree on performance goals for the CEO that are
then approved by the Board. Goals for the other NEOs that align with the CEO’s goals are then established and agreed to between
the CEO and the respective NEOs. The performance of the CEO and the NEOs is measured against the established goals, but also
contains subjective elements, such that criteria for, and the amount of, the IPF remains at the discretion of the Compensation
Committee. However, the CPF must be greater than zero for an executive to be entitled to any CTI payment.
In 2017, the NEOs’ IPF goals were established at the beginning of the year. Once Mr. Chawla was appointed CFO, he worked
with Mr. Myers, the Board and the Compensation Committee to effectively transition the role of CFO and transition-related IPF
goals for the remainder of the year were set and approved by the Compensation Committee. Additional IPF goals were established
by the Compensation Committee for Mr. Chawla, which were an extension of those set earlier in the year for Mr. Myers, with the
addition of new goals. The IPF goals for other NEOs established at the beginning of 2017 were not adjusted during the transition
period.
CEO
In assessing Mr. Mionis’ individual performance, the Compensation Committee considers the Corporation’s objectives and
results achieved, personal performance objectives as determined annually, as well as other factors the Committee considers relevant
to the role of CEO. Personal performance objectives measure achievements in the areas of growth, transformational capabilities,
brand transformation, people, innovation, operational productivity and financial results, operational effectiveness and such other
areas as are determined to merit particular focus in a given year. Key results which were considered in determining Mr. Mionis’
IPF for 2017 are included below:
Objective
Growth
Metric
Revenue
Customer Satisfaction
Result
$6.1 billion in revenue for 2017, which was a 2% increase compared to
$6.0 billion in revenue for 2016, and revenue of $1.95 billion from the
Corporation’s ATS end market, which was relatively flat compared to
2016 despite a 7% revenue decline due to the Corporation’s exit from
the solar panel manufacturing business
Customer satisfaction, as measured by customer scorecards, exceeded
objectives
Transform Capabilities Develop ATS Capabilities Continued progress in diversifying and growing our ATS revenue base
Celestica Brand
Acceleration of ATS
Growth
Revitalize Brand and
Corporate Image
Execution on diversification plans (including the integration of Karel and
the execution of an agreement to acquire Atrenne)
Successful external launch of new brand, including media campaign and
shareholder events as well as commercial excellence deployment
People
HR Strategic Plan
Other Financial
Performance Measures
Various
Successful launch of Leadership Imperatives and completion of talent
and succession plans
Generally, 2017 results demonstrated stable performance compared to
2016, and were negatively impacted by cash flow performance, inventory
performance and adverse CCS market dynamics.
116
While overall financial results for 2017 were below expectations, the Compensation Committee determined that Mr. Mionis
continued to grow and diversify the Corporation’s ATS revenue base during the year, and furthered his progress towards achieving
broader strategic objectives in support of our longer-term transformational strategy. Under Mr. Mionis’ leadership, the Celestica
team has remained consistent in executing a strategy focused on growing our ATS business, while maintaining our strong and
differentiated CCS business. Based on these achievements, the Compensation Committee and the Board believe that an IPF of
0.95 for 2017 for Mr. Mionis appropriately reflects his leadership in executing the Corporation’s key strategic initiatives and will
bolster our ability to deliver shareholder value over the long term. As a result of his 2017 IPF and the CPF for 2017, Mr. Mionis
received less than his Target Award and therefore reduced his realized compensation for 2017.
Other NEOs
Each NEO has performance objectives that are assessed at year-end and objective measures that align with the targets for the
CEO. The CEO undertakes an assessment of the NEO’s contributions to the Corporation’s results, including the CEO’s assessment
of each of the NEO’s contributions as a part of the senior leadership team. Based on the CEO’s assessment, the Compensation
Committee considered each of the NEOs to have either substantially met expectations or exceeded expectations for 2017 based
on his or her individual performance and contribution to corporate goals and objectives.
Factors considered in the evaluation of each NEO’s IPF included the following:
Mr. Chawla
Mr. McCaughey
Mr. Lawless
Ms. DelBianco
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Provided strong leadership and continuity during interim CFO role
Effectively transitioned to CFO role
Streamlined process and controls with respect to financial management reporting
Launched new NCIB
Drove new program wins in the Corporation’s CCS business despite challenging end markets,
with revenue from the Corporation's Communications end market growing 4% compared to
2016
Steady growth in the Corporation’s Joint Design and Manufacturing business, which represented
10% of its CCS sales in 2017
Strong leadership and positive navigation through CCS market volatility
Pursued growth opportunities in the Corporation’s ATS end market, including the integration of
Karel and the execution of an agreement to acquire Atrenne
Positive ATS performance on a year-over-year basis (excluding the impact of the loss of solar
revenues)
Improved ATS business management, including engineering capabilities, core account
engagement and de-emphasis of underperforming businesses
Grew the Corporation’s ATS portfolio mix
Effectively managed a number of initiatives across multiple areas including Legal, Compliance,
Communications and Sustainability
Led the Corporation's successful brand refresh, driving innovation and delivering value in support
of Celestica’s commitment to delivering bold solutions to its customers
Strong support for significant corporate transactions
Key advisor on strategic initiatives
117
Target Award
The following table sets forth information with respect to the potential and actual awards under the CTI for participating NEOs
during 2017 (other than Mr. Myers, who was not eligible for a CTI award as a result of his departure from the Corporation during
2017):
Table 12: 2017 CTI Awards
Name
Robert A. Mionis(2)
Mandeep Chawla(2)
Michael P. McCaughey
Jack Lawless(2)
Elizabeth L. DelBianco
Potential
Award for
Below
Threshold
Performance
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
Target
Incentive
%(1)
125%
80%
80%
80%
80%
Potential
Award for
Threshold
Performance
Potential Award
for Target
Performance
$289,170
$1,156,678
$46,017
$95,000
$89,534
$92,000
$184,067
$380,000
$358,137
$368,000
Potential
Maximum
Award
$2,313,356
$368,134
$760,000
$716,274
$736,000
Amount Awarded
% of Base
Salary
$912,041
$158,915 (3)
$299,630
$297,254
$335,984
99%
55%
63%
66%
73%
(1) The Target Incentive for each of Messrs. Mionis, McCaughey and Lawless and Ms. DelBianco was not changed from 2016. Mr. Chawla’s Target Incentive
increased from 60% to 80% upon his appointment as CFO effective October 19, 2017.
(2) As Messrs. Mionis, Chawla and Lawless’ salaries varied during 2017, each of their Target Awards is equal to their Target Incentive multiplied by the prorated
amount of their annualized salaries in respect of 2017.
(3) Amounts in this column for Mr. Chawla for 2017 do not include the one-time cash award of C$260,000 paid to him in 2017 (in two equal instalments) in
connection with his appointment as interim CFO, which was not a CTI incentive payment.
Realized and Realizable Compensation
CEO Realized and Realizable Compensation
The following table is a look back at CEO compensation that compares the total target direct compensation awarded for each
year of Mr. Mionis’ employment to the realized and realizable compensation in each year. Mr. Mionis was appointed as President
and CEO effective August 1, 2015 and therefore received compensation for five months in 2015. The total target direct compensation
value represents Mr. Mionis’ salary, target CTI and the target value of share-based awards. The realized and realizable value shows
the total compensation with long-term incentives at vest date value or if the vest date is after December 31, 2017, at the December
29, 2017 fair value of $10.48 per share.
Table 13: CEO Realized and Realizable Compensation
Total Target Direct Compensation
Realized and Realizable Compensation
2015
2016
2017
$2,200,879
$6,912,500
$7,582,021
$710,325
$8,153,342
$6,056,982
NEO Realized and Realizable Compensation
The following graph compares the six year trend in the Corporation's TSR versus compensation for the NEOs as reported in
each year’s Annual Report on Form 20-F. The comparison demonstrates the difference between total target direct compensation
and the realized and realizable compensation related to each year. The total target direct compensation value represents salary,
target CTI and the target value of share-based awards (RSUs and PSUs) and option awards (if applicable) for all NEOs reported
in the Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 20-F each year. The realized and realizable value shows the total compensation with
long-term incentives at vest date value or if the vest date is after December 31, 2017, at the December 29, 2017 fair value of $10.48
per share. This look back at compensation demonstrates the comparison between actual pay and total target compensation intended
at the time of granting. The difference between total target direct compensation and realized and realizable pay was impacted by
118
the performance of the SVS as well as the performance measures of the CTI, long-term incentive plans and changes in the reported
NEOs in applicable years.
Both total target direct compensation and realized and realizable compensation have generally trended in line with Celestica’s
annual TSR. In 2017, our TSR was negatively impacted by the highly competitive environment and market volatility. While TSR
is an important element for measuring the Corporation’s performance, we also assess our performance based on various other
measures, including revenue, non-IFRS Operating Margin and non-IFRS adjusted ROIC, and utilize such other measures in aligning
our pay for performance. We are also measuring our performance against how well we have achieved our objectives through a
complex and necessary business transformation strategy designed to diversify the Corporation’s business and drive more
sustainable, long-term revenue and profitable growth.
Table 14: NEOs Realized and Realizable Compensation
Celestica Total Shareholder Return (1 year)
2012
11%
2013
28%
2014
13%
2015
-6%
2016
7%
2017
-12%
Total Target Direct Compensation
$15,579,039
$16,977,285
$17,095,810
$8,727,784
$16,375,500
$16,088,075
Realized and Realizable Compensation
$13,635,885
$18,773,929
$15,606,638
$7,405,193
$17,403,572
$13,225,671
119
Key 2018 Executive Compensation Program Design Changes
A comprehensive review of our incentive plans was undertaken in 2017 in light of the Corporation’s long-term strategic plan
and recent organizational design changes. The Compensation Committee approved the following design changes to the
Corporation’s incentive plans which have been implemented for 2018 compensation:
•
•
•
•
the mix of equity will be comprised of 40% RSUs and 60% PSUs (it was previously comprised of 50% RSUs and 50%
PSUs);
elimination of non-IFRS ROIC as a performance measure from the CPF of the CTI;
50% of the CPF will be based on the achievement of specified revenue goals and 50% of the CPF will be based on the
achievement of specified non-IFRS Operating Margin goals; and
the number of PSUs that will actually vest will continue to range from 0% to 200% of the target number granted and will
be primarily based on the Corporation’s non-IFRS Operating Margin (“EBIAT Result”) in the final year of the three-year
performance period, and then modified by the Corporation’s non-IFRS adjusted ROIC (“ROIC Factor”) and relative TSR
achievements (“TSR Factor”) over the performance period in accordance with the following formula:
Total PSU Vesting Percentage
Percentage payout based on EBIAT Result
+/- 0% or 25% based on ROIC Factor
+/-0% to 25% based on TSR Factor
These changes are designed to further improve the alignment of the incentive-based compensation of our executives with the
Corporation’s strategic path forward and pay-for-performance objectives, and also promote long-term shareholder value. In
particular, with respect to the greater emphasis on non-IFRS Operating Margin as a performance measure for payouts under the
CPF of the CTI, and introduction of this measure as the primary vesting criteria for our PSUs, we believe that this shift strongly
correlates with our current focus on margin improvement across all of our businesses. We believe that maintaining close alignment
between our strategic objectives and our executive incentive compensation programs demonstrates our commitment to a pay-for-
performance philosophy, which commitment requires adjustment to our performance criteria from time to time as our business
goals and objectives evolve. Similarly, our decision to shift our equity grants to include a larger percentage of PSUs than RSUs
also demonstrates this commitment, as PSUs are tied to current business performance objectives, and unlike RSUs, do not vest
merely upon the passage of time. We eliminated the comparative nature of non-IFRS adjusted ROIC performance from our PSU
vesting calculation as we believe our own results over the relevant period will represent a more meaningful measure of our financial
performance. The decision to approve these incentive plan design changes was made after consultation with management and the
Compensation Consultant. In reaching this decision, the Compensation Committee took into account competitive trends and
practices as well as the Corporation’s focus on retaining key leaders to effectively execute our strategic business goals.
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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Summary Compensation Table
The following table sets forth the compensation of the NEOs for the financial years ended December 31, 2015 through
December 31, 2017.
Table 15: Summary Compensation Table
Name & Principal Position
Robert A. Mionis(7)
President and Chief Executive
Officer
Mandeep Chawla(8)
Chief Financial Officer
Darren G. Myers(9)
Former Chief Financial Officer
Michael P. McCaughey
President, CCS
Jack Lawless(10)
President, ATS
Elizabeth L. DelBianco
Chief Legal and Administrative
Officer
Year
2017
2016
2015
2017
2016
2015
2017
2016
2015
2017
2016
2015
2017
2016
2015
2017
2016
2015
Salary
($)
$925,342
$850,000
$356,301
$287,359
$210,196
$180,961
$307,123
$500,000
$500,000
$475,000
$475,000
$475,000
$447,671
$410,000
$103,342
$460,000
$460,000
$460,000
Share‑
based
Awards
($)(1)(2)
$5,500,000
$5,000,000
Option‑
based
Awards
($)(3)
–
–
–
$1,399,202
$1,025,000
$285,000
–
$1,900,000
$1,600,000
$750,000
$1,550,000
$1,550,000
$750,000
$1,500,000
$1,350,000
–
$1,425,000
$1,425,000
$750,000
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
Non-equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
Annual
Incentive
Plans
($)(4)
$912,041
Pension
Value
($)(5)
$155,821
$1,227,188
$141,262
$325,125
$359,161
$103,966
$55,483
–
$603,750
$419,750
$299,630
$498,750
$319,010
$297,254
$447,720
$82,674
$335,984
$444,360
$268,640
$28,413
$47,234
$21,008
$20,035
$75,017
$72,275
$75,307
$78,586
$62,510
$64,711
$52,975
$31,914
$4,888
$71,571
$57,428
$65,509
All Other
Compensation
($)(6)
Total
Compensation
($)
$721,898
$265,623
$872,388
$493
$48
$49
$2,999
$3,438
$1,218
$6,201
$1,018
$1,054
$34,522
$2,738
$1,407
$3,817
$3,532
$1,316
$8,215,102
$7,484,073
$2,981,429
$1,719,247
$620,218
$256,528
$2,285,139
$2,779,463
$1,746,275
$2,409,417
$2,587,278
$1,609,775
$2,332,422
$2,242,372
$192,311
$2,296,372
$2,390,320
$1,545,465
(1) All amounts in this column represent the grant date fair value of share-based awards. Amounts in this column for 2017 represent: (i) RSU and PSU grants
made on January 31, 2017 to all NEOs; (ii) for Mr. Chawla, includes the additional one-time RSU grant made on June 5, 2017; and (iii) for Mr. Myers,
includes the additional one-time PSU grant made on March 6, 2017. Grants were based on a share price of $13.66, which was the closing price of the SVS
on the NYSE on January 30, 2017 (the day prior to the date of the grant), except for the one-time additional grants made to Messrs. Chawla and Myers,
which were based on a share price of $14.01 and $13.56, respectively, which was the closing price of the SVS on the NYSE on June 2, 2017 and March 3,
2017 (the last business days prior to the respective dates of grant). Amounts in this column for 2016 represent RSU and PSU grants made on February 1,
2016 under the CSUP. Grants were based on a share price of $9.06, which was the closing price of the SVS on the NYSE on January 29, 2016 (the day prior
to the date of grant). See Compensation Discussion and Analysis – Compensation Elements for the Named Executive Officers – Equity‑Based Incentives for
a description of the process followed in determining the grants for 2017, and see Compensation Discussion and Analysis – 2017 Compensation Decisions –
Equity‑Based Incentives for a description of the vesting terms of the RSU and PSU awards. Amounts in this column for 2015 represent RSUs granted as
special equity awards on April 30, 2015 to the executive team in connection with the transition of the Corporation’s CEO. Grants were based on a share price
of $12.18, which was the closing price of the SVS on the NYSE on April 29, 2015 (the day prior to the date of grant). As described above, commencing with
the annual equity grants made in 2016, grants made in-year are reported for such year rather than the most recently completed year.
(2) The estimated accounting fair value of the share‑based awards is calculated using the market price of SVS as defined under each of the plans and various
fair value pricing models. The grant date fair value of the RSU portion of the share‑based awards in Table 15 is the same as the accounting fair value of such
awards. The accounting fair values for the PSU portion of the 2016 and 2017 share‑based awards reflects various assumptions as to estimated vesting for
such awards in accordance with applicable accounting standards. The grant date fair value for the PSU portion of the share‑based awards reflects the dollar
amount of the award intended for compensation purposes, based on the market value of the underlying shares on the grant dates based on an assumption of
the vesting of 100% of the target number of PSUs granted. The accounting fair value for these NEOs assumed a zero forfeiture rate for all equity‑based
awards. 60% of the PSUs granted with respect to 2016 and 2017 performance vest depending on the level of achievement of a market performance condition,
TSR, over a three-year period relative to the TSR of a pre-defined comparator group. The comparator group was based on the S&P 1500 Technology Index
for each of 2016 and 2017 with the addition of Flex Ltd., and which remain publicly traded on an established U.S. stock exchange for the entire performance
period. The cost the Corporation records for the PSUs that vest based on TSR performance is determined using a Monte Carlo simulation model. The number
of awards expected to be earned is factored into the grant date Monte Carlo valuation for the award. The grant date fair value is not subsequently adjusted
regardless of the eventual number of awards that are earned based on the market performance condition. 40% of the PSUs granted vest depending on the
level of achievement of non-IFRS adjusted ROIC (a non-market performance condition), in the final year of a three-year vesting period, based on Celestica’s
non-IFRS adjusted ROIC relative to the non-IFRS adjusted ROIC of a pre-determined EMS competitor group (in each case as determined by the Corporation).
121
The cost the Corporation records for PSUs that will vest based on non-IFRS adjusted ROIC performance is determined based on the market value of SVS
at the time of grant, and such cost may be adjusted (usually during the last year of the three-year performance period) based on management’s estimate of
the relative level of achievement of non-IFRS adjusted ROIC, as outlined above. All unvested equity awards granted to Mr. Myers were forfeited upon his
resignation effective July 31, 2017.
(3) Amounts in this column for 2015 represent the grant date fair value special sign-on grant of stock options under the LTIP granted to Mr. Mionis on August
1, 2015 in connection with his appointment as President and CEO. There were no other stock options granted to the NEOs with respect to 2015, 2016 or
2017 performance.
(4) Amounts in this column represent CTI incentive payments made to NEOs. See Compensation Discussion and Analysis – Compensation Elements for the
Named Executive Officers – Celestica Team Incentive Plan for a description of the plan. Amounts in this column for Mr. Chawla for 2017 also include the
one-time cash award of C$260,000 paid to him (in two equal instalments) in connection with his appointment as interim CFO.
(5) Amounts in this column represent Celestica’s contributions to defined contribution pension plans on behalf of the NEOs. Pension values for Mr. Mionis are
reported in U.S. dollars. For 2017, his pension values include $155,821 in U.S. dollars representing the pension value from the U.S. pension plans. For 2016,
his pension values include $8,088 in U.S. dollars representing the pension value from the U.S. pension plans and $133,174 having been converted from
Canadian dollars representing the pension value from the Canadian Pension Plans (as defined below). See Pension Plans for a full description of the plans
Mr. Mionis participated in during 2017. Pension values for Messrs. Myers, McCaughey and Lawless and Ms. DelBianco are reported in U.S. dollars, having
been converted from Canadian dollars. Amounts were converted to U.S. dollars at the average exchange rate for 2017 of $1.00 equals C$1.2984.
(6) Amounts in this column for Mr. Mionis represent amounts for items provided for under the CEO Employment Agreement, which for 2017 consisted of tax
equalization payments of $624,011, housing expenses of $73,669 while in Canada, group life insurance premiums of $1,177, a 401(k) contribution of $16,200,
travel expenses between Toronto and Arizona of $4,346, a tax preparation fee of $500 and the cost of a comprehensive medical exam at a private health clinic
of $1,995. For 2016, the amount in this column for Mr. Mionis consisted of tax equalization payments of $124,548, housing expenses of $75,916 while in
Canada, group life insurance premiums of $1,089, a 401(k) contribution of $10,298, travel expenses between Toronto and Arizona of $28,795, tax preparation
fees of $23,168 and the cost of a comprehensive medical exam at a private health clinic of $1,809; and for 2015 included the Contractual Payment. Amounts
in this column for Mr. Lawless for 2017 consisted of tax equalization payments of $17,610 and a 401(k) contribution of $16,200. In accordance with the
Corporation's Short Term Business Travel Program, the Compensation Committee approved tax equalization payments for Messrs. Mionis and Lawless in
order to cover taxes on their compensation in excess of the taxes they would have incurred in the United States. Due largely to variables such as timing and
tax rate differences between Canada and the U.S., tax equalization amounts may vary from one year to the next and the net benefit may be positive or negative
in the year. While the Corporation is incorporated and headquartered in Canada, our business is global and we compete for executive talent worldwide. As
a result, we believe it is appropriate to make tax equalization payments in order to attract and retain non-Canadian executive officers with specific capabilities.
(7) Mr. Mionis was appointed as President and CEO of the Corporation and as a member of the Board, effective August 1, 2015 and accordingly, annualized
amounts for 2015 were pro-rated to reflect actual compensation paid, awarded or earned. In January 2017, the Compensation Committee approved an increase
in Mr. Mionis’ annual base salary from $850,000 to $950,000 effective April 1, 2017 in order to align his salary to the median of the Corporation’s competitive
benchmark. As such, annualized amounts for 2017 were pro-rated to reflect actual compensation paid, awarded or earned.
(8) Mr. Chawla was appointed as interim CFO of the Corporation effective May 23, 2017 and CFO of the Corporation effective October 19, 2017 and, accordingly,
annualized amounts for 2017 have been pro-rated to reflect actual compensation paid, awarded or earned.
(9) Mr. Myers resigned as CFO of the Corporation effective July 31, 2017. See Termination of Employment and Change in Control Arrangements with Named
Executive Officers – Arrangements Regarding Resignation of Former CFO.
(10) Mr. Lawless joined the Corporation effective October 1, 2015. As such, annualized amounts for 2015 were pro-rated to reflect actual compensation paid,
awarded or earned. In January 2017, the Compensation Committee approved an increase in Mr. Lawless’ annual base salary from $410,000 to $460,000
effective April 1, 2017 in order to align his salary to the median of the Corporation’s competitive benchmark. As such, annualized amounts for 2017 were
pro-rated to reflect actual compensation paid, awarded or earned.
122
Option‑Based and Share‑Based Awards
The following table provides details of each stock option grant outstanding (vested and unvested) and the aggregate number
of unvested share-based awards for each of the NEOs as of December 31, 2017.
Table 16: Outstanding Option‑Based and Share‑Based Awards(1)
Option‑Based Awards
Share‑Based Awards
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
(#)
Option
Exercise
Price
($)
Option
Expiration
Date
Value of
Unexercised
In-the-Money
Options
($)(2)
Number of
Shares or
Units that
have not
Vested
(#)(3)
Payout
Value of
Share-
Based
Awards
that
have not
Vested at
Minimum
($)(4)
Payout
Value of
Share-
Based
Awards
that
have not
Vested at
Target
($)(4)
Payout
Value of
Share-Based
Awards that
have not
Vested at
Maximum
($)(4)
Payout
Value of
Vested
Share‑Based
Awards
Not Paid
Out or
Distributed
($)
298,954
C$17.52 Aug. 1, 2025
–
–
298,954
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
22,742
47,762
C$8.26
Jan. 31, 2022
C$8.29
Jan. 28, 2023
$86,176
$179,880
–
–
–
70,504
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
459,897
$1,867,360
$4,668,394
$7,469,428
402,634
$2,109,802
$4,219,604
$6,329,406
862,531
$3,977,162
$8,887,998
$13,798,834
7,750
17,015
9,025
25,622
48,180
–
$69,087
$91,612
$130,044
$489,073
$78,670
$172,718
$91,612
$260,088
$489,073
$157,340
$276,350
$91,612
$390,132
$489,073
107,592
$779,816
$1,092,161
$1,404.507
–
66,430
142,567
113,468
–
–
–
–
$674,328
$1,348,656
$578,879
$1,447,191
$2,315,504
$575,904
$1,151,809
$1,727,713
322,465
$1,154,783
$3,273,328
$5,391,873
124,172
109,808
$520,531
$1,301,323
$2,082,114
$575,394
$1,150,788
$1,726,182
233,980
$1,095,925
$2,452,111
$3,808,296
–
–
63,108
131,070
104,318
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
$640,606
$1,281,213
$532,194
$1,330,486
$2,128,777
$529,464
$1,058,927
$1,588,391
$266,056
298,496
$1,061,658
$3,030,019
$4,998,381
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
Name
Robert A. Mionis
Aug. 1, 2015
Feb. 1, 2016
Jan 31, 2017
Total
Mandeep Chawla
Jan. 23, 2015
Feb. 1, 2016
Aug. 1, 2016
Jan. 31, 2017
Jun. 5, 2017
Total
Darren G. Myers(5)
Michael P.
McCaughey
Jan. 23, 2015
Feb. 1, 2016
Jan. 31, 2017
Total
Jack Lawless
Feb. 1, 2016
Jan. 31, 2017
Total
Elizabeth L.
DelBianco
Jan. 31, 2012
Jan. 28, 2013
Jan. 23, 2015
Feb. 1, 2016
Jan. 31, 2017
Total
(1) See Compensation Discussion and Analysis – 2017 Compensation Decisions – Equity‑Based Incentives for a discussion of the equity grants.
(2) The value of unexercised in‑the‑money stock options was determined using a share price of C$13.18, which was the closing price of the SVS on the TSX
on December 29, 2017, converted to U.S. dollars at the average exchange rate for 2017 of $1.00 equals C$1.2984.
(3)
Includes unvested RSUs, as well as PSUs assuming achievement of 100% of target level performance.
(4) Payout values at minimum vesting include the value of RSUs only, as the minimum value of PSUs would be $0.00 if the minimum performance condition
is not met. Payout value at target vesting is determined assuming vesting of 100% of the target number of PSUs granted and payout values at maximum
vesting is determined assuming vesting of 200% of the target number of PSUs granted. Payout values for Messrs. Chawla and McCaughey and Ms. DelBianco
123
and the February 1, 2016 grants for Mr. Mionis were determined using a share price of C$13.18, which was the closing price of the SVS on the TSX on
December 29, 2017, converted to U.S. dollars at the average exchange rate for 2017 of $1.00 equals C$1.2984. Payout values for Mr. Lawless and the payout
value for Mr. Mionis’ January 31, 2017 grant were determined using a share price of $10.48, which was the closing price of the SVS on the NYSE on
December 29, 2017.
(5) Mr. Myers resigned as CFO of the Corporation effective July 31, 2017. See Termination of Employment and Change in Control Arrangements with Named
Executive Officers – Arrangements Regarding Resignation of Former CFO.
The following table provides details for each NEO of the value of option‑based and share‑based awards that vested during
2017 and the value of annual incentive awards earned in respect of 2017 performance.
Table 17: Incentive Plan Awards – Value Vested or Earned in 2017
Name
Robert A. Mionis
Mandeep Chawla
Darren G. Myers
Michael P. McCaughey
Jack Lawless
Elizabeth L. DelBianco
Option‑based Awards –
Value Vested During
the Year
($)(1)
-
Share‑based Awards –
Value Vested During
the Year
($)(2)
$1,258,123
-
$199,609
$186,301
-
$189,628
$209,320
$2,568,601
$2,707,679
$338,487
$2,606,463
Non-equity Incentive
Plan Compensation –
Value Earned During
the Year
($)(3)
$912,041
$359,161
-
$299,630
$297,254
$335,984
(1) Amounts in this column and in the sub-tables within this footnote reflect the value of stock options that vested in 2017 and were in-the-money on the vesting
date.
Stock options for Messrs. Myers and McCaughey and Ms. DelBianco vested as follows:
Vesting
Date
January 28, 2017
Exercise
Price
$8.29
Closing Price on
TSX of SVS on
Vesting Date
$18.60
(2)
Amounts in this column reflect share‑based awards that were released in 2017. Share‑based awards were released for Messrs. Mionis, Myers and McCaughey,
and Ms. DelBianco based on the price of the SVS on the TSX as follows:
Type of Award
Vesting Date
RSU
RSU
PSU
RSU
RSU
January 23, 2017
February 1, 2017
February 4, 2017
April 30, 2017
December 1, 2017
Price
$16.05
$17.76
$17.82
$19.45
$13.45
All of the preceding values were converted to U.S. dollars from Canadian dollars at the average exchange rate for 2017 of $1.00 equals C$1.2984. The
Corporation’s TSR (determinative for 60% of such PSUs) ranked 6th among the TSR Comparators, resulting in zero achievement and the Corporation’s non-
IFRS adjusted ROIC (determinative for 40% of such PSUs) ranked 1st among the ROIC Competitors resulting in 200% achievement for an overall vesting
level of 80%, i.e. ((60% * 0%) + (40% * 200%)).
(3) Consists of payments under the CTI made on February 9, 2018 in respect of 2017 performance. For Mr. Chawla, also includes the one-time cash award of
C$260,000 paid to him (in two equal instalments) in connection with his appointment as interim CFO. See Compensation Discussion and Analysis – 2017
Compensation Decisions – Annual Incentive Award – Target Award. These are the same amounts as disclosed in Table 15 under the column “Non-equity
Incentive Plan Compensation – Annual Incentive Plans”.
124
The following table sets out the gains realized by NEOs from exercising stock options in 2017.
Table 18: Gains Realized by NEOs from Exercising Options
Name
Robert A. Mionis
Mandeep Chawla
Darren G. Myers
Michael P. McCaughey
Jack Lawless
Elizabeth L. DelBianco
Amount
-
-
$938,540
$177,803
-
$249,120
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
Table 19: Equity Compensation Plans as at December 31, 2017(1)
Plan Category
Securities to be Issued
Upon Exercise of
Outstanding Options,
Warrants and Rights
(#)
Weighted‑Average
Exercise Price of
Outstanding Options,
Warrants and Rights
($)
Equity Compensation
Plans Approved by
Securityholders
LTIP (Options)
394,458
$6.51/C$15.68
Securities Remaining
Available for Future
Issuance Under Equity
Compensation Plans(2)
(#)
N/A(3)
LTIP (RSUs)
LTIP (PSUs)(4)
Total(5)
1,709,441
2,819,368
4,923,267
N/A
N/A
$6.51/C$15.68
N/A(3)
N/A(3)
7,440,033
(1) This table sets forth information, as of December 31, 2017, with respect to subordinate voting shares of the Corporation authorized for issuance under the
LTIP, and does not include subordinate voting shares of the Corporation purchased (or to be purchased) in the open market to settle equity awards under the
LTIP or the Corporation’s other equity compensation plans. The LTIP, which was approved by the Corporation’s shareholders, is the only equity compensation
plan pursuant to which the Corporation may issue new subordinate voting shares to settle equity awards.
(2) Excluding securities that may be issued upon exercise of outstanding stock options, warrants and rights.
(3) The LTIP provides for a maximum number of securities that may be issued from treasury, but does not provide separate maximums for each type of award
thereunder.
(4) Assumes the maximum payout for all outstanding PSUs (200% of target).
(5) The total number of securities issuable upon the exercise/settlement of outstanding grants under all equity compensation plans approved by shareholders
represents 3.471% of the total number of outstanding shares at December 31, 2017 (LTIP (Options) – 0.278%; LTIP (RSUs) – 1.205%; and LTIP (PSUs) –
1.988%).
Equity Compensation Plans
Long-Term Incentive Plan
The LTIP (which was approved by the Corporation’s shareholders) is the only securities‑based compensation plan providing
for the issuance of securities from treasury under which grants have been made and continue to be made by the Corporation since
the company was listed on the TSX and the NYSE. Under the LTIP, the Board of Directors may in its discretion from time to time
grant stock options, share units (in the form of RSUs and PSUs) and stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) to employees and consultants
of the Corporation and affiliated entities.
Up to 29,000,000 SVS may be issued from treasury pursuant to the LTIP. The number of SVS that may be issued from treasury
under the LTIP to directors is limited to 2,000,000; however, the Corporation decided in 2004 that stock option grants under the
LTIP would no longer be made to directors. Under the LTIP, as of February 14, 2018, 17,677,070 SVS have been issued from
treasury, 372,458 SVS are issuable under outstanding stock options, 1,049,632 SVS are issuable under outstanding RSUs, and
125
738,154 SVS are issuable under outstanding PSUs assuming vesting at 100% of target (1,476,308 SVS are issuable under
outstanding PSUs assuming vesting at 200% of target). Accordingly, as of February 14, 2018, 11,322,930 SVS are reserved for
issuance from treasury pursuant to current and potential future grants of securities‑based compensation under the LTIP (including
PSUs assuming vesting at 100% of target). In addition, the Corporation may satisfy obligations under the LTIP by acquiring SVS
in the open market.
As of February 14, 2018, the Corporation had a “gross overhang” of 7.3% under the LTIP. “Gross overhang” refers to the total
number of shares reserved for issuance from treasury under equity plans at any given time relative to the total number of shares
outstanding, including shares reserved for outstanding stock options, RSUs and PSUs (assuming vesting at 100% of target). The
Corporation’s “net overhang” (i.e. the total number of shares that have been reserved for issuance from treasury to satisfy outstanding
equity grants to employees relative to the total number of shares outstanding) was 1.5% (including PSUs assuming vesting at 100%
of target).
As of December 31, 2017, the Corporation had an “overhang” for stock options of 5.53%, representing the number of shares
reserved for outstanding stock options as at such date, together with shares reserved for potential future grants of stock options,
relative to the total number of shares outstanding as at such date.
The Corporation had a “burn rate” for the LTIP for each of the years 2017, 2016 and 2015 of 1.6%, 0.5%, and 0.9%, respectively.
“Burn rate” is calculated by dividing the number of awards granted during the applicable year (including the target amount of
PSUs granted), by the weighted average number of securities outstanding for the applicable year.
The LTIP limits the number of SVS that may be (a) reserved for issuance to insiders (as defined under TSX rules for this
purpose), and (b) issued within a one‑year period to insiders pursuant to stock options, rights or share units granted pursuant to
the LTIP, together with SVS reserved for issuance under any other employee‑related plan of the Corporation or stock options for
services granted by the Corporation, in each case to 10% of the aggregate issued and outstanding SVS and MVS of the Corporation.
The LTIP also limits the number of SVS that may be reserved for issuance to any one participant pursuant to stock options, SARs
or share units granted pursuant to the LTIP, together with SVS reserved for issuance under any other employee‑related equity plan
of the Corporation or stock options for services granted by the Corporation, to 5% of the aggregate issued and outstanding SVS
and MVS.
Vested stock options issued under the LTIP may be exercised during a period determined as provided in the LTIP, which may
not exceed ten years. The LTIP also provides that, unless otherwise determined by the Board of Directors, stock options will
terminate within specified time periods following the termination of employment of an eligible participant with the Corporation
or affiliated entities, including in connection with a change of control. The exercise price for stock options issued under the LTIP
is the closing price for SVS on the last business day prior to the grant. The TSX closing price is used for Canadian employees and
the NYSE closing price is used for all other employees. The exercise of stock options may be subject to vesting conditions, including
specific time schedules for vesting and performance‑based conditions such as share price and financial results. The grant of stock
options to, or exercise of stock options by, an eligible participant may also be subject to certain share ownership requirements.
The interest of any participant under the LTIP is generally not transferable or assignable. However, the LTIP does provide that
a participant may assign his or her rights to a spouse, or a personal holding company or family trust controlled by the participant,
of which any combination of the participant, the participant’s spouse, minor children or grandchildren are shareholders or
beneficiaries, as applicable.
Under the LTIP, eligible participants may be granted SARs, a right to receive a cash amount equal to the amount, if any, by
which the market price of the SVS at the time of exercise of the SAR exceeds the market price of the SVS at the time of the grant.
The market price used for this purpose is the weighted average price for SVS during the five trading days preceding the date of
determination. The TSX market price is used for Canadian employees and the NYSE market price is used for all other employees.
Such amounts may also be payable by the issuance of SVS (at the discretion of the Corporation). The exercise of SARs may also
be subject to conditions similar to those which may be imposed on the exercise of stock options. To date, the Corporation has not
granted any SARs under the LTIP.
Under the LTIP, eligible participants may be allocated share units in the form of PSUs or RSUs. Each vested RSU and PSU
entitles the holder to receive one SVS on the applicable release date (however, the number of PSUs that may vest range from 0%
to 200% of a target amount). The issuance of such shares may be subject to vesting requirements similar to those described above
with respect to the exercisability of stock options and SARs, including such time or performance‑based conditions as may be
126
determined by the Board of Directors in its discretion. The number of SVS that may be issued to any one person pursuant to the
share unit program shall not exceed 1% of the aggregate issued and outstanding SVS and MVS. The number of SVS that may be
issued under share units in the event of termination of employment without cause, death or long term disability is subject to pro-
ration, unless otherwise determined by the Corporation. The LTIP provides for the express designation of share units as either
RSUs (restricted share units), which have time-based vesting conditions or PSUs (performance share units), which have
performance-based vesting conditions over a specified period. In the event a holder of PSUs retires, unless otherwise determined
by the Corporation, the pro-rated vesting of such PSUs shall be determined based on the actual performance achieved during the
period specified for the grant by the Corporation.
The following types of amendments to the LTIP or the entitlements granted under it require the approval of the holders of the
voting securities by a majority of votes cast by shareholders present or represented by proxy at a meeting:
(a)
increasing the maximum number of SVS that may be issued under the LTIP;
(b) reducing the exercise price of an outstanding stock option (including cancelling and, in conjunction therewith, regranting
a stock option at a reduced exercise price);
(c) extending the term of any outstanding stock option or SAR;
(d) expanding the rights of participants to assign or transfer a stock option, SAR or share unit beyond that currently
contemplated by the LTIP;
(e) amending the LTIP to provide for other types of security‑based compensation through equity issuance;
(f) permitting a stock option to have a term of more than ten years from the grant date;
(g) increasing or deleting the percentage limit on SVS issuable or issued to insiders under the LTIP;
(h) increasing or deleting the percentage limit on SVS reserved for issuance to any one person under the LTIP (being 5% of
the Corporation’s total issued and outstanding SVS and MVS);
(i) adding to the categories of participants who may be eligible to participate in the LTIP; and
(j) amending the amendment provision,
subject to the application of the anti‑dilution or re‑organization provisions of the LTIP.
The Board may approve amendments to the LTIP or the entitlements granted under it without shareholder approval, other than
those specified above as requiring approval of the shareholders, including, without limitation:
(a)
clerical changes (such as a change to correct an inconsistency or omission or a change to update an administrative
provision);
(b) a change to the termination provisions for the LTIP or for a stock option as long as the change does not permit the
Corporation to grant a stock option with a termination date of more than ten years from the date of grant or extend an
outstanding stock option’s termination date beyond such date; and
(c)
a change deemed necessary or desirable to comply with applicable law or regulatory requirements.
Celestica Share Unit Plan
The CSUP provides for the issuance of RSUs and PSUs in the same manner as provided in the LTIP, except that the Corporation
may not issue shares from treasury to satisfy its obligations under the CSUP and there is no limit on the number of share units that
may be issued as RSUs and PSUs under the terms of the CSUP. The share units may be subject to vesting requirements, including
any time-based conditions established by the Board of Directors at its discretion. The vesting of PSUs also requires the achievement
127
of specified performance‑based conditions as determined by the Compensation Committee. There is no “burn rate” for the CSUP
because issuances under the CSUP are not from treasury and are therefore non-dilutive.
Pension Plans
The following table provides details of the amount of Celestica’s contributions to its defined contribution pension plans on
behalf of the NEOs, and the accumulated value thereunder as of December 31, 2017 for each NEO.
Table 20: Defined Contribution Pension Plan
Name
Robert A. Mionis
Mandeep Chawla
Darren G. Myers(2)
Michael P. McCaughey(2)
Jack Lawless
Elizabeth L. DelBianco(2)
Accumulated Value
at Start of Year
($)
Compensatory
($)
Accumulated Value
at End of Year(1)
($)
$190,719
$108,087
$544,303
$432,738
$40,423
$874,659
$155,821
$47,234
$75,017
$78,586
$52,975
$71,571
$390,927
$167,027
$684,072
$514,725
$110,220
$1,041,737
(1) The difference between (i) the sum of the Accumulated Value at Start of Year column plus the Compensatory column and (ii) the Accumulated Value at End
of Year column is attributable to non-compensatory changes in the Corporation’s accrued obligations during the year ended December 31, 2017.
(2) The difference between the Accumulated Value at Start of Year reported here and the Accumulated Value at End of Year reported in the 2016 Annual Report
for Messrs. Myers, McCaughey and Lawless and Ms. DelBianco is attributable to different exchange rates used in the 2016 Annual Report and this Annual
Report. The exchange rate used in the 2016 Annual Report was $1.00 = C$1.3243.
Canadian Pension Plans
Messrs. Chawla and McCaughey and Ms. DelBianco participate in the Corporation’s registered pension plan for Canadian
employees (the “Canadian Pension Plan”) which is a defined contribution plan. Until his resignation effective July 31, 2017, Mr.
Myers also participated in the Canadian Pension Plan. The Canadian Pension Plan allows employees to choose how the Corporation’s
contributions are invested on their behalf within a range of investment options provided by third-party fund managers. Retirement
benefits depend upon the performance of the investment options chosen. Messrs. Chawla, McCaughey and Ms. DelBianco also
participate in an unregistered supplementary pension plan (the “Canadian Supplementary Plan”). This is also a defined contribution
plan through which the Corporation provides an annual contribution of an amount equal to the difference between (i) the maximum
annual contribution limit as determined in accordance with the formula set out in the Canadian Pension Plan and with Canada
Revenue Agency rules and (ii) 8% of the total base salary and paid annual incentives. Notional accounts are maintained for each
participant in the Canadian Supplementary Plan. Participants are entitled to select from among the investment options available
in the Canadian Pension Plan for the purpose of determining the return on their Canadian Supplementary Plan notional accounts.
U.S. Pension Plans
Messrs. Mionis and Lawless participate in the Corporation’s U.S. pension plans comprised of two defined contribution
retirement programs, one of which qualifies as a deferred salary arrangement under section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code
(United States) (the “401(k) Plan”). Under the 401(k) Plan, participating employees may defer 100% of their pre-tax earnings
subject to any statutory limitations. The Corporation may make contributions for the benefit of eligible employees. The 401(k)
Plan allows employees to choose how their account balances are invested on their behalf within a range of investment options
provided by third-party fund managers. The Corporation contributes: (i) 3% of eligible compensation for the participant, and (ii)
up to an additional 3% of eligible compensation by matching 50% of the first 6% contributed by the participant. The maximum
contribution of the Corporation to the 401(k) Plan, based on the Internal Revenue Code rules and the 401(k) Plan formula for 2017
was $16,200. Messrs. Mionis and Lawless also participate in a supplementary retirement plan that is also a defined contribution
plan (the “U.S. Supplementary Plan”). Under the U.S. Supplementary Plan, the Corporation contributes to the participant an
annual amount equal to the difference between 8% of the participant’s salary and paid incentive and the amount that Celestica
would contribute to the 401(k) Plan assuming the participant contributes the amount required to receive the matching 50%
contribution by Celestica. A notional account is maintained for Messrs. Mionis and Lawless, and they are entitled to select from
among the investment options available in the 401(k) Plan for the purpose of determining the return on their notional accounts.
128
Termination of Employment and Change in Control Arrangements with Named Executive Officers
The Corporation has entered into employment agreements with certain of its NEOs in order to provide certainty to the
Corporation and such NEOs with respect to issues such as obligations of confidentiality, non‑solicitation and non‑competition
after termination of employment, the amount of severance to be paid in the event of termination of the NEO’s employment, and
to provide a retention incentive in the event of a change in control scenario.
Mr. Mionis
The CEO Employment Agreement provides that Mr. Mionis is entitled to certain severance benefits if, during a change of
control period or a potential change of control period at the Corporation, he is terminated without cause or resigns for good reason
as defined in his agreement (a “double trigger” provision) where good reason includes, without limitation, a material adverse
change in position or duties or a specified reduction(s) in total compensation (including base salary, equity and CTI award). A
change of control period is defined in his agreement as the 12-month period following a change of control. A potential change of
control period is defined in his agreement as the period beginning upon the occurrence of a potential change of control and ending
on the earlier of: (i) the end of the 6-month period following a potential change of control; and (ii) a change of control.
The amount of the severance payment for Mr. Mionis is equal to: (i) base salary up to and including the termination date; (ii)
a lump sum amount equal to his target payment under the CTI prorated to the date of termination; (iii) a lump sum amount equal
to any payments accrued under the CTI in respect of the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year during which his termination occurs,
if any; (iv) a lump sum amount equal to two times his eligible earnings (such eligible earnings calculated as his annual base salary
plus the lesser of (a) his target payment under the CTI for the fiscal year during which his termination occurs based on target
achievement of the CPF of 1.0 and an IPF of 1.0, and (b) payment received under the CTI for the fiscal year preceding the fiscal
year during which termination occurs); (v) vacation pay earned but unpaid up to and including the date of termination; (vi) a lump
sum cash settlement of contributions to, or continuation of his pension and retirement plans for a two‑year period; and (vii) a one-
time lump sum payment of $100,000 in lieu of all future benefits and perquisites. In addition, upon a change of control and
termination without cause or for good reason (a) the stock options granted to him vest immediately, (b) the unvested PSUs granted
to him vest immediately at the target level of performance specified in the terms of the PSU grant, and (c) the RSUs granted to
him shall vest immediately.
Outside a change in control period, upon termination without cause or resignation for good reason as defined in his agreement,
the amount of the severance payment for Mr. Mionis is equal to: (a) base salary up to and including the termination date; (ii) a
lump sum amount equal to any payments accrued under the CTI in respect of the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year during which
his termination occurs; (iii) a lump sum amount equal to two times his eligible earnings (as calculated in the paragraph above);
(iv) vacation pay earned but unpaid up to and including the date of termination; (v) a one-time lump sum payment of $100,000 in
lieu of all future benefits and perquisites; and (vi) a lump sum cash settlement of contributions to, or continuation of his pension
and retirement plans for a two‑year period. In addition, (a) vested stock options may be exercised for a period of 30 days and
unvested stock options are forfeited on the termination date, (b) RSUs shall vest immediately on a pro rata basis based on the ratio
of (i) the number of full years of employment completed between the date of grant and termination of employment, to (ii) the
number of years between the date of grant and the vesting date, and (c) PSUs vest based on actual performance on a pro rata basis
based on the ratio of (i) the number of full years of employment completed between the date of grant and the termination of
employment, to (ii) the number of years between the date of grant and the vesting date.
The foregoing entitlements are conferred on Mr. Mionis in part upon his fulfillment of certain confidentiality, non-solicitation
and non-competition obligations for a period of two years following termination of employment. In the event of a breach of such
obligations, the Corporation is entitled to seek appropriate legal, equitable and other remedies, including injunctive relief.
The following table summarizes the incremental payments and benefits to which Mr. Mionis would have been entitled upon
a change in control occurring on December 31, 2017, or if his employment had been terminated on December 31, 2017 as a result
of a change in control, retirement or termination without cause (or with good reason).
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Table 21: Mr. Mionis’ Benefits
Change in Control – No Termination
Cash
Portion
—
Incremental Value of Option-Based
and Share-Based Awards(1)
—
Change in Control – Termination
$4,636,124
Retirement
Termination without Cause/with Good
Reason
—
$4,636,124
—
—
—
Other
Benefits(2)
—
$444,042
—
$444,042
Total
—
$5,080,166
—
$5,080,166
(1) No incremental amount would be received in respect of accelerated vesting of options, RSUs and PSUs, if any, on the assumption that the discount rate
applied to calculate the net present value of the accelerated entitlements is not greater than the rate at which the SVS would otherwise be expected to appreciate
over the period of acceleration.
(2) Other benefits consist of group health benefits and pension plan contribution.
Ms. DelBianco
The employment agreement of Ms. DelBianco provides that she is entitled to certain severance benefits if, during a change
in control period at the Corporation, she is terminated without cause or resigns for good reason as defined in her agreement (a
“double trigger” provision), where good reason includes, without limitation, a material adverse change in position or duties, a
specified reduction(s) in total compensation (including base salary, equity and CTI award), or a required relocation from Toronto
at the time of a change in control. A change in control period is defined in her agreement as the period (a) commencing on the date
the Corporation enters into a binding agreement for a change in control, an intention is announced by the Corporation to effect a
change in control or the Board adopts a resolution that a change in control has occurred, and (b) ending three years after the
completion of the change in control or, if a change in control is not completed, one year following the commencement of the period.
The amount of the severance payment for Ms. DelBianco is equal to three times her annual base salary and target annual incentive,
together with a portion of her target annual incentive for the year, prorated to the date of termination. The agreement provides for
a cash settlement to cover benefits that would otherwise be payable during the severance period, and the continuation of contributions
to her pension and retirement plans until the third anniversary following her termination. In addition, upon a change of control
and termination without cause or for good reason (a) the stock options granted to her vest immediately, (b) the unvested PSUs
granted to her vest immediately at target level performance unless the terms of a PSU grant provide otherwise, or on such other
more favourable terms as the Board in its discretion may provide, and (c) the RSUs granted to her shall vest immediately.
Outside a change in control period, upon termination without cause or resignation for good reason as defined in her agreement,
the amount of the severance payment for Ms. DelBianco is equal to two times her annual base salary and target annual incentive,
together with a portion of her target annual incentive for the year prorated to the date of termination. The Corporation’s obligations
provide for a cash settlement to cover benefits for a two year period following termination. In addition, the Corporation also
provides for a cash settlement of contributions to, or continuation of their pension and retirement plans for a two year period.
Ms. DelBianco is eligible for retirement treatment under the LTIP or CSUP. In the event of her voluntary termination, or a
termination without cause she will be considered to have retired under the LTIP and CSUP. In the event of such deemed retirement,
(a) stock options continue to vest and vested options are exercisable until the earlier of three years following retirement or termination
and the original expiry date, except that in the event of death within the first two years following retirement, vesting of options
will cease one year after death, or on the original expiry date if earlier; (b) RSUs will continue to vest on their scheduled vesting
date; and (c) PSUs vest based on actual performance on a pro rata basis based on the percentage represented by the number of
days between the date of grant and the date of retirement as compared to the total number of days from the date of grant to the
scheduled release date for the issuance of shares in respect of vested PSUs.
The foregoing entitlements are conferred on Ms. DelBianco in part upon her fulfillment of certain confidentiality, non-
solicitation and non-competition obligations for a period of two years following termination of employment. In the event of a
breach of such obligations, the Corporation is entitled to seek appropriate legal, equitable and other remedies, including injunctive
relief.
The following table summarizes the incremental payments and benefits to which Ms. DelBianco would have been entitled
upon a change in control occurring on December 31, 2017, or if her employment had been terminated on December 31, 2017 as
a result of a change in control, retirement or termination without cause (or with good reason).
130
Table 22: Ms. DelBianco’s Benefits
Change in Control – No Termination
Cash
Portion
—
Incremental Value of Option-Based
and Share-Based Awards(1)
—
Change in Control – Termination
$2,852,000
Retirement
Termination without Cause/with Good
Reason
—
$2,024,000
—
—
—
Other
Benefits(2)
—
$230,178
—
$153,073
Total
—
$3,082,178
—
$2,177,073
(1) No incremental amount would be received in respect of accelerated vesting of options, RSUs and PSUs, if any, on the assumption that the discount rate
applied to calculate the net present value of the accelerated entitlements is not greater than the rate at which the SVS would otherwise be expected to appreciate
over the period of acceleration.
(2) Other benefits consist of group health benefits and pension plan contribution.
Messrs. Chawla, McCaughey and Lawless
Messrs. Chawla, McCaughey and Lawless are subject to the Executive Policy Guidelines which provide the following:
Termination without cause
within two years following
a change in control of the
Corporation (“double
trigger” provision)
Termination without cause
Termination with cause
Retirement
Resignation
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
eligible to receive a severance payment up to two times annual base salary and the lower of
target or actual annual incentive for the previous year, subject to adjustment for factors including
length of service, together with a portion of their annual incentive for the year, prorated to the
date of termination
(a) all unvested stock options vest on the date of change in control, (b) all unvested RSUs vest
on the date of change in control, and (c) all unvested PSUs vest on the date of change in control
at target level of performance unless the terms of a PSU grant provide otherwise, or on such
other more favourable terms as the Board may in its discretion provide
eligible to receive a severance payment up to two times annual base salary and the lower of
target or actual annual incentive for the previous year, subject to adjustment for factors including
length of service, together with a portion of their annual incentive for the year, prorated to the
date of termination
(a) vested stock options may be exercised for a period of 30 days and unvested stock options
are forfeited on the termination date, (b) RSUs shall vest immediately on a pro rata basis based
on the ratio of (i) the number of full years of employment completed between the date of grant
and termination of employment, to (ii) the number of years between the date of grant and the
vesting date, and (c) PSUs vest based on actual performance on a pro rata basis based on the
ratio of (i) the number of full years of employment completed between the date of grant and
the termination of employment, to (ii) the number of years between the date of grant and the
vesting date
no severance benefit is payable
all unvested equity is forfeited on the termination date
(a) stock options continue to vest and are exercisable until the earlier of three years following
retirement and the original expiry date, (b) RSUs will continue to vest on their vesting dates,
and (c) PSUs vest based on actual performance on a pro rata basis based on the percentage
represented by the number of days between the date of grant and the date of retirement as
compared to the total number of days from the date of grant to the scheduled release date for
the issuance of shares in respect of vested PSUs
no severance benefit is payable
(a) vested stock options may be exercised for a period of 30 days and unvested stock options
are forfeited on the resignation date and (b) all unvested RSUs and PSUs are forfeited on the
resignation date
Additionally, the Executive Policy Guidelines provide that executives whose employment has been terminated will have their
pension and benefits coverage treated according to the terms of the plans in which they participate.
The entitlements described in the above table are only conferred on eligible executives who fulfill certain confidentiality,
non‑solicitation and non‑competition obligations for a period of two years following termination of their employment.
131
The following tables summarize the incremental payments to which Messrs. Chawla, McCaughey and Lawless would have
been entitled upon a change in control occurring on December 31, 2017, or if their employment had been terminated on December
31, 2017 as a result of a change in control, retirement or termination without cause.
Table 23: Mr. Chawla’s Benefits
Change in Control – No Termination
Change in Control – Termination
Retirement
Termination without Cause
Cash
Portion
—
$1,358,283
—
$1,358,283
Incremental Value of Option-Based
and Share-Based Awards(1)
—
—
—
—
Other
Benefits
—
—
—
—
Total
—
$1,358,283
—
$1,358,283
(1) No incremental amount would be received in respect of accelerated vesting of options, RSUs and PSUs, if any, on the assumption that the discount rate
applied to calculate the net present value of the accelerated entitlements is not greater than the rate at which the SVS would otherwise be expected to appreciate
over the period of acceleration.
Table 24: Mr. McCaughey’s Benefits
Change in Control – No Termination
Change in Control – Termination
Retirement
Termination without Cause
Cash
Portion
—
$1,848,890
—
$1,848,890
Incremental Value of Option-Based
and Share-Based Awards(1)
—
—
—
—
Other
Benefits
—
—
—
—
Total
—
$1,848,890
—
$1,848,890
(1) No incremental amount would be received in respect of accelerated vesting of options, RSUs and PSUs, if any, on the assumption that the discount rate
applied to calculate the net present value of the accelerated entitlements is not greater than the rate at which the SVS would otherwise be expected to appreciate
over the period of acceleration.
Table 25: Mr. Lawless’ Benefits
Change in Control – No Termination
Change in Control – Termination
Retirement
Termination without Cause
Cash
Portion
—
$1,811,762
—
$1,811,762
Incremental Value of Option-Based
and Share-Based Awards(1)
—
—
—
—
Other
Benefits
—
—
—
—
Total
—
$1,811,762
—
$1,811,762
(1) No incremental amount would be received in respect of accelerated vesting of options, RSUs and PSUs, if any, on the assumption that the discount rate
applied to calculate the net present value of the accelerated entitlements is not greater than the rate at which the SVS would otherwise be expected to appreciate
over the period of acceleration.
Arrangements Regarding Resignation of Former CFO
Effective July 31, 2017, Mr. Myers resigned from the Corporation and the terms of his resignation were subject to the Executive
Policy Guidelines. Mr. Myers did not receive any payments upon his resignation and all of his compensation ceased, including no
further CTI payments, the forfeiture of his unvested equity awards and the end of his participation in the Corporation’s pension
plans.
132
Performance Graph
The SVS have been listed and posted for trading under the symbol “CLS” on the NYSE and the TSX since June 30, 1998
(except for the period commencing on November 8, 2004 and ending on May 15, 2006 during which the symbol on the TSX was
CLS.SV). The following chart compares the cumulative TSR of C$100 invested in SVS with the cumulative TSR of the S&P/
TSX Composite Total Return Index for the period from December 31, 2012 to December 31, 2017.
As can be seen from the performance graph above, an investment in the Corporation on December 31, 2012 would have
resulted in a 63.3% increase in value over the five‑year period ended December 31, 2017 compared with a 51.3% increase that
would have resulted from an investment in the S&P/TSX Composite Total Return Index over the same period.
Over the same period, total NEO Compensation (as defined below) increased by 21.2%. This increase is primarily attributable
to the fact that we did not pay any CTI payment to the NEOs for 2012 as a result of the disengagement of a major customer as
described in the Annual Report on Form 20-F in respect of that year. Had the NEOs received a CTI payment at target for 2012,
the increase in NEO Compensation over the same period would have been 1.4%. In the medium to long term, compensation of
the Corporation’s NEOs is directly impacted by the market value of the SVS, as a significant portion of NEO Compensation is
awarded in the form of equity based incentives with payout tied to the market value of the SVS.
For the purpose of the above discussion, "NEO Compensation" is defined as aggregate annual compensation (i.e. the sum of
base salary, CTI payments (if applicable) and the grant date fair value of share‑based awards and option‑based awards, but excluding
all other compensation). The executive compensation values have been calculated for the NEOs based on the same methodology
set out in Table 15. This is a methodology adopted by Celestica solely for the purposes of this comparison. It is not a recognized
or prescribed methodology for this purpose, and may not be comparable to methodologies used by other issuers for this purpose.
While our overall revenue was up 2% in 2017, business within our Communications and Enterprise end markets, representing
43% and 25%, respectively, of our total revenue for 2017, was negatively impacted, primarily in the second half of the year, by
lower demand for certain customers’ products, additional pricing pressures associated with the highly competitive environment
for our customers and a shift in the mix of products and services that we provide for our customers. All of these factors contributed
to more volatile revenue and profitability performance for the Corporation in the second half of 2017.
EXECUTIVE SHARE OWNERSHIP
The Corporation has executive share ownership guidelines (the “Executive Share Ownership Guidelines”) which require
specified executives to hold a multiple of their base salary in securities of the Corporation as shown in Table 26. Executives subject
to the Executive Share Ownership Guidelines are expected to achieve the specified ownership within a period of five years following
the later of: (i) the date of hire, or (ii) the date of promotion to a level subject to ownership guidelines. Compliance is reviewed
annually as of December 31 of each year. The Compensation Committee reviewed the Executive Share Ownership Guidelines in
July 2017 and determined no policy changes were required.
133
The table below sets forth the compliance status of the applicable NEOs with the Executive Share Ownership Guidelines as
of December 31, 2017:
Name
Robert A. Mionis(2)
Mandeep Chawla(3)
Michael P. McCaughey
Jack Lawless(4)
Elizabeth L. DelBianco
Table 26: Share Ownership Guidelines
Ownership Guidelines
$4,750,000
(5 × salary)
$1,350,000
(3 × salary)
$1,425,000
(3 × salary)
$1,380,000
(3 × salary)
$1,380,000
(3 × salary)
Share and Share Unit Ownership
(Value)(1)
$4,553,487
$863,154
$2,662,494
$1,269,380
$2,436,259
Share and Share Unit Ownership
(Multiple of Salary)
4.8x
1.9x
5.6x
2.8x
5.3x
(1)
Includes the following, as of December 31, 2017: (i) SVS beneficially owned, (ii) all unvested RSUs, and (iii) PSUs that vested on January 23, 2018 at 56%
of target, which, on December 31, 2017, was the Corporation’s anticipated payout and was in fact the resulting payout; the value of which was determined
using a share price of $10.48, the closing price of SVS on the NYSE on December 29, 2017.
(2) Mr. Mionis was appointed as President and CEO of the Corporation and as a member of the Board, effective August 1, 2015 and has five years from the date
of hire to achieve the required share ownership. Mr. Mionis’ Share and Share Unit Ownership (Value) of $4,553,487 consists of the following holdings: (i)
$515,794 of SVS, and (ii) $4,037,693 of unvested RSUs; the value of which was determined using a share price of $10.48, being the closing price of SVS
on the NYSE on December 29, 2017.
(3) Mr. Chawla was appointed as CFO of the Corporation effective October 19, 2017 and has five years from that date to achieve the required share ownership.
(4) Mr. Lawless joined the Corporation as an executive officer effective October 1, 2015 and has five years from that date to achieve the required share ownership.
The CEO Employment Agreement provides that, in the event of the cessation of Mr. Mionis’ employment with the Corporation
for any reason, he will be required to retain the share ownership level set out in the Executive Share Ownership Guidelines on his
termination date for the 12 month period immediately following his termination date.
C. Board Practices
Members of the Board are elected until the close of the next annual meeting of shareholders or until their successors are
elected or appointed (unless such position is earlier vacated in accordance with the Corporation's by-laws). Each member of our
senior management is appointed to serve at the discretion of our Board (subject to the terms and conditions of their respective
employment agreements, if any). See Item 6(A), "Directors and Senior Management" for details for the period during which each
director has served in his/her office. Our non-management directors meet in camera (i.e., without our chief executive officer, chief
financial officer or other members of management present) from time to time to consider such matters as they deem appropriate.
In accordance with NYSE listing standards, "non-management" directors are all those who are not executive officers of the
Corporation. We have designated the Chair of the Board as the presiding non-management director at all in camera sessions. The
non-management directors can set their own agenda, maintain minutes and report back to the Board as a whole. Among the items
that the non-management directors meet privately in camera to review is the performance of the Corporation's executive officers.
Our Audit Committee, which consists solely of independent, non-management directors, met in camera immediately following
each Audit Committee meeting in 2017.
The Board has determined that Mr. DiMaggio, Mr. Etherington, Ms. Koellner, Ms. Perry, Mr. Ryan and Mr. Wilson
(constituting a majority of the Board), as well as Mr. Thomas Gross (prior to his resignation from the Board effective November
1, 2017) and Mr. Joseph Natale (prior to his resignation from the Board effective July 26, 2017), were and are independent directors
under applicable independence standards in Canada and under NYSE listing standards. Mr. Chopra, a director nominee, currently
meets such independence standards.
Except for the right to receive deferred compensation, no director is entitled to benefits from Celestica under any service
contracts when they cease to serve as a director. See Item 6(B), "Compensation."
134
Communications with the Board
Shareholders and other interested parties may communicate with the Board, the Audit Committee, the Compensation
Committee, any individual director, or all non-management or independent directors as a group, by writing to:
Celestica Inc.
844 Don Mills Road
Toronto, Ontario, Canada M3C 1V7
Attention: Board of Directors
If the letter is from a shareholder, the letter should state that the sender is a shareholder. Under a process approved by the
Board, depending on the subject matter, management will:
•
•
•
forward the letter to the director or directors to whom it is addressed; or
attempt to handle the matter directly (where information about the Corporation or its stock is requested); or
not forward the letter if it is primarily commercial in nature or relates to an improper or irrelevant topic.
A summary of all relevant communications that are received after the last meeting of the full Board and which are not
forwarded will be presented at each meeting of the Board, together with any specific communication requested by a director to be
presented to the Board.
Shareholders and other interested parties who have concerns or complaints relating to accounting, internal accounting controls
or other matters may also contact the Audit Committee by writing to the address set out above or by reporting the matter through
our Ethics Hotline toll free at 1-888-312-2689. Callers outside the United States or Canada can place a collect call to 1-503-726-2457.
Alternatively, concerns or complaints can be reported using a secure on-line web-based tool at www.ethics.celestica.com.
All communications will be handled in a confidential manner, to the degree that Canadian and U.S. laws allow.
Communications may be made on an anonymous basis; however, in these cases the reporting individual must provide sufficient
details for the matter to be reviewed and resolved. The Corporation will not tolerate any retaliation against an employee who makes
a good faith report.
Board Committees
The Board has three standing committees, each with a specific mandate (charter): the Audit Committee, the Compensation
Committee, and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. All of these committees are composed solely of independent
directors (as that term is defined by applicable Canadian and SEC rules and in the NYSE listing standards, as applicable).
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee in 2017 consisted of Ms. Koellner (Chair), Mr. DiMaggio, Mr. Etherington, Mr. Gross, Mr. Natale,
Ms. Perry, Mr. Ryan and Mr. Wilson, all of whom the Board determined to be independent directors for audit committee purposes
(as that term is defined by applicable Canadian and SEC rules and in the NYSE listing standards) and financially literate (Mr.
Natale resigned from this committee effective July 26, 2017 and Mr. Gross resigned from this committee effective November 1,
2017). Mr. Chopra, a director nominee, currently meets such independence definitions and is financially literate. All of the audit
committee members have held executive positions with large corporations or financial services companies. The Audit Committee
has a well-defined mandate which, among other things, sets out its relationship with, and expectations of, the external auditors,
including the determination of the independence of the external auditors and approval of any non-audit services of the external
auditor; the engagement, evaluation, remuneration and termination of the external auditor; its relationship with, and expectations
of, the internal auditor function and its oversight of internal control; and the disclosure of financial and related information. In
addition to fulfilling the responsibilities as set forth in its mandate, the Audit Committee has established procedures for a formal
annual review of the qualifications, expertise, resources and the overall performance of the Corporation's external auditor, including
conducting a survey of each member of the Audit Committee and of certain key management personnel. The Audit Committee
has direct communication channels with the internal and external auditors to discuss and review specific issues and has the authority
to retain and fund such independent legal, accounting, or other advisors as it may consider appropriate. The Audit Committee
reviews and approves the mandate and plan of the internal audit department on an annual basis. The Audit Committee's duties
include responsibility for reviewing financial statements with management and the auditors, monitoring the adequacy of Celestica's
internal control procedures, and reviewing the adequacy of Celestica's processes for identifying and managing risk.
135
The Audit Committee has established procedures for: (i) receipt, retention, and treatment of complaints regarding accounting,
internal accounting controls, or auditing matters and (ii) confidential, anonymous submission by employees of concerns regarding
questionable accounting or auditing matters. A copy of the Audit Committee Mandate is available on our website at
www.celestica.com.
Members of the Audit Committee do not serve on more than three audit committees of public companies, including that
of Celestica.
See Item 16A "Audit Committee Financial Expert" for a discussion of the Corporation's Audit Committee Financial Experts.
Audit Committee Report:
The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements with management;
The Audit Committee has discussed with the independent auditors the matters required to be discussed by applicable Public
Company Accounting Oversight Board Auditing Standards;
The Audit Committee has received the written disclosures and the letter from the independent auditor as required by the
Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding the independent auditor's communications with the Audit Committee
concerning independence, and has discussed with the independent auditor the independent auditor's independence; and
Based on such review and discussions, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board that the audited financial statements
be included in this Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2017 for filing with the SEC.
The Audit Committee:
Mr. DiMaggio
Mr. Etherington
Ms. Koellner
Ms. Perry
Mr. Ryan
Mr. Wilson
Compensation Committee
The Compensation Committee in 2017 consisted of Mr. Ryan (Chair), Mr. DiMaggio, Mr. Etherington, Mr. Gross,
Ms. Koellner, Mr. Natale, Ms. Perry and Mr. Wilson, all of whom the Board determined to be independent directors for
compensation committee purposes pursuant to the applicable Canadian and SEC rules and in the NYSE listing standards (Mr.
Natale resigned from this committee effective July 26, 2017 and Mr. Gross resigned from this committee effective November 1,
2017). Mr. Chopra, a director nominee, currently meets such independence definitions. It is the responsibility of the Compensation
Committee to define and communicate compensation policies and principles that reflect and support our strategic direction, business
goals and desired culture. Pursuant to its mandate, the Compensation Committee: reviews and approves Celestica's overall reward/
compensation policy, including an executive compensation policy that is consistent with competitive practice and supports
organizational objectives and shareholder interests; reviews, modifies, as appropriate, and approves the elements of our incentive
compensation plans and equity-based plans, including plan design, performance targets, administration and total funds/shares
reserved for payment; reviews the corporate goals and objectives relevant to the compensation of the CEO, as approved by the
Board, evaluates the CEO's performance in light of these goals and objectives, and sets the compensation of the CEO based on
this evaluation; approves the compensation of our most senior executives; maintains and reviews our succession plans for key
executive positions; reviews material changes to our organizational structure and human resource policies; and regularly reviews
the risks associated with our executive compensation policies and practices. See Item 6(B), "Compensation" for details regarding
our processes and procedures for the consideration and determination of executive and director compensation and the role of our
compensation consultant in making recommendations to the Compensation Committee regarding executive officer and director
compensation.
A copy of the Compensation Committee Mandate is available on our website at www.celestica.com.
Compensation Committee Report:
The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis with management
and based on such review and discussions, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board that the Compensation
Discussion and Analysis be included in this Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2017.
136
The Compensation Committee:
Mr. DiMaggio
Mr. Etherington
Ms. Koellner
Ms. Perry
Mr. Ryan
Mr. Wilson
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee in 2017 consisted of Mr. Etherington (Chair), Mr. DiMaggio, Mr.
Gross, Ms. Koellner, Mr. Natale, Ms. Perry, Mr. Ryan and Mr. Wilson, all of whom were determined by the Board to be independent
directors pursuant to applicable Canadian rules and in NYSE listing standards (Mr. Natale resigned from this committee effective
July 26, 2017 and Mr. Gross resigned from this committee effective November 1, 2017). Mr. Chopra, a director nominee, currently
meets such independence definitions. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee recommends to the Board the criteria
for selecting candidates for nomination to the Board and the individuals to be nominated for election by our shareholders. The
Committee's mandate includes making recommendations to the Board relating to the Corporation's approach to corporate
governance; reviewing the Corporation's corporate governance guidelines and recommending appropriate changes to the Board;
and assessing the effectiveness of the Board and its committees.
A copy of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Mandate is available on our website at www.celestica.com.
D. Employees
As of December 31, 2017, we employed approximately 27,500 permanent and temporary (contract) employees worldwide
(December 31, 2016 — 26,400; December 31, 2015 — 26,700). Some of our employees in China, Japan, Mexico, Romania,
Singapore and Spain are represented by unions or are covered by collective bargaining agreements. We believe we have a productive
and collaborative working relationship between management and the relevant unions. We believe that our employee relationships
are generally positive and stable.
The following table sets forth information concerning our employees by geographic location for the past three fiscal years:
Date
Number of Employees
Americas
Europe
Asia
December 31, 2015 ......................................................................................
December 31, 2016 ......................................................................................
December 31, 2017 ......................................................................................
4,700
4,600
5,900
2,000
2,400
2,800
20,000
19,400
18,800
Given the variable nature of our project flow and the quick response time required by our customers, it is critical that we be
able to quickly adjust our production up or down to maximize efficiency. To achieve this, our approach has been to employ a
skilled temporary labor force, as required. As at December 31, 2017, approximately 4,100 temporary (contract) employees
(December 31, 2016 — 3,400; December 31, 2015 — 3,700) were engaged by us worldwide. We used, on average for the year,
approximately 3,900 temporary (contract) employees in 2017.
137
E. Share Ownership
The following table sets forth certain information concerning the direct and beneficial ownership of shares of Celestica at
February 14, 2018 by each director, each NEO, each non-NEO executive officer, and all directors and executive officers of Celestica
as a group as of such date. The address of each shareholder named below is Celestica's principal executive office.
Name of Beneficial Owner
William A. Etherington
(1)(2)
Daniel P. DiMaggio
Laurette T. Koellner
Carol S. Perry
Tawfiq Popatia
Eamon J. Ryan
Michael M. Wilson
Robert A. Mionis
Mandeep Chawla
Darren G. Myers(5)
Elizabeth L. DelBianco
Todd C. Cooper
John ("Jack") J. Lawless
Michael P. McCaughey
Nicolas Pujet
Number of
(3)
Shares
10,000 SVS
Percentage
of Class
*
Percentage of
all Equity
(4)
Shares
*
Percentage of
Voting Power
*
0 SVS —
0 SVS —
0 SVS —
0 SVS —
0 SVS —
0 SVS —
283,607 SVS
15,641 SVS
145,515 SVS
199,726 SVS
*
*
*
*
—
—
—
—
—
—
*
*
*
*
—
—
—
—
—
—
*
*
*
*
0 SVS —
—
—
46,183 SVS
120,461 SVS
*
*
0 SVS —
*
*
—
*
*
*
—
*
All directors and executive officers as a group (14 persons)
821,133 SVS
*
*
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
Less than 1%.
As used in this table, beneficial ownership means sole or shared power to vote or direct the voting of the security, or the sole or shared investment
power with respect to a security (i.e., the power to dispose, or direct a disposition, of a security). A person is deemed at any date to have beneficial
ownership of any security that such person has a right to acquire within 60 days of such date. In addition, certain SVS subject to stock options
granted pursuant to management investment plans of Onex are included as owned beneficially by named individuals, even though the exercise of
these stock options is subject to Onex meeting certain financial targets. More than one person may be deemed to have beneficial ownership of the
same securities. Information with respect to stock options held by each NEO, including exercise price and expiration date, is included in Table 16.
Mr. Chopra, who is a director nominee, beneficially owned 0 SVS and 0 MVS as of March 8, 2018.
Information as to shares beneficially owned or shares over which control or direction is exercised is not within Celestica's knowledge. Except as
otherwise disclosed, such information has been provided by each individual.
Includes SVS subject to a total of 219,981 stock options that are currently exercisable, or will be exercisable within 60 days of February 14, 2018, as
follows: Mr. Mionis — 149,477; Ms. DelBianco — 70,504. Information with respect to such stock options, including exercise price and expiration
date, is included in Table 16.
Represents the percentage beneficial ownership of the Company's subordinate voting shares and multiple voting shares in the aggregate.
Mr. Myers served as Chief Financial Officer of the Company until May 23, 2017, and his employment with the company terminated effective July
27, 2017. Accordingly, Mr. Myers ceased to be an insider of Celestica effective July 27, 2017 and is not required to file insider reports subsequent to
that date. Information as to shares beneficially owned or shares over which control or direction is exercised by Mr. Myers is provided based on
public filings as of July 27, 2017.
Multiple voting shares and subordinate voting shares have different voting rights. Multiple voting shares entitle the holder
to 25 votes per share and subordinate voting shares entitle the holder to one vote per share. Subordinate voting shares represent
approximately 21% of the aggregate voting rights attached to Celestica's shares. Multiple voting shares represent approximately
79% of the voting rights attached to Celestica's shares. See Item 10(B), "Additional Information — Memorandum and Articles of
Incorporation."
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At February 14, 2018, 3 persons (including 2 of our 7 executive officers) held stock options to acquire an aggregate of
0.4 million subordinate voting shares. These stock options were issued pursuant to our Long-Term Incentive Plan. See Item 6(B),
"Compensation" and note 13(b) to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 18 for a discussion of the different types of equity
awards, including stock options, RSUs and PSUs, issuable to our employees. The following table sets forth information with
respect to stock options outstanding as at February 14, 2018.
Beneficial Holders
Executive Officers
All other Celestica Employees
Outstanding Options
Number of
Subordinate
Voting Shares
Under Option
22,742
47,762
298,954
3,000
Exercise Price
C$8.26
C$8.29
C$17.52
Date/Year of
Issuance
Date of Expiry
January 31, 2012
January 31, 2022
January 28, 2013
January 28, 2023
August 1, 2015
August 1, 2025
C$6.66
March 5, 2008
March 5, 2018(1)
(1) These options were exercised prior to their expiration on March 5, 2018.
Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions
A. Major Shareholders
The following table sets forth certain information concerning the direct and beneficial ownership of the shares of Celestica
at February 14, 2018 by each person known to Celestica to own beneficially, directly or indirectly, 5% or more of the subordinate
voting shares or multiple voting shares. In this table, multiple voting shares are referred to as MVS and subordinate voting shares
are referred to as SVS. Multiple voting shares and subordinate voting shares have different voting rights (see Item 6(E) above).
Subordinate voting shares represent approximately 21% of the aggregate voting rights attached to Celestica's shares and multiple
voting shares represented approximately 79%. See Item 10(B), "Additional Information — Memorandum and Articles of
Incorporation" and Item 4(B) "Information on the Company — Business Overview — Controlling Shareholder Interest" above.
Percentage of
Class
100%
Percentage of
All Equity Shares
13.0%
Percentage of
Voting Power
78.9%
Name of Beneficial Owner(1)
Onex Corporation(2)
Gerald W. Schwartz(3)
Number of
Shares
18,600,193 MVS
397,045 SVS
18,600,193 MVS
517,702 SVS
Letko, Brosseau & Associates Inc.(4)
Connor, Clark & Lunn Investment
Management Ltd.(5)
Total percentage of all equity shares and total percentage of voting power
6,591,547 SVS
5.3%
20,326,063 SVS
*
100%
*
16.4%
*
13.0%
*
14.2%
4.6%
32.2%
*
78.9%
*
3.4%
1.1%
83.5%
*
(1)
(2)
Less than 1%.
As used in this table, beneficial ownership means sole or shared power to vote or direct the voting of the security, or the sole or shared investment
power with respect to a security (i.e., the power to dispose, or direct a disposition, of a security). A person is deemed at any date to have beneficial
ownership of any security that such person has a right to acquire within 60 days of such date. More than one person may be deemed to have
beneficial ownership of the same securities.
Includes 945,010 MVS held by a wholly-owned subsidiary of Onex, and 814,546 MVS subject to options granted to certain officers of Onex pursuant
to certain management investment plans of Onex, which options may be exercised upon specified dispositions by Onex (directly or indirectly) of
Celestica's securities, with respect to which Onex has the right to vote or direct the vote ("MIP Options"), including 688,807 MIP Options granted to
Mr. Schwartz (each of which MVS will, upon exercise of such options, be automatically converted into an SVS). The percentage ownership of SVS
beneficially owned by Onex (assuming conversion of all MVS) was 13.5% as of February 10, 2016, 13.5% as of February 15, 2017 and 13.3% as of
February 14, 2018.
139
The Corporation's Articles provide "coat-tail" protection to the holders of the subordinate voting shares by providing that the multiple voting shares
will be converted automatically into subordinate voting shares upon any transfer thereof, except (i) a transfer to Onex or any affiliate of Onex or (ii) a
transfer of 100% of the outstanding multiple voting shares to a purchaser who also has offered to purchase all of the outstanding subordinate voting
shares for a per share consideration identical to, and otherwise on the same terms as, that offered for the multiple voting shares, and the multiple voting
shares held by such purchaser thereafter shall be subject to the share provisions relating to conversion (including with respect to the provisions described
herein) as if all references to Onex were references to such purchaser. In addition, if (i) any holder of any multiple voting shares ceases to be an affiliate
of Onex, (ii) Onex and its affiliates, collectively, cease to have the right, in all cases, to exercise the votes attached to, or to direct the voting of, any of
the multiple voting shares held by Onex and its affiliates, or (iii) if at any time the number of outstanding multiple voting shares represents less than
5% of the aggregate number of the outstanding multiple voting shares and subordinate voting shares, such multiple voting shares shall convert
automatically into subordinate voting shares on a one-for-one basis. For these purposes, (i) Onex includes any successor corporation resulting from an
amalgamation, merger, arrangement, sale of all or substantially all of its assets, or other business combination or reorganization involving Onex, provided
that such successor corporation beneficially owns directly or indirectly all multiple voting shares beneficially owned directly or indirectly by Onex
immediately prior to such transaction and is controlled by the same person or persons as controlled Onex immediately prior to the consummation of
such transaction; (ii) a corporation shall be deemed to be a subsidiary of another corporation if, but only if, (a) it is controlled by that other, or that other
and one or more corporations each of which is controlled by that other, or two or more corporations each of which is controlled by that other, or (b) it
is a subsidiary of a corporation that is that other's subsidiary; (iii) "affiliate" means a subsidiary of Onex or a corporation controlled by the same person
or company that controls Onex; and (iv) "control" means beneficial ownership of, or control or direction over, securities carrying more than 50% of
the votes that may be cast to elect directors if those votes, if cast, could elect more than 50% of the directors. For these purposes, a person is deemed
to beneficially own any security which is beneficially owned by a corporation controlled by such person. In addition, if at any time the number of
outstanding multiple voting shares shall represent less than 5% of the aggregate number of the outstanding multiple voting shares and subordinate
voting shares, all of the outstanding multiple voting shares shall be automatically converted at such time into subordinate voting shares on a one-for-
one basis. Onex, which beneficially owns, controls or directs, directly or indirectly all of the outstanding multiple voting shares, has entered into an
agreement with Computershare Trust Company of Canada (as successor to the Montreal Trust Company of Canada), as trustee for the benefit of the
holders of the subordinate voting shares, for the purpose of ensuring that the holders of subordinate voting shares will not be deprived of any rights
under applicable take-over bid legislation to which they would be otherwise entitled in the event of a take-over bid (as that term is defined in applicable
securities legislation) if multiple voting shares and subordinate voting shares were of a single class of shares. Subject to certain permitted forms of sale,
such as identical or better offers to all holders of subordinate voting shares, Onex has agreed that it, and any of its affiliates that may hold multiple
voting shares from time to time, will not sell any multiple voting shares, directly or indirectly, pursuant to a take-over bid (as that term is defined under
applicable securities legislation) under circumstances in which any applicable securities legislation would have required the same offer or a follow-up
offer to be made to holders of subordinate voting shares if the sale had been a sale of subordinate voting shares rather than multiple voting shares, but
otherwise on the same terms.
The address of Onex is: c/o Onex Corporation, 161 Bay Street, P.O. Box 700, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5J 2S1.
The number of shares beneficially owned, or controlled or directed, directly or indirectly, by Mr. Schwartz consists of 120,657 SVS owned by a company
controlled by Mr. Schwartz, and all of the 18,600,193 MVS and 397,045 SVS beneficially owned, or controlled or directed, directly or indirectly, by
Onex. Of Celestica's MVS beneficially owned by Onex, 814,546 MVS are subject to MIP Options, including 688,807 MIP Options granted to
Mr. Schwartz (each of which MVS will, upon exercise of such options, be automatically converted into an SVS), and 945,010 MVS are held by a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Onex. Mr. Schwartz was a director of Celestica from 1998 through December 31, 2016, and is the Chairman of the Board,
President and Chief Executive Officer of Onex. In addition, he indirectly owns multiple voting shares of Onex carrying the right to elect a majority of
the Onex board of directors. Accordingly, under applicable securities laws, Mr. Schwartz is deemed to be the beneficial owner of the Celestica shares
owned by Onex; Mr. Schwartz has advised Celestica, however, that he disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares held by Onex. The percentage
ownership of SVS beneficially owned by Mr. Schwartz (assuming conversion of all MVS) was 13.6% as of February 10, 2016, 13.6% as of
February 15, 2017 and 13.4% as of February 14, 2018.
The address of Mr. Schwartz is: 161 Bay Street, P.O. Box 700, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5J 2S1.
Letko, Brosseau & Associates Inc. ("Letko") is the beneficial owner of 20,326,063 SVS and has sole voting power and sole dispositive power over
these shares. Clients of Letko have the right to receive or the power to direct the receipt of dividends from, or the proceeds from sale of, the SVS
reported as beneficially owned by Letko. No clients of Letko beneficially own more than five percent of the SVS. The address of Letko is: 1800 McGill
College Av., Suite 2510, Montréal, Québec, Canada H3A 3J6. The number of shares reported as owned by Letko in this Major Shareholders Table and
the information in this footnote is based on the Schedule 13G/A filed by Letko with the SEC on February 2, 2018, reporting beneficial ownership as
of December 31, 2017. The percentage ownership of SVS beneficially owned by Letko was 14.7% as of February 10, 2016, 16.8% as of February 15, 2017
and 16.4% as of February 14, 2018.
Connor, Clark & Lunn Investment Management Ltd. ("Connor") is the beneficial owner of 6,591,547 SVS, having sole voting power over 6,591,106
of such shares, and sole dispositive power over all such shares. The address of Connor is: 2300-1111 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, British Columbia,
Canada V6E 4M3. The number of shares reported as owned by Connor in this Major Shareholders Table and the information in this footnote is based
on the Schedule 13G/A filed by Connor with the SEC on February 14, 2018, reporting beneficial ownership as of December 31, 2017. The percentage
ownership of SVS beneficially owned by Connor was 5.8% as of February 10, 2016, 8.0% as of February 15, 2017 and 5.3% as of February 14, 2018.
(3)
(4)
(5)
There are no arrangements known to the Corporation, the operation of which may at a subsequent date result in a change of
control of the Corporation.
140
Holders
As of February 14, 2018, based on information provided to us by our transfer agent, there were 1,627 holders of record of
subordinate voting shares, of which 373 holders, holding approximately 74.6% of the outstanding subordinate voting shares, were
resident in the United States and 354 holders, holding approximately 25.3% of the outstanding subordinate voting shares, were
resident in Canada. These numbers are not representative of the number of beneficial holders of our subordinate voting shares nor
are they representative of where such beneficial holders reside, since many of such shares are held of record by brokers or other
nominees. The Corporation does not have knowledge of the identities of the beneficial owners of subordinate voting shares registered
through intermediaries. No multiple voting shares are held in the United States.
B. Related Party Transactions
Onex, which beneficially owns or controls, directly or indirectly, all of our outstanding multiple voting shares, has entered
into an agreement with Celestica and with Computershare Trust Company of Canada (as successor to the Montreal Trust Company
of Canada), as trustee for the benefit of the holders of the subordinate voting shares, for the purpose of ensuring that the holders
of subordinate voting shares will not be deprived of any rights under applicable take-over bid legislation to which they would be
otherwise entitled in the event of a take-over bid (as that term is defined in applicable securities legislation) if multiple voting
shares and subordinate voting shares were of a single class of shares. Subject to certain permitted forms of sale, such as identical
or better offers to all holders of subordinate voting shares, Onex has agreed that it, and any of its affiliates that may hold multiple
voting shares from time to time, will not sell any multiple voting shares, directly or indirectly, pursuant to a take-over bid (as that
term is defined under applicable securities legislation) under circumstances in which any applicable securities legislation would
have required the same offer or a follow-up offer to be made to holders of subordinate voting shares if the sale had been a sale of
subordinate voting shares rather than multiple voting shares, but otherwise on the same terms.
On January 1, 2009, Celestica and Onex entered into a Services Agreement for the services of Mr. Schwartz as a director of
the Corporation. The initial term of the Services Agreement was for one year and it automatically renews for successive one-year
terms unless either party provides a notice of intent not to renew. In connection with the retirement of Mr. Schwartz from our
Board as of December 31, 2016, and the appointment of Mr. Tawfiq Popatia (also an officer of Onex) as his replacement effective
January 1, 2017, the Services Agreement was amended as of such date to replace all references to Mr. Schwartz therein with
references to Mr. Popatia, and to increase the annual fee payable to Onex thereunder from $200,000 per year to $235,000 per year
(to be consistent with current annual Board retainer fees), payable in DSUs in equal quarterly installments in arrears. The number
of DSUs is determined using the closing price of the subordinate voting shares on the NYSE on the last day of the fiscal quarter
in respect of which the installment is to be credited. The Services Agreement terminates automatically and the rights of Onex to
receive compensation (other than accrued and unpaid compensation) will terminate (a) 30 days after the first day on which Onex
ceases to hold at least one MVS of Celestica or any successor company or (b) the date Mr. Popatia ceases to be a director of
Celestica, for any reason.
See Item 5, "Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity and Capital Resources — Related Party Transactions" above for a description
of the Property Sale Agreement (and expected lease arrangements) with respect to our real property located in Toronto, Ontario
(which includes our corporate headquarters and our Toronto manufacturing operations), for a purchase price of approximately
$137 million Canadian dollars (approximately $109 million at year-end exchange rates), exclusive of applicable taxes and subject
to certain adjustments, and related lease arrangements. Approximately 30% of the interests in the Property Purchaser are to be
held by a privately-held company in which Mr. Schwartz has a material interest. Mr. Schwartz also has a non-voting interest in an
entity which is to have an approximate 25% interest in the Property Purchaser. Given the interest in the transaction by a related
party, our Board formed a Special Committee, consisting solely of independent directors, which retained its own independent legal
counsel, to review and supervise a competitive bidding process. The Special Committee, after considering, among other factors,
that the purchase price for the property exceeded the valuation provided by an independent appraiser, determined that the Property
Purchaser's transaction terms were in the best interests of Celestica. Our Board, at a meeting where Mr. Schwartz was not present,
approved the transaction based on the unanimous recommendation of the Special Committee.
Our related party transactions are also disclosed in Item 5, "Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity and Capital Resources — Related Party
Transactions" and note 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 18.
Indebtedness of Related Parties
As at February 14, 2018, other than inter-company loans among Celestica and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, no related
parties (as defined in Form 20-F), were indebted to Onex, Celestica or its subsidiaries.
141
C. Interests of Experts and Counsel
Not applicable.
Item 8. Financial Information
A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information
See Item 18, "Financial Statements."
Export Sales
For the year ended December 31, 2017, we had approximately $5.8 billion of export sales (i.e., sales to customers located
outside of Canada), constituting approximately 95% of our $6.1 billion in total sales for the year. For further information regarding
the allocation of our revenues by geographic region over the last three years, see Item 4, "Information on the Company — Business
Overview — Geographies."
Litigation
We are party to litigation from time-to-time. We are not currently (nor in the recent past have been) party to any legal or
arbitration proceedings which management expects may have significant effects on the results of operations, business, or financial
condition of Celestica. There are no material proceedings in which any of our affiliates, directors, or members of senior management
is either a party adverse to us or our subsidiaries or has a material interest adverse to us or our subsidiaries.
Commencing in 2007, securities class action lawsuits were brought against us and certain of our officers, a director and
Onex in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, alleging violations of United States federal securities
laws. In 2015, a settlement of the consolidated class action lawsuits was reached and the District Court granted final approval of
the settlement in July 2015. The settlement payment to the plaintiffs was paid by our liability insurance carriers in 2015. In 2007,
parallel class proceedings were initiated against us and our former Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officers in the Ontario
Superior Court of Justice. These proceedings were dismissed on January 16, 2017 with no payments by the defendants.
Information concerning the status of certain tax matters is disclosed in Item 5, "Operating and Financial Review and
Prospects — Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity and Capital
Resources — Litigation and contingencies" and note 24 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 18.
Dividend Policy
We have not declared or paid any dividends to our shareholders. We intend to retain earnings for general corporate purposes
to promote future growth; as such, our Board does not anticipate paying any dividends at this time. Our Board will review this
policy from time-to-time, having regard to our financial condition, financing requirements and other relevant factors.
B. Significant Changes
Except as otherwise disclosed in this Annual Report, no significant change has occurred since December 31, 2017.
Item 9. The Offer and Listing
142
A. Offer and Listing Details
Market Information
The subordinate voting shares are listed on the NYSE and the TSX. The following tables set forth certain trading information
for the subordinate voting shares in Canada and the United States for the periods indicated, as reported by Bloomberg LP. In the
following tables, subordinate voting shares are referred to as SVS.
The annual high and low market prices for the five most recent fiscal years based on market closing prices.
United States Composite Trading
High
Low
Volume
(Price per SVS)
Year ended December 31, 2013 ...................................................................... $
Year ended December 31, 2014 ......................................................................
Year ended December 31, 2015 ......................................................................
Year ended December 31, 2016 ......................................................................
Year ended December 31, 2017 ......................................................................
11.31
$
12.93
13.45
12.55
14.59
7.65
9.12
10.60
8.29
9.92
69,130,000
63,390,000
89,170,000
73,100,000
110,020,000
Canadian Composite Trading
High
Low
Volume
(Price per SVS)
Year ended December 31, 2013 ...................................................................... C$
Year ended December 31, 2014 ......................................................................
Year ended December 31, 2015 ......................................................................
Year ended December 31, 2016 ......................................................................
Year ended December 31, 2017 ......................................................................
11.78 C$
13.77
17.52
16.88
19.78
7.79
10.11
13.53
11.68
12.68
214,460,000
188,820,000
145,000,000
116,000,000
128,760,000
The high and low market prices for each full fiscal quarter for the two most recent fiscal years based on market closing prices
Year ended December 31, 2016
First quarter ..................................................................................................... $
Second quarter.................................................................................................
Third quarter ...................................................................................................
Fourth quarter..................................................................................................
Year ended December 31, 2017
First quarter ..................................................................................................... $
Second quarter.................................................................................................
Third quarter ...................................................................................................
Fourth quarter..................................................................................................
United States Composite Trading
High
Low
Volume
(Price per SVS)
$
10.98
11.00
11.32
12.55
14.58
$
14.59
13.85
12.68
8.29
9.13
9.02
10.30
11.77
13.54
11.31
9.92
13,570,000
27,050,000
16,030,000
16,450,000
25,350,000
23,120,000
23,940,000
37,610,000
143
Year ended December 31, 2016
First quarter ..................................................................................................... C$
Second quarter.................................................................................................
Third quarter ...................................................................................................
Fourth quarter..................................................................................................
Year ended December 31, 2017
First quarter ..................................................................................................... C$
Second quarter.................................................................................................
Third quarter ...................................................................................................
Fourth quarter..................................................................................................
Canadian Composite Trading
High
Low
Volume
(Price per SVS)
15.40 C$
14.41
14.95
16.88
19.51 C$
19.78
17.66
15.80
11.68
11.83
11.72
13.58
15.79
17.62
14.14
12.68
31,330,000
31,810,000
28,210,000
24,650,000
28,580,000
27,120,000
30,110,000
42,950,000
The high and low market prices for each month for the most recent six months based on market closing prices.
United States Composite Trading
High
Low
Volume
(Price per SVS)
12.51
$
12.68
10.84
10.68
11.47
10.92
11.46
10.05
9.92
10.23
10.10
10.14
7,620,000
8,760,000
17,170,000
11,680,000
24,710,000
16,570,000
Canadian Composite Trading
High
Low
Volume
(Price per SVS)
15.44 C$
15.80
14.00
13.70
14.33
13.97
14.14
12.95
12.68
13.13
12.43
12.44
10,050,000
11,460,000
20,930,000
10,560,000
14,230,000
12,680,000
September 2017............................................................................................... $
October 2017...................................................................................................
November 2017...............................................................................................
December 2017 ...............................................................................................
January 2018 ...................................................................................................
February 2018 .................................................................................................
September 2017............................................................................................... C$
October 2017...................................................................................................
November 2017...............................................................................................
December 2017 ...............................................................................................
January 2018 ...................................................................................................
February 2018 .................................................................................................
B. Plan of Distribution
Not applicable.
C. Markets
The subordinate voting shares are listed on the NYSE and the TSX.
D. Selling Shareholders
Not applicable.
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E. Dilution
Not applicable.
F. Expenses of the Issue
Not applicable.
Item 10. Additional Information
A. Share Capital
Not applicable.
B. Memorandum and Articles of Incorporation
Objects and Purposes
Celestica (Ontario Corporation No. 1201522) can engage in any legal activity permitted under the OBCA. As set forth in
Item 6 of our Restated Articles of Incorporation (Articles), there are no restrictions on the business we may carry on or on the
powers we may exercise.
Certain Powers of Directors
Celestica's by-laws provide that the directors shall from time to time determine by resolution the remuneration to be paid to
the directors, which shall be in addition to the salary paid to any officer or employee of Celestica who is also a director. The
directors may also, by resolution, award special remuneration to any director in undertaking any special services on Celestica's
behalf other than the normal work ordinarily required of a director of Celestica. The by-laws provide that confirmation of any such
resolution by Celestica's shareholders is not required.
The Articles provide that the Board may, without shareholder authorization, from time to time in such amounts and on such
terms as it deems expedient: (i) borrow money upon the credit of Celestica; (ii) issue, reissue, sell or pledge debt obligations of
Celestica; (iii) give a guarantee on behalf of Celestica to secure performance of an obligation of any person; and (iv) mortgage,
hypothecate, charge, pledge or otherwise create a security interest in all or any currently owned or subsequently acquired real and
personal, movable and immovable, property of Celestica, including book debts, rights, powers, franchises and undertakings, to
secure Celestica's obligations.
Directors do not stand for re-election at staggered intervals, and there is no provision in our Articles or by-laws imposing a
requirement for retirement or non-retirement of directors under an age limit requirement. However, the Board has a retirement
policy which provides that, unless the Board authorizes an exception, a director shall not stand for re-election after his or her
75th birthday.
Share Ownership Requirements
The OBCA provides that unless the articles of a corporation otherwise provide, a director of a corporation is not required to
hold shares issued by the corporation. There is no provision in the Articles imposing a requirement that a director hold any shares
issued by Celestica. Our Board, however, has established guidelines setting out minimum shareholding requirements for directors
who are not employees or officers of Celestica or Onex. See the section entitled "Director Share Ownership Guidelines" under
Item 6, "Directors, Senior Management and Employees — Compensation" for a summary of these minimum shareholding
requirements.
No Limitation on Foreign Ownership
There are no limitations under our Articles or in the OBCA on persons who are not citizens of Canada with respect to holding
or exercising their voting rights as holders of our securities.
Other Provisions of Articles and By-laws
Other than the "coat-tail provisions" described in detail in footnote (2) to the table set forth in Item 7(A), "Major Shareholders"
above, there are no provisions in the Articles or By-laws: (i) delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of our company
that operate only with respect to a merger, acquisition or corporate restructuring; (ii) discriminating against any existing or
prospective holder of our securities as a result of such shareholder owning a substantial number of our securities; (iii) requiring
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disclosure of share ownership; or (iv) governing changes in the rights of holders of our securities or our capital, where such
provisions are more stringent than those required by law.
Shareholder Rights and Limitations
The rights and preferences attached to our subordinate voting shares and multiple voting shares are described in the section
entitled "Description of Capital Stock" of our registration statement on Form F-3ASR (Reg. No. 333-221144), filed with the SEC
on October 26, 2017, which section is incorporated herein by reference thereto.
Additional information concerning the rights and limitations of Celestica's shareholders is described in the section entitled
"Comparison of Celestica and MSL Stockholder's Rights" of our registration statement on Form F-4/A (Reg. No. 333-110362),
filed with the SEC on February 9, 2004, which information (pertaining to Celestica) is incorporated herein by reference thereto.
C. Material Contracts
Information with respect to material contracts, other than contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business, to
which Celestica or its subsidiaries is a party, entered into during the two years immediately preceding the publication of this Annual
Report, is included in Item 5, "Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Liquidity and Capital Resources" and Item 6(B),
"Compensation." These contracts include equity compensation plans and agreements related to our credit facility and our
$200.0 million accounts receivable sales program, each of which is included as an exhibit to this Annual Report. See
Item 19, "Exhibits."
D. Exchange Controls
Canada has no system of exchange controls. There are no Canadian restrictions on the repatriation of capital or earnings of
a Canadian public company to non-resident investors. There are no laws of Canada or exchange restrictions affecting the remittance
of dividends, interest, royalties or similar payments to non-resident holders of Celestica's securities, although there may be Canadian
and other foreign tax considerations. See Item 10(E), "Taxation."
E. Taxation
Material Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations
The following is a summary of the material Canadian federal income tax considerations generally applicable to a person
(a U.S. Holder), who acquires subordinate voting shares and who, for purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the "Canadian
Tax Act") and the Canada-United States Income Tax Convention (1980) (as amended, the "Tax Treaty") at all relevant times is
resident in the United States and is neither resident nor deemed to be resident in Canada, is eligible for benefits under the Tax
Treaty, deals at arm's length and is not affiliated with Celestica, holds such subordinate voting shares as capital property, and does
not use or hold, and is not deemed to use or hold, the subordinate voting shares in carrying on business in Canada. Special rules,
which are not discussed in this summary, may apply to a U.S. Holder that is a financial institution (as defined in the Canadian
Tax Act), or is an insurer to whom the subordinate voting shares are designated insurance property (as defined in the Canadian
Tax Act).
This summary is based on Celestica's understanding of the current provisions of the Tax Treaty, the Canadian Tax Act and
the regulations thereunder, all specific proposals to amend the Canadian Tax Act or the regulations publicly announced by the
Minister of Finance (Canada) prior to February 14, 2018, and the current published administrative practices of the Canada
Revenue Agency.
This summary does not express an exhaustive discussion of all possible Canadian federal income tax considerations and,
except as mentioned above, does not take into account or anticipate any changes in law, whether by legislative, administrative or
judicial decision or action, nor does it take into account the tax legislation or considerations of any province or territory of Canada
or any jurisdiction other than Canada, which may differ significantly from the considerations described in this summary.
This summary is of a general nature only and is not intended to be, nor should it be construed to be, legal or tax advice
to any particular holder, and no representation with respect to the Canadian federal income tax consequences to any
particular holder is made. Consequently, U.S. Holders of subordinate voting shares should consult their own tax advisors
with respect to the income tax consequences to them having regard to their particular circumstances.
All amounts relevant in computing a U.S. Holder's liability under the Canadian Tax Act are to be computed in Canadian
dollars.
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Taxation of Dividends
By virtue of the Canadian Tax Act and the Tax Treaty, dividends (including stock dividends) on subordinate voting shares
paid or credited or deemed to be paid or credited to a U.S. Holder who is the beneficial owner of such dividends will generally be
subject to Canadian non-resident withholding tax at the rate of 15% of the gross amount of such dividends. Under the Tax Treaty,
the rate of withholding tax on dividends is reduced to 5% if that U.S. Holder is a company that beneficially owns (or is deemed
to beneficially own) at least 10% of the voting stock of Celestica. Moreover, under the Tax Treaty, dividends paid to certain
religious, scientific, literary, educational or charitable organizations and certain pension organizations that are resident in, and
generally exempt from tax in, the U.S., generally are exempt from Canadian non-resident withholding tax. Provided that certain
administrative procedures are observed by such an organization, Celestica would not be required to withhold such tax from dividends
paid or credited to such organization.
Disposition of Subordinate Voting Shares
A U.S. Holder will not be subject to tax under the Canadian Tax Act in respect of any capital gain realized on the disposition
or deemed disposition of subordinate voting shares unless the subordinate voting shares constitute or are deemed to constitute
"taxable Canadian property" other than "treaty-protected property," as defined in the Canadian Tax Act, at the time of such
disposition. Generally, subordinate voting shares will not be "taxable Canadian property" to a U.S. Holder at a particular time,
where the subordinate voting shares are listed on a designated stock exchange (which currently includes the TSX and NYSE) at
that time, unless at any time during the 60-month period immediately preceding that time: (A) the U.S. Holder, persons with whom
the U.S. Holder did not deal at arm's length, partnerships of which the U.S. Holder or persons not dealing at arm's length with the
U.S. Holder holds a membership interest (directly or indirectly through another partnership) or the U.S. Holder together with all
such persons or partnerships, owned 25% or more of the issued shares of any class or series of shares of the capital stock of
Celestica; and (B) more than 50% of the fair market value of the subordinate voting shares was derived directly or indirectly from
one or any combination of (i) real or immoveable properties situated in Canada, (ii) "Canadian resource properties", (iii) "timber
resource properties" and (iv) options in respect of, or interests in, property described in (i) to (iii), in each case as defined in the
Canadian Tax Act. In certain circumstances set out in the Canadian Tax Act, the subordinate voting shares of a particular U.S. Holder
could be deemed to be "taxable Canadian property" to that holder. Even if the subordinate voting shares are "taxable Canadian
property" to a U.S. Holder, they generally will be "treaty-protected property" to such holder by virtue of the Tax Treaty if the value
of such shares at the time of disposition is not derived principally from "real property situated in Canada" as defined for these
purposes under the Tax Treaty and the Canadian Tax Act. Consequently, on the basis that the value of the subordinate voting shares
should not be considered derived principally from such "real property situated in Canada" at any relevant time, any gain realized
by the U.S. Holder upon the disposition of the subordinate voting shares generally will be exempt from tax under the Canadian
Tax Act.
Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations
The following discussion describes the material U.S. federal income tax consequences to United States Holders (as defined
below) of subordinate voting shares. For purposes of this discussion, a United States Holder is a citizen or resident of the
United States, a corporation (or other entity taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) that is created or
organized in or under the laws of the United States or of any state thereof, an estate, the income of which is includible in gross
income for U.S. federal income tax purposes regardless of its source, or a trust, if either (i) a court within the United States is able
to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all
substantial decisions of the trust, or (ii) the trust has made an election under applicable U.S. Treasury regulations to be treated as
a U.S. person. If a partnership (or any other entity that is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) holds
subordinate voting shares, the tax treatment of a partner generally will depend upon the status of the partner and upon the activities
of the partnership. If you are a partner of a partnership holding subordinate voting shares, we suggest that you consult with your
tax advisor. This summary is for general information purposes only. It does not purport to be a comprehensive description of all
of the tax considerations that may be relevant to your decision to purchase, hold or dispose of subordinate voting shares. This
summary considers only United States Holders who will own subordinate voting shares as capital assets within the meaning of
Section 1221 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (Internal Revenue Code). In this context, the term "capital assets"
means, in general, assets held for investment by a taxpayer. Certain material aspects of U.S. federal income tax relevant to non-
United States Holders are also discussed below.
This discussion is based on current provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, current and proposed U.S. Treasury regulations
promulgated thereunder, administrative rulings and pronouncements of the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS"), and judicial
decisions, all as of February 14, 2018, and all of which are subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis. This discussion does
not address all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be relevant to any particular United States Holder based on the
147
United States Holder's individual circumstances. In particular, this discussion does not address the potential application of the
alternative minimum tax or U.S. federal income tax consequences to United States Holders who are subject to special treatment,
including, without limitation, taxpayers who are broker dealers or insurance companies, taxpayers who have elected mark-to-
market accounting, individual retirement and other tax-deferred accounts, tax-exempt organizations, financial institutions or
"financial services entities," taxpayers who hold subordinate voting shares as part of a "straddle," "hedge" or "conversion
transaction" with other investments, taxpayers owning directly, indirectly or by attribution at least 10% of the voting power or
value of our share capital, and taxpayers whose functional currency (as defined in Section 985 of the Internal Revenue Code) is
not the U.S. dollar.
This discussion does not address any aspect of U.S. federal gift or estate tax or state, local or non-U.S. tax laws. Additionally,
the discussion does not consider the tax treatment of persons who hold subordinate voting shares through a partnership or other
pass-through entity (such as an S corporation). For U.S. federal income tax purposes, income earned through a non-U.S. or domestic
partnership or similar entity generally is attributed to its owners. You are advised to consult your own tax advisor with respect to
the specific tax consequences to you of purchasing, holding or disposing of the subordinate voting shares.
Taxation of Dividends Paid on Subordinate Voting Shares
Subject to the discussion of the passive foreign investment company (PFIC) rules below, in the event that we pay a dividend,
a United States Holder will be required to include in gross income as ordinary income the amount of any distribution paid on
subordinate voting shares, including any Canadian taxes withheld from the amount paid, on the date the distribution is received,
to the extent that the distribution is paid out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits as determined for U.S. federal
income tax purposes. In addition, distributions of the Corporation's current or accumulated earnings and profits will be foreign
source "passive category income" for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes and will not qualify for the dividends received deduction
available to corporations. Distributions in excess of such earnings and profits will be applied against and will reduce the United States
Holder's tax basis in the subordinate voting shares and, to the extent in excess of such basis, will be treated as capital gain.
Distributions of current or accumulated earnings and profits paid in Canadian dollars to a United States Holder will be includible
in the income of the United States Holder in a dollar amount calculated by reference to the exchange rate on the date the distribution
is received. A United States Holder who receives a distribution of Canadian dollars and converts the Canadian dollars into
U.S. dollars subsequent to receipt will have foreign exchange gain or loss based on any appreciation or depreciation in the value
of the Canadian dollar against the U.S. dollar. Such gain or loss will generally be ordinary income and loss and will generally be
U.S. source gain or loss for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes. United States Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding
the treatment of a foreign currency gain or loss.
United States Holders will generally have the option of claiming the amount of any Canadian income taxes withheld either
as a deduction from gross income or as a dollar-for-dollar credit against their U.S. federal income tax liability, subject to specified
conditions and limitations. Individuals who do not claim itemized deductions, but instead utilize the standard deduction, may not
claim a deduction for the amount of the Canadian income taxes withheld, but these individuals generally may still claim a credit
against their U.S. federal income tax liability. The amount of foreign income taxes that may be claimed as a credit in any year is
subject to complex limitations and restrictions, which must be determined on an individual basis by each shareholder. The total
amount of allowable foreign tax credits in any year cannot exceed the pre-credit U.S. tax liability for the year attributable to foreign
source taxable income and further limitations may apply to individuals under the alternative minimum tax. A United States Holder
will be denied a foreign tax credit with respect to Canadian income tax withheld from dividends received on subordinate voting
shares to the extent that he or she has not held the subordinate voting shares for at least 16 days of the 31-day period beginning
on the date which is 15 days before the ex-dividend date or to the extent that he or she is under an obligation to make related
payments with respect to substantially similar or related property. Instead, a deduction may be allowed. Any days during which a
United States Holder has substantially diminished his or her risk of loss on his or her subordinate voting shares are not counted
toward meeting the 16-day holding period.
Individuals, estates or trusts who receive "qualified dividend income" (excluding dividends from a PFIC) generally will be
taxed at a current maximum U.S. federal rate of 20% (rather than the higher tax rates generally applicable to items of ordinary
income) provided certain holding period requirements are met. Subject to the discussion of the PFIC rules below, Celestica believes
that dividends paid by it with respect to its subordinate voting shares should constitute "qualified dividend income" for United States
federal income tax purposes and that holders who are individuals (as well as certain trusts and estates) should be entitled to the
reduced rate of tax, as applicable. Holders are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the impact of the "qualified dividend
income" provisions of the Internal Revenue Code on their particular situations, including related restrictions and special rules.
148
Dividends received by certain high-income individuals, trusts and estates will also be subject to a 3.8% unearned Medicare
contribution tax on passive income.
Taxation of Disposition of Subordinate Voting Shares
Subject to the discussion of the PFIC rules below, upon the sale, exchange or other disposition of subordinate voting shares,
a United States Holder will recognize capital gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between his or her adjusted tax basis
in his or her shares and the amount realized on the disposition.
A United States Holder's adjusted tax basis in the subordinate voting shares will generally be the initial cost, but may be
adjusted for various reasons including the receipt by such United States Holder of a distribution that was not made up wholly of
earning and profits as described above under the heading "Taxation of Dividends Paid on Subordinate Voting Shares." A
United States Holder is required to calculate the dollar value of the proceeds received on the sale date as of the "trade date," rather
than the date the sale settles, regardless of whether such United States Holder uses the cash method or accrual method of accounting.
Capital gain from the sale, exchange or other disposition of shares held more than one year is long-term capital gain. Long-term
capital gain that is recognized by non-corporate taxpayers is eligible for a current maximum 20% rate of taxation plus a 3.8% tax
on passive income derived by certain high-income individuals and trusts. A reduced rate does not apply to capital gains realized
by a United States Holder that is a corporation. Capital losses are generally deductible only against capital gains and not against
ordinary income. In the case of an individual, however, unused capital losses in excess of capital gains may offset up to $3,000
annually of ordinary income. Gain or loss recognized by a United States Holder on a sale, exchange or other disposition of
subordinate voting shares generally will be treated as U.S. source income or loss for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes. A United States
Holder who receives foreign currency upon disposition of subordinate voting shares and converts the foreign currency into
U.S. dollars subsequent to receipt will have foreign exchange gain or loss based on any appreciation or depreciation in the value
of the foreign currency against the U.S. dollar. United States Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the treatment
of a foreign currency gain or loss.
Tax Consequences if We Are a Passive Foreign Investment Company
A non-U.S. corporation will be a passive foreign investment company, or PFIC, if, in general, either (i) 75% or more of its
gross income in a taxable year, including the pro rata share of the gross income of any U.S. or foreign company in which it is
considered to own 25% or more of the shares by value, is passive income or (ii) 50% or more of its assets in a taxable year, averaged
over the year and ordinarily determined based on fair market value and including the pro rata share of the assets of any company
in which it is considered to own 25% or more of the shares by value, are held for the production of, or produce, passive income.
If Celestica were a PFIC and a United States Holder did not make an election to treat the Corporation as a "qualified electing fund"
and did not make a mark-to-market election, each as described below, then:
•
•
•
"Excess distributions" by Celestica to a United States Holder would be taxed in a special way. "Excess
distributions" are amounts received by a United States Holder with respect to subordinate voting shares in any
taxable year that exceed 125% of the average distributions received by the United States Holder from the
Corporation in the shorter of either the three previous years or his or her holding period for his or her shares
before the present taxable year. Excess distributions must be allocated ratably to each day that a United States
Holder has held subordinate voting shares. A United States Holder must include amounts allocated to the current
taxable year and to any non-PFIC years in his or her gross income as ordinary income for that year. A United States
Holder must pay tax on amounts allocated to each prior taxable PFIC year at the highest marginal tax rate in
effect for that year on ordinary income and the tax is subject to an interest charge at the rate applicable to
deficiencies for income tax.
The entire amount of gain that is realized by a United States Holder upon the sale or other disposition of shares
would also be considered an excess distribution and would be subject to tax as described above.
A United States Holder's tax basis in shares that were acquired from a decedent generally would not receive a
step-up to fair market value as of the date of the decedent's death but instead would be equal to the decedent's
tax basis, if lower than such value.
The special PFIC rules do not apply to a United States Holder if the United States Holder makes an election to treat the
Corporation as a "qualified electing fund" in the first taxable year in which he or she owns subordinate voting shares and if we
comply with reporting requirements as described below. Instead, a shareholder of a qualified electing fund is required for each
taxable year to include in income a pro rata share of the ordinary earnings of the qualified electing fund as ordinary income and
a pro rata share of the net capital gain of the qualified electing fund as long-term capital gain, subject to a separate election to defer
149
payment of taxes, which deferral is subject to an interest charge. We have agreed to supply United States Holders with the information
needed to report income and gain pursuant to this election in the event that we are classified as a PFIC. The election is made on a
shareholder-by-shareholder basis and may be revoked only with the consent of the IRS. A shareholder makes the election by
attaching a completed IRS Form 8621, reflecting the information contained in the PFIC annual information statement, to a timely
filed U.S. federal income tax return. Even if an election is not made, a shareholder in a PFIC who is a United States Holder generally
must file a completed IRS Form 8621 every year.
A United States Holder who owns PFIC shares that are publicly traded could elect to mark the shares to market annually,
recognizing as ordinary income or loss each year an amount equal to the difference as of the close of the taxable year between the
fair market value of the PFIC shares and the United States Holder's adjusted tax basis in the PFIC shares, provided, that, in the
case of any loss, it can be recognized only to the extent of any net mark-to-market income recognized in prior years. If the mark-
to-market election were made, then the rules set forth above would not apply for periods covered by the election. The subordinate
voting shares would be treated as publicly traded for purposes of the mark-to-market election and, therefore, such election could
be made if Celestica were classified as a PFIC. A mark-to-market election is, however, subject to complex and specific rules and
requirements, and United States Holders are strongly urged to consult their tax advisors concerning this election if Celestica is
classified as a PFIC.
Despite the fact that we are engaged in an active business, we are unable to conclude that Celestica was not a PFIC in 2017
or in prior years, though we believe, based on our internally performed analysis, that such status is unlikely. The tests for determining
PFIC status include the determination of the value of all assets of the Corporation which is highly subjective. Further, the tests for
determining PFIC status are applied annually, and it is difficult to make accurate predictions of future income and assets, which
are relevant to the determination as to whether we will be a PFIC in the future. Accordingly, it is possible that Celestica could be
a PFIC in 2018 or in a future year. A United States Holder who holds subordinate voting shares during a period in which we are
a PFIC will be subject to the PFIC rules, even if we cease to be a PFIC, unless he or she has made a qualifying electing fund
election. Although we have agreed to supply United States Holders with the information needed to report income and gain pursuant
to this election in the event that Celestica is classified as a PFIC, if Celestica was determined to be a PFIC with respect to a year
in which we had not thought that it would be so treated, the information needed to enable United States Holders to make a qualifying
electing fund election would not have been provided. United States Holders are strongly urged to consult their tax advisors about
the PFIC rules, including the consequences to them of making a mark-to-market or qualifying electing fund elections with respect
to subordinate voting shares in the event that Celestica is treated as a PFIC.
Tax Consequences for Non-United States Holders of Subordinate Voting Shares
Except as described in "Information Reporting and Backup Withholding" below, a holder of subordinate voting shares that is
not a United States Holder ("Non-United States Holder") will not be subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax on the
payment of dividends on, and the proceeds from the disposition of, subordinate voting shares unless:
•
•
•
the item is effectively connected with the conduct by the Non-United States Holder of a trade or business in the
United States and, generally, in the case of a resident of a country that has an income treaty with the United States,
such item is attributable to a permanent establishment in the United States;
the Non-United States Holder is an individual who holds subordinate voting shares as a capital asset, is present
in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of the disposition and satisfies certain other
requirements; or
the Non-United States Holder is subject to tax pursuant to the provisions of U.S. tax law applicable to
U.S. expatriates who expatriated prior to June 17, 2008.
Information Reporting and Backup Withholding
Payments made within the United States, or by a U.S. payor or U.S. middleman, of dividends and proceeds arising from certain
sales or other taxable dispositions of subordinate voting shares will be subject to information reporting. Backup withholding tax,
at the then applicable rate, will apply if a United States Holder (a) fails to furnish the United States Holder's correct U.S. taxpayer
identification number (generally on an IRS Form W-9), (b) is notified by the IRS that the United States Holder has previously
failed to properly report items subject to backup withholding tax, or (c) fails to certify, under penalty of perjury, that the United States
Holder has furnished the United States Holder's correct U.S. taxpayer identification number and that the IRS has not notified the
United States Holder that the United States Holder is subject to backup withholding tax. However, United States Holders that are
corporations generally are excluded from these information reporting and backup withholding tax rules. Any amounts withheld
under the U.S. backup withholding tax rules will be allowed as a credit against a United States Holder's U.S. federal income tax
150
liability, if any, or will be refunded, if the United States Holder follows the requisite procedures and timely furnishes the required
information to the IRS. United States Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the information reporting and backup
withholding tax rules.
U.S. individuals and "specified domestic entities" generally are required to report an interest in any "specified foreign financial
asset" if the aggregate value of such assets owned by such person exceeds $50,000 on the last day of the taxable year or $75,000
at any time during the taxable year (or such higher threshold as may apply to a particular taxpayer pursuant to the instructions to
IRS Form 8938). Stock issued by a non-U.S. corporation is treated as a specified foreign financial asset for this purpose.
Non-United States Holders generally are not subject to information reporting or backup withholding with respect to dividends
paid on or upon the disposition of shares, provided, in some instances, that the Non-United States Holder certifies to his foreign
status or otherwise establishes an exemption.
F. Dividends and Paying Agents
Not applicable.
G. Statement by Experts
Not applicable.
H. Documents on Display
Any statement in this Annual Report about any of our contracts or other documents is not exhaustive. If the contract or
document is filed as an exhibit to this Annual Report or is incorporated herein by reference thereto, the contract or document is
deemed to modify our description. You must review the exhibits themselves for a complete description of the contract or document.
You may access this Annual Report, including exhibits and schedules, on our website at www.celestica.com or request a copy
free of charge through our website. Requests may also be directed to clsir@celestica.com, by mail to Celestica Investor Relations,
844 Don Mills Road, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M3C 1V7, or by telephone at 416-448-2211.
You may also read and copy reports, statements or other information that we file with or furnish to the SEC, including exhibits
and schedules filed with this Annual Report, at the SEC's public reference facilities in Room 1580, 100 F Street, N.E.,
Washington, D.C. 20549. You may call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference room. The
SEC also maintains a website (www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information
regarding registrants that file electronically with the SEC. You may access the documents we file with or furnish to the SEC at
that website (for submissions commencing November 2000, the date we began to file electronically with the SEC). These SEC
filings are also available to the public from commercial document retrieval services.
We also file reports, statements and other information with the Canadian Securities Administrators, or the CSA, and these can
be accessed electronically at the CSA's System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval website (www.sedar.com).
You may access other information about Celestica on our website at www.celestica.com.
I. Subsidiary Information
Not applicable.
Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Market Risk
Market risk is the potential loss arising from changes in market rates and market prices. Our market risk exposure results
primarily from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates.
We do not hold financial instruments for speculative trading purposes.
Exchange Rate Risk
Conducting business in currencies other than the U.S. dollar subjects us to translation and transaction risks associated with
fluctuations in currency exchange rates. Although we conduct the majority of our business in U.S. dollars (our functional currency),
our global operations subject us to foreign currency volatility. Our significant non-U.S. currency exposures include the Canadian
dollar, Thai baht, Malaysian ringgit, Mexican peso, British pound sterling, Chinese renminbi, Euro, Romanian leu and Singapore
151
dollar. As part of our risk management program, we enter into foreign exchange forward contracts and swaps, generally for periods
up to 12 months, intended to hedge foreign currency transaction risk. These contracts include, to varying degrees, elements of
market risk. We enter into these contracts to lock in the exchange rates for future foreign currency transactions, which is intended
to reduce the variability of our operating costs and future cash flows denominated in local currencies. While these contracts are
intended to reduce the effects of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, our hedging strategy does not mitigate the longer-
term impacts of changes to foreign exchange rates.
Currency risk on our income tax expense arises because we are generally required to file our tax returns in the local currency
for each particular country in which we have operations. Exchange rate volatility between the relevant local currency and the
U.S. dollar will affect the recorded amounts of our foreign assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses in local currency for statutory
financial statement purposes. In addition, we earn revenues and incur expenses in foreign currencies as part of our global operations.
As a result, we are also exposed to foreign currency exchange transaction risk, such that fluctuations in currency exchange rates
may significantly impact the amount of translated U.S. dollars required for expenses incurred in other currencies or received from
non-U.S. dollar revenues. While our hedging programs are designed to mitigate currency risk vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar, we remain
subject to taxable foreign exchange impacts in our translated local currency financial results relevant for tax reporting purposes.
The table below presents the notional amounts (the U.S. dollar equivalent amounts of the foreign currency buy/sell contracts
at hedge rates), weighted average exchange rates by expected (contractual) maturity dates, and the fair values of our outstanding
foreign exchange forward contracts and swaps at December 31, 2017. These notional amounts generally are used to calculate the
contractual payments to be exchanged under the contracts. At December 31, 2017, we had foreign currency contracts and swaps
covering various currencies in an aggregate notional amount of $576.1 million (December 31, 2016 — $696.4 million). These
contracts had a fair value net unrealized gain of $10.3 million at December 31, 2017 (December 31, 2016 — $9.6 million net
unrealized loss).
152
At December 31, 2017, we had foreign exchange forward contracts and swaps to trade U.S. dollars in exchange for the
following currencies:
Expected Maturity Date
2018
2019
2020 and
thereafter
Total
Fair Value
Gain (Loss)
(in millions)
204.8
$
— $
— $
204.8
$
4.1
Forward Exchange Agreements
(Contract amounts in millions)
Receive C$/Pay U.S.$
Contract amount ........................................................ $
Average exchange rate ..............................................
Receive Thai Baht/Pay U.S.$
Contract amount ........................................................ $
Average exchange rate ..............................................
Receive Malaysian Ringgit/Pay U.S.$
Contract amount ........................................................ $
Average exchange rate ..............................................
Receive Mexican Peso/Pay U.S.$
Contract amount ........................................................ $
Average exchange rate ..............................................
Pay British Pound Sterling/Receive U.S.$
Contract amount ........................................................ $
Average exchange rate ..............................................
Receive Chinese Renminbi/Pay U.S.$
Contract amount ........................................................ $
Average exchange rate ..............................................
Pay Euro/Receive U.S.$
Contract amount ........................................................ $
Average exchange rate ..............................................
Receive Romanian Leu/Pay U.S.$
Contract amount ........................................................ $
Average exchange rate ..............................................
Receive Singapore Dollar/Pay U.S.$
Contract amount ........................................................ $
Average exchange rate ..............................................
Pay Other/Receive U.S.$
Contract amount ........................................................ $
Average exchange rate ..............................................
Total ............................................................................. $
Interest Rate Risk and Credit Risk
0.80
79.0
0.03
48.4
0.23
29.3
0.05
56.4
1.34
71.6
0.15
28.7
1.19
28.4
0.25
25.0
0.73
4.5
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
— $
79.0
$
2.2
— $
48.4
$
2.6
— $
29.3
$
(0.9)
— $
56.4
$
(0.5)
— $
71.6
$
1.5
— $
28.7
$
0.1
— $
28.4
$
0.6
— $
25.0
$
0.6
576.1
$
— $
— $
576.1
— $
4.5
$
$
—
10.3
Borrowings under the Revolving Facility bear interest at LIBOR, Prime, Base Rate Canada, or Base Rate (each as defined in
the amended credit agreement) plus a margin, and our Term Loan bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin. Borrowings under our
credit facility expose us to interest rate risks due to fluctuations in these rates and margins. A one-percentage point increase in
these rates would increase interest expense by $5.5 million annually, assuming borrowings of $250.0 million under the Term Loan
and $300.0 million under the Revolving Facility (the credit limit thereunder without the $150.0 million accordion feature). As of
153
December 31, 2017, $187.5 million was drawn under the Term Loan and no amounts were outstanding under the Revolving Facility.
See note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 18.
We hold cash and cash equivalents at various banking institutions. Management monitors the institutions that hold our cash
and cash equivalents. Management's emphasis is primarily on safety of principal. Management, in its discretion, has diversified
our cash and cash equivalents among banking institutions to adjust exposure to an acceptable level with respect to any one of these
entities. To date, we have experienced no loss or lack of access to our invested cash or cash equivalents; however, we can provide
no assurances that access to invested cash and cash equivalents will not be impacted by adverse conditions in the financial markets,
or that third party institutions will retain acceptable credit ratings or investment practices.
Cash balances held at banking institutions in the United States with which we do business may exceed the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") insurance limits. While management monitors the cash balances in these bank accounts, such
cash balances could be impacted if the underlying banks were to become insolvent or could be subject to other adverse conditions
in the financial markets.
Credit risk refers to the risk that a counterparty may default on its contractual obligations resulting in a financial loss to us.
We believe our credit risk of counterparty non-performance is relatively low, however, if a key supplier (or any company within
such supplier's supply chain) or customer experiences financial difficulties or fails to comply with their contractual obligations,
this could result in a financial loss to us (see Item 5, "Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Management's Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Overview of business environment" for a discussion of write-
downs recorded in each of 2017 and 2016 in connection with our exit from the solar panel manufacturing business). With respect
to our financial market activities, we have adopted a policy of dealing only with credit-worthy counterparties to help mitigate the
risk of financial loss from defaults. We monitor the credit risk of the counterparties with whom we conduct business through a
combined process of credit rating reviews and portfolio reviews. To attempt to mitigate the risk of financial loss from defaults
under our foreign currency forward contracts and swaps, our contracts are held by counterparty financial institutions each of which
had at December 31, 2017 a Standard and Poor's rating of A-2 or above. In addition, we maintain cash and short-term investments
in highly-rated investments or on deposit with major financial institutions. Each financial institution with which we have our A/
R sales program and the supplier financing program had a Standard and Poor's short-term rating of A-2 or above and a long-term
rating of A- or above at December 31, 2017. Each financial institution from which annuities have been purchased for the defined
benefit component of our Canadian pension plan had an A.M. Best or Standard and Poor's long-term rating of A- or above at
December 31, 2017. In addition, the financial institutions from which annuities have been purchased for the defined benefit
component of our U.K. pension plans are governed by local regulatory bodies.We also provide unsecured credit to our customers
in the normal course of business. From time to time, we extend the payment terms applicable to certain customers and/or provide
longer payment terms to new customers or with respect to new programs. If this becomes more prevalent, it could adversely impact
our working capital requirements, and increase our financial exposure and credit risk. We attempt to mitigate customer credit risk
by monitoring our customers' financial condition and performing ongoing credit evaluations as appropriate. In certain instances,
we may obtain letters of credit or other forms of security from our customers. We may also purchase credit insurance from a
financial institution to reduce our credit exposure to certain customers. We consider credit risk in determining our allowance for
doubtful accounts and we believe our allowances, as adjusted from time to time, are adequate.
Item 12. Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities
A. Debt Securities
Not applicable.
B. Warrants and Rights
Not applicable.
C. Other Securities
Not applicable.
D. American Depositary Shares
None.
154
Item 13. Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies
None.
Part II.
Item 14. Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds
None.
Item 15. Controls and Procedures
The information required by this Item concerning our disclosure controls and procedures, and changes in our internal
control over financial reporting, is set forth in Item 5, "Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Management's Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity and Capital Resources — Controls and Procedures."
Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting is set forth on page F-1 of our Consolidated Financial
Statements in Item 18.
The attestation report from our independent auditors, KPMG LLP (KPMG) is set forth on page F-2 of our Consolidated
Financial Statements in Item 18.
Item 16. [Reserved]
Item 16A. Audit Committee Financial Expert
The Board has considered the extensive financial experience of Mr. Etherington, Ms. Koellner, and Ms. Perry, and has
determined that each of them is an audit committee financial expert within the meaning of Item 16A(b) of Form 20-F, and each
are independent directors, as that term is defined by the applicable Canadian and SEC rules and in the NYSE listing standards.
Item 16B. Code of Ethics
The Board has adopted a Finance Code of Professional Conduct for Celestica's Chief Executive Officer, our senior finance
officers, and all personnel in its finance organization to deter wrongdoing and promote honest and ethical conduct in the practice
of financial management, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and professional
relationships; full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure; compliance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations;
prompt internal reporting of violations of the code and accountability for adherence to the code. These professionals are expected
to abide by this code as well as Celestica's Business Conduct Governance policy and all of our other applicable business policies,
standards and guidelines.
The Finance Code of Professional Conduct and the Business Conduct Governance policy can be accessed electronically at
www.celestica.com. Celestica will provide a copy of such policies free of charge to any person who so requests. Requests should
be directed to clsir@celestica.com, by mail to Celestica Investor Relations, 844 Don Mills Road, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
M3C 1V7, or by telephone at 416-448-2211.
Item 16C. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
The external auditor is engaged to provide services pursuant to pre-approval policies and procedures established by the Audit
Committee of the Board. The Audit Committee approves the external auditor's Audit Plan, the scope of the external auditor's
quarterly reviews and all related fees. The Audit Committee must approve any non-audit services provided by the auditor and
related fees and does so only if it considers that these services are compatible with the external auditor's independence.
Our auditors are KPMG. KPMG did not provide any financial information systems design or implementation services to us
during 2016 or 2017. The Audit Committee has determined that the provision of the non-audit services by KPMG described below
does not compromise KPMG's independence.
Audit Fees
KPMG billed $2.3 million in 2017 (2016 — $2.5 million) for audit services.
155
Audit-Related Fees
KPMG billed $0.1 million in 2017 (2016 — $0.1 million) for audit-related services, including pension audits and audits related
to the adoption of amended accounting standards.
Tax Fees
KPMG billed $0.1 million in 2017 (2016 — $0.1 million) for tax compliance and tax advisory services.
All Other Fees
KPMG billed $0.2 million in 2017 for a regulatory performance audit related to compliance with government accounting
standards (2016 — no other fees).
Pre-approval Policies and Procedures — Percentage of Services Approved by Audit Committee
All KPMG services and fees are approved by the Audit Committee as follows. The Audit Committee has established an Audit
and Non-Audit Services Pre-Approval Policy to pre-approve all permissible audit and non-audit services provided by our
independent auditors. On an annual basis, the Audit Committee reviews and provides pre-approval for certain types of services
that may be rendered by the independent auditors and a budget for audit services for the applicable fiscal year. Upon pre-approval
of the services on the initial list, management may engage the auditor for specific engagements that are within the definition of
the pre-approved services. Any significant service engagements above a certain threshold will require separate pre-approval. The
policy contains a provision delegating pre-approval authority to the Chair of the Audit Committee in instances when pre-approval
is needed prior to a scheduled Audit Committee meeting. The Chair of the Audit Committee is required to report on such pre-
approvals at the next scheduled Audit Committee meeting. A final detailed review of all audit and non-audit services and fees is
performed by the Audit Committee prior to the issuance of the audit opinion at year-end.
Percentage of Hours Expended on KPMG's engagement not performed by KPMG's full-time, permanent employees (if greater
than 50%):
Not applicable.
Item 16D. Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees
None.
156
Item 16E. Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Period
January 1 — 31, 2017
February 1 — 28, 2017
March 1 — 31, 2017(2)
April 1 — 30, 2017(2)
May 1 — 31, 2017(2)
June 1 — 30, 2017(2)
July 1 — 31, 2017(2)
August 1 — 31, 2017(2)
September 1 — 30, 2017(2)
October 1 — 31, 2017(2)
November 1 — 30, 2017(2)(3)
December 1 — 31, 2017(3)
(a) Total number
of subordinate
voting shares
purchased
(in millions)
—
(b) Average price
paid
per subordinate
voting share
—
(c) Total number of
subordinate voting
shares purchased as
part of publicly
announced plans or
programs
(in millions)
—
—
0.1
0.1
0.22
0.10
0.04
0.30
0.13
0.01
1.0
1.3
3.3
—
$13.98
$14.77
$13.90
$13.89
$11.72
$11.59
$11.70
$10.51
$10.68
$10.49
$11.21
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
0.9
1.3
2.2
(d) Maximum
number of
subordinate voting
shares that may
yet be purchased
under the plans
or programs
(in millions)
5.7(1)
5.7(1)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
9.6
8.3
8.3
Total
(1)
(2)
(3)
On February 22, 2016, the TSX accepted our notice to launch, and we announced, a normal course issuer bid (the 2016 NCIB). The 2016 NCIB allowed
us to repurchase, at our discretion, up to approximately 10.5 million subordinate voting shares in the open market or as otherwise permitted, subject to
the normal terms and limitations of such bids. During 2016, we repurchased and cancelled a total of 3.2 million subordinate voting shares under the
2016 NCIB at a weighted average price of $10.69 per share. The maximum number of subordinate voting shares we were permitted to repurchase for
cancellation under the 2016 NCIB was reduced by 1.6 million subordinate voting shares, which we purchased in the open market during 2016 to satisfy
delivery obligations under our stock-based compensation plans. We did not repurchase any shares for cancellation under the 2016 NCIB during 2017
prior to its expiry on February 23, 2017.
From time-to-time, a broker has purchased subordinate voting shares in the open market, on our behalf, to settle vested employee awards under our
equity-based compensation plans. During 2017, approximately 1.4 million subordinate voting shares were purchased on our behalf by a broker for such
purpose (0.3 million of which were purchased during the term of the 2017 NCIB (defined in footnote 3 below), and were therefore not cancelled).
On November 8, 2017, the TSX accepted our notice to launch, and we announced, a normal course issuer bid (the 2017 NCIB). The 2017 NCIB allows
us to repurchase, at our discretion, until the earlier of November 12, 2018 or the completion of purchases thereunder, up to approximately 10.5 million
subordinate voting shares (representing approximately 7.3% of our total outstanding subordinate voting and multiple voting shares at the time of launch)
in the open market or as otherwise permitted, subject to the normal terms and limitations of such bids. During 2017, we repurchased and cancelled a
total of 1.9 million subordinate voting shares under the 2017 NCIB at a weighted average price of $10.58 per share. The maximum number of subordinate
voting shares we are permitted to repurchase for cancellation under the 2017 NCIB will be reduced by the number of subordinate voting shares purchased
in the open market during the term of the 2017 NCIB to satisfy delivery obligations under our equity-based compensation plans. See footnote (2) above.
Item 16F. Change in Registrant's Certifying Accountant
Not applicable.
Item 16G. Corporate Governance
Corporate Governance
We are subject to a variety of corporate governance guidelines and requirements enacted by the TSX, the CSA, the NYSE
and the SEC under its rules and those mandated by the United States Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002 and the Dodd-Frank Wall Street
157
Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010. We are listed on the NYSE and, although we are not required to comply with all
of the NYSE corporate governance requirements to which we would be subject if we were a U.S. corporation, our governance
practices differ significantly in only one respect from those required of U.S. domestic issuers by the NYSE, as described below.
Celestica complies with TSX rules, which require shareholder approval of share compensation arrangements involving new
issuances of shares, and of certain amendments to such arrangements, but do not require such approval if the compensation
arrangements involve only shares purchased by the Corporation in the open market. NYSE rules require shareholder approval of
all equity compensation plans (and material revisions thereto) regardless of whether new issuances or treasury shares are used.
Our corporate governance guidelines can be accessed electronically at www.celestica.com.
Item 16H. Mine Safety Disclosure
Not applicable.
Item 17. Financial Statements
Not applicable.
Item 18. Financial Statements
Part III.
The following financial statements have been filed as part of this Annual Report:
Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheet as at December 31, 2016 and 2017
Consolidated Statement of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Page
F-1
F-2, F-3
F-4
F-5
F-6
F-7
F-8
F-9
158
Item 19. Exhibits
The following exhibits have been filed as part of this Annual Report:
Exhibit
Number
1.1
Description
Certificate and Restated Articles of
Incorporation effective June 25, 2004
Incorporated by Reference
Form
20-F
File No.
001-14832 March 23, 2010
Filing Date
Filed
Herewith
Exhibit
No.
1.10
1.2
2
2.1
2.2
4
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
4.7
4.8
4.9
4.10
4.11
4.12
4.13
Bylaw No. 1
20-F
001-14832 March 23, 2010
1.11
Instruments defining rights of holders of
equity securities or long-term debt:
See Certificate and Restated Articles of
Incorporation identified above
Form of Subordinate Voting Share Certificate F-3ASR 333-22114
4
October 26,
2017
4.1
Certain Contracts:
Services Agreement, dated as of January 1,
2009, between Celestica Inc. and Onex
Corporation ("Services Agreement")
Amending Agreement to Services Agreement
made as of January 1, 2017
Executive Employment Agreement, dated as
of January 1, 2008, between Celestica Inc.,
Celestica International Inc. and Elizabeth L.
DelBianco
Amended and Restated Celestica Inc. Long-
Term Incentive Plan as of January 29, 2014
Amended and Restated Celestica Inc. Long-
Term Incentive Plan as of July 22, 2015
Amended and Restated Celestica Inc. Long-
Term Incentive Plan as of October 19, 2015
Amended and Restated Celestica Inc. Long-
Term Incentive Plan as of October 19, 2016
20-F
001-14832 March 23, 2010
4.1
20-F
001-14832 March 13, 2017
4.2
20-F
001-14832 March 25, 2008
4.6
6-K
6-K
001-14832
July 9, 2014
99.1
001-14832
July 29, 2015
99.1
20-F
001-14832 March 7, 2016
4.5
20-F
001-14832 March 13, 2017
4.7
Amended and Restated Celestica Share Unit
Plan as of January 29, 2014
Amended and Restated Celestica Share Unit
Plan as of July 22, 2015
6-K
6-K
001-14832
July 9, 2014
99.2
001-14832
July 29, 2015
99.2
Amended and Restated Celestica Share Unit
Plan as of October 19, 2015
Coattail Agreement, dated June 29, 1998,
between Onex Corporation, Celestica Inc.
and Montreal Trust Company of Canada.
20-F
001-14832 March 7, 2016
4.8
SC TO-I
005-55523 October 29,
(d)(1)
2012
Directors' Share Compensation Plan (2008)
SC TO-I
005-55523 October 29,
(d)(3)
20-F
001-14832 March 13, 2015
4.12
2012
Amended and Restated Revolving Trade
Receivables Purchase Agreement, dated as of
November 4, 2011, among the Celestica Inc.,
Celestica LLC, Celestica Czech Republic
s.r.o., Celestica Holdings Pte Ltd., Celestica
Valencia S.A., Celestica Hong Kong Ltd.,
Celestica (Romania) s.r.l., Celestica Japan
KK, Celestica Oregon LLC, each of the
financial institutions named on Schedule I
thereto and Deutsche Bank AG New York
Branch
159
Exhibit
Number
4.14
4.15
4.16
4.17
4.18
4.19
4.20
4.21
4.22
4.23
4.24
4.25
8.1
11.1
11.2
12.1
12.2
13.1
15.1
Incorporated by Reference
Form
20-F
File No.
001-14832 March 13, 2017
Filing Date
Filed
Herewith
Exhibit
No.
4.18
20-F
001-14832 March 14, 2014
4.14
20-F
001-14382 March 14, 2014
4.15
20-F
001-14382 March 13, 2015
4.16
20-F
001-14382 March 7, 2016
4.20
20-F
001-14382 March 13, 2017
4.23
20-F
001-14382 March 14, 2014
4.16
20-F
001-14382 March 7, 2016
4.22
SC TO-
I/A
005-55523
June 2, 2015
(b)(2)
Description
First Amendment to Amended and Restated
Revolving Trade Receivables Purchase
Agreement
Second Amendment to Amended and
Restated Revolving Trade Receivables
Purchase Agreement
Third Amendment to Amended and Restated
Revolving Trade Receivables Purchase
Agreement*
Fourth Amendment to Amended and
Restated Revolving Trade Receivables
Purchase Agreement*
Fifth Amendment to Amended and Restated
Revolving Trade Receivables Purchase
Agreement and Accession Agreement*
Sixth Amendment to Amended and Restated
Revolving Trade Receivables Agreement*
Letter Agreement pertaining to Amended and
Restated Revolving Trade Receivables
Agreement†
Seventh Amendment to Amended and
Restated Revolving Trade Receivables
Agreement†
Eighth Amendment to Amended and
Restated Revolving Trade Receivables
Agreement
Directors' Share Compensation Plan,
amended and restated as of July 25, 2013
Directors' Share Compensation Plan,
amended and restated as of January 1, 2016
Eighth Amended and Restated Credit
Agreement, dated May 29, 2015, by and
among Celestica Inc. and the subsidiaries
specified as Designated Subsidiaries therein
as Borrowers, Canadian Imperial Bank of
Commerce, as Co-Lead Arranger, Sole
Bookrunner and Administrative Agent, RBC
Capital Markets, as Co-Lead Arranger and
Co-Syndication Agent, Merrill Lynch Pierce
Fenner & Smith Incorporated, as Co-
Syndication Agent, and the financial
institutions named therein, as lenders.
Subsidiaries of Registrant
Finance Code of Professional Conduct
Business Conduct Governance Policy
20-F
20-F
001-14382 March 23, 2010
11.1
001-14382
Principal Executive Officer Certification
pursuant to Rule 13(a)-14(a)
Principal Financial Officer Certification
pursuant to Rule 13(a)-14(a)
Certification required by Rule 13a-14(b) and
Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the
United States Code**
Consent of KPMG LLP, Chartered
Professional Accountants
160
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Exhibit
Number
101.INS**
101.SCH**
101.CAL**
101.DEF**
101.LAB**
101.PRE**
Description
Form
File No.
Filing Date
Incorporated by Reference
XBRL Instance Document
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
Document
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation
Linkbase Document
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition
Linkbase Document
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
Document
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation
Linkbase Document
Exhibit
No.
Filed
Herewith
X
X
X
X
X
X
____________________________________
*
**
†
Certain confidential portions of this exhibit were omitted by means of redacting a portion of the text. This exhibit has been filed separately with the
Securities and Exchange Commission without redactions. Confidential treatment has been granted pursuant to our Application for an Order Granting
Confidential Treatment Pursuant to Rule 24b-2 of the U.S. Exchange Act.
Will not be deemed "filed" for purposes of Section 18 of the U.S. Exchange Act, or otherwise subject to the liability of Section 18 of the
U.S. Exchange Act, and will not be incorporated by reference into any filing under the U.S. Securities Act, or the U.S. Exchange Act, except to the
extent that the registrant specifically incorporates it by reference.
Certain confidential portions of this exhibit were omitted by means of redacting a portion of the text. This exhibit has been filed separately with the
Securities and Exchange Commission without redactions pursuant to our Application for an Order Granting Confidential Treatment Pursuant to
Rule 24b-2 of the U.S. Exchange Act.
161
The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and
authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.
SIGNATURES
CELESTICA INC.
By:
/s/ ELIZABETH L. DELBIANCO
Elizabeth L. DelBianco
Chief Legal and Administrative Officer
Date: March 12, 2018
162