Quarterlytics / Consumer Cyclical / Apparel - Manufacturers / DMG MORI

DMG MORI

gil · NYSE Consumer Cyclical
Claim this profile
Ticker gil
Exchange NYSE
Sector Consumer Cyclical
Industry Apparel - Manufacturers
Employees 10,000+
← All annual reports
FY2018 Annual Report · DMG MORI
Sign in to download
Loading PDF…
$2.9B

i n   r e v e n u e

$429M

i n   f r e e   c a s h   f l o w 1

(1) Please refer to “Definition and reconciliation of non-GAAP 
financial measures” in the 2018 Management’s Discussion and 
Analysis.

$462M

60

r e t u r n e d   t o   s h a r e h o l d e r s

m a r k e t s   w o r l d w i d e

2
0
1
8

A
N
N
U
A
L

R
E
P
O
R
T

* All numbers in this report are in U.S. dollars or otherwise indicated.

T A B L E   O F   C O N T E N T S

2

5

8

a   m e s s a g e   f r o m   t h e   c h a i r m a n

a   m e s s a g e   f r o m   t h e   p r e s i d e n t   a n d   C E O

o u r   g r o w t h   d r i v e r s   &   b r a n d s

10

12

17

f i n a n c i a l   h i g h l i g h t s

g e n u i n e   r e s p o n s i b i l i t y T M

2 0 1 8   r e p o r t   t o   s h a r e h o l d e r s

 
 
a message from
THE CHAIRMAN

On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am 

Gildan was able to continue to drive higher 

pleased to introduce Gildan’s 2018 Annual 

sales, while realizing meaningful cost savings 

Report.  

across the front end of its business. At the 

same time, investments were made towards 

The Company delivered strong financial 

operational enhancements, not only from a 

results this year, in a challenging environment, 

manufacturing capacity perspective, given the 

demonstrating the strength of Gildan’s 

ramp up of production at its newest textile 

position as a best-in-class low-cost, vertically-

facility Rio Nance 6, but also in areas related 

integrated manufacturer of basic apparel.  

to distribution and e-commerce, solidifying the 

Navigating through unanticipated weather 

Company’s positioning going forward.       

impacts and supply chain challenges in 2018, 

management demonstrated its resiliency 

In addition to driving attractive growth in 

and skill running a competitively-advantaged 

imprintables, international markets, private 

global supply chain, which allowed us to 

label, Global Lifestyle Brands and through 

continually meet our customer’s needs and to 

e-commerce platforms, the Company remained 

deliver shareholder value for the long term.

Gildan’s approach to investing capital in 

manufacturing, enhancing its product offering, 

leveraging its brands, strengthening its 

customer relationships and capitalizing on 

growth opportunities, has always been one 

of the Company’s strongest attributes. In this 

regard, in 2018 the Company consolidated its 

business divisions into one unified structure 

to take advantage of changes in the various 

marketplaces that we serve. In doing so 

T
R
O
P
E
R

L
A
U
N
N
A

8
1
0
2

2

 
 
focused on achieving strong returns on 

net assets (RONA)1 across the business, as 

ultimately we know this maximizes shareholder 

value over the long term. This year Gildan 

generated RONA of 15.6%, up 70 basis points 

over the prior year. This performance and 

strong free cash flow positioned Gildan well to 

return $462 million of capital to shareholders 

in 2018, in the form of dividends and share buy 

backs.  Further, on February 21st, we renewed 

our share repurchase program and approved 

our seventh consecutive annual 20% increase 

in our dividend. 

GENUINE RESPONSIBILITY™

As a Company, we understand that our 

continued growth and future success demands 

that we remain committed to operating 

responsibly and proactively implementing 

sustainable solutions throughout our 

operations. We were pleased again this year 

to see continued progress with the Company’s 

initiatives in the areas of Environmental, 

Social and Governance (ESG) practices. 

In the past year, the Board was pleased to 

see the Company be included in the Dow 

Jones Sustainability Index for the sixth 

consecutive year, which further demonstrates 

the strength of our industry-leading Genuine 

Responsibility™ program.

One of the initiatives was the mapping of the 

Company’s CSR strategies against specific 

United Nations’ Sustainable Development 

Goals (SDG’s). This mapping will ensure that 

Gildan’s ESG efforts are not only targeted to 

issues that are material to the Company and 

relevant within the context of its operations 

and overall business, but also on issues 

that have been prioritized from a global 

perspective to affect change for a more 

sustainable future.

In 2018, Gildan published its Genuine 

Responsibility™ 2017 report, the 14th 

consecutive such report, and launched 

www.genuineresponsibility.com, a new 

dedicated Corporate Social Responsibility 

(CSR) website. Leveraging the results from a 

comprehensive materiality assessment, Gildan 

reset its strategic CSR priorities with the main 

areas of focus now captured under three 

themes; Caring for our People, Conserving 

the Environment and Creating Stronger 

Communities. 

I am particularly pleased with the progress that 

the Company has made in the area of diversity 

and inclusion, more specifically executing on 

a number of programs aimed at delivering 

development opportunities for women. The 

Company’s goal is to inspire, engage and 

support women in developing their leadership 

skills in both their professional and personal 

lives. Currently, women represent 47% of 

Gildan’s work force and hold over 42% of 

management positions. While progress is being 

made, we recognize there is more to do. 

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

The Company remains focused as well 

on ensuring that business strategies are 

developed to include the risks and impacts 

of climate change. In these efforts, we were 

very pleased to see some of the environmental 

metrics the Company reported this past year:

• 

10% reduction in water intensity per unit 

of output versus 2015 baseline

•  86% recycling or repurposing of total 

Company waste

•  43% of total energy consumption 

generated from renewable sources

(1) Please refer to “Definition and reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures” in the 2018 Management’s Discussion and Analysis.

2
0
1
8

A
N
N
U
A
L

R
E
P
O
R
T

3 

 
 
better insights as we build on our strong culture 

of Ethics and Compliance at Gildan.  

CONTINUING BOARD STRENGTH

Elected at last year’s annual shareholders’ 

meeting, Maryse Bertrand, Marc Caira, Charles 

M. Herington and Craig Leavitt have brought 

strong diversity of experience and valuable 

perspectives to our Board. At this year’s 

annual meeting Gonzalo F. Valdes-Fauli and 

George Heller will be retiring. On behalf of our 

shareholders, I would like to thank Gonzalo 

for his 15 years of service and George for his 

contribution to the Board over the last ten 

years.

LOOKING FORWARD

Finally, I would like to thank Glenn, his 

leadership team and the over 50,000 employees 

that come to work every day with commitment, 

focus and passion to make Gildan one of the 

world’s leading apparel companies.  I also 

thank you, our shareholders, for your trust and 

confidence in Gildan.  As your representatives, 

the Board looks forward to working with Glenn 

and his senior team in executing on a strategy 

that delivers value for all stakeholders and we 

remain confident in the long-term success of the 

Company. 

Sincerely,

William D. Anderson

Chairman

It is important to also acknowledge the 

challenges that we face in the ongoing pursuit 

of our 2020 goals. In the past year, we reported 

a 9% increase in energy intensity per kg of 

output versus a 10% decrease reported in the 

previous year. This performance is a result of 

several factors which the Company feels are 

temporary and which are being addressed with 

a range of initiatives currently in place. 

ETHICS AND COMPLIANCE

Our ongoing commitment to leading 

governance standards continues to frame the 

Company’s actions and strategies in the area 

of Ethics and Compliance. After updating 

and refreshing its Code of Conduct and 

Code of Ethics over the last couple of years, 

the Company provided extensive training 

throughout its global operations to ensure 

widespread understanding of these codes and 

delivered close to 40,000 man-hours of training 

this past year. 

In 2018, Gildan joined Ethisphere’s Business 

Ethics Leadership Alliance, positioning the 

Company alongside other leading companies 

focused on making ethics a top priority and 

giving us all an opportunity to learn from each 

other. The Company also launched an Ethics and 

Compliance portal supported by strong internal 

communication initiatives. Going forward, we 

have plans for a global ethics survey to gain 

T
R
O
P
E
R

L
A
U
N
N
A

8
1
0
2

4

 
 
a message from
THE PRESIDENT
AND CEO

I am proud of the performance we delivered 

private label program wins in underwear 

in 2018. We achieved the financial targets 

and activewear, and the doubling of our 

we set for the year and executed on the 

e-commerce sales in 2018, we see our 

initiatives related to the organizational 

strategy unfolding well. 

consolidation that we announced at the 

beginning of 2018, from which we saw 

Our brand positioning in fashion 

meaningful cost benefits materialize. 

basics together with the cost effective 

Towards the latter part of the year, we 

manufacturing capacity we have built over 

started to execute on supply chain initiatives 

the years is enabling us to continue to gain 

as the next phase of our plan to drive 

share within the fastest-growing segment in 

further operational efficiencies across the 

the imprintables market, where over the last 

organization. 

few years we have seen a shift in customer 

preference towards lighter-weight, ring-spun 

While 2018 was not without its challenges, 

garments. This year marked a new milestone 

whether it was weather-related impacts 

with the launch of operations at our newest 

or other supply-chain disruptions, the 

textile facility, Rio Nance 6, which features 

power of our people, the strength of 

new equipment geared for more efficient 

our manufacturing expertise and our 

production of fashion basics. Combined 

entrepreneurial spirit helped us move 

with our past investments in ring-spun yarn 

through these challenges and deliver on our 

capabilities, we feel well positioned to 

objectives, including overall sales growth 

drive market leadership within this growing 

of 6%, adjusted diluted EPS1 of $1.86, up 8% 

product category.

over the prior year, and $429 million of free 

cash flow1. We also made progress in driving 

International sales were very strong this 

higher returns on our net assets (RONA)1 

year, growing close to 30% in 2018, further 

which totalled 15.6% in 2018, up 70 basis 

showing that our strategy is working. As 

points from 2017 and up 160 basis points 

we continue to increase capacity, we are 

from 2016. Our efforts to continue to drive 

expanding our product offering to these 

this measure and to capitalize on the growth 

markets and we are introducing additional 

opportunities outlined in our strategy will 

brands from our portfolio, such as American 

position us well to deliver strong shareholder 

Apparel® which we launched into Europe 

value over the long term.

and Asia, as well as across our e-commerce 

platform reaching consumers in over 220 

DRIVING OUR STRATEGY

countries. 

With further penetration in fashion basics, 

strong double-digit growth in international 

In 2018, sales to global lifestyle brand 

and global lifestyle brand sales, new 

customers also grew in the double-digit 

(1) Please refer to “Definition and reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures” in the 2018 Management’s Discussion and Analysis.

2
0
1
8

A
N
N
U
A
L

R
E
P
O
R
T

5

 
 
OPTIMIZING OUR ORGANIZATIONAL 

STRUCTURE

We were extremely pleased with the 

progress we made in 2018 with the 

organizational realignment that was 

announced at the start of the year. We 

successfully combined our two business 

segments into one front-end organization 

while streamlining various administrative, 

marketing and merchandising functions.  We 

reconfigured our warehouse distribution 

network with the opening of two new large 

distribution centres and the consolidation of 

a number of smaller warehouses.  We also 

made significant progress with common IT 

platforms across our distribution system.  

range as we continued to further solidify 

These initiatives yielded an improvement of 

our position as a strategic supplier for these 

100 basis points in SG&A as a percentage of 

brands who are increasingly seeking large-

sales for the full year, even after investing 

scale, strategically-located suppliers in the 

in certain distribution and e-commerce 

Western hemisphere who meet their rigorous 

capabilities during the first half of 2018. 

quality and social compliance criteria. 

While we made solid progress in this area in 

2018, we plan to continue to build on this in 

During 2018, the retail landscape continued 

2019. 

to evolve.  Various market dynamics are 

contributing to the resurgence of private 

LEVERAGING OUR MANUFACTURING 

label brands as traditional retailers focus on 

SYSTEM AND DRIVING EFFICIENCIES

differentiating their offerings. Recognizing 

Over the last 10 years, we have invested 

this shift of focus to private label by certain 

close to $1.5 billion into our vertically-

retailers, we quickly capitalized on this 

integrated manufacturing system, which 

opportunity.  In 2018, we captured multiple 

differentiates us from an efficiency, 

new private label program wins, including 

productivity and cost structure standpoint.  

programs in the underwear and activewear 

While we have a strong manufacturing 

product categories. 

Furthermore, during 2018 we secured 

an additional large private label men’s 

platform, we continue to invest in capacity 

expansion, technological improvement and 

sustainable solutions in manufacturing.  

During 2018, we invested $125 million in 

underwear program, that will ship in 2019, 

capital expenditures which primarily went 

with our largest mass retail customer. 

This program will ultimately translate into 

a 50% shelf space gain, anticipated to 

towards textile and sewing expansion, 

distribution, IT investments and several 

initiatives that reduced our environmental 

drive significant incremental volumes. We 

footprint. As I mentioned earlier in my letter, 

believe this private label trend represents a 

towards the end of the second quarter of 

meaningful opportunity for our Company to 

2018, we started production at our newest 

selectively pursue programs which best fit 

textile facility, Rio Nance 6, with state-of-

with our core competencies, manufacturing 

the art equipment that will give us more 

capacity and meet financial return objectives 

flexibility in manufacturing performance and 

of both Gildan and our retail partners.   

fashion products. 

T
R
O
P
E
R

L
A
U
N
N
A

8
1
0
2

6

 
 
We strongly believe that the combination 

these initiatives are expected to support our 

of the manufacturing expertise we have 

growth while generating increased efficiency 

developed from owning and running our own 

in manufacturing and cost reductions, which 

operations, and the investments we have 

are expected to start flowing through late 

made throughout the years is the backbone 

in 2019 and continue to benefit our cost 

of our success. That said, our entrepreneurial 

structure in 2020.

spirit drives us to keep moving forward and 

to seek opportunities that can enable us to 

FUTURE OUTLOOK

drive revenue growth from our platforms and 

As we look forward, we remain confident 

further efficiency and cost reductions across 

in our model and abilities to execute 

our supply chain.  

against our growth drivers. In February, we 

announced our financial targets for 2019, and 

During the fourth quarter in 2018, we began 

we look forward to delivering another strong 

implementing supply chain initiatives to 

year. We are excited about our competitive 

streamline some of our textile and sock 

positioning and our plans to build on our 

production capacity in an effort to drive 

strengths and we will continue to work 

increased operational efficiency across 

hard toward the successful execution of our 

our manufacturing base. We consolidated 

strategy and the creation of value for you, 

the textile production from our AKH 

our shareholders. 

facility, which was situated outside of our 

large Rio Nance complex, where all of our 

In closing, I would like to extend my deep 

infrastructure investments create significant 

appreciation to all the people who make this 

operational efficiencies. This facility is where 

Company successful, our employees for their 

we were producing much of our fashion 

hard work and dedication, our clients for 

basics and performance textiles. Integrating 

their loyalty and to our shareholders for their 

this production into the new Rio Nance 6 

trust and confidence. Our entrepreneurial 

facility creates an opportunity to enhance 

spirit drives us to keep reaching higher while 

efficiency levels, improve quality and lower 

ensuring we remain true to our vision of 

costs. 

Making Apparel Better. 

Regarding our sock operations, we 

Sincerely,

consolidated the majority of our sock 

production in Honduras into one facility, the 

Rio Nance 4 facility, where we are focusing 

on high value-added, high-return products.  

Glenn J. Chamandy

The Rio Nance 3 facility, which was our 

President & CEO

other sock facility, is now largely focusing 

on our garment dyeing operations. Overall, 

2
0
1
8

A
N
N
U
A
L

R
E
P
O
R
T

7

 
 
OUR GROWTH 
DRIVERS

GROWING SHARE IN FASHION BASICS
Our investments in brands, technology, innovation and vertical integration position 
the Company ideally to capture additional share in the fastest growing segment 
of global imprintables markets. Our investments in manufacturing ring-spun 
yarns and our new Rio Nance 6 textile facility create the perfect manufacturing 
capabilities and scale for this key growth driver.

DRIVING INTERNATIONAL GROWTH
Gildan’s global imprintables distribution network, now servicing over 60 countries, 
is a springboard for this key growth driver. Our strategic vision is to leverage our 
leadership in these networks to introduce new brands, expand product offerings 
and enter new markets, always harnessing the strength of our vertically-integrated 
model.

CAPITALIZING ON MASS SHIFT TO PRIVATE LABEL
Retailers are focusing on their private label brands, which is creating tremendous 
opportunity for Gildan. Our manufacturing expertise, operational efficiencies and 
large scale position the Company perfectly to strategically capture private label 
opportunities that fit our capacity, align with our capabilities and meet the long-
term financial return objectives of both Gildan and our retail partners.

GROWING WITH GLOBAL LIFESTYLE BRANDS
Gildan’s investments of close to $1.5B in CAPEX over the last 10 years have created 
one of the world’s largest and most efficient textile and apparel manufacturing 
systems. Coupled with our industry-leading Genuine Responsibility™ CSR programs 
and proximity to critical North American markets, these investments make Gildan 
an optimal partner for these large global lifestyle brands.

¨

¨

E-COMMERCE
The convergence of the global imprintables and consumer markets, enabled by 
e-commerce platform growth, is creating a vehicle for Gildan’s strong portfolio 
of brands to reach wider audiences. Our investments in expanded distribution 
capabilities, enhanced IT platforms and systems integration are driving new 
opportunities within this growing distribution channel. 

T
R
O
P
E
R

L
A
U
N
N
A

8
1
0
2

8

 
 
OUR
BRANDS

2
0
1
8

A
N
N
U
A
L

R
E
P
O
R
T

9

¨

 
 
FINANCIAL 
HIGHLIGHTS

6
8
.
1

2
7
.
1

1
6
.
1

6
6
.
1

1
5
.
1

7
4
.
1

6
4
.
1

2
4
.
1

4
1
.
1

2
1
.
1

1
.
6
8
5

.

5
5
9
5

.

8
3
2
5

.

8
3
0
5

.

4
8
8
3

)
1
(

e
r
a
h
s

r
e
p

s
g
n

i

n
r
a
e

d
e
t
u

l
i

d

d
e
t
s
u

j

d
A

e
r
a
h
s

r
e
p

s
g
n

i

n
r
a
e

d
e
t
u

l
i

D

4
1
0
2

5
1
0
2

6
1
0
2

7
1
0
2

8
1
0
2

4
1
0
2

5
1
0
2

6
1
0
2

7
1
0
2

8
1
0
2

s
n
o

i
l
l
i

m
$

.

.

S
U

n

i

DILUTED 
EARNINGS 
PER SHARE

.

2
9
1
5

.

9
8
2
4

.

4
8
9
3

.

9
8
5
1

s
n
o

i
l
l
i

m
$

.

.

S
U

n

i

5
1
0
2

6
1
0
2

7
1
0
2

8
1
0
2

)
9
.
1
8
(

4
1
0
2

ADJUSTED 
EBITDA(1)

1.0x

1.0x

1.0x

2016

2017

2018

0.8x

2014

0.6x

2015

.

6
8
0
9
2

,

.

8
0
5
7
2

,

.

6
8
6
5
2

,

1
.
5
8
5
2

,

.

2
9
9
2
2

,

s
n
o

i
l
l
i

m
$

.

.

S
U

n

i

4
1
0
2

5
1
0
2

6
1
0
2

7
1
0
2

8
1
0
2

NET SALES

9
.
1
3
3

.

6
9
2
2

.

2
0
4
1

.

2
5
2
1

.

8
4
9

4
1
0
2

5
1
0
2

6
1
0
2

7
1
0
2

8
1
0
2

s
n
o

i
l
l
i

m
$

.

.

S
U

n

i

CAPITAL 
EXPENDITURES

FREE CASH 
FLOW(1)

NET DEBT TO 
ADJUSTED EBITDA(1)

(1) Please refer to “Definition and reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures” in the 2018 Management’s Discussion and Analysis.

Certain minor rounding variances exist between the consolidated financial statements and this summary.

T
R
O
P
E
R

L
A
U
N
N
A

8
1
0
2

10

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(In U.S.$ millions, except per share data and ratios)

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

                   Results shown on a calendar year basis

STATEMENT OF EARNINGS

Net sales

Adjusted EBITDA(1)

Operating income

 2,908.6 

2,750.8

2,585.1

2,568.6

2,299.2

 595.5 

586.1

523.8

503.8

388.4

403.2

 401.0 

 371.5 

 367.5 

 284.8 

Adjusted operating income(1)

 437.4 

423.9

383.2

378.9

289.6

Net earnings

 350.8 

362.3

346.6

346.1

276.6

Diluted earnings per share

 1.66 

1.61

1.47

1.42

1.12

Adjusted net earnings(1)

 393.1 

386.9

356.3

355.4

281.0

Adjusted diluted earnings per share(1)

 1.86 

1.72

1.51

1.46

1.14

CASH FLOW

Cash flows from operating activities

 538.5 

613.4

537.9

384.4

244.6

Capital expenditures

Free cash flow(1)

FINANCIAL POSITION

Total assets

Net indebtedness(1)

Shareholders' equity

FINANCIAL RATIOS

 (125.2)

(94.8)

(140.2)

(229.6)

(331.9)

 428.9 

519.2

398.4

158.9

(81.9)

 3,004.6 

2,980.7

2,990.1

2,834.3

2,648.3

 622.3 

577.2

561.8

324.3

313.9

 1,936.1 

2,051.4

2,119.6

2,188.4

1,882.2

Adjusted EBITDA margin(2)

20.5%

21.3%

20.3%

19.6%

16.9%

Operating margin(3)

13.9%

14.6%

14.4%

14.3%

12.4%

Adjusted operating margin(4)

15.0%

15.4%

14.8%

14.8%

12.6%

Adjusted net earnings margin(5)

13.5%

14.1%

13.8%

13.8%

12.2%

Return on net assets (RONA) (1)

15.6%

14.9%

14.0%

14.9%

14.2%

Net debt to adjusted EBITDA(1)

 1.0x 

1.0x

1.0x

0.6x

0.8x

(1)

Please refer to “Definition and reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures” in the 2018 Management’s Discussion and Analysis.

(2)

Adjusted EBITDA divided by net sales

(3)

Operating income divided by net sales

(4)

Adjusted operating income divided by net sales

(5)

Adjusted net earnings divided by net sales

Certain minor rounding variances exist between the consolidated financial statements and this summary.

2
0
1
8

A
N
N
U
A
L

R
E
P
O
R
T

11

 
 
GENUINE 
RESPONSIBILITY

Our commitment to leading CSR practices is deeply embedded within our overall corporate strategy and 

recognized as a key driver of our business success. We believe that our goals will be achieved by Caring for 

our People, Conserving the Environment and Creating Stronger Communities through our labour practices, 

sustainability programs and social initiatives.

OUR COMMITMENTS

CARING FOR 
OUR PEOPLE

CONSERVING 
THE ENVIRONMENT

CREATING STRONGER 
COMMUNITIES

material topics

material topics

material topics

HUMAN AND LABOUR RIGHTS

OPERATIONAL WATER AND 

HEALTH AND SAFETY

key focus areas

Offering fair wages

Respecting freedom 
of association

WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT

CHEMICAL MANAGEMENT

CLIMATE CHANGE

key focus areas

Optimizing water use

Fostering a diverse and  
inclusive workplace

Using, selecting and 
managing chemicals safely

Ensuring safe and ergonomic 
workplaces

Minimizing our impact 
on climate change

BUSINESS IMPACT ON 
THE COMMUNITY

key focus areas

Fostering local 
economic development

Encouraging community 
engagement, education 
and active living

Last year, we mapped our material operational impacts against the United Nations’ Sustainable Development 

Goals to better frame our strategies against the universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and 

ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity. Our vertically-integrated business model and commitments to 

Genuine Responsibility™ give us the ability to create positive change towards the following goals:

T
R
O
P
E
R

L
A
U
N
N
A

8
1
0
2

12

 
 
2
0
1
8

A
N
N
U
A
L

R
E
P
O
R
T

13

 
 
CARING FOR 
OUR PEOPLE

We recognize the important role our employees play in our current success and long-term growth. 

We are committed to empowering them to succeed by creating healthy and safe work environments, 

investing in their personal and professional development and never wavering on our commitment to 

treat them with respect and dignity.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

HUMAN AND LABOUR RIGHTS

HEALTH AND SAFETY

27,469

of our employees are 
represented by an 
independent trade 
union 

42%

of our management 
positions are   
occupied by women

38,500 

181,075

Gildan employees 
represented by formal 
health and safety 
committees

medical consulta-
tions provided free of 
charge

25,354

employees benefited 
from free transporta-
tion to and from work

$15.2M 

distributed in   
subsidized meals   
to employees

$2.3M 

spent to provide 
medicine, vitamins 
and vaccines to our 
employees

238

complete social 
compliance audits 
conducted at our 
owned and contractor 
facilities

2.19M 

man-hours of training 
delivered to our 
employees globally

Data above is for our 2017 fiscal year. 2018 data will be disclosed in June 2019. 

Our work-related 
injury rate decreased to 

0.34

vs the OSHA 
benchmark of 2.0*

* Latest available OSHA benchmark, 2016

28,746

hours of training 
offered on our Code 
of Conduct

T
R
O
P
E
R

L
A
U
N
N
A

8
1
0
2

14

 
 
CONSERVING 
THE ENVIRONMENT

Our vertically-integrated business model and large scale have enabled investments in 

innovative sustainable solutions at our manufacturing facilities, where we are optimizing our 

use of natural resources, increasing our access to renewable energy, recycling our waste and 

treating our wastewater naturally. 

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

OPERATIONAL WATER 
AND WASTEWATER 
MANAGEMENT

CHEMICAL
MANAGEMENT

Close to 

1 million m 3

of water saved while 
increasing production 
compared to the 
previous year 

10%

decrease in water intensity 
since 2015

Using Biotop to naturally 
treat wastewater with gravity, 
bacteria and sunlight to return 
clean water back to the 
environment.

3,621

hours of training offered on 
our Restricted Substances 
Code of Practice (RSCP)

View Gildan’s Restricted 
Substances List on 
genuineresponsibility.com

24

EHS audits conducted at 
company-owned facilities 
under our Environmental 
Management System based 
on International standards

27

suppliers in Honduras   
received training information 
on RSCP

CLIMATE 
CHANGE 

43%

of our energy is supplied by 
renewable resources

140,000 

tons of steam generated 
from wastewater through 
heat recovery systems

86%

of total waste recycled 
or repurposed

Data above is for our 2017 fiscal year. 2018 data will be disclosed in June 2019. 

2
0
1
8

A
N
N
U
A
L

R
E
P
O
R
T

15

 
 
CREATING STRONGER 
COMMUNITIES

Our responsibility is to have a positive impact in our communities. We do this by investing in local 

economic development, advancing access to education and promoting healthy and active lifestyles, 

creating stronger and more resilient communities.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

FOSTERING 
LOCAL 
ECONOMIC 
DEVELOPMENT 

+$150M

worth of materials 
and services were 
purchased from local 
suppliers in Central 
America and the 
Caribbean Basin

1,040

local suppliers 
benefited from our 
significant presence 
in Honduras

86.5% 

of managers world-
wide (director level 
and above) were   
recruited from 
local markets

Data above is for our 2017 fiscal 
year. 2018 data will be disclosed 
in June 2019. 

T
R
O
P
E
R

L
A
U
N
N
A

8
1
0
2

16

ENCOURAGING COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT, 
EDUCATION AND ACTIVE LIVING*

RIO NANCE MEGA 
HEALTH FAIR

2,000 employees and their families 
attended and were offered services in 
general medicine, orthopedics, dentistry, 
gynecology, ophthalmology, and 
pediatrics, among others.

GLOW RUN

In Honduras, Nicaragua and 
Dominican Republic employees 
raised more than $100,000 in a   
5k run and fundraising event that   
united more than 12,000 Gildan   
employees and their families.   

PARK REFURBISHMENT

Gildan contributed $570,000 towards the 
refurbishment of a major community park 
in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, providing a 
modern, multi-sport recreational space to 
unite families and promote active lifestyle.

BLINDNESS PREVENTION

A program held in collaboration   
with the Batey Relief Alliance,   
for the communities of eastern   
Dominican Republic, provided   
540 patients free ophthalmological   
consultations and prescription lenses. 

* Examples of 2017-2018 community initiatives

 
 
2018 
REPORT TO
SHAREHOLDERS
February 22, 2019 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
1.0

PREFACE

2.0

3.0

4.0
5.0

CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

OUR BUSINESS
3.1 Overview

3.2 Operating segment reporting

3.3 Our operations

3.4 Competitive environment

STRATEGY AND OBJECTIVES
OPERATING RESULTS
5.1 Overview

5.2 Non-GAAP financial measures

5.3 Selected annual information

5.4 Consolidated operating review

5.5 Summary of quarterly results

5.6

Fourth quarter operating results

FINANCIAL CONDITION
CASH FLOWS
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

6.0
7.0
8.0
9.0
10.0 OUTLOOK
11.0
12.0 CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGMENTS
13.0 ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NOT YET APPLIED
14.0 DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
15.0
16.0 RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

17.0 DEFINITION AND RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
MANAGEMENT’S RESPONSIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL REPORTING
AUDITED ANNUAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTES TO AUDITED ANNUAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

P. 3

P. 4

P. 5

P. 9
P. 10

P. 19
P. 21
P. 23
P. 25
P. 26
P. 26
P. 31
P. 33
P. 33
P. 34
P. 34

P. 43
P. 47
P. 51
P. 55

     
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

1.0  PREFACE

In this Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A), “Gildan”, the “Company”, or the words “we”, “us”, and “our” refer, 
depending on the context, either to Gildan Activewear Inc. or to Gildan Activewear Inc. together with its subsidiaries.

This  MD&A  comments  on  our  operations,  financial  performance  and  financial  condition  as  at  and  for  the  years  ended 
December 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017. All amounts in this MD&A are in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise noted. For a 
complete understanding of our business environment, trends, risks and uncertainties, and the effect of accounting estimates 
on our results of operations and financial condition, this MD&A should be read in conjunction with Gildan’s audited annual 
consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 30, 2018 and the related notes. 

In preparing this MD&A, we have taken into account all information available to us up to February 21, 2019, the date of this 
MD&A. The audited annual consolidated financial statements and this MD&A were reviewed by Gildan’s Audit and Finance 
Committee and were approved and authorized for issuance by our Board of Directors on February 20, 2019.

All financial information contained in this MD&A and in the audited annual consolidated financial statements has been prepared 
in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards 
Board (IASB), except for certain information discussed in the section entitled “Definition and reconciliation of non-GAAP 
financial measures” in this MD&A. 

Additional  information  about  Gildan,  including  our  2018  Annual  Information  Form,  is  available  on  our  website  at 
www.gildancorp.com, on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com, and on the EDGAR section of the U.S. Securities and 
Exchange Commission website (which includes the Annual Report on Form 40-F) at www.sec.gov.

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 3

 
 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

2.0 CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements included in this MD&A constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the U.S. Private 
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and Canadian securities legislation and regulations and are subject to important 
risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. This forward-looking information includes, amongst others, information with respect 
to our objectives and the strategies to achieve these objectives, as well as information with respect to our beliefs, plans, 
expectations, anticipations, estimates, and intentions. In particular, information appearing under the headings “Our business 
- Our operations”, “Strategy and objectives”, "Operating results", “Liquidity and capital resources - Long-term debt and net 
indebtedness”, and “Outlook” contain forward looking statements. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified 
by the use of conditional or forward-looking terminology such as “may”, “will”, “expect”, “intend”, “estimate”, “project”, “assume”, 
“anticipate”,  “plan”,  “foresee”,  “believe”,  or  “continue”,  or  the  negatives  of  these  terms  or  variations  of  them  or  similar 
terminology. We refer you to the Company’s filings with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities and the U.S. Securities 
and  Exchange  Commission,  as  well  as  the  risks  described  under  the  “Financial  risk  management”,  “Critical  accounting 
estimates and judgments”, and “Risks and uncertainties” sections of this MD&A for a discussion of the various factors that 
may affect the Company’s future results. Material factors and assumptions that were applied in drawing a conclusion or 
making a forecast or projection are also set out throughout this document. 

Forward-looking information is inherently uncertain and the results or events predicted in such forward-looking information 
may  differ  materially  from  actual  results  or  events.  Material  factors,  which  could  cause  actual  results  or  events  to  differ 
materially from a conclusion, forecast, or projection in such forward-looking information, include, but are not limited to: 

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

• 
• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 
• 

• 

• 
• 
• 

• 
• 
• 
• 

our ability to implement our growth strategies and plans;
our ability to successfully integrate acquisitions and realize expected benefits and synergies;
the intensity of competitive activity and our ability to compete effectively;
changes in general economic and financial conditions globally or in one or more of the markets we serve;
our reliance on a small number of significant customers;
the fact that our customers do not commit to minimum quantity purchases;
our ability to anticipate, identify, or react to changes in consumer preferences and trends;
our ability to manage production and inventory levels effectively in relation to changes in customer demand;
fluctuations and volatility in the price of raw materials used to manufacture our products, such as cotton, polyester 
fibres, dyes and other chemicals;
our reliance on key suppliers and our ability to maintain an uninterrupted supply of raw materials and finished goods;
the impact of climate, political, social, and economic risks in the countries in which we operate or from which we 
source production;
disruption to manufacturing and distribution activities due to such factors as operational issues, disruptions in 
transportation logistic functions, labour disruptions, political or social instability, bad weather, natural disasters, 
pandemics, and other unforeseen adverse events;
compliance with applicable trade, competition, taxation, environmental, health and safety, product liability, 
employment, patent and trademark, corporate and securities, licensing and permits, data privacy, bankruptcy, anti-
corruption, and other laws and regulations in the jurisdictions in which we operate;
the imposition of trade remedies, or changes to duties and tariffs, international trade legislation, bilateral and 
multilateral trade agreements and trade preference programs that the Company is currently relying on in conducting 
its operations or the application of safeguards thereunder; 
factors or circumstances that could increase our effective income tax rate, including the outcome of any tax audits or 
changes to applicable tax laws or treaties;
changes to and failure to comply with consumer product safety laws and regulations;
changes in our relationship with our employees or changes to domestic and foreign employment laws and 
regulations;
negative publicity as a result of actual, alleged, or perceived violations of labour and environmental laws or international 
labour standards, or unethical labour or other business practices by the Company or one of its third-party contractors;
changes in third-party licensing arrangements and licensed brands;
our ability to protect our intellectual property rights;
operational problems with our information systems as a result of system failures, viruses, security and cyber security 
breaches, disasters, and disruptions due to system upgrades or the integration of systems;
an actual or perceived breach of data security;
our reliance on key management and our ability to attract and/or retain key personnel;
changes in accounting policies and estimates; and
exposure to risks arising from financial instruments, including credit risk on trade accounts receivables and other financial 
instruments, liquidity risk, foreign currency risk, and interest rate risk, as well as risks arising from commodity prices.

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 4

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

These factors may cause the Company’s actual performance and financial results in future periods to differ materially from 
any  estimates  or  projections  of  future  performance  or  results  expressed  or  implied  by  such  forward-looking  statements. 
Forward-looking  statements do not take into  account the effect that  transactions or  non-recurring  or  other special  items 
announced or occurring after the statements are made may have on the Company’s business. For example, they do not 
include the effect of business dispositions, acquisitions, other business transactions, asset write-downs, asset impairment 
losses, or other charges announced or occurring after forward-looking statements are made. The financial impact of such 
transactions and non-recurring and other special items can be complex and necessarily depends on the facts particular to 
each of them. 

There can be no assurance that the expectations represented by our forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. 
The purpose of the forward-looking statements is to provide the reader with a description of management’s expectations 
regarding the Company’s future financial performance and may not be appropriate for other purposes. Furthermore, unless 
otherwise stated, the forward-looking statements contained in this report are made as of the date hereof, and we do not 
undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, whether as a result 
of new information, future events or otherwise unless required by applicable legislation or regulation. The forward-looking 
statements contained in this report are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. 

3.0 OUR BUSINESS

3.1 Overview

Gildan is a leading manufacturer of everyday basic apparel, including activewear, underwear, socks, hosiery, and legwear 
products  sold  in  North  America,  Europe,  Asia-Pacific,  and  Latin  America  to  wholesale  distributors,  screenprinters  or 
embellishers, as well as to retailers in North America, and directly to consumers, primarily through our own e-commerce 
platforms. Since its formation, the Company has made significant capital investments in developing its own large-scale, low-
cost vertically integrated supply chain, encompassing yarn production, textile and sock manufacturing, and sewing operations. 
Gildan's manufacturing operations are located in Central America, the Caribbean Basin, North America, and Bangladesh. 

We believe the skill set that we have developed in designing, constructing, and operating our own manufacturing facilities 
combined with the significant capital investments made over the years in that respect, well above average industry capital 
intensity levels, are strong factors that differentiate us from our competition. More than 90% of our sales are derived from 
products we produce ourselves. Owning and operating the vast majority of our manufacturing facilities allows us to exercise 
tighter  control  over  our  production  processes  and  to  ensure  adherence  to  high  standards  for  environmental  and  social 
responsibility practices throughout our supply chain. In addition, running our own operations enables us to better control 
operational efficiency, costs, and product quality, as well as provide a reliable supply chain with short production/delivery 
cycle times.

3.2 Operating segment reporting

Effective January 1, 2018, the Company implemented executive leadership changes and consolidated its organizational 
structure to better leverage its go-to-market strategy across its brand portfolio and drive greater operational efficiency across 
the organization. The Company combined its Printwear and Branded Apparel operating businesses into one consolidated 
divisional  operating  structure,  reflecting  how  the  business  is  managed  and  reviewed  by  the  Company’s  chief  operating 
decision maker. Consequently, starting in 2018 the Company began reporting under one reportable business segment. 

3.3 Our Operations 

3.3.1 Brands, Products, and Customers  
The  products  we  manufacture  and  sell  are  marketed  under  our  Company-owned  brands,  including  Gildan®, American 
Apparel®, Comfort Colors®, Gildan® Hammer™, Gold Toe®, Anvil®, Alstyle®, Secret®, Silks®, Kushyfoot®, Secret Silky®, 
Therapy Plus™, Peds® and MediPeds®. Through a sock licensing agreement providing exclusive distribution rights in the 
United States and Canada, we also sell socks under the Under Armour® brand. In addition, we manufacture and supply 
products to select leading global athletic and lifestyle brands, as well as to certain retail customers who market these products 
under their own brands.  

Our primary product categories include activewear, underwear and hosiery, the vast majority of which we manufacture. Some 
of our brands also extend to other categories such as intimates, shapewear, denim, and peripheral or fringe products like 
caps, totes, towels, and other accessories which are primarily sourced through third-party suppliers. 

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 5

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

We sell our activewear products primarily in “blank” or undecorated form, without imprints or embellishment. Activewear 
products are primarily sold to wholesale distributors within the imprintables channel, who then sell the blanks to screenprinters/
embellishers who decorate the products with designs and logos, and in turn sell the embellished/imprinted activewear into 
a highly diversified range of end-use markets. These include educational institutions, athletic dealers, event merchandisers, 
promotional product distributors, charitable organizations, entertainment promoters, travel and tourism venues, and retailers. 
In addition to socks and underwear for men, ladies, and kids, as well as other hosiery products such as pantyhose and 
leggings, we also sell our activewear products to various retailers. These retailers include mass merchants, dollar stores, 
department stores, national chains, sports specialty stores, craft stores, food and drug retailers, and price clubs, all of which 
sell to consumers through their brick and mortar outlets. Consumers also buy our products through our retail customers’ e-
commerce platforms and our own websites. In addition to selling our products to retailers, we manufacture for and sell to 
select leading global athletic and lifestyle consumer brand companies who distribute these products within the retail channel.

The following table summarizes our product and brand offerings: 

Primary product
categories

Product-line details

Brands

Activewear

T-shirts, fleece tops and bottoms, and
sport shirts

Gildan®, Gildan Performance®, Gildan Platinum®(1), Gildan® Hammer™, 
Comfort Colors®(2), American Apparel®, Anvil®, Alstyle®(2), Gold Toe®

Hosiery

Underwear

Intimates

Other

athletic, dress, casual and workwear 
socks, liner socks, socks for therapeutic 
purposes(4), sheer panty hose(5), 
tights(5), and leggings(5)

Gildan®, Gildan Platinum®(1)
 Under Armour®(3), Gold Toe®, PowerSox®, 
,
GT a Gold Toe Brand®, Silver Toe®, Signature Gold by Goldtoe®, Peds®, 
MediPeds®, Kushyfoot®(1), Therapy Plus®(1), All Pro®, Secret®(1), 
Silks®(1), Secret Silky®, American Apparel®

men's and boys' underwear (tops and
bottoms) and ladies panties

ladies shapewear, intimates, and
accessories

Gildan®, Gildan Platinum®(1), American Apparel®

Secret®(1), American Apparel®, Secret Silky®

To round out our product offerings for certain brands, we also offer other products, including but not limited to denim,
jackets, sweaters, bodysuits, skirts, dresses, accessories, which are mainly sourced through third-party suppliers

(1) Gildan Platinum® and Kushyfoot® are registered trademarks in the U.S. Secret®, Silks®, and Therapy Plus® are registered trademarks in Canada.
(2) Comfort Colors® and Alstyle® are registered trademarks in the U.S.
(3) Under license agreement for socks only - with exclusive distribution rights in the U.S. and Canada.
(4) Applicable only to Therapy Plus® and MediPeds®.
(5) Applicable only to Secret®, Silks®, Secret Silky®, and Peds®.

3.3.2 Manufacturing 
The vast majority of our products are manufactured in facilities that we own and operate.  To a lesser extent, we also use 
third-party contractors to supplement our requirements. Our vertically integrated manufacturing operations include capital-
intensive yarn-spinning, textile, sock, and sheer hosiery manufacturing facilities, as well as labour-intensive sewing facilities. 
Our manufacturing operations are situated in five main hubs, including the United States, Central America, the Caribbean 
Basin, Mexico, and Bangladesh. All of our yarn-spinning operations are located in the United States, while textile, sewing, 
and sock manufacturing operations are situated in the other geographical hubs mentioned above, the largest of which is in 
Central America, in Honduras.

In order to support further sales growth, we continue to expand our manufacturing capacity, including investments in technology 
to enhance our capabilities in the production of fashion basics and performance garments. 

Developments in 2018
During 2018, we consolidated and reduced some of our sock manufacturing capacity. In the third quarter of 2018, we closed 
a smaller sock facility in North Carolina, U.S., which was acquired as part of the acquisition of Peds Legwear Inc. (Peds), 
and  transitioned  the  production  to  our  Rio  Nance  4  sock  facility  in  Honduras.  During  the  fourth  quarter,  we  also  began 
consolidating our sock operations in Honduras into one facility by integrating the majority of our sock production into our Rio 
Nance 4 facility. The Rio Nance 3 facility, previously our other sock facility, is now largely focusing on our garment dyeing 
operations. In the fourth quarter of 2018, we also made the decision to close the AKH textile facility in Honduras, which was 
acquired as part of the Anvil acquisition in 2012, operating in leased premises outside of our large manufacturing complex 

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 6

 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

in Rio Nance. Textile production from AKH was transitioned to our new state-of-the art Rio Nance 6 textile facility which began 
operations towards the end of the second quarter of 2018. Rio Nance 6 is being ramped up with new equipment geared for
more efficient production of fashion basics. All textile production in Honduras will now be contained within our large Rio Nance 
complex. 

The following table provides a summary of our primary manufacturing operations by geographic area: 

Canada

United States

Central America Caribbean Basin Mexico

Asia

Yarn-spinning 
facilities:(1)  
conversion of 
cotton, polyester 
and other fibres into 
yarn

Textile facilities: 
knitting yarn into 
fabric, dyeing and 
cutting fabric 
Sewing facilities(2)
assembly and 
sewing of cut goods

:

Garment-dyeing:(3) 
pigment dyeing or 
reactive dyeing 
process 

Hosiery 
manufacturing 
facilities:
conversion of yarn 
into finished socks/
sheer hosiery

 Clarkton, NC
 Cedartown, GA
 Columbus, GA

   (2 facilities)

 Salisbury, NC 

   (2 facilities) 

 Mocksville, NC 

 Honduras
   (4 facilities)

 Dominican 

   Republic

 Dominican 

   Republic  

(3 facilities) 

 Ensenada
 Hermosillo
 Agua Prieta

 Honduras
   (4 facilities)
 Nicaragua 
   (3 facilities)
 Honduras
   (1 facility)

 Honduras
   (1 facility)

(1) While the majority of our yarn requirements are internally produced, we also use third-party yarn-spinning suppliers, primarily in the U.S., to satisfy the 
remainder of our yarn needs.
(2) While we operate the majority of our sewing facilities, we also use the services of third-party sewing contractors, primarily in Haiti, Nicaragua and other 
regions in Central America, as well as Mexico, to satisfy the remainder of our sewing requirements.
(3) Garment dyeing is a feature of our Comfort Colors® products only, which involves a different dyeing process than how we typically dye the majority of our 
products. Our garment dyeing operations are located in our Rio Nance 3 facility in Honduras. 

3.3.3 Genuine Responsibility™
Embedded  in  our  long-term  vision  of  'Making Apparel  Better',  our  commitment  to  operating  responsibly  and  integrating 
sustainability into our business practices is a key part of our business strategy and has been an important element of our 
success. Over the past two decades, we have developed our Genuine Responsibility™ CSR program, incorporating industry-
leading  guidelines  to  govern  our  business  activities  and  operations,  and  to  provide  a  framework  for  responsible  labour 
practices, sustainability programs, and social initiatives. Our program is centered around three fundamental priorities, namely 
'Caring for our People', 'Conserving the Environment', and 'Creating Stronger Communities'. 

We are committed to empowering our people through training and development programs and providing industry leading 
working conditions and progressive compensation packages at each of our worldwide locations.  Our efforts around conserving 
the environment include the investment in and implementation of innovative solutions that reduce the environmental impact 
of our operations throughout our supply chain, including responsibly managing water usage, wastewater, energy, carbon 
emissions, and solid waste.  We also strive to create stronger communities in all of the regions where we operate through 
dedicated support for education, active living, entrepreneurship, and environmental stewardship initiatives.

Gildan recognizes that transparency is an important driver of our ongoing efforts, allowing closer engagement with a wide 
array of stakeholders, and is proud to have published its fourteenth consecutive Sustainability Report in 2018. Reported 
under the stringent GRI-Comprehensive guidelines, this report describes our progress, challenges, and future goals and 
initiatives. We are proud of our accomplishments in the area of corporate social responsibility and the recognitions we've 
earned, including our sixth consecutive inclusion in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index and our 10th FundaHRSE CSR seal.

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 7

 
 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

We remain committed to furthering our efforts in the areas of focus we have outlined as part of our Genuine Responsibility™ 
program. Please refer to www.genuineresponsibility.com for more information. 

3.3.4 Sales, marketing, and distribution 
Our global sales and marketing office is located in Christ Church, Barbados, out of which we have established customer-
related functions, including sales management, marketing, customer service, credit management, sales forecasting, and 
production planning, as well as inventory control and logistics. We also maintain sales offices in the U.S. We have established 
extensive  distribution  operations  worldwide  primarily  through  internally  managed  and  operated  distribution  centres.  We 
distribute our products out of our Company-operated large distribution centres in the United States, in Eden, NC, Charleston, 
SC, Jurupa Valley, CA, and Jacksonville, FL, and out of smaller facilities in the U.S. and Canada, as well as out of Company-
owned  distribution  facilities  in  Honduras  and  Mexico. To  supplement  some  of  our  distribution  needs,  we  use  third-party 
warehouses in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Colombia, Europe, and Asia.  

Developments in 2018
As part of our organization consolidation, effective January 1, 2018, which included the combination of our former Printwear 
and  Branded Apparel  operating  business  into  one  consolidated  divisional  operating  structure,  we  centralized  marketing, 
merchandising, sales, and administrative functions and streamlined our distribution network, including the closure of smaller 
owned and leased warehouse facilities, as well as the start-up of new larger distribution centres in the west and east coasts 
of the United States. 

3.3.5 Employees and corporate office 
We currently employ over 50,000 employees worldwide. Our corporate head office is located in Montreal, Canada.

3.4 Competitive environment

The basic apparel market for our products is highly competitive and continuously evolving. Changing market dynamics, such 
as the growth of on-line shopping, declining store traffic trends, as well as retailer closures and consolidation, are intensifying 
competition while at the same time presenting opportunities for various market participants.  Competition is generally based 
upon price, quality and consistency, comfort, fit, style, brand, and service. We compete on these factors by leveraging our 
competitive strengths, including our strategically located manufacturing operations and supply chain, scale, cost structure, 
global distribution, and our brand positioning in the markets we serve. We believe the skill set we have developed in owning 
and operating manufacturing operations together with the significant capital investments we have made, which have been 
above historical industry averages, are key competitive strengths.  

We face competition from large and smaller U.S.-based and foreign manufacturers or suppliers of basic family apparel.  
Among the larger competing North American-based manufacturers are Fruit of the Loom, Inc., a subsidiary of Berkshire 
Hathaway Inc., which competes through its own brand offerings and those of its subsidiary, Russell Corporation, as well as 
Hanesbrands Inc. (Hanesbrands). These companies manufacture out of similar geographies as Gildan and compete primarily 
within the same basic apparel product categories in similar channels of distribution in North America and international markets. 
In socks and underwear, our competitors also include Garan Incorporated, Renfro Corporation, Jockey International, Inc., 
Kayser Roth Corporation, and Spanx, Inc. In addition, we compete with smaller U.S.-based competitors selling to or operating 
as wholesale distributors of imprintable activewear products, including Next Level Apparel, Bella + Canvas, Delta Apparel 
Inc., and Color Image Apparel, Inc., as well as Central American and Mexican manufacturers. Competing brands also include 
various  private  label  brands  controlled  and  sold  by  many  of  our  customers,  including  wholesale  distributors  within  the 
imprintables channel and retailers. In recent years, we have seen an increase in private label offerings, particularly within 
the mass retail channel, replacing branded offerings. While this trend creates additional competition for our brands, it also 
provides opportunity for the Company to become a strategic supplier to these customers, given the Company’s scale and 
manufacturing capabilities. 

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 8

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

4.0 STRATEGY AND OBJECTIVES 

Our growth strategy is composed of the following strategic drivers: 

4.1 Growing share in fashion basics 
Within  the  imprintables  channel,  there  are  three  main  categories  for  activewear,  namely  “basics”,  “fashion  basics”,  and 
“performance basics”. The Company historically focused on the basics category and over the years gained significant market 
share penetration with the Gildan® brand becoming the leading brand in this category in North America. In more recent 
years, we have seen an acceleration of industry growth in the fashion basics and performance basics categories, due in part 
to end users shifting preference to lighter weight and softer fabrics (fashion basics), or garments offering attributes featuring 
moisture wicking and anti-microbial properties for long-lasting comfort and performance (performance basics). Fashion basics 
products are produced with higher quality cotton ring-spun yarns and/or blended yarn fibres and may feature more fitted 
silhouettes, side seam stitching, and stretch attributes, among other characteristics. Over the last few years we have started 
to pursue gains in market share in these categories and have developed and acquired brands which are well positioned to 
drive growth in these categories. Our opening price point offering is marketed under the Gildan® and Gildan® Hammer™ 
brands. Higher price point offerings include the Anvil® brand, the American Apparel® brand, which is positioned as a premium 
brand in fashion basics, and the Comfort Colors® brand, also a premium brand, which features garment-dyed activewear 
products. In the performance category, we market our products under our Gildan Performance® brand offering. We have 
also invested in developing our own yarn-spinning manufacturing facilities, thereby securing our own cost-effective ring-spun 
yarn supply. In addition, our newest textile facility Rio Nance 6, which began production during 2018, is being ramped up 
with new equipment geared for more efficient production of fashion basics.  With strong brand positioning in these categories 
supported by cost-effective manufacturing operations, including yarn capabilities, we believe we are well positioned to drive 
market leadership within imprintable fashion and performance basics.   

4.2 Driving international growth
We are pursuing further growth within the imprintable channel of international markets, focusing in Europe, Asia-Pacific, and 
Latin America, where we estimate the addressable market opportunity in aggregate to be large. Currently our sales outside 
the United States and Canada represent approximately 10% of our total consolidated net sales. We are continuing to expand 
our manufacturing capacity to support further penetration in these markets where our growth has been somewhat restricted 
by capacity availability. We have been increasing capacity at our manufacturing hub in Asia, specifically in Bangladesh, which 
is dedicated to supporting international markets. To support requirements for Europe, we also use supply from our Central 
American hub, where we are also expanding capacity. We intend to continue to pursue further sales growth internationally 
by leveraging the extensive breadth of our North American product line to further develop and broaden our international 
product offering and enhance the profitability mix of our international sales. Our current sales base has been established 
primarily through the sale of products marketed under the Gildan® brand. We are now leveraging additional brands from our 
portfolio, such as the American Apparel® and Comfort Colors® brands, among others, across the international markets in 
which we compete. 

4.3 Capitalizing on retailer private label program opportunities that fit within our business model
The apparel market is evolving and various market dynamics are unfolding. E-commerce as a distribution platform is impacting 
the retail landscape in various ways. On-line shopping facilitates price transparency and has led to brand proliferation due 
to low barriers of entry given the lack of shelf space limitations as in the traditional brick and mortar outlets. We believe these 
factors are contributing to the resurgence of private label brands by traditional retailers trying to differentiate their offerings 
and enhance profitability. 

While we continue to pursue sales growth with our own brands, in light of the rising trend of retailers shifting focus to proprietary 
private label brands, particularly mass merchants, the Company is also pursuing opportunities to supply retailers with products 
for their own private label programs. The mass tier within the retail channel represents the largest share of sales of basic 
apparel products. While we have established relationships and a sales base with mass retailers, our overall basic apparel 
market share within this channel for our own brands is small compared to the market share held by national brands. We 
believe we are well positioned  to support retailers  who are seeking low-cost, large-scale manufacturers to support  their 
private label program requirements. The Company intends to pursue private label programs aligned to its operational and 
financial criteria, including product and SKU complexity and size of program, financial return targets, duration or term of 
expiry of the agreement, and working capital investment requirements, among other factors of consideration.  

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 9

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

4.4 Growing with global athletic and lifestyle brands
We have also developed strong relationships with, and are targeting to grow our sales as a supply chain partner to a small 
number of select leading global athletic and lifestyle brands for which we manufacture products, but against which our brands 
do not compete directly. We believe we are well positioned to service global brands that are increasingly looking to source 
from manufacturers that meet rigorous quality and social compliance criteria, strategically located in the Western Hemisphere. 
The majority of our sales to global lifestyle brands are primarily derived from the sale of activewear products.  In recent years 
we have also started to sell sock products to one of our global brand customers and we believe there is an opportunity to 
leverage our relationships with these customers to continue to grow our sales in activewear and socks.  

4.5 Pursuing e-commerce growth 
We are targeting to grow our sales by leveraging our brand portfolio across our e-commerce infrastructure and the on-line 
platforms of our customers. Accessibility to consumers and end-users through e-commerce is increasing, and “space” to 
market  products  on-line  is  not  a  constraining  factor  for  growth  as  in  the  traditional  brick  and  mortar  retailer  channel. 
Consequently,  e-commerce  is  creating  opportunities  for  our  brands. The  Company  has  been  investing  in  building  its  e-
commerce capabilities, including the development of a strong operational e-commerce team and investments in enhancing 
direct-to-consumer distribution capabilities. 

4.6 Enhancing sales and earnings growth with acquisitions that complement our strategy 
We  believe  we  can  enhance  our  sales  and  earnings  growth  by  continuing  to  seek  complementary  strategic  acquisition 
opportunities. We intend to use our free cash flow and debt financing capacity to pursue acquisitions which meet our criteria. 
Over the past decade, we have completed acquisitions which have added brands to our portfolio or expanded our product 
offering, enhanced our manufacturing capabilities, or expanded our distribution or presence in geographical markets. The 
three main considerations around which we have developed our criteria for evaluating acquisition opportunities include: (1) 
strategic fit; (2) ease of integration; and (3) financial targets, including return on investment thresholds, based on our risk-
adjusted cost of capital. 

5.0 OPERATING RESULTS

5.1 Overview

This MD&A comments on our operations, financial performance, and financial condition as at and for the fiscal year ended 
December 30, 2018 (Fiscal 2018) and the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 (Fiscal 2017).

5.2 Non-GAAP financial measures

We use non-GAAP financial measures (non-GAAP measures) to assess our operating performance. Securities regulations 
require that companies caution readers that earnings and other measures adjusted to a basis other than IFRS do not have 
standardized meanings and are unlikely to be comparable to similar measures used by other companies. Accordingly, they 
should not be considered in isolation. We use non-GAAP measures including adjusted net earnings, adjusted diluted EPS, 
adjusted operating income, adjusted operating margin, adjusted EBITDA, free cash flow, total indebtedness, net indebtedness 
(total indebtedness net of cash and cash equivalents), net debt leverage ratio, and return on net assets (RONA) to measure 
our  performance  and  financial  condition  from  one  period  to  the  next,  which  excludes  the  variation  caused  by  certain 
adjustments that could potentially distort the analysis of trends in our operating performance, and because we believe such 
measures provide meaningful information on the Company’s financial condition and financial performance. In 2018, we began 
reporting RONA as a non-GAAP financial measure.

We refer the reader to section 17.0 entitled “Definition and reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures” in this MD&A for 
the definition and complete reconciliation of all non-GAAP measures used and presented by the Company to the most directly 
comparable IFRS measures. 

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 10

 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

5.3 Selected annual information 

(in $ millions, except per share amounts or
otherwise indicated)

Net sales
Gross profit
SG&A expenses

Restructuring and acquisition-related

costs

Operating income
Adjusted operating income(1)
Adjusted EBITDA(1)
Financial expenses
Income tax expense
Net earnings
Adjusted net earnings(1)
Basic EPS
Diluted EPS
Adjusted diluted EPS(1)
Gross margin

SG&A expenses as a percentage of sales

Operating margin
Adjusted operating margin (1)

Total assets
Total non-current financial liabilities
Net indebtedness(1)
Return on net assets (RONA)(1)
Annual cash dividends declared per

common share

Net debt leverage ratio(1)
n/a = not applicable

2018

2017

2016

2,908.6
806.0
368.5

2,750.8
801.2
377.3

2,585.1
719.7
336.4

34.2
403.2

437.4

595.5
31.0
21.4
350.8

393.1
1.66
1.66

1.86

22.9
401.0

423.9

586.1
24.2
14.5
362.3

386.9
1.62
1.61

1.72

11.7
371.5

383.2

523.8
19.7
5.2
346.6

356.3
1.47
1.47

1.51

27.7%

12.7%

13.9%

15.0%

29.1%

13.7%

14.6%

15.4%

27.8%

13.0%

14.4%

14.8%

3,004.6
669.0
622.3

2,980.7
630.0
577.2

2,990.1
600.0
561.8

15.6%

14.9%

14.0%

Variation 2018-2017 Variation 2017-2016
%

%

$

$

157.8
4.8
(8.8)

11.3
2.2

13.5

9.4
6.8
6.9
(11.5)

6.2
0.04
0.05

0.14

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

23.9
39.0
45.1

n/a

5.7 %
0.6 %
(2.3)%

49.3 %
0.5 %

3.2 %

1.6 %
28.1 %
47.6 %
(3.2)%

1.6 %
2.5 %
3.1 %

8.1 %

(1.4) pp

(1.0) pp

(0.7) pp

(0.4) pp

0.8 %
6.2 %
7.8 %

165.7
81.5
40.9

11.2
29.5

40.7

62.3
4.5
9.3
15.7

30.6
0.15
0.14

0.21

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

(9.4)
30.0
15.4

6.4 %
11.3 %
12.2 %

95.7 %
7.9 %

10.6 %

11.9 %
22.8 %
178.8 %
4.5 %

8.6 %
10.2 %
9.5 %

13.9 %

1.3 pp

0.7 pp

0.2 pp

0.6 pp

(0.3)%
5.0 %
2.7 %

0.7 pp

n/a

0.9 pp

0.448

0.374

1.0

1.0

0.312

1.0

0.074

19.8 %

0.062

19.9 %

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

(1) See section 17.0 "Definition and reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures" in this MD&A.

Certain minor rounding variances exist between the consolidated financial statements and this summary.

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 11

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

5.4 Consolidated operating review

5.4.1 Net sales

(in $ millions, or otherwise indicated)

2018

2017

2016

Variation 2018-2017 Variation 2017-2016
%

%

$

$

Activewear
Hosiery and underwear(1)

Total net sales
(1) Also includes intimates and other fringe products.

2,321.4
587.2
2,908.6

2,043.1
707.7
2,750.8

1,888.9
696.2
2,585.1

278.3
(120.5)
157.8

13.6 %
(17.0)%
5.7 %

154.2
11.5
165.7

8.2%
1.7%
6.4%

Certain minor rounding variances exist between the consolidated financial statements and this summary.

Fiscal 2018 compared to fiscal 2017 
Net sales increased by $157.8 million for the year ended December 30, 2018 compared to last year. Sales growth for the 
year reflected a 13.6% increase in activewear sales, partly offset by a 17.0% decline in the hosiery and underwear category. 
The increase in activewear sales was driven by higher unit sales volume and net selling prices, more favourable product 
mix, and positive foreign exchange impacts compared to the prior year. Activewear unit volume growth was mainly due to 
higher shipments of imprintable products in the U.S., including fashion basics and fleece products, combined with strong 
double digit unit sales volume growth in international markets and higher unit sales of global lifestyle brand products. The 
decline in the hosiery and underwear category was mainly due to lower sock volumes in the mass market channel, particularly 
as a result of the shift to private label brands by mass retailers, as well as declines in licensed and Gold Toe® brand sales. 
Favourable product-mix was driven by higher sales of fleece and fashion basics and higher value sock sales. The Company's 
net sales growth for 2018 of 5.7% was in line with its guidance of net sales growth in the mid-single digit range, and the 
$120.5 million decline in the hosiery and underwear category was essentially in line with the Company's latest guidance 
projecting a decline in the category of approximately $125 million. 

Fiscal 2017 compared to fiscal 2016 
The $165.7 million, or 6.4%, increase in net sales was due to an 8.2% increase in activewear sales and a 1.7% increase in 
the hosiery and underwear category. Activewear sales growth in 2017 was mainly due to the incremental sales contribution 
of approximately $94 million from the combined acquisitions of Alstyle and American Apparel, higher net selling prices, double-
digit organic unit sales volume growth in fashion basics, favourable product mix, and increased shipments in international 
markets. These positive factors were partly offset by lower unit sales of activewear basics and unfavourable foreign exchange.  
The sales increase in the Hosiery and underwear category was due to the incremental sales contribution of approximately 
$39 million from the Peds acquisition and higher underwear sales, partly offset by lower sock sales and the impact from the 
planned exit of private label programs.  

5.4.2 Gross profit 

(in $ millions, or otherwise indicated)

2018

2017

2016

719.7
Gross profit
27.8%
Gross margin
Certain minor rounding variances exist between the consolidated financial statements and this summary.

801.2
29.1%

806.0
27.7%

Variation
 2018-2017

Variation
2017-2016

4.8
(1.4) pp

81.5
1.3 pp

Gross profit is the result of our net sales less cost of sales. Gross margin reflects gross profit as a percentage of sales. Our 
cost of sales includes all raw material costs, manufacturing conversion costs, including manufacturing depreciation expense, 
sourcing costs, inbound freight and inter-facility transportation costs, and outbound freight to customers. Cost of sales also 
includes the costs of purchased finished goods, costs relating to purchasing, receiving and inspection activities, manufacturing 
administration, third-party manufacturing services, sales-based royalty costs, insurance, inventory write-downs, and customs 
and duties. Our reporting of gross profit and gross margin may not be comparable to these metrics as reported by other 
companies, since some entities include warehousing and handling costs and/or exclude depreciation expense, outbound 
freight to customers, and royalty costs from cost of sales.

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 12

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Fiscal 2018 compared to fiscal 2017 
The 140 basis point decline in gross margin in 2018 over the prior year was mainly due to higher raw material and other 
input costs, as well as higher manufacturing costs primarily related to disruptions in our supply chain which occurred earlier 
in the year, and costs related to the ramp up of activewear capacity, partly offset by higher net selling prices and the benefit 
of a richer product-mix compared to last year. 

Fiscal 2017 compared to fiscal 2016 
Gross margin increased by 130 basis points in fiscal 2017 over the prior year, mainly due to higher net selling prices and  
favourable product mix primarily driven by higher sales of fashion basics and fleece products, partly offset by lower sales of 
higher margin socks products.

5.4.3 Selling, general and administrative expenses

(in $ millions, or otherwise indicated)

2018

2017

2016

336.4
SG&A expenses
13.0%
SG&A expenses as a percentage of sales
Certain minor rounding variances exist between the consolidated financial statements and this summary.

368.5
12.7%

377.3
13.7%

Variation
 2018-2017

Variation
2017-2016

(8.8)
(1.0) pp

40.9
0.7 pp

Fiscal 2018 compared to fiscal 2017 
The decline in selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A) and the 100 basis point improvement in SG&A as a 
percentage of sales in 2018 were mainly due to the benefit of cost reductions resulting from our organizational realignment 
which we began to implement at the start of the year. We generated cost reductions from the consolidation of marketing, 
sales, distribution, and administrative functions which more than offset investments related to e-commerce and distribution 
capabilities primarily in the first half of the year. SG&A expenses as a percentage of sales for the second half of 2018 were 
12.3%, down 220 basis points compared to 14.5% in the second half of 2017, and exceeded the Company's guidance calling 
for SG&A expenses as a percentage of sales in the second half of the year to be lower by 100 to 200 basis points compared 
to the prior year, due to better than anticipated cost management. 

Fiscal 2017 compared to fiscal 2016 
The increase in SG&A in 2017 compared to 2016 was mainly due to the impact of acquisitions and other expenses, including 
distribution and e-commerce costs, as well as higher variable compensation expenses.

5.4.4 Restructuring and acquisition-related costs

(in $ millions)

Employee termination and benefit costs

Exit, relocation and other costs
Net loss on disposal of property, plant and
equipment related to exit activities

Loss on disposal or transfer of assets held for sale
Remeasurement of contingent consideration in

2018

7.8

13.6

12.4

—

2017

4.0

13.8

0.9

—

5.0

7.9

1.1

0.6

Variation
 2018-2017

Variation
2017-2016

2016

3.8

(0.2)

11.5

—

—
(3.8)
11.3

(1.0)

5.9

(0.2)

(0.6)

6.2
0.9
11.2

connection with a business acquisition

(6.2)
3.3
Acquisition-related transaction costs
11.7
Restructuring and acquisition-related costs
Certain minor rounding variances exist between the consolidated financial statements and this summary.

—
0.4
34.2

—
4.2
22.9

Restructuring and acquisition-related costs are comprised of costs directly related to the closure of business locations or the 
relocation of business activities, significant changes in management structure, as well as transaction, exit, and integration 
costs incurred pursuant to business acquisitions.

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 13

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Restructuring and acquisition-related costs in fiscal 2018 related primarily to the following: $9.0 million for the closure of the 
AKH textile manufacturing facility which was acquired as part of the Anvil acquisition; $9.0 million for the consolidation of the 
Company's U.S. distribution centres pursuant to prior years' business acquisitions (net of a gain on disposal of $1.2 million 
and the $5.0 million reversal of an environmental liability for a distribution facility sold in fiscal 2018); $7.3 million for the 
Company's internal organizational realignment; $5.5 million for the consolidation of sock production manufacturing; and $3.4 
million in other costs, including the consolidation of garment dyeing operations acquired in the Comfort Colors acquisition 
and information systems integration for prior year acquisitions.  

The Company had initially projected restructuring and acquisition-related costs for 2018 to be in the range of $15 to $20 
million. The higher than previously anticipated restructuring and acquisition-related costs were largely associated with the 
consolidation of textile manufacturing and sock production capacity, as well as the closure of an additional distribution facility 
in North Carolina, which were not assumed in the Company's initial guidance. 

Restructuring and acquisition-related costs in fiscal 2017 related primarily to the following: $7.9 million of transaction and 
integration costs for the American Apparel business acquisition; $6.2 million for the rationalization of the Company's remaining 
retail store outlets; $4.4 million for the integration of prior years' business acquisitions, primarily for the integration of Alstyle 
and Peds; $2.7 million for the consolidation of the Company's West Coast distribution centres pursuant to the acquisitions 
of American Apparel and Alstyle; and $1.7 million for the Company's internal organizational realignment.

Restructuring and acquisition-related costs in fiscal 2016 related primarily to the following: $8.4 million of transaction and 
integration costs for the Alstyle and Peds acquisitions; $4.5 million for the integration of other businesses acquired in previous 
years, involving consolidation of customer service, distribution, and administrative functions; $4.2 million for the rationalization 
of our retail store outlets as part of our overall direct-to-consumer channel strategy; and  other costs of $0.8 million, partially 
offset by a gain of $6.2 million on the re-measurement of the fair value of contingent consideration in connection with the 
Doris acquisition.

5.4.5 Operating income and adjusted operating income

(in $ millions, or otherwise indicated)

Operating income
Adjustment for:
     Restructuring and acquisition-related costs
Adjusted operating income(1)

2018

403.2

34.2
437.4

2017

401.0

22.9
423.9

2016

371.5

11.7
383.2

Operating margin
Adjusted operating margin(1)
(1) See section 17.0 "Definition and reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures" in this MD&A.
Certain minor rounding variances exist between the consolidated financial statements and this summary.

14.6%
15.4%

13.9%
15.0%

14.4%
14.8%

Variation
2018-2017

Variation
2017-2016

2.2

11.3
13.5

(0.7) pp
(0.4) pp

29.5

11.2
40.7

0.2 pp
0.6 pp

Fiscal 2018 compared to fiscal 2017 
The increase in operating income in 2018 compared to 2017 reflected the increase in sales and lower SG&A expenses driven 
by cost reductions primarily associated with the Company's organizational consolidation, which more than offset  lower gross 
profit and higher restructuring and acquisition-related costs. Excluding the impact of restructuring and acquisition-related 
costs, adjusted operating margin in 2018 was in line with our guidance calling for a slight year over year decline. The slight 
decline in adjusted operating margin was due to the gross margin decline which more than offset the benefit of lower SG&A 
expenses as a percentage of sales.

Fiscal 2017 compared to fiscal 2016 
The increase in operating income in 2017 compared to 2016 was mainly due to the increase in gross profit, partially offset 
by higher SG&A expenses and higher restructuring and acquisition-related costs. Excluding the impact of restructuring and 
acquisition-related costs, adjusted operating margin in 2017 was up 60 basis points driven by higher gross margin in the 
year, partially offset by higher SG&A expenses as a percentage of sales. 

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 14

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

5.4.6 Financial expenses, net

(in $ millions)

Interest expense on financial liabilities recorded at

2018

2017

2016

Variation
 2018-2017

Variation
2017-2016

amortized cost

12.6
6.3
Bank and other financial charges
0.3
Interest accretion on discounted provisions
0.4
Foreign exchange loss (gain)
19.6
Financial expenses, net
Certain minor rounding variances exist between the consolidated financial statements and this summary.

24.8
7.5
0.3
(1.5)
31.1

17.1
8.0
0.3
(1.3)
24.1

7.7
(0.5)
—
(0.2)
7.0

4.5
1.7
—
(1.7)
4.5

Fiscal 2018 compared to fiscal 2017 
The increase in net financial expenses in fiscal 2018 compared to fiscal 2017 was mainly due to higher interest expense as 
a result of higher effective interest rates on our long-term debt bearing interest at variable rates as a result of higher U.S. 
short-term interest rates, and higher average borrowing levels. Foreign exchange gains for fiscal 2018 and fiscal 2017 relate 
primarily to the revaluation of net monetary assets denominated in foreign currencies. 

Fiscal 2017 compared to fiscal 2016 
The increase in net financial expenses in fiscal 2017 compared to fiscal 2016 was due to higher interest expense as a result 
of slightly higher borrowing levels and higher effective interest rates on our long-term debt relating mainly to higher U.S. 
short-term interest rates and the interest rates on the notes payable that were issued in August 2016. Bank and other financial 
charges increased in fiscal 2017 compared to fiscal 2016 due to the amortization of financing fees incurred in connection 
with the new debt issuances in fiscal 2016 and discount fees related to the sales of trade accounts receivables. Foreign 
exchange gains for fiscal 2017 relate primarily to the revaluation of net monetary assets denominated in foreign currencies. 

5.4.7 Income taxes
The Company’s average effective tax rate is calculated as follows:

(in $ millions, or otherwise indicated)

2018

2017

2016

351.8
Earnings before income taxes
5.2
Income tax expense
1.5%
Average effective income tax rate
Certain minor rounding variances exist between the consolidated financial statements and this summary.

376.8
14.5
3.8%

372.1
21.4
5.8%

Variation
 2018-2017

Variation
2017-2016

(4.7)
6.9
2.0 pp

25.0
9.3
2.3 pp

Fiscal 2018 compared to fiscal 2017
The higher income tax expense and average effective tax rate compared to last year is mainly due to an increase in deferred 
income tax expense adjustments relating to the Company’s internal organizational realignment, referred to in section 3.2 of 
this annual MD&A, and the impact of income tax rate changes. In fiscal 2018, pursuant to additional phases to the internal 
organizational realignment, the Company reassessed the recoverability of its deferred income tax assets in the respective 
jurisdictions affected, resulting in an increase in deferred tax expense of $6.1 million for assets that were no longer probable 
of being realized. In fiscal 2017, the initiation of the internal organizational realignment plan resulted in an increase to deferred 
income tax expense of $3.3 million. The fiscal 2018 deferred income tax expense also included $2.0 million for the revaluation 
of deferred income tax assets and liabilities due to changes in statutory income tax rates, compared to a deferred income 
tax recovery of $1.6 million in fiscal 2017 for tax rate changes, primarily to reflect the changes in the U.S. statutory federal 
corporate  income  tax  rate  impact  that  took  effect  at  the  beginning  of  2018.  Excluding  the  impact  of  the  aforementioned 
adjustments to deferred income tax expense in both years, and excluding the impact of restructuring and acquisition-related 
costs described in section 5.4.4 of this MD&A, the average effective income tax rate for both years was approximately 3.3%, 
slightly lower than the anticipated full year tax rate of approximately 4%. 

Fiscal 2017 compared to fiscal 2016
The higher income tax expense and average effective tax rate in fiscal 2017 compared to fiscal 2016 were in part due to 
higher operating profits earned in higher tax rate jurisdictions, lower income tax recoveries relating to prior taxation years, 
and other adjustments. The fiscal 2017 income tax expense included $1.6 million of income tax recoveries relating to prior 

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 15

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

taxation years, compared with $4.8 million of prior year income tax recoveries in fiscal 2016. In addition, as a result of the 
internal  organizational  realignment  referred  to  in  section  3.2  of  this  MD&A,  the  Company  revalued  and  reassessed  the 
deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities in the respective jurisdictions affected, resulting in an increase in net deferred 
tax expense of $3.3 million. There was no corresponding amount for fiscal 2016. In addition, the Company revalued the 
deferred tax assets and liabilities of its U.S. subsidiaries, to reflect the change in the statutory federal corporate income tax 
rate that took effect at the beginning of 2018, resulting in an income tax recovery of $1.6 million.  There was no similar 
adjustment  in  fiscal  2016,  although  the  fiscal  2016  tax  expense  reflected  an  income  tax  recovery  on  restructuring  and 
acquisition-related costs of $2.0 million.

5.4.8 Net earnings, adjusted net earnings, earnings per share measures, and other performance measures

(in $ millions, except per share amounts)

Net earnings
Adjustments for:
  Restructuring and acquisition-related costs

  Income tax expense relating to restructuring and 

acquisition-related actions(1)

  Income tax expense (recovery) related to the 

revaluation of deferred income tax assets and 
liabilities due to statutory income tax rate 
changes(2)

2018

350.8

34.2

6.1

2017

362.3

22.9

3.3

2016

346.6

11.7

(2.0)

Variation
 2018-2017

Variation
2017-2016

(11.5)

11.3

2.8

15.7

11.2

5.3

2.0

(1.6)

—

3.6

(1.6)

Adjusted net earnings(3)
Basic EPS
Diluted EPS
Adjusted diluted EPS(3)
(1) These income tax expenses relate to the Company’s internal organizational realignment. Pursuant to the initiation and completion of 
this organizational realignment plan, the Company reassessed the recoverability of its deferred income tax assets and the valuation of 
its deferred tax liabilities in the respective jurisdictions affected, resulting in an increase to deferred income tax expense in fiscal 2018 
and 2017 of $6.1 million and $3.3 million, respectively.

0.15
0.14
0.21

1.66
1.66
1.86

0.04
0.05
0.14

1.62
1.61
1.72

1.47
1.47
1.51

393.1

386.9

356.3

30.6

6.2

(2) The income tax expense for the impact of income tax rate changes are primarily related to the impact of U.S. tax reform, reflecting 
the reduction in the U.S. statutory federal tax rate that took effect in 2018.

(3) See section 17.0 "Definition and reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures" in this MD&A.

Certain minor rounding variances exist between the consolidated financial statements and this summary.

Fiscal 2018 compared to fiscal 2017
Net earnings for 2018 were slightly down compared to the prior year due to the decline in operating margin and higher 
financial expenses and income taxes, which more than offset the contribution of higher sales. The increase in adjusted net 
earnings in 2018 was mainly due to the contribution of higher sales, which more than offset the decline in adjusted operating 
margin and higher financial expenses. On a diluted per share basis, net earnings and adjusted net earnings for 2018 were 
up over the prior year, including the benefit of a lower share count.

Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure. Please refer to section 17.0 "Definition and reconciliation of non-GAAP financial 
measures" in this MD&A.  Adjusted EBITDA for 2018 amounted to $595.5 million, up $9.4 million compared to $586.1 million 
in 2017, coming in just slightly under the low end of our guidance range.

Return on net assets (RONA) is a non-GAAP measure that the Company uses as a performance indicator to measure the 
efficiency of its invested capital. Please refer to section 17.0 "Definition and reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures" 
in this MD&A. During 2018, as we executed on our growth drivers and drove increased efficiency across the organization, 
RONA for 2018 improved to 15.6%, up 70 basis points from 14.9% in 2017. 

Fiscal 2017 compared to fiscal 2016
The increase in net earnings and adjusted net earnings was due to higher operating income, partially offset by higher financial 
expenses and a higher income tax expense. Additionally, diluted EPS and adjusted diluted EPS reflected the benefit of share 
repurchases. 

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 16

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

5.5 Summary of quarterly results

The  table  below  sets  forth  certain  summarized  unaudited  quarterly  financial  data  for  the  eight  most  recently  completed 
quarters. This quarterly information has been prepared in accordance with IFRS. The operating results for any quarter are not 
necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any future period.

For the three months ended                   
(in $ millions, except share and per share 
amounts or otherwise indicated) 

Dec 30, 
2018

Sep 30, 
2018

Jul 1, 
2018

Apr 1, 
2018

Dec 31, 
2017

Oct 1, 
2017

Jul 2, 
2017

(1)

Apr 2, 
2017

Net sales

Net earnings

Net earnings per share
            Basic(2)
            Diluted(2)
Weighted average number of shares 

outstanding (in ‘000s)

742.7

59.6

0.29

0.29

754.4

114.3

0.55

0.55

764.2

109.0

0.51

0.51

647.3

67.9

0.31

0.31

653.7

54.9

0.25

0.25

716.4

116.1

0.52

0.52

715.4

107.7

0.48

0.48

665.4

83.5

0.36

0.36

            Basic

            Diluted

206,796

207,926

212,477

218,541

219,387

223,017

224,859

229,474

207,122

208,161

212,722

218,850

219,758

223,481

225,389

229,943

(1) Reflects the acquisition of American Apparel from February 8, 2017.

(2) Quarterly EPS may not add to year-to-date EPS due to rounding.

Certain minor rounding variances exist between the consolidated financial statements and this summary.

5.5.1 Seasonality and other factors affecting the variability of results and financial condition
Our results of operations for interim and annual periods are impacted by the variability of certain factors, including, but not 
limited to, changes in end-use demand and customer demand, our customers’ decision to increase or decrease their inventory 
levels, changes in our sales mix, and fluctuations in selling prices and raw material costs. While our products are sold on a 
year-round basis, our business experiences seasonal changes in demand which result in quarterly fluctuations in operating 
results. Although certain products have seasonal peak periods of demand, competitive dynamics may influence the timing 
of customer purchases causing seasonal trends to vary somewhat from year to year. Historically, demand for T-shirts is 
lowest in the fourth quarter and highest in the second quarter of the year, when distributors purchase inventory for the peak 
summer selling season. Demand for fleece is typically highest in advance of the fall and winter seasons, in the second and 
third quarters of the year. Sales of hosiery and underwear are higher during the second half of the year, during the back-to-
school period and the Christmas holiday selling season. These seasonal sales trends of our business also result in fluctuations 
in our inventory levels throughout the year. 

Our results are also impacted by fluctuations in the price of raw materials and other input costs. Cotton and polyester fibres 
are the primary raw materials used in the manufacture of our products, and we also use chemicals, dyestuffs, and trims, 
which we purchase from a variety of suppliers. Cotton prices are affected by consumer demand, global supply, which may 
be impacted by weather conditions in any given year, speculation on the commodities market, the relative valuations and 
fluctuations of the currencies of producer versus consumer countries, and other factors that are generally unpredictable. 
While we enter into purchase contracts and derivative financial instruments in advance of delivery to establish firm prices 
for the cotton component of our yarn requirements, our realized cotton costs can fluctuate significantly between interim and 
annual reporting periods. Energy costs in our results of operations are also affected by fluctuations in crude oil, natural gas, 
and petroleum prices, which can also influence transportation costs and the cost of related items used in our business, such 
as polyester fibres, chemicals, dyestuffs, and trims. Changes in raw material costs are initially reflected in the cost of inventory 
and only impact net earnings when the respective inventories are sold. 

Business acquisitions may affect the comparability of results. As noted in the table under “Summary of quarterly results”, the 
quarterly financial data reflect results of companies acquired from their effective date of acquisition. In addition, management 
decisions to consolidate or reorganize operations, including the closure of facilities, may result in significant restructuring 
costs in an interim or annual period. The effect of asset write-downs, including provisions for bad debts and slow moving 
inventories, can also affect the variability of our results. Subsection 5.4.4 entitled “Restructuring and acquisition-related costs” 
in this annual MD&A contains a discussion of costs related to the Company’s restructuring activities and business acquisitions.

Our  reported  amounts  for  net  sales,  cost  of  sales,  SG&A  expenses,  and  financial  expenses/income  are  impacted  by 
fluctuations in certain currencies versus the U.S. dollar as described in section 11 entitled “Financial risk management” in 
this annual MD&A. The Company periodically uses derivative financial instruments to manage risks related to fluctuations 
in foreign exchange rates.

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 17

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

5.6 Fourth quarter operating results

For the three months ended

(in $ millions, except per share amounts or otherwise indicated)

December 30,
2018

December
31, 2017

Variation $

Variation %

Net sales
Gross profit
SG&A expenses
Restructuring and acquisition-related costs
Operating income
Adjusted operating income(1)
Adjusted EBITDA(1)
Financial expenses
Income tax expense
Net earnings
Adjusted net earnings(1)
Basic EPS
Diluted EPS
Adjusted diluted EPS(1)
Gross margin
SG&A expenses as a percentage of sales
Operating margin
Adjusted operating margin(1)
n.m. = not meaningful

n/a - not applicable

742.7
195.4
95.5
21.7
78.2
99.9
138.0
8.7
10.0
59.6
88.9

0.29
0.29
0.43

26.3%
12.9%
10.5%
13.5%

653.7
177.0
103.9
11.0
62.0
73.0
114.0
5.9
1.2
54.9
67.6

0.25
0.25
0.31

27.1%
15.9%
9.5%
11.2%

89.0
18.4
(8.4)
10.7
16.2
26.9
24.0
2.8
8.8
4.7
21.3

0.04
0.04
0.12

n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

13.6 %
10.4 %
(8.1)%
n.m.
26.1 %
36.8 %
21.1 %
47.5 %
n.m.
8.6 %
31.5 %

16.0 %
16.0 %
38.7 %

(0.8) pp
(3.0) pp
1.0 pp
2.3 pp

(1) See section 17.0 "Definition and reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures" in this MD&A.

Certain minor rounding variances exist between the consolidated financial statements and this summary.

Net sales for the fourth quarter ended December 30, 2018 of $742.7 million were up 13.6% compared to the fourth quarter 
of 2017 driven by a 22.3% increase in activewear sales, partly offset by a 7.9% sales decline in the hosiery and underwear 
category, which was anticipated. The increase in the activewear category in the fourth quarter, where we generated $569 
million in net sales, was mainly due to higher unit sales volumes, a better product-mix driven primarily by higher fleece 
shipments, and higher net selling prices. Activewear volume growth reflected higher shipments of imprintable products in 
North America and a 29% increase in international shipments, as well as higher sales to global lifestyle brands and retailers. 
Sales in the hosiery and underwear category totaled $173 million, as anticipated, down $15 million from the fourth quarter 
last year primarily due to lower Gildan® sock sales in mass and lower mass retailer replenishment of Gildan® underwear in 
the quarter, partly offset by shipments under one of our new private label underwear programs in the fourth quarter.    

Gross margin in the fourth quarter was down 80 basis points to 26.3% compared to the prior year quarter. The decrease was 
mainly due to higher raw material and other input costs, activewear growth ramp up costs, and the flow through of the balance 
of the costs related to supply chain disruptions which we incurred earlier in the year. These factors more than offset the 
benefit from higher net selling prices and more favourable product-mix compared to the prior year quarter. 

SG&A expenses for the fourth quarter of 2018 of $95.5 million were down over 8% compared to $103.9 million in the fourth 
quarter of 2017.  As a percentage of sales, SG&A expenses were 12.9%, down 300 basis points from 15.9% in the fourth 
quarter last year primarily reflecting the benefit of cost reductions driven by our organizational consolidation and a higher 
sales base. Operating margin and adjusted operating margin in the fourth quarter of 2018 were 10.5% and 13.5%, respectively, 
better by 100 and 230 basis points, respectively, compared to the fourth quarter of 2017.  The improvement was mainly due 
to lower SG&A expenses as a percentage of sales, partly offset by a lower gross margin. 

We incurred $21.7 million in restructuring and acquisition-related costs in the fourth quarter of 2018 primarily related to the 
Company’s  organizational  realignment  and  the  consolidation  of  textile,  sock  manufacturing,  warehouse  distribution,  and 
garment dyeing operations. With respect to textile manufacturing, during the fourth quarter of 2018, we made the decision 
to close our AKH textile facility in Honduras, which was acquired as part of the Anvil acquisition in 2012, and was operating 

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 18

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

in leased premises outside of our large manufacturing complex in Rio Nance. We transitioned this production that was largely 
for fashion basics products to our new state-of-the art Rio Nance 6 textile facility, which we are ramping up with new equipment 
geared for more efficient production of fashion basics. In addition, during the fourth quarter, we began the consolidation of 
our sock operations, integrating the majority of our sock production in Honduras into our Rio Nance 4 facility, with our Rio 
Nance 3 facility now largely focusing on our garment dyeing operations.

Income tax expense for the quarter was $10.0 million compared to $1.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2017. Income tax 
expense in both periods included deferred income tax expense adjustments of $7.6 million and $1.7 million, respectively, 
associated with restructuring and acquisition-related actions and the impact of tax rate changes. 

Net earnings totaled $59.6 million or $0.29 per share on a diluted basis for the three months ended December 30, 2018, 
compared with net earnings of $54.9 million or $0.25 per share for the three months ended December 31, 2017. Adjusted 
net earnings of $88.9 million were up 31.5% from $67.6 million in the fourth quarter last year. We generated adjusted diluted 
EPS for the fourth quarter of $0.43, up 38.7% compared to the fourth quarter last year mainly due to higher adjusted operating 
income and the benefit of a lower share count compared to the prior year, partly offset by higher financial and income tax 
expenses. 

6.0 FINANCIAL CONDITION

6.1 Current assets and current liabilities

(in $ millions)

December 30,
2018

December 31,
2017

Variation

Cash and cash equivalents
Trade accounts receivable
Income taxes receivable
Inventories
Prepaid expenses, deposits and other current assets
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Total working capital
Certain minor rounding variances exist between the consolidated financial statements and this summary.

46.7
317.2
1.7
940.0
77.4
(347.0)
1,036.0

52.8
243.4
3.9
945.7
62.1
(258.5)
1,049.4

(6.1)
73.8
(2.2)
(5.7)
15.3
(88.5)
(13.4)

• 

• 

• 

• 

The increase in trade accounts receivable (which are net of accrued sales discounts) was mainly due to the impact of 
higher sales in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018 compared to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017. The impact of higher days 
sales outstanding (DSO), net of the impact of an increase in trade accounts receivables sold to a financial institution 
under a receivables purchase agreement (as disclosed in note 7 of the audited consolidated financial statements for 
the year ended December 30, 2018), was offset by higher accrued sales discounts mainly due to the higher sales in 
fiscal 2018.

The slight decrease in inventories was mainly due to lower unit inventories of activewear, sock, and underwear, partially 
offset by higher average unit costs resulting from a combination of higher raw material costs and other input costs, as 
well as higher raw materials and work in progress inventories.

The increase in prepaid expenses, deposits and other current assets was mainly due to an increase in miscellaneous 
receivables, including an increase in supplier rebates relating to raw material purchases and higher receivables for value 
added taxes and duty drawbacks.

The increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities was mainly due to higher payables related to higher raw material 
costs, a higher derivative financial instrument liability, and the impact of an increase of days payable outstanding, including 
the benefit of the new supply-chain financing program implemented during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018.

•  Working capital was $1,036.0 million as at December 30, 2018, compared to $1,049.4 million as at December 31, 2017. 
The current ratio at the end of fiscal 2018 was 4.0, compared to 5.1 at the end of fiscal 2017, mainly due to the impact 
of higher accounts payable and accrued liabilities.

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 19

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

6.2 Property, plant and equipment, intangible assets and goodwill

(in $ millions)

Property, plant
and equipment

Intangible
assets

Balance, December 31, 2017
Net capital additions
Disposals
Additions through business acquisitions
Depreciation and amortization
Balance, December 30, 2018
Certain minor rounding variances exist between the consolidated financial statements and this summary.

1,035.8
110.7
(30.3)
—
(125.8)
990.4

401.6
19.5
(0.2)
—
(27.3)
393.6

Goodwill

226.6
0.1
—
0.7
—
227.4

• 

• 

Additions to property, plant and equipment were primarily for investments in textile and sewing capacity expansion, and 
distribution, and were partially offset by the sale of the Company's corporate aircraft and the write-down of fixed assets 
incurred in connection with restructuring activities.

Intangible assets are comprised of customer contracts and relationships, trademarks, license agreements, non-compete 
agreements, and computer software. The decrease in intangible assets reflects amortization of $27.3 million, offset by 
additions of $19.5 million for software expenditures and the renewal of a brand license agreement.

6.3 Other non-current assets and non-current liabilities

(in $ millions)

Other non-current assets

Long-term debt
Deferred income taxes
Other non-current liabilities
Certain minor rounding variances exist between the consolidated financial statements and this summary.

669.0
12.6
39.9

December 30,
2018

December 31,
2017

Variation

10.3

8.8

630.0
3.7
37.1

1.5

39.0
8.9
2.8

• 

The increase in deferred tax liabilities relates to the deferred portion of the tax provision in fiscal 2018.

•  Other  non-current  liabilities  include  provisions  and  employee  benefit  obligations. The  increase  is  mainly  due  to  the 
statutory severance benefits earned by employees located in the Caribbean Basin and Central America during fiscal 
2018, and a new lease exit provision for a U.S. distribution centre, partially offset by the reversal of the environmental 
liability for a facility previously acquired through a business acquisition and sold in fiscal 2018.

• 

See section 8.0 entitled “Liquidity and capital resources” in this MD&A for the discussion on long-term debt.

Total assets were $3,004.6 million as at December 30, 2018, compared to $2,980.7 million as at December 31, 2017. 

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 20

 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

7.0 CASH FLOWS

7.1 Cash flows from (used in) operating activities

(in $ millions)

Net earnings
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to cash flows from operating 

activities(1)

Changes in non-cash working capital balances
Cash flows from operating activities

2018

350.8

202.3
(14.5)
538.6

2017

362.3

175.2
75.8
613.3

Variation

(11.5)

27.1
(90.3)
(74.7)

(1) Includes $ 158.1 million (2017 - $162.2 million) related to depreciation and amortization.
Certain minor rounding variances exist between the consolidated financial statements and this summary.

• 

The year-over-year decrease in operating cash flows of $74.7 million was mainly due to an increase in non-cash working 
capital in fiscal 2018 compared to a decrease in the prior year, as explained below.

•  Non-cash working capital increased by $14.5 million during fiscal 2018, compared to a decrease of $75.8 million during 
fiscal 2017, mainly due to an increase in trade accounts receivable during fiscal 2018 compared to a decrease in fiscal 
2017, partially offset by a higher increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities in fiscal 2018 compared to fiscal 
2017.

7.2 Cash flows from (used in) investing activities

(in $ millions)

2018

2017

Variation

Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Purchase of intangible assets
Business acquisitions
Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment
Cash flows used in investing activities
Certain minor rounding variances exist between the consolidated financial statements and this summary.

(107.7)
(17.6)
(1.3)
15.6
(111.0)

(92.0)
(2.8)
(115.8)
0.5
(210.1)

(15.7)
(14.8)
114.5
15.1
99.1

•  Cash used in investing activities during fiscal 2018 was lower compared to fiscal 2017 primarily due to cash used in 
fiscal 2017 for business acquisitions including American Apparel, and the sales of the Company's corporate aircraft and 
a U.S. distribution facility in fiscal 2018, partially offset by higher capital spending in fiscal 2018. 

•  Capital expenditures during fiscal 2018 are described in section 6.2 of this MD&A, and our projected capital expenditures 

for the next fiscal year are discussed in section 8.0 entitled “Liquidity and capital resources” in this MD&A.

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 21

7.3 Free cash flow

(in $ millions)

2018

2017

Variation

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Cash flows from operating activities
Cash flows used in investing activities
Adjustment for:
  Business acquisitions
Free cash flow(1)
(1) See section 17.0 "Definition and reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures" in this MD&A.

538.5
(110.9)

1.3
428.9

613.4
(210.0)

115.8
519.2

(74.9)
99.1

(114.5)
(90.3)

Certain minor rounding variances exist between the consolidated financial statements and this summary.

• 

For fiscal 2018, the year-over-year decrease in free cash flow of $90.3 million was mainly due to the decrease in operating 
cash flows and increased capital spending excluding business acquisitions, as noted above.

7.4 Cash flows from (used in) financing activities

(in $ millions)

2018

2017

Variation

Increase in amounts drawn under revolving
    long-term bank credit facilities

Dividends paid

Proceeds from the issuance of shares

Repurchase and cancellation of shares

Share repurchases for settlement of non-Treasury RSUs

Withholding taxes paid pursuant to the settlement of non-Treasury

RSUs

Cash flows used in financing activities

39.0

(94.6)

3.2

(367.5)

(7.2)

(6.1)

(433.2)

30.0

(84.8)

4.9

(328.6)

(6.3)

(4.5)

(389.3)

9.0

(9.8)

(1.7)

(38.9)

(0.9)

(1.6)

(43.9)

Certain minor rounding variances exist between the consolidated financial statements and this summary.

•  Cash flows used in financing activities during fiscal 2018 and 2017 reflected the repurchase and cancellation of common 
shares under NCIB programs as discussed in section 8.5 of this MD&A, and the payments of dividends, slightly offset 
by cash inflows from funds drawn on our long-term bank credit facilities. The year-over year increase in cash flows used 
in financing activities was mainly due to higher share repurchases and higher dividend payments as noted below. See 
section  8.0  entitled  “Liquidity  and  capital  resources”  in  this  MD&A  for  the  discussion  on  long-term  debt  and  share 
repurchases under NCIB programs.

• 

The Company paid $94.6 million of dividends during fiscal 2018 compared to $84.8 million of dividends during fiscal 
2017. The year-over-year increase is due to the 20% increase in the amount of the quarterly dividend approved by the 
Board of Directors on February 21, 2018, partially offset by the impact of lower common shares outstanding as a result 
of the repurchase and cancellation of common shares executed since last year under NCIB programs.

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 22

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

8.0 LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

8.1 Capital allocation framework

Our primary uses of funds are for working capital requirements, capital expenditures, business acquisitions, and payment 
of dividends. We have also used funds for the repurchase of shares. We fund our requirements with cash generated from 
operations  and  with  funds  drawn  from  our  long-term  debt  facilities.  We  have  established  a  capital  allocation  framework 
intended to enhance sales and earnings growth as well as shareholder returns. After funding working capital needs, our first 
priority of cash use is to fund our organic growth with the required capital investments. Beyond these requirements, we intend 
to use our free cash flow and debt financing capacity to support our current dividend, and then seek to complete complementary 
strategic acquisitions which meet our criteria. In addition, when appropriate, we intend to use excess cash to repurchase 
shares under normal course issuer bid programs. The Company has set a net debt leverage target ratio of one to two times 
pro-forma adjusted EBITDA for the trailing twelve months, which it believes will provide an efficient capital structure and a 
framework within which it can execute on its capital allocation priorities. 

8.2 Long-term debt and net indebtedness 

The Company's long-term debt as at December 30, 2018 is described below.

(in $ millions, or otherwise indicated)

Effective 
interest 
rate (1)

Principal amount

December 30,
2018

December 31,
2017

Maturity
date

Revolving long-term bank credit facility, interest at variable U.S. LIBOR-

based interest rate plus a spread ranging from 1% to 2% (2)

3.4%

$

69 $

Term loan, interest at variable U.S. LIBOR-based interest rate plus a 

spread ranging from 1% to 2% (3)

2.8%

Notes payable, interest at fixed rate of 2.70%, payable semi-annually (4)

2.7%

Notes payable, interest at variable U.S. LIBOR-based interest rate plus 

a spread of 1.53% payable quarterly (4)

2.7%

Notes payable, interest at fixed rate of 2.91%, payable semi-annually (4)

2.9%

Notes payable, interest at variable U.S. LIBOR-based interest rate plus 

a spread of 1.57% payable quarterly (4)

2.9%

300

100

50

100

50

30

300

April
2023

April
2023

100 August
2023

50 August
2023

100 August
2026

50 August
2026

$

669 $

630

(1)  Represents the effective interest rate for the year ended December 30, 2018, including the cash impact of interest rate swaps, where 

applicable.

(2)  The Company’s committed unsecured revolving long-term bank credit facility of $1 billion provides for an annual extension which is 
subject to the approval of the lenders. The spread added to the U.S. LIBOR-based variable interest rate is a function of the total net 
debt  to  EBITDA  ratio  (as  defined  in  the  credit  facility  agreement).  In  addition,  an  amount  of  $13.4  million  (December  31,  2017  - 
$14.6 million) has been committed against this facility to cover various letters of credit.

(3)  The unsecured term loan is non-revolving and can be prepaid in whole or in part at any time with no penalties. The spread added to 
the U.S. LIBOR-based variable interest rate is a function of the total net debt to EBITDA ratio (as defined in the term loan agreement).
(4)  The unsecured notes issued for a total aggregate principal amount of $300 million to accredited investors in the U.S. private placement 
market can be prepaid in whole or in part at any time, subject to the payment of a prepayment penalty as provided for in the Note 
Purchase Agreement.

In March 2018, the Company amended its unsecured revolving long-term bank credit facility of $1 billion to extend the maturity 
date from April 2022 to April 2023, amended its unsecured term loan of $300 million to extend the maturity date from June 
2021 to April 2023, and cancelled its unsecured revolving long-term bank credit facility of $300 million.

Under  the  terms  of  the  revolving  facilities,  term  loan  facility,  and  notes,  the  Company  is  required  to  comply  with  certain 
covenants,  including  maintenance  of  financial  ratios.  The  Company  was  in  compliance  with  all  financial  covenants  at                         
December 30, 2018.

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 23

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

(in $ millions)

December 30,
2018

December 31,
2017

Long-term debt and total indebtedness(1)
Cash and cash equivalents
Net indebtedness(1)
(1) See section 17.0 "Definition and reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures" in this MD&A.

Certain minor rounding variances exist between the consolidated financial statements and this summary.

669.0
(46.7)

622.3

630.0
(52.8)

577.2

The primary measure used by the Company to monitor its financial leverage is its net debt leverage ratio as defined in section 
17.0 "Definition and reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures" in this MD&A. Gildan’s net debt leverage ratio as at 
December 30,  2018  was  1.0  times  (1.0  times  as  at  December 31,  2017),  which  was  at  the  lower  end  of  its  previously 
communicated target net debt leverage ratio of one to two times pro-forma adjusted EBITDA for the trailing twelve months. 
The Company’s net debt leverage ratio is calculated as follows:

(in $ millions, or otherwise indicated)

Adjusted EBITDA for the trailing twelve months
Adjustment for:
  Business acquisitions
Pro-forma adjusted EBITDA for the trailing twelve months

Net indebtedness(1)
Net debt leverage ratio(1)
(1) See section 17.0 "Definition and reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures" in this MD&A.

Certain minor rounding variances exist between the consolidated financial statements and this summary.

December 30,
2018

December 31,
2017

595.5

586.1

—
595.5

622.3
1.0

0.3
586.4

577.2
1.0

For fiscal 2019, the Company is projecting capital expenditures of approximately $125 million primarily for the continued 
development of the Rio Nance 6 facility in Honduras, investments in existing textile facilities, sewing capacity expansion to 
align with increases in textile capacity, as well as expenditures in information technology.

We expect that cash flows from operating activities and the unutilized financing capacity under our long-term debt facilities 
will continue to provide us with sufficient liquidity for the foreseeable future to fund our organic growth strategy, including 
anticipated working capital and capital expenditure requirements, to fund dividends to shareholders, as well as to provide 
us with financing flexibility to take advantage of potential acquisition opportunities which complement our organic growth 
strategy and to fund the NCIB discussed in section 8.5 below.

The Company, upon approval from its Board of Directors, may issue or repay long-term debt, issue or repurchase shares, 
or undertake other activities as deemed appropriate under the specific circumstances.

8.3 Outstanding share data 

Our common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) under the 
symbol GIL. As at February 14, 2019, there were 206,740,357 common shares issued and outstanding along with 2,662,446
stock options and 105,573 dilutive restricted share units (Treasury RSUs) outstanding. Each stock option entitles the holder 
to purchase one common share at the end of the vesting period at a pre-determined option price. Each Treasury RSU entitles 
the holder to receive one common share from treasury at the end of the vesting period, without any monetary consideration 
being paid to the Company. Treasury RSUs are used exclusively for one-time awards to attract candidates or for retention 
purposes and their vesting conditions, including any performance objectives, are determined by the Board of Directors at 
the time of grant.

8.4 Declaration of dividend

The Company paid dividends of $94.6 million during the year ended December 30, 2018. On February 20, 2019, the Board 
of Directors approved a 20% increase in the amount of the quarterly dividend and declared a cash dividend of $0.134 per 
share  for  an  expected  aggregate  payment  of  $27.7  million which  will  be  paid  on April 1,  2019  on  all  of  the  issued  and 

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 24

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

outstanding common shares of the Company, rateably and proportionately to the holders of record on March 7, 2019. This 
dividend is an “eligible dividend” for the purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) and any other applicable provincial legislation 
pertaining to eligible dividends.

As part of the Company's capital allocation framework as described in section 8.1 of this MD&A, the Board of Directors 
considers several factors when deciding to declare quarterly cash dividends, including the Company’s present and future 
earnings,  cash flows,  capital  requirements,  and  present  and/or  future  regulatory  and  legal  restrictions. There can  be no 
assurance as to the declaration of future quarterly cash dividends. Although the Company’s long-term debt agreements 
require compliance with lending covenants in order to pay dividends, these covenants are not currently, and are not expected 
to be, a constraint to the payment of dividends under the Company’s dividend policy.

8.5 Normal course issuer bid

On  February  23,  2017,  the  Company  announced  the  renewal  of  a  normal  course  issuer  bid  (previous  NCIB)  beginning 
February  27,  2017  and  ending  on  February  26,  2018,  to  purchase  for  cancellation  up  to  11,512,267  common  shares 
(representing approximately 5% of the Company’s issued and outstanding common shares of the Company). On November 
1, 2017, the Company obtained approval from the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) to amend its previous NCIB program in 
order to increase the maximum number of common shares that may be repurchased from 11,512,267 common shares, to 
16,117,175 common shares, representing approximately 7% of the Company’s issued and outstanding common shares. No 
other terms of the previous NCIB were amended.

On February 21, 2018, the Board of Directors of the Company approved the initiation of a new NCIB commencing on February 
27, 2018 to purchase for cancellation up to 10,960,391 common shares, representing approximately 5% of the Company’s 
issued and outstanding common shares. On August 1, 2018, the Company obtained approval from the TSX to amend its 
current NCIB program in order to increase the maximum number of common shares that may be repurchased from 10,960,391 
common shares, or approximately 5% of the Company’s issued and outstanding common shares as at February 15, 2018 
(the reference date for the NCIB), to 21,575,761 common shares, representing approximately 10% of the public float as at 
February 15, 2018. No other terms of the NCIB were amended.

During the year ended December 30, 2018, the Company repurchased for cancellation a total of 12,634,693 common shares 
under its NCIB through the facilities of the TSX and of the NYSE for a total cost of $367.5 million, of which a total of 175,732
common shares were repurchased under the previous NCIB. Of the total cost of $367.5 million, $9.2 million was charged to 
share capital and the balance was charged to retained earnings. 

Gildan received approval from the TSX to renew its NCIB commencing on February 27, 2019 to purchase for cancellation 
up to 10,337,017 common shares, representing approximately 5% of the Gildan’s issued and outstanding common shares. 
As of February 14, 2019, Gildan had 206,740,357 common shares issued and outstanding.  Gildan is authorized to make 
purchases under the NCIB until February 26, 2020 in accordance with the requirements of the TSX. Purchases will be made 
by means of open market transactions on both the TSX and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), or alternative trading 
systems, if eligible, or by such other means as a securities regulatory authority may permit, including by private agreements 
under an issuer bid exemption order issued by securities regulatory authorities in Canada. Under the bid, Gildan may purchase 
up to a maximum of 136,754 Common Shares daily through TSX facilities, which represents 25% of the average daily trading 
volume on the TSX for the most recently completed six calendar months. The price to be paid by Gildan for any Common 
Shares will be the market price at the time of the acquisition, plus brokerage fees, and purchases made under an issuer bid 
exemption order will be at a discount to the prevailing market price in accordance with the terms of the order.

9.0 LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

9.1 Claims and litigation

The Company is a party to claims and litigation arising in the normal course of operations. The Company does not expect 
the resolution of these matters to have a material adverse effect on the financial position or results of operations of the 
Company. 

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 25

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

10.0 OUTLOOK

A discussion of management’s expectations as to our outlook for fiscal 2019 is contained in our earnings results press release 
dated  February 21,  2019  under  the  section  entitled  “Outlook”. The  press  release  is  available  on  the  SEDAR  website  at 
www.sedar.com, on the EDGAR website at www.sec.gov, and on our website at www.gildancorp.com.

11.0 FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

The Company is exposed to risks arising from financial instruments, including credit risk, liquidity risk, foreign currency risk, 
interest rate risk, commodity price risk, as well as risks arising from changes in the price of our common shares in connection 
with our share-based compensation plans. The disclosures under this section, in conjunction with the information in note 14 
to the 2018 audited annual consolidated financial statements, are designed to meet the requirements of IFRS 7, Financial 
Instruments: Disclosures, and are therefore incorporated into, and are an integral part of, the 2018 audited annual consolidated 
financial statements. 

The Company may periodically use derivative financial instruments to manage risks related to fluctuations in foreign exchange 
rates, commodity prices, interest rates, and the market price of its own common shares. The use of derivative financial 
instruments is governed by the Company’s Financial Risk Management Policy approved by the Board of Directors and is 
administered  by  the  Financial  Risk  Management  Committee.  The  Financial  Risk  Management  Policy  of  the  Company 
stipulates that derivative financial instruments should only be used to hedge or mitigate an existing financial exposure that 
constitutes a commercial risk to the Company, and if the derivatives are determined to be the most efficient and cost effective 
means of mitigating the Company’s exposure to liquidity risk, foreign currency risk, and interest rate risk, as well as risks 
arising from commodity prices. Hedging limits, as well as counterparty credit rating and exposure limitations are defined in 
the Company’s Financial Risk Management Policy, depending on the type of risk that is being mitigated. Derivative financial 
instruments are not used for speculative purposes.

At the inception of each designated hedging derivative contract, we formally designate and document the hedging relationship 
and our risk management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedge. Documentation includes identification of the 
hedging instrument, the hedged item, the nature of the risk being hedged, and how we will assess whether the hedging 
relationship meets the hedge effectiveness requirements, including our analysis of the sources of hedge ineffectiveness and 
how we determine the hedge ratio.

11.1 Credit risk

Credit risk is the risk of an unexpected loss if a customer or counterparty to a financial instrument fails to meet its contractual 
obligations and arises primarily from the Company’s trade accounts receivable. The Company may also have credit risk 
relating to cash and cash equivalents and derivative financial instruments, which it manages by dealing only with highly rated 
North American and European financial institutions. Our trade accounts receivable and credit exposure fluctuate throughout 
the year based on the seasonality of our sales and other factors. The Company’s average trade accounts receivable and 
credit exposure during an interim reporting period may be significantly higher than the balance at the end of that reporting 
period. In addition, due to the seasonality of the Company’s net sales, the Company’s trade accounts receivable balance as 
at the end of a calendar year will typically be lower than at the end of an interim reporting period.

Under the terms of a receivables purchase agreement, the Company may continuously sell trade accounts receivables of 
certain designated customers to a third-party financial institution in exchange for a cash payment equal to the face value of 
the sold trade accounts receivables, less an applicable discount. The Company retains servicing responsibilities, including 
collection, for these trade accounts receivables but does not retain any credit risk with respect to any trade accounts receivables 
that have been sold. All trade accounts receivables sold under the receivables purchase agreement are removed from the 
consolidated statements of financial position, as the sale of the trade accounts receivables qualify for de-recognition. As at 
December 30, 2018, trade accounts receivables being serviced under a receivables purchase agreement amounted to $117 
million. The receivables purchase agreement, which allows for the sale of a maximum of $175 million of accounts receivables 
at any one time, expires on June 24, 2019, subject to annual extensions. 

The Company’s credit risk for trade accounts receivable is concentrated as the majority of its sales are to a relatively small 
group of wholesale distributors and mass-market and other retailers. As at December 30, 2018, the Company’s ten largest 
trade debtors accounted for 65% of trade accounts receivable; the largest of which accounted for 22%. The Company’s top 

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 26

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

ten trade debtors are all located in the U.S. The remaining trade accounts receivable balances are dispersed among a larger 
number of debtors across many geographic areas including the U.S., Canada, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America.

Most  of  the  Company’s  customers  have  been  transacting  with  the  Company  or  its  subsidiaries  for  several  years.  Many 
wholesale distributors are highly leveraged with significant reliance on trade credit terms provided by a few major vendors, 
including  the  Company,  and  third-party  debt  financing,  including  bank  debt  secured  with  trade  accounts  receivable  and 
inventory pledged as collateral. The financial leverage of these customers may limit or prevent their ability to refinance existing 
indebtedness or to obtain additional financing and could affect their ability to comply with restrictive debt covenants and meet 
other obligations. The profile and credit quality of the Company’s mass-market and other retailer customers varies significantly. 
Adverse changes in a customer’s financial condition could cause us to limit or discontinue business with that customer, 
require us to assume more credit risk relating to that customer’s future purchases, or result in uncollectible trade accounts 
receivable from that customer. Future credit losses relating to any one of our top ten customers could be material and could 
result in a material charge to earnings.

The Company’s extension of credit to customers involves considerable judgment and is based on an evaluation of each 
customer’s financial condition and payment history. The Company has  established various internal controls designed  to 
mitigate credit risk, including a dedicated credit function which recommends customer credit limits and payment terms that 
are  reviewed  and  approved  on  a  quarterly  basis  by  senior  management  at  the  Company’s  primary  sales  offices  in 
Christ Church,  Barbados.  Where  available,  the  Company’s  credit  departments  periodically  review  external  ratings  and 
customer financial statements and, in some cases, obtain bank and other references. New customers are subject to a specific 
validation and pre-approval process. From time to time, where circumstances warrant, the Company will temporarily transact 
with customers on a prepayment basis. While the Company’s credit controls and processes have been effective in mitigating 
credit risk, these controls cannot eliminate credit risk in its entirety and there can be no assurance that these controls will 
continue to be effective or that the Company’s low credit loss experience will continue. 

The Company’s exposure to credit risk for trade accounts receivable by geographic area was as follows as at:

(in $ millions)

Trade accounts receivable by geographic area:

United States
Canada
Europe and other

Total trade accounts receivable

The aging of trade accounts receivable balances was as follows as at:

(in $ millions)

Not past due
Past due 0-30 days
Past due 31-60 days
Past due 61-120 days
Past due over 121 days
Trade accounts receivable
Less allowance for expected credit losses
Total trade accounts receivable

December 30,
2018

December 31,
2017

270.5
16.9
29.8
317.2

208.2
14.7
20.5
243.4

December 30,
2018

December 31,
2017

257.8
21.0
16.3
14.8
14.8
324.7
(7.5)
317.2

197.6
31.7
9.8
2.0
7.4
248.5
(5.1)
243.4

The increase in the past due amounts during fiscal 2018 is mainly attributable to one customer, for which the trade accounts 
receivable balance was $21 million as at December 30, 2018. As a result of the past due amounts and other factors, we 
have  determined  that  there  has  been  a  significant  increase  in  credit  risk  for  this  customer  since  initial  recognition.  Our 
allowance for expected credit losses includes an amount for this customer that reflects the new expected credit loss model 
pursuant to the new impairment guidance under IFRS 9. Our estimate of the potential loss is a probability-weighted amount 
determined based on our evaluation of possible outcomes with respect to the collectability of these amounts, and reflects 

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 27

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

our assumption that this customer will succeed with its current efforts to secure the refinancing of its bank debt or sell its 
business as a going concern.  In the event that new information becomes available to us that would change our assessment 
of the possible outcomes, the amount recorded in allowance for expected credit losses will be updated in the period in which 
the additional information is received. There is no assurance that the customer will be successful with its current initiatives. 
If this customer is unable to refinance its operations or execute on other strategic options, the trade account receivable 
balance with this customer could become unrecoverable, which would require a corresponding charge to earnings in fiscal 
2019.

11.2 Liquidity risk 

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they fall due. We rely on cash 
resources, debt, and cash flows generated from operations to satisfy our financing requirements. We may also require access 
to capital markets to support our operations as well as to achieve our strategic plans. Any impediments to our ability to 
continue to meet the covenants and conditions contained in our long-term debt agreements as well as our ability to access 
capital markets, the failure of a financial institution participating in our revolving long-term bank credit facilities, or an adverse 
perception in capital markets of our financial condition or prospects could have a material impact on our financing capability. 
In addition, our access to financing at reasonable interest rates could be influenced by the economic and credit market 
environment.  

We manage liquidity risk through the management of our capital structure and financial leverage, as outlined in note 24 to 
the 2018 audited annual consolidated financial statements. In addition, we manage liquidity risk by continuously monitoring 
actual and projected cash flows, taking into account the seasonality of our sales and cash receipts and the expected timing 
of capital expenditures. The Board of Directors reviews and approves the Company’s operating and capital budgets, as well 
as transactions such as the declaration of dividends, the initiation of share repurchase programs, mergers, acquisitions, and 
other major investments or divestitures.

11.2.1 Off-balance sheet arrangements and maturity analysis of contractual obligations
In the normal course of business, we enter into contractual obligations that will require us to disburse cash over future periods. 
All  commitments  have  been  reflected  in  our  consolidated  statements  of  financial  position  except  for purchase 
obligations, minimum annual lease payments under operating leases which are primarily for premises, and minimum royalty 
payments, which are included in the table of contractual obligations that follows. The following table sets forth the maturity 
of our contractual obligations by period for the following items as at December 30, 2018.

(in $ millions)

Accounts payable and accrued
  liabilities
Long-term debt(1)
Purchase obligations
Operating leases and other obligations
Total contractual obligations
(1) Excluding interest

Carrying
amount

Contractual
cash flows

 Less than 1
fiscal year

1 to 3

fiscal years fiscal years

4 to 5 More than 5
fiscal years

347.0
669.0
—
4.6
1,020.6

347.0
669.0
200.1
318.9
1,535.0

347.0
—
198.3
65.3
610.6

—
—
1.8
109.8
111.6

—
519.0
—
103.9
622.9

—
150.0
—
39.9
189.9

As disclosed in note 23 to our 2018 audited annual consolidated financial statements, we have granted financial guarantees, 
irrevocable standby letters of credit, and surety bonds to third parties to indemnify them in the event the Company and some 
of its subsidiaries do not perform their contractual obligations. As at December 30, 2018, the maximum potential liability 
under these guarantees was $55.4 million, of which $11.1 million was for surety bonds and $44.3 million was for financial 
guarantees and standby letters of credit. 

11.3 Foreign currency risk 

The majority of the Company’s cash flows and financial assets and liabilities are denominated in U.S. dollars, which is the 
Company’s functional and reporting currency. Foreign currency risk is mainly limited to the portion of the Company’s business 
transactions denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars, primarily for sales and distribution expenses for customers 
outside  the  U.S.,  certain  equipment  purchases,  and  head  office  expenses  in  Canada. The  Company’s  exposure  relates 
primarily to changes in the U.S. dollar versus the Canadian dollar, the Pound sterling, the Euro, the Australian dollar, the 
Mexican  peso,  and  the  Chinese  yuan.  For  the  Company’s  foreign  currency  transactions,  fluctuations  in  the  respective 
exchange rates relative to the U.S. dollar will create volatility in the Company’s cash flows, in the reported amounts for sales 

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 28

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

and  SG&A  expenses  in  its  consolidated  statement  of  earnings  and  comprehensive  income,  and  for  property,  plant  and 
equipment in its consolidated statement of financial position, both on a period-to-period basis and compared with operating 
budgets and forecasts. Additional earnings variability arises from the translation of monetary assets and liabilities denominated 
in currencies other than the U.S. dollar at the rates of exchange at each reporting dates, the impact of which is reported as 
a foreign exchange gain or loss and included in financial expenses (net) in the statement of earnings and comprehensive 
income. 

The Company also incurs a portion of its manufacturing costs in foreign currencies, primarily payroll costs paid in Honduran 
Lempiras, Dominican Pesos, Mexican Pesos, Nicaraguan Cordobas, and Bangladeshi Taka, as well as in Canadian dollars. 
Significant changes in these currencies relative to the U.S. dollar exchange rate in the future, could have a significant impact 
on our operating results.

The Company’s objective in managing its foreign currency risk is to minimize its net exposures to foreign currency cash flows, 
by transacting with third parties in U.S. dollars to the maximum extent possible and practical and holding cash and cash 
equivalents and incurring borrowings in U.S. dollars. The Company monitors and forecasts the values of net foreign currency 
cash flows and, from time to time will authorize the use of derivative financial instruments, such as forward foreign exchange 
contracts with maturities of up to three years, to economically hedge a portion of foreign currency cash flows. The Company 
had forward foreign exchange contracts outstanding as at December 30, 2018, consisting primarily of contracts to sell and 
buy Canadian dollars, sell Euros, sell Pounds sterling, sell Australian dollars, and buy Mexican pesos in exchange for U.S. 
dollars. The outstanding contracts and other foreign exchange contracts that were settled during fiscal 2018 were designated 
as cash flow hedges and qualified for hedge accounting. The underlying risk of the foreign exchange contracts is identical 
to the hedged risk and, accordingly, we have established a ratio of 1:1 for all foreign exchange hedges. No ineffectiveness 
was recognized in net earnings, as the change in value used for calculating the ineffectiveness of the hedging instruments 
was the same as the change in value used for calculating the ineffectiveness of the hedged items. We refer the reader to 
note 14 to the 2018 audited annual consolidated financial statements for details of these financial derivative contracts and 
the impact of applying hedge accounting. 

The following tables provide an indication of the Company’s significant foreign currency exposures included in the consolidated 
statement of financial position as at December 30, 2018 arising from financial instruments:

(in U.S. $ millions)

CAD

EUR GBP MXN

CNY

December 30, 2018
COP
BDT
AUD

Cash and cash equivalents
Trade accounts receivable
Prepaid expenses, deposits and other current assets
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

1.0
16.1
—
(14.6)

1.1
6.9
1.7
(6.5)

1.7
4.7
—
(0.5)

3.1
3.8
0.6
(4.6)

3.6
2.8
1.8
(1.3)

0.6
2.6
—
(0.1)

1.7
—
2.6
(2.3)

0.6
3.2
1.7
(0.2)

Based  on the  Company’s foreign  currency  exposures  arising  from financial  instruments noted  above,  and  the impact  of 
outstanding derivative financial instruments designated as effective hedging instruments, varying the foreign exchange rates 
to reflect a 5 percent strengthening of the U.S. dollar would have increased (decreased) earnings and other comprehensive 
income as follows, assuming that all other variables remained constant:

(in U.S. $ millions)

CAD

EUR GBP MXN

For the year ended December 30, 2018
COP

AUD

CNY

BDT

Impact on earnings before income taxes
Impact on other comprehensive income before

income taxes

(0.1)

(0.2)

(0.3)

(0.1)

(0.3)

(0.2)

(0.1)

(0.3)

(0.8)

1.5

1.7

(0.2)

—

0.3

—

—

An assumed 5 percent weakening of the U.S. dollar during the year ended December 30, 2018 would have had an equal 
but opposite effect on the above currencies to the amounts shown above, assuming that all other variables remain constant.

11.4 Commodity risk 

The Company is subject to the commodity risk of cotton prices and cotton price movements, as the majority of its products 
are made of 100% cotton or blends of cotton and synthetic fibers. The Company is also subject to the risk of fluctuations in 
the prices of crude oil and petrochemicals as they influence the cost of polyester fibers which are used in many of its products. 

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 29

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

The Company purchases cotton from third-party merchants, cotton-based yarn from third-party yarn manufacturers, and 
polyester  fibers  from third-party  polyester  manufacturers. The  Company  assumes  the risk  of  price  fluctuations  for  these 
purchases. The Company enters into contracts, up to eighteen months in advance of future delivery dates, to establish fixed 
prices  for  its  cotton  and  cotton-based  yarn  purchases  and  polyester  fibers  purchases,  in  order  to  reduce  the  effects  of 
fluctuations in the cost of cotton, crude oil, and petrochemicals used in the manufacture of its products. These contracts are 
not used for trading purposes and are not considered to be financial instruments that would need to be accounted for at fair 
value in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Without taking into account the impact of fixed price contracts, a 
change of $0.01 per pound in the price of cotton or polyester fibers would affect the Company’s annual raw material costs 
by approximately $6 million, based on current production levels. 

In addition,  fluctuations  in  crude  oil  or  petroleum  prices  also  affect  our  energy  consumption  costs  and  can  influence 
transportation costs and the cost of related items used in our business, including other raw materials we use to manufacture 
our products such as chemicals, dyestuffs, and trims. We generally purchase these raw materials at market prices. 

The Company has the ability to enter into derivative financial instruments, including futures and option contracts, to manage 
its exposure to movements in commodity prices. Such contracts are accounted for at fair value in the consolidated financial 
statements in accordance with the accounting standards applicable to financial instruments. During fiscal 2018, the Company 
entered  into  commodity  derivative  contracts  as  described  in  note  14  to  the  2018  audited  annual  consolidated  financial 
statements. The underlying risk of the commodity derivative contracts is identical to the hedged risk and accordingly, we 
have established a ratio of 1:1 for all commodity derivative hedges. Due to a strong correlation between commodity future 
contract prices and our purchased costs, we did not experience any significant ineffectiveness on our hedges. We refer the 
reader to note 14 to the 2018 audited annual consolidated financial statements for details of these derivative contracts and 
the impact of applying hedge accounting. 

11.5 Interest rate risk 

The Company is subject to interest rate risk arising from its $300 million term loan, $100 million  of its unsecured notes 
payable, and amounts drawn on its revolving long-term bank credit facilities, all of which bear interest at a variable U.S. 
LIBOR-based interest rate, plus a spread. 

The Company generally fixes the rates for LIBOR-based borrowings for periods of one to three months. The interest rates 
on amounts drawn on debt agreements and on any future borrowings will vary and are unpredictable. Increases in interest 
rates on new debt issuances may result in a material increase in financial charges.

The Company has the ability to enter into derivative financial instruments that would effectively fix its cost of current and 
future borrowings for an extended period of time. The Company has floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps outstanding to hedge 
up to $250 million of its floating interest rate exposure on a designated portion of certain long-term debt agreements. The 
interest rate swap contracts are designated as cash flow hedges and qualify for hedge accounting.

As our floating rate debt has a variable rate of interest linked to LIBOR as a benchmark for establishing the rate, the anticipated 
changes to the LIBOR after 2021 could impact the cost of our variable rate indebtedness.  In July 2017, the United Kingdom’s 
Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which regulates LIBOR, announced that it intends to stop persuading or compelling banks 
to submit rates for the calculation of LIBOR to the administrator of LIBOR after 2021. It is likely that banks will not continue 
to provide submissions for the calculation of LIBOR after 2021 and possible that they may not provide submissions before 
then.  It is impossible to predict whether LIBOR will continue to be viewed as an acceptable market benchmark, what effects 
any changes to LIBOR or the transition to alternative reference rates may have on variable rate indebtedness or on our 
business, financial condition, or results of operations.  The consequence of these developments cannot be entirely predicted 
but could include an increase in the cost of our variable rate indebtedness. If LIBOR rates are no longer available or viewed 
as an acceptable market benchmark, and our lenders are required, or exercise discretion, to implement substitute reference 
rates for the calculation of interest rates under our floating rate debt, we may incur expenses in effecting the transition, and 
may be subject to disputes or litigation with lenders over the appropriateness or comparability to LIBOR of the substitute 
reference rates.

Based on the value of interest-bearing financial instruments during the year ended December 30, 2018, an assumed 0.5 
percentage  point  increase  in  interest  rates  during  such  period  would  have  decreased  earnings  before  income  taxes  by 
$1.9 million. An assumed 0.5 percentage point decrease in interest rates would have had an equal but opposite effect on 
earnings before income taxes, assuming that all other variables remain constant.

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 30

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

12.0 CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGMENTS

Our significant accounting policies are described in note 3 to our 2018 audited annual consolidated financial statements. The 
preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to make estimates and assumptions that 
affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income, and expenses. Actual 
results may differ from these estimates. 

Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognized 
in the period in which the estimates are revised and in any future periods affected. 

12.1 Critical judgments in applying accounting policies

The following are critical judgments that management has made in the process of applying accounting policies and that have 
the most significant effect on the amounts recognized in the consolidated financial statements:

Determination of cash-generating units (CGUs)
The identification of CGUs and grouping of assets into the respective CGUs is based on currently available information about 
actual utilization experience and expected future business plans. Management has taken into consideration various factors 
in identifying its CGUs. These factors include how the Company manages and monitors its operations, the nature of each 
CGU’s operations, and the major customer markets they serve. As such, the Company has identified its CGUs for purposes 
of testing the recoverability and impairment of non-financial assets to be Textile & Sewing and Hosiery.

Income taxes
The Company’s income tax provisions and income tax assets and liabilities are based on interpretations of applicable tax 
laws, including income tax treaties between various countries in which the Company operates, as well as underlying rules 
and regulations with respect to transfer pricing. These interpretations involve judgments and estimates and may be challenged 
through government taxation audits that the Company is regularly subject to. New information may become available that 
causes  the  Company  to  change  its  judgment  regarding  the  adequacy  of  existing  income  tax  assets  and  liabilities;  such 
changes will impact net earnings in the period that such a determination is made. 

12.2 Key sources of estimation uncertainty

Key sources of estimation uncertainty that have a significant risk of resulting in a material adjustment to the carrying amount 
of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are as follows:

Allowance for expected credit losses 
The Company makes an assessment of whether accounts receivable are collectable based on an expected credit loss model 
which factors in changes in credit quality since the initial recognition of trade accounts receivable based on customer risk 
categories. Credit quality is assessed by taking into account the financial condition and payment history of the Company's 
customers, and other factors. Furthermore, these estimates must be continuously evaluated and updated. The Company is 
not able to predict changes in the financial condition of its customers, and if circumstances related to its customers’ financial 
condition deteriorate, the estimates of the recoverability of trade accounts receivable could be materially affected and the 
Company could be required to record additional allowances. Alternatively, if the Company provides more allowances than 
needed, a reversal of a portion of such allowances in future periods may be required based on actual collection experience. 

Sales promotional programs
In the normal course of business, certain incentives, including discounts and rebates, are granted to our customers. At the 
time of sale, estimates are made for customer price discounts and rebates based on the terms of existing programs. Accruals 
required for new programs, which relate to prior sales, are recorded at the time the new program is introduced. Sales are 
recorded net of these program costs and a provision for estimated sales returns, which is based on historical experience, 
current  trends  and  other  known  factors.  If  actual  price  discounts,  rebates,  or  returns  differ  from  estimates,  significant 
adjustments to net sales could be required in future periods.

Inventory valuation
The Company regularly reviews inventory quantities on hand and records a provision for those inventories no longer deemed 
fully recoverable. The cost of inventories may no longer be recoverable if those inventories are slow moving, discontinued, 
damaged, if they have become obsolete, or if their selling prices or estimated forecast of product demand decline. If actual 

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 31

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

market conditions are less favorable than previously projected or if liquidation of the inventory which is no longer deemed 
fully recoverable is more difficult than anticipated, additional provisions may be required.

Business combinations
Business combinations are accounted for in accordance with the acquisition method. On the date that control is obtained, 
the identifiable assets, liabilities, and contingent liabilities of the acquired company are measured at their fair value. Depending 
on the complexity of determining these valuations, the Company uses appropriate valuation techniques which are generally 
based  on  a  forecast  of  the  total  expected  future  net  discounted  cash  flows.  These  valuations  are  linked  closely  to  the 
assumptions made by management regarding the future performance of the related assets and the discount rate applied as 
it would be assumed by a market participant. 

Recoverability and impairment of non-financial assets
The calculation of fair value less costs of disposal or value in use for purposes of measuring the recoverable amount of non-
financial  assets  involves  the  use  of  significant  assumptions  and  estimates  with  respect  to  a  variety  of  factors,  including 
expected sales, gross margins, SG&A expenses, cash flows, capital expenditures, and the selection of an appropriate earnings 
multiple or discount rate, all of which are subject to inherent uncertainties and subjectivity. The assumptions are based on 
annual business plans and other forecasted results, earnings multiples obtained by using market comparables as references, 
and discount rates which are used to reflect market-based estimates of the risks associated with the projected cash flows, 
based on the best information available as of the date of the impairment test. Changes in circumstances, such as technological 
advances, adverse changes in third-party licensing arrangements, changes to the Company’s business strategy, and changes 
in economic and market conditions can result in actual useful lives and future cash flows that differ significantly from estimates 
and could result in increased charges for amortization or impairment. Revisions to the estimated useful lives of finite-life non-
financial assets or future cash flows constitute a change in accounting estimate and are applied prospectively. There can be 
no assurance that the estimates and assumptions used in the impairment tests will prove to be accurate predictions of the 
future. If the future adversely differs from management’s best estimate of key economic assumptions and the associated 
cash flows materially decrease, the Company may be required to record material impairment charges related to its non-
financial  assets.  Please  refer  to  note  10  of  the  audited  annual  consolidated  financial  statements  for  the  year  ended 
December 30, 2018 for additional details on the recoverability of the Company’s cash-generating units.

Valuation of statutory severance obligations and the related costs 
The valuation of the statutory severance obligations and the related costs requires economic assumptions, including discount 
rates and expected rates of compensation increases, and participant demographic assumptions. The actuarial assumptions 
used may differ materially from year to year due to changing market and economic conditions, resulting in significant increases 
or decreases in the obligations and related costs.

Measurement of the estimate of expected costs for decommissioning and site restoration 
The measurement of the provision for decommissioning and site restoration costs requires assumptions including expected 
timing of the event which would result in the outflow of resources, the range of possible methods of decommissioning and 
site restoration, and the expected costs that would be incurred to settle any decommissioning and site restoration liabilities. 
The Company has measured the provision using the present value of the expected costs, which requires an assumed discount 
rate.  Revisions  to  any  of  the  assumptions  and  estimates  used  by  management  may  result  in  changes  to  the  expected 
expenditures to settle the liability, which would require adjustments to the provision and which may have an impact on the 
operating results of the Company in the period the change occurs.

Income taxes
The Company has unused available tax losses and deductible temporary differences in certain jurisdictions. The Company 
recognizes deferred income tax assets for these unused tax losses and deductible temporary differences only to the extent 
that, in management’s opinion, it is probable that future taxable profit will be available against which these available tax 
losses  and  temporary  differences  can  be  utilized. The  Company’s  projections  of  future  taxable  profit  involve  the  use  of 
significant assumptions and estimates with respect to a variety of factors, including future sales and operating expenses. 
There can be no assurance that the estimates and assumptions used in our projections of future taxable income will prove 
to be accurate predictions of the future, and in the event that our assessment of the recoverability of these deferred tax assets 
changes  in  the  future,  a  material  reduction  in  the  carrying  value  of  these  deferred  tax  assets  could  be  required,  with  a 
corresponding charge to net earnings.

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 32

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

13.0 ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NOT YET APPLIED

13.1 Accounting policies

The Company’s audited consolidated financial statements for fiscal 2018 were prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued 
by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), using the same accounting policies as those applied in its fiscal 
2017 audited annual consolidated financial statements.

13.2 New accounting standards and interpretations not yet applied

The following new accounting standards are not effective for the year ended December 30, 2018, and have not been applied 
in preparing the audited annual consolidated financial statements.

Leases
In January 2016, the IASB issued IFRS 16, Leases, which specifies how an entity will recognize, measure, present, and 
disclose leases. The standard provides a single lessee accounting model, requiring lessees to recognize assets and liabilities 
for all leases unless the Company elects to exclude leases when the lease term is twelve months or less, or the underlying 
asset has a low monetary value.  Lessors continue to classify leases as operating or finance, with IFRS 16’s approach to 
lessor accounting substantially unchanged from its predecessor, IAS 17. IFRS 16 applies to annual reporting periods beginning 
on or after January 1, 2019, with earlier adoption permitted only if IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, has 
also been applied. The Company will adopt the new standard in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 using the modified retrospective 
transition method. The Company expects that the initial adoption of IFRS 16 will result in approximately $80 million of right-
of-use assets and approximately $88 million of operating lease liabilities (primarily for the rental of premises) being recognized 
in the consolidated statement of financial position. Provisions related to lease exit costs are expected to be reduced by 
approximately $5 million, and deferred lease credits (relating to lease inducements) currently recorded in accounts payable 
and  accrued  liabilities  are  expected  to  be  reduced  by  approximately  $2  million,  as  a  result  of  the  adoption  of  IFRS  16. 
Accordingly, the Company expects to record an adjustment to reduce opening retained earnings by approximately $1 million 
from the initial adoption of IFRS 16. The Company also expects a decrease of its operating lease costs, offset by an increase 
of its depreciation and amortization and financial expenses resulting from the changes in the recognition, measurement, and 
presentation requirements. However, no significant impact on net earnings is expected at this time. The Company is completing 
the assessment of the overall impact on the Company’s disclosures and is addressing any system and process changes 
necessary to compile the information to meet the recognition and disclosure requirements of the new guidance starting in 
the first quarter of fiscal 2019. 

Uncertain Income Tax Treatments
In June 2017, the IASB issued IFRIC 23, Uncertainty Over Income Tax Treatments, which clarifies how to apply the recognition 
and measurement requirements in IAS 12, Income Taxes, when there is uncertainty regarding income tax treatments. The 
Interpretation addresses whether an entity needs to consider uncertain tax treatments separately, the assumptions an entity 
should make about the examination of tax treatments by taxation authorities, how an entity should determine taxable profit 
and loss, tax bases, unused tax losses, unused tax credits, and tax rates, and how an entity considers changes in facts and 
circumstances in such determinations. IFRIC 23 applies to annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019, 
with earlier adoption permitted. The Company does not expect any significant impacts from the adoption of IFRIC 23 on its 
consolidated financial statements.

14.0 DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

As stated in the Canadian Securities Administrators’ National Instrument 52-109, Certification of Disclosure in Issuers’ Annual 
and Interim Filings and Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, disclosure controls 
and procedures means controls and other procedures of an issuer that are designed to provide reasonable assurance that 
information required to be disclosed by the issuer in its annual filings, interim filings, or other reports filed or submitted by it 
under securities legislation is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the securities 
legislation and include controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by an issuer in 
its  annual  filings,  interim  filings,  or  other  reports  filed  or  submitted  under  securities  legislation  is  accumulated  and 
communicated to the issuer’s management, including its certifying officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding 
required disclosure. 

An evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 30, 2018 was carried out under 
the supervision of, and with the participation of, our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial 
Officer. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure 
controls and procedures were effective as of December 30, 2018.

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 33

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

15.0 INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

15.1 Management’s annual report on internal control over financial reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such 
term is defined in Rules 13(a)-15(f) and 15(d)-15(f) under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and under National 
Instrument 52-109. 

Our internal control over financial reporting means a process designed by, or under the supervision of, an issuer’s certifying 
officers, and effected by the issuer’s board of directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance 
regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance 
with the issuer’s GAAP and includes those policies and procedures that: (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in 
reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets; (2) are designed to provide 
reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance 
with International Financial Reporting Standards, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance 
with  authorization  of  our  management  and  directors;  and  (3)  are  designed  to  provide  reasonable  assurance  regarding 
prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect 
on the annual financial statements or interim financial reports.

The design of any system of controls and procedures is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of certain 
events. There  can  be  no  assurance  that  any  design  will  succeed  in  achieving  its  stated  goals  under  all  potential  future 
conditions, regardless of how remote. As a result, due to its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may 
not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the 
risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies 
or procedures may deteriorate. 

Under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, management 
conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, as of December 30, 2018, based 
on  the  framework  set  forth  in  Internal  Control-Integrated  Framework  (2013)  issued  by  the  Committee  of  Sponsoring 
Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on that evaluation under this framework, our Chief Executive 
Officer  and  our  Chief  Financial  Officer  concluded  that  our  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  was  effective  as  of 
December 30, 2018.

15.2 Attestation report of independent registered public accounting firm

KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, which audited and reported on our financial statements in this 
Report to Shareholders, has issued an unqualified report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting 
as of December 30, 2018.

15.3 Changes in internal control over financial reporting

There have been no changes that occurred during the period beginning on October 1, 2018 and ended on December 30, 
2018 in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, 
our internal control over financial reporting.

16.0 RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

In addition to the risks previously described under the sections “Financial risk management”, “Critical accounting estimates 
and judgments”, and those described elsewhere in this MD&A, this section describes the principal risks that could have a 
material and adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or business, cash flows, or the trading price of 
our common shares, as well as cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations expressed in or implied by our 
forward-looking statements. The risks listed below are not the only risks that could affect the Company. Additional risks and 
uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial may also materially adversely affect our 
financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, or business. 

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 34

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Our ability to implement our growth strategies and plans 
The growth of our business depends on the successful execution of our key strategic initiatives, which are described in 
section 4.0 of this MD&A. Although we are currently selling fashion basics in North America and we have been growing our 
sales of imprintables in international markets, we may not be successful in further increasing our penetration in these markets, 
as the required skill set, capabilities, and brand positioning to do so may be different than those the Company possesses or 
has the ability to develop.  Our sales growth opportunities may be limited or negatively impacted by customers, including 
wholesale distributors and retailers pursuing growth of their own private label offerings that we do not supply and ultimately 
compete against our own brands. With the rising trend of retailers shifting focus to proprietary private label offerings, our 
growth  prospects  may  be  limited  or  negatively  impacted  if  we  are  unsuccessful  in  securing  these  types  of  private  label 
programs. Our financial performance may be negatively impacted if new business that we secure in existing or new channels 
of distribution has lower economic returns. As consumers increasingly migrate towards on-line shopping, our future sales 
may be negatively impacted if we fail to continue to grow our sales with, and service, major retailers' e-commerce businesses 
or fail to adequately develop our own capabilities to service consumers directly. From a manufacturing perspective, there 
can be no assurance that we will successfully add new capacity or that we will not encounter operational issues that may 
affect or disrupt our current production or supply chain or delay the ramp-up of new facilities required to support sales growth. 
Our ability to generate cash flows from operations will depend on the success we have in executing our key strategic initiatives, 
which in turn will ultimately impact our ability to pursue acquisition opportunities. Furthermore, we may be unable to identify 
acquisition targets, successfully integrate a newly acquired business, or achieve expected benefits and synergies from such 
integration.

Our ability to compete effectively 
The markets for our products are highly competitive and evolving rapidly. Competition is generally based upon price, quality 
and  consistency,  comfort,  fit,  style,  brand,  and  service.  Our  competitive  strengths  include  our  expertise  in  building  and 
operating large-scale, vertically integrated manufacturing hubs which have allowed us to operate efficiently and reduce costs, 
offer competitive pricing, and provide a reliable supply chain. There can be no assurance that we will be able to maintain our 
low cost manufacturing and distribution structure and remain competitive. As discussed in section 3.4 of this MD&A, we 
compete with domestic and international manufacturers, brands of well-established U.S. apparel and sportswear companies, 
as well as our own customers, including retailers and wholesale distributors that are selling basic apparel products under 
their own private label brands that compete directly with our brands. In addition, shopping trends are also evolving, on-line 
shopping is growing rapidly, and e-commerce is further intensifying competition in the market as it facilitates competitive 
entry  and  comparison  shopping.  Failure  to  compete  effectively  and  respond  to  evolving  trends  in  the  market,  including 
intensifying competition from private label brands and e-commerce, and failure to adapt our operations to service the changing 
needs of our customers could have a negative impact on our business and results of operations. Any changes in our ability 
to compete effectively in the future may result in the loss of customers to competitors, reduction in customer orders or shelf 
space, lower prices or the need for additional customer price incentives, and other forms of marketing support to our customers, 
all of which could have a negative effect on our profitability if we are unable to offset such negative impacts with new business 
or cost reductions. 

Our ability to integrate acquisitions
The Company’s strategic opportunities include potential complementary acquisitions that could support, strengthen, or expand 
our business. The integration of newly acquired businesses may prove to be more challenging, take more time than originally 
anticipated, or result in significant additional costs and/or operational issues, all of which could negatively affect our financial 
condition and results of operations. In addition, we may not be able to fully realize expected synergies and other benefits. 

We may be negatively impacted by changes in general economic and financial conditions 
General economic and financial conditions, globally or in one or more of the markets we serve, may negatively affect our 
business.  If  there  is  a  decline  in  economic  growth  and  in  consumer  and  commercial  activity,  and/or  if  adverse  financial 
conditions exist in the credit markets, as in the case of the global credit crisis in 2008 and 2009, this may lead to lower demand 
for our products resulting in sales volume reductions and lower selling prices and may cause us to operate at levels below 
our optimal production capacity, which would result in higher unit production costs, all of which could negatively affect our 
profitability and reduce cash flows from operations. Weak economic and financial conditions could also negatively affect the 
financial condition of our customers, which could result in lower sales volumes and increased credit risk. The nature and 
extent of the Company’s credit risks are described under the section “Financial risk management” in this MD&A. 

We rely on a small number of significant customers
We rely on a small number of customers for a significant portion of our total sales. In fiscal 2018, our top three customers 
accounted for 19.0%, 10.0% and 7.6% (2017 - 16.5%, 7.6% and 11.9%) of total sales respectively, and our top ten customers 
accounted for 56.5% (2017 - 58.3%) of total sales. We expect that these customers will continue to represent a significant 
portion of our sales in the future. 

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 35

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Future sales volumes and profitability could be negatively affected should one or more of the following events occur:

• 

• 

• 
• 

a significant customer substantially reduces its purchases or ceases to buy from us, or we elect to reduce its volume 
of business with or cease to sell to a significant customer, and we cannot replace that business with sales to other 
customers on similar terms;
a large customer exercises its purchasing power to negotiate lower prices or higher price discounts or requires us 
to incur additional service and other costs;
further industry consolidation leads to greater customer concentration and competition; and
a customer encounters financial difficulties and is unable to meet its financial obligations.

Our customers do not commit to purchase minimum quantities 
Our contracts with our customers do not require them to purchase a minimum quantity of our products or commit to minimum 
shelf space allocation for our products. If any of our customers experience a significant business downturn or fail to remain 
committed to our products, they may reduce or discontinue purchases from us. Although we have maintained long-term 
relationships with many of our wholesale distributor and retail customers, there can be no assurance that historic levels of 
business from any of our customers will continue in the future. 

Our ability to anticipate, identify, or react to changes in consumer preferences and trends 
While we currently focus on basic products, the apparel industry, particularly within the retail channel, is subject to evolving 
consumer preferences and trends. Our success may be negatively impacted by changes in consumer preferences which do 
not fit with Gildan’s core competency of marketing and large-scale manufacturing of basic apparel products. If we are unable 
to successfully anticipate, identify or react to changing styles or trends, or misjudge the market for our products, our sales 
could be negatively impacted and we may be faced with unsold inventory which could negatively impact our profitability. In 
addition, when introducing new products for our customers we may incur additional costs and transitional manufacturing 
inefficiencies as we ramp-up production or upgrade manufacturing capabilities to support such customer programs, which 
could negatively impact our profitability. 

Our ability to manage production and inventory levels effectively in relation to changes in customer demand
Demand for our products may vary from year to year. We aim to appropriately balance our production and inventory with our 
ability to meet market demand. Based on discussions with our customers and internally generated projections reflecting our 
analysis of factors impacting industry demand, we produce and carry finished goods inventory to meet the expected demand 
for delivery of specific product categories. If, after producing and carrying inventory in anticipation of deliveries, demand is 
significantly less than expected, we may have to carry inventory for extended periods of time, or sell excess inventory at 
reduced prices. In either case, our profits would be reduced. Excess inventory could also result in lower production levels, 
resulting in lower plant and equipment utilization and lower absorption of fixed operating costs. Alternatively, we are also 
exposed to loss of sales opportunities and market share if we produce insufficient inventory to satisfy our customers’ demand 
for specific product categories as a result of underestimating market demand or not meeting production targets, in which 
case our customers could seek to fulfill their product needs from competitors and reduce the amount of business they do 
with us. 

We may be negatively impacted by fluctuations and volatility in the price of raw materials used to manufacture our 
products 
Cotton and polyester fibers are the primary raw materials used in the manufacture of our products. We also use chemicals, 
dyestuffs, and trims which we purchase from a variety of suppliers. The price of cotton fluctuates and is affected by consumer 
demand, global supply, which may be impacted by weather conditions in any given year, speculation in the commodities 
market, the relative valuations and fluctuations of the currencies of producer versus consumer countries, and other factors 
that are generally unpredictable and beyond our control. In addition, fluctuations in crude oil or petroleum prices affect our 
energy consumption costs and can also influence transportation costs and the cost of related items used in our business, 
such as polyester fibers, chemicals, dyestuffs, and trims. As discussed under the heading entitled “Commodity risk” in the 
“Financial risk management” section of this MD&A, the Company purchases cotton and polyester fibers through its yarn-
spinning facilities, and also purchases processed cotton yarn and blended yarn from outside vendors, at prices that are 
correlated with the price of cotton and polyester fibers. The Company may enter into contracts up to eighteen months in 
advance of future delivery dates to establish fixed prices for cotton, cotton-based yarn, and polyester fiber purchases and 
reduce the effect of price fluctuations in the cost of cotton and polyester fibers used in the manufacture of its products. For 
future delivery periods where such fixed price contracts have been entered into, the Company will be protected against cotton 
and polyester fiber price increases but would not be able to benefit from cotton or polyester fiber price decreases. Conversely, 
in the event that we have not entered into sufficient fixed priced contracts for cotton or polyester fibers, or have not made 
other arrangements to lock in the price of cotton or polyester fibers in advance of delivery, we will not be protected against 
price increases, but will be in a position to benefit from any price decreases. A significant increase in raw material costs, 
particularly cotton and polyester fiber costs, could have an negative effect on our business, results of operations, and financial 
condition,  if  the  increase  or  part  of  the  increase  is  not  mitigated  through  additional  manufacturing  and  distribution  cost 

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 36

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

reductions and/or higher selling prices, or if resulting selling price increases negatively impact demand for the Company’s 
products. In addition, when the Company fixes its cotton and polyester fiber costs for future delivery periods and the cost of 
cotton or polyester fibers subsequently decreases significantly for that delivery period, the Company may need to reduce 
selling prices, which could have a negative effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

We rely on key suppliers 
Our ability to meet our customers’ needs depends on our ability to maintain an uninterrupted supply of raw materials and 
finished goods from third-party suppliers. More specifically, we source cotton, cotton-based yarns, polyester fibers, chemicals, 
dyestuffs, and trims primarily from a limited number of outside suppliers. In addition, a substantial portion of the products 
sold under the Gold Toe® portfolio of brands and licensed brands are purchased from a number of third-party suppliers. Our 
business, results of operations, and financial condition could be negatively affected if there is a significant change in our 
relationship with any of our principal suppliers of raw materials or finished goods, or if any of these key suppliers have difficulty 
sourcing cotton fibers and other raw materials, experience production disruptions, fail to maintain production quality, fail to 
qualify under our social compliance program, experience transportation disruptions or encounter financial difficulties. These 
events can result in lost sales, cancellation charges, or excessive markdowns, all of which can have a negative effect on our 
business, results of operations, and financial condition.

We may be negatively impacted by climate, political, social, and economic risks in the countries in which we operate 
or from which we source production 
The majority of our products are manufactured in Central America, primarily in Honduras and Nicaragua, as well as the 
Caribbean Basin, and to a lesser extent in Bangladesh, as described in the section entitled “Our operations” in this MD&A. 
We also purchase significant volumes of socks from third-party suppliers in Asia. Some of the countries in which we operate 
or source from have experienced political, social, and economic instability in the past, and we cannot be certain of their future 
stability. In addition, most of our facilities are located in geographic regions that are exposed to the risk of, and have experienced 
in the past, hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes. Any such events in the future could have a negative impact on our business. 

The following conditions or events could disrupt our supply chain, interrupt production at our facilities or those of our suppliers, 
increase our cost of sales and other operating expenses, result in a loss of sales, asset losses, or require additional capital 
expenditures to be incurred:

• 

• 
• 
• 

fires, pandemics,  extraordinary  weather conditions,  or natural  disasters, such  as  hurricanes,  tornadoes, floods, 
tsunamis, typhoons, and earthquakes;
political instability, social and labour unrest, war, or terrorism;
disruptions in port activities, shipping and freight forwarding services; and
interruptions in the availability of basic services and infrastructure, including power and water shortages.

Our insurance programs do not cover every potential loss associated with our operations, including potential damage to 
assets, lost profits, and liability that could result from the aforementioned conditions or events. In addition, our insurance 
may not fully cover the consequences resulting from a loss event, due to insurance limits, sub-limits, or policy exclusions. 
Any occurrence not fully covered by insurance could have a negative effect on our business.

Compliance with laws and regulations in the various countries in which we operate and the potential negative effects 
of litigation and/or regulatory actions 
Our business is subject to a wide variety of laws and regulations across all of the countries in which we do business, which 
involves  the  risk  of  legal  and  regulatory  actions  regarding  such  matters  as  international  trade,  competition,  taxation, 
environmental, health and safety, product liability, employment practices, patent and trademark infringement, corporate and 
securities legislation, licensing and permits, data privacy, bankruptcies, and other claims. Some of these compliance risks 
are further described in this "Risks and uncertainties" section of the MD&A. In the event of non-compliance with such laws 
and regulations, we may be subject to regulatory actions, claims and/or litigation which could result in fines, penalties, claim 
settlement costs or damages awarded to plaintiffs, legal defense costs, product recalls and related costs, remediation costs, 
incremental operating costs and capital expenditures to improve future/ongoing compliance, and damage to the Company’s 
reputation.  In  addition,  non-compliance  with  certain  laws  and  regulations  could  result  in  regulatory  actions  that  could 
temporarily or permanently restrict or limit our ability to conduct operations as planned, potentially resulting in lost sales, 
closure costs, and asset write-offs. Due to the inherent uncertainties of litigation or regulatory actions in both domestic and 
foreign jurisdictions, we cannot accurately predict the ultimate outcome of any such proceedings. 

Laws and regulations are constantly changing and are often complex, and future compliance cannot be assured. Changes 
necessary to maintaining compliance with these laws and regulations may increase future compliance costs and have other 
negative impacts on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 37

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

As part of the regulatory and legal environments in which we operate, Gildan is subject to anti-bribery laws that prohibit 
improper payments directly or indirectly to government officials, authorities, or persons defined in those anti-bribery laws in 
order to obtain business or other improper advantages in the conduct of business. Failure by our employees, subcontractors, 
suppliers, agents, and/or partners to comply with anti-bribery laws could impact Gildan in various ways that include, but are 
not limited to, criminal, civil and administrative legal sanctions, negative publicity, and could have a negative effect on our 
reputation as well as our business, results of operations, and financial condition.

We rely on certain international trade agreements and preference programs and are subject to evolving international 
trade regulations 
As  a  multinational  corporation,  we  are  affected  by  domestic  tariffs,  including  the  potential  imposition  of  anti-dumping  or 
countervailing duties on our raw materials and finished goods, international trade legislation, bilateral and multilateral trade 
agreements and trade preference programs in the countries in which we operate, source, and sell products. In order to remain 
globally competitive, we have situated our manufacturing facilities in strategic locations to benefit from various free trade 
agreements  and  trade  preference  programs.  Furthermore,  management  continuously  monitors  new  developments  and 
evaluates risks relating to duties including anti-dumping and countervailing duties, tariffs, and trade restrictions that could 
impact our approach to global manufacturing and sourcing, and makes adjustments as needed. The Company relies on a 
number of preferential trade programs which provide duty free access to the U.S. market for goods meeting specified rules 
of origin, including the Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act (CBTPA), the Dominican Republic - Central America - United 
States Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR), the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the Haitian Hemispheric 
Opportunity  through  Partnership  Encouragement  (HOPE),  which  allow  qualifying  textiles  and  apparel  from  participating 
countries duty-free access to the U.S. market. The Company relies on similar arrangements to access the European Union, 
Canada, and other markets. Changes to trade agreements or trade preference programs that the Company currently relies 
on  may  negatively  impact  our  global  competitive  position. The  likelihood  that  the  agreements  and  preference  programs 
around which we have built our manufacturing supply chain will be modified, repealed, or allowed to expire, and the extent 
of the impact of such changes on our business, cannot be determined with certainty.

Recently there has been an increasing focus on U.S. domestic manufacturing that has drawn worldwide attention. The current 
U.S. Administration  is  encouraging  companies  to  manufacture  in  the  U.S.  While  a  significant  proportion  of  our  costs  to 
manufacture our products originate in the United States, the Company also has significant operations outside the U.S. There 
can be no assurance that the recent and continuing focus in this area may not attract negative publicity on the Company and 
its activities, lead to adverse changes in international trade agreements and preference programs that the Company currently 
relies on, the implementation of anti-dumping or countervailing duties on the imports of our raw materials and finished goods 
into the U.S. from other countries, or lead to further tax reform in the U.S. that could increase our effective income tax rate. 
Furthermore, the imposition of non-tariff barriers by the countries into which we sell our products internationally may also 
impact our ability to service such markets. Any of such outcomes could negatively impact our ability to compete effectively 
and negatively affect our results of operations.

Most trade agreements provide for the application of special safeguards in the form of reinstatement of normal duties if 
increased imports constitute a substantial cause of serious injury, or threat thereof, to a domestic industry. The likelihood 
that a safeguard will be adopted and the extent of its impact on our business cannot be determined with certainty.

Furthermore, the imposition of any new domestic tariffs in any of the countries in which we operate may also negatively 
impact our global competitive position. For example, United States domestic law provides for the application of anti-dumping 
or countervailing duties on imports of products from certain countries into the United States should determinations be made 
by the relevant agencies that such imported products have been subsidized and/or are being sold at less than “fair value” 
and that such imports are causing a material injury to the domestic industry. The mechanism to implement anti-dumping and 
countervailing duties is available to every World Trade Organization member country. The impact of the imposition of such 
duties on products we import into the U.S. or other markets cannot be determined with certainty.

Following the United States’ January 2017 withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP), the remaining 
countries participating in the TPP, namely, Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, 
Singapore, and Vietnam negotiated and agreed to a revised trade agreement known as the Comprehensive Progressive 
Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). CPTPP has been ratified by Australia, Canada, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore, 
and Vietnam and officially came in force on December 30, 2018. The remaining participating countries (Brunei, Chile, Malaysia, 
and Peru) will not benefit or be bound by the agreement until they complete their ratification process. CPTPP may negatively 
affect our competitive position in some of the countries in which we sell our products.

In 2018, the United States, Canada, and Mexico concluded a renegotiated agreement of NAFTA referred to as the United 
States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The USMCA is expected to replace NAFTA once it has been ratified by each 
of the member countries. The USMCA brings more closely into alignment the apparel rules of origin with those of CAFTA-

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 38

 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

DR. NAFTA will remain in effect until the USMCA is ratified by each member country. There is a risk that the United States 
could  withdraw  from  NAFTA  if  the  USMCA  is  not  ratified  by  U.S.  Congress.  The  termination  of  NAFTA  without  the  full 
implementation of USMCA could adversely impact the overall competitiveness of products we ship to the U.S., Canada, and 
Mexico from our Mexican and Canadian manufacturing supply chains, as applicable.

The European Union has an Association Agreement with Central America, including Honduras and Nicaragua, where we 
have  production  operations.  The  European  Union  also  has preferential  trade  arrangements  with  other  countries.  The 
European Union maintains a Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) and the Everything But Arms programs (EBA). These 
programs allow free or reduced duty entry into the European Union of qualifying articles, including apparel, from developing 
countries and least developed countries where we have manufacturing operations, including Haiti and Bangladesh. The 
European Union also affords preference to qualifying apparel from notable production venues including Vietnam, Myanmar 
and  Pakistan,  which  could  negatively  impact  our  competitive  position  in  the  European  Union.  Any  changes  to  these 
agreements, could have a negative impact on our operations.

On June 23, 2016, the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union with a scheduled exit date of March 29, 2019 
(Brexit). A proposed agreement between the United Kingdom and the European Union on the terms of the withdrawal and 
the future relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union was defeated in the U.K. Parliament and at 
this time, the prospects of an alternative agreement are unclear, thus increasing the possibility of a “no-deal Brexit,” which, 
absent any extension or,  potential transition period that could ease the impact on trade between the parties, could result in 
the loss of certain efficiencies in our European distribution network. With respect to trade between the United Kingdom and 
third countries with which the European Union has trade agreements in effect, if the United Kingdom fails to timely implement 
identical or similar agreements or programs to the ones in effect with the European Union, it could negatively impact the 
competitiveness of our supply chain in servicing the United Kingdom market.

The People's Republic of China extends duty-free and quota-free trade benefits under the Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement to 
qualifying  apparel  articles  from  Bangladesh,  including  certain  chief-weight  cotton  apparel  articles. Any  changes  to  this 
agreement could have a negative impact on our operations.

A segment of our goods from China have been subject to tariffs by the U.S. which are over-and-above the normal applicable 
duty rates. Furthermore, the tariffs on these goods may further increase or additional goods may become subject to tariffs 
in the absence of an agreement between the U.S. and China which could have a negative impact on our operations. 

Overall, new agreements or arrangements that further liberalize access to our key country markets could negatively impact 
our competitiveness in those markets. The likelihood that any such agreements, measures, or programs will be adopted, or 
that the agreements and preference programs around which we have built our manufacturing supply chain will be modified, 
repealed, or allowed to expire, and the extent of the impact of such changes on our business, cannot be determined with 
certainty.

In addition, the Company is subject to customs audits as well as valuation and origin verifications in the various countries in 
which it operates. Although we believe that our customs compliance programs are effective at ensuring the eligibility of all 
goods  manufactured  for  the  preferential  treatment  claimed  upon  importation,  we  cannot  predict  the  outcome  of  any 
governmental audit or inquiry.

The Company operates a U.S. foreign trade zones (FTZ) at its distribution warehouse in North Carolina. FTZs enhance 
efficiencies in the customs entry process and allow for the non-application of duty on certain goods distributed internationally. 
FTZs are highly regulated operations and while the Company believes it has adequate systems and controls in place to 
manage the regulatory requirements associated with its FTZ, we cannot predict the outcome of any governmental audit or 
examination of its FTZ.

In recent years, governmental bodies have responded to the increased threat of terrorist activity by requiring greater levels 
of inspection of imported goods and imposing security requirements on importers, carriers, and others in the global supply 
chain. These added requirements can sometimes cause delays and increase costs in bringing imported goods to market. 
We believe we have effectively addressed these requirements in order to maximize velocity in our supply chain, but changes 
in security requirements or tightening of security procedures, for example, in the aftermath of a terrorist incident, could cause 
delays in our goods reaching the markets in which we distribute our products.

Textile and apparel articles are generally not subject to specific export restrictions or licensing requirements in the countries 
where we manufacture and distribute goods. However, the creation of export licensing requirements, imposition of restrictions 
on export quantities, or specification of minimum export prices could potentially have a negative impact on our business. In 
addition, unilateral and multilateral sanctions and restrictions on dealings with certain countries and persons are unpredictable, 

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 39

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

continue to emerge and evolve in response to international economic and political events, and could impact our trading 
relationships with vendors or customers.

Factors or circumstances that could increase our effective income tax rate 
The Company benefits from a low overall effective corporate tax rate as the majority of its profits are earned and the majority 
of its sales, marketing, and manufacturing operations are carried out in low tax rate jurisdictions in Central America and the 
Caribbean  Basin. The  Company’s  income  tax  filing  positions  and  income  tax  provisions  are  based  on  interpretations  of 
applicable tax laws in the jurisdictions in which it operates, including income tax treaties between various countries in which 
the Company operates as well as underlying rules and regulations with respect to transfer pricing. These interpretations 
involve judgments and estimates and may be challenged through government taxation audits that the Company is regularly 
subject to. Although the Company believes its tax filing positions are sustainable, we cannot predict with certainty the outcome 
of any audit undertaken by taxation authorities in any jurisdictions in which we operate, and the final result may vary compared 
to the estimates and assumptions used by management in determining the Company’s consolidated income tax provision 
and in valuing its income tax assets and liabilities. Depending on the ultimate outcome of any such audit, there may be a 
negative impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. In addition, if the Company were 
to receive a tax reassessment by a taxation authority prior to the ultimate resolution of an audit, the Company could be 
required to submit an advance deposit on the amount reassessed.

The Company’s overall effective income tax rate may also be adversely affected by the following: changes to current domestic 
laws in the countries in which the Company operates; changes to or terminations of the income tax treaties the Company 
currently relies on; an increase in income and withholding tax rates; changes to free trade and export processing zone rules 
in certain countries where the Company is currently not subject to income tax; changes to guidance regarding the interpretation 
and application of domestic laws, free trade and export processing zones, and income tax treaties; increases in the proportion 
of the Company’s overall profits being earned in higher tax rate jurisdictions due to changes in the locations of the Company’s 
operations; or other factors. 

On December 22, 2017, the United States signed into law the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (U.S. Tax Reform) which reduces the 
federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018. In addition, other changes to U.S. corporate 
tax laws resulting from the U.S. tax reform include the limitation on deductibility of interest expense paid by U.S. corporations 
and the introduction of the base erosion anti-abuse tax that applies an additional tax under certain conditions related to 
certain payments made by U.S. corporations to foreign related parties. Although we do not expect a significant adverse effect 
to our tax rate resulting from the U.S. tax reform, any further significant changes to the current tax rules which govern the 
manner in which sales and profits are taxed in the U.S. could materially increase the effective income tax rate of the Company.

We have not recognized a deferred income tax liability for the undistributed profits of our subsidiaries, as we currently have 
no intention to repatriate these profits. If our expectations or intentions change in the future, we could be required to recognize 
a charge to earnings for the tax liability relating to the undistributed profits of our subsidiaries, which would also result in a 
corresponding cash outflow in the years in which the earnings would be repatriated. As at December 30, 2018, the estimated 
income tax liability that would result in the event of a full repatriation of these undistributed profits is approximately $74 million.

Provisions for uncertain tax positions are measured at the best estimate of the amounts expected to be paid upon ultimate 
resolution. The Company’s overall effective income tax rate is impacted by its assessment of uncertain tax positions and 
whether additional taxes and interest may be due. The Company’s assessment of uncertain tax positions may be negatively 
affected as a result of new information, a change in management’s assessment of the technical merits of its positions, changes 
to tax laws, administrative guidance, and the conclusion of tax audits.

Compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations 
We are subject to various federal, state, local, and other environmental and occupational health and safety laws and regulations 
in the different jurisdictions in which we operate, concerning, among other things, wastewater discharges, air emissions, 
storm water flows, and solid waste disposal. Our manufacturing plants generate some quantities of hazardous waste, which 
are recycled, repurposed, or disposed of by licensed waste management companies. Through our Corporate Environmental 
Policy, Environmental Code of Practice and Environmental Management System, we seek not only to comply with all applicable 
laws and regulations, but also to reduce our environmental footprint through waste prevention, recovery, and treatment. 
Although we believe that we are currently in compliance in all material respects with the regulatory requirements of those 
jurisdictions in which our facilities are located, the extent of our liability, if any, for past failures to comply with laws, regulations, 
and permits applicable to our operations cannot be reasonably determined. In line with our commitment to the environment, 
as well as to the health and safety of our employees, we incur capital and other expenditures each year that are aimed at 
achieving compliance with current environmental standards. There can be no assurance that future changes in federal, state, 
local, or other regulations, interpretations of existing regulations or the discovery of currently unknown problems or conditions 

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 40

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

will not require substantial additional environmental remediation expenditures or fines/penalties or result in a disruption to 
our supply chain that could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operation, or financial condition.

During  fiscal  2013,  Gildan  was  notified  that  a  Gold  Toe  subsidiary  has  been  identified  as  one  of  numerous  “potentially 
responsible  parties”  at  a  certain  waste  disposal  site  undergoing  an  investigation  by  the  Pennsylvania  Department  of 
Environmental Protection under the Pennsylvania Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act and the Solid Waste Management Act. As 
a result of activities alleged to have occurred during the 1980’s, Gildan could be liable to contribute to the costs of any 
investigation or cleanup action which the site may require, although to date we have insufficient information from the authorities 
as to the potential costs of the investigation and cleanup to reasonably estimate Gildan’s share of liability for any such costs, 
if any.

Compliance with product safety regulation 
We are subject to consumer product safety laws and regulations that could affect our business. In the United States, we are 
subject to the Consumer Product Safety Act, as amended by the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008, the 
Federal Hazardous Substances Act, the Flammable Fabrics Act, the Toxic Substances Control Act, and rules and regulations 
enacted pursuant to these statutes. Such laws provide for substantial penalties for non-compliance. These statutes and 
regulations include requirements for testing and certification for flammability of wearing apparel, for lead content and lead in 
surface coatings in children’s products, and for phthalate content in child care articles, including plasticized components of 
children’s sleepwear. We are also subject to similar laws and regulations, and to additional warning and reporting requirements, 
in the various individual states within the U.S. in which our products are sold. 

In Canada, we are subject to similar laws and regulations, including the Hazardous Products Act and the Canada Consumer 
Product Safety Act (the “CCPSA”), which apply to manufacturers, importers, distributors, advertisers, and retailers of consumer 
products.  In  the  European  Union,  we  are  also  subject  to  product  safety  regulations,  including  those  which  are  imposed 
pursuant to the General Product Safety Directive. We are also subject to similar laws and regulations in the other jurisdictions 
in which our products are sold. 

Compliance with existing and future product safety laws and regulations and enforcement policies may require that we incur 
capital and other costs, which may be significant. Non-compliance with applicable product safety laws and regulations may 
result in substantial fines and penalties, costs related to the recall, replacement and disposal of non-compliant products, as 
well as negative publicity which could harm our reputation and result in a loss of sales. Our customers may also require us 
to meet existing and additional consumer safety requirements, which may result in our inability to provide the products in the 
manner required. Although we believe that we are in compliance in all material respects with applicable product safety laws 
and regulations in the jurisdictions in which we operate, the extent of our liability and risk of business interruption, if any, due 
to failures to comply with laws, regulations, and permits applicable to our operations cannot be reasonably determined.

We may be negatively impacted by changes in our relationship with our employees or changes to domestic and 
foreign employment regulations
We employ over 50,000 employees worldwide. As a result, changes in domestic and foreign laws governing our relationships 
with  our  employees,  including  wage  and  human  resources  laws  and  regulations,  fair  labour  standards,  overtime  pay, 
unemployment tax rates, workers’ compensation rates, and payroll taxes, would likely have a direct impact on our operating 
costs. The majority of our employees are employed outside Canada and the United States. A significant increase in wage 
rates or the cost of benefit programs in the countries in which we operate could have a negative impact on our operating 
costs. 

The  Company  has  historically  been  able  to  operate  in  a  productive  manner  in  all  of  its  manufacturing  facilities  without 
experiencing significant labour disruptions, such as strikes or work stoppages. Many of our employees are members of labour 
organizations. The Company is party to collective bargaining agreements at its sewing operations in Nicaragua and Honduras. 
In  connection  with  its  textile  operations  in  the  Dominican  Republic,  the  Company  was  previously  a  party  to  a  collective 
bargaining agreement with a union registered with the Dominican Ministry of Labor, covering approximately 900 employees. 
The collective bargaining agreement was terminated in February 2011 upon the mutual consent of the Company and the 
union, although the union is still claiming to represent a majority of the factory workers. A second union is also claiming that 
it represents the majority of the workers at the plant and the matter is now before the Dominican Republic Labor Court. 
Notwithstanding the termination of the agreement, the Company is continuing to provide all of the benefits to the employees 
covered by the original agreement. If labour relations were to change or deteriorate at any of our facilities or any of our third-
party contractors’ facilities, this could negatively affect the productivity and cost structure of the Company’s manufacturing 
operations.

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 41

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

We  may  experience  negative  publicity  as  a  result  of  actual,  alleged,  or  perceived  violations  of  labour  laws  or 
international labour standards, unethical labour, and other business practices 
We are committed to ensuring that all of our operations and contractor operations comply with our strict internal Code of 
Conduct, local and international laws, and the codes and principles to which we subscribe, including those of the Fair Labor 
Association (FLA) and the Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP). While the majority of our manufacturing 
operations are conducted through Company-owned facilities, we also utilize third-party contractors, which we do not control, 
to complement our vertically integrated production. If one of our own manufacturing operations or one of our third-party 
contractors  or  sub-contractors  violates  or  is  accused  of  violating  local  or  international  labour  laws  or  other  applicable 
regulations, or engages in labour or other business practices that would be viewed, in any market in which our products are 
sold, as unethical, we could experience negative publicity which could harm our reputation and result in a loss of sales.

We may be negatively impacted by changes in third-party licensing arrangements and licensed brands
A number of products are designed, manufactured, sourced, and sold under trademarks that we license from third parties, 
under contractual licensing relationships that are subject to periodic renewal. Because we do not control the brands licensed 
to us, our licensors could make changes to their brands or business models that could result in a significant downturn in a 
brand’s business, negatively affecting our sales and results of operations. If any licensor fails to adequately maintain or 
protect their trademarks, engages in behaviour with respect to the licensed marks that would cause us reputational harm, 
or if any of the brands licensed to us violates the trademark rights of a third-party or are deemed to be invalid or unenforceable, 
we could experience a significant downturn in that brand’s business, negatively affecting our sales and results of operations, 
and we may be required to expend significant amounts on public relations, advertising, legal, and other related costs. In 
addition, if any of these licensors choose to cease licensing these brands to us in the future, our sales and results of operations 
would be negatively affected. 

Our ability to protect our intellectual property rights
Our trademarks are important to our marketing efforts and have substantial value. We aggressively protect these trademarks 
from infringement and dilution through appropriate measures including court actions and administrative proceedings; however, 
the actions we have taken to establish and protect our trademarks and other intellectual property may not be adequate. We 
cannot  be  certain  that  others  will  not  imitate  our  products  or  infringe  our  intellectual  property  rights.  Infringement  or 
counterfeiting of our products could diminish the value of our brands or otherwise negatively affect our business. In addition, 
unilateral actions in the United States or other countries, such as changes to or the repeal of laws recognizing trademark or 
other intellectual property rights, could have an impact on our ability to enforce those rights. 

From time to time we are involved in opposition and cancellation proceedings with respect to our intellectual property, which 
could affect its validity, enforceability, and use. The value of our intellectual property could diminish if others assert rights in, 
or ownership of, or oppose our applications to register our trademarks and other intellectual property rights. In some cases, 
there may be trademark owners who have prior rights to our trademarks or to similar trademarks, which could harm our ability 
to sell products under or register such trademarks. In addition, we have registered trademarks in certain foreign jurisdictions 
and the laws of foreign countries may not protect our intellectual property rights to the same extent as do the laws of the 
United States or Canada. We do not own trademark rights to all of our brands in all jurisdictions, which may limit the future 
sales growth of certain branded products in such jurisdictions. Furthermore, actions we have taken to protect our intellectual 
property rights may not be adequate to prevent others from seeking to invalidate our trademarks or block sales of our products 
as a violation of the trademarks and intellectual property rights of others.  

In some cases, litigation may be necessary to protect our trademarks and other intellectual property rights, to enforce our 
rights or defend against claims by third parties alleging that we infringe, dilute, misappropriate, or otherwise violate third-
party trademark or other intellectual property rights. Any litigation or claims brought by or against us, whether with or without 
merit, and whether successful or not, could result in substantial costs and diversion of our resources, which could have a 
negative effect on our business, financial condition, results of operation and cash flows. Any intellectual property litigation 
claims against us could result in the loss or compromise of our intellectual property rights, could subject us to significant 
liabilities, require us to seek licenses on unfavorable terms, if available at all, and/or require us to rebrand our products and 
services, any of which could negatively affect our business, results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows.

We rely significantly on our information systems for our business operations 
We place significant reliance on our information systems. Our information systems consist of a full range of supply chain and 
financial systems. The systems include applications related to product development, planning, manufacturing, distribution, 
sales, human resources, and financial reporting. We depend on our information systems to operate our business and make 
key decisions. These activities include forecasting demand, purchasing raw materials and supplies, designing products, 
scheduling and managing production, selling to our customers, responding to customer, supplier and other inquiries, managing 
inventories, shipping goods on a timely basis, managing our employees, and summarizing results. There can be no assurance 
that we will not experience operational problems with our information systems as a result of system failures, viruses, information 

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 42

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

security  incidents,  cyber  security  incidents,  disasters  or  other  causes,  or  in  connection  with  upgrade  to  our  systems  or 
implementation of new systems. In addition, there can be no assurance that we will be able to timely modify or adapt our 
systems to meet evolving requirements for our business. Any material disruption or slowdown of our systems could cause 
operational delays and other impacts that could negatively affect our business and results of operations. 

We may be negatively impacted by data security and privacy breaches 
Our business involves the regular collection and use of sensitive and confidential information regarding employees, customers, 
business partners, vendors, and other third parties. These activities are highly regulated and privacy and information security 
laws  are  complex  and  constantly  changing.  Non-compliance  with  these  laws  and  regulations  can  lead  to  legal  liability. 
Furthermore, an information technology system failure or non-availability, cyber security incident, or breach of systems could 
disrupt our operations, cause the loss of, corruption of, or unauthorized access to business information and data, compromise 
confidential information, or expose us to regulatory investigation, litigation, or contractual penalties. Divergent technology 
systems  inherited  through  business  acquisitions  increase  complexity  and  potential  exposure.  We  seek  to  detect  and 
investigate all security incidents and to prevent their occurrence or recurrence. We continue to invest in and improve our 
threat protection, detection and mitigation policies, procedures and controls, and work on increased awareness and enhanced 
protections against cyber security threats. However, given the highly evolving nature and sophistication of these security 
threats or disruptions and their increased frequency, the impact of any future incident cannot be easily predicted or mitigated, 
and the costs related to such threats and disruptions may not be fully insured or indemnified by other means.

We depend on key management and our ability to attract and/or retain key personnel
Our success depends upon the continued contributions of our key management, some of whom have unique talents and 
experience and would be difficult to replace in the short term. The loss or interruption of the services of a key executive could 
have a negative effect on our business during the transitional period that would be required to restructure the organization 
or for a successor to assume the responsibilities of the key management position. Our future success will also depend on 
our ability to attract and retain key managers, sales people, and other personnel. We may not be able to attract or retain 
these employees, which could negatively affect our business.

17.0 DEFINITION AND RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

We use non-GAAP measures to assess our operating performance and financial condition. The terms and definitions of the 
non-GAAP measures used in this MD&A and a reconciliation of each non-GAAP measure to the most directly comparable 
GAAP measure are provided below. The non-GAAP measures are presented on a consistent basis for all periods presented 
in this MD&A. These non-GAAP measures do not have any standardized meanings prescribed by IFRS and are therefore 
unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Accordingly, they should not be considered 
in isolation. 

Adjusted net earnings and adjusted diluted EPS
Adjusted net earnings are calculated as net earnings before restructuring and acquisition-related costs, income taxes relating 
to restructuring and acquisition-related actions, and income taxes relating to the revaluation of deferred income tax assets 
and liabilities as a result of statutory income tax rate changes in the countries in which we operate. Adjusted diluted EPS is 
calculated as adjusted net earnings divided by the diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding. The 
Company uses adjusted net earnings and adjusted diluted EPS to measure its performance from one period to the next, 
without the variation caused by the impacts of the items described above. The Company excludes these items because they 
affect the comparability of its financial results and could potentially distort the analysis of trends in its business performance. 
Excluding these items does not imply they are necessarily non-recurring. 

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 43

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

(in $ millions, except per share amounts)

Net earnings
Adjustments for:
  Restructuring and acquisition-related costs

  Income tax expense relating to restructuring and 

acquisition-related actions(1)

  Income tax expense (recovery) related to the 

revaluation of deferred income tax assets and 
liabilities due to statutory income tax rate changes(2)

Adjusted net earnings
Basic EPS
Diluted EPS
Adjusted diluted EPS

Three months ended

Twelve months ended

December 30,
2018

December 31,
2017

December 30,
2018

December 31,
2017

59.6

21.7

6.6

1.0
88.9
0.29
0.29
0.43

54.9

11.0

3.3

(1.6)
67.6
0.25
0.25
0.31

350.8

362.3

34.2

6.1

2.0
393.1
1.66
1.66
1.86

22.9

3.3

(1.6)
386.9
1.62
1.61
1.72

(1) These income tax expenses relate to the Company’s internal organizational realignment. Pursuant to the initiation and completion of 
this organizational realignment plan, the Company reassessed the recoverability of its deferred income tax assets and the valuation of 
its deferred tax liabilities in the respective jurisdictions affected, resulting in an increase to deferred income tax expense in fiscal 2018 
and 2017 of $6.1 million and $3.3 million, respectively.

(2) The income tax expense for the impact of income tax rate changes are primarily related to the impact of U.S. tax reform, reflecting 
the reduction in the U.S. statutory federal tax rate that took effect in 2018.

Certain minor rounding variances exist between the consolidated financial statements and this summary.

Adjusted operating income and adjusted operating margin
Adjusted operating income is calculated as operating income before restructuring and acquisition-related costs. Adjusted 
operating margin is calculated as adjusted operating income divided by net sales. Management uses adjusted operating 
income and adjusted operating margin to measure its performance from one period to the next, without the variation caused 
by the impacts of the items described above. The Company excludes these items because they affect the comparability of 
its financial results and could potentially distort the analysis of trends in its business performance. Excluding these items 
does not imply they are necessarily non-recurring. 

(in $ millions, or otherwise indicated)

Operating income
Adjustment for:

Restructuring and acquisition-related costs

Adjusted operating income

Three months ended

Twelve months ended

December 30,
2018

December 31,
2017

December 30,
2018

December 31,
2017

78.2

21.7
99.9

62.0

11.0
73.0

403.2

401.0

34.2
437.4

13.9%
15.0%

22.9
423.9

14.6%
15.4%

Operating margin
Adjusted operating margin
Certain minor rounding variances exist between the consolidated financial statements and this summary.

10.5%
13.5%

9.5%
11.2%

Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA is calculated as earnings before financial expenses, income taxes, and depreciation and amortization, and 
excludes  the  impact  of  restructuring  and  acquisition-related  costs.  The  Company uses  adjusted  EBITDA,  among  other 
measures, to assess the operating performance of its business. The Company also believes this measure is commonly used 
by investors and analysts to measure a company’s ability to service debt and to meet other payment obligations, or as a 
common valuation measurement. The Company excludes depreciation and amortization expenses, which are non-cash in 
nature and can vary significantly depending upon accounting methods or non-operating factors. Excluding these items does 
not imply they are necessarily non-recurring. 

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 44

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

(in $ millions)

Three months ended

Twelve months ended

December 30,
2018

December 31,
2017

December 30,
2018

December 31,
2017

Net earnings
Restructuring and acquisition-related costs
Depreciation and amortization
Financial expenses, net
Income tax expense
Adjusted EBITDA
Certain minor rounding variances exist between the consolidated financial statements and this summary.

54.9
11.0
41.0
5.9
1.2
114.0

59.6
21.7
38.0
8.7
10.0
138.0

350.8
34.2
158.1
31.0
21.4
595.5

362.3
22.9
162.2
24.2
14.5
586.1

Free cash flow
Free cash flow is defined as cash from operating activities, less cash flow used in investing activities excluding business 
acquisitions. The Company considers free cash flow to be an important indicator of the financial strength and liquidity of its 
business, and it is a key metric which indicates how much cash is available after capital expenditures to repay debt, to pursue 
business acquisitions, and/or to redistribute to its shareholders. The Company believes this measure is commonly used by 
investors and analysts when valuing a business and its underlying assets. 

(in $ millions)

Cash flows from operating activities
Cash flows used in investing activities

Adjustment for:
  Business acquisitions
Free cash flow
Certain minor rounding variances exist between the consolidated financial statements and this summary.

2018

538.5
(110.9)

1.3
428.9

2017

613.4
(210.0)

115.8
519.2

Total indebtedness and net indebtedness
Total indebtedness is defined as the total bank indebtedness and long-term debt (including any current portion), and net 
indebtedness is calculated as total indebtedness net of cash and cash equivalents. The Company considers total indebtedness 
and net indebtedness to be important indicators of the financial leverage of the Company. 

(in $ millions)

Long-term debt and total indebtedness

Cash and cash equivalents
Net indebtedness
Certain minor rounding variances exist between the consolidated financial statements and this summary.

December 30,
2018

December 31,
2017

669.0

(46.7)
622.3

630.0

(52.8)
577.2

Net debt leverage ratio
The net debt leverage ratio is defined as the ratio of net indebtedness to pro-forma adjusted EBITDA for the trailing twelve 
months. The pro-forma adjusted EBITDA for the trailing twelve months reflects business acquisitions made during the period, 
as if they had occurred at the beginning of the trailing twelve month period. The Company has set a target net debt leverage 
ratio of one to two times pro-forma adjusted EBITDA for the trailing twelve months. The Company uses, and believes that 
certain investors and analysts use the net debt leverage ratio to measure the financial leverage of the Company. 

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 45

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

December 30,
2018

December 31,
2017

595.5

—
595.5

622.3
1.0

586.1

0.3
586.4

577.2
1.0

(in $ millions, or otherwise indicated)

Adjusted EBITDA for the trailing twelve months
Adjustment for:
  Business acquisitions
Pro-forma adjusted EBITDA for the trailing twelve months

Net indebtedness
Net debt leverage ratio
Certain minor rounding variances exist between the consolidated financial statements and this summary.

Return on net assets
Return on net assets (RONA) is defined as the ratio of adjusted net earnings, excluding net financial expenses and the 
amortization of intangible assets (excluding software) net of income tax recoveries, to average net assets for the last five 
quarters. Net assets is defined as the sum of total assets, excluding cash and cash equivalents, deferred income taxes, and 
the accumulated amortization of intangible assets (excluding software), less total current liabilities. The Company uses RONA 
as a performance indicator to measure the efficiency of its invested capital. 

(in $ millions)

Average total assets
Average cash and cash equivalents
Average deferred income taxes
Average accumulated amortization of intangible assets, excluding software
Average total current liabilities
Average net assets

(in $ millions, or otherwise indicated)

Adjusted net earnings
Financial expenses, net (nil income taxes in both years)

Amortization of intangible assets, excluding software (net of income tax recovery of nil 
  in 2018 and $5.0 million in 2017)
Return

December 30,
2018

December 31,
2017

3,084.0
(48.9)
—
138.6
(299.5)
2,874.2

2018

393.1
31.0

22.9
447.0

3,060.8
(48.6)
(0.5)
117.1
(254.7)
2,874.1

2017

386.9
24.2

15.8
426.9

RONA

15.6%

14.9%

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 46

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MANAGEMENT’S RESPONSIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL REPORTING

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared by management and approved by the Board of 
Directors of the Company. The consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with International Financial 
Reporting  Standards  as  issued  by  the  International  Accounting  Standards  Board  and,  where  appropriate,  reflect 
management’s best estimates and judgments. Where alternative accounting methods exist, management has chosen those 
methods deemed most appropriate in the circumstances. Management is responsible for the accuracy, integrity and objectivity 
of the consolidated financial statements within reasonable limits of materiality, and for maintaining a system of internal controls 
over financial reporting as described in “Management’s annual report on internal control over financial reporting” included in 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2018. Management is also responsible for 
the preparation and presentation of other financial information included in the 2018 Annual Report and its consistency with 
the consolidated financial statements.

The Audit  and  Finance  Committee,  which  is  appointed  annually  by  the  Board  of  Directors  and  comprised  exclusively  of 
independent directors, meets with management as well as with the independent auditors and internal auditors to satisfy itself 
that  management  is  properly  discharging  its  financial  reporting  responsibilities  and  to  review  the  consolidated  financial 
statements  and  the  independent  auditors’  report. The Audit  and  Finance  Committee  reports  its  findings  to  the  Board  of 
Directors for consideration in approving the consolidated financial statements for presentation to the shareholders. The Audit 
and Finance Committee considers, for review by the Board of Directors and approval by the shareholders, the engagement 
or reappointment of the independent auditors.

The consolidated financial statements have been independently audited by KPMG LLP, on behalf of the shareholders, in 
accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards and the standards of the Public Company Accounting 
Oversight Board (United States). Their report outlines the nature of their audit and expresses their opinion on the consolidated 
financial statements of the Company. In addition, our auditors have issued a report on the Company’s internal controls over 
financial reporting as of December 30, 2018. KPMG LLP has direct access to the Audit and Finance Committee of the Board 
of Directors.

(Signed: Glenn J. Chamandy)

(Signed: Rhodri J. Harries)

Glenn J. Chamandy
President and Chief Executive Officer

Rhodri J. Harries
Executive Vice-President, 
Chief Financial and Administrative Officer

February 20, 2019

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 47

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Gildan Activewear Inc.

Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position of Gildan Activewear Inc. ("the Company") 
as of December 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the related consolidated statements of earnings and comprehensive 
income, changes in equity, and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes (collectively, the "consolidated 
financial statements"). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial 
position of the Company as of December 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, and its financial performance and its cash flows 
for  the  years  ended  December 30,  2018  and  December  31,  2017,  in  conformity  with  International  Financial  Reporting 
Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) 
("PCAOB"), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 30, 2018, based on criteria established 
in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway 
Commission, and our report dated February 20, 2019 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s 
internal control over financial reporting.

Basis for Opinion 

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express 
an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with 
the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities 
laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform 
the  audit  to  obtain  reasonable  assurance  about  whether  the  consolidated  financial  statements  are  free  of  material 
misstatement,  whether  due  to  error  or  fraud.  Our  audits  included  performing  procedures  to  assess  the  risks  of  material 
misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond 
to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the 
consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates 
made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe 
that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

We have served as the Entity's auditor since fiscal 1996.

Montreal, Canada

February 20, 2019

*CPA auditor, CA, public accountancy permit No. A110592

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

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 48

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Gildan Activewear Inc. 

Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting 

We have audited Gildan Activewear Inc.’s ("the Company") internal control over financial reporting as of December 30, 2018, 
based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring 
Organizations  of  the Treadway  Commission.  In  our  opinion,  the  Company  maintained,  in  all  material  respects,  effective 
internal control over financial reporting as of December 30, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated 
Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.  

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) 
("PCAOB"), the consolidated statements of financial position of the Company as of December 30, 2018 and December 31, 
2017, the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, changes in equity, and cash flows for the years 
ended December 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 and the related notes (collectively, the consolidated financial statements), 
and our report dated February 20, 2019 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

Basis for Opinion 

The  Company’s  management  is  responsible  for  maintaining  effective  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  and  for  its 
assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying “Management’s 
Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting” included in Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year 
ended  December  30,  2018.  Our  responsibility  is  to  express  an  opinion  on  the  Company’s  internal  control  over  financial 
reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent 
with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of 
the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

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

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting 

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

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 49

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

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Montreal, Canada

February 20, 2019

*CPA auditor, CA, public accountancy permit No. A110592

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

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 50

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

GILDAN ACTIVEWEAR INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents (note 6)
Trade accounts receivable (note 7)
Income taxes receivable
Inventories (note 8)
Prepaid expenses, deposits and other current assets

Total current assets
Non-current assets:

Property, plant and equipment (note 9)
Intangible assets (note 10)
Goodwill (note 10)
Other non-current assets

Total non-current assets

Total assets

Current liabilities:

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

Total current liabilities
Non-current liabilities:

Long-term debt (note 11)
Deferred income taxes (note 18)
Other non-current liabilities (note 12)

Total non-current liabilities
Total liabilities

Commitments, guarantees and contingent liabilities (note 23)

Equity (note 13):
Share capital
Contributed surplus
Retained earnings
Accumulated other comprehensive income

Total equity attributable to shareholders of the Company

December 30,
2018

December 31,
2017

$

$

$

46,657
317,159
1,689
940,029
77,377
1,382,911

990,475
393,573
227,362
10,275
1,621,685

3,004,596

346,985
346,985

669,000
12,623
39,916
721,539
1,068,524

159,858
32,490
1,740,342
3,382
1,936,072

$

$

$

52,795
243,365
3,891
945,738
62,092
1,307,881

1,035,818
401,605
226,571
8,830
1,672,824

2,980,705

258,476
258,476

630,000
3,713
37,141
670,854
929,330

159,170
25,208
1,853,457
13,540
2,051,375

Total liabilities and equity

$

3,004,596

$

2,980,705

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

On behalf of the Board of Directors:

(Signed: Glenn J. Chamandy)
Glenn J. Chamandy
Director

(Signed: Russell Goodman)
Russell Goodman
Director

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 51

  
GILDAN ACTIVEWEAR INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Fiscal years ended December 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 
(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share data)

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Net sales (note 25)
Cost of sales

Gross profit

Selling, general and administrative expenses (note 16(a))

Restructuring and acquisition-related costs (note 17)

Operating income

Financial expenses, net (note 14(c))

Earnings before income taxes

Income tax expense (note 18)
Net earnings

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of related income taxes:

Cash flow hedges (note 14(d))

Actuarial loss on employee benefit obligations (note 12(a))

Comprehensive income

Earnings per share (note 19):

Basic

Diluted

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

2018

2017

$

2,908,565
2,102,612

$

2,750,816
1,949,597

805,953

368,546

34,228

403,179

31,045

372,134

21,360
350,774

(10,158)

(1,694)

(11,852)

338,922

1.66

1.66

$

$

$

801,219

377,323

22,894

401,002

24,186

376,816

14,482
362,334

(27,071)

(64)

(27,135)

335,199

1.62

1.61

$

$

$

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 52

  
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

GILDAN ACTIVEWEAR INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
Fiscal years ended December 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 
(in thousands or thousands of U.S. dollars)

Share capital

Number

Amount

Contributed
surplus

Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income (loss)

Retained
earnings

Total
equity

Balance, January 1, 2017

230,218

$ 152,313

$

23,198

$

40,611

$ 1,903,525

$ 2,119,647

Share-based compensation

Shares issued under employee share

purchase plan

Shares issued pursuant to exercise of

stock options

Shares issued or distributed pursuant to

vesting of restricted share units

Shares repurchased for cancellation

(note 13(d))

Share repurchases for settlement of non-

Treasury RSUs (note 13(e))

Dividends declared

—

58

269

364

—

15,706

1,671

—

5,304

(1,914)

7,709

(12,229)

(11,512)

(7,692)

(198)

—

(135)

—

—

—

447

Transactions with shareholders of the

Company recognized directly in equity

(11,019)

6,857

2,010

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

15,706

1,671

3,390

(4,520)

(320,924)

(328,616)

(6,145)

(85,269)

(6,280)

(84,822)

(412,338)

(403,471)

Cash flow hedges (note 14(d))

Actuarial loss on employee benefit

obligations (note 12(a))

Net earnings

Comprehensive income

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(27,071)

—

—

(27,071)

—

(64)

362,334

362,270

(27,071)

(64)

362,334

335,199

Balance, December 31, 2017

219,199

$ 159,170

$

25,208

$

13,540

$ 1,853,457

$ 2,051,375

Adjustments relating to adoption of new
accounting standards (note 2(d))

—

—

—

—

(1,515)

(1,515)

Adjusted balance, January 1, 2018

219,199

159,170

25,208

13,540

1,851,942

2,049,860

Share-based compensation

Shares issued under employee share

purchase plan

Shares issued pursuant to exercise of

stock options

Shares issued or distributed pursuant to

vesting of restricted share units

Shares repurchased for cancellation

(note 13(d))

Share repurchases for settlement of non-

Treasury RSUs (note 13(e))

Dividends declared

—

57

110

226

—

19,351

1,722

2,412

—

(729)

5,952

(12,094)

(12,635)

(9,231)

(225)

—

(167)

—

Transactions with shareholders of the

Company recognized directly in equity

(12,467)

688

Cash flow hedges (note 14(d))

Actuarial loss on employee benefit

obligations (note 12(a))

Net earnings

Comprehensive income

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

754

7,282

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

19,351

1,722

1,683

(6,142)

(358,298)

(367,529)

(7,062)

(95,320)

(7,229)

(94,566)

(460,680)

(452,710)

(10,158)

—

(10,158)

—

—

(10,158)

(1,694)

350,774

349,080

(1,694)

350,774

338,922

Balance, December 30, 2018

206,732

$ 159,858

$

32,490

$

3,382

$ 1,740,342

$ 1,936,072

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 53

  
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

GILDAN ACTIVEWEAR INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Fiscal years ended December 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)

Cash flows from (used in) operating activities:

Net earnings

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to cash flows from operating activities

(note 21(a))

     Changes in non-cash working capital balances:

  Trade accounts receivable
  Income taxes
  Inventories
  Prepaid expenses, deposits and other current assets
  Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

Cash flows from operating activities

Cash flows from (used in) investing activities:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Purchase of intangible assets
Business acquisitions (note 5)
Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment

Cash flows used in investing activities

Cash flows from (used in) financing activities:

Increase in amounts drawn under revolving long-term bank credit facility
Dividends paid
Proceeds from the issuance of shares
Repurchase and cancellation of shares (note 13(d))

Share repurchases for settlement of non-Treasury RSUs (note 13(e))
Withholding taxes paid pursuant to the settlement of non-Treasury RSUs

Cash flows used in financing activities

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents denominated in

foreign currencies

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents during the fiscal year
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of fiscal year
Cash and cash equivalents, end of fiscal year

Cash paid (included in cash flows from operating activities):

Interest
Income taxes, net of refunds

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information (note 21)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

$

$

2018

2017

$

350,774

$

362,334

202,255
553,029

(79,707)
2,115
2,182
(13,807)
74,732
538,544

(107,654)
(17,566)
(1,303)
15,649
(110,874)

39,000
(94,566)
3,243
(367,529)

(7,229)
(6,142)
(433,223)

(585)
(6,138)
52,795
46,657

25,530
9,688

175,199
537,533

38,924
(5,424)
27,102
(5,227)
20,452
613,360

(91,951)
(2,845)
(115,776)
542
(210,030)

30,000
(84,822)
4,900
(328,616)

(6,280)
(4,520)
(389,338)

606
14,598
38,197
52,795

16,658
15,209

$

$

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 54

  
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Fiscal years ended December 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 
(Tabular amounts in thousands or thousands of U.S. dollars except per share data, unless otherwise indicated)

1. REPORTING ENTITY:

Gildan Activewear Inc. (the "Company" or "Gildan") is domiciled in Canada and is incorporated under the Canada Business 
Corporations Act.  Its  principal  business  activity  is  the  manufacture  and  sale  of  activewear,  hosiery  and  underwear. The 
Company's fiscal year ends on the Sunday closest to December 31 of each year.

The address of the Company’s registered office is 600 de Maisonneuve Boulevard West, Suite 3300, Montreal, Quebec. 
These consolidated financial statements are as at and for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2018 and December 31, 
2017 and include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. The Company is a publicly listed entity and its shares 
are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange and New York Stock Exchange under the symbol GIL.

2. BASIS OF PREPARATION:

(a)   Statement of compliance:

These  consolidated  financial  statements  have  been  prepared  in  accordance  with  International  Financial  Reporting 
Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”). 

These consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2018 were authorized for issuance by 
the Board of Directors of the Company on February 20, 2019.  

(b)   Basis of measurement:

These consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis except for the following items 
in the consolidated statements of financial position:
•  Derivative financial instruments which are measured at fair value;
•  Employee benefit obligations related to defined benefit plans which are measured at the present value of the defined 

• 

benefit obligations, net of advance payments made to employees thereon;
Liabilities  for  cash-settled  share-based  payment  arrangements  which  are  measured  at  fair  value,  and  equity-
classified share-based payment arrangements which are measured at fair value at grant date pursuant to IFRS 2, 
Share-based payment;

•  Provisions for decommissioning, site restoration costs, and onerous contracts which are measured at the present 

• 

value of the expenditures expected to be required to settle the obligation; and
Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed in connection with a business combination which are initially 
measured at fair value.

These consolidated financial statements are presented in U.S. dollars, which is the Company's functional currency.

(c)   Operating segments:

For the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company managed and reported its business under two operating segments, 
Printwear and Branded Apparel, each of which was a reportable segment for financial reporting purposes with its own 
management that was accountable and responsible for the segment’s operations, results, and financial performance. 
These segments were principally organized by the major customer markets they served.

Effective January 1, 2018, the Company consolidated its organizational structure and implemented executive leadership 
changes as part of an internal reorganization. The Company combined its Printwear and Branded Apparel operating 
businesses into one consolidated divisional operating structure centralizing senior management, as well as marketing, 
merchandising, sales, distribution, and administrative functions to better position the Company to capitalize on growth 
opportunities within the evolving industry landscape. As a result, the Company has transitioned to a single reporting 
segment.

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 55

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

2. BASIS OF PREPARATION (continued):

(d)   Initial application of new or amended accounting standards:

On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted the following new accounting standards:

Revenue from Contracts with Customers
IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, establishes principles for reporting and disclosing the nature, amount, 
timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from an entity’s contracts with customers. IFRS 15 provides 
a  single  model  in  order  to  depict  the  transfer  of  promised  goods  or  services  to  customers  and  supersedes  IAS  11, 
Construction Contracts, IAS 18, Revenue, and a number of revenue-related interpretations (IFRIC 13, Customer Loyalty 
Programmes, IFRIC 15, Agreements for the Construction of Real Estate, IFRIC 18, Transfers of Assets from Customers, 
and SIC-31, Revenue - Barter Transactions Involving Advertising Services).  

The Company adopted the new standard on January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective transition method, with 
the effect of initially applying this standard being recognized at January 1, 2018. Results for the reporting periods beginning 
after January 1, 2018 are presented in accordance with IFRS 15, while the information presented for 2017 has not been 
restated and continues to be presented, as previously reported, in accordance with our historic accounting under IAS 
18 and related interpretations. 

As of January 1, 2018, the Company recorded a net reduction to opening retained earnings of $0.7 million, net of tax, 
representing  the  gross  margin  on  net  sales  of  $2.1  million  for  which  revenue  recognition  is  delayed  under  the  new 
standard. The impact of applying IFRS 15 resulted in a reduction of net sales of $0.5 million and a reduction in gross 
profit, operating income, and net earnings of $0.2 million for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2018. There were no 
material impacts on the Company’s audited consolidated statements of financial position and cash flows as at and for 
the fiscal year ended December 30, 2018.

Financial Instruments
IFRS 9 (2014), Financial Instruments, includes updated guidance on the classification, recognition, and measurement 
of financial assets and liabilities. IFRS 9 (2014) differs in some regards from IFRS 9 (2013), which the Company early 
adopted effective March 31, 2014. The final standard amends the impairment model by introducing a new expected 
credit loss (ECL) model for calculating impairment on financial assets. 

IFRS 9 (2014) requires the Company to record an allowance for ECLs for all loans and other debt financial assets not 
held at fair value through profit and loss. ECLs are based on the difference between the contractual cash flows due in 
accordance with the contract and all the cash flows that the Company expects to receive. The shortfall is then discounted 
at an approximation of the asset’s original effective interest rate. For trade and other receivables, the Company has 
applied  the  standard’s  simplified  approach  and  has  calculated  ECLs  based  on  lifetime  expected  credit  losses. The 
Company has established a provision matrix that is based on the Company’s historical credit loss experience, adjusted 
for forward-looking factors specific to the debtors and the economic environment.

The Company adopted the new standard on January 1, 2018 and recorded a net reduction to opening retained earnings 
of $0.8 million, net of tax, reflecting additional allowance for expected credit losses from the new expected credit loss 
model. The classification for the Company’s financial assets and financial liabilities remain unchanged. 

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 56

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:

The accounting policies set out below have been applied consistently to all periods presented in these consolidated financial 
statements, unless otherwise indicated.

(a)  Basis of consolidation: 

(i)   Business combinations:

Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method. Accordingly, the consideration transferred 
for the acquisition of a business is the fair value of the assets transferred and any debt and equity interests issued 
by the Company on the date control of the acquired company is obtained. The consideration transferred includes 
the fair value of any asset or liability resulting from a contingent consideration arrangement. Contingent consideration 
classified as an asset or a liability that is a financial instrument is subsequently remeasured at fair value, with any 
resulting gain or loss recognized and included in restructuring and acquisition-related costs in the consolidated 
statement of earnings and comprehensive income. Acquisition-related costs, other than those associated with the 
issue of debt or equity securities, are expensed as incurred and are included in restructuring and acquisition-related 
costs  in  the  consolidated  statement  of  earnings  and  comprehensive  income.  Identifiable  assets  acquired  and 
liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed in a business combination are generally measured initially at their fair 
values at the acquisition date. The Company recognizes any non-controlling interest in an acquired company either 
at fair value or at the non-controlling interest’s proportionate share of the acquired company’s net identifiable assets. 
The excess of the consideration transferred over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired is recorded 
as goodwill. If the total of consideration transferred and non-controlling interest recognized is less than the fair value 
of the net assets of the business acquired, a purchase gain is recognized immediately in the consolidated statement 
of earnings and comprehensive income. 

(ii)  Subsidiaries:

Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the Company. The financial statements of subsidiaries are included in the 
consolidated financial statements from the date that control commences until the date that control ceases. The 
accounting policies of subsidiaries are aligned with the policies adopted by the Company. Intragroup transactions, 
balances and unrealized gains or losses on transactions between group companies are eliminated.

The Company’s principal subsidiaries, their jurisdiction of incorporation, and the Company’s percentage ownership 
share of each are as follows:  

Subsidiary

Gildan Activewear SRL

Gildan Yarns, LLC

Gildan Branded Apparel SRL

Gildan Honduras Properties, S. de R.L.

Gildan Apparel (Canada) LP

Gildan Activewear (UK) Limited

Gildan Textiles de Sula, S. de R.L.

G.A.B. Limited

Gildan Activewear Honduras Textile Company, S. de R.L.

Gildan Activewear (Eden) Inc.

Gildan Hosiery Rio Nance, S. de R.L.

Gildan Mayan Textiles, S. de R.L.

Jurisdiction of
Incorporation

Ownership
percentage

Barbados

Delaware

Barbados

Honduras

Ontario

United Kingdom

Honduras

Bangladesh

Honduras

North Carolina

Honduras

Honduras

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

The Company has no other subsidiaries representing individually more than 10% of the total consolidated assets 
and 10% of the consolidated net sales of the Company, or in the aggregate more than 20% of the total consolidated 
assets and the consolidated net sales of the Company as at and for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2018.

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 57

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued):

(b)  Foreign currency translation:

Monetary assets and liabilities of the Company’s Canadian and foreign operations denominated in currencies other than 
the U.S. dollar are translated using exchange rates in effect at the reporting date. Non-monetary assets and liabilities 
denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars are translated at the rates prevailing at the respective transaction 
dates. Income and expenses denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars are translated at average rates prevailing 
during the year. Gains or losses on foreign exchange are recorded in net earnings, and presented in the statement of 
earnings and comprehensive income within financial expenses. 

(c)  Cash and cash equivalents:

The Company considers all liquid investments with maturities of three months or less from the date of purchase to be 
cash equivalents. 

(d)  Trade accounts receivable:

Trade accounts receivable consist of amounts due from our normal business activities. An allowance for expected credit 
losses is maintained to reflect an impairment risk for trade accounts receivable based on an expected credit loss model 
which factors in changes in credit quality since the initial recognition of trade accounts receivable based on customer 
risk categories. Bad debts are also provided for based on collection history and specific risks identified on a customer-
by-customer basis. Trade accounts receivable are recorded net of accrued sales discounts.

The Company may continuously sell trade accounts receivables of certain designated customers to a third-party financial 
institution  in  exchange  for  a  cash  payment  equal  to  the  face  value  of  the  sold  trade  receivables  less  an  applicable 
discount. The Company retains servicing responsibilities, including collection, for these trade accounts receivables but 
does not retain any credit risk with respect to any trade accounts receivables that have been sold. All trade accounts 
receivables sold under the receivables purchase agreement are removed from the consolidated statements of financial 
position, as the sale of the trade accounts receivables qualify for de-recognition. The net cash proceeds received by the 
Company are included as cash flows from operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. The difference 
between the carrying amount of the trade accounts receivables sold under the agreement and the cash received at the 
time of transfer is recorded in the statement of earnings and comprehensive income within financial expenses. 

(e)  Inventories: 

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value. The cost of inventories is based on the first-in, first-
out principle. Inventory costs include the purchase price and other costs directly related to the acquisition of raw materials 
and spare parts held for use in the manufacturing process, and the cost of purchased finished goods. Inventory costs 
also include the costs directly related to the conversion of materials to finished goods, such as direct labour, and a 
systematic allocation of fixed and variable production overhead, including manufacturing depreciation expense. The 
allocation of fixed production overhead to the cost of inventories is based on the normal capacity of the production 
facilities.  Normal  capacity  is  the  average  production  expected  to  be  achieved  during  the  fiscal  year,  under  normal 
circumstances. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price of finished goods in the ordinary course of business, 
less the estimated costs of completion and selling expenses. Raw materials, work in progress, and spare parts inventories 
are not written down if the finished products in which they will be incorporated are expected to be sold at or above cost. 

(f)  Assets held for sale: 

Non-current assets which are classified as assets held for sale are reported in current assets in the statement of financial 
position,  when  their  carrying  amount  is  to  be  recovered  principally  through  a  sale  transaction  rather  than  through 
continuing use, and a sale is considered highly probable. Assets held for sale are stated at the lower of their carrying 
amount and fair value less costs to sell.

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 58

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued):

(g)  Property, plant and equipment: 

Property, plant and equipment are initially recorded at cost and are subsequently carried at cost less any accumulated 
depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. The cost of an item of property, plant and equipment includes 
expenditures that are directly attributable to the acquisition or construction of an asset. The cost of self-constructed 
assets includes the cost of materials and direct labour, site preparation costs, initial delivery and handling costs, installation 
and assembly costs, and any other costs directly attributable to bringing the assets to the location and condition necessary 
for  the  assets  to  be  capable  of  operating  in  the  manner  intended  by  management. The  cost  of  property,  plant  and 
equipment  also  includes,  when  applicable,  the  initial  present  value  estimate  of  the  costs  of  decommissioning  or 
dismantling and removing the asset and restoring the site on which it is located at the end of its useful life and any 
applicable borrowing costs and is amortized over the remaining life of the underlying asset. Purchased software that is 
integral to the functionality of the related equipment is capitalized as part of other equipment. Subsequent costs are 
included in an asset’s carrying amount or recognized as a separate asset, as appropriate, only when it is probable that 
future  economic  benefits  are  present  and  the  cost  of  the  item  can  be  measured  reliably.  When  property,  plant  and 
equipment are replaced they are fully written down. Gains and losses on the disposal of an item of property, plant and 
equipment are determined by comparing the proceeds from disposal with the carrying amount of property, plant and 
equipment and are recognized in the statement of earnings and comprehensive income.

Land is not depreciated. The cost of property, plant and equipment less its residual value, if any, is depreciated on a 
straight-line basis over the following estimated useful lives:  

Asset
Buildings and improvements
Manufacturing equipment
Other equipment

Useful life
5 to 40 years
2 to 10 years
3 to 10 years

Significant  components of plant and equipment which are identified as having  different useful lives are depreciated 
separately over their respective useful lives. Depreciation methods, useful lives and residual values, if applicable, are 
reviewed and adjusted, if appropriate, on a prospective basis at the end of each fiscal year. 

Assets not yet utilized in operations include expenditures incurred to date for plant constructions or expansions which 
are still in process and equipment not yet placed into service as at the reporting date. Depreciation on these assets 
commences when the assets are available for use.

Borrowing costs
Borrowing costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition or construction of a qualifying asset are capitalized as 
part of the cost of the asset. A qualifying asset is one that necessarily takes a substantial period of time to get ready for 
its intended use. Capitalization of borrowing costs ceases when the asset is completed and available for use. 

All  other  borrowing  costs  are  recognized  as  financial  expenses  in  the  consolidated  statement  of  earnings  and 
comprehensive income as incurred. 

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 59

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued):

(h)  Intangible assets:

Definite life intangible assets are measured at cost less accumulated amortization and any accumulated impairment 
losses. Intangible assets include identifiable intangible assets acquired and consist of customer contracts and customer 
relationships,  license  agreements,  and  trademarks.  Intangible  assets  also  include  computer  software  that  is  not  an 
integral part of the related hardware. Indefinite life intangible assets represent intangible assets which the Company 
controls which have no contractual or legal expiration date and therefore are not amortized as there is no foreseeable 
time limit to their useful economic life. An assessment of indefinite life intangible assets is performed annually to determine 
whether  events  and  circumstances  continue  to  support  an  indefinite  useful  life  and  any  change  in  the  useful  life 
assessment from indefinite to finite is accounted for as a change in accounting estimate on a prospective basis. Intangible 
assets with finite lives are amortized on a straight-line basis over the following estimated useful-lives:

Asset
Customer contracts and customer relationships
License agreements
Computer software
Trademarks with a finite life
Non-compete agreements

Useful life
7 to 20 years
3 to 10 years
4 to 7 years
5 years
2 years

Most of the Company's trademarks are not amortized as they are considered to be indefinite life intangible assets.

it is technically feasible to complete the software product so that it will be available for use;

The costs of information technology projects that are directly attributable to the design and testing of identifiable and 
unique software products, including internally developed computer software, are recognized as intangible assets when 
the following criteria are met:
• 
•  management intends to complete the software product and use it;
• 
• 
• 

there is an ability to use the software product;
it can be demonstrated how the software product will generate probable future economic benefits;
adequate technical, financial, and other resources to complete the development and to use the software product 
are available; and
the expenditures attributable to the software product during its development can be reliably measured.

• 

Other  development  expenditures  that  do  not  meet  these  criteria  are  recognized  as  an  expense  in  the  consolidated 
statement of earnings and comprehensive income as incurred. 

(i)  Goodwill:

Goodwill is measured at cost less accumulated impairment losses, if any. Goodwill arises on business combinations 
and is measured as the excess of the consideration transferred and the recognized amount of the non-controlling interest 
in the acquired business, if any, over the fair value of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed of an acquired 
business. 

(j) 

Impairment of non-financial assets:
Non-financial assets that have an indefinite useful life such as goodwill and trademarks are not subject to amortization 
and are therefore tested annually for impairment or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that 
the asset might be impaired. Assets that are subject to amortization are assessed at the end of each reporting period 
as to whether there is any indication of impairment or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the 
carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount 
exceeds its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s value in use and fair value less 
costs of disposal. The recoverable amount is determined for an individual asset, unless the asset does not generate 
cash inflows that are largely independent of those from other assets or groups of assets, in which case assets are 
grouped at the lowest levels for which there are separately identifiable cash inflows (i.e. cash-generating units or "CGUs"). 

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 60

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued):

(j) 

Impairment of non-financial assets (continued):
In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows expected to be derived from the asset or CGU by the Company 
are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time 
value of money and the risks specific to the asset and or the CGU. In assessing a CGU’s fair value less costs of disposal, 
the Company uses the best information available to reflect the amount that the Company could obtain, at the time of 
the impairment test, from the disposal of the asset or CGU in an arm’s length transaction between knowledgeable, willing 
parties, after deducting the estimated costs of disposal. 

For the purpose of testing goodwill for impairment, goodwill acquired in a business combination is allocated to a CGU 
or a group of CGUs that is expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination, regardless of whether other assets 
or liabilities of the acquired company are assigned to those CGUs. Impairment losses recognized are allocated first to 
reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to the CGU and then to reduce the carrying amounts of the other 
assets in the CGU on a pro rata basis. Impairment losses are recognized in the statement of earnings and comprehensive 
income.

Reversal of impairment losses
A goodwill impairment loss is not reversed. Impairment losses on non-financial assets other than goodwill recognized 
in prior periods are assessed at each reporting date for any indications that the loss has decreased or no longer exists. 
An impairment loss is reversed if there has been a change in the estimates used to determine the recoverable amount. 
An impairment loss is reversed only to the extent that the asset’s carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount 
that would have been determined, net of depreciation or amortization, if no impairment loss had been recognized.

(k)  Financial instruments:

The Company initially recognizes financial assets on the trade date at which the Company becomes a party to the 
contractual provisions of the instrument. Financial assets are initially measured at fair value. If the financial asset is not 
subsequently accounted for at fair value through profit or loss, then the initial measurement includes transaction costs 
that are directly attributable to the asset’s acquisition or origination. On initial recognition, the Company classifies its 
financial assets as subsequently measured at either amortized cost or fair value, depending on its business model for 
managing the financial assets and the contractual cash flow characteristics of the financial assets. 

Financial assets
Financial assets are classified into the following categories and depend on the purpose for which the financial assets 
were acquired.

Financial assets measured at amortized cost
A financial asset is subsequently measured at amortized cost, using the effective interest method and net of any 
impairment loss, if:

• 

• 

The asset is held within a business model whose objective is to hold assets in order to collect contractual 
cash flows; and
The contractual terms of the financial asset give rise, on specified dates, to cash flows that are solely payments 
of principal and/or interest.

The Company currently classifies its cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable, certain other current 
assets (excluding derivative financial instruments designated as effective hedging instruments), and long-term non-
trade receivables as financial assets measured at amortized cost. The Company de-recognizes a financial asset 
when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire, or it transfers the rights to receive the contractual 
cash flows on the financial asset in a transaction in which substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of 
the financial asset are transferred.

Financial assets measured at fair value
These  assets  are  measured  at  fair  value  and  changes  therein,  including  any  interest  or  dividend  income,  are 
recognized in profit or loss. However, for investments in equity instruments that are not held for trading, the Company 
may elect at initial recognition to present gains and losses in other comprehensive income. For such investments 
measured at fair value through other comprehensive income, gains and losses are never reclassified to profit or 
loss, and no impairment is recognized in profit or loss. Dividends earned from such investments are recognized in 
profit or loss, unless the dividend clearly represents a repayment of part of the cost of the investment. The Company 
currently has no significant financial assets measured at fair value

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 61

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued):

(k)  Financial instruments (continued):

Fair value through other comprehensive income (FVOCI)
A debt investment is measured at FVOCI if it is not designated as at fair value through profit or loss, is held within 
a business model whose objective is achieved by both collecting contractual cash flows and selling financial assets, 
and its contractual terms give rise to cash flows on specified dates that are solely payments of principal and interest 
on  the  principal  amount  outstanding.  These  assets  are  subsequently  measured  at  fair  value.  Interest  income 
calculated using the effective interest method, foreign exchange gains and losses and impairment are recognized 
in profit or loss. Other net gains and losses are recognized in other comprehensive income (OCI). On derecognition, 
gains and losses accumulated in OCI are reclassified to profit or loss. On initial recognition of an equity investment 
that is not held for trading, the Company may irrevocably elect to present subsequent changes in the investments 
fair value in OCI. This election is made on an investment by investment basis. These assets are subsequently 
measured at fair value. Dividends are recognized as income in profit or loss unless the dividend clearly represents 
a recovery of part of the cost of the investment. Other net gains and losses are recognized in OCI and are never 
reclassified to profit or loss. The Company currently has no financial assets measured at FVOCI.

Financial liabilities
Financial liabilities are classified into the following categories.

Financial liabilities measured at amortized cost  
A financial liability is subsequently measured at amortized cost, using the effective interest method. The Company 
currently classifies accounts payable and accrued liabilities (excluding derivative financial instruments designated 
as effective hedging instruments), and long-term debt bearing interest at variable and fixed rates as financial liabilities 
measured at amortized cost.

Financial liabilities measured at fair value 
Financial liabilities at fair value are initially recognized at fair value and are remeasured at each reporting date with 
any  changes  therein  recognized  in  net  earnings.  The  Company  currently  has  no  significant  financial  liabilities 
measured at fair value.

The Company derecognizes a financial liability when its contractual obligations are discharged or cancelled or expired.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset and the net amount presented in the statement of financial position when, and 
only when, the Company has a legal right to offset the amounts and intends either to settle on a net basis or to realize 
the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Fair value of financial instruments
Financial instruments measured at fair value use the following fair value hierarchy to prioritize the inputs used in measuring 
fair value:
• 
• 

Level 1: quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
Level 2: inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either 
directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices); and
Level 3: inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data.

• 

Impairment of financial assets
The Company recognizes loss allowances for expected credit losses on financial assets measured at amortized cost. 
The Company recognizes impairment and measures expected credit losses as lifetime expected credit losses for trade 
accounts receivable and other accounts receivable. The Company recognizes a loss allowance at an amount equal to 
the lifetime expected credit losses if the credit risk on that financial instrument has increased significantly since initial 
recognition. Otherwise, the loss allowance for that financial instrument corresponds to an amount equal to twelve-month 
expected credit losses. The Company uses the simplified method to measure the loss allowance for trade receivables 
at lifetime expected losses.  The Company uses historical trends of default, the timing of recoveries and the amount of 
loss incurred, adjusted for management’s judgement as to whether current economic and credit conditions are such that 
the  actual  losses  are  likely  to  be  greater  or  less  than  suggested  by  historical  trends.  Losses  are  recognized  in  the 
consolidated statement of income and reflected in an allowance account against trade and other receivables.

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 62

 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued):

(l)  Derivative financial instruments and hedging relationships:

The Company enters into derivative financial instruments to hedge its market risk exposures. On initial designation of 
the  hedge,  the  Company  formally  documents  the  relationship  between  the  hedging  instruments  and  hedged  items, 
including the risk management objectives and strategy in undertaking the hedge transaction, together with the methods 
that will be used to assess the effectiveness of the hedging relationship. The Company makes an assessment, both at 
the inception of the hedge relationship as well as on an ongoing basis, whether the hedging instruments are expected 
to be effective in offsetting the changes in the fair value or cash flows of the respective hedged items during the period 
for which the hedge is designated. For a cash flow hedge of a forecasted transaction, the transaction should be highly 
probable to occur and should present an exposure to variations in cash flows that could ultimately affect reported net 
earnings.

Derivatives are recognized initially at fair value, and attributable transaction costs are recognized in net earnings as 
incurred. Subsequent to initial recognition, derivatives are measured at fair value, and changes therein are accounted 
for as described below.

Cash flow hedges
When a derivative is designated as the hedging instrument in a hedge of the variability in cash flows attributable to a 
particular risk associated with a recognized asset or liability or a highly probable forecasted transaction that could affect 
net earnings, the effective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivative is recognized in other comprehensive 
income and presented in accumulated other comprehensive income as part of equity. The amount recognized in other 
comprehensive income is removed and included in net earnings under the same line item in the consolidated statement 
of earnings and comprehensive income as the hedged item, in the same period that the hedged cash flows affect net 
earnings. When a hedged forecasted transaction subsequently results in the recognition of a non-financial asset or 
liability, the cash flow hedge reserve is removed from accumulated other comprehensive income and included in the 
initial cost or carrying amount of the asset or liability. Any ineffective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivative 
is recognized immediately in net earnings. If the hedging instrument no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, 
expires  or  is  sold,  terminated,  exercised,  or  the  designation  is  revoked,  then  hedge  accounting  is  discontinued 
prospectively.  If  the  forecasted  transaction  is  no  longer  expected  to  occur,  then  the  balance  in  accumulated  other 
comprehensive income is recognized immediately in net earnings.

Fair value hedges
Changes  in  the  fair  value  of  derivatives  that  are  designated  and  qualify  as  fair  value  hedges  are  recognized  in  net 
earnings, together with any changes in the fair value of the hedged asset, liability or firm commitment that are attributable 
to the hedged risk. The change in fair value of the hedging instrument and the change in the hedged item attributable 
to the hedged risk are recognized in the statement of earnings and comprehensive income or in the statement of financial 
position caption relating to the hedged item. If the hedging instrument no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, 
expires  or  is  sold,  terminated,  exercised,  or  the  designation  is  revoked,  then  hedge  accounting  is  discontinued 
prospectively. 

Embedded derivatives
Embedded derivatives within a financial liability are separated from the host contract and accounted for separately if the 
economic characteristics and risks of the host contract and the embedded derivative are not closely related, a separate 
instrument with the same terms as the embedded derivative would meet the definition of a derivative, and the combined 
instrument is not measured at fair value through profit or loss.

Other derivatives
When a derivative financial instrument is not designated in a qualifying hedge relationship, all changes in its fair value 
are recognized immediately in net earnings.

(m)  Accounts payable and accrued liabilities: 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities are recognized initially at fair value and subsequently measured at amortized 
cost using the effective interest method. Accounts payable and accrued liabilities are classified as current liabilities if 
payment is due within one year, otherwise, they are presented as non-current liabilities.

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 63

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued):

(n)  Long-term debt:

Long-term debt is recognized initially at fair value, and is subsequently carried at amortized cost. Initial facility fees are 
deferred and treated as an adjustment to the instrument's effective interest rate and recognized as an expense over the 
instrument's estimated life if it is probable that the facility will be drawn down. However, if it is not probable that a facility 
will be drawn down for its entire term, then the fees are considered service fees and are deferred and recognized as an 
expense on a straight-line basis over the commitment period.

(o)  Employee benefits: 

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

Defined contribution plans
The Company offers group defined contribution plans to eligible employees whereby the Company matches employees' 
contributions up to a fixed percentage of the employee's salary. Contributions by the Company to trustee-managed 
investment portfolios or employee associations are expensed as incurred. Benefits are also provided to employees 
through defined contribution plans administered by the governments in the countries in which the Company operates. 
The Company’s contributions to these plans are recognized in the period when services are rendered.

Defined benefit plans
The Company maintains a liability for statutory severance obligations for active employees located in the Caribbean 
Basin and Central America which is payable to the employees in a lump sum payment upon termination of employment. 
The liability is based on management’s best estimates of the ultimate costs to be incurred to settle the liability and is 
based  on  a  number  of  assumptions  and  factors,  including  historical  trends,  actuarial  assumptions  and  economic 
conditions. Liabilities related to defined benefit plans are included in other non-current liabilities in the consolidated 
statement of financial position. Service costs, interest costs, and costs related to the impact of program changes are 
recognized in cost of sales in the consolidated statement of earnings. Actuarial gains and losses arising from experience 
adjustments and changes in actuarial assumptions are recognized directly to other comprehensive income in the period 
in which they arise, and are immediately transferred to retained earnings without reclassification to net earnings in a 
subsequent period. 

(p)  Provisions:

Provisions are recognized when the Company has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of past events, 
it is probable that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation, and the amount has been reliably 
estimated. Provisions are not recognized for future operating losses. Provisions are measured at the present value of 
the  expenditures  expected  to  be  required  to  settle  the  obligation  using  a  pre-tax  rate  that  reflects  current  market 
assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the obligation. The increase in the provision due to 
passage  of  time  is  recognized  as  financial  expense.  Provisions  are  included  in  other  non-current  liabilities  in  the 
consolidated statement of financial position.

Decommissioning and site restoration costs
The Company recognizes decommissioning and site restoration obligations for future removal and site restoration costs 
associated with the restoration of certain property and plant should it decide to discontinue some of its activities. 

Onerous contracts
Provisions  for  onerous  contracts  are  recognized  if  the  unavoidable  costs  of  meeting  the  obligations  specified  in  a 
contractual arrangement exceed the economic benefits expected to be received from the contract. Provisions for onerous 
contracts are measured at the lower of the cost of fulfilling the contract and the expected cost of terminating the contract. 

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 64

 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued):

(q)  Share capital:

Common shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issuance of common shares and 
stock options are recognized as a deduction from equity, net of any tax effects.

When the Company repurchases its own shares, the consideration paid, including any directly attributable incremental 
costs (net of income taxes) is deducted from equity attributable to the Company’s equity holders until the shares are 
cancelled or reissued. When the shares are cancelled, the excess of the consideration paid over the average stated 
value of the shares purchased for cancellation is charged to retained earnings. 

(r)  Dividends declared:

Dividends declared to the Company’s shareholders are recognized as a liability in the consolidated statement of financial 
position in the period in which the dividends are approved by the Company’s Board of Directors.

(s)  Revenue recognition:

The Company derives revenue from the sale of finished goods, which include activewear, hosiery, and underwear. The 
Company recognizes revenue at a point in time when it transfers control of the finished goods to a customer, which 
generally occurs upon shipment of the finished goods from the Company’s facilities. In certain arrangements, control is 
transferred and revenue is recognized upon delivery of the finished goods to the customer’s premises. 

Some arrangements for the sale of finished goods provide for customer price discounts, rights of return and/or volume 
rebates based on aggregate sales over a specified period, which gives rise to variable consideration. At the time of sale, 
estimates are made for items giving rise to variable consideration based on the terms of the sales program or arrangement. 
The variable consideration is estimated at contract inception using the most likely amount method and revenue is only 
recognized to the extent that a significant reversal of revenue is not expected to occur. The estimate is based on historical 
experience, current trends, and other known factors. New sales incentive programs which relate to sales made in a prior 
period are recognized at the time the new program is introduced. Sales are recorded net of customer discounts, rebates, 
and estimated sales returns, and exclude sales taxes. A refund liability is recognized for expected returns in relation to 
sales made before the end of the reporting period.

Consideration payable to a customer that is not considered a distinct good or service from the customer, such as one-
time fees paid to customers for product placement or product introduction, is accounted for as a reduction of the transaction 
price, and the Company recognizes the reduction of revenue at the later of when Company recognizes revenue for the 
transfer of the related goods to the customer or when the Company pays or promises to pay the consideration. 

(t)  Cost of sales and gross profit:

Cost of sales includes all raw material costs, manufacturing conversion costs, including manufacturing depreciation 
expense, sourcing costs, inbound freight and inter-facility transportation costs, and outbound freight to customers. Cost 
of  sales  also  includes  the  cost  of  purchased  finished  goods,  costs  relating  to  purchasing,  receiving  and  inspection 
activities,  manufacturing  administration,  third-party  manufacturing  services,  sales-based  royalty  costs,  insurance, 
inventory write-downs, and customs and duties. Gross profit is the result of net sales less cost of sales. The Company’s 
gross  profit  may  not  be  comparable  to  gross  profit  as  reported  by  other  companies,  since  some  entities  include 
warehousing and handling costs, and/or exclude depreciation expense, outbound freight to customers and royalty costs 
from cost of sales.

(u)  Selling, general and administrative expenses:

Selling,  general  and  administrative  (“SG&A”)  expenses  include  warehousing  and  handling  costs,  selling  and 
administrative personnel costs, advertising and marketing expenses, costs of leased non-manufacturing facilities and 
equipment, professional fees, non-manufacturing depreciation expense, and other general and administrative expenses. 
SG&A expenses also include bad debt expense and amortization of intangible assets.

(v)  Restructuring and acquisition-related costs:

Restructuring and acquisition-related costs are expensed when incurred, or when a legal or constructive obligation exists. 
Restructuring and acquisition-related costs are comprised of costs directly related to the closure of business locations 
or the relocation of business activities, significant changes in management structure, as well as transaction and integration 
costs incurred pursuant to business acquisitions. The nature of expenses included in restructuring and acquisition-related 
costs may include: severance and termination benefits, including the termination of employee benefit plans; gains or 
losses from the remeasurement and disposal of assets held for sale; facility exit and closure costs, including the costs 
of physically transferring inventory and fixed assets to other facilities; costs of integrating the IT systems of an acquired 

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 65

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued):

(v)   Restructuring and acquisition-related costs (continued):

business to Gildan’s existing IT systems; legal, accounting and other professional fees (excluding costs of issuing debt 
or equity) directly incurred in connection with a business acquisition; purchase gains on business acquisitions; losses 
on business acquisitions achieved in stages; contingent amounts payable to selling shareholders under their employment 
agreements pursuant to a business acquisition; and the remeasurement of liabilities related to contingent consideration 
incurred in connection with a business acquisition.  

(w)  Cotton and cotton-based yarn procurements:

The Company contracts to buy cotton and cotton-based yarn with future delivery dates at fixed prices in order to reduce 
the effects of fluctuations in the prices of cotton used in the manufacture of its products. These contracts are not used 
for trading purposes and are not considered to be financial instruments as they are entered into for purchase and receipt 
in accordance with the Company’s expected usage requirements, and therefore are not measured at fair value. The 
Company commits to fixed prices on a percentage of its cotton and cotton-based yarn requirements up to eighteen 
months in the future. If the cost of committed prices for cotton and cotton-based yarn plus estimated costs to complete 
production exceed current selling prices, a loss is recognized for the excess as a charge to cost of sales.

(x)  Government assistance:

Government assistance is recognized only when there is reasonable assurance the Company will comply with all related 
conditions for receipt of the assistance. Government assistance, including grants and tax credits, related to operating 
expenses is accounted for as a reduction to the related expenses. Government assistance, including monetary and non-
monetary grants and tax credits related to the acquisition of property, plant and equipment, is accounted for as a reduction 
of the cost of the related property, plant and equipment, and is recognized in net earnings using the same methods, 
periods and rates as for the related property, plant and equipment. 

(y)  Financial expenses (income):

Financial expenses (income) include: interest expense on borrowings, including realized gains and/or losses on interest 
rate swaps designated for hedge accounting; bank and other financial charges; amortization of debt facility fees, discount 
on  the  sales  of  trade  accounts  receivable;  interest  income  on  funds  invested;  accretion  of  interest  on  discounted 
provisions; net foreign currency losses and/or gains; and losses and/or gains on financial derivatives that do not meet 
the criteria for effective hedge accounting. 

(z)   Income taxes:

Income tax expense is comprised of current and deferred income taxes, and is included in net earnings except to the 
extent that it relates to a business acquisition, or items recognized directly in equity or in other comprehensive income. 
Current tax is the expected tax payable or receivable on the taxable income or loss for the year, using tax rates enacted 
or substantively enacted at the reporting date, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years. 

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to be applied to temporary 
differences when they reverse, based on the laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting 
date, for all temporary differences caused when the tax bases of assets and liabilities differ from those reported in the 
financial  statements.  The  Company  recognizes  deferred  income  tax  assets  for  unused  tax  losses  and  deductible 
temporary differences only to the extent that, in management’s opinion, it is probable that future taxable profit will be 
available against which the temporary differences can be utilized. Deferred tax assets are reviewed at each reporting 
date and are derecognized to the extent that it is no longer probable that the related tax benefit will be realized. Deferred 
income tax is not recognized for the following temporary differences: the initial recognition of assets or liabilities in a 
transaction that is not a business combination and that affects neither accounting nor taxable profit or loss at the time 
of the transaction; and, where the timing of the reversal of the temporary difference is controlled by the Company and 
it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future. In addition, deferred tax is not 
recognized for taxable temporary differences arising on the initial recognition of goodwill. 

In determining the amount of current and deferred income taxes, the Company takes into account the impact of uncertain 
tax positions and whether additional taxes and interest may be due. Provisions for uncertain tax positions are measured 
at the best estimate of the amounts expected to be paid upon ultimate resolution. The Company periodically reviews 
and adjusts its estimates and assumptions of income tax assets and liabilities as circumstances warrant, such as changes 
to tax laws, administrative guidance, change in management’s assessment of the technical merits of its positions due 
to new information, and the resolution of uncertainties through either the conclusion of tax audits or expiration of prescribed 
time limits within relevant statutes.

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 66

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued):

(aa) Earnings per share:

Basic earnings per share are computed by dividing net earnings by the weighted average number of common shares 
outstanding for the year. Diluted earnings per share are computed using the weighted average number of common 
shares outstanding for the period adjusted to include the dilutive impact of stock options and restricted share units. The 
number of additional shares is calculated by assuming that all common shares held in trust for the purpose of settling 
non-treasury restricted share units have been delivered, all dilutive outstanding options are exercised and all dilutive 
outstanding Treasury restricted share units have vested, and that the proceeds from such exercises, as well as the 
amount  of  unrecognized  share-based  compensation  which  is  considered  to  be  assumed  proceeds,  are  used  to 
repurchase  common  shares  at  the average  share price  for  the period.  For Treasury  restricted  share units,  only  the 
unrecognized share-based compensation is considered assumed proceeds since there is no exercise price paid by the 
holder.

(bb) Share based payments:

Stock options, Treasury, and non-Treasury restricted share units
Stock options, Treasury restricted share units, and non-Treasury restricted share units are equity settled share based 
payments, which are measured at fair value at the grant date. For stock options, the compensation cost is measured 
using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, and is expensed over the award's vesting period. For Treasury and non-
Treasury restricted share units, compensation cost is measured at the fair value of the underlying common share at the 
grant date, and is expensed over the award's vesting period. Compensation expense is recognized in net earnings with 
a corresponding increase in contributed surplus. Any consideration paid by plan participants on the exercise of stock 
options is credited to share capital. Upon the exercise of stock options, the vesting of Treasury restricted share units, 
and upon delivery of the common shares for settlement of vesting non-Treasury restricted share units, the corresponding 
amounts previously credited to contributed surplus are transferred to share capital. The number of non-Treasury restricted 
share units remitted to the participants upon settlement is equal to the number of non-Treasury restricted share units 
awarded less units withheld to satisfy the participants' statutory withholding tax requirements. Stock options and Treasury 
restricted share units that are dilutive and meet non-market performance conditions as at the reporting date are considered 
in the calculation of diluted earnings per share, as per note 3(aa) to these consolidated financial statements.

Estimates for forfeitures and performance conditions
The measurement of compensation expense for stock options, Treasury restricted share units and non-Treasury restricted 
share units is net of estimated forfeitures. For the portion of Treasury restricted share units and non-Treasury restricted 
share units that are issuable based on non-market performance conditions, the amount recognized as an expense is 
adjusted to reflect the number of awards for which the related service and performance conditions are expected to be 
met, such that the amount ultimately recognized as an expense is based on the number of awards that do meet the 
related service and non-market performance conditions at the vesting date.

Deferred share unit plan
The Company has a deferred share unit plan for independent members of the Company’s Board of Directors, who receive 
a portion of their compensation in the form of deferred share units (“DSUs”). These DSUs are cash settled awards, and 
are initially recognized in net earnings based on fair value at the grant date. The DSU obligation is included in accounts 
payable and accrued liabilities and is remeasured at fair value, based on the market price of the Company’s common 
shares, at each reporting date.

(bb) Share based payments (continued):

Employee share purchase plans
For  employee  share  purchase  plans,  the  Company's  contribution,  on  the  employee's  behalf,  is  recognized  as 
compensation expense with an offset to share capital, and consideration paid by employees on purchase of common 
shares is also recorded as an increase to share capital.

(cc) Leases:

Leases in which a significant portion of the risks and rewards of ownership are not assumed by the Company are classified 
as operating leases. Payments made under operating leases (net of any incentives received from the lessor) are charged 
to net earnings on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 67

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued):

(cc) Leases (continued):

Leases of property, plant and equipment where the Company has substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership 
are classified as finance leases. Finance leases are capitalized at the lease’s commencement at the lower of the fair 
value of the leased property and the present value of the minimum lease payments. The property, plant and equipment 
acquired under finance leases are depreciated over the shorter of the useful life of the asset and the lease term. 

Determining whether an arrangement contains a lease
At inception of an arrangement where the Company receives the right to use an asset, the Company determines whether 
such an arrangement is or contains a lease. A specific asset is the subject of a lease if fulfillment of the arrangement is 
dependent on the use of that specified asset. An arrangement conveys the right to use the asset if the arrangement 
conveys to the Company the right to control the use of the underlying asset.

(dd) Use of estimates and judgments:

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to make estimates and assumptions 
that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. 
Actual results may differ from these estimates. 

Estimates  and  underlying  assumptions  are  reviewed  on  an  ongoing  basis.  Revisions  to  accounting  estimates  are 
recognized in the period in which the estimates are revised and in any future periods affected. 

Critical judgments in applying accounting policies:

The following are critical judgments that management has made in the process of applying accounting policies and that 
have the most significant effect on the amounts recognized in the consolidated financial statements:

Determination of cash generating units ("CGUs")
The identification of CGUs and grouping of assets into the respective CGUs is based on currently available information 
about actual utilization experience and expected future business plans. Management has taken into consideration various 
factors in identifying its CGUs. These factors include how the Company manages and monitors its operations, the nature 
of each CGU’s operations, and the major customer markets they serve. As such, the Company has identified its CGUs 
for purposes of testing the recoverability and impairment of non-financial assets to be Textile & Sewing and Hosiery. 

Income taxes
The Company’s income tax provisions and income tax assets and liabilities are based on interpretations of applicable 
tax laws, including income tax treaties between various countries in which the Company operates, as well as underlying 
rules and regulations with respect to transfer pricing. These interpretations involve judgments and estimates and may 
be challenged through government taxation audits that the Company is regularly subject to. New information may become 
available that causes the Company to change its judgment regarding the adequacy of existing income tax assets and 
liabilities; such changes will impact net earnings in the period that such a determination is made. 

Key sources of estimation uncertainty:

Key sources of estimation uncertainty that have a significant risk of resulting in a material adjustment to the carrying 
amount of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are as follows:

Allowance for expected credit losses 
The Company makes an assessment of whether accounts receivable are collectable, based on an expected credit loss 
model  which  factors  in  changes  in  credit  quality  since  the  initial  recognition  of  trade  accounts  receivable  based  on 
customer risk categories. Credit quality is assessed by taking into account the financial condition and payment history 
of  the  Company's  customers,  and  other  factors.  Furthermore,  these  estimates  must  be  continuously  evaluated  and 
updated. The Company is not able to predict changes in the financial condition of its customers, and if circumstances 
related to its customers’ financial condition deteriorate, the estimates of the recoverability of trade accounts receivable 
could be materially affected and the Company could be required to record additional allowances. Alternatively, if the 
Company provides more allowances than needed, a reversal of a portion of such allowances in future periods may be 
required based on actual collection experience.

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 68

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued):

(dd) Use of estimates and judgments (continued):

Sales promotional programs
In the normal course of business, certain incentives, including discounts and rebates, are granted to our customers. At 
the time of sale, estimates are made for customer price discounts and rebates based on the terms of existing programs. 
Accruals required for new programs, which relate to prior sales, are recorded at the time the new program is introduced. 
Sales are recorded net of these program costs and a provision for estimated sales returns, which is based on historical 
experience, current trends and other known factors. If actual price discounts, rebates, or returns differ from estimates, 
significant adjustments to net sales could be required in future periods.

Inventory valuation
The Company regularly reviews inventory quantities on hand and records a provision for those inventories no longer 
deemed fully recoverable. The cost of inventories may no longer be recoverable if those inventories are slow moving, 
discontinued, damaged, if they have become obsolete, or if their selling prices or estimated forecast of product demand 
decline. If actual market conditions are less favorable than previously projected or if liquidation of the inventory which 
is no longer deemed fully recoverable is more difficult than anticipated, additional provisions may be required.

Business combinations
Business combinations are accounted for in accordance with the acquisition method. On the date that control is obtained, 
the identifiable assets, liabilities, and contingent liabilities of the acquired company are measured at their fair value. 
Depending  on  the  complexity  of  determining  these  valuations,  the  Company  uses  appropriate  valuation  techniques 
which are generally based on a forecast of the total expected future net discounted cash flows. These valuations are 
linked closely to the assumptions made by management regarding the future performance of the related assets and the 
discount rate applied as it would be assumed by a market participant.

Recoverability and impairment of non-financial assets
The calculation of fair value less costs of disposal or value in use for purposes of measuring the recoverable amount of 
non-financial  assets  involves  the  use  of  significant  assumptions  and  estimates  with  respect  to  a  variety  of  factors, 
including expected sales, gross margins, SG&A expenses, cash flows, capital expenditures, and the selection of an 
appropriate earnings multiple or discount rate, all of which are subject to inherent uncertainties and subjectivity. The 
assumptions are based on annual business plans and other forecasted results, earnings multiples obtained by using 
market comparables as references, and discount rates which are used to reflect market-based estimates of the risks 
associated with the projected cash flows, based on the best information available as of the date of the impairment test. 
Changes in circumstances, such as technological advances, adverse changes in third-party licensing arrangements, 
changes to the Company’s business strategy, and changes in economic and market conditions can result in actual useful 
lives and future cash flows that differ significantly from estimates and could result in increased charges for amortization 
or impairment. Revisions to the estimated useful lives of finite-life non-financial assets or future cash flows constitute a 
change  in  accounting  estimate  and  are  applied  prospectively.  There  can  be  no  assurance  that  the  estimates  and 
assumptions used in the impairment tests will prove to be accurate predictions of the future. If the future adversely differs 
from management’s best estimate of key economic assumptions and the associated cash flows materially decrease, 
the Company may be required to record material impairment charges related to its non-financial assets. Please refer to 
note 10 of the audited annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 30, 2018 for additional 
details on the recoverability of the Company’s cash-generating units.

Valuation of statutory severance obligations and the related costs 
The valuation of the statutory severance obligations and the related costs requires economic assumptions, including 
discount rates and expected rates of compensation increases, and participant demographic assumptions. The actuarial 
assumptions used may differ materially from year to year due to changing market and economic conditions, resulting in 
significant increases or decreases in the obligations and related costs.  

Measurement of the estimate of expected costs for decommissioning and site restoration 
The  measurement  of  the  provision  for  decommissioning  and  site  restoration  costs  requires  assumptions  including 
expected  timing  of  the  event  which  would  result  in  the  outflow  of  resources,  the  range  of  possible  methods  of 
decommissioning and site restoration, and the expected costs that would be incurred to settle any decommissioning 
and site restoration liabilities. The Company has measured the provision using the present value of the expected costs, 
which requires an assumed discount rate. Revisions to any of the assumptions and estimates used by management

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 69

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued):

(dd) Use of estimates and judgments (continued):

may result in changes to the expected expenditures to settle the liability, which would require adjustments to the provision 
and which may have an impact on the operating results of the Company in the period the change occurs.

Income taxes
The Company has unused available tax losses and deductible temporary differences in certain jurisdictions. The Company 
recognizes deferred income tax assets for these unused tax losses and deductible temporary differences only to the 
extent that, in management’s opinion, it is probable that future taxable profit will be available against which these available 
tax losses and temporary differences can be utilized. The Company’s projections of future taxable profit involve the use 
of significant assumptions and estimates with respect to a variety of factors, including future sales and operating expenses. 
There can be no assurance that the estimates and assumptions used in our projections of future taxable income will 
prove to be accurate predictions of the future, and in the event that our assessment of the recoverability of these deferred 
tax assets changes in the future, a material reduction in the carrying value of these deferred tax assets could be required, 
with a corresponding charge to net earnings.

4. NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS AND INTERPRETATIONS NOT YET APPLIED:

Leases
In January 2016, the IASB issued IFRS 16, Leases, which specifies how an entity will recognize, measure, present, and 
disclose leases. The standard provides a single lessee accounting model, requiring lessees to recognize assets and liabilities 
for all leases unless the Company elects to exclude leases when the lease term is twelve months or less, or the underlying 
asset has a low monetary value.  Lessors continue to classify leases as operating or finance, with IFRS 16’s approach to 
lessor accounting substantially unchanged from its predecessor, IAS 17. IFRS 16 applies to annual reporting periods beginning 
on or after January 1, 2019, with earlier adoption permitted only if IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, has 
also been applied. The Company will adopt the new standard in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 using the modified retrospective 
transition method. The Company expects that the initial adoption of IFRS 16 will result in approximately $80 million of right-
of-use assets and approximately $88 million of operating lease liabilities (primarily for the rental of premises) being recognized 
in the consolidated statement of financial position. Provisions related to lease exit costs are expected to be reduced by 
approximately $5 million, and deferred lease credits (relating to lease inducements) currently recorded in accounts payable 
and  accrued  liabilities  are  expected  to  be  reduced  by  approximately  $2  million,  as  a  result  of  the  adoption  of  IFRS  16. 
Accordingly, the Company expects to record an adjustment to reduce opening retained earnings by approximately $1 million
from the initial adoption of IFRS 16. The Company also expects a decrease of its operating lease costs, offset by an increase 
of its depreciation and amortization and financial expenses resulting from the changes in the recognition, measurement, and 
presentation requirements. However, no significant impact on net earnings is expected at this time. The Company is completing 
the assessment of the overall impact on the Company’s disclosures and is addressing any system and process changes 
necessary to compile the information to meet the recognition and disclosure requirements of the new guidance starting in 
the first quarter of fiscal 2019.

Uncertain Income Tax Treatments
In June 2017, the IASB issued IFRIC 23, Uncertainty Over Income Tax Treatments, which clarifies how to apply the recognition 
and measurement requirements in IAS 12, Income Taxes, when there is uncertainty regarding income tax treatments. The 
Interpretation addresses whether an entity needs to consider uncertain tax treatments separately, the assumptions an entity 
should make about the examination of tax treatments by taxation authorities, how an entity should determine taxable profit 
and loss, tax bases, unused tax losses, unused tax credits, and tax rates, and how an entity considers changes in facts and 
circumstances in such determinations. IFRIC 23 applies to annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019, 
with earlier adoption permitted. The Company does not expect any significant impacts from the adoption of IFRIC 23 on its 
consolidated financial statements.

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 70

 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

5. BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS:

Fiscal 2018 Acquisitions: 

There were no significant business acquisitions during fiscal 2018.

Fiscal 2017 Acquisitions:

American Apparel 
On February 8, 2017, the Company acquired the American Apparel® brand and certain assets from American Apparel, LLC, 
("American Apparel"), which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on November 14, 2016. The acquisition was effected 
through  a  court  supervised  auction  during  which  Gildan  emerged  as  the  successful  bidder  with  a  final  cash  bid  of                                       
$88.0  million.  The  Company  also  acquired  inventory  from American Apparel  for  approximately  $10.5  million.  The  total 
consideration transferred for this acquisition was therefore $98.5 million (of which $91.9 million was paid in fiscal 2017 and 
$6.6 million was paid in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016). The acquisition was financed by the utilization of the Company's 
long-term bank credit facilities. The American Apparel® brand is a highly recognized brand among consumers and within the 
North American  imprintables  channel  and  is  a  strong  complementary  addition  to  Gildan’s  growing  brand  portfolio.  The 
acquisition provides the opportunity to grow American Apparel® sales by leveraging the Company’s extensive imprintable 
distribution networks in North America and internationally to drive further share in the fashion basics category of these markets. 
Goodwill recorded in connection with this acquisition is fully deductible for tax purposes. Goodwill is primarily attributable to 
expected  synergies,  which  were  not  recorded  separately  since  they  did  not  meet  the  recognition  criteria  for  identifiable 
intangible assets.

Other
On July 17, 2017, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets of a ring-spun yarn manufacturer with two facilities 
located in Columbus, Georgia for cash consideration of $13.5 million, including a balance due of $1.3 million to be paid within 
eighteen months of closing. The transaction also resulted in the effective settlement of $1.2 million of trade accounts payable 
owed by Gildan to the manufacturer prior to the acquisition. Goodwill recorded in connection with this acquisition is fully 
deductible for tax purposes. Goodwill is attributable primarily to the assembled workforce and was not recorded separately 
since it did not meet the recognition criteria for identifiable intangible assets. 

On April 4, 2017, the Company acquired a 100% interest in an Australian based activewear distributor for cash consideration 
of $5.7 million. The transaction also resulted in the effective settlement of $2.9 million of trade accounts receivable due to 
Gildan prior to the acquisition. 

The Company accounted for its acquisitions using the acquisition method in accordance with IFRS 3, Business Combinations. 
The Company determined the fair value of the assets acquired based on management's best estimate of their fair values 
and taking into account all relevant information available at that time. 

The  following  table  summarizes  the  amounts  recognized  for  the  assets  acquired  and  liabilities  assumed  at  the  date  of 
acquisition for the fiscal 2017 acquisitions:

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 71

5. BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS (continued):

Assets acquired:

Trade accounts receivable
Income taxes receivable
Inventories
Prepaid expenses, deposits and other current assets
Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets (1)

Liabilities assumed:

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

Goodwill
Net assets acquired at fair value
Cash consideration paid at closing, net of cash acquired
Settlement of pre-existing relationships
Balance due

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

American
Apparel

Other

Total

$

$

— $
—
11,052
—
1,527
67,400

$

1,893
235
7,235
4,100
3,011
2,958

79,979

19,432

1,893
235
18,287
4,100
4,538
70,358

99,411

—

(3,822)

(3,822)

$

18,562
98,541
98,541
—
—

$

5,525
21,135
18,069
1,766
1,300

24,087
119,676
116,610
1,766
1,300

$

98,541

$

21,135

$

119,676

(1) The intangible assets acquired relating to American Apparel are comprised of trademarks in the amount of $51.4 million which are not 
being amortized as they are considered to be indefinite life intangible assets, and customer relationships in the amount of $16.0 million
which are being amortized on a straight line basis over their estimated useful lives of ten years. The intangible assets acquired relating to 
other acquisitions is comprised of customer relationships in the amount $3.0 million which are being amortized on a straight line basis over 
their estimated useful lives of fifteen years.

6. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:

Cash and cash equivalents consisted entirely of bank balances as at December 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017.

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 72

7. TRADE ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE:

Trade accounts receivable
Allowance for expected credit losses

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 30,
2018

December 31,
2017

$

$

324,706
(7,547)
317,159

$

$

248,419
(5,054)
243,365

As at December 30, 2018, trade accounts receivables being serviced under a receivables purchase agreement amounted 
to $117.0 million (December 31, 2017 - $92.8 million). The receivables purchase agreement, which allows for the sale of a 
maximum of $175 million of accounts receivables at any one time, expires on June 24, 2019, subject to annual extensions. 
The difference between the carrying amount of the receivables sold under the agreement and the cash received at the time 
of transfer was $2.6 million for fiscal 2018 (2017 - $1.7 million), and was recorded in bank and other financial charges.

The movement in the allowance for expected credit losses in respect of trade receivables was as follows:

Balance, beginning of fiscal year
Adjustment relating to adoption of new accounting standard (note 2(d))
Adjusted balance, beginning of fiscal year
Bad debt expense
Write-off of trade accounts receivable
Balance, end of fiscal year

8. INVENTORIES:

Raw materials and spare parts inventories
Work in progress
Finished goods

December 30,
2018

December 31,
2017

$

$

(5,054) $
(791)
(5,845)
(3,634)
1,932
(7,547) $

(5,589)
—
(5,589)
(3,689)
4,224
(5,054)

December 30,
2018

December 31,
2017

$

$

151,600
67,903
720,526
940,029

$

$

128,414
60,743
756,581
945,738

The amount of inventories recognized as an expense and included in cost of sales was $2,029.5 million for fiscal 2018 (2017
- $1,884.8 million), which included an expense of $11.2 million (2017 - $18.0 million) related to the write-down of inventory 
to net realizable value. 

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 73

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

9. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:

2018

Cost

Land

Buildings and
improvements

Manufacturing
equipment

Other
equipment

Assets not
yet utilized in
operations

Total

Balance, December 31, 2017

$

70,003

$

512,398

$ 1,039,974

$ 175,640

$

77,389

$ 1,875,404

Additions

Transfers

Disposals

1,051

—

(97)

9,650

33,932

(5,095)

49,560

31,735

3,065

1,498

47,406

(67,165)

110,732

—

(35,924)

(21,002)

—

(62,118)

Balance, December 30, 2018

$

70,957

$

550,885

$ 1,085,345

$ 159,201

$

57,630

$ 1,924,018

Accumulated depreciation

Balance, December 31, 2017

Depreciation

Disposals

Balance, December 30, 2018

Carrying amount, December 30, 2018

$

$

$

— $

157,040

$

571,847

$ 110,699

$

— $

839,586

—

—

24,781

—

— $

181,821

70,957

$

369,064

91,081

(22,510)

9,935

(9,330)

640,418

$ 111,304

444,927

$

47,897

$

$

$

$

—

—

125,797

(31,840)

— $

933,543

57,630

$

990,475

Land

Buildings and
improvements

Manufacturing
equipment

Other
equipment

Assets not
yet utilized in
operations

Total

2017

Cost
Balance, January 1, 2017

Additions

Additions through business acquisitions

Transfers

Disposals

$

69,373

$

504,186

$

997,993

$ 167,651

$

630

—

—

—

7,515

29

2,601

(1,933)

17,565

4,153

25,062

(4,799)
$ 1,039,974

10,852
356

1,195

(4,414)

50,607

55,640

—

(28,858)

—

$ 1,789,810
92,202
4,538

—

(11,146)
$ 1,875,404

Balance, December 31, 2017

$

70,003

$

512,398

$ 175,640

$

77,389

Accumulated depreciation
Balance, January 1, 2017

Depreciation

Disposals

Balance, December 31, 2017

Carrying amount, December 31, 2017

$

$

$

— $

132,976

$

483,742

$

96,209

$

— $

712,927

—

—

24,719

(655)

— $

157,040

70,003

$

355,358

92,904

(4,799)

18,610

(4,120)

571,847

$ 110,699

468,127

$

64,941

$

$

$

$

—

—

136,233

(9,574)

— $

839,586

77,389

$ 1,035,818

Assets not yet utilized in operations include expenditures incurred to date for plant expansions which are still in process and 
equipment not yet placed into service as at the end of the reporting period. 

As at December 30, 2018, there were contractual purchase obligations outstanding of approximately $24.8 million for the 
acquisition of property, plant and equipment compared to $46.2 million as of December 31, 2017.

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 74

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

10. INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND GOODWILL:

Intangible assets:

2018

Cost
Balance, December 31, 2017

Additions

Disposals

Balance, December 30, 2018

Accumulated amortization
Balance, December 31, 2017

Amortization

Disposals

Balance, December 30, 2018

Carrying amount, December 30, 2018

Customer
contracts and
customer
relationships

Trademarks

License
agreements

Computer
software

Non-
compete
agreements

Total

$

224,489

$ 226,172

$

59,498

$

49,771

$

1,880

$

561,810

—

—

—

—

10,102

—

9,363

(879)

—
(90)

19,465
(969)

224,489

$ 226,172

$

69,600

$

58,255

$

1,790

$

580,306

75,472

$

13,592

—

1,108
700

—

89,064

$

1,808

135,425

$ 224,364

$

49,034

$

32,711

$

1,880

$

160,205

8,572

—

57,606

11,994

$

$

4,475

(721)

36,465

21,790

$

$

$

$

—
(90)

27,339
(811)

1,790

$

186,733

— $

393,573

$

$

$

$

Additions through business acquisitions

18,958

51,400

2017

Cost
Balance, January 1, 2017

Additions

Disposals

Balance, December 31, 2017

Accumulated amortization
Balance, January 1, 2017

Amortization

Disposals

Balance, December 31, 2017

Carrying amount, December 31, 2017

$

$

$

$

Customer
contracts and
customer
relationships

Trademarks

License
agreements

Computer
software

Non-
compete
agreements

$

205,531

$ 174,772

$

59,498

$

48,776

$

1,880

$

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

2,852

—

(1,857)

—

—

—

Total

490,457
2,852

70,358

(1,857)

224,489

$ 226,172

$

59,498

$

49,771

$

1,880

$

561,810

62,185

$

13,287

—

125

983

—

75,472

$

1,108

149,017

$ 225,064

$

42,586

$

29,528

$

1,812

$

136,236

6,448

—

49,034

10,464

$

$

4,808

(1,625)

32,711

17,060

$

$

$

$

68

—

25,594

(1,625)

1,880

$

160,205

— $

401,605

The carrying amount of internally-generated assets within computer software was $16.2 million as at December 30, 2018
and  $11.7 million  as  at  December 31,  2017.  Included  in  computer  software  as  at  December 30,  2018  is  $5.9 million 
(December 31, 2017 - $5.1 million) of assets not yet utilized in operations.

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 75

10. INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND GOODWILL (continued):

Goodwill:

Balance, beginning of fiscal year
Goodwill acquired
Other
Balance, end of fiscal year

Recoverability of cash-generating units:

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 30,
2018

December 31,
2017

$

$

226,571
692
99
227,362

$

$

202,108
24,087
376
226,571

Goodwill  acquired  through  business  acquisitions  and  trademarks  with  indefinite  useful  lives  have  been  allocated  to  the 
Company's CGUs as follows:

Textile & Sewing:

Goodwill
Indefinite life intangible assets

Hosiery:

Goodwill
Indefinite life intangible assets

December 30,
2018

$

$

$

$

206,134
93,400
299,534

21,228
129,272
150,500

In assessing whether goodwill and indefinite life intangible assets are impaired, the carrying amounts of the CGUs (including 
goodwill and indefinite life intangible assets) are compared to their recoverable amounts. The recoverable amounts of CGUs 
are  based  on  the  higher  of  the  value  in  use  and  fair  value  less  costs  of  disposal. The  Company  performed  the  annual 
impairment review for goodwill and indefinite life intangible assets during fiscal 2018, and the estimated recoverable amounts 
exceeded the carrying amounts of the CGUs and as a result, there was no impairment identified.

Recoverable amount 
The Company determined the recoverable amounts of the Textile & Sewing and Hosiery CGU’s based on the fair value less 
costs of disposal method. The fair values of the Textile & Sewing and Hosiery CGU’s were based on a multiple applied to 
forecasted adjusted EBITDA for the next year, which takes into account financial forecasts approved by senior management. 
The key assumptions for the fair value less costs of disposal method include estimated sales volumes, selling prices, input 
costs, and SG&A expenses in determining future forecasted adjusted EBITDA, as well as the multiple applied to forecasted 
adjusted EBITDA. The adjusted EBITDA multiple was obtained by using market comparables as a reference. The values 
assigned to the key assumptions represent management’s assessment of future trends and have been based on historical 
data from external and internal sources. For the Textile & Sewing CGU, no reasonably possible change in the key assumptions 
used in determining the recoverable amount would result in any impairment of goodwill or indefinite life intangible assets.

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 76

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

10. INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND GOODWILL (continued):

Hosiery CGU 
The key assumptions used in the estimation of the recoverable amount for the Hosiery CGU are the risk adjusted forecasted 
adjusted EBITDA for the next year and the adjusted EBITDA multiple of 11. The most significant assumptions that form part 
of  the  risk  adjusted  forecasted  adjusted  EBITDA  for  the  Hosiery  CGU  relate  to  continuing  sales  trends,  expected  gross 
margins and the reduction in SG&A expenses arising from the internal organizational realignment initiated in December 2017. 
Management has identified that a reasonably possible change in forecasted adjusted EBITDA or adjusted EBITDA multiple 
could cause the carrying amount of the Hosiery CGU to exceed its recoverable amount. A decrease in the risk adjusted 
forecasted adjusted EBITDA of 10% in the Hosiery CGU, combined with a decrease in the adjusted EBITDA multiple by a 
factor of 2 would result in the estimated recoverable amount being equal to the carrying amount. A further decrease in the 
risk adjusted forecasted adjusted EBITDA or the adjusted EBITDA multiple may result in the Company recording an impairment 
charge relating to the Hosiery CGU.

11. LONG-TERM DEBT:

Effective 
interest 
rate (1)

Principal amount

December 30,
2018

December 31,
2017

Maturity
date

Revolving long-term bank credit facility, interest at variable U.S. LIBOR-

based interest rate plus a spread ranging from 1% to 2% (2)

3.4% $

69,000 $

30,000

April
2023

Term loan, interest at variable U.S. LIBOR-based interest rate plus a 

spread ranging from 1% to 2%, payable monthly(3)

2.8%

300,000

Notes payable, interest at fixed rate of 2.70%, payable semi-annually (4)

2.7%

100,000

Notes payable, interest at variable U.S. LIBOR-based interest rate plus 

a spread of 1.53% payable quarterly (4)

2.7%

50,000

Notes payable, interest at fixed rate of 2.91%, payable semi-annually (4)

2.9%

100,000

Notes payable, interest at variable U.S. LIBOR-based interest rate plus 

a spread of 1.57% payable quarterly (4)

2.9%

50,000

300,000

April
2023
100,000 August
2023
50,000 August
2023
100,000 August
2026
50,000 August
2026

$

669,000 $

630,000

(1)  Represents the annualized effective interest rate for the year ended December 30, 2018, including the cash impact of interest rate 

swaps, where applicable.

(2)  The Company’s unsecured revolving long-term bank credit facility of $1 billion provides for an annual extension which is subject to the 
approval of the lenders. The spread added to the U.S. LIBOR-based variable interest rate is a function of the total net debt to EBITDA 
ratio (as defined in the credit facility agreement). In addition, an amount of $13.4 million (December 31, 2017 - $14.6 million) has been 
committed against this facility to cover various letters of credit. 

(3)  The unsecured term loan is non-revolving and can be prepaid in whole or in part at any time with no penalties. The spread added to 
the U.S. LIBOR-based variable interest rate is a function of the total net debt to EBITDA ratio (as defined in the term loan agreement). 
(4)  The unsecured notes issued for a total aggregate principal amount of $300 million to accredited investors in the U.S. private placement 
market can be prepaid in whole or in part at any time, subject to the payment of a prepayment penalty as provided for in the Note 
Purchase Agreement.

In March 2018, the Company amended its unsecured revolving long-term bank credit facility of $1 billion to extend the maturity 
date from April 2022 to April 2023, amended its unsecured term loan of $300 million to extend the maturity date from June 
2021 to April 2023, and cancelled its unsecured revolving long-term bank credit facility of $300 million.

Under  the  terms  of  the  revolving  facilities,  term  loan  facility,  and  notes,  the  Company  is  required  to  comply  with  certain 
covenants,  including  maintenance  of  financial  ratios.  The  Company  was  in  compliance  with  all  financial  covenants  at 
December 30, 2018.

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 77

12. OTHER NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES:

Employee benefit obligation - Statutory severance and pre-notice
Employee benefit obligation - Defined contribution plan
Provisions

(a)  Statutory severance and pre-notice obligations:

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 30,
2018

December 31,
2017

$

$

22,075
3,498
14,343
39,916

$

$

16,096
3,216
17,829
37,141

December 30,
2018

December 31,
2017

Obligation, beginning of fiscal year
Service cost
Interest cost
Actuarial loss(1)
Foreign exchange gain
Benefits paid
Obligation, end of fiscal year
(1) The actuarial loss is due to changes in the actuarial assumptions used to determine the statutory severance obligations.

16,096
13,500
6,478
1,694
(537)
(15,156)
22,075

$

$

$

$

14,579
12,424
6,171
64
(389)
(16,753)
16,096

Significant assumptions for the calculation of the statutory severance obligations included the use of a discount rate of 
between 10.0% and 10.5% (2017 - between 9.2% and 9.7%) and rates of compensation increases between 6.5% and 
10.0% (2017 - between 8% and 10.0%). A 1% increase in the discount rates would result in a corresponding decrease 
in  the  statutory  severance  obligations  of  $4.1  million,  and  a  1%  decrease  in  the  discount  rates  would  result  in  a 
corresponding increase in the statutory severance obligations of $5.0 million. A 1% increase in the rates of compensation 
increases used would result in a corresponding increase in the statutory severance obligations of $5.0 million, and a 
1% decrease in the rates of compensation increases used would result in a corresponding decrease in the statutory 
severance obligations of $4.3 million.

The cumulative amount of actuarial losses recognized in other comprehensive income as at December 30, 2018 was 
$23.8 million (December 31, 2017 - $22.1 million) which have been reclassified to retained earnings in the period in 
which they were recognized. 

(b)  Defined contribution plan:

During fiscal 2018, defined contribution expenses were $6.2 million (2017 - $6.3 million).

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 78

12. OTHER NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES (continued):

(c)   Provisions:

Balance, December 31, 2017
Provisions made during the fiscal year
Changes in estimates made during the fiscal year
Provisions utilized during the fiscal year
Accretion of interest
Other(1) (note 17)
Balance, December 30, 2018

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Decommissioning
and site
restoration costs

Lease exit
costs

$

$

16,572
—
(2,147)
—
299
(5,000)
9,724

$

$

1,257
3,509
—
(147)
—
—
4,619

$

$

Total

17,829
3,509
(2,147)
(147)
299
(5,000)
14,343

(1)  Related to the reversal of an environmental liability for a U.S. distribution facility previously acquired through a business acquisition 
and sold in fiscal 2018. 

Provisions  include  estimated  future  costs  of  decommissioning  and  site  restoration  for  certain  assets  located  at  the 
Company’s textile and sock facilities for which the timing of settlement is uncertain, but has been estimated to be in 
excess of twenty years. The lease exit costs relate to a U.S. distribution center and an administrative office acquired in 
connection with a prior year business acquisition.

13. EQUITY:

(a)  Shareholder rights plan:

The Company has a shareholder rights plan which provides the Board of Directors and the shareholders with additional 
time to assess any unsolicited take-over bid for the Company and, where appropriate, pursue other alternatives for 
maximizing shareholder value. 

(b)  Accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”):

Accumulated other comprehensive income includes the changes in the fair value of the effective portion of qualifying 
cash flow hedging instruments outstanding at the end of the fiscal year.

(c)  Share capital:

Authorized:
Common shares, authorized without limit as to number and without par value. First preferred shares, without limit as to 
number and without par value, issuable in series and non-voting. Second preferred shares, without limit as to number 
and without par value, issuable in series and non-voting. As at December 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, none of 
the first and second preferred shares were issued. 

Issued:
As at December 30, 2018, there were 206,732,436 common shares (December 31, 2017 - 219,198,989) issued and 
outstanding, which are net of 3,797 common shares (December 31, 2017 - 4,308) that have been purchased and are 
held in trust as described in note 13(e).

(d)  Normal course issuer bid:

On February 23, 2017, the Company announced the renewal of a normal course issuer bid (previous NCIB) beginning 
February 27, 2017 and ending on February 26, 2018, to purchase for cancellation up to 11,512,267 common shares 
(representing  approximately  5%  of  the  Company’s  issued  and  outstanding  common  shares  of  the  Company).  On 
November 1, 2017, the Company obtained approval from the  Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) to amend its previous 
NCIB program in order to increase the maximum number of common shares that may be repurchased from 11,512,267
common  shares,  to  16,117,175  common  shares,  representing  approximately  7%  of  the  Company’s  issued  and 
outstanding common shares. No other terms of the previous NCIB were amended.

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 79

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

13. EQUITY (continued):

(d)  Normal course issuer bid (continued):

During  the  fiscal  year  ended  December 31,  2017,  the  Company  repurchased  for  cancellation  a  total  of  11,512,267 
common shares under a previous NCIB for a total cost of $328.6 million, of which a total of 877,000 common shares 
were repurchased by way of private agreements with arm’s length third-party sellers. Of the total cost of $328.6 million, 
$7.7 million was charged to share capital and $320.9 million was charged to retained earnings.

On February 21, 2018, the Board of Directors of the Company approved the initiation of a new NCIB commencing on 
February 27, 2018 and ending on February 26, 2019 to purchase for cancellation up to 10,960,391 common shares, 
representing  approximately  5%  of  the  Company’s  issued  and  outstanding  common  shares.  On August 1,  2018,  the 
Company obtained approval from the TSX to amend its current NCIB program in order to increase the maximum number 
of common shares that may be repurchased from 10,960,391 common shares, or approximately 5% of the Company’s 
issued and outstanding common shares as at February 15, 2018 (the reference date for the NCIB), to 21,575,761 common 
shares, representing approximately 10% of the public float as at February 15, 2018. No other terms of the NCIB were 
amended.

the  year  ended  December 30,  2018, 

During 
total  of 
12,634,693 common shares under its NCIB program for a total cost of $367.5 million, of which a total of 175,732 common 
shares were repurchased under the previous NCIB. Of the total cost of $367.5 million, $9.2 million was charged to share 
capital and $358.3 million was charged to retained earnings. 

for  cancellation  a 

the  Company 

repurchased 

Gildan received approval from the TSX to renew its NCIB commencing on February 27, 2019 to purchase for cancellation 
up  to  10,337,017  common  shares,  representing  approximately  5%  of  the  Gildan’s  issued  and  outstanding  common 
shares. As of February 14, 2019, Gildan had 206,740,357 common shares issued and outstanding.  Gildan is authorized 
to make purchases under the NCIB until February 26, 2020 in accordance with the requirements of the TSX. Purchases 
will be made by means of open market transactions on both the TSX and the New York Stock Exchange, or alternative 
trading systems, if eligible, or by such other means as a securities regulatory authority may permit, including by private 
agreements under an issuer bid exemption order issued by securities regulatory authorities in Canada. Under the bid, 
Gildan may purchase up to a maximum of 136,754 Common Shares daily through TSX facilities, which represents 25%
of the average daily trading volume on the TSX for the most recently completed six calendar months. The price to be 
paid by Gildan for any Common Shares will be the market price at the time of the acquisition, plus brokerage fees, and 
purchases made under an issuer bid exemption order will be at a discount to the prevailing market price in accordance 
with the terms of the order.

(e)  Common shares purchased as settlement for non-Treasury RSUs:

The Company has established a trust for the purpose of settling the vesting of non-Treasury RSUs. For non-Treasury 
RSUs that are to be settled in common shares in lieu of cash, the Company directs the trustee to purchase common 
shares of the Company on the open market to be held in trust for and on behalf of the holders of non-Treasury RSUs 
until they are delivered for settlement, when the non-Treasury RSUs vest. For accounting purposes, the common shares 
are considered as held in treasury, and recorded as a temporary reduction of outstanding common shares and share 
capital. Upon delivery of the common shares for settlement of the non-Treasury RSUs, the number of common shares 
outstanding is increased, and the amount in contributed surplus is transferred to share capital. As at December 30, 2018, 
a total of 3,797 common shares purchased as settlement for non-Treasury RSUs were considered as held in treasury, 
and recorded as a temporary reduction of outstanding common shares and share capital (December 31, 2017 - 4,308
common shares).

(f)  Contributed surplus:

The contributed surplus account is used to record the accumulated compensation expense related to equity-settled 
share based compensation transactions. Upon the exercise of stock options, the vesting of Treasury RSUs, and the 
delivery of common shares for settlement of vesting non-Treasury RSUs, the corresponding amounts previously credited 
to contributed surplus are transferred to share capital.

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 80

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

14. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS:

Disclosures relating to the nature and extent of the Company’s exposure to risks arising from financial instruments, including 
credit risk, liquidity risk, foreign currency risk and interest rate risk, as well as risks arising from commodity prices, and how 
the Company manages those risks, are included in the section entitled “Financial risk management” of the Management’s 
Discussion and Analysis of the Company’s operations, financial performance and financial position as at December 30, 2018 
and December 31, 2017. Accordingly, these disclosures are incorporated into these consolidated financial statements by 
cross-reference. 

(a)  Financial instruments - carrying amounts and fair values:

The carrying amounts and fair values of financial assets and liabilities included in the consolidated statements of financial 
position are as follows:

Financial assets
Amortized cost:
    Cash and cash equivalents
    Trade accounts receivable

    Financial assets included in prepaid expenses, deposits and other current

assets

    Long-term non-trade receivables included in other non-current assets

Derivative financial assets included in prepaid expenses, deposits and other

current assets

Financial liabilities
Amortized cost:
    Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (1)
    Long-term debt - bearing interest at variable rates
    Long-term debt - bearing interest at fixed rates (2)
Derivative financial liabilities included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities

December 30,
2018

December 31,
2017

$

$

46,657
317,159

$

52,795
243,365

39,789

2,771

17,792

28,711

2,781

16,920

$

332,543
469,000
200,000
14,442

255,832
430,000
200,000
2,644

(1)  Accounts payable and accrued liabilities include balances payable of $33.0 million (December 31, 2017 - nil) under supply-chain 
financing arrangements (reverse factoring) with a financial institution, whereby receivables due from the Company to certain suppliers 
can be collected by the suppliers from a financial institution before their original due date. These balances are classified as accounts 
payable and accrued liabilities and the related payments as cash flows from operating activities, given the principal business purpose 
of the arrangement is to provide funding to the supplier and not the Company, the arrangement does not significantly extend the payment 
terms beyond the normal terms agreed with other suppliers, and no additional deferral or special guarantees to secure the payments 
are included in the arrangement. 
(2)  The fair value of the long-term debt bearing interest at fixed rates was $189.5 million as at December 30, 2018 (December 31, 
2017 - $197.6 million).  

Short-term financial assets and liabilities 
The  Company  has  determined  that  the  fair  value  of  its  short-term  financial  assets  and  liabilities  approximates  their 
respective carrying amounts as at the reporting dates due to the short-term maturities of these instruments, as they bear 
variable interest-rates or because the terms and conditions are comparable to current market terms and conditions for 
similar items.

Non-current assets and long-term debt bearing interest at variable rates
The fair values of the long-term non-trade receivables included in other non-current assets and the Company’s long-
term debt bearing interest at variable rates also approximate their respective carrying amounts because the interest 
rates applied to measure their carrying amounts approximate current market interest rates.

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 81

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

14. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (continued):

(a)  Financial instruments - carrying amounts and fair values (continued):

Long-term debt bearing interest at fixed rates
The fair value of the long-term debt bearing interest at fixed rates is determined using the discounted future cash flows 
method and at discount rates based on yield to maturities for similar issuances. The fair value of the long-term debt 
bearing interest at fixed rates was measured using Level 2 inputs in the fair value hierarchy. In determining the fair value 
of the long-term debt bearing interest at fixed rates, the Company takes into account its own credit risk and the credit 
risk of the counterparties.

Derivatives
Derivative  financial  instruments  (most  of  which  are  designated  as  effective  hedging  instruments)  consist  of  foreign 
exchange and commodity forward, option, and swap contracts, as well as floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps to fix the 
variable interest rates on a designated portion of borrowings under the term loan and unsecured notes. The fair value 
of the forward contracts is measured using a generally accepted valuation technique which is the discounted value of 
the difference between the contract’s value at maturity based on the rate set out in the contract and the contract’s value 
at maturity based on the rate that the counterparty would use if it were to renegotiate the same contract terms at the 
measurement date under current conditions. The fair value of the option contracts is measured using option pricing 
models that utilize a variety of inputs that are a combination of quoted prices and market-corroborated inputs, including 
volatility estimates and option adjusted credit spreads. The fair value of the interest rate swaps is determined based on 
market data, by measuring the difference between the fixed contracted rate and the forward curve for the applicable 
floating interest rates.

The Company also has a total return swap (“TRS”) outstanding that is intended to reduce the variability of net earnings 
associated with deferred share units, which are settled in cash. The TRS is not designated as a hedging instrument and, 
therefore, the fair value adjustment at the end of each reporting period is recognized in selling, general and administrative 
expenses. The fair value of the TRS is measured by reference to the market price of the Company’s common shares, 
at each reporting date. The TRS has a one-year term, may be extended annually, and the contract allows for early 
termination  at  the  option  of  the  Company. As  at  December 30,  2018,  the  notional  amount  of TRS  outstanding  was 
259,897 shares.

Derivative financial instruments were measured using Level 2 inputs in the fair value hierarchy. In determining the fair 
value of derivative financial instruments the Company takes into account its own credit risk and the credit risk of the 
counterparties.

(b)  Derivative financial instruments - hedge accounting:

During fiscal 2018, the Company entered into foreign exchange and commodity forward, option, and swap contracts in 
order to minimize the exposure of forecasted cash inflows and outflows in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and to 
manage its exposure to movements in commodity prices, as well as floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps to fix the variable 
interest rates on a designated portion of borrowings under the term loan and unsecured notes.

The forward foreign exchange contracts were designated as cash flow hedges and qualified for hedge accounting. The 
forward foreign exchange contracts outstanding as at December 30, 2018 consisted primarily of contracts to reduce the 
exposure to fluctuations in Canadian dollars, Euros, Australian dollars, Pounds sterling, and Mexican pesos against the 
U.S. dollar. 

Most commodity forward, option, and swap contracts were designated as cash flow hedges and qualified for hedge 
accounting. The commodity contracts outstanding as at December 30, 2018 consisted primarily of forward, collar, and 
swap contracts to reduce the exposure to movements in commodity prices.

The floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps were designated as cash flow hedges and qualified for hedge accounting. The 
floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps contracts outstanding as at December 30, 2018 served to fix the variable interest 
rates on the designated interest payments of a portion of the Company's long term debt. 

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 82

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

14. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (continued):

(b)  Derivative financial instruments - hedge accounting (continued):

The  following  table  summarizes  the  Company’s  commitments  to  buy  and  sell  foreign  currencies  as  at                             
December 30, 2018:

Notional foreign

Average

Notional Prepaid expenses,

Accounts

currency amount

 exchange

 U.S. $

deposits and other

payable and

equivalent

rate

equivalent

current assets

accrued liabilities

0 to 12

months

Carrying and fair value

Maturity

Cash flow hedges:

Forward foreign exchange contracts:

Sell GBP/Buy USD

Sell EUR/Buy USD

Sell CAD/Buy USD

Buy CAD/Sell USD

Sell AUD/Buy USD

Buy MXN/Sell USD

28,510

31,578

33,114

62,921

7,941

79,275

1.3224

$

37,703

$

1.1892

0.7784

0.7583

0.7304

0.0475

37,551

25,776

47,712

5,800

3,766

1,366

1,004

1,369

—

198

162

$

— $

1,366

(19)

—

985

1,369

(1,180)

(1,180)

—

—

198

162

$ 158,308

$

4,099

$

(1,199)

$

2,900

The following table summarizes the Company's commodity contracts outstanding as at December 30, 2018: 

Type of

commodity

Prepaid expenses,

Accounts

deposits and other

payable and

Notional amount (1)

current assets

accrued liabilities

0 to 12

months

Carrying and fair value

Maturity

Cash flow hedges:

Forward contracts

Cotton

76.0 million pounds

Swap contracts

Synthetic fibres

147.7 million pounds

Swap & option contracts

Energy

290,000 barrels

(1)  Notional amounts are not in thousands.

$

$

336

—

145

481

$

$

(3,173)

$

(2,837)

(5,516)

(2,469)

(5,516)

(2,324)

(11,158)

$ (10,677)

The total notional amount of commodity contracts outstanding as at December 30, 2018 for which hedge accounting is 
not applied is 81.2 million pounds. The carrying and fair value of these contracts are recorded as prepaid expenses, 
deposits and other current assets ($0.3 million) and accounts payable and accrued liabilities ($1.0 million).

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 83

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

14. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (continued):

(b)  Derivative financial instruments - hedge accounting (continued):

The  following  table  summarizes  the  Company’s  floating-to-fixed  interest  rate  swap  contracts  outstanding  as  at 
December 30, 2018:

Notional

amount of
borrowings

Cash flow hedges:

Maturity
date

Pay / Receive

Fixed
rate

Floating
rate

deposits and other
current assets

payable and
accrued liabilities

Carrying and fair value

Prepaid expenses,

Accounts

$

150,000

June 17,
2021

Pay fixed rate /
receive floating rate

75,000

April 30,
2023

Pay fixed rate /
receive floating rate

50,000

August 25,
2023

Pay fixed rate /
receive floating rate

50,000

August 25,
2026

Pay fixed rate /
receive floating rate

0.96%

2.85%

1.18%

1.34%

US
LIBOR

US
LIBOR

US
LIBOR

US
LIBOR

$

5,500

$

—

—

3,070

4,382

(521)

—

—

$

12,952

$

(521)

As the Company amended its unsecured term loan of $300 million to extend its maturity date from June 2021 to April 
2023 in March 2018, it entered into new floating-to-fixed interest rate swap contracts which expire in April 30, 2023 
relating to a $75 million portion of the notional borrowing, as an extension to the $150 million contract which matures 
on June 17, 2021.

The following table summarizes the Company’s hedged items as at December 30, 2018:

Change in

Carrying amount of

value used for

Cash flow

the hedged item

calculating hedge

hedge reserve

Assets

Liabilities

ineffectiveness

(AOCI)

Cash flow hedges:

Foreign currency risk:

Forecast sales

Forecast expenses

Commodity risk:

Forecast purchases

Interest rate risk:

Forecast interest payments

$

— $

— $

—

—

—

—

—

—

2,752

$

(897)

(2,752)

897

(10,677)

10,677

$

— $

— $

3,382

$

12,204

(12,204)

(3,382)

No ineffectiveness was recognized in net earnings as the change in value of the hedging instrument used for calculating 
ineffectiveness  was  the  same  or  smaller  as  the  change  in  value  of  the  hedged  items  used  for  calculating  the 
ineffectiveness.

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 84

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

14. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (continued):

(c)  Financial expenses, net: 

Interest expense on financial liabilities recorded at amortized cost (1)
Bank and other financial charges
Interest accretion on discounted provisions
Foreign exchange gain

(1) Net of capitalized borrowing costs of $0.7 million (2017 - $1.2 million).

(d)  Hedging components of other comprehensive income (“OCI”):

Net gain (loss) on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:
      Foreign currency risk
      Commodity price risk
      Interest rate risk

Income taxes

Amounts reclassified from OCI to inventory, related to commodity
  price risk

Amounts reclassified from OCI to net earnings, related to foreign currency risk,
and included in:
      Net sales
      Cost of sales
      Selling, general and administrative expenses
      Financial expenses, net
      Income taxes
Cash flow hedging loss

2018

2017

$

$

$

24,757
7,472
299
(1,483)
31,045

2018

6,740
698
102

(67)

17,126
8,025
311
(1,276)
24,186

2017

(6,076)
11,087
425

60

(13,303)

(33,294)

(1,864)
(307)
51
(2,224)
16
(10,158) $

1,626
(1,042)
(2,087)
2,234
(4)
(27,071)

$

$

$

$

The change in the time value element of option and swap contracts designated as cash flow hedges to reduce the 
exposure  in  movements  of  commodity  prices  was  not  significant  for  the  years  ended  December 30,  2018  and 
December 31, 2017.

The change in the forward element of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges to reduce foreign currency risk was 
not significant for the years ended December 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017.

Approximately $1.4 million of net gains presented in accumulated other comprehensive income are expected to be 
reclassified to inventory or net earnings within the next twelve months.

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 85

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

15. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION:

(a)  Employee share purchase plans:

The Company has employee share purchase plans which allow eligible employees to authorize payroll deductions of 
up to 10% of their salary to purchase from Treasury, common shares of the Company at a price of 90% of the then 
current share price as defined in the plans. Employees purchasing shares under the plans subsequent to January 1, 2008 
must hold the shares for a minimum of two years. The Company has reserved 5,000,000 common shares for issuance 
under the plans. As at December 30, 2018, a total of 910,159 shares (December 31, 2017 - 852,255) were issued under 
these plans. Included as compensation costs in selling, general and administrative expenses is $0.2 million (2017 - 
$0.2 million) relating to the employee share purchase plans.

(b)  Stock options and restricted share units:

The Company’s Long-Term Incentive Plan (the "LTIP") includes stock options and restricted share units. The LTIP allows 
the Board of Directors to grant stock options, dilutive restricted share units ("Treasury RSUs") and non-dilutive restricted 
share units ("non-Treasury RSUs") to officers and other key employees of the Company and its subsidiaries. The number 
of common shares that are issuable pursuant to the exercise of stock options and the vesting of Treasury RSUs for the 
LTIP is fixed at 12,000,632. As at December 30, 2018, 1,524,965 common shares remained authorized for future issuance 
under this plan. 

The exercise price payable for each common share covered by a stock option is determined by the Board of Directors 
at the date of the grant, but may not be less than the closing price of the common shares of the Company on the trading 
day immediately preceding the effective date of the grant. Stock options granted since fiscal 2007 vest equally beginning 
on the second, third, fourth, and fifth anniversary of the grant date, with limited exceptions.

Holders  of Treasury  RSUs,  non-Treasury  RSUs  and  deferred  share  units  are  entitled  to  dividends  declared  by  the 
Company which are recognized in the form of additional equity awards equivalent in value to the dividends paid on 
common shares. The vesting conditions of the additional equity awards are subject to the same performance objectives 
and other terms and conditions as the underlying equity awards. The additional awards related to outstanding Treasury 
RSUs and non-Treasury RSUs expected to be settled in common shares are credited to contributed surplus when the 
dividends are declared.

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 86

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

15. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (continued):

(b)  Stock options and restricted share units (continued):

Outstanding stock options were as follows:

Stock options issued in Canadian dollars and to be exercised on the TSX:

Stock options outstanding, January 1, 2017
Changes in outstanding stock options:

Exercised

Stock options outstanding, December 31, 2017
Changes in outstanding stock options:

Exercised
Forfeited

Stock options outstanding, December 30, 2018

Stock options issued in U.S. dollars and to be exercised on the NYSE:

Stock options outstanding, January 1, 2017
Changes in outstanding stock options:

Granted

Stock options outstanding, December 31, 2017
Changes in outstanding stock options:

Forfeited

Stock options outstanding, December 30, 2018

Number

Weighted exercise
price (CA$)

2,532

$

31.18

(269)
2,263

(110)
(160)
1,993

$

16.43
32.94

19.98
33.58
33.60

Number

Weighted exercise
price (US$)

—

$

—

759
759

(90)
669

$

29.01
29.01

29.01
29.01

As at December 30, 2018, 915,628 outstanding options, all of which were issued in Canadian dollars and to be exercised 
on the TSX, were exercisable at the weighted average exercise price of CA$30.22 (December 31, 2017 - 599,562 options 
at CA$26.68). For stock options exercised during fiscal 2018, the weighted average share price at the date of exercise 
was CA$39.79 (2017 - CA$39.23). Based on the Black-Scholes option pricing model, the grant date weighted average 
fair value of options granted during fiscal 2017 was $5.15. There were no options granted during fiscal 2018. The following 
table summarizes the assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option pricing model for the stock option grants for fiscal 
2017:

Exercise price
Risk-free interest rate
Expected volatility
Expected life
Expected dividend yield

2017

US$29.01
1.90%
20.78%
4.63 years
1.29%

Expected volatilities are based on the historical volatility of Gildan’s share price. The risk-free rate used for stock options 
issued in Canadian dollars and to be exercised on the TSX is equal to the yield available on Government of Canada 
bonds at the date of grant with a term equal to the expected life of the options. The risk-free rate used for stock options 
issued in U.S. dollars and to be exercised on the NYSE is equal to the yield available on U.S Department of Treasury 
bonds at the date of grant with a term equal to the expected life of the options.

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 87

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

15. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (continued):

(b)  Stock options and restricted share units (continued):

The following table summarizes information about stock options issued and outstanding and exercisable at December 30, 
2018:

Exercise prices

CA$15.59
CA$24.22
CA$30.46
CA$33.01
CA$38.01
CA$42.27

US$29.01

Options issued and outstanding
Remaining
contractual life (yrs)

Number

Options exercisable

Number

71
239
254
635
511
283
1,993
669
2,662

1
2
3
5
4
7

6

71
239
191
159
256
—
916
—
916

A Treasury RSU represents the right of an individual to receive one common share on the vesting date without any 
monetary consideration being paid to the Company. All Treasury RSUs awarded to date vest within a five-year vesting 
period. The  vesting  of  at  least  50%  of  each Treasury  RSU  grant  is  contingent  on  the  achievement  of  performance 
conditions that are based on the Company’s average return on assets performance for the period as compared to the 
S&P/TSX Capped Consumer Discretionary Index, excluding income trusts.

Outstanding Treasury RSUs were as follows:

Treasury RSUs outstanding, January 1, 2017
Changes in outstanding Treasury RSUs:

Granted for dividends declared
Settled through the issuance of common shares

Treasury RSUs outstanding, December 31, 2017
Changes in outstanding Treasury RSUs:

Granted
Granted for dividends declared
Forfeited

Treasury RSUs outstanding, December 30, 2018

Number

Weighted average
fair value per unit

249

$

20.70

2
(149)
102

20
2
(18)
106

$

29.04
14.12
30.46

30.10
29.94
27.93
30.82

As at December 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, none of the awarded and outstanding Treasury RSUs were vested. 

The compensation expense included in operating income for fiscal 2018 was $2.9 million (2017 - $3.8 million) in respect 
of the stock options and $0.5 million (2017 - $0.9 million) in respect of Treasury RSUs, and the counterpart has been 
recorded as contributed surplus. When the underlying shares are issued to the employees, the amounts previously 
credited to contributed surplus are transferred to share capital. 

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 88

15. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (continued):

(b)  Stock options and restricted share units (continued):

Outstanding non-Treasury RSUs were as follows:

Non-Treasury RSUs outstanding, January 1, 2017
Changes in outstanding non-Treasury RSUs:

Granted
Granted for performance
Granted for dividends declared
Settled - common shares
Settled - payment of withholding taxes
Forfeited

Non-Treasury RSUs outstanding, December 31, 2017
Changes in outstanding non-Treasury RSUs:

Granted
Granted for performance
Granted for dividends declared
Settled - common shares
Settled - payment of withholding taxes
Forfeited

Non-Treasury RSUs outstanding, December 30, 2018

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Number

Weighted average
fair value per unit

1,047

$

27.18

471
88
13
(215)
(142)
(62)
1,200

573
109
24
(226)
(151)
(155)
1,374

$

29.38
28.42
29.86
28.34
28.42
27.66
27.79

29.82
28.46
29.81
28.47
28.47
27.99
28.52

Non-Treasury RSUs have the same features as Treasury RSUs, except that their vesting period is a maximum of three 
years and they can be settled in cash based on the Company’s share price on the vesting date, or through the delivery 
of common shares purchased on the open market, at the Company's option. Non-Treasury RSUs are settled in common 
shares purchased on the open market, and to the extent that the Company has an obligation under tax laws to withhold 
an amount for an employee’s tax obligation associated with the share-based payment the Company settles non-Treasury 
RSUs on a net basis. 100% of the non-Treasury RSUs awarded to executive officers have vesting conditions that are 
dependent upon the financial performance of the Company relative to a benchmark group of Canadian publicly listed 
companies, or other performance metrics. In addition, up to two times the actual number of non-Treasury RSUs awarded 
to  executive  officers  can  vest  if  exceptional  financial  performance  is  achieved.  As  at  December 30,  2018  and 
December 31, 2017, none of the outstanding non-Treasury RSUs were vested.

The compensation expense included in operating income, in respect of the non-Treasury RSUs, for fiscal 2018 was 
$16.4 million (2017 - $11.2 million), and the counterpart has been recorded as contributed surplus. When the underlying 
common shares are delivered to employees for settlement upon vesting, the amounts previously credited to contributed 
surplus are transferred to share capital. 

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 89

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

15. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (continued):

 (c)   Deferred share unit plan:

The Company has a deferred share unit plan for independent members of the Company’s Board of Directors who must 
receive at least 50% of their annual board retainers in the form of deferred share units ("DSUs"). The value of these 
DSUs is based on the Company’s share price at the time of payment of the retainers or fees. DSUs granted under the 
plan will be redeemable and the value thereof payable in cash only after the director ceases to act as a director of the 
Company. As at December 30, 2018, there were 274,794 (December 31, 2017 - 292,873) DSUs outstanding at a value 
of $8.3 million (December 31, 2017 - $9.5 million). This amount is included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities 
based on a fair value per deferred share unit of $30.24 (December 31, 2017 - $32.30). The DSU obligation is adjusted 
each quarter based on the market value of the Company’s common shares. The Company includes the cost of the DSU 
plan in selling, general and administrative expenses, which for fiscal 2018 was $1.7 million (2017 - $1.1 million). 

Changes in outstanding DSUs were as follows:

DSUs outstanding, beginning of fiscal year
Granted
Granted for dividends declared
Redeemed
DSUs outstanding, end of fiscal year

2018

2017

293
54
4
(76)
275

255
35
3
—
293

16. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION RELATING TO THE NATURE OF EXPENSES:

(a)  Selling, general and administrative expenses:

Selling expenses
Administrative expenses
Distribution expenses

(b)  Employee benefit expenses:

Salaries, wages and other short-term employee benefits
Share-based payments
Post-employment benefits

2018

108,363
135,735
124,448
368,546

2018

541,769
19,974
31,922
593,665

$

$

$

$

2017

118,560
141,325
117,438
377,323

2017

504,366
16,065
30,376
550,807

$

$

$

$

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 90

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

16. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION RELATING TO THE NATURE OF EXPENSES (continued):

(c)  Lease expenses:

During the year ended December 30, 2018 an amount of $35.8 million (including operating costs and short term leases) 
was recognized in the consolidated statement of earnings and comprehensive income relating to operating leases (2017
- $35.7 million). 

As at December 30, 2018, the future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable leases were as follows:

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

(d)  Government assistance:

$

$

21,795
51,723
39,769
113,287

During the year ended December 30, 2018 an amount of $10.1 million was recognized in the consolidated statement 
of earnings and comprehensive income relating to government assistance for yarn production (2017 - $10.2 million). 

17. RESTRUCTURING AND ACQUISITION-RELATED COSTS:

Restructuring and acquisition-related costs are presented in the following table, and are comprised of costs directly related 
to the closure of business locations or the relocation of business activities, significant changes in management structure, as 
well as transaction, exit, and integration costs incurred pursuant to business acquisitions.

Employee termination and benefit costs
Exit, relocation and other costs
Net loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment related to exit activities
Acquisition-related transaction costs

2018

7,767
13,620
12,394
447
34,228

$

$

2017

3,958
13,805
930
4,201
22,894

$

$

Restructuring and acquisition-related costs in fiscal 2018 related primarily to the following: $9.0 million for the closure of the 
AKH textile manufacturing facility which was acquired as part of the Anvil acquisition; $9.0 million for the consolidation of the 
Company's U.S. distribution centres pursuant to prior years' business acquisitions (net of a gain on disposal of $1.2 million 
and the $5.0 million reversal of an environmental liability for a distribution facility sold in fiscal 2018); $7.3 million for the 
Company's internal organizational realignment; $5.5 million for the consolidation of sock production manufacturing; and $3.4 
million in other costs, including the consolidation of garment dyeing operations acquired in the Comfort Colors acquisition 
and information systems integration for prior year acquisitions.  

Restructuring and acquisition-related costs in fiscal 2017 related primarily to the following: $7.9 million of transaction and 
integration costs for the American Apparel business acquisition; $6.2 million for the rationalization of the Company's remaining 
retail store outlets; $4.4 million for the integration of prior years' business acquisitions, primarily for the integration of Alstyle 
and Peds; $2.7 million for the consolidation of the Company's West Coast distribution centres pursuant to the acquisitions 
of American Apparel and Alstyle; and $1.7 million for the Company's internal organizational realignment.

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 91

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

18. INCOME TAXES:

The income tax provision differs from the amount computed by applying the combined Canadian federal and provincial tax 
rates to earnings before income taxes. The reasons for the difference and the related tax effects are as follows:

Earnings before income taxes
Applicable tax rate
Income taxes at applicable statutory rate

(Decrease) increase in income taxes resulting from:

Effect of different tax rates on earnings of foreign subsidiaries
Income tax recovery and other adjustments related to prior taxation years
Effect of changes in tax rates
Effect of revaluation of deferred income taxes on intangible assets
Non-recognition of tax benefits related to tax losses and temporary differences
Effect of non-deductible expenses and other

Total income tax expense
Average effective tax rate

2018

2017

$

372,134

$

376,816

26.6%

98,913

26.8%

101,100

(96,013)
979
2,048
—
17,169
(1,736)
21,360

$

(89,722)
(1,676)
(1,633)
(62,228)
62,488
6,153
14,482

5.7%

3.8%

$

The  Company’s  applicable  statutory  tax  rate  is  the  Canadian  combined  rate  applicable  in  the  jurisdictions  in  which  the 
Company operates. 

The details of income tax expense are as follows:

Current income taxes, includes an expense of $3,535
  (2017 - recovery of $1,368) relating to prior taxation years

Deferred income taxes:
Changes in tax rates
Revaluation of deferred income taxes on intangible assets
Origination and reversal of temporary differences
Non-recognition of tax benefits related to tax losses and temporary differences
Recognition of tax benefits relating to prior taxation years

Total income tax expense

$

2018

2017

$

12,488

$

9,587

2,048
—
(7,789)
17,169
(2,556)

8,872
21,360

$

(1,633)
(62,228)
6,576
62,488
(308)

4,895
14,482

During fiscal 2017, the Company revalued the net deferred tax liability position in its U.S. subsidiaries, to reflect the change 
in the statutory federal corporate income tax rate that took effect at the beginning of 2018, resulting in an income tax recovery 
of $1.6 million. In addition, the Company incurred a net deferred tax expense of $3.3 million in fiscal 2017 relating to an 
internal organizational realignment of its Branded Apparel business unit, consisting of a $56.5 million increase in the non-
recognition of deferred income tax assets and a $9.0 million reduction in deferred income tax assets relating to the reversal 
of temporary differences, less a $62.2 million revaluation of deferred income tax liabilities. In fiscal 2018, pursuant to additional 
phases to the internal reorganization, the Company reassessed the recoverability of its deferred income tax assets in the 
respective jurisdictions affected, resulting in an increase in deferred tax expense of $6.1 million for assets that were no longer 
probable of being realized. The fiscal 2018 deferred income tax expense also included $2.0 million for the revaluation of 
deferred income tax assets and liabilities due to changes in statutory income tax rates.

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 92

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

18. INCOME TAXES (continued):

Significant  components  of  the  Company’s  deferred  income  tax  assets  and  liabilities  relate  to  the  following  temporary 
differences and unused tax losses:

Deferred income tax assets:

Non-capital losses
Non-deductible reserves and accruals
Property, plant and equipment
Other items

Unrecognized deferred income tax assets

Deferred income tax assets

Deferred income tax liabilities:

Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets

Deferred income tax liabilities

Deferred income taxes

December 30,
2018

December 31,
2017

$

$

$

$

$

85,800
11,395
9,227
6,039
112,461
(85,724)
26,737

$

$

(29,095) $
(10,265)
(39,360) $

75,433
5,712
9,629
6,609
97,383
(67,152)
30,231

(24,239)
(9,705)
(33,944)

(12,623) $

(3,713)

The details of changes to deferred income tax assets and liabilities were as follows: 

Balance, beginning of fiscal year, net

Recognized in the statements of earnings:

Non-capital losses
Non-deductible reserves and accruals
Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
Other
Changes in tax rates
Unrecognized deferred income tax assets

2018

$

(3,713) $

10,367
5,683
(5,267)
94
(532)
(2,048)
(17,169)
(8,872)

Other
Balance, end of fiscal year, net

(38)
(12,623) $

$

2017

1,500

31,202
(41,052)
(3,062)
66,888
1,984
1,633
(62,488)
(4,895)

(318)
(3,713)

As at December 30, 2018, the Company has tax credits, capital and non-capital loss carryforwards, and other deductible 
temporary differences available to reduce future taxable income for tax purposes representing a tax benefit of approximately 
$85.7 million, for which no deferred tax asset has been recognized (December 31, 2017 - $67.2 million), because the criteria 
for recognition of the tax asset was not met. The tax credits and capital and non-capital loss carryforwards expire between 
2019 and 2038. The recognized deferred tax asset is supported by projections of future profitability of the Company.

The Company has not recognized a deferred income tax liability for the undistributed profits of subsidiaries operating in 
foreign jurisdictions, as the Company currently has no intention to repatriate these profits. If expectations or intentions change 
in the future, the Company may be subject to an additional tax liability upon distribution of these earnings in the form of 
dividends or otherwise. As at December 30, 2018, a deferred income tax liability of approximately $74 million would result 
from the recognition of the taxable temporary differences of approximately $343 million.

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 93

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

19. EARNINGS PER SHARE:

Reconciliation between basic and diluted earnings per share is as follows:

Net earnings - basic and diluted

Basic earnings per share:

Basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding

Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share:

Basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding
Plus dilutive impact of stock options, Treasury RSUs and common
  shares held in trust
Diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding

Diluted earnings per share

2018

2017

350,774

$

362,334

211,435
1.66

$

224,184
1.62

211,435

224,184

273
211,708
1.66

$

351
224,535
1.61

$

$

$

Excluded from the above calculation for the year ended December 30, 2018 are 1,462,933 stock options (2017 - 1,903,101) 
and nil Treasury RSUs (2017 - nil) which were deemed to be anti-dilutive.

20. DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION: 

2018

2017

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment (note 9)

$

125,797

$

136,233

Adjustment for the variation of depreciation of property, plant and equipment included

in inventories at the beginning and end of the year

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment included in net earnings
Amortization of intangible assets, excluding software (note 10)
Amortization of software (note 10)
Depreciation and amortization included in net earnings

4,940
130,737
22,864
4,475
158,076

$

323
136,556
20,786
4,808
162,150

$

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 94

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

21. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW DISCLOSURE:

(a)  Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to cash flows from operating activities:

Depreciation and amortization (note 20)
Restructuring charges related to property, plant and equipment (note 17)
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets
Share-based compensation
Deferred income taxes (note 18)
Unrealized net (gain) loss on foreign exchange and financial derivatives

Timing differences between settlement of financial derivatives and transfer of

deferred gains and losses in accumulated OCI to inventory and net earnings

Other non-current assets
Other non-current liabilities

(b)  Variations in non-cash transactions:

$

2018

158,076
12,394
1,124
19,513
8,872
882

—
(1,445)
2,839
202,255

$

2017

162,150
930
368
15,867
4,895
(863)

(10,070)
(523)
2,445
175,199

$

$

2018

2017

Additions to property, plant and equipment and intangible assets included in accounts

payable and accrued liabilities

$

4,977

$

258

Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment included in other current

assets

Impact of adoption of new accounting standards (note 2(d))
Balance due on business acquisitions (note 5)

Non-cash ascribed value credited to contributed surplus for dividends attributed to

Treasury RSUs

Non-cash ascribed value credited to share capital from shares issued or distributed

pursuant to vesting of restricted share units and exercise of stock options

(86)
(1,515)
—

754

6,681

36
—
2,700

447

9,623

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 95

      
      
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

22. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS:

Key management personnel compensation:

Key  management  personnel  includes  those  individuals  that  have  authority  and  responsibility  for  planning,  directing  and 
controlling the activities of the Company, directly or indirectly, and is comprised of the members of the executive management 
team and the Board of Directors. The amount for compensation expense recognized in net earnings for key management 
personnel was as follows:

Short-term employee benefits
Post-employment benefits
Share-based payments

2018

8,615
2,995
12,592
24,202

$

$

2017

9,446
205
10,932
20,583

$

$

The amounts in accounts payable and accrued liabilities for share-based compensation awards to key management personnel 
were as follows:

DSUs

Other:

December 30,
2018

December 31,
2017

$

8,310

$

9,460

During fiscal 2018, the Company incurred expenses for airplane usage of $1.2 million (2017 - nil), with a company controlled 
by the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. The payments made are in accordance with the terms of the 
agreement established and agreed to by the related parties. The amount in accounts payable and accrued liabilities related 
to the airplane usage was $0.3 million (December 31, 2017 - nil).

23. COMMITMENTS, GUARANTEES AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES: 

(a)  Claims and litigation

The Company is a party to claims and litigation arising in the normal course of operations. The Company does not expect 
the resolution of these matters to have a material adverse effect on the financial position or results of operations of the 
Company.

(b)  Guarantees

The Company, and some of its subsidiaries, have granted financial guarantees, irrevocable standby letters of credit, 
and surety bonds to third parties to indemnify them in the event the Company and some of its subsidiaries do not perform 
their contractual obligations. As at December 30, 2018, the maximum potential liability under these guarantees was 
$55.4 million (December 31, 2017 - $50.6 million), of which $11.1 million was for surety bonds and $44.3 million was for 
financial guarantees and standby letters of credit (December 31, 2017 - $12.5 million and $38.1 million, respectively).

As at December 30, 2018, the Company has recorded no liability with respect to these guarantees, as the Company 
does not expect to make any payments for the aforementioned items. 

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 96

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

24. CAPITAL DISCLOSURES:

The  Company’s  objective  in  managing  capital  is  to  ensure  sufficient  liquidity  to  pursue  its  organic  growth  strategy  and 
undertake selective acquisitions, while maintaining a strong credit profile and a capital structure that reflects a target ratio of 
financial leverage as noted below.

The Company’s capital is composed of net debt and shareholders’ equity. Net debt consists of interest-bearing debt less 
cash and cash equivalents. The Company’s use of capital is to finance working capital requirements, capital expenditures, 
business acquisition, payment of dividends, as well as share repurchases. The Company currently funds these requirements 
out of its internally-generated cash flows and with funds drawn from its long-term debt facilities. 

The primary measure used by the Company to monitor its financial leverage is its net debt leverage ratio. The Company’s 
net debt leverage ratio is defined as the ratio of net debt to earnings before financial expenses, income taxes, depreciation 
and amortization, and restructuring and acquisition-related costs (“adjusted EBITDA”) for the trailing twelve months, on a 
pro-forma basis to reflect business acquisitions made during the trailing twelve month period, as if they had occurred at the 
beginning of the trailing twelve month period. The Company has set a target net debt leverage ratio of one to two times 
adjusted EBITDA. As at December 30, 2018, the Company’s net debt leverage ratio was 1.0 times.

In order to maintain or adjust its capital structure, the Company, upon approval from its Board of Directors, may issue or 
repay long-term debt, issue shares, repurchase shares, pay dividends or undertake other activities as deemed appropriate 
under the specific circumstances.

The  Board  of  Directors  will  consider  several  factors  when  deciding  to  declare  quarterly  cash  dividends,  including  the 
Company’s present and future earnings, cash flows, capital requirements and present and/or future regulatory and legal 
restrictions. There can be no assurance as to the declaration of future quarterly cash dividends. Although the Company’s 
revolving facilities, term loan facility, and notes require compliance with lending covenants in order to pay dividends, these 
covenants have not been and are not currently, a constraint to the payment of dividends under the Company’s dividend 
policy.

The Company paid dividends of $94.6 million during the year ended December 30, 2018, representing dividends declared 
per common share of $0.448. On February 20, 2019, the Board of Directors approved a 20% increase in the amount of the 
current  quarterly  dividend  and  declared  a  cash  dividend  of  $0.134  per  share  for  an  expected  aggregate  payment  of 
$27.7 million which will be paid on April 1, 2019 on all of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Company, rateably 
and proportionately to the holders of record on March 7, 2019. This dividend is an “eligible dividend” for the purposes of the 
Income Tax Act (Canada) and any other applicable provincial legislation pertaining to eligible dividends.

The Company is not subject to any capital requirements imposed by a regulator.

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 97

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

25. DISAGGREGATION OF REVENUE:

Net sales by major product group were as follows:

Activewear
Hosiery and underwear

Net sales were derived from customers located in the following geographic areas:

United States
Canada
International

2018

2017

$

$

$

$

2,321,395
587,170
2,908,565

2018

2,484,877
120,764
302,924
2,908,565

$

$

$

$

2,043,147
707,669
2,750,816

2017

2,381,193
131,061
238,562
2,750,816

26. ENTITY-WIDE DISCLOSURES:

Property, plant and equipment, intangible assets, and goodwill, were allocated to geographic areas as follows:

United States
Canada
Honduras
Caribbean Basin
Other

December 30,
2018

December 31,
2017

$

$

455,491
132,045
387,301
544,282
92,291
1,611,410

$

$

487,228
141,820
386,348
559,422
89,176
1,663,994

Customers accounting for at least 10% of total net sales for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2018 and December 31, 
2017 were as follows.

Customer A
Customer B
Customer C

2018

19.0%
10.0%
7.6%

2017

16.5%
7.6%
11.9%

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 98