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Exco

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Employees 5001-10,000
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FY2018 Annual Report · Exco
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F O C USED ON TH

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2 0 1 8   A N N U A L   R E P O R T

PRODUCTION FACILITIES

Cas�ng & Extrusion Technologies 

Automo�ve Solu�ons

Markham, ON
Newmarket, ON
Uxbridge, ON

Chesterfield, MI
Toledo, OH

Dartmouth, 
NS

Matamoros (2), MX

Wylie, TX

Queretaro (2), MX

Medellin, 
COLOMBIA

Sorocaba,
BRAZIL

Sofia,
BULGARIA

Tangier,
MOROCCO

Chonburi,
THAILAND

SALES
($ millions)

NET INCOME
($ millions)

DILUTED ADJUSTED
EARNINGS PER SHARE (1)

CASH FLOW
FROM OPERATING
ACTIVITIES (2)
($ millions)

.

3
9
8
5

.

2
4
8
5

.

6
5
7
5

.

3
8
9
4

.

3
8
6
3

.

6
7
4

.

8
0
4

.

5
2
4

.

3
2
4

.

7
0
3

.

6
9
0
3 $
7
0
$

.

3
0
1
$

.

3
0
1
$

.

0
0
1
$

.

.

5
9
6

.

7
4
6

.

7
4
6

.

9
9
5

.

0
2
4

14

15

16

17

18

14

15

16

17

18

14

15

16

17

18

14

15

16

17

18

(1) Earnings before other income/ expense      (2) Before net change in non-cash working capital.

EXCO TOOLING SOLUTIONS

®

A L C

 
LETTER TO SHAREHOLDERS

tangible 

In  fiscal  2018  Exco  achieved  its  third-highest 
annual  earnings  per  share  (EPS)  in  its  history, 
falling  just  shy  of  the  record  marks  achieved  in 
each  of  the  two  prior  years.  While  we  had 
anticipated  our    EPS  would  again  climb  to  new 
heights,  we  are  nonetheless  pleased  with  our 
overall  results.  During  the  past  year  we  made 
significant 
investments  and  garnered  several 
contract  wins  that  will  drive  future  growth, 
repositioning 
realized 
underperforming 
further 
and 
strengthened  our  balance  sheet  while  returning 
almost half our earnings to shareholders through 
dividends  and  share  repurchases.  As  well,  we 
demonstrated  a  positive  earnings  trajectory 
through each successive quarter, exiting the year 
with  our  highest  Q4  earnings  ever. The  progress 
we  achieved  over  the  last  twelve  months  has 
given  us  more  confidence  than  ever  that  Exco  is 
well  positioned  to  realize  record  earnings  in  the 
year ahead. 

progress 
operations, 

Focused on the Fundamentals

Even  before  Exco’s  fiscal  2018  started,  it  was 
evident  that  the  year  would  be  filled  with  many 
new  challenges.  Despite  firm  global  economic 
conditions  and  the  fulfilled  promise  of  lower  US 
corporate tax rates, protectionist trade tones were 
gaining  steam.  In  particular,  the  future  of  the 
NAFTA  agreement  –  which  impacts  Exco’s  most 
important  trading  area  –  looked  increasingly 
uncertain  at  times.  As  the  year  progressed,  the 
implementation  of  steel  and  aluminum  tariffs  in 
the  US,  rising  fuel  and  other  input  costs,  and 
softening automotive production volumes made 
for  one  of  the  more  challenging  operating 
environments we’ve encountered in several years.

Through  these  challenges  we  remained  focused 
on  the  fundamentals,  making  the  necessary 
investments  and  decisions  to  grow  and  diversify 
our  operations  –  for  the  long  term.  Staying 

focused  on  the  fundamentals  has  served  Exco 
well  over  the  years.  This  core  principle  has 
enabled  us  to  build  a  diverse  collection  of 
leading  businesses  in  typically  niche  industries 
that  provide  our  customers  with 
innovative, 
low-cost  operations. 
quality  solutions 
Together  with  our  preponderance  of  “capital-
light”  businesses  and  exceptional  financial 
strength, Exco has tremendous staying power, all 
of  which  underlies  our  sustainable  earnings 
growth  and  generation  of  significant  free  cash 
flow. 

from 

the 

levels, 

industry  and  company 

At 
the 
fundamentals  for  both  our  parts  and  tooling 
businesses  remain  very  sound.  North  American 
automotive  production  volumes  have  softened 
modestly  from  recent  peaks  but  are  widely 
expected  to  plateau  near  current  levels  for  the 
next several years. Relatedly, demand for Polytech 
and  Neocon’s  growing  portfolio  of  innovative 
storage  and  protection  products  continue  to 
expand apace across more vehicles and OEMs. As 
well, the trend towards leather as the interior trim 
surface of choice plays squarely into AFX’s sweet 
spot.  In  Morocco,  Polydesign  is  sailing  with  the 
wind  at  its  back.  We  established  our  presence 
there long ago, well before other industry players 
had  awoken  to  the  country’s  attractive  labour 
market  and  proximity  to  Europe.  With  capacity 
and  inflationary  pressures  now  building  across 
Eastern  Europe,  Morocco  is  seeing  an  influx  of 
quoting  activity  for  which  we  are  the  “go-to” 
supplier. Meanwhile, as it relates to all three of our 
tooling  businesses,  demand  for  the  aluminum 
products  they  help  create  continues  to  grow 
across many applications. This is particularly true 
within  the  automotive  industry  where  an  acute 
focus  on  vehicle 
is  on  a 
sustainable uptrend that will persist regardless of 
how fast the electric vehicle is adopted, whether 
it’s a car, truck or SUV, or who’s driving it, if anyone 
at all.  Aluminum, however, is mostly used across 

light-weighting 

EXCO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

1

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

the  spectrum  of  the  economy  providing  our 

primary  customer 

in  discussions  to 

improve 

Extrusion  and  Castool  groups  with  meaningful 

program economics and has received temporary 

diversification. It is worth noting that despite the 

price  support  pending  ongoing  discussions. 

implementation  of  US  aluminum  tariffs,  overall 

These  measures  enabled  us  to  reduce  the  EPS 

shipments  of  North  American  aluminum  extru-

losses at ALC from $0.11 in fiscal 2017 to $0.03 in 

sions have grown to record levels, contributing to 

fiscal 2018, including a breakeven performance in 

the solid results from each of these divisions. 

Q3  and  attainment  of  profitability  in  Q4.  ALC  is 

Tackling Our Biggest Challenges

focused  on  further  operational  improvements 

and realizing a permanent price increase from its 

primary  customer  with  an  objective  of  reaching 

Perhaps our most significant achievement in fiscal 

sustained  profitability,  failing  which  we  will  exit 

2018  was  the  major  headway  we  made  at  fixing 

the business. 

what  was  broken.  Since  we  acquired  ALC 

in  2014,  to  say  it  has  underperformed  is  an 

Where we have also had significant challenges is 

understatement. Over the past few years, we have 

in  our  Casting  division  –  but  there  too  we  have 

spent  considerable  financial  and  operational 

made  meaningful  headway. Three  years  ago,  we 

resources to improve ALC’s results only to be met 

made  a  sizeable  capital  investment  to  radically 

with  more  challenges  along  the  way.  These 

transform  the  way  we  manufacture  our  large 

challenges intensified in our past fiscal year as the 

moulds.  We  knew  this  transition  would  not  be 

unemployment  rate  in  Bulgaria  dropped  to  the 

easy – and we were right. But it remains evident to 

lowest level in a decade, further pressuring local 

us  our  approach  was  also  right.  The  primary 

area  wages  and  causing  employee  turnover  and 

challenge has been that we vastly underestimat-

absenteeism to climb to unsustainable levels. The 

ed  how  long  it  would  take  to  bring  the  new 

backdrop  creates  a  difficult  environment  for  any 

process  up  to  the  required  levels  of  capacity. 

industry. However, it is downright hostile for ALC’s 

Consequently,  we  had  trouble  executing  on  our 

operations  which  are  characterized  by 

labor 

large order book through the past year. However, 

intensive,  low  margin  and  fixed-price  program 

while our results have clearly been frustrating, our 

economics  with  potentially  severe  financial 

progress  is  tangible.  We  are  now  capable  of 

consequences  for  mis-execution.  Given  our  view 

producing moulds in less than half the time as our 

that Bulgarian labour conditions are more likely to 

old process and capacity/ reliability is improving 

worsen than improve near term, it was necessary 

daily. Moreover, quoting activity and order inflow 

to reverse course on ALC’s growth and diversifica-

remain very strong while difficult industry pricing 

tion strategy. This led to the voluntary wind-down 

conditions  continue  to  ease.  Further  still,  we 

production  volumes  to  Polydesign  in  Morocco. 

additive  manufacturing  capabilities,  which 

is 

These  efforts  have  hurt  our  results  but  will 

greatly enhancing the quality and performance of 

essentially  be  complete  by  the  end  of  our  first 

our  moulds  beyond  our  competitors  reach.  And 

quarter of fiscal 2019. At that point, ALC will be a 

our  lead  in  the  area  of  3D  powdered  metal 

smaller  business  exclusively  focused  on  cutting 

printing is clear, having been nominated as a 2019 

and  sewing  BMW  Mini  seat  covers.  In  turn,  we 

finalist  for  the  automotive  industry’s  prestigious 

expect the streamlined operations will enable the 

PACE awards. As we continue to advance against 

through the next fiscal year and beyond.

Strong Financial Foundation Supports 

Our Growth Expectations

Making the Most of Our Opportunities

Turning  to  fiscal  2019  we  are  pursuing  several 

capital  investment  opportunities  that  we  expect 

will  have  very  high  rates  of  return.  Our  new 

Mexican  extrusion  plant  will  be  operational  in 

early  calendar  2019  to  better  penetrate  the 

domestic  market  there.  This  new  facility  will 

benefit  from  the  recent  completion  of  our 

harmonization  initiative  across  our  five  existing 

extrusion  plants.  This  initiative  has  established 

standardized  manufacturing  practices  which  has 

greatly 

increased 

the  overall  capacity  and 

efficiency of the group. The new plant will add to 

our  stable  of  greenfield  operations  in  Colombia, 

Brazil,  Texas  and  Thailand  which  continue  to 

perform  extremely  well  with  collective  EBITDA 

100%  growth  the  prior  year.  Elsewhere  in  our 

tooling  business,  Castool  will  further  expand  its 

Uxbridge plant to provide additional capacity and 

house  its  own  heat-treat  facility.  This  capital 

project will not only significantly reduce costs but 

will provide strategic benefits, enabling Castool to 

meaningfully  reduce 

lead  times  and  further 

enhance  the  quality  across 

its  portfolio  of 

innovative  products.  Over  in  our  Automotive 

Solutions  segment,  Polydesign  is  exploring  the 

potential  of  expanding  the  size  of  its  facility  in 

Morocco by about 50% to roughly 330,000 square 

feet  in  order  to  keep  up  with  expected  demand 

As  fiscal  2019  gets  underway,  Exco’s  balance 

sheet, as always, remains a pillar of strength. With 

essentially  no  net  debt  and  ample  liquidity  Exco 

possesses  significant  financial  flexibility  to  take 

advantage  of  opportunities  that  may  arise  while 

acting  as  a  hedge  against  any  external  shocks. 

Despite  elevated  levels  of  capital  spending  in 

fiscal 2019 we expect to generate free cash flow 

well 

in  excess  of  our  dividend  payments. 

Acquisitions  remain  a  focus  however  we  are  not 

dependent on them for earnings growth and we 

will  be  very  selective  in  whatever  we  pursue. 

In  the 

interim,  we  are  entirely  comfortable 

padding  our  balance  sheet  with  the  cash  flows 

that  we  will  generate  and/or  continuing  to 

buyback our shares, which we see as a bargain at 

In  closing,  Exco’s  fiscal  2018  was  as  a  year  of 

consolidating  on  past  gains  and  advancing  our 

key strategies. While we fell just short of our goal 

for  earnings  growth,  we  are  confident  the 

progress  we  made  has  positioned  us  to  achieve 

record  earnings  in  fiscal  2019.  None  of  this,  of 

course, would be possible without our dedicated 

and talented workforce now totaling 6,757 strong. 

Thank  you  for  your  continued  efforts  –  and 

staying focused on the fundamentals.  With more 

of  the  same,  we  know  even  greater  things  lie 

ahead. 

growth of 40% in fiscal 2018 even after realizing 

current  trading levels.  

Back in North America, capital investment in our 

other  parts  businesses  are  expected  to  be 

relatively modest in the coming year. However, we 

expect stronger overall financial performance will 

be driven by several recent contract wins and the 

various  cost  containment  measures  that  we 

Brian A. Robbins

President and CEO

of  certain  programs  and  shift  of  some  of  ALC’s 

continue  to  differentiate  ourselves  with  our 

growth. 

development of a workforce that is more reliable 

our  agenda,  we are confident the profitability  of 

continue to implement. 

and motivated. Importantly, ALC also engaged its 

our  large  mould  group  will  improve  steadily 

   
In  fiscal  2018  Exco  achieved  its  third-highest 

focused  on  the  fundamentals  has  served  Exco 

annual  earnings  per  share  (EPS)  in  its  history, 

well  over  the  years.  This  core  principle  has 

falling  just  shy  of  the  record  marks  achieved  in 

enabled  us  to  build  a  diverse  collection  of 

each  of  the  two  prior  years.  While  we  had 

leading  businesses  in  typically  niche  industries 

anticipated  our    EPS  would  again  climb  to  new 

that  provide  our  customers  with 

innovative, 

heights,  we  are  nonetheless  pleased  with  our 

quality  solutions 

from 

low-cost  operations. 

overall  results.  During  the  past  year  we  made 

Together  with  our  preponderance  of  “capital-

significant 

investments  and  garnered  several 

light”  businesses  and  exceptional  financial 

contract  wins  that  will  drive  future  growth, 

strength, Exco has tremendous staying power, all 

realized 

tangible 

progress 

repositioning 

of  which  underlies  our  sustainable  earnings 

underperforming 

operations, 

and 

further 

growth  and  generation  of  significant  free  cash 

strengthened  our  balance  sheet  while  returning 

flow. 

almost half our earnings to shareholders through 

dividends  and  share  repurchases.  As  well,  we 

At 

the 

industry  and  company 

levels, 

the 

demonstrated  a  positive  earnings  trajectory 

fundamentals  for  both  our  parts  and  tooling 

through each successive quarter, exiting the year 

businesses  remain  very  sound.  North  American 

with  our  highest  Q4  earnings  ever. The  progress 

automotive  production  volumes  have  softened 

we  achieved  over  the  last  twelve  months  has 

modestly  from  recent  peaks  but  are  widely 

given  us  more  confidence  than  ever  that  Exco  is 

expected  to  plateau  near  current  levels  for  the 

well  positioned  to  realize  record  earnings  in  the 

next several years. Relatedly, demand for Polytech 

year ahead. 

Focused on the Fundamentals

and  Neocon’s  growing  portfolio  of  innovative 

storage  and  protection  products  continue  to 

expand apace across more vehicles and OEMs. As 

well, the trend towards leather as the interior trim 

Even  before  Exco’s  fiscal  2018  started,  it  was 

surface of choice plays squarely into AFX’s sweet 

evident  that  the  year  would  be  filled  with  many 

spot.  In  Morocco,  Polydesign  is  sailing  with  the 

new  challenges.  Despite  firm  global  economic 

wind  at  its  back.  We  established  our  presence 

conditions  and  the  fulfilled  promise  of  lower  US 

there long ago, well before other industry players 

corporate tax rates, protectionist trade tones were 

had  awoken  to  the  country’s  attractive  labour 

gaining  steam.  In  particular,  the  future  of  the 

market  and  proximity  to  Europe.  With  capacity 

NAFTA  agreement  –  which  impacts  Exco’s  most 

and  inflationary  pressures  now  building  across 

important  trading  area  –  looked  increasingly 

Eastern  Europe,  Morocco  is  seeing  an  influx  of 

uncertain  at  times.  As  the  year  progressed,  the 

quoting  activity  for  which  we  are  the  “go-to” 

implementation  of  steel  and  aluminum  tariffs  in 

supplier. Meanwhile, as it relates to all three of our 

the  US,  rising  fuel  and  other  input  costs,  and 

tooling  businesses,  demand  for  the  aluminum 

softening automotive production volumes made 

products  they  help  create  continues  to  grow 

for  one  of  the  more  challenging  operating 

across many applications. This is particularly true 

environments we’ve encountered in several years.

within  the  automotive  industry  where  an  acute 

focus  on  vehicle 

light-weighting 

is  on  a 

Through  these  challenges  we  remained  focused 

sustainable uptrend that will persist regardless of 

on  the  fundamentals,  making  the  necessary 

how fast the electric vehicle is adopted, whether 

investments  and  decisions  to  grow  and  diversify 

it’s a car, truck or SUV, or who’s driving it, if anyone 

our  operations  –  for  the  long  term.  Staying 

at all.  Aluminum, however, is mostly used across 

LETTER TO SHAREHOLDERS

the  spectrum  of  the  economy  providing  our 
Extrusion  and  Castool  groups  with  meaningful 
diversification. It is worth noting that despite the 
implementation  of  US  aluminum  tariffs,  overall 
shipments  of  North  American  aluminum  extru-
sions have grown to record levels, contributing to 
the solid results from each of these divisions. 

Tackling Our Biggest Challenges

Perhaps our most significant achievement in fiscal 
2018  was  the  major  headway  we  made  at  fixing 
what  was  broken.  Since  we  acquired  ALC 
in  2014,  to  say  it  has  underperformed  is  an 
understatement. Over the past few years, we have 
spent  considerable  financial  and  operational 
resources to improve ALC’s results only to be met 
with  more  challenges  along  the  way.  These 
challenges intensified in our past fiscal year as the 
unemployment  rate  in  Bulgaria  dropped  to  the 
lowest level in a decade, further pressuring local 
area  wages  and  causing  employee  turnover  and 
absenteeism to climb to unsustainable levels. The 
backdrop  creates  a  difficult  environment  for  any 
industry. However, it is downright hostile for ALC’s 
operations  which  are  characterized  by 
labor 
intensive,  low  margin  and  fixed-price  program 
economics  with  potentially  severe  financial 
consequences  for  mis-execution.  Given  our  view 
that Bulgarian labour conditions are more likely to 
worsen than improve near term, it was necessary 
to reverse course on ALC’s growth and diversifica-
tion strategy. This led to the voluntary wind-down 
of  certain  programs  and  shift  of  some  of  ALC’s 
production  volumes  to  Polydesign  in  Morocco. 
These  efforts  have  hurt  our  results  but  will 
essentially  be  complete  by  the  end  of  our  first 
quarter of fiscal 2019. At that point, ALC will be a 
smaller  business  exclusively  focused  on  cutting 
and  sewing  BMW  Mini  seat  covers.  In  turn,  we 
expect the streamlined operations will enable the 
development of a workforce that is more reliable 
and motivated. Importantly, ALC also engaged its 

in  discussions  to 

primary  customer 
improve 
program economics and has received temporary 
price  support  pending  ongoing  discussions. 
These  measures  enabled  us  to  reduce  the  EPS 
losses at ALC from $0.11 in fiscal 2017 to $0.03 in 
fiscal 2018, including a breakeven performance in 
Q3  and  attainment  of  profitability  in  Q4.  ALC  is 
focused  on  further  operational  improvements 
and realizing a permanent price increase from its 
primary  customer  with  an  objective  of  reaching 
sustained  profitability,  failing  which  we  will  exit 
the business. 

Where we have also had significant challenges is 
in  our  Casting  division  –  but  there  too  we  have 
made  meaningful  headway. Three  years  ago,  we 
made  a  sizeable  capital  investment  to  radically 
transform  the  way  we  manufacture  our  large 
moulds.  We  knew  this  transition  would  not  be 
easy – and we were right. But it remains evident to 
us  our  approach  was  also  right.  The  primary 
challenge has been that we vastly underestimat-
ed  how  long  it  would  take  to  bring  the  new 
process  up  to  the  required  levels  of  capacity. 
Consequently,  we  had  trouble  executing  on  our 
large order book through the past year. However, 
while our results have clearly been frustrating, our 
progress  is  tangible.  We  are  now  capable  of 
producing moulds in less than half the time as our 
old process and capacity/ reliability is improving 
daily. Moreover, quoting activity and order inflow 
remain very strong while difficult industry pricing 
conditions  continue  to  ease.  Further  still,  we 
continue  to  differentiate  ourselves  with  our 
additive  manufacturing  capabilities,  which 
is 
greatly enhancing the quality and performance of 
our  moulds  beyond  our  competitors  reach.  And 
our  lead  in  the  area  of  3D  powdered  metal 
printing is clear, having been nominated as a 2019 
finalist  for  the  automotive  industry’s  prestigious 
PACE awards. As we continue to advance against 
our agenda, we are confident the profitability  of 
our  large  mould  group  will  improve  steadily 

EXCO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

2

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

through the next fiscal year and beyond.

Strong Financial Foundation Supports 

Our Growth Expectations

growth of 40% in fiscal 2018 even after realizing 

current  trading levels.  

Making the Most of Our Opportunities

Turning  to  fiscal  2019  we  are  pursuing  several 

capital  investment  opportunities  that  we  expect 

will  have  very  high  rates  of  return.  Our  new 

Mexican  extrusion  plant  will  be  operational  in 

early  calendar  2019  to  better  penetrate  the 

domestic  market  there.  This  new  facility  will 

benefit  from  the  recent  completion  of  our 

harmonization  initiative  across  our  five  existing 

extrusion  plants.  This  initiative  has  established 

standardized  manufacturing  practices  which  has 

greatly 

increased 

the  overall  capacity  and 

efficiency of the group. The new plant will add to 

our  stable  of  greenfield  operations  in  Colombia, 

Brazil,  Texas  and  Thailand  which  continue  to 

perform  extremely  well  with  collective  EBITDA 

100%  growth  the  prior  year.  Elsewhere  in  our 

tooling  business,  Castool  will  further  expand  its 

Uxbridge plant to provide additional capacity and 

house  its  own  heat-treat  facility.  This  capital 

project will not only significantly reduce costs but 

will provide strategic benefits, enabling Castool to 

meaningfully  reduce 

lead  times  and  further 

enhance  the  quality  across 

its  portfolio  of 

innovative  products.  Over  in  our  Automotive 

Solutions  segment,  Polydesign  is  exploring  the 

potential  of  expanding  the  size  of  its  facility  in 

Morocco by about 50% to roughly 330,000 square 

feet  in  order  to  keep  up  with  expected  demand 

Back in North America, capital investment in our 

other  parts  businesses  are  expected  to  be 

relatively modest in the coming year. However, we 

expect stronger overall financial performance will 

be driven by several recent contract wins and the 

various  cost  containment  measures  that  we 

continue to implement. 

As  fiscal  2019  gets  underway,  Exco’s  balance 

sheet, as always, remains a pillar of strength. With 

essentially  no  net  debt  and  ample  liquidity  Exco 

possesses  significant  financial  flexibility  to  take 

advantage  of  opportunities  that  may  arise  while 

acting  as  a  hedge  against  any  external  shocks. 

Despite  elevated  levels  of  capital  spending  in 

fiscal 2019 we expect to generate free cash flow 

well 

in  excess  of  our  dividend  payments. 

Acquisitions  remain  a  focus  however  we  are  not 

dependent on them for earnings growth and we 

will  be  very  selective  in  whatever  we  pursue. 

In  the 

interim,  we  are  entirely  comfortable 

padding  our  balance  sheet  with  the  cash  flows 

that  we  will  generate  and/or  continuing  to 

buyback our shares, which we see as a bargain at 

In  closing,  Exco’s  fiscal  2018  was  as  a  year  of 

consolidating  on  past  gains  and  advancing  our 

key strategies. While we fell just short of our goal 

for  earnings  growth,  we  are  confident  the 

progress  we  made  has  positioned  us  to  achieve 

record  earnings  in  fiscal  2019.  None  of  this,  of 

course, would be possible without our dedicated 

and talented workforce now totaling 6,757 strong. 

Thank  you  for  your  continued  efforts  –  and 

staying focused on the fundamentals.  With more 

of  the  same,  we  know  even  greater  things  lie 

Brian A. Robbins

President and CEO

growth. 

ahead. 

   
In  fiscal  2018  Exco  achieved  its  third-highest 

focused  on  the  fundamentals  has  served  Exco 

the  spectrum  of  the  economy  providing  our 

primary  customer 

in  discussions  to 

improve 

through the next fiscal year and beyond.

annual  earnings  per  share  (EPS)  in  its  history, 

well  over  the  years.  This  core  principle  has 

Extrusion  and  Castool  groups  with  meaningful 

program economics and has received temporary 

falling  just  shy  of  the  record  marks  achieved  in 

enabled  us  to  build  a  diverse  collection  of 

diversification. It is worth noting that despite the 

price  support  pending  ongoing  discussions. 

Making the Most of Our Opportunities

LETTER TO SHAREHOLDERS

each  of  the  two  prior  years.  While  we  had 

leading  businesses  in  typically  niche  industries 

implementation  of  US  aluminum  tariffs,  overall 

These  measures  enabled  us  to  reduce  the  EPS 

anticipated  our    EPS  would  again  climb  to  new 

that  provide  our  customers  with 

innovative, 

shipments  of  North  American  aluminum  extru-

losses at ALC from $0.11 in fiscal 2017 to $0.03 in 

heights,  we  are  nonetheless  pleased  with  our 

quality  solutions 

from 

low-cost  operations. 

sions have grown to record levels, contributing to 

fiscal 2018, including a breakeven performance in 

overall  results.  During  the  past  year  we  made 

Together  with  our  preponderance  of  “capital-

the solid results from each of these divisions. 

Q3  and  attainment  of  profitability  in  Q4.  ALC  is 

significant 

investments  and  garnered  several 

light”  businesses  and  exceptional  financial 

contract  wins  that  will  drive  future  growth, 

strength, Exco has tremendous staying power, all 

realized 

tangible 

progress 

repositioning 

of  which  underlies  our  sustainable  earnings 

Tackling Our Biggest Challenges

focused  on  further  operational  improvements 

and realizing a permanent price increase from its 

primary  customer  with  an  objective  of  reaching 

underperforming 

operations, 

and 

further 

growth  and  generation  of  significant  free  cash 

Perhaps our most significant achievement in fiscal 

sustained  profitability,  failing  which  we  will  exit 

strengthened  our  balance  sheet  while  returning 

flow. 

almost half our earnings to shareholders through 

2018  was  the  major  headway  we  made  at  fixing 

the business. 

what  was  broken.  Since  we  acquired  ALC 

dividends  and  share  repurchases.  As  well,  we 

At 

the 

industry  and  company 

levels, 

the 

in  2014,  to  say  it  has  underperformed  is  an 

Where we have also had significant challenges is 

demonstrated  a  positive  earnings  trajectory 

fundamentals  for  both  our  parts  and  tooling 

understatement. Over the past few years, we have 

in  our  Casting  division  –  but  there  too  we  have 

through each successive quarter, exiting the year 

businesses  remain  very  sound.  North  American 

spent  considerable  financial  and  operational 

made  meaningful  headway. Three  years  ago,  we 

with  our  highest  Q4  earnings  ever. The  progress 

automotive  production  volumes  have  softened 

resources to improve ALC’s results only to be met 

made  a  sizeable  capital  investment  to  radically 

we  achieved  over  the  last  twelve  months  has 

modestly  from  recent  peaks  but  are  widely 

with  more  challenges  along  the  way.  These 

transform  the  way  we  manufacture  our  large 

given  us  more  confidence  than  ever  that  Exco  is 

expected  to  plateau  near  current  levels  for  the 

challenges intensified in our past fiscal year as the 

moulds.  We  knew  this  transition  would  not  be 

well  positioned  to  realize  record  earnings  in  the 

next several years. Relatedly, demand for Polytech 

unemployment  rate  in  Bulgaria  dropped  to  the 

easy – and we were right. But it remains evident to 

year ahead. 

Focused on the Fundamentals

and  Neocon’s  growing  portfolio  of  innovative 

storage  and  protection  products  continue  to 

expand apace across more vehicles and OEMs. As 

well, the trend towards leather as the interior trim 

lowest level in a decade, further pressuring local 

us  our  approach  was  also  right.  The  primary 

area  wages  and  causing  employee  turnover  and 

challenge has been that we vastly underestimat-

absenteeism to climb to unsustainable levels. The 

ed  how  long  it  would  take  to  bring  the  new 

backdrop  creates  a  difficult  environment  for  any 

process  up  to  the  required  levels  of  capacity. 

Even  before  Exco’s  fiscal  2018  started,  it  was 

surface of choice plays squarely into AFX’s sweet 

industry. However, it is downright hostile for ALC’s 

Consequently,  we  had  trouble  executing  on  our 

evident  that  the  year  would  be  filled  with  many 

spot.  In  Morocco,  Polydesign  is  sailing  with  the 

operations  which  are  characterized  by 

labor 

large order book through the past year. However, 

new  challenges.  Despite  firm  global  economic 

wind  at  its  back.  We  established  our  presence 

intensive,  low  margin  and  fixed-price  program 

while our results have clearly been frustrating, our 

conditions  and  the  fulfilled  promise  of  lower  US 

there long ago, well before other industry players 

economics  with  potentially  severe  financial 

progress  is  tangible.  We  are  now  capable  of 

corporate tax rates, protectionist trade tones were 

had  awoken  to  the  country’s  attractive  labour 

consequences  for  mis-execution.  Given  our  view 

producing moulds in less than half the time as our 

gaining  steam.  In  particular,  the  future  of  the 

market  and  proximity  to  Europe.  With  capacity 

that Bulgarian labour conditions are more likely to 

old process and capacity/ reliability is improving 

NAFTA  agreement  –  which  impacts  Exco’s  most 

and  inflationary  pressures  now  building  across 

worsen than improve near term, it was necessary 

daily. Moreover, quoting activity and order inflow 

important  trading  area  –  looked  increasingly 

Eastern  Europe,  Morocco  is  seeing  an  influx  of 

to reverse course on ALC’s growth and diversifica-

remain very strong while difficult industry pricing 

uncertain  at  times.  As  the  year  progressed,  the 

quoting  activity  for  which  we  are  the  “go-to” 

tion strategy. This led to the voluntary wind-down 

conditions  continue  to  ease.  Further  still,  we 

implementation  of  steel  and  aluminum  tariffs  in 

supplier. Meanwhile, as it relates to all three of our 

of  certain  programs  and  shift  of  some  of  ALC’s 

continue  to  differentiate  ourselves  with  our 

the  US,  rising  fuel  and  other  input  costs,  and 

tooling  businesses,  demand  for  the  aluminum 

production  volumes  to  Polydesign  in  Morocco. 

additive  manufacturing  capabilities,  which 

is 

softening automotive production volumes made 

products  they  help  create  continues  to  grow 

These  efforts  have  hurt  our  results  but  will 

greatly enhancing the quality and performance of 

for  one  of  the  more  challenging  operating 

across many applications. This is particularly true 

essentially  be  complete  by  the  end  of  our  first 

our  moulds  beyond  our  competitors  reach.  And 

environments we’ve encountered in several years.

within  the  automotive  industry  where  an  acute 

quarter of fiscal 2019. At that point, ALC will be a 

our  lead  in  the  area  of  3D  powdered  metal 

focus  on  vehicle 

light-weighting 

is  on  a 

smaller  business  exclusively  focused  on  cutting 

printing is clear, having been nominated as a 2019 

Through  these  challenges  we  remained  focused 

sustainable uptrend that will persist regardless of 

and  sewing  BMW  Mini  seat  covers.  In  turn,  we 

finalist  for  the  automotive  industry’s  prestigious 

on  the  fundamentals,  making  the  necessary 

how fast the electric vehicle is adopted, whether 

expect the streamlined operations will enable the 

PACE awards. As we continue to advance against 

investments  and  decisions  to  grow  and  diversify 

it’s a car, truck or SUV, or who’s driving it, if anyone 

development of a workforce that is more reliable 

our agenda, we are confident the profitability of 

our  operations  –  for  the  long  term.  Staying 

at all.  Aluminum, however, is mostly used across 

and motivated. Importantly, ALC also engaged its 

our  large  mould  group  will  improve  steadily 

increased 

Turning  to  fiscal  2019  we  are  pursuing  several 
capital  investment  opportunities  that  we  expect 
will  have  very  high  rates  of  return.  Our  new 
Mexican  extrusion  plant  will  be  operational  in 
early  calendar  2019  to  better  penetrate  the 
domestic  market  there.  This  new  facility  will 
benefit  from  the  recent  completion  of  our 
harmonization  initiative  across  our  five  existing 
extrusion  plants.  This  initiative  has  established 
standardized  manufacturing  practices  which  has 
greatly 
the  overall  capacity  and 
efficiency of the group. The new plant will add to 
our  stable  of  greenfield  operations  in  Colombia, 
Brazil,  Texas  and  Thailand  which  continue  to 
perform  extremely  well  with  collective  EBITDA 
growth of 40% in fiscal 2018 even after realizing 
100%  growth  the  prior  year.  Elsewhere  in  our 
tooling  business,  Castool  will  further  expand  its 
Uxbridge plant to provide additional capacity and 
house  its  own  heat-treat  facility.  This  capital 
project will not only significantly reduce costs but 
will provide strategic benefits, enabling Castool to 
lead  times  and  further 
meaningfully  reduce 
enhance  the  quality  across 
its  portfolio  of 
innovative  products.  Over  in  our  Automotive 
Solutions  segment,  Polydesign  is  exploring  the 
potential  of  expanding  the  size  of  its  facility  in 
Morocco by about 50% to roughly 330,000 square 
feet  in  order  to  keep  up  with  expected  demand 
growth. 

Back in North America, capital investment in our 
other  parts  businesses  are  expected  to  be 
relatively modest in the coming year. However, we 
expect stronger overall financial performance will 
be driven by several recent contract wins and the 
various  cost  containment  measures  that  we 
continue to implement. 

Strong Financial Foundation Supports 
Our Growth Expectations

As  fiscal  2019  gets  underway,  Exco’s  balance 
sheet, as always, remains a pillar of strength. With 
essentially  no  net  debt  and  ample  liquidity  Exco 
possesses  significant  financial  flexibility  to  take 
advantage  of  opportunities  that  may  arise  while 
acting  as  a  hedge  against  any  external  shocks. 
Despite  elevated  levels  of  capital  spending  in 
fiscal 2019 we expect to generate free cash flow 
well 
in  excess  of  our  dividend  payments. 
Acquisitions  remain  a  focus  however  we  are  not 
dependent on them for earnings growth and we 
will  be  very  selective  in  whatever  we  pursue. 
In  the 
interim,  we  are  entirely  comfortable 
padding  our  balance  sheet  with  the  cash  flows 
that  we  will  generate  and/or  continuing  to 
buyback our shares, which we see as a bargain at 
current  trading levels.  

In  closing,  Exco’s  fiscal  2018  was  as  a  year  of 
consolidating  on  past  gains  and  advancing  our 
key strategies. While we fell just short of our goal 
for  earnings  growth,  we  are  confident  the 
progress  we  made  has  positioned  us  to  achieve 
record  earnings  in  fiscal  2019.  None  of  this,  of 
course, would be possible without our dedicated 
and talented workforce now totaling 6,757 strong. 

Thank  you  for  your  continued  efforts  –  and 
staying focused on the fundamentals.  With more 
of  the  same,  we  know  even  greater  things  lie 
ahead. 

Brian A. Robbins
President and CEO

EXCO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

3

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

   
CONTENTS 

5 

Management's Discussion and Analysis 

20 

21 

25 

Independent Auditors’ Report 

Consolidated Financial Statements 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) should be 
read  in  conjunction  with  the  consolidated  financial  statements  and  related  notes  of  Exco  Technologies  Limited 
(“Exco”, or “Company”) for the year ended September 30, 2018.  This MD&A has been prepared as of November 
26, 2018. 

Additional information on Exco, including copies of its continuous disclosure materials such as its Annual Information 
Form, is available on its website at www.excocorp.com or through the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com . 

This  MD&A  has  been  prepared  by  reference  to  the  MD&A  disclosure  requirements  established  under  National 
Instrument 51-102 “Continuous Disclosure Obligations” (“NI 51-102”) of the Canadian Securities Administrators. 
Additional information regarding Exco, including copies of its continuous disclosure materials such as its annual 
information form, is available on its website at www.excocorp.com or through the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com. 

In this MD&A, reference may be made to EBITDA, EBITDA Margin, adjusted EPS and free cash flow which are not 
measures  of  financial  performance  under  International  Financial  Reporting  Standards (“IFRS”).  Exco  calculates 
EBITDA as earnings before other income/expense, interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization and EBITDA Margin 
as EBITDA divided by sales. Exco calculates adjusted EPS as earnings before other income/expense. It calculates 
free cash flow as cash provided by operating activities less interest paid less investment in fixed assets net of proceeds 
of disposal.  EBITDA, EBITDA Margin, adjusted EPS and free cash flow are used by management, from time to time, 
to facilitate period-to-period operating comparisons and we believe some investors and analysts use these measures 
as  well  when  evaluating  Exco’s  financial  performance.  These  measures,  as  calculated  by  Exco,  do  not  have  any 
standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and are not necessarily comparable to similar measures presented by other 
issuers.  

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT 

Information  in  this  document  relating  to:  projected  North  American  light  vehicle  sales  and  production,  original 
equipment manufacturer’s (OEM) capital investment levels, the rate and intensity of OEM development of all-electric 
or hybrid powertrain systems, the level of order backlog of the company’s business units, contribution of our start-up 
business units, contribution of awarded programs yet to be launched, margin performance, financial performance of 
acquisitions and operating efficiencies are forward-looking statements. 

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements found mainly in the MD&A section 
but also elsewhere throughout this document. These forward-looking statements are based on our plans, intentions or 
expectations which are based on, among other things, assumptions about the number of automobiles produced in North 
America and Europe, the number of extrusion dies required in North America and South America, the rate of economic 
growth in North America, Europe and emerging market countries, investment by OEMs in drivetrain architecture and 
other initiatives intended to reduce fuel consumption and/or the weight of automobiles, raw material prices, economic 
conditions,  currency  fluctuations,  trade  restrictions,  our  ability  to  integrate  acquisitions  and  the  rate  at  which  our 
operations in Brazil and Bulgaria achieve sustained profitability. These forward-looking statements include known 

EXCO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

4

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors which may cause actual results or achievements to be 
materially different from those expressed or implied.  For a more extensive discussion of Exco’s risks and uncertainties 
see  the  ‘Risks  and  Uncertainties’  section  in  this  Annual  Report,  our  Annual  Information  Form  (“AIF”)  and  other 
reports and securities filings made by the Company.  This information is available at www.sedar.com. 

While Exco believes that the expectations expressed by such forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot 
assure that they will be correct.  In evaluating forward-looking information and statements, readers should carefully 
consider the various factors which could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those indicated in the 
forward-looking information and statements. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of important factors is not 
exhaustive.  Furthermore, the Company will update its disclosure upon publication of each fiscal quarter’s financial 
results and otherwise disclaims any obligations to update publicly or otherwise revise any such factors or any of the 
forward-looking  information  or  statements  contained  herein  to  reflect  subsequent  information,  events  or 
developments, changes in risk factors or otherwise.   

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 

CORE BUSINESSES 

Exco is a global designer, developer and manufacturer of dies, moulds, components and assemblies, and consumable 
equipment for the die-cast, extrusion and automotive industries. The Company reports in two business segments. 

The  Casting  and  Extrusion  segment  designs,  develops  and  manufactures  die-casting  and  extrusion  tooling  and 
consumable parts for both aluminum die-casting and aluminum extrusion machines. Operations are based in North 
America, South America and Thailand and serve automotive and industrial markets around the world.  Exco is a leader 
in  most  of  these  markets.  In  the  die-casting  and  extrusion  tooling  markets,  Exco  is  further  entrenching  itself  by 
reducing lead times and manufacturing costs through design and process enhancements. In the die-cast tooling group 
a  major  equipment  capital  project  has  been  implemented  to  increase  capacity,  reduce  lead  times,  further  improve 
quality and reduce costs. In the machine consumables market, Exco is leveraging its long tradition as a reliable, high-
quality supplier of consumable components for the injection system of die-cast machines and aluminum extrusion 
presses  by  evaluating,  coordinating  and  ultimately  maximizing  customers’  overall  equipment  performance  and 
longevity. The Canadian, European, South American and United States markets are Exco’s primary focus for die-cast 
moulds, extrusion dies and machine consumable parts. However, with respect to the latter, we commenced operations 
of a new facility in Thailand in 2014 to better penetrate the European and Asian market for those products.  

The  Automotive  Solutions  segment  designs,  develops  and  manufactures  automotive  interior  trim  components  and 
assemblies  primarily  for  passenger  and  light  truck  vehicles. The  Polytech  and  Polydesign  businesses  manufacture 
synthetic net and other cargo restraint products, injection-moulded components, shift/ brake boots, related interior trim 
components and assemblies. Polydesign is also a manufacturer and/or finisher of injection moulded interior trim and 
instrument panel components, sun visors, seat covers, head rests and other cut and sew products. Automotive Leather 
Company is a manufacturer of leather/fabric seat covers for automobile interiors and other wrap and sew components. 
Neocon is a supplier of soft plastic trunk trays, rigid plastic trunk organizer systems, floor mats and bumper covers. 
AFX  Industries  is  a  tier  2  supplier  of  leather  and  leather-like  interior  trim  components  to  the  North  American 
automotive market. AFX also supplies die cut leather sets for seating and many other interior trim applications as well 
as injection-molded, hand-sewn, machine-sewn and hand-wrapped interior trim components of all sorts. Automotive 
Solutions manufacturing facilities are located in Canada, the United States, Mexico, Bulgaria, and Morocco supplying 
the automotive markets in North America, Europe and to a lesser extent, Asia.  

EXCO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

5

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

VISION AND STRATEGY 

For the past few years, Exco has pursued several key strategies designed to achieve sustainable revenue and earnings 
growth. These include: (1) strengthening our technological leadership and competitive position in our chosen markets 
through automation and technology, (2) minimizing our cost structure, (3) shifting our productive capacity to low-
cost jurisdictions in closer proximity to our customers’ operations, (4) diversifying our revenue base with new products 
and  services  that  leverage  our  competitive  strengths,  and  (5)  capitalizing  on  organic  and  inorganic  growth 
opportunities in both our existing and select developing markets. 

The  North  American  automotive  industry  remained  generally  solid  in  fiscal  2018,  with  most  OEMs  and  tier  one 
suppliers  having  strong  sales  and  firm  credit  fundamentals.  Production  of  light  vehicles  however  appears  to  have 
plateaued  and  there  continues  to  be  an  increasing  separation  of  trends  between  passenger  cars  and  light  trucks 
(including sport utility and crossover vehicles) whereby demand for the former has been declining and demand for the 
latter is holding fairly steady or growing slightly. Nonetheless, overall vehicle sales volumes remain near historical 
highs supported by low interest rates, moderate gas prices, an aging fleet and widespread introduction of new vehicle 
models. As well, automobile manufacturers continue to invest in the development and production of more innovative 
and  fuel-efficient  powertrains  in  response  to  consumer  demand,  as  well  as  U.S.  government-mandated  Corporate 
Average  Fuel  Economy  (“CAFE”)  standards,  although  these  standards  are  under  review  in  the  2021  to  2025 
timeframe. In Europe comparable legislation requiring co2 emissions to be reduced is similarly driving innovation to 
reduce  vehicle  weight  and  improvement  in  powertrain  design.  These  developments  provide  meaningful  growth 
opportunities for our tooling businesses, but also for some of our interior trim businesses, which often sell components 
that are generally lighter in weight than the products they aim to displace.  

During fiscal 2018, Exco continued to solidify its technological leadership with the production of die-cast moulds for 
light-weight structural parts that use advanced aluminum alloys such as silafont. To date, Exco has shipped numerous 
such moulds. As well, quoting activity and new order flow for various additional structural part programs is ongoing, 
although the pace of such activities has lagged our earlier expectations. Exco believes moulds for structural aluminum 
components will be a significant driver of growth in the medium term and that this demand will occur regardless of 
prevailing powertrain developments. To point, reducing weight in an electric vehicle is critical to extend the range of 
the battery. This business unit has also landed orders for nine and ten speed transmission cases and numerous four and 
three cylinder engine block programs which are at the vanguard of OEM efforts to improve vehicle fuel efficiency. 
Offsetting these positive benefits however is the maturation of certain established programs that have benefited Exco’s 
large mould group over the past several years. Some of these programs were long-running requiring a high number of 
moulds that have  similar or identical configurations. Typically, programs  such as these  provide a larger base over 
which to absorb any engineering/ development costs and  also provide Exco  with the  opportunity to become  more 
efficient with each successive mould produced. Recently, automotive OEM’s have increased the speed at which they 
alter powertrain designs in order to achieve their fuel efficiency and emission reduction goals. This provides Exco 
with less opportunity to leverage the efficiency measures as noted in the forgoing. In response to and in anticipation 
of these trends continuing, Exco has invested significant capital in new machinery and equipment to reduce costs, 
increase efficiency, meet shorter lead times, further enhance the quality of its products and expand capacity.  

Demand for extrusion dies remains very firm as end market applications for extruded aluminum components are quite 
diverse and correlate well with GDP, which is growing firmly in North America – our largest market for extrusion 
dies. As well, demand for extruded aluminum components within the automotive end market continues to grow above 
market rates owing to the same light-weighting trends noted above. Moreover, anti-dumping and/or countervailing 
duties against Chinese imports into Canada and the US on aluminum extrusions remain in place following completion 
of the 2016 sunset review.  

EXCO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

6

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

Over the past several years Exco has expanded its footprint in the Americas to gain increased exposure to markets that 
the Company expects will have higher growth prospects over the longer term. These investments have included a new 
extrusion die production facility in Medellin, Colombia, which commenced operations in January 2012 and a new 
extrusion  die  production  facility  near  Sao  Paulo,  Brazil,  which  commenced  operations  in  June  2014.  These 
investments produced mixed results in fiscal 2018 with our Colombia operations performing very strongly while our 
Brazilian operations remain challenged by the weak economic environment in that country. Nonetheless, the financial 
performance of our Brazilian operations continued to improve in fiscal 2018 and we continue to grow from a small 
base, while we hone our skills and capabilities, positioning ourselves for the economic recovery when it eventually 
takes place. Exco is currently constructing a new extrusion die facility in Mexico to better service the local market in 
that country. The new facility is expected to be operational in early calendar 2019. 

In addition to its investments in South America, Exco has expanded its presence in the North America extrusion die 
market to provide increased growth in a distinct market segment where proximity to customers is a key element to 
success. In 2013, the Company acquired and subsequently expanded an existing toolshop in Wylie Texas to better 
service the south-central region of the United States.  Exco is now focused on harmonizing the manufacturing process 
of its various extrusion die plants and implementing various changes in order to improve the growth prospects and the 
efficiency of these operations. 

Our Castool business also has solid growth prospects, globally. Demand growth for Castool’s machine consumable 
parts prompted us to build a production facility in 2014 in Thailand to more efficiently  serve our customers while 
taking advantage of lower production and shipping costs to Asia and Europe. This facility has been producing since 
July 2014 and is now generating consistent profitability. In fiscal 2019, Castool plans to add approximately 20,000 
square feet to its existing building in Uxbridge, Ontario. This addition will provide additional manufacturing capacity 
and enable Castool to construct its own heat-treat facility in order to improve quality and service while lowering its 
operating costs. 

Over the past few years, strong vehicle production volumes in both North American and Europe have helped fuel sales 
and profit growth in our Automotive Solutions interior trim segment. Furthermore, particularly in North America, a 
good proportion of the vehicles produced are refreshed or completely new models with a growing representation of 
SUV/  CUV’s  and  light  trucks,  which  have  greater  cabin  and  cargo  areas.  Meanwhile,  we  continue  to  expand  our 
capabilities and broaden our product offerings. All of this helps us to increase our content per vehicle and replace 
older programs which have been ‘costed down’ over the years with new programs reflecting current costs and better 
margins. Cost inflation of major raw materials used by the segment has generally picked up over the past year and 
contributed  to  softer  financial  performance  in  fiscal  2018.  We  continue  to  take  various  initiatives  to  offset  these 
pressures and expect any further impact to be manageable through the near term.  

While we believe North American and European vehicle production volumes appear sustainable near current levels 
for the next few years, we believe prospects for further growth are limited by several structural trends. These include: 
a steadily aging population and historically high levels of consumer and government debt. As a result, it is likely that 
the  US  and  the  Euro  zone  economies  will,  over  the  long  term,  underperform  the  economies  of  most  developing 
countries – particularly, in Latin and South America and Southeast Asia.  Admittedly certain emerging economies are 
currently under pressure.  Brazil is a case in point. However, over the long term we believe the underlying structural 
trends will reassert themselves. 

Exco remains committed to establishing a larger presence in these markets to plant the seeds of revenue and earnings 
growth for future years. Our focus has been traditionally on relatively low-risk opportunities in markets that are already 
familiar to us, and which leverage our technological leadership and existing product and service capabilities – such as 
South America and Asia. Exco has exported to these emerging markets for many years and we are familiar with the 

EXCO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

7

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

customers and the general business climate. We have also operated several large plants in low-cost jurisdictions such 
as  Mexico  and  Morocco  for  many  years  with  exceptional  performance  and  financial  results.  The  increasingly 
sophisticated customers in these emerging markets are looking for superior quality, innovative product solutions and 
the benefit of local sourcing, product development and service. By manufacturing locally, we also significantly reduce 
transportation costs and mitigate the effect of unfavorable currency trends.  

Notwithstanding Exco’s investment in developing markets, we also continue to look for selective acquisitions that 
will bolster our position and enhance profitability in North America and Europe. On March 1, 2014 we purchased 
Automotive  Leather  Company  which  specializes  in  the  manufacture  and  export  of  luxury  leather  interior  trim 
components to the middle and luxury automotive sector. This acquisition provided us with a facility in Eastern Europe, 
to which European automotive manufacturing had been migrating, and a central European technical and service centre 
from which we can better serve our European customers. ALC’s operations in South Africa and Lesotho were less 
compelling. Consequently, Exco closed its operations in South Africa in fiscal 2016 and ceased production in Lesotho 
in November 2016. During  fiscal 2018, management continued to direct significant efforts towards improving the 
operating and financial performance of ALC’s operations in Bulgaria. The performance of these operations has been 
increasingly challenged by a concentration of activity with one large labor-intensive program coupled with falling 
unemployment rates, rising wages and fixed-price program pricing that was established when labor conditions were 
materially more favorable. In management’s view, these labor pressures will likely continue for the foreseeable future, 
warranting a change to ALC’s strategy of growing and diversifying its operations in Bulgaria. To that end, in fiscal 
2018, ALC began voluntarily winding down certain programs with its customers’ consent and started shifting a portion 
of its production volumes to Polydesign in Morocco. These efforts are expected to leave ALC with a smaller, more 
focused business and enable the development of a workforce that is more reliable and motivated. As well, ALC has 
engaged customers to improve program economics and received a temporary price increase during the year. ALC is 
continuing these customer discussions with an objective of receiving a permanent price increase in order to restore 
ALC to sustained profitability. More generally, Exco management remains focused on exiting or repricing business 
with  inadequate  profitability  in  both  of  its  business  segments.  While  this  initiative  may  dampen  future  sales,  it  is 
expected to have a positive impact on profitability and margins.  

On April 4, 2016 we acquired AFX Industries LLC.  The acquisition builds on Exco’s significant leather-based interior 
trim stable of products while also providing new customers, suppliers, products and capabilities in a region that is very 
familiar to us. As well, the increased scale and diversity provides incremental opportunities across Exco’s Automotive 
Solutions Group. AFX is based in Port Huron, Michigan with manufacturing operations in Matamoros, Mexico. The 
company is a tier 2 supplier of leather and leather-like interior trim components to the North American automotive 
market. AFX supplies die-cut leather sets for seating and many other interior trim applications as well as injection-
molded, hand sewn, machine-sewn and hand-wrapped interior components of all types. 

2018 RESULTS 

Consolidated Results - Sales 

Annual sales totalled $575.6 million compared to $584.2 million last year – a decrease of $8.6 million or 1% over last 
year. The US dollar averaged 2% lower ($1.29 versus $1.31) against the Canadian dollar over the year reducing sales 
by  $7.2  million.  The  Euro  averaged  5%  higher  ($1.53  versus  $1.46)  against  the  Canadian  dollar  over  the  year 
increasing sales by $8.4 million.  

EXCO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

8

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

Selected Annual Information 

The following table sets out selected financial data relating to the Company’s years ended September 30, 2018 and 
2017.  This financial data should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements 
for these years: 

(in $ millions except per share amounts) 

Sales 
Net income for the year 
Earnings per share from net income 
   Basic and diluted 
Earnings per share from adjusted net income (Adjusted EPS) 
   Basic and diluted 
Total assets 
Cash dividend paid per share 
EBITDA 

Segment Sales 

2018 

$575.6 
$42.3 

2017 

$584.2 
$42.5 

$1.00 

$1.00 

$1.00 
$447.9 
$0.33 
$76.6 

$1.03 
$431.2 
$0.31 
$83.2 

● Automotive Solutions Segment
Sales in this segment were $375.6 million – a decrease of $25.3 million or 6% from the prior year. The appreciation
of the Canadian dollar versus the US dollar in fiscal 2018 compared to fiscal 2017 reduced sales in North America by
$4.5 million. The strengthening of the Euro against the Canadian dollar increased segment sales in Europe by $8.0
million year over year. Consequently, segment sales were down $28.8 million, or 7% from last year excluding foreign
exchange rate movements. Sales were lower at the company’s North American based operations (Polytech, Neocon
and  AFX)  by  13%  during  the  year  due  to  a  4%  decline  in  overall  North  American  vehicle  production  volumes
including an ongoing weakness in the demand for passenger cars, a focus on higher margin business, the timing of
product  launches,  adverse  foreign  exchange  rate  movements,  and  isolated  pricing  pressures.  Reduced  demand  for
certain accessory products also negatively impacted sales during the year. The pipeline for new order activity for both
new and existing products however remains robust at all three of the segment’s North American businesses. Sales
were higher at the segment’s European operations (ALC and Polydesign) by 4% during the year due to temporary
pricing adjustments ALC received from its primary customer on its main program, favorable foreign exchange rate
movements and a number of new program launches at Polydesign, where quoting activity for additional programs
remains extremely robust. These factors more than offset a decline in volumes at ALC arising from the permanent
closure of that entity’s operations in Lesotho, the end of a large program in fiscal 2017, and the voluntary wind-down
of several smaller programs through fiscal 2018 ultimately aimed at improving ALC’s profitability.

• Casting and Extrusion Segment
Sales in this segment were $199.9 million – an increase of $16.7 million or 9% from the prior year. Foreign exchange
rate movements reduced segment sales by $2.3 million during the year. Consequently, segment sales were up $19.0
million, or 10% from last year excluding foreign exchange rate movements. Within the segment, sales were higher in
each of the Extrusion, Large Mould and Castool group’s during the year. Almost all of the segment’s various plants
experienced increased sales evidencing widespread strength with percentage increases the highest at the segment’s
newest  locations  of  Thailand,  Texas  and  Brazil.  Key  factors  behind  the  higher  segment  sales  include  increased
volumes in the Large Mould group as activity picked up following new program awards, market share gains associated
with the continued seasoning of Extrusion group greenfield plants and enhanced quality initiatives, a rebound in capital 
equipment  sales  at  the  Castool  group  together  with  ongoing  market  penetration  of  the  group’s  innovative  product

EXCO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

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ANNUAL REPORT 2018

offerings, selective price increases (including the pass-through of certain steel tariffs on to customers), and generally 
firm overall market conditions. These factors were partially offset by adverse foreign exchange rate movements as 
well as pockets of competitive pressures. New order activity remained robust throughout the year across most of the 
segment’s  businesses.  In  anticipation  that  these  trends  will  continue,  management  continues  to  invest  significant 
capital to further improve its market share potential and the efficiency of its operations.   

Cost of Sales 

Cost of sales totalled $453.9 million – a decrease of $0.3 million or essentially equal to the prior year. Cost of sales 
as a percentage of sales increased to 79% from 78% the prior year as lower direct material costs were more than offset 
by slightly higher direct labor and factory overhead costs. This, in turn, is largely driven by a mix shift between the 
company’s various businesses and business segments as well as higher freight and labour costs at ALC associated 
with tight labor markets and rising inflationary pressures in Bulgaria. More generally, inflationary pressures increased 
in fiscal 2018 relative to the prior year but remain manageable for Exco’s major input materials – petroleum/natural 
gas-based resin and plastic products in the  Automotive Solutions segment and tool grade steel in  the Casting and 
Extrusion segment. Where possible, Exco has been passing along US steel tariffs on to its customers through effective 
price increases in order to mitigate the negative impact on its profitability. 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses 

Selling, general and administrative expense in the current year decreased to $46.1 million from $46.8 million last year, 
a reduction of 1%. As a percentage of sales however, these expenses remained stable year over year at 8.0%.  

Depreciation and Amortization 

Consolidated depreciation expense in fiscal 2018 totalled $15.7 million, which was essentially unchanged from the 
$15.8 million expense last year. Amounts within the Company’s reporting segments were also relatively stable year 
over year. Depreciation expense within the Casting and Extrusion segment totalled $12.3 million in fiscal 2018 versus 
$12.4 million in fiscal 2017 and depreciation expense within the Automotive Solutions segment totalled $3.4 million 
this year versus $3.3 million last year. Amortization expense increased to $5.2 million in fiscal 2018 from $4.8 million 
the prior year with the difference primarily attributable to accelerated amortization of the remaining intangibles related 
to  ALC.  The  carrying  value  of  total  intangible  assets  amounted  to  $36.6  million  as  at  September  30,  2018.  The 
Company expects the associated annual amortization expense will total approximately  $4.0 million in fiscal 2019, 
although could vary depending on USD/ CAD exchange rates.  

Interest 

Net interest expense in the current year totalled $1.0 million in fiscal 2018 compared to $1.3 million in fiscal 2017. 
The reduction is primary attributable to lower average debt levels in fiscal 2018 compared to fiscal 2017 partially 
offset by a rise in benchmark interest rates during fiscal 2018 compared to fiscal 2017.  

Income Taxes 

Exco’s effective income tax rate was 22.6% in fiscal 2018 compared to an effective income tax rate of 29.2% in fiscal 
2017. The lower effective income tax rate in fiscal 2018 was driven by a reduction to the corporate income tax rate in 
the US and increased proportion of earnings from jurisdictions which have a lower tax rate. As well, the fiscal 2017 
tax rate was adversely impacted by $1.2 million in non-deductible ALC closure costs (see ‘Net Income’ section – 
below). 

EXCO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

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ANNUAL REPORT 2018

Net Income 

• Consolidated
The Company reported consolidated net income of $42.3 million or basic and diluted earnings of $1.00 per share,
which was essentially unchanged compared to consolidated net income of $42.5 million or basic and diluted earnings
of $1.00 per share respectively. Net income in fiscal 2017 included a $1.2 million charge to earnings related to the
permanent closure of ALC’s operations in Lesotho. Excluding this item, net income would have been $43.7 million
($1.03 per basic and diluted share) in fiscal 2017.

• Automotive Solutions Segment (Operating Earnings)
The  Automotive  Solutions  segment  recorded  operating  earnings  of  $44.4  million  for  the  year  compared  to  $51.1
million last year – a decrease of $6.7 million or 13%. In North America, segment earnings were adversely impacted
by lost contribution from lower sales as well as a reduction in margins. Pre-tax profit margins were lower at Polytech,
Neocon and AFX by 220 basis points on a combined basis during the year arising from reduced overhead absorption,
unfavorable product mix variance, operational disruption associated with certain product launches, adverse foreign
exchange  rate  movements  as  well  as  isolated  competitive  pricing  pressures  and  modest  raw  material/  labour  cost
inflation. These factors were partially offset by a gain on the sale of a building of $1.8 million in the fourth quarter of
fiscal  2018.  During  the  year,  management  implemented  several  initiatives  to  improve  its  cost  position  for  these
businesses.  Together  with  the  benefit  of  new  product  launches,  management  believes  profitability  for  its  North
American businesses within this segment are well positioned to improve through fiscal 2019. In Europe, profitability
and  margins  improved  to  record  levels  in  fiscal  2018.  Polydesign  benefited  from  several  new  product  launches
contributing to strong revenue growth. Despite the elevated level of activity, Polydesign’s margin also improved year
over year due to the relative reduction in operational disruption which was heightened in fiscal 2017 when constant-
currency revenue growth approached 30%. Looking forward, quoting activity for new business remains exceptionally
strong at Polydesign and management remains focused on adding new business that maximizes its profitability. Also
in  Europe,  ALC’s  results  improved sharply  in  fiscal  2018 compared  to  fiscal  2017  although  it  remained  in  a  loss
position. ALC’s losses totalled $1.2 million ($0.03 per share) for the year compared to a loss of $6.0 million ($0.14
per share) the prior year (including a $1.2 million or $0.03 per share loss associated with shut down costs). The year
over year improvement ocurred despite very challenging fundamentals marked by deteriorating local market labour
conditions linked to falling unemployment rates and rising wages. The expectation that this situation will continue led
to a strategic shift in ALC’s operating plans. During the year, ALC began to focus on shrinking rather than growing
its production within Bulgaria while continuing to implement significant operational improvements. As well, ALC
engaged its primary customer in discussions and received  a temporary price increase to temper incremental costs.
ALC is continuing these customer discussions with an objective of receiving a permanent price increase and returning
to sustained profitability.

• Casting and Extrusion Segment (Operating Earnings)
Casting and Extrusion operating earnings increased to $18.2 million from $18.0 million in the prior year – a difference
of $0.2 million or 1%. Excluding a $0.9 million loss on the disposal of equipment in the Extrusion group in fiscal
2018  (no  such  charge  in  fiscal  2017)  the  segment  operating  earnings  improved  by  $1.1  million  or  6%.  Overall
profitability improvement within the segment was driven by the Castool group, which benefited from selective price
increases, efficiency initiatives, continued seasoning of its operations in Thailand and deepening market penetration
of its innovative products amidst generally favorable market conditions. Profitability within the Extrusion group also
improved year over year despite the asset disposition charge as the group benefited from rising revenues, operational
improvements associated with its plant harmonization initiative, generally strong overall market conditions and the
continued seasoning of its newer locations. The Large Mould group however experienced a decline in profitability
during the year despite higher revenues as inefficiencies associated with the ramp up of new equipment/ processes

EXCO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

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ANNUAL REPORT 2018

persisted longer than expected. These challenges were compounded by a higher volume of work, rising raw material 
and other input costs, an unfavorable product mix associated with customer timing requirements and losses on a few 
“first-off”  programs.  While  the  Large  Mould  group’s  performance  was  disappointing  in  fiscal  2018,  management 
remains very confident that the new equipment/ processes will further enhance the Company’s competitiveness and 
lead to a reduction in its costs as implementation issues dissipate through fiscal 2019. The stronger Canadian dollar 
also negatively impacted this segment by decreasing the value of US dollar denominated earnings from US operations. 
This segment’s three plants in Canada were also negatively impacted from the stronger Canadian dollar by decreasing 
the value of US dollar denominated sales – for greater discussion of foreign exchange see ‘Segment Sales – Casting 
and Extrusion Segment’ above.   

Corporate Segment (Operating Expense)

•
Corporate expense in the current year amounted to $6.9 million compared to $6.5 million the prior year. The year over
year increase was primarily driven by higher incentive compensation expense in 2018 relative to 2017.

EBITDA 

EBITDA in the current year amounted to $76.6 compared to $83.2 million the prior year – a decrease of $6.6 million 
or  8%. The  EBITDA  margin  decreased  to 13.3%  compared  to  14.2%  the  prior  year.  EBITDA  in  the  Casting  and 
Extrusion segment was $31.4 million, which was $0.2 million higher than fiscal 2017 although the segment EBITDA 
margin declined to 15.7% compared to 17.0% the prior year. The Automotive Solution segment EBITDA was $52.0 
million, which was lower by $6.5 million, or 11% compared to fiscal 2017. The segment EBITDA margin deteriorated 
to 13.8% in fiscal 2018 compared to 14.6% the prior year. Corporate cash expenses increased slightly, to 1.2% of sales 
compared to 1.1% of sales the prior year. 

Quarterly Results 

The following table sets out financial information for each of the eight fiscal quarters through to the fiscal year 
ended September 30, 2018: 

($ thousands except per share 
amounts) 
Sales 
Net income 
Earnings per share 
 Basic 
 Diluted 

September 30, 
2018 
$139,538 
$11,587 

$0.27 
$0.27 

($ thousands except per share 
amounts) 

September 30, 
2017 

Sales 
Net income 
Earnings per share 
 Basic 
 Diluted 

$131,416 
$7,521 

$0.18 
$0.18 

June 30, 
 2018 
$152,755 
$11,211 

$0.27 
$0.27 

June 30, 
 2017 

$145,909 
$10,933 

$0.26 
$0.26 

March 31, 
 2018 
$148,390 
$10,556 

December 31, 
2017 
$134,871 
$8,916 

$0.25 
$0.25 

$0.21 
$0.21 

March 31, 
 2017 

$153,783 
$12,602 

December 31, 
20161 
$153,097 
$11,463 

$0.30 
$0.30 

$0.27 
$0.27 

1 Net income in the first quarter of fiscal 2017 was reduced by $1.2 million ($0.03 per share) due to charges 
associated with the closure of ALC’s operations in Lesotho. 

EXCO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

12

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

Exco typically experiences softer sales and profit in the first fiscal quarter, which coincides with our customers’ plant 
shutdowns in North  America  during the Christmas  season.  Exco also experiences a slowdown  in the fourth fiscal 
quarter as North American customers typically schedule summer plant shutdowns and Exco’s European customers 
typically curtail releases during the month of August to accommodate vacations.  

Fourth Quarter 

In the fourth quarter, consolidated sales were $139.5 million – an increase of $8.1 million or 6% from the prior year. 
Over the quarter the average USD/CAD exchange rate was 4% higher ($1.30 versus $1.25 last year) increasing sales 
by $3.3 million. The average EUR/ CAD exchange rate was modestly higher ($1.51 versus $1.48 last year) increasing 
sales by $1.0 million compared to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017.   

The Automotive Solutions segment experienced a 2% increase in sales, or $2.0 million, to $89.0 million from $87.1 
million in the fourth quarter of 2017. The increase was mainly driven by higher revenues at ALC assisted by temporary 
price increases on its main program although Polydesign also recorded higher sales driven by new program launches. 
In North America, overall vehicle production volumes were relatively flat during the quarter compared to a year ago, 
however the mix shift towards trucks/ SUV’s and away from passenger cars continued. These trends helped Polytech 
and Neocon generate higher revenues year over year although hampered the results of AFX. Sales were also impacted 
by the timing of program launches at the segment’s various businesses, favorable foreign exchange rate movements, 
and a focus on higher margin activities. The higher average value of the US dollar compared to the Canadian dollar 
increased segment sales by $1.9 million in the current quarter. The higher value of the Euro compared to the Canadian 
dollar increased segment sales by $1.0 million in the current quarter. 

The Casting and Extrusion segment recorded sales of $50.5 million compared to $44.3 million last year – an increase 
of $6.2 million or 14%. This increase was widespread with all three of the segment’s businesses contributing. Factors 
behind the increase include a rebound in demand for capital equipment within the Castool group together with price 
increases and strong demand for the group’s other innovative product offerings as  well  as continued seasoning of 
Castool’s  operations  in  Thailand.  Revenue  generated  by  the  Extrusion  group  were  higher  due  to  continued  strong 
market  conditions  coupled  with  price  increases  (including  the  pass-through  of  US  steel  tariffs)  and,  management 
believes, market share gains. Large mould group sales were higher as the division continued to execute on its strong 
backlog while quoting activity for new programs remains robust. The higher average value of the US dollar compared 
to  the  Canadian  dollar  increased  segment  sales  by  $1.4  million  in  the  current  quarter.  Fluctuations  between  the 
Canadian dollar and Euro did not meaningfully impact segment sales in the quarter. 

The  Company’s  fourth  quarter  consolidated  net  income  increased  to  $11.6  million  or  earnings  of  $0.27  per  share 
compared to $7.5 million or earnings of $0.18 per share in the same quarter last year – an EPS increase of 50%. The 
effective  income  tax  rate  was  18.7%  in  the  current  quarter  compared  to  27.4%  in  the  same  quarter  last  year.  The 
effective tax rate in the current period was improved by a reduction to the corporate income tax rate in the US and a 
greater proportion of earnings generated in lower tax rate jurisdictions.  

Fourth quarter pretax earnings in the Automotive Solutions segment totalled $12.8 million, an increase of $3.9 million 
or 44% over the same quarter last year. This improvement was driven mostly by the segment’s European operations 
where temporary price increases and other operating efficiency measures enabled ALC to record a profit this quarter 
compared to a loss the prior year period. The higher income occurred despite a $1.6 million ($0.04 per share) bad debt 
expense  at  ALC  associated  with  a  customer  dispute  upon  program  conclusion,  though  collection  efforts  continue 
unabated.  ALC’s  results  clearly  demonstrate  progress  with  efforts  to  turnaround  that  business  units’  performance. 
These efforts continue with an objective of further reducing ALC’s footprint in Bulgaria and achieving a permanent 
price increase from ALC’s main program customer. Also in the quarter, profitability was boosted in the segment’s 

EXCO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

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ANNUAL REPORT 2018

North American operations by $1.8 million due to the sale of a building which offset a drag on earnings from the 
lower sales volumes and underlying margin weakness.  Margin rate reduction was caused by reduced absorption of 
factory overhead expenses, unfavorable product mix shifts and isolated supplier challenges with a new program launch 
that led to incremental costs.   

Pretax earnings in the Casting and Extrusion segment improved by $0.6 million or 23% over the same quarter last 
year to $3.4 million. The earnings improvement was mainly driven by contributions from the Castool and Extrusion 
groups which benefited from higher revenues and, in the case of Castool, margin expansion. These increases more 
than  offset  weaker  results  from  the  Large  Mould  group  associated  primarily  with  losses  on  a  few  near-complete 
programs for which production costs exceeded prior estimates due in part to increased outsourcing requirements. This 
occurred,  in  part,  as  internal  capacity  was  limited  by  operating  inefficiencies  that  persisted  through  the  quarter. 
Program  volumes  and  quoting  activity  however  remain  very  healthy  and  after  implementing  various  measures  to 
resolve the group’s challenges, management firmly believes the Large Mould group’s performance is at an inflection 
point with stronger results expected ahead.  

The Corporate segment in the fourth quarter recorded expenses of $1.8 million compared to $0.9 million last year with 
the higher amount mainly due to incentive compensation expense which was temporarily decreased in 2017.  As a 
result of the forgoing, consolidated EBITDA in the quarter increased to $20.1 million (14.4% of sales) compared to 
$15.8 million (12.0% of sales) last year. 

FINANCIAL RESOURCES, LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES 

Cash Flows from Operating Activities 

Operating cash flow before net changes in non-cash working capital was $64.7 million in both fiscal 2018 and fiscal 
2017. This result occurred despite a modest reduction in Net Income in fiscal 2018 (as described above) primarily due 
to an increase in deferred tax amounts in fiscal 2018 compared to a reduction the prior  year and  modestly  higher 
Depreciation and Amortization expense in fiscal 2018. Other factors that contributed to the year over year variance 
included $0.7 million of ALC closure costs that were non-cash in nature in fiscal 2017 and $1 million of net gains 
recorded from the disposal of property, plant and equipment in fiscal 2018. Net change in non-cash working capital 
was $15.9 million cash used in fiscal 2018 compared to $1.7 million cash provided last year. The year over year swing 
was primarily driven by timing of accounts receivable collection and unbilled revenue as well as higher inventory 
levels while trades and other accruals remained relatively stable. The year over year variance in non-cash working 
capital was also attributable to the higher sales volumes in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018 relative to the same quarter 
in fiscal 2017. Consequently, cash provided by operating activities declined 27% to $48.8 million compared to $66.4 
million last year. 

Cash Flows from Financing Activities 

Cash used by financing activities amounted to $34.3 million compared to a use of $41.0 million in fiscal 2017. The 
lower use in fiscal 2018 is mainly attributable to $12.8 million of debt reduction compared to $25.3 million the prior 
year. Other factors that contributed to the year over year variance include higher dividends of $14.1 million in fiscal 
2018 compared to $13.2 million last year and an incremental net use of $5.3 million to repurchase share capital.  

In  addition  to  the  obligations  disclosed  on  its  consolidated  statements  of  financial  position,  Exco  also  enters  into 
operating  lease  arrangements  from  time  to  time.  Exco  owns  15  of  its  18  manufacturing  facilities  and  most  of  its 
production equipment. Leased facilities consist of ALC’s operations in Bulgaria. Exco acquired AFX’s operations in 
Mexico in early fiscal 2018. The Company also leases sales and support centers in Troy, Michigan and Port Huron, 

EXCO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

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ANNUAL REPORT 2018

Michigan, and a warehouse in Brownsville, Texas.  The following table summarizes the Company’s significant short-
term and long-term commitments on an undiscounted basis:  

 (000’s) 
Bank indebtedness  
Trade accounts payable 
Long-term debt 
Operating leases 
Purchase commitments 
Capital expenditures 

Total 
$11,764 
46,966 
22,289 
2,936 
39,782 
2,079 
$125,816 

< 1 year 
$11,764 
46,966 
4,108 
1,181 
39,782 
2,079 
$105,880 

1-3 years
- 
- 
18,181 
1,605 
- 
- 
$19,786 

Over 3 years 

- 
- 
- 
150 
- 
- 
$150 

∗ Exco leases facilities, automotive, material handling vehicles and other miscellaneous office equipment.  It is not Exco’s policy 
to purchase these assets at the expiry of their terms but occasionally it may purchase the assets at the end of the lease terms when 
the purchase options are favorable.  Exco does not expect any material liquidity or capital resource impacts from these possible 
purchases.  

Cash Flows from Investing Activities - Capital Expenditures 

Cash used in investing activities in the current year totalled $20.4 million compared to $16.0 million last year. Most 
of the difference is explained by higher capital spending in the current year of $22.9 million compared to $15.3 million 
last year. Capital spending in the current year included $5.1 million to purchase the building where AFX’s operations 
are located. The balance of the capital spending is mostly related to machinery and equipment needed to maintain or 
upgrade our production capacity. Cash flow from Investing Activities was favorably impacted in the current year by 
$3.1 million in proceeds from the disposal of property, plant and equipment, most of which was related to the sale of 
a building in Huntsville, Alabama which was leased to a third-party tenant. 

In fiscal 2019, Exco plans to invest approximately $35.0 million in capital expenditures of which roughly $16.5 million 
is  for  maintenance,  ongoing  equipment  upgrades  and  the  expansion  of  existing  facilities  within  the  Casting  and 
Extrusion  segment,  about  $8.5  million  is  for  the  construction  and  build-out  of  a  previously  announced  extrusion 
facility in Mexico (also in the Casting and Extrusion segment), and approximately $10.0 million is for maintenance 
expenditures and targeted capacity additions in the Automotive Solutions segment.      

We expect that in fiscal 2019 our cash flow from operations will exceed anticipated capital expenditures. Together 
with our cash deposits and our unused credit lines we believe we have ample financial resources to fund our operating 
and capital requirements. 

Financial Position and Cash Balance 

Exco’s financial position and liquidity remains strong. The Company’s conservative financial policies have served it 
well throughout the years and has allowed it to take advantage of acquisition opportunities and further organic growth 
as circumstances permit.  

Exco’s net debt totalled $2.7 million as at September 30, 2018 compared to net debt of $10.9 million as at September 
30, 2017, for a reduction of $8.2 million during the year. This reduction primarily occurred through the generation of 
$27.4 million of free cash flow less dividends paid of $14.1 million and net share repurchases of $6.4 million during 
fiscal 2018. 

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ANNUAL REPORT 2018

In addition to its cash balances of $31.3 million, Exco retains access to $25.6 million of its $50.0 million committed 
credit facility, which matures February 2021. Pursuant to the terms of the credit facility, Exco is required to maintain 
compliance with certain financial covenants. The Company was in compliance with these covenants as at September 
30, 2018. 

Outstanding Share Capital 

As at September 30, 2018, the Company had 41,840,681 common shares outstanding. In addition, as at September 
30, 2018, the Company had outstanding stock options for the purchase of up to 880,150 common shares.  

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

The  preparation  of  Exco’s  financial  statements  in  conformity  with  International  Financial  Reporting  Standards 
requires  management  to  make  estimates  and  assumptions.  These  estimates  and  assumptions  affect  the  reported 
amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, 
as well as the reported amount of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. 

Exco recognizes revenue upon percentage of completion of long-term contracts in the large die-cast moulds business 
and upon product completion for all other businesses. For short-term contracts in the large die-cast moulds business 
and  all  contracts  in  the  extrusion  and  other  tooling  products  and  the  Automotive  Solutions  segment  products, 
completion is defined as shipment to customers. 

Management estimates and expenses the fair value of stock-based compensation granted after January 1, 2002.  This 
fair value is amortized to earnings over the remaining vesting period using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. 
The  Company  believes  that  the  estimate  of  stock-based  compensation  is  a  “critical  accounting  estimate”  because 
management  is  required  to  make  significant  forward-looking  assumptions  including  expected  stock  volatility,  the 
change in expected dividend yields and the expected option term.  Currently the compensation expense is recorded in 
the selling, general and administration category in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. 

We  evaluate  property,  plant  and  equipment  and  other  long-lived  assets  for  impairment  whenever  indicators  of 
impairment exist.  Indicators of impairment include prolonged operating losses or a decision to dispose of, or otherwise 
change the use of, an existing fixed or other long-lived asset.   

We believe that accounting estimates related to goodwill, property, plant and equipment and other long-lived asset 
impairment assessments are “critical accounting estimates” because: (i) they are subject to a significant measurement 
uncertainty and are susceptible to changes as management is required to make forward-looking assumptions regarding 
the impact of improvement plans on current operations, in-sourcing and other new business opportunities, program 
price and cost assumptions on current and future business, the timing of new program  launches and future forecasted 
production  volumes;  and  (ii)  any  resulting  impairment  loss  could  have  a  material  impact  on  our  consolidated  net 
income and on the amount of assets reported on our consolidated statements of financial position. 

RECENT ACCOUNTING CHANGES AND EFFECTIVE DATES 

Refer to Note 2  to the consolidated financial  statements  for information pertaining  to the accounting changes and 
issued accounting pronouncements effective in 2018 and future years. 

EXCO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

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ANNUAL REPORT 2018

DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES 

The Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer, together with other members of 
management, after evaluating the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, have concluded 
that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are adequate and effective in ensuring that material information 
relating to the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries would have been known to them. 

INTERNAL CONTROLS OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING 

The Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer and the Chief Operating Officer, together with other members 
of management, after having designed internal controls over financial reporting and conducted an evaluation of its 
effectiveness based on the integrated framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organization of the Treadway 
Commission to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of 
financial reporting in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, have not identified any changes to 
the  Company’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  which  would  materially  affect,  or  is  reasonably  likely  to 
materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. 

RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES 

The  Casting  and  Extrusion  segment  is  a  capital  goods  business.  Interest  rates,  exchange  rates,  corporate  capital 
spending, the general economic climate, business confidence and the financial strength of our customers affect the 
demand for Exco’s dies, moulds and consumable parts for die-cast and extrusion machines.  Abrupt changes in these 
factors  often  bring  about  dramatic  changes  in  demand  and  pricing.    Exco  believes  that  its  broad  product  line, 
geographic diversification and leadership position in its niche markets mitigate against this risk but some risk remains. 

Exco’s  Automotive Solutions segment  services automotive component suppliers (and Tier 1 suppliers) around the 
world.  The results of this segment depend on demand for automobiles, the type of automobiles (which demand has 
been  shifting  away  from  passenger  cars  towards  SUV/  CUV’s    in  North  America)    and  the  level  of  automobile 
production, which can fluctuate significantly with consumer confidence, general economic conditions, the cost and/or 
availability of consumer credit and gasoline, as well as, the market share of individual OEM customers. Contraction 
and slowing GDP growth in emerging economies, North America and Europe may also have a dampening effect on 
consumer demand for automobiles in these regions. 

Exco sells to its automotive customers pursuant  to purchase orders  which typically  sets  out price per unit but not 
volumes or fixed terms.  These purchase orders may be terminated at any time with limited recourse for compensation 
or damages and pricing is typically adjusted downward from time to time in the form of ‘cost downs’.  Termination 
of purchase orders and ‘cost downs’ may impact Exco’s margin and overall earnings if not contemporaneously offset 
by new business at better margin or cost reductions.  Furthermore, in any given year, any number of programs will be 
expiring. While Exco is constantly quoting on replacement programs or new programs, there is no assurance that these 
will be awarded or that if awarded, the pricing and margin will be comparable to those of programs ending. 
In some cases, OEMs can decide to design the Company’s products out of the automobile (“de-contented”) or reduce 
the trim level on which the Company’s products are installed for either aesthetic, cost or product redesign reasons. 
While Exco believes its focus on evolving from component supplier to a designer and integrator of small assemblies 
and  sub-assemblies  used  in  automotive  and  trunk  interiors  reduces  the  risk  of  de-contenting  and  trimming  down 
decisions, some of Automotive Solutions products are not critical components and may still be de-contented.  

OEMs or their tiers may have excess production capacity or collective agreements which preclude efficient capacity 
reduction during times of declining sales. In these cases OEMs and/or their tiers may choose to fill their excess capacity 

EXCO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

17

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

by taking production from their suppliers and manufacturing the parts themselves. This process of ‘in-sourcing’ may 
have the impact of reducing the amount of business available to suppliers such as Exco. 

Exco is a global manufacturer which has organized its global production and logistics footprint based on, among other 
things, the extent of duties/levies imposed on the import/export of our products and raw material inputs.  As a general 
rule  governments  have  been  encouraging  greater  trade  and  more  liberal  access  to  their  markets  by  reducing  or 
eliminating tariffs.  This has benefited Exco over the years. More recently, certain governments have postured with a 
more protectionist tone. In particular, NAFTA is currently being renegotiated and, while the terms of a replacement 
agreement (“USMCA”) have been reached in principle, it is not expected to be ratified until calendar 2019. In the 
event  that  governments  pursue  protectionist  trade  practises  with  respect  to  automotive  components  or  their  raw 
materials or subassemblies, Exco may be prejudiced. 

Exco has in 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014 and 2016 made five acquisitions (Allper AG, Exco Colombia, Extrusion Texas, 
Automotive  Leather  Company  and  AFX  Industries)  and  may  make  others  in  the  future.    Acquisitions  inherently 
involve  risk.  While  Exco  has  concluded  many  acquisitions  that  have  been  very  successful,  there  have  also  been 
disappointing acquisitions which have adversely impacted earnings.  

Exco’s Canadian operations negotiate sales contracts with customers in both Canadian and U.S. dollars and Euro.  We 
also purchase, where we can, raw material in these currencies.  U.S. dollar and Euro purchases provide a natural hedge 
against U.S. dollar and Euro sales of Exco’s Canadian operations.  As for the remaining foreign exchange exposure 
in these currencies not naturally hedged, Exco does not enter into forward contracts but prefers to incur U.S. dollar or 
Euro debt, from time to time as appropriate.  Despite these measures, Exco is structurally a net seller of U.S. dollars 
and, to a lesser extent Euro, with  increasing adverse financial impact as the U.S. dollar and Euro decline in value 
against the Canadian dollar.  While Exco has made considerable progress in reducing its reliance on U.S. dollar sales, 
markets which Exco currently services may experience rising competition from imports which have become more 
competitive as a result of foreign exchange movements. 

Exco’s U.S. operations earn profits in U.S. dollars while our Canadian operations are exposed to fluctuations in the 
value  of  the  Canadian  dollar  relative  to  the  U.S.  dollar  on  U.S.  dollar  sales  less  purchases.  For  fiscal  2019,  it  is 
estimated  that  Exco’s  total  corresponding  U.S.  dollar  foreign  exchange  risk  exposure  before  tax  will  amount  to 
approximately US$88.0 million. Therefore, if the Canadian dollar were to strengthen or weaken by $0.01 in fiscal 
2019 from a baseline level of $1.25 USD/CAD, it is estimated that pre-tax profit would change by about $900 thousand 
or about $700 thousand after tax.  These estimates are based on historical norms and may be materially different in 
2019 if customers deviate from their past practices. 

Exco’s has three manufacturing operations in Mexico and accordingly incurs a portion of its labour and other expenses 
in Mexican pesos. In turn, these Mexican pesos expenses are incurred to mainly support US dollar denominated sales. 
Consequently, any strengthening of the Mexican pesos against the US dollar reduces our profitability, all other things 
equal. In recognition of this risk, Exco hedges a portion of its Mexican pesos/ US dollar exposure with various foreign 
exchange contacts and options. For fiscal 2019, we estimate our pesos exposure net of hedges and pesos denominated 
sales to be approximately 160 million pesos. If the Mexican pesos were to strengthen or weaken by 5% versus the US 
dollar  from  a  baseline  USD/MEX  rate  of  19:1,  and  further  assuming  the  Canadian  dollar  strengthens  or  weakens 
against the US dollar also by 5% from a baseline USD/CAD rate of 1.25, we estimate pre-tax profit would change by 
$520 thousand or about $340 thousand after tax. These estimates are based on historical norms and may be materially 
different in fiscal 2019 if customers deviate from their past practices. 

Exco also has manufacturing facilities in Colombia, Brazil, Thailand, Bulgaria and Morocco and Exco’s presence in 
jurisdictions such as these has generally been increasing in recent years. Some of these operations incur labor costs 

EXCO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

18

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

and often other operating expenses in local currency. In several of these countries, sales contracts and major purchases 
such as material and equipment are negotiated in U.S. dollars or Euro. In other countries, sales contracts and major 
purchases are negotiated in local functional currencies as well. Major long-term fluctuations in the value of the local 
currencies against the U.S. dollar and Euro have the potential to affect Exco’s operating results, retained earnings and 
value of its investment in these countries. Exco may enter into forward contracts or ‘collar’ contracts from time to 
time in order to protect itself from currency fluctuations.  These contracts are derivative instruments which, depending 
on their structure, may not qualify for hedge accounting treatment and accordingly may be ‘marked to market’ each 
quarter and expensed if necessary. It is difficult to anticipate fluctuations in these local currencies in the event of major 
economic, fiscal or political instability in these countries.  

The  cost  of  manufacturing  our  products  is  a  critical  factor  in  determining  our  success  over  the  long  term. 
Manufacturing has generally expanded to developing countries where competing technologies and lower labor-cost 
structures exist.  Exco must compete against companies doing business in these developing countries.  Exco has met 
this  challenge  by  manufacturing  some  labour-intensive  products  in  Mexico,  Thailand,  Bulgaria  and  Morocco; 
however, many of our operations based in Canada and the U.S. must compete with products manufactured in lower-
cost environments. 

 A significant portion of Exco’s receivables are with automotive customers.  These customers have varying degrees 
of  financial  strength.    These  receivables  are  subject  to  varying  degrees  of  collectability.  The  majority  of  these 
receivables  are  with  U.S.  entities  that  can  avail  themselves  of  Chapter  11  protection  from  creditors  in  certain 
circumstances and avoid payment of the Company’s receivables that are over 20 days from the date of the Chapter 11 
filing.  Exco’s receivables may also be with highly leveraged customers that may have recently merged or chosen to 
leverage their balance sheet for tax purposes or otherwise increase their investment yield.  Doing business with such 
customers typically increases  the risk of default and  filing  for bankruptcy protection.  The Company  uses its best 
efforts to collect accounts receivable under 60 days but in some cases the terms may be notably longer and often in 
other currencies thereby requiring Exco to bear the exchange rate risk.  The Company often has the benefit of statutory 
or common law liens on its products, however, it is not uncommon for significant receivables to be outstanding for 
considerable periods, particularly in the large mould business. 

EXCO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

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ANNUAL REPORT 2018

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT 

To the Shareholders of Exco Technologies Limited 

Report on the Consolidated Financial Statements 
We have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements of Exco Technologies Limited, which 
comprise the  consolidated statements  of  financial  position  as  at  September  30, 2018  and 2017, and  the 
consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash 
flows  for the  years  then  ended  and  a  summary  of  significant accounting  policies  and  other  explanatory 
information. 

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

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

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

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

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

Toronto, Canada 
November 26, 2018 

EXCO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

20

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

EXCO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION 
 $(000)'s  

As at
September 30, 2018 September 30, 2017

As at

ASSETS
Current 

Cash and cash equivalents
Accounts receivable (note 9)
Unbilled revenue (note 8)
Inventories (note 10) 
Prepaid expenses and deposits
Derivative instruments (note 9)
Income taxes recoverable

Total current assets

Property, plant and equipment, net (note 5)
Intangible assets, net (note 6) 
Goodwill (note 6)
Deferred tax assets (note 14)
Total assets

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current 

Bank indebtedness (notes 4 and 9)
Trade accounts payable (note 9)
Accrued payroll liabilities (note 9)
Other accrued liabilities (note 9)
Derivative instruments (note 9)
Provisions (note 7)
Customer advance payments (note 9)
Long-term debt - current portion (notes 4 and 9)

Total current liabilities

Long-term debt - long-term portion (notes 4 and 9)
Deferred tax liabilities (note 14)
Total liabilities

Shareholders' equity
Share capital (note 3)
Contributed surplus (note 3)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (note 3)
Retained earnings 
Total shareholders' equity
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity

$31,343
102,520
24,438
63,771
3,585
779
3,170
229,606

117,270
36,639
63,122
1,247
$447,884

$11,764
46,966
14,498
9,834
- 
1,267
2,865
4,108
91,302

18,181
8,238
117,721

51,230
4,391
10,895
263,647
330,163
$447,884

$35,876
94,332
20,207
59,782
2,532
- 
3,646
216,375

111,524
39,849
62,091
1,382
$431,221

$15,717
48,369
12,720
10,088
314
1,339
3,223
3,959
95,729

27,134
7,100
129,963

51,707
3,998
4,232
241,321
301,258
$431,221

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

On behalf of the Board:

Brian A. Robbins
Director,
President and 
Chief Executive Officer

Laurie T.F. Bennett
Director,
Chairman of
the Board

EXCO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

21

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

 
 
 
 
 
EXCO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
$(000)'s except for income per common share

Sales (notes 8 and 12(A))

Cost of sales 
Selling, general and administrative expenses (note 3)
Depreciation (note 5)
Amortization (note 6)
Loss (gain) on disposal of property, plant and equipment (note 5)
Interest expense, net (note 17)
Other expense  (note 18)

Income before income taxes
Provision for (recovery of) income taxes (note 14)

Current
Deferred

Net income for the year

Other comprehensive income (loss)

Items that may be reclassified to net income in subsequent periods:
  Net unrealized gain on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges (notes 3 and 9)
  Unrealized gain (loss) on foreign currency translation (note 3)

Comprehensive income

Income per common share 

Basic 
Diluted

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding (note 13)

Basic 
Diluted

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

Years ended September 30
2017
$584,205
454,172
46,838
15,774
4,831
7
1,327
1,223
524,172

2018
$575,554
453,932
46,101
15,734
5,180
(1,033)
1,022
- 
520,936

54,618

60,033

11,438
910
12,348
$42,270

805
5,858
6,663
$48,933

$1.00
$1.00

42,264
42,296

18,543
(1,029)
17,514
$42,519

2,784
(9,742)
(6,958)
$35,561

$1.00
$1.00

42,600
42,675

EXCO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

22

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

 
EXCO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
$(000)'s

Share 
capital
$51,366
-
-
-
525
(184)
-
51,707
-
-
-
370
(847)
-
$51,230

Contributed 
surplus
$3,566
-
-
591
(159)

-
3,998
-
-
504
(111)
-
-
$4,391

Retained 
earnings
$213,283
42,519
(13,201)
-
-
(1,280)
-
241,321
42,270
(14,136)
-
-
(5,808)
-
$263,647

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Total 
Unrealized gain  
accumulated 
(loss) on 
other 
foreign 
comprehensive 
currency 
income (loss)
translation 
$11,190
$14,207
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

Net unrealized 
gain (loss) on 
derivatives 
designated as 
cash flow hedges
($3,017)
-
-
-
-

2,784
(233)
-
-
-
-
-
805
$572

(9,742)
4,465
-
-
-
-
-
5,858
$10,323

(6,958)
4,232
-
-
-
-
-
6,663
$10,895

Total 
shareholders' 
equity
$279,405
$42,519
($13,201)
$591
$366
($1,464)
($6,958)
301,258
42,270
(14,136)
504
259
(6,655)
6,663
$330,163

Balance, September 30, 2016
Net income for the year
Dividends paid (note 3)
Stock option grants (note 3)
Issuance of share capital (note 3)
Repurchase of share capital (note 3)
Other comprehensive income (loss) (note 3)
Balance, September 30, 2017
Net income for the year
Dividends paid (note 3)
Stock option grants (note 3)
Issuance of share capital (note 3)
Repurchase of share capital (note 3)
Other comprehensive income  (note 3)
Balance, September 30, 2018

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

EXCO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

23

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

 
 
EXCO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
$(000)'s

OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income for the year
Add (deduct) items not involving a current outlay of cash

Depreciation (note 5)
Amortization (note 6)
Stock-based compensation expense 
Deferred income taxes (recovery) (note 14)
Net interest expense 
Non-cash cost of ALC plant closures (note 18)
Loss (gain) on disposal of property, plant and equipment

Net change in non-cash working capital (note 15)
Cash provided by operating activities

FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Increase (decrease) in bank indebtedness
Repayment of long-term debt (note 4)
Interest paid, net 
Dividends paid (note 3)
Repurchase of share capital
Issuance of share capital (note 3)
Cash used in financing activities

INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment (note 5)
Purchase of intangible assets (note 6)
Proceeds from liquidation of ALC capital assets
Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment
Cash used in investing activities 

Years ended September 30
2017

2018

$42,270

$42,519

15,734
5,180
600
910
1,022
- 
(1,033)
64,683
(15,850)
48,833

(3,953)
(8,804)
(1,022)
(14,136)
(6,655)
259
(34,311)

(22,920)
(592)
- 
3,135
(20,377)

15,774
4,831
509
(1,029)
1,327
730
7
64,668
1,738
66,406

2,248
(27,594)
(1,327)
(13,201)
(1,464)
366
(40,972)

(15,295)
(991)
85
163
(16,038)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

1,322

(1,029)

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

(4,533)
35,876
$31,343

8,367
27,509
$35,876

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

EXCO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

24

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

   
  
  
  
   
EXCO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
$(000)’s except per share amounts 

1. CORPORATE INFORMATION

Exco  Technologies  Limited  (the  “Company”)  is  a  global  designer,  developer  and  manufacturer  of  dies,  moulds, 
components and assemblies, and consumable equipment for the die-cast, extrusion and automotive industries.  Through 
18  strategic  locations  in  8  countries,  the  Company  services  a  diverse  and  broad  customer  base.  The  Company  is 
incorporated and domiciled in Canada. The registered office is located at 130 Spy Court, Markham, Ontario, Canada. 

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The Company’s significant accounting policies are outlined below: 

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”). 

The consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes as at and for the year ended September 30, 2018 were 
authorized for issue by the Board of Directors on November 26, 2018. 

Basis of consolidation 
The consolidated financial statements incorporate the financial statements of the Company and the entities controlled 
by the Company, its subsidiaries.  Control exists when the Company is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from 
its  involvement  with  the  investee  and  has  the  ability  to  affect  those  returns  through  its  power  over  the  investee. 
Specifically, the Company controls an investee if and only if the Company has all of the following: power over the 
investee; exposure or rights to variable returns from its involvement with the investee; and the ability to use its power 
over the investee to affect its returns.  The financial statements of the subsidiaries are included in the consolidated 
financial  statements  from  the  date  that  control  commences  until  the  date  that  control  ceases.    All  intercompany 
transactions and balances have been eliminated on consolidation. 

Functional and presentation currency 
Items included in the financial statements of each of the Company’s subsidiaries are measured using the currency of 
the  primary  economic  environment  in  which  the  entity  operates  (the  “functional  currency”).    The  consolidated 
financial statements are presented in Canadian dollars, which is the Company’s functional currency. 

Transactions 
Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rates prevailing at the 
dates of the transactions. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rates 
of exchange at the consolidated statements of financial position dates.  Non-monetary items that are measured in terms 
of historical cost in a  foreign currency are translated using the exchange rate at the date of the initial transaction. 
Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions and from the translation at  
year-end exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognized in profit 
or loss in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.  

Translation of foreign operations 
The  results  and  financial  position  of  all  the  group  entities  that  have  a  functional  currency  different  from  the 
presentation currency are translated into the presentation currency as follows:  

• Assets and liabilities for each statement of financial position presented are translated at the closing rate at the

•

date of the consolidated statements of financial position; and
Income and expenses for each statement of income and comprehensive income are translated at the exchange
rates prevailing at the dates of the transactions.

On consolidation, exchange differences arising from the translation of the net investment in foreign operations are 
recorded in other comprehensive income.  

When  a  foreign  operation  is  sold,  exchange  differences  that  were  recorded  in  accumulated  other  comprehensive 

EXCO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

25

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

EXCO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
$(000)’s except per share amounts 

income (loss) are recognized in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income as part of the gain 
or loss on sale. 

Segment reporting 
Management has determined the operating segments based on the information regularly reviewed for the purposes of 
decision making, allocating resources and assessing performance by the Company’s chief operating decision maker, 
which is the chief executive officer. Factors used to identify reportable segments include product categories, customers 
served and geographical region of operations.  The chief operating decision maker evaluates the financial performance 
of its operating segments primarily based on net income before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization. 

Interest in joint arrangement 
The  Company  has  an  interest  in  a  joint  arrangement,  whereby  the  parties  to  the  arrangement  have  a  contractual 
arrangement that establishes joint control over the economic activities of the individual entity. As the arrangement is 
considered to be a joint operation for accounting purposes, the Company recognized its share of the joint operation’s 
assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses in the consolidated financial statements. The financial statements of the joint 
operation are prepared for the same reporting period as the Company. 

Business combinations 
Business  combinations  are  accounted  for  using  the  acquisition  method.    The  cost  of  the  business  combination  is 
measured as the aggregate of the fair values (at the date of exchange) of assets acquired and liabilities incurred or 
assumed. The acquiree’s identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities that meet the conditions for recognition 
under IFRS 3, Business Combinations, are recognized at their fair values at the acquisition date. Acquisition costs are 
expensed as incurred. 

Goodwill arising on acquisition is recognized as an asset and initially measured at cost, being the excess of the cost of 
the business combination over the Company’s interest in the net fair value of the identifiable assets, liabilities and 
contingent  liabilities  recognized.    If  the  Company’s  interest  in  the  fair  value  of  the  acquiree’s  identifiable  assets, 
liabilities and contingent liabilities exceeds the cost of the business combination, the excess is recognized immediately 
in profit or loss. After  initial  recognition,  goodwill  is  measured  at  cost  less  any  accumulated  impairment  losses. 

Where goodwill forms part of a  Cash-Generating Unit (“CGU”) or group of CGUs and part of the operation within 
that unit is disposed of, the goodwill  associated  with  the  operation  disposed  of  is  included  in  the  carrying 
amount of the operation when determining the gain or loss on disposal of the operation. Goodwill disposed of under 
this circumstance is measured based on the relative fair values of the operation disposed of and the portion of the 
group of CGU retained. 

Revenue recognition 
Revenue is recognized when it can be measured reliably, the significant risks and rewards of ownership are  transferred 
to  the  customer,  and  it  is  probable  that  future  economic  benefits  will  flow  to  the Company. Revenue is 
measured at the fair value of the consideration received, excluding discounts, rebates, sales taxes and duties. 

•

•

Revenue  from  short-term  casting  contracts,  extrusion  and  other  tooling,  and  Automotive  Solutions  segment
products  is  recognized  when  the  significant  risks  and  rewards  of  ownership  of  the  goods  have  passed  to  the
buyer, usually upon shipment or acceptance by customers.

Revenue from long-term large die-cast mould contracts is recognized using the percentage of completion method 
according to IAS 11, Construction Contracts, under which:

- When the outcome of a contract can be reliably estimated, revenue and costs associated with a contract are
recognized as revenue and expenses, respectively, by reference to the stage of completion of the contract at
the  consolidated  statements  of  financial  position  dates.    The  stage  of  completion  is  determined  by  the
percentage of the costs incurred to date to the total estimated cost.

- When the outcome of a contract cannot be reliably estimated, revenue is recognized only to the extent of
contract costs incurred.  When  the  uncertainties  that  prevented  reliable  estimation  of  the  outcome  of a

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EXCO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
$(000)’s except per share amounts 

contract no longer exist, contract revenue and expenses are recognized using the percentage of completion 
method. 

-

-

If the expected outcome of a contract is a loss, the loss is recognized immediately regardless of whether or
not work has commenced on the contract.

For contracts in progress for which costs incurred plus recognized profits (less recognized losses) exceed
progress billings, a gross amount due from customers for contract work is recognized as unbilled revenue −
an asset in the consolidated statements of financial position. For all contracts in progress for which progress
billings  exceed  costs  incurred  plus  recognized  profits  (less  recognized  losses),  a  gross  amount  due  to
customers for contract work is recognized as customer advance payments − a liability in the consolidated
statements of financial position.

Share-based payments 
The Company grants stock options to buy common shares of the Company to officers and employees.  The Board of 
Directors grants such options for periods of up to 10 years, with vesting periods determined at its sole discretion and 
at prices equal to the average closing market prices for the five days preceding the date on which the options were 
granted.  

The Company follows the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based compensation. The fair value of the 
options is recognized as compensation expense in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated 
statements of income and comprehensive income over the vesting period with a corresponding increase to contributed 
surplus. The contributed surplus balance is reduced as the options are exercised, and the amount initially recorded for 
the options in contributed surplus is credited to share capital, along with the proceeds received on exercise.   

On  November  18,  2005,  the  Board  of  Directors  adopted  a  Deferred  Share  Unit  (“DSU”)  plan  for  Independent 
Directors.  The DSU plan replaces the past practice of granting eligible directors stock options under the Stock Option 
Plan.  Under the DSU plan, a portion of the quarterly remuneration of a director is credited to the director’s DSU 
account in the form of deferred share units on the last business day of the quarter. The number of DSUs credited to 
the director’s account is determined by dividing the portion of a director’s quarterly remuneration allocated to DSUs 
by the weighted average price of the common share value traded in the last five business days of the quarter. DSUs 
are fully vested upon being credited to a director’s DSU account. The DSUs will be redeemed by the Company in 
cash payable 60 days after the Independent Director departs from the Board of Directors at the fair market value at the 
payment date. The fair value of DSUs is recognized as compensation expense in selling, general and administrative 
expenses in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income with the corresponding credit or debit 
to other accrued liabilities.  

Income taxes 
Income  tax  expense  consists  of  current  and  deferred  income  taxes.    Income  tax  expense  is  recognized  in  the 
consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. 

Current income tax expense is the expected income taxes payable on the taxable income for the year, using tax rates 
enacted  or  substantively  enacted  at  year-end,  adjusted  for  amendments  to  income  taxes  payable  with  regards  to 
previous years. 

Deferred income taxes are recorded using the statement of financial position liability method.  Under the statement of 
financial  position  liability  method,  deferred  tax  assets  and  liabilities  are  recognized  for  future  tax  consequences 
attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their 
respective tax bases.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted or substantively enacted tax 
rates expected to apply when the asset is realized or the liability settled. 

Deferred  tax  liabilities  are  generally  recognized  for  all  taxable  temporary  differences  and  deferred  tax  assets  are 
recognized  to  the  extent  that  it  is  probable  that  taxable  income  will  be  available  against  which  deductible  timing 
differences can be utilized.    

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EXCO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
$(000)’s except per share amounts 

Deferred income taxes are charged or credited in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, 
except when they relate to items credited or charged directly to equity, in which case the deferred income taxes are 
also recorded in equity. 
The carrying amount of deferred income tax assets is reviewed at each reporting date and reduced to the extent that it 
is  no  longer  probable  that  all  or  part  of  the  deferred income tax asset will be utilized. Unrecognized deferred 
income tax assets are reassessed at each reporting date and are recognized to the extent that it has become probable 
that the benefit will be recovered. 

Other comprehensive income 
Other comprehensive income includes unrealized gains and losses on translation of the Company’s foreign operations 
that  use  the  local  currency  as  the  functional  currency,  net  of  taxes,  the  change  in  fair  value  of  available-for-sale 
investments, net of taxes, and to the extent that cash flow hedges are effective, the change in their fair value, net of 
income taxes. 

Accumulated  other  comprehensive  income  is  a  separate  component  of  shareholders’  equity  which  includes  the 
accumulated  balances  of  all  components  of  other  comprehensive  income  which  are  recognized  in  comprehensive 
income but excluded from net income. 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Cash  and  cash  equivalents  include  cash  on  hand,  balances  with  banks  and  short-term  deposits  with  remaining 
maturities at their acquisition date of three months or less. 

Property, plant and equipment 
(i)

Machinery and equipment
Machinery and equipment are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment
losses.  All direct costs related to the acquisition and installation of machinery and equipment are capitalized
until  the  properties  to  which  they  relate  are  capable  of  carrying  out  their  intended  use.    Machinery  and
equipment are depreciated using the diminishing balance method based on their estimated useful lives, which
range from 4 to 20 years.

(ii)

Other assets
Other assets are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses and are
depreciated using the straight-line method based on estimated useful lives of the assets, which generally range
from 3 to 10 years, with the exception of buildings, which have estimated useful lives of 30 years.  Land is
not depreciated.

Where an item of property, plant and equipment comprises major components with different useful lives, the
components are accounted for as separate items of property, plant and equipment.

Expenditures incurred to replace a component of an item of property, plant and equipment that is accounted
for separately, including major inspection and overhaul expenditures, are capitalized.  Directly attributable
expenses incurred for major capital projects are capitalized and no depreciation is recorded until the asset is
brought to a working condition for its intended use.

The costs of day-to-day servicing are expensed as incurred.  These costs are more commonly referred to as
“maintenance and repairs”.

The depreciation methods and useful lives are assessed annually or when critical events occur that may affect
the useful lives and expected pattern of consumption of economic benefits embodied in the asset.

(iii)

Subsequent costs
The cost of replacing part of an item within property, plant and equipment is capitalized when the cost is
incurred or if it is probable that the future economic benefits will flow to the business unit and the cost of the
item can be measured reliably. The carrying amount of the replaced part is derecognized. All other costs are
expensed as incurred.

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EXCO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
$(000)’s except per share amounts 

Intangible assets 

An  intangible  asset  is  defined  as  being  identifiable,  able  to  bring  future  economic  benefits  to  the  Company  and 
controlled by it. Intangible assets are recorded initially at cost and relate primarily to computer software, production 
and  technology  rights  and  customer  relationships.  An  intangible  asset  is  recognized  when  it  is  probable  that  the 
expected future economic benefits attributable to the asset will flow to the Company and the cost of the asset can be 
measured reliably. Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over their useful economic life and assessed for 
impairment whenever there is an indication that the intangible asset may be impaired. Amortization is provided based 
on the following estimated useful lives using the straight-line method: 

-
-
-
-

Customer relationships: 5 to 15 years
Computer software and production and technology rights: 2 to 4 years
Non-compete agreements: 5 years
Trade name: 7 years

Intangible assets acquired in a business acquisition are primarily customer relationships and are initially recorded at 
fair value and subsequently at cost less amortization and impairment losses. Other intangible assets are comprised of 
computer software and production and technology rights.  

Identifiable intangible assets are recognized separately from goodwill. 

Impairment of long-lived assets and goodwill 
Impairment of long-lived assets
(i)
The  Company’s  property,  plant  and  equipment  and  intangible  assets  are  reviewed  for  indicators  of
impairment as at each consolidated statements of financial position date.  If indication of impairment exists,
the asset’s recoverable amount is estimated and an impairment loss is recognized when the carrying amount
of an asset, or its CGU, exceeds its recoverable amount. Impairment loss is recognized in income or loss for
the period.  Impairment losses recognized in respect of CGUs are allocated first to reduce the carrying amount
of any goodwill allocated to the CGU and then to reduce the carrying amount of the other assets in the CGU
on a pro rata basis.

The recoverable amount is the greater of the asset’s fair value less costs to sell and value in use.  In assessing
value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount
rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset.
For an asset that does not generate largely independent cash inflows, the recoverable amount is determined
for the CGU to which the asset belongs. In determining fair value less costs to sell, recent market transactions
are taken into account, if available.

The Company bases its impairment calculation on detailed budgets that are prepared for each of the CGUs
and generally cover a period of three years. For longer periods, a long-term growth rate is calculated and
applied to project future cash flows after the third year.

A previous impairment loss is reversed if there is an indication that 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,
if no impairment loss had been recognized.

(ii)

Impairment of goodwill
Goodwill is allocated to a CGU or a group of CGUs for the purpose of impairment testing based on the level
at which it is monitored by management.  The Company manages its goodwill at the level of its two operating
segments,  Automotive  Solutions  and  Casting  and  Extrusion.  Goodwill  is  tested  for  impairment  annually
during the fourth quarter of the year or whenever there is an indicator that the CGU group in which it resides
may be impaired. Impairment is determined for goodwill by assessing the recoverable amount of each CGU
group to which the goodwill relates. Where the recoverable amount of the CGU group is less than its carrying
amount, an impairment loss is recognized. Impairment losses relating to goodwill cannot be reversed in future

EXCO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

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EXCO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
$(000)’s except per share amounts 

periods. The recoverable amounts of the CGU groups are determined based on the greater of fair value less 
costs to sell or value in use.  

Inventories 
Inventories,  comprising  raw  materials,  work  in  process,  finished  goods  and  production  supplies,  are  valued  at  the 
lower of cost and net realizable value.  Cost is determined substantially on a first-in, first-out basis and an appropriate 
portion of normal overhead expenditure and labour.  Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary 
course of business, less the estimated costs of completion and selling expenses.  Obsolete, redundant and slow-moving 
stock is identified and written down. When circumstances that previously caused inventories to be written down below 
cost no longer exist, the amount of the write-down previously recorded is reversed. 

Determination of fair value 
The fair value of an asset or liability is  measured using the assumptions that  market participants  would use  when 
pricing  the  asset  or  liability,  assuming  that  market  participants  act  in  their  economic  best  interests. 

A  fair  value  measurement  on  a  non-financial  asset  takes  into  account  a  market  participant’s  ability  to  generate 
economic benefits by using the asset in its highest and best use or by selling it to another market participant that would 
use the asset in its highest and best use.  

The Company  uses  valuation  techniques that are appropriate in the circumstances and for  which  sufficient data is 
available  to  measure  fair  value,  maximizing  the  use  of  relevant  observable  inputs  and  minimizing  the  use  of 
unobservable inputs.  

Government grants 
Government grants are recognized where there is reasonable assurance that the grant will be received and all attached 
conditions will be complied with. When the grant relates to an expense item, it is recognized as income on a systematic 
basis over the periods that the related costs, for which it is intended to compensate, are expensed. When the grant 
relates to an asset, the cost of the asset is reduced by the amount of the grant. 

Financial instruments 
As  defined  under  IAS  39,  Financial  Instruments,  financial  assets  and  liabilities  are  recognized  in  the  Company’s 
consolidated statements of financial position when the Company becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the 
instrument.  Financial assets are derecognized when the Company no longer has the rights to such cash flows, the risks 
and rewards of ownership or control of the asset.  Financial liabilities are derecognized when the obligation under the 
liability is discharged, cancelled or expired. 

Financial  instruments  recognized  in  the  consolidated  statements  of  financial  position  comprise  cash  and  cash 
equivalents,  accounts  receivable,  trade  accounts  payable,  bank  indebtedness,  other  accrued  liabilities,  customer 
advance payments, derivative instruments and long-term debt.   

Financial  instruments  are  measured  at  their  fair  values  on  initial  recognition.  After  initial  recognition,  financial 
instruments  are  measured  at  their  fair  values,  except  for  financial  assets  classified as held to maturity or financial 
liabilities classified as loans and receivables and other financial liabilities, which are measured at amortized cost using 
the effective interest rate method. 

Changes  in  fair  value  are  included  in  the  consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income unless 
the instrument  is  included  in  a  cash  flow  hedge.  If  the  instruments  are  included  in  a  cash  flow  hedging 
relationship  that  is effective, changes in value are recorded in other comprehensive income. When the hedged forecast 
transaction occurs, amounts previously recorded in other comprehensive income are recognized in the consolidated 
statements of income and comprehensive income. Amounts recognized as other comprehensive income are transferred 
to  profit  or  loss  when  the  hedged  transaction  affects  profit  or  loss,  such  as  when  the  hedged  financial  income  or 
financial expense is recognized or when a forecast purchase occurs.   

Accounts receivable are initially recognized at the transaction value and subsequently carried at amortized cost less 
impairment losses.  The impairment loss of accounts receivable is based on a review of all outstanding amounts at 

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ANNUAL REPORT 2018

EXCO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
$(000)’s except per share amounts 

year-end.    Bad  debts  are  written  off  during  the  period  in  which  they  are  identified.  Trade  accounts  payable  and 
customer advance payments are initially recognized at the transaction value and subsequently carried at amortized 
cost.  

The Company uses derivative financial instruments, such as forward foreign currency exchange contracts in the form 
of  put  and  call  option  contracts  (“Collars”),  to  hedge  cash  outflows  anticipated  to  be  made  in  Mexican  peso 
denominated payments against foreign currency fluctuations between US dollars and Mexican pesos. In addition, in 
the current year the Company used a forward foreign exchange contract in the form of a collar to hedge against the 
repayment of debt denominated in CAD, using cash denominated in US dollars. The Company does not hold or issue 
derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. Such derivative financial instruments are initially 
recognized at fair value on the date on which a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently remeasured at 
fair value. Derivative financial instruments are carried as financial assets when the fair value is positive and as financial 
liabilities when the fair value is negative.  

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

The  effective  portion  of  the  gain  or  loss  on  the  hedging  instrument  is  recognized  directly  in  other  comprehensive 
income in the cash flow hedge reserve, while any ineffective portion is recognized immediately to profit or loss.  

If the forecast transaction or firm commitment is no longer expected to occur, the cumulative gain or loss previously 
recognized in other comprehensive income is transferred to profit or loss. If the hedging instrument expires or is sold, 
terminated or exercised without replacement or rollover, or if its designation as a hedge is revoked, any cumulative 
gain or loss previously recognized in other comprehensive income remains in other comprehensive income until the 
forecast transaction or firm commitment affects profit or loss. 

Forward foreign exchange contracts have been entered into with JP Morgan Chase with a long-term debt rating of A+ 
as determined by Standard & Poor’s.  The Company does not anticipate non-performance by JP Morgan Chase. 

The Company’s financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value in the consolidated statements of financial position 
are each categorized into one of three categories based on a fair value hierarchy.  Fair value of assets and liabilities 
included in Level  I  is  determined  by  reference  to  quoted  prices  in  active  markets  for  identical  assets  and 
liabilities.  Assets and liabilities in Level II include valuations using inputs other than the quoted prices for which all 
significant inputs are based on observable market data, either directly or indirectly.  Level  III  valuations  are  based 
primarily on  inputs  that  are  not  based  on observable market data.  

Transaction  costs  are  expensed  as  incurred  for  financial  instruments  classified  or  designated  as a derivative or 
held for trading. Transaction  costs  for  financial  assets  classified  as  available for sale  are  netted against  the  value 
of  the  instruments  at the acquisition date. Transaction costs related to other financial liabilities are added to the value 
of the instrument at the acquisition date and recorded in income using the effective interest rate method. 

Provisions 
As required under IAS 37, Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets, provisions are recorded when a 
present legal or constructive obligation exists as a result of past events where it is probable that an outflow of resources 
embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation, and a reliable estimate of the amount of the 
obligation can be made. 

The amount recognized as a provision is the best estimate of the consideration required to settle the present obligation 
at the consolidated statements of financial position dates, taking into account the risks and uncertainties surrounding 

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EXCO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
$(000)’s except per share amounts 

the obligation.  Where a provision is measured using cash flows estimated to settle the present obligation, its carrying 
amount  is  the  present  value  of  those  cash  flows.    When  some  or  all  of  the  economic  benefits  required  to  settle  a 
provision are expected to be recovered from a third party, the receivable is recognized as an asset if it is virtually 
certain that reimbursement will be received and the amount of the receivable can be measured reliably. 

Leases 
As required under IAS 17, Leases, assets held under finance leases are recognized as assets of the Company at the 
lower  of  the  fair  value  at  the  inception  of  the  lease  or  the  present  value  of  the  minimum  lease  payments.    The 
corresponding  amount  is  recognized  as  a  finance  lease  liability.    The  finance  lease  liability  is  reduced  by  lease 
payments less finance charges, which are expensed as part of interest expense in the consolidated statements of income 
and  comprehensive  income.  Under  operating  leases,  payments  are  recognized  as  an  expense  over  the  term  of  the 
relevant leases. 

Employee future benefits 
Leave pay
(i)
Employee entitlements to annual leave are recognized as they are earned by the employees.  A provision,
stated at current cost, is made for the estimated liability at year-end.

(ii)

Termination benefits
The Company is subject to Mexican statutory laws and regulations governing Mexican employee termination
benefits. Employee future benefits include statutorily mandated accrued benefits payable to employees in the
event of termination in certain circumstances.  Termination benefits are recognized as an expense and an
associated liability at the discounted value of the expected future payments.

Critical judgments and use of estimates 
The  preparation  of  the  consolidated  financial  statements  requires  management  to  make  judgments,  estimates  and 
assumptions that affect the application of policies and reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses. 
The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and various other factors that are believed 
to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis of making the judgments about carrying 
values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources.  Actual results may differ from these 
estimates. 

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis.  Revisions to accounting estimates are 
recognized in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period or in the period of the 
revision and future periods if the review affects both current and future periods. 

Significant  accounts  that  require  estimates  as  the  basis  for  determining  the  stated  amounts  include  accounting  for 
doubtful  accounts  receivable,  unbilled  revenue,  inventories,  property,  plant  and  equipment,  contingent  liabilities, 
income taxes, fair value of financial instruments and stock option valuation. 

Measurement for doubtful accounts receivable requires  management to  make estimates  and assumptions based on 
prior  experience  and  assessment  of  current  financial  conditions  of  customers,  as  well  as  the  general  economic 
environment and industry sectors in which they operate. 

Several divisions engage in the construction of custom-order large die-cast moulds.  Such activities fall into the scope 
of IAS 11, Construction Contracts, where revenue is recognized using the percentage of completion method.  Under 
this  method, at every reporting date, management is required to estimate the expected outcome on all outstanding 
contracts  as  well  as  measurement  of  their  progress  achieved  towards  their  completion.    The  estimation  requires 
management  to  make  certain  assumptions  and  judgments.    These  assumptions  and  judgments  are  continuously 
reviewed and updated. If different assumptions are used, it is possible that different amounts would be recognized in 
the consolidated financial statements. 

Net realizable value of inventories is dependent upon the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, 
less the estimated costs of completion and selling expenses based on prior experience and assessment of current market 
conditions.  

EXCO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

32

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

EXCO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
$(000)’s except per share amounts 

Depreciation and amortization of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets are dependent upon estimates 
of useful lives, which are determined with the exercise of judgment.  The assessment of any impairment of property, 
plant and equipment and intangible assets is dependent upon estimates of recoverable amounts that take into account 
factors such as economic and market conditions and the useful lives of assets.  

The estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets are reviewed on an annual basis. 
Assessing  the  reasonableness  of  the  estimated  useful  lives  of  property,  plant  and  equipment  and  intangible  assets 
requires  judgment  and  is  based  on  currently  available  information.    Property,  plant  and  equipment  and  intangible 
assets are also reviewed for potential impairment on a regular basis or whenever events or changes in circumstances 
indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.   

Changes  in  circumstances,  such  as  technological  advances  and  changes  to  business  strategy, can result in actual 
useful lives and future cash flows differing significantly from estimates. The assumptions  used,  including  rates  and 
methodologies,  are  reviewed  on  an  ongoing  basis  to ensure they continue to be appropriate. Revisions to the 
estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets or future cash flows constitute a change 
in accounting estimates and are applied prospectively.  

Income taxes are determined based on estimates of the Company’s current income taxes and estimates of deferred 
income taxes resulting from temporary differences.  Deferred tax  assets  are  assessed  to  determine  the  likelihood 
that  they  will  be realized from future taxable income before they expire. 

Impairment of non-financial assets exists when the carrying value of an asset or CGU exceeds its recoverable amount, 
which is the higher of the fair value less costs of disposal and its value in use. The fair value less costs of disposal is 
based on available data from binding sales transactions, conducted at arm’s length, for similar assets or observable 
market prices less incremental costs for disposing of the asset. The value-in-use calculation is based on a discounted 
cash flow (“DCF”) model. The cash flows are derived from the budget for the next three years and do not include 
restructuring activities that the Company is not yet committed to or significant future investments that will enhance 
the asset’s performance of the CGU being tested. The recoverable amount is sensitive to the discount rate used for the 
DCF model as well as the expected future cash-inflows and the growth rate used for extrapolation purposes. The key 
assumptions used to determine the recoverable amount for the CGUs, including a sensitivity analysis, are disclosed 
and further explained in note 6. 

Accounting standards issued but not yet applied 
The following standards are not effective for the year ended September 30, 2018 but will be in subsequent years as 
follows:  

IFRS 9, Financial Instruments (“IFRS 9”) 
IFRS  9,  as  issued  in  2014,  introduces  new  requirements  for  the  classification  and  measurement  of  financial 
instruments, a new expected loss impairment model that will require more timely recognition of expected credit losses 
and a substantially reformed model for hedge accounting, with enhanced disclosures about risk management activity. 
IFRS  9  also  removes  the  volatility  in  profit  or  loss  that  was  caused  by  changes  in  an  entity’s  own  credit  risk  for 
liabilities selected to be measured at fair value.  This new  standard also includes a new  general  hedge accounting 
standard that will align hedge accounting more closely with risk management. It does not fully change the types of 
hedging  relationships  or  the  requirement  to  measure  and  recognize  ineffectiveness,  however,  it  will  provide  more 
hedging strategies that are used for risk management to qualify for hedge accounting and introduce more judgment to 
assess the effectiveness of a hedging relationship.  IFRS 9 is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 
1, 2018, which is effective October 1, 2018 for the Company.  The Company intends to use the modified retrospective 
approach and has determined that the adoption of IFRS 9 is not likely to have a material impact on its consolidated 
financial statements. 

IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“IFRS 15”) 
In  May  2014  the  IASB  issued  IFRS  15,  which  establishes  a  single  comprehensive  model  for  entities  to  use  in 
accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers. Under IFRS 15 revenue is recognized at an amount that 

EXCO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

33

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

EXCO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
$(000)’s except per share amounts 

reflects the consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled in exchange for transferring goods or services to a 
customer. The principles in IFRS 15 provide a more structured approach to measuring and recognizing revenue. The 
new revenue standard is applicable to all entities and will supersede all current revenue recognition requirements under 
IFRS. IFRS 15 is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018.  The Company will apply the 
standard using the modified retrospective approach effective October 1, 2018. 

The Company has established a cross-functional team to implement the guidance related to the recognition of revenue 
from contracts with customers. The Company is in the process of evaluating its customer contracts and identifying 
contractual provisions that may result in a change in the timing, or the amount of revenue recognized in comparison 
with  current  guidance.  In  addition,  the  Company  is  assessing  the  enhanced  disclosure  requirements  of  the  new 
guidance and the design of new controls and processes designed to comply with IFRS 15.  

While the Company continues to assess all potential impacts of the new standard, it does not currently expect that the 
adoption of the new revenue standard is likely to have a material quantitative impact on its net income.  The Company 
is evaluating the effects of the additional disclosure requirements related to the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty 
of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers.  

IFRS 16, Leases (“IFRS 16”) 
In January 2016, the IASB issued IFRS 16 in which lessees will have a single accounting model for all leases, with 
certain exemptions and lessor accounting is substantially unchanged.  The guidance would require lessees to recognize 
most leases on their balance sheets as lease liabilities with corresponding right-of-use assets.  IFRS 16 is effective for 
annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019, which will be October 1, 2019 for the Company using a modified 
retrospective approach with the option to elect certain practical expedients. The Company is currently evaluating the 
impact of IFRS 16 on its consolidated financial statements. 

3. SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Authorized 
The Company’s authorized share capital consists of an unlimited number of common shares, an unlimited number of 
non-voting preference shares issuable in one or more series and 275 special shares. None of these shares have par 
value. 

Issued 
The Company has not issued any non-voting preference shares or special shares.  Changes to the issued common shares 
are shown in the following table: 

Issued and outstanding as at October 1, 2016 
Issued for cash under Stock Option Plan 
Contributed surplus on stock options exercised 
Purchased and cancelled pursuant to normal course issuer bid 
Issued and outstanding as at September 30, 2017 
Issued for cash under Stock Option Plan 
Contributed surplus on stock options exercised 
Purchased and cancelled pursuant to normal course issuer bid 

Issued and outstanding as at September 30, 2018 

Common Shares 

Number of Shares 
42,568,174 
82,317 
-
(151,100) 
42,499,391 
37,690 
-
(696,400) 

41,840,681 

Stated 
Value 
$51,366 
366 
159
(184)
51,707 
259 
111
(847)

$51,230 

EXCO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

34

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

EXCO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
$(000)’s except per share amounts 

Accumulated other comprehensive income 
Included in accumulated other comprehensive income in shareholders’ equity are gains and losses arising from the 
translation of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries, net gain and loss on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges and 
reclassification to income of net gain (loss) on cash flow hedges as summarized in the following table: 

Opening balance 

   Net unrealized gain on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges (1) 

 Unrealized gain (loss) on currency translation adjustments 

Total other comprehensive income (loss) for the year 

Closing balance 

(1) Net of deferred income tax payable of $288 (2017 - $993).

2018 

2017 

$4,232 

$11,190 

805 

5,858 

6,663 

$10,895 

2,784 

(9,742) 

(6,958) 

$4,232 

Cash dividends 
During the year, the Company paid four quarterly cash dividends totaling $14,136 (2017 - $13,201). The dividend rate 
per quarter increased in the second quarter of the year from $0.08 to $0.085 per common share.  

Stock Option Plan 
The Company has a Stock Option Plan under which common shares may be acquired by employees and officers of the 
Company. The following table shows the changes to the number of stock options outstanding during the year: 

2018 

2017 

Number of 
Options 
754,340 
165,000 
(37,690) 
(1,500) 

Weighted 
Average 
Exercise 
Price 
$11.32 
$10.15 
$6.87 
   $14.58 

880,150 

$11.29 

Number of 
Options 
626,657 
215,000 
(82,317) 
(5,000) 

754,340 

Weighted 
Average 
Exercise Price 
$10.70 
    $10.48 
      $4.44 
    $10.48 

$11.32 

Balance, beginning of year 
Granted during the year 
Exercised during the year 
Expired during the year 

Balance, end of year 

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

Range of Exercise 
Prices 
$7.09 - $10.00 
$10.01 - $11.00 
$11.01 - $14.58 

Number 
Outstanding 
147,000 
375,000 
358,150 

Weighted Average 
Remaining 
Contractual Life 

Options Outstanding 
Weighted 
Average 
Exercise 
Price 
$7.57 
$10.33 
$13.81 

 years 
 years 
 years 

.71 
4.10 
2.25 

Options Exercisable 
Weighted 
Average 
Exercise 
Price 
$7.63 
$10.48 
$13.81 

Number 
Exercisable 
98,000 
42,000 
208,850 

$7.09 - $14.58 

880,150 

2.78 

 years 

$11.29 

348,850 

$11.67 

EXCO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

35

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

EXCO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
$(000)’s except per share amounts 

The number of common shares available for future issuance of options as at September 30, 2018 is 1,298,188  
(2017  -  1,461,688).    The  number  of  options  outstanding  together  with  those  available  for  future  issuance  totals 
2,178,338 (2017 - 2,216,028) or 5.2% (2017 - 5.2%) of the issued and outstanding common shares.  The options are 
granted for a term of 5 to 10 years, and the options vest at 20% at each anniversary date from the date of grant.  

Stock-based compensation 
Stock-based compensation resulting from applying the Black-Scholes option pricing model to the Company’s Stock 
Option Plan was $504 for the year ended September 30, 2018 (2017 - $591). All stock-based compensation has been 
recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses.  The weighted average assumptions used to measure the fair 
value of stock options and the weighted average fair value of options granted during the years ended September 30, 
2018 and 2017 are as follows: 

Risk-free interest rates 

Expected dividend yield 
Expected volatility 
Expected time until exercise 
Weighted average fair value of the options granted 

2018 

1.64% 
3.125% 
29.70% 
5.50 years 

$2.08 

2017 

0.95% 
2.61% 
31.07% 
5.50 years 

$2.29 

DSU Plan 
The Company has a DSU plan under which members of the Company's Board of Directors who are not management 
receive a portion of their annual retainers and fees in the form of DSUs, which are classified as other accrued liabilities. 
The DSUs vest on the date they are granted and are settled in cash upon termination of Board service. This is a  
cash-settled compensation arrangement. 

During the year ended September 30, 2018, the Company granted 14,596 DSUs (2017 - 11,190 DSUs) and redeemed 
no  DSUs  (2017  -  28,966).  During  the  year  ended  September  30,  2018  the  Company  recorded  stock-based 
compensation expense of $96 (2017 - $82 income) related to awards under the DSU plan with a corresponding debit 
to other accrued liabilities. As at September 30, 2018, 105,213 DSUs were outstanding with a carrying value of $981 
recorded in other accrued liabilities. 

Contributed surplus 
Contributed surplus consists of accumulated stock option expense less the carrying amount of the options that have 
been exercised and reclassified to share capital.  The following is a continuity schedule of contributed surplus: 

Balance, beginning of year 
Stock option expense  
Exercise of stock options 
Balance, end of year 

2018 

$3,998 
504 
(111) 

$4,391 

2017 

$3,566 
591 
(159) 

$3,998 

Normal course issuer bid 
The Company received approval from the Toronto Stock Exchange for a normal course issuer bid for a 12-month 
period beginning February 18, 2018. The Company’s Board of Directors authorized the purchase of up to 1,000,000 
common shares representing approximately 2.4% of the Company’s outstanding common shares. During the year, 
696,400 common shares were repurchased (2017 - 151,100) for a total cost of $6,655 (2017 - $1,464). The cost to 
repurchase the common shares in the year exceeded their stated value by $5,808 (2017 - $1,280) which was charged 
against retained earnings.  

4. BANK INDEBTEDNESS AND LONG-TERM DEBT

The operating lines are available in US dollars, Canadian dollars, and Euros at variable rates ranging from prime minus 

EXCO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

36

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

EXCO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
$(000)’s except per share amounts 

0.5% to prime plus 0.5%.  The Company’s JP Morgan credit facilities are collateralized by a general security agreement 
over  its  North  American  assets.  The  Bulgarian  credit  facilities  are  collateralized  by  a  security  interest  over  the 
Company’s Bulgarian assets.  

Utilizations 

Facilities  Current 

Long-term 

Unused and 
Available 

JP Morgan, credit facility (Canada, USA) 

$50,000 

$6,421 

$18,000 

JP Morgan, operating line (Europe) 

DSK Bank, operating lines (Bulgaria) 

2,328 

8,261 

601 

4,742 

-

-

$60,589 

$11,764 

$18,000 

Prime rate in Canada 
Prime rate in USA 
Prime rate in Eurozone 

2018 
3.70% 
5.25% 
0.00% 

$25,579 

1,727

3,519

$30,825 

2017 
2.95% 
4.25% 
0.00% 

On February 28, 2018, the Company closed an amendment to renew the $50,000 Committed Revolving Credit Facility 
with JP Morgan Chase Bank N.A., of which $24,421 was utilized as at September 30, 2018 (2017 - $29,853). The 
facility has a three-year term and there are no specific repayment terms prior to maturity.  The facility is collateralized 
by a general security agreement covering all assets of the Company’s Canadian and US subsidiaries with the exception 
of real property.   

The Credit Facility is available to fund working capital, capital expenditures and other general corporate purposes of 
the  Company  and  its  subsidiaries,  including  acquisitions.  Interest  rates  vary  based  on  prime,  bankers’  acceptance, 
CDOR  or  LIBOR  base  rates  plus  a  relevant  margin  depending  on  the  level  of  the  Company’s  net  leverage  ratio. 
Pursuant  to  the  terms  of  the  credit  agreement,  the  Company  is  required  to  maintain  compliance  with  a  net  worth 
covenant. The Company was in compliance with these covenants as at September 30, 2018. 

Additionally, the Company maintains a credit facility with JP Morgan Chase Bank N.A. London Branch related to any 
needs  for  Euro  currency.   The  facility  totals  $2,328 (EUR  1.55  million)  and  bears  interest  based  on  LIBOR.   The 
Company had utilized $601 as at September 30, 2018. 

On September 15, 2017, the Company renewed a credit facility with DSK Bank in Bulgaria, which was to expire on 
July 15, 2018. The expiry has been extended to May 25, 2019. The committed credit facility totals EUR 5.5 million 
and  is  comprised  of  a  loan  for  EUR  4.0  million  and  an  accounts  receivable  factoring  facility,  with  recourse,  for 
specified customers to a maximum amount of EUR 1.5 million. Both components of the credit facility bear interest 
based on Euribor and are demand facilities.  The loan is available to fund general working capital needs and capital 
expenditures  in  Bulgaria,  subject  to  certain  principal  repayment  provisions.    The  Bulgarian  credit  facilities  are 
collateralized by a security interest over the Company’s Bulgarian assets.  

On April 4, 2016, the Company entered into promissory Term Notes amounting to US$9,307 in conjunction with the 
acquisition of AFX Industries L.L.C. (“AFX”).  The Term Notes bear interest at a rate equal to the mid-term Applicable 
Federal  Rate  in  the  United  States,  compounded  annually.    The  principal  and  interest  are  payable  in  three  annual 
payments on the anniversary date of the AFX acquisition.  The Term Notes are unsecured and the balance at September 
30, 2018 is US$3,102.  The Term Notes will be paid off in their entirety in April 2019.  

Further, in the USA, the Company also has a long-term promissory note payable over five years and collateralized by 
a specific parcel of land purchased as a factory location. The note bears interest at 6%. The interest and principal are 
forgivable over a five-year period, subject to the Company meeting certain performance criteria for the specific factory 
location.  The note matures and expires in February 2021.  As at September 30, 2018 there are no unfulfilled conditions 
or contingencies attached to this loan.  

EXCO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

37

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

EXCO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
$(000)’s except per share amounts 

The components of long-term debt are as follows: 

Bank debt 
Term notes 
Promissory note 
Subtotal 
Less:  current portion 
Long-term debt, long-term portion 

5. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

September 30, 2018 
$18,000 
4,017 
272 
22,289 
(4,108) 
$18,181 

September 30, 2017 
 $23,000 
    7,744 
349 
31,093 
(3,959) 
$27,134 

Cost 
Balance as at  
September 30, 2016 
Additions 

Assets acquired 

Reclassification 
Less: disposals 
Foreign exchange movement 
Balance as at  
September 30, 2017 
Additions 

  Assets acquired 

 Reclassification 
 Less: disposals 
 Foreign exchange movement 
Balance as at  
September 30, 2018 

Machinery 
and 
Equipment 

Tools  Buildings 

Land 

Assets under 
Construction 

Total 

$186,264 

$21,003 

$67,740 

$9,671 

$4,038  $288,716 

2,031 
9,850 
(2,349) 
(3,247) 

990 
853 
(1,218) 
(516)

        431 
        875 
(35)
(1,447)

596 
-
-
(190)

        11,247 
(11,578)
- 
(52)

15,295 
- 
(3,602) 
(5,452) 

192,549 

21,112 

67,564 

10,077 

3,655 

294,957 

3,180 
10,321 
(3,958) 
1,610 

1,159 
835 
(470)
287 

3,656 
       2,555 
(3,043)
557 

2,284 
-
(361)
12 

        12,641 
(13,711)
-
46

22,920 
- 
(7,832) 
2,512 

$203,702  $22,923 

$71,289 

$12,012  

       $2,631  $312,557 

EXCO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

38

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

EXCO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
$(000)’s except per share amounts 

Accumulated depreciation 
and impairment losses 
Balance as at  
September 30, 2016 
Depreciation for the year 
Less: disposals 
Reclassification 
Foreign exchange movement 
Balance as at  
September 30, 2017 
Depreciation for the year 
Less: disposals 
Reclassification 
Foreign exchange movement 
Balance as at  
September 30, 2018 

Carrying amounts 
As at September 30, 2017 
As at September 30, 2018 

Machinery 
and 
Equipment 

Tools  Buildings 

Land 

Assets under 
Construction 

Total 

$127,519 
11,218 
(2,186) 
(5)
(1,996) 

134,550 
11,008 
(2,719) 
(21)
1,128 

$15,876 
1,876 
(1,104) 
5
(466)

$30,626 
2,680 
(35)
-
(575)

16,187 
1,860 
(421)
21
246

     32,696 
2,866 
(2,507)
- 
393 

$143,946 

$17,893 

$33,448 

$- 
     - 
-
-
     - 

- 
     - 
     - 
- 
     - 

   $- 

$-  $174,021 
15,774 
(3,325) 
- 
(3,037) 

- 
- 
  - 
- 

- 
- 
- 
  - 
- 

183,433 
15,734 
(5,647) 
- 
1,767 

 $- 

$195,287 

$57,999 
$59,756 

      $4,925 
$5,030 

  $34,868 
$37,841 

   $10,077 
$12,012 

$3,655 
$2,631 

    $111,524 
$117,270 

As at September 30, 2018, the Company had deposits for machinery and equipment and buildings under construction 
totalling $2,631 (2017 - $3,655). These assets are not being depreciated because they are under construction and not 
in use.  

6. INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND GOODWILL

Computer 
Software 
and Other 

Acquisition 
Intangibles** 

Assets under 
Construction 
(Software) 

Total 
Intangible 

Assets  Goodwill 

Cost 
Balance as at September 30, 2016 
Additions 
       Assets  acquired 
Reclassifications 
Foreign exchange movement 

Balance as at September 30, 2017 
Additions 
     Assets acquired 
Less: disposals 
Reclassification 
Foreign exchange movement 

$19,833 

$46,828 

815 
132 
(166)

20,614 

384 
(165)
538 
89 

-
-
(2,115)

44,713 

-
-
-
1,553 

Balance as at September 30, 2018 

$21,460 

$46,266 

$382 

176

(132)
1 

427 

208
- 

(538)
2 

$99 

$67,043 

$64,071 

991 
- 
(2,280) 

65,754 

592 
(165) 
- 
1,644 

- 
- 
(1,980) 

62,091 

 - 

- 
1,031 

$67,825 

$63,122 

EXCO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

39

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

EXCO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
$(000)’s except per share amounts 

Computer 
Software and 
Other 

Acquisition 
Intangibles** 

Assets under 
Construction 
(Software) 

Total 
Intangible 

Assets  Goodwill 

Accumulated amortization 
and impairment losses 
Balance as at September 30, 2016 
Amortization for the year 
Foreign exchange movement 

Balance as at September 30, 2017 
  Amortization for the year 
  Less: disposals 
  Foreign exchange movement 

$18,044 
933 
(148)

18,829 
1,062 
(165)
71 

 Balance as at September 30, 2018 

$19,797 

$3,413 
3,898 
(235)

7,076 
     4,118 
-
195 

  $11,389 

$- 
-
-
-
-

- 
-

$21,457 
4,831
(383)

25,905
5,180
(165)
266

$- 

  $31,186 

        $- 
- 
- 

- 
  - 
-
-

 $- 

Carrying amounts 
As at September 30, 2017 

As at September 30, 2018 

$1,785 

$1,663 

   $37,637 

$34,877 

$427 

$99 

$39,849 

$36,639 

 $62,091 

 $63,122 

**Acquisition  intangibles  are  comprised  of  customer  relationships  and  trade  names  resulting  from  business 
acquisitions and the purchase price allocation thereof. 

Of the total goodwill disclosed above, $62,843 (2017 - $61,820) is allocated to the Automotive Solutions segment and 
the remainder to the Casting and Extrusion segment. 

Of the customer relationships, $3,500 is fully amortized and $38,771 is amortized over 15 years from inception. 

Impairment testing of goodwill 
The Company performed the annual impairment test of goodwill allocated to the Automotive Solutions segment and 
the  Casting  &  Extrusion  segment  as  at  September  30,  2018.  The  recoverable  amount  of  each  segment  has  been 
determined based on a value-in-use calculation using cash flow projections from financial budgets approved by senior 
management covering a three-year period. Cash flow beyond the three-year period was extrapolated using a 1% growth 
rate, which represents the expected growth in the global economy. The pre-tax discount rate applied to future cash 
flows was 10.8%. As a result of the analysis, management determined there was no impairment for either business 
segment. 

Key assumptions to value-in-use calculations 
The  calculation  of  the  value-in-use  for  the  Automotive  Solutions  segment  is  most  sensitive  to  the  following 
assumptions: 

- Discount rates
- Growth rate to extrapolate cash flows beyond the budget period
- Revenue and margin growth rates during budget period

The discount rate used represents the current market assessment of the risks specific to each business segment, taking 
into consideration the time value of money and individual risks of the underlying assets that have not been incorporated 
in the cash flow estimates. The discount rate is derived from the CGU’s weighted average cost of capital, taking into 
account both debt and equity. The cost of equity is derived from the expected return on investment by the Company’s 
shareholders. The cost of debt is based on the interest-bearing borrowing the Company is obliged to service. Segment-
specific risk is incorporated by applying different debt to equity ratios.  

EXCO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

40

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

EXCO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
$(000)’s except per share amounts 

Sensitivity to changes in assumptions 
Management believes that within reason, possible changes to any of the above key assumptions, recoverable amounts 
exceed carrying values. 

7. PROVISIONS

The following table outlines the provisions at the dates of the consolidated statements of financial position and changes 
to the provisions during the reporting periods. 

Severance 
Warranties 

September 30, 2018 
$1,115 
152 

September 30, 2017 
$1,188 
151 

$1,267 

$1,339 

The fair value of the above provisions is management’s best estimate based on information available. The ultimate 
amounts of the payments approximate the provision amounts and the timing of payments is expected to be within the 
next twelve months. There is no reimbursement expected for any of these provisions.  

The movement in the provision accounts is as follows: 

Closing balance, as at September 30, 
2016 
Additions 
Utilized 
Foreign exchange differences 
Closing balance, as at September 30, 
2017 
Additions 
Utilized 
Reversals 
Foreign exchange differences 
Closing balance, as at September 30, 
2018 

Severance 

Warranties 

Claims and 
Litigation 

$1,205 
  690 
(693)
(14)

$1,188 
  378 
(353)
(117)
19 

$1,115 

$153 
- 
-
(2)

$151 
- 
-

1 

$152 

$24 

-   

(24) 
- 

$- 

-   
- 

- 

$- 

Total 

$1,382 
690 
(717) 
(16) 

$1,339 
378 
(353) 
(117) 
20 

$1,267 

8. TOOL CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS

Contract  revenue  recognized  under  the  percentage  of  completion  method  during  the  year  amounted  to  $53,968 
(2017 - $44,293). For contracts in progress, the following table summarizes the aggregate amount of costs incurred, 
profits recognized, progress billings from customers for the related contracts and retentions being held to date. 

EXCO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

41

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

EXCO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
$(000)’s except per share amounts 

Contracts in progress: 
Aggregate amount of costs incurred to date 
Add: profits recognized  to date 
Gross unbilled revenue 
Less: progress billings 
Net unbilled revenue 
Due from customers 
Due to customers 
Net unbilled revenue 

September 30, 2018 

September 30, 2017 

$20,680 
4,392 
25,072 
(634) 
$24,438 

$24,438 
- 
$24,438 

$25,360 
4,112 
29,472 
(9,265) 
$20,207 

$20,833 
($626) 
$20,207 

9. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The Company classifies its financial instruments as follows: 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Accounts receivable* 
Trade accounts payable  
Bank indebtedness 
Customer advance payments 
Accrued liabilities 
Derivative instruments 
Long-term debt 
*Recorded net of allowance for doubtful accounts.

Financial assets – held for trading measured at fair value 
Financial assets –  measured at amortized cost  
Financial liabilities – measured at amortized cost  
Financial liabilities – measured at amortized cost  
Financial liabilities – financial liabilities measured at amortized cost 
Financial liabilities – financial liabilities measured at amortized cost 
Financial liabilities – held for trading measured at fair value 
Financial liabilities – measured at amortized cost 

Foreign exchange contracts 
The Company entered into a series of Collars extending through to September 25, 2020 and designated them as cash 
flow hedges against Mexican payroll and other local Mexican costs.  The total amount of these Collars is 408.0 million 
Mexican pesos (September 30, 2017 - 624.0 million Mexican pesos). The selling price ranges from 19.52 to 22.00 
Mexican pesos to each US dollar.  In addition, there is a Collar contract to convert $14.0 million USD to CAD on 
October 30, 2018.  This USD Collar has been designated as a cash flow hedge and relates to the repayment of debt 
denominated in CAD, using cash denominated in USD.  

Management estimates that a cumulative gain of $779 (September 30, 2017 - loss of $314) would be realized if these 
Collars were terminated on September 30, 2018. Net of income tax payable of $207, the cumulative gain of $572 is 
recorded in other comprehensive income. During the year, the estimated fair value gain of $805, net of deferred income 
tax  payable  of  $288  (2017  -  gain  of  $2,784  net  of  income  tax  payable  of  $993)  has  been  included  in  other 
comprehensive income, and the cumulative gain of $779 is recorded in the consolidated statements of financial position 
under the caption derivative instruments. 

Financial risk management 
The Company, through its financial assets and liabilities, is exposed to various risks. The following analysis provides 
a measurement of the risks and how they are managed: 

a) Credit risk
Credit risk is the risk of an unexpected loss if a customer or third party fails to meet its contractual obligations. The
Company’s primary credit risk is its outstanding trade accounts receivable. The carrying amount of its outstanding
trade accounts receivable represents the Company’s estimate of its maximum credit exposure. The Company regularly
monitors its credit risk exposure and takes steps such as credit approval procedures, establishing credit limits, utilizing
credit assessments and monitoring practices to mitigate the likelihood of these exposures from resulting in an actual

EXCO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

42

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

EXCO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
$(000)’s except per share amounts 

loss. The carrying amount of the trade accounts receivable disclosed in the consolidated statements of financial position 
is net of allowance for doubtful accounts, estimated by the Company’s management, based on prior experience and 
assessment  of  current  financial  conditions  of  customers  as  well  as  the  general  economic  environment.  When  a 
receivable balance is considered uncollectible, it is written off against the allowance for doubtful accounts. Subsequent 
recoveries of amounts previously written off are credited against operating expenses in the consolidated statements of 
income and comprehensive income.  As at September 30, 2018, the accounts receivable balance (net of allowance for 
doubtful accounts) is $102,520 (2017 - $94,332) and the Company’s five largest trade debtors accounted for 44.4% of 
the total accounts receivable balance (2017 - 37.2%). As at September 30, 2018, no accounts receivable are insured 
against default (2017 - $591). 

The following table presents a breakdown of the Company’s accounts receivable balances: 

Trade accounts receivable 

Employee receivable  

Sales tax receivable 

Other 

Less: allowance for doubtful accounts 

Total accounts receivable, net 

The aging of trade accounts receivable balances is as follows: 

Not past due 

Past due 1-30 days 

Past due 31-60 days 

Past due 61-90 days 

Past due over 90 days 

Less: allowance for doubtful accounts 

Total trade accounts receivable, net 

The movement in the allowance for doubtful accounts is as follows: 

Opening balance 
Additions 
Utilized 
Reversal 
Exchange differences 
Closing balance 

September 30, 2018 
$101,687 
275 
2,549 
411 
(2,402) 

September 30, 2017 

$91,600 

240 

2,345 

791 

(644) 

$102,520 

$94,332 

September 30, 2018 
$85,255 
11,137 
2,189 
1,573 
1,533 
(2,402) 

September 30, 2017 

$75,294 

8,233 

5,152 

987 

1,934 

(644) 

$99,285 

$90,956 

September 30, 2018 
$644 
1,889 
(70) 
(61) 
- 
$2,402 

September 30, 2017 
$566 
262 
(174) 
(23) 
13 
$644 

b) Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk refers to the possibility that the Company may not be able to meet its financial obligations as they come
due. The Company manages its liquidity risk by minimizing its financial leverage and arranging credit facilities in
order  to  ensure  sufficient  funds  are  available  to  meet  its  financial  obligations.  This  is  achieved  by  continuously
monitoring cash flows from its operating, investing and financing activities.  The Company does not carry excess credit 

EXCO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

43

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

EXCO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
$(000)’s except per share amounts 

facilities due to the stand-by  costs charged by its lenders.  As at  September 30, 2018, the Company  has a  net debt 
balance of $2,710 (2017 - $10,934) and unused credit facilities of $30,825 (2017 - $21,695). 

In the normal course of business, the Company enters into contracts that give rise to commitments for future minimum 
payments.  The following tables summarize the Company’s significant commitments on an undiscounted basis and 
corresponding maturities: 

Bank indebtedness 
Trade accounts payable 
Long-term debt 
Operating leases 
Purchase commitments 
Capital expenditures 

Bank indebtedness 
Trade accounts payable 
Long-term debt 
Operating leases 
Purchase commitments 
Capital expenditures 

Total 
$11,764 
 46,966 
 22,289 
2,936 
39,782 
2,079 
$125,816 

Total 
$15,717 
 48,369 
 31,093 
4,896 
40,920 
398 
$141,393 

1-3 Years
$- 
- 
 18,181 
1,605 

September 30, 2018 
< 1 Year 
$11,764 
  46,966 
4,108 
1,181 
39,782 
2,079 
$105,880 

Over 3 Years 
$- 
- 
- 
150 

- 
$19,786 

- 
$150 

September 30, 2017 
< 1 Year 
$15,717 
  48,369 
3,959 
1,724 
40,920 
398 
$111,087 

1-3 Years
$- 
- 
 27,047 
3,015 

Over 3 Years 
$- 
- 
87 
157 

- 
$30,062 

- 
$244 

c) Foreign exchange risk
The Company operates in Canada with subsidiaries located in the United States, Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Thailand,
Bulgaria  and  Morocco.    It  is  exposed  to  foreign  exchange  transaction  and  translation  risk  through  its  operating
activities. Unfavourable changes in the exchange rates may affect the operating results and shareholders’ equity of the
Company.  In order to mitigate the foreign currency exposure, the Company reduces part of its foreign exchange risk
by  sourcing  a  significant  portion  of  its  manufacturing  inputs  in  the  currency  that  its  sales  are  denominated  in.  In
addition to the above natural hedge, the Company also uses Collars to hedge cash outflows for the Mexican payroll
and other local Mexican costs. These Collars are designated as cash flow hedges. The resulting gain or loss on the
valuation of these financial instruments is recognized in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive
income. The Company does not mitigate the translation risk exposure of its foreign operations due to the fact that these
investments are considered to be long-term in nature.

With all other variables held constant, the following tables outline the Company’s annual foreign exchange exposure 
at one percent fluctuation between various currencies compared with the average annual exchange rate. 

Income before income taxes 

Other comprehensive income 

1% Fluctuation 
USD vs. CAD 

1% Fluctuation 
EUR vs. CAD 

1% Fluctuation 
MXP vs. CAD 

+/-  1,092 

+/-  2,757 

+/-  93 

+/-  389 

+/- 3 

+/-  76 

EXCO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

44

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

EXCO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
$(000)’s except per share amounts 

Income before income taxes 

Other comprehensive income 

1% Fluctuation 
COP vs. CAD  

1% Fluctuation 
BRL vs. CAD 

+/-  11 

+/-  77 

+/-  11 

+/-  177 

d) Interest rate risk
The Company’s exposure to interest rate risk relates to its net cash position, variable rate credit facilities and variable
rate long-term debt. The Company mitigates its interest rate risk exposure by reducing or eliminating its overall debt
position. Net income or loss is sensitive to the impact of a change in interest rates on the average balance of interest-
bearing financial liabilities during the year. As at September 30, 2018, the Company has a net debt position of $2,710
(2017 - $10,934 net debt) (see note 11).

e) Fair value
Fair value represents point-in-time estimates that may change in subsequent reporting periods due to market conditions
or other factors.  Presented below is a comparison of the fair value of each financial instrument to its carrying value.

Due to their short-term nature, the fair value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, trade accounts payable 
and customer advance payments is assumed to approximate their carrying value.  

The  fair  values  of  derivative  instruments  that  are  not  traded  in  an  active  market,  such  as  over-the-counter  foreign 
exchange options and Collars, are determined using quoted forward exchange rates as at the consolidated statements 
of financial position dates and are Level 2 instruments.  

During  the  year  ended  September  30,  2018,  there  were  no  transfers  between  Level  1  and  Level  2  fair  value 
measurements.   

The  fair  values  of  cash  and  cash  equivalents,  bank  indebtedness,  trade  and  other  receivables  and  trade  and  other 
payables approximates their carrying amounts due to the short-term maturities of these instruments. The estimated fair 
value of long-term debt approximates its carrying value as the instruments’ terms and interest rate are market based. 

The carrying value and fair value of all financial instruments are as follows: 

September 30, 2018 

Carrying Amount 
of Asset 
(Liability) 
$31,343 
102,520 
(46,966) 
(11,764) 
(2,865) 
(24,332) 
779 
($22,289) 

Fair Value of  
Asset 
(Liability) 
$31,343 
102,520 
(46,966) 
(11,764) 
(2,865) 
(24,332) 
779 
($22,289) 

September 30, 2017 
Carrying 
Amount of Asset 
(Liability) 
$35,876 
94,332 
(48,369) 
(15,717) 
(3,223) 
(22,808) 
(314)
($31,093) 

Fair Value of 
Asset 
(Liability) 
$35,876 
94,332 
(48,369) 
(15,717) 
(3,223) 
(22,808) 
(314)
($31,093)

Cash and cash equivalents 
Accounts receivable 
Trade accounts payable 
Bank indebtedness 
Customer advance payments 
Accrued liabilities 
Derivative instruments 
Long-term debt 

EXCO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

45

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

EXCO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
$(000)’s except per share amounts 

10. INVENTORIES

Raw materials 
Work in process 
Finished goods 
Production supplies 
Less: obsolescence provision 

September 30, 2018 
$44,516 
8,690 
14,382 
3,985 
(7,802) 
$63,771 

September 30, 2017 
$38,068 
7,329 
14,106 
3,857 
(3,578) 
$59,782 

The movement in the obsolescence provision accounts is as follows: 

Opening balance 
Additions 
Utilized 
Reversals 
Exchange differences 
Closing balance 

September 30, 2018 
$3,578 
5,864 
(1,472) 
(301) 
133 
$7,802 

September 30, 2017 
$3,316 
1,243 
(770) 
(94) 
(117) 
$3,578 

During the year, inventories of $298,989 (2017 - $306,306) were expensed, of which $5,563 was from the write-downs 
of inventories (2017 - $1,149), net of $301 reversal of write-downs (2017 - $94).   

11. CAPITAL MANAGEMENT

The Company defines capital as net debt and shareholders’ equity.  As at September 30, 2018, total managed capital 
amounted to $332,873 (2017 - $312,192), consisting of net debt of $2,710 (2017 - $10,934) and shareholders’ equity 
of $330,163 (2017 - $301,258).  

The Company’s objectives when managing capital are to: 

• utilize  short-term  funding  sources  to  manage  its  working  capital  requirements  and  fund  capital  expenditures

required to execute its operating and strategic plans; and

• maintain low overall debt levels relative to shareholders’ equity with a strong bias for short-term debt in order to
minimize the cost of capital and allow maximum flexibility to respond to current and future industry, market and
economic risks and opportunities.

The following ratios are used by the Company to monitor its capital: 

Net debt to equity ratio 

Net debt to EBITDA ratio 

September 30, 2018 

 September 30, 2017 

0.01:1 

0.04:1 

0.04:1 

0.13:1 

EXCO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

46

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

EXCO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
$(000)’s except per share amounts 

The following table details the net debt calculation used in the net debt to equity ratio as at the years ended as 
indicated: 

Bank indebtedness 

Less: cash and short-term deposits 

Net debt 

September 30, 2018 
$34,053 

 September 30, 2017 
$46,810 

(31,343) 

$2,710 

(35,876) 

$10,934 

The net debt to EBITDA ratio is calculated by dividing the net debt by EBITDA, and the Company calculates EBITDA 
as earnings before other income/(expense), interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. 

Based  on  the  current  funds  available  and  the  expected  cash  flows  from  operations,  management  believes  that  the 
Company has sufficient funds to meet its liquidity requirements. 

The Company is not subject to any capital requirement imposed by regulators; however, the Company must adhere to 
a net worth covenant related to the terms of its bank credit facility.  As at September 30, 2018, the Company was in 
compliance with the required financial covenants. 

12. OTHER INFORMATION

A. SEGMENTED INFORMATION

Business segments 
The Company operates in two business segments:  Casting and Extrusion and Automotive Solutions. The accounting 
policies followed in the operating segments are consistent with those outlined in note 2 to the consolidated financial 
statements.   

The Casting and Extrusion segment designs and engineers tooling and other manufacturing equipment.  Its operations 
are substantially for automotive and other industrial markets in North America.   

The Automotive Solutions segment produces automotive interior components and assemblies primarily for seating, 
cargo storage and restraint for sale to automotive manufacturers and Tier 1 suppliers (suppliers to automakers). 

The Company evaluates the performance of its operating segments primarily based on net income before interest, other 
income (expense) and income tax expense. 

The Corporate segment involves administrative expenses that are not directly related to the business activities of the 
above two operating segments.   

EXCO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

47

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

EXCO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
$(000)’s except per share amounts 

Sales 
Intercompany sales 
Net sales 
Depreciation  
Amortization 
Segment pre-tax income (loss) before interest and other 
Other expense  
Net interest expense 
Income before income taxes 
Property, plant and equipment additions 
Property, plant and equipment, net 
Intangible asset additions 
Intangible assets, net 
Goodwill 
Total assets 
Total liabilities  

Sales 
Intercompany sales 
Net sales 
Depreciation  
Amortization 
Segment pre-tax income (loss) before interest and other 
Other expense  
Net interest expense 
Income before income taxes 
Property, plant and equipment additions 
Property, plant and equipment, net 
Intangible asset additions 
Intangible assets, net 
Goodwill 
Total assets 
Total liabilities  

    Casting 
and 
Extrusion 

$207,322 
(7,402) 
199,920 
12,338 
874 
18,236 
- 

15,237 
90,286 
454 
1,362 
279 
205,206 
30,822 

    Casting 
and 
Extrusion 

$190,803 
(7,557) 
183,246 
12,404 
786 
17,967 
- 

10,505 
88,422 
838 
1,775 
271 
182,850 
29,268 

    2018 

Automotive 

Solutions  Corporate 

Total 

$381,750 
(6,116) 
375,634 
3,354 
4,304 
44,351 
- 

7,547 
25,610 
138 
35,274 
62,843 
237,928 
47,863 

$- 
- 
- 
42 
2 
(6,947) 
- 

136 
1,374 
- 
3 
- 
4,750 
39,036 

$589,072 
(13,518) 
575,554 
15,734 
5,180 
55,640 
- 
(1,022) 
54,618 
22,920 
117,270 
592 
36,639 
63,122 
447,884 
117,721 

    2017 

Automotive 
Solutions 

$401,959 
(1,000) 
400,959 
3,324 
4,043 
51,100 
(1,223) 

4,743 
21,822 
153 
38,069 
61,820 
246,718 
65,502 

Corporate 

Total 

$- 
- 
- 
46 
2 
(6,484) 
- 

47 
1,280 
- 
5 
- 
1,653 
35,193 

$592,762 
(8,557) 
584,205 
15,774 
4,831 
62,583 
(1,223) 
(1,327) 
60,033 
15,295 
111,524 
991 
39,849 
62,091 
431,221 
129,963 

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48

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

EXCO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
$(000)’s except per share amounts 

 Geographic and customer information 

Sales 
Canada 
United States 
Europe 
Mexico 
South America 
Asia 
Other 

 2018 
$20,734 
301,569 
175,086 
54,639 
9,239 
9,625 
4,662 
$575,554 

      2017 
$18,273 
309,818 
166,314 
67,073 
8,852 
7,169 
6,706 
$584,205 

In 2018 the total billings to the Company’s largest 2 customers accounted for 15.5% and 4.6% (2017 - 13.4% and 
5.1%) of total sales. The account receivable pertaining to these customers were $11,554 and $4,487 at year- end   
(2017 - $9,974 and $5,294).  The allocation of sales to the geographic categories is based upon the customer location 
where  the  product  is  shipped.  In  2018,  the  Company’s  largest  2  customers  were  from  the  Automotive  Solutions 
segment and the Casting and Extrusion segment (2017 - the Company’s largest 2 customers were from the Automotive 
Solutions segment and the Casting and Extrusion segment). 

Property, plant and equipment, net 
Canada 
United States 
Mexico 
South America 
Thailand 
Europe 
Morocco 

September 30, 2018 
$39,898 
33,339 
14,716 
9,152 
7,449 
2,899 
9,817 

September  30, 2017 
$40,061 
31,856 
8,393 
10,843 
7,904 
3,281 
9,186 

$117,270 

$111,524 

Property, plant and equipment are attributed to the country in which they are located. 

Intangible assets, net 
Canada 
United States 
Mexico 
South America 
Thailand 
Europe 
Morocco 

September 30, 2018 
$1,172 
35,186 
28 
77 
6 
54 
116 

September 30, 2017 
$1,459 
36,985 
60 
162 
29 
1,026 
128 

$36,639 

$39,849 

B. EMPLOYEE FUTURE BENEFITS

The Company accrues employee future benefits for all of its Mexican employees.  These benefits consist of a one-time 
payment equivalent to  12 days of  wages for each year of service (at the employee’s  most recent salary, but not to 
exceed twice the legal minimum wage), payable to all employees with 15 or more years of service, as well as to certain 
employees terminated involuntarily prior to vesting of their seniority premium benefit.  Under Mexican labour laws, 
the  Company  also  provides  statutorily  mandated  severance  benefits  to  its  employees  terminated  under  certain 

EXCO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

49

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

EXCO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
$(000)’s except per share amounts 

circumstances.  Such benefits consist of a one-time payment of three months’ wages upon involuntary termination 
without just cause. 

The liability associated with the seniority and termination benefits is calculated as the present value of expected future 
payments  and  amounted  to  $932  as  at  September  30,  2017  (2017  -  $852)  and  is  recorded  under  the  caption  other 
accrued liabilities on the consolidated statements of financial position.  In determining the expected future payments, 
assumptions regarding employee turnover rates, inflation,  minimum  wage increases and expected salary levels are 
required and are subject to review and change.  

C. COMPENSATION OF KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL

The  remuneration  of  directors  and  other  members  of  key  management  personnel  during  the  years  ended             
September 30, 2018 and 2017 were as follows: 

Salaries and cash incentives  (i) 

Directors’ fees 

Share-based awards (ii) 

September 30, 2018 

September 30, 2017 

$4,307 

375 

135 

$4,817 

$3,907 

343 

120 

$4,370 

i) Key  management  personnel  were  not  paid  post-employment  benefits,  termination  benefits,  or  other  long-term
benefits during the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017.
ii) Share-based payments are director share units granted to directors and the fair value of stock options granted to
key management personnel.

13. INCOME PER COMMON SHARE

Income per common share is calculated using net income and the monthly weighted average number of common shares 
outstanding of 42,264,189 (2017 - 42,600,223).  Any potential common shares for which the effect is anti-dilutive 
have not been reflected in the calculation of diluted income per share. There was a dilution effect of 31,503 shares 
from the outstanding stock options on diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding for 2018  
(2017 - 74,712). 

14. INCOME TAXES

The consolidated effective income tax rate for 2018 was 22.6% (2017 – 29.2%) per the following tables.  The effective 
tax rate is favourably impacted by the reduction in the US federal income tax rate that will apply to annual US earnings. 
In addition, the effective income tax rate is favourably impacted by the remeasurement of US deferred income tax 
liabilities, offset by the transition taxes accrued related to foreign earnings of certain of the Mexican subsidiaries which 
have not been repatriated to the United States. The comparative year was adversely impacted by the non-deductibility 
of post-production costs in the amount of $1,223 incurred in South Africa and Lesotho.  Further, the effective tax rate 
in 2018 benefited from improved proportion of earnings generated in lower tax jurisdictions.   

EXCO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

50

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

EXCO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
$(000)’s except per share amounts 

Income before income taxes 

Income tax expense at Canadian statutory rates 

Manufacturing and processing deduction 

Foreign rate differential          

Non-taxable income net of non-deductible expenses 

Losses not tax effected 

Other 

Reported income tax expense 

Income before income taxes 

Income tax expense at Canadian statutory rates 

Manufacturing and processing deduction 

Foreign rate differential          

Non-taxable income net of non-deductible expenses 

Losses not tax effected 

Other 

Reported income tax expense 

The major components of income tax expense are as follows: 

Current income tax expense 

    Based on taxable income for the year 

Deferred income tax expense (recovery) 

Origination, reversal of temporary differences and losses not 
recognized 

Reported income tax expense 

2018 

$54,618 

100.0% 

14,990 

(294)

(1,428) 

(1,902) 

481 

501 

$12,348 

2017 

$60,033 

15,836 

(390)

1,020 

(1,937) 

1,923 

1,062 

$17,514 

27.4% 

(0.5%)

(2.6%)

(3.5%)

0.9% 

0.9% 

22.6% 

100.0% 

26.4% 

(0.7%)

1.7% 

 (3.2%) 

3.2% 

1.8% 

29.2% 

2018 

2017 

$11,438 

$18,543 

910 

(1,029) 

$12,348 

$17,514 

EXCO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

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ANNUAL REPORT 2018

EXCO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
$(000)’s except per share amounts 

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities consist of the following temporary differences: 

Deferred tax assets 

Tax benefit of loss carry forward 

Items not currently deductible for income tax purposes 

Unrealized foreign exchange losses 

Deferred tax liabilities 

Tax depreciation in excess of book depreciation 

Unrealized revenue and foreign exchange 

Investment in subsidiaries 

2018 

2017 

$960 

287 

0 

1,247 

(3,977) 

(577) 

(3,685) 

(8,238) 

$803 

262 

317 

1,382 

(3,370) 

(513) 

(3,217) 

(7,100) 

Net deferred income tax liabilities 

($6,991) 

($5,718) 

15. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Net change in non-cash working capital 
The net change in non-cash working capital balances related to operations consists of the following: 

Accounts receivable 
Unbilled revenue 
Inventories 
Prepaid expenses and deposits 
Trade accounts payable 
Accrued payroll liabilities 
Other accrued liabilities 
Provisions 
Customer advance payments 
Income taxes payable 

16. CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

2018 

($6,648) 
(3,973) 
(2,807) 
(1,030) 
(2,540) 
1,580 
(583) 
(72) 
(369) 
592 

($15,850) 

2017 

$11,328 
(1,234) 
5,382 
777 
(15,296) 
(352) 
1,748 
(43) 
1,569 
(2,141) 

$1,738 

In the ordinary course of business, the Company may be contingently liable for litigation and claims with customers, 
suppliers and former employees. On an ongoing basis, the Company assesses the likelihood of any adverse judgments 
or  outcomes  to  these  matters  as  well  as  potential  ranges  of  probable  costs  and  losses,  and  a  determination  of  the 
provision required, if any, for these contingencies is made after analysis of each individual issue.  

During 2018, the Company agreed with a customer (the “Customer”) to utilize a government-sponsored third party 
(the “Third Party”) tool financing program (the “Program”). The Program allows the Company to receive payment 
from the Third Party in advance (the “Advance Payments”) of either tool delivery or the Customer’s receipt of payment 
from the Original Equipment Manufacturer (the “OEM”).  The Customer is obligated to pay all costs of the Program 
including principal and interest.  The Third Party retains recourse against the Company if the Customer fails to repay 
the Advance Payments to the Third Party within 24 months of the Advance Payment. As at September 30, 2018 no 

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52

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

EXCO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
$(000)’s except per share amounts 

repayments were due.   The Company has been indemnified by the Customer in this regard and expects recourse against 
it to be extinguished in the normal course of business upon the Customer’s receipt of payment from the OEM.   The 
Advance Payments paid to the Company under this Program amounted to $9,419 as at September 30, 2018 (2017 - 
$3,083) and related liabilities and receivables were not recorded on the Company’s consolidated statements of financial 
position.   

There are no material contingent liabilities as at September 30, 2018 (2017 - nil). 

17. INTEREST EXPENSE

The following table outlines the interest expense (income) incurred during the year: 

Interest expense on bank indebtedness and long-term debt 

Interest income on deposits 

Net interest expense 

18. OTHER EXPENSE

September 30, 2018 

 September 30, 2017 

$1,043 

(21) 

$1,022 

$1,338 

(11) 

$1,327 

On November 12, 2016, the Company ceased production in Lesotho and commenced the process of liquidating and 
has subsequently wound-up the ALC legal entities in Lesotho and South Africa. During the first quarter of the 2017 
fiscal year, the Company incurred post-production non-operating expenses of $1,223 which included non-cash asset 
write-downs of $707 and a loss on disposal of capital assets of $23. 

EXCO TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

53

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

CORPORATE INFORMATION

Board of Directors

Transfer Agent and Registrar

Laurie T.F. Bennett, CPA, CA
Corporate Director

Edward H. Kernaghan, MSc
Executive Vice President
Kernaghan & Partners Ltd.

Nicole A. Kirk, BA, MBA
Corporate Director

Robert B. Magee, PEng
Chairman
Woodbridge Group

TSX Trust Company
301 – 100 Adelaide Street West
Toronto, Ontario M5H 4H1
Phone: 416.361.0930
www.tsxtrust.com
______________________________

Auditors

Ernst & Young LLP
Chartered Professional Accountants
Licensed Public Accountants
______________________________

Philip B. Matthews, MA, CPA, CA
Corporate Director

Stock Listing

Toronto Stock Exchange (XTC)
______________________________

Corporate Office

Exco Technologies Limited
130 Spy Court, 2nd Floor
Markham, Ontario L3R 5H6
Phone: 905.477.3065
www.excocorp.com
______________________________

2018 Annual Meeting

The 2018 Annual Meeting for the
Shareholders will be held at Magna
Golf Club, 14780 Leslie St., Aurora
on Wednesday, January 30, 2019
at 4:30 pm.

Colleen M. McMorrow, FCPA, FCA,ICD.D
Corporate Director

Paul E. Riganelli, MA, MBA, LLB
Executive Vice President of the Company

Brian A. Robbins, PEng
President and CEO of the Company

______________________________

Corporate Officers

Brian A. Robbins, PEng
President and CEO

Darren M. Kirk, MBA, CFA
Executive Vice President & COO

R. Drew Knight, CPA, CA
Chief Financial Officer & VP Finance
Secretary

Paul E. Riganelli, MA, MBA, LLB
Executive Vice President

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