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Finning International

ftt · TSX Industrials
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Industry Industrial - Distribution
Employees 10,000+
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FY2008 Annual Report · Finning International
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THE
ART
OF
SERVICE

FINNING INTERNATIONAL INC.  
2008 ANNUAL REPORT

In 2008, Finning achieved record  
revenues of almost $6.0 billion. 
Customer support revenues grew 
11.7% to $1.9 billion. We attained the 
second best operating results in our 
history, a significant accomplishment 
given the global economic downturn. 
We successfully advanced key strategic 
initiatives, strengthening our position 
as the leading heavy equipment parts 
and service provider. Our focus on 
generating cash and reducing costs 
continues. To ensure Finning’s long-
term success, we remain dedicated 
to perfecting the art of service.

C
C

MONETARY AMOUNTS IN THIS ANNUAL REPORT ARE IN CANADIAN DOLLARS UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED

Finning at a Glance 
Financial Highlights 
Letter to Shareholders 
Chairman’s Letter 
Financial Management 
Canada 
South America 
United Kingdom 

2
4
6
10
12
14
18
22

Power Systems 
Corporate Responsibility 
Financial Report 
Board of Directors 
Corporate Officers 
Corporate Governance 
Shareholder Information  

26
28
30
94
95 
96
Inside Back Cover

Finning West Edmonton Branch, Alberta

Finning at a glance

Finning International Inc. is the world’s largest Caterpillar equipment 
dealer. Finning sells, rents and provides customer support services 
for Caterpillar equipment and engines in Western Canada, the 
United Kingdom and parts of South America. Headquartered 
in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, Finning is a widely-held, 
publicly-traded corporation, listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange 
(symbol FTT). 

territory

employees

industries served

Canada
Finning (Canada)
OEM

South ameriCa
Finning South America

united Kingdom 
Finning UK Group

British Columbia, Alberta, 
Yukon, the Northwest 
Territories, a portion of 
Nunavut

Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, 
Uruguay

5,061

4,988

England, Scotland, Wales

3,506

Mining (including oil sands), 
construction, pipelines, oil  
& gas, forestry

Mining, construction,  
oil & gas, forestry

Construction, mining, 
quarrying, waste 
management, power 
systems, plant hire, 
industrial

PoWer SYStemS
Caterpillar and  
associated brands engine 
sales and service

All Finning territories

Employees are recorded 
within other Finning 
divisions

Electric power, industrial, 
marine, construction, oil & 
gas, on-highway trucks

2008 NEW EQUIPMENT SALES BY INDUSTRY

3%

2%

7%

43%

18%

27%

MINING
CONSTRUCTION
POWER SYSTEMS
OTHER
OIL & GAS
FORESTRY

2

2008 scorecard

2008 Targets 

2008 results

7% - 9% 
12% -15% 
$1.50 - $1.60 

25% - 30% 
15% - 20% 
$100 - $120 million 
15% CAGR(3) 
40% - 50% 
0.60 

5.8%
(3.9)% (1)
$1.50 basic (1) 
$1.49 diluted (1)
28.7% (1)
15.4% (1)
$23.2 million
11.7%
48.9%
0.38

Revenue growth 
Diluted EPS annual growth (long-term goal) 
EPS guidance range (2) 

Dividend pay-out ratio 
Return on equity (ROE) 
Free cash flow (before dividends) 
Customer support services business growth (2005 to 2010) 
Net debt to total capital ratio 
Safety (lost time injuries per 200,000 work hours) 

2008 

highlights

2009 

priorities

• Record revenues - $6.0 billion, up 5.8% from 2007

•  Growing customer support revenues - $1.9 billion,  

up 11.7% from 2007

•  Second highest diluted EPS performance - $1.49(1),  

down 3.9% from 2007

• Significant improvement in free cash flow

• Continued attractive return on equity - 15.4% (1)

•  Increased quarterly dividend to $0.11($0.44 annual  

indicated dividend)

•  Continued to expand customer support capabilities  

in all territories

• Maintained industry leading safety performance 

Cash generation 
Increased focus on working capital management, significant 
reduction in rental fleet additions and tight control of capital 
expenditures

 Balance sheet strength 
Debt repayment to the lower end of the target range

 operating efficiencies 
Strong focus on cost control and re-alignment of resources

Support long-term strategic initiatives 
 Continued selective investment in technical training, physical 
facilities and information technology, dependent on business 
conditions

 Continue to grow customer support services revenue 
2010 target = $2.3 billion

(1)  Adjusted for goodwill impairment - $0.88 and other  

non-recurring items -$0.06

(2)  Initial 2008 EPS guidance range $1.70 - $1.80
(3) Compound Annual Growth Rate

2008 FInnIng InTErnATIOnAl InC.

3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
financial highlights

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31 ($millions, except per share amounts) 

2008 

2007 

2006

OPERATING DATA (from continuing operations) 
Revenue 
Earnings before interest & income taxes (EBIT) 
EBIT before goodwill impairment and non-recurring items* 
Net income 
Net income before goodwill impairment and non-recurring items* 
Diluted earnings per share (EPS) 
Diluted EPS before goodwill impairment and non-recurring items* 
Return on equity 
Return on equity before goodwill impairment and non-recurring items* 
Cash flow from operations after working capital items 

BALANCE SHEET DATA 
Total assets 
Invested capital 
Total shareholders’ equity 
Net debt to total capital 

5,991.4 
236.7 
405.8 
96.0 
257.8 
0.55 
1.49 
5.8% 
15.4% 
278.1 

4,720.4 
3,174.1 
1,567.1 
48.9% 

5,662.2 
455.8 

4,853.2
373.7

280.1 

236.2

1.55 

1.31

16.8% 

15.8%

404.4 

460.2

4,134.2 
2,794.8 
1,617.8 
40.8% 

4,200.8
2,787.9
1,624.4
40.0%

REVENUE ($BILLIONS)

EBIT ($MILLIONS)

NET INCOME ($MILLIONS)

DILUTED EPS ($)

6.0

5.7

6.0

5.0

4.0

3.8

4.9

4.3

3.0

2.0

1.0

0.0

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

500

400

300

200

100

0

456

374

406*

272

258

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

300

250

200

150

100

50

0

280

258*

236

2.0

1.5

1.55

1.49*

1.31

162

115

1.0

0.90

0.72

0.5

0.0

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

*   Excludes the goodwill impairment charge of $151.4 million for Hewden (EPS impact = $0.88), and other non-recurring items of $17.7 million pre tax  

and $10.4 million after tax (EPS impact = $0.06). 

 The results of operations of the Materials Handling Divison have been reclassified as discontinued operations for 2006, 2005 and 2004. 
The results of operations of the Tools Hire Divison have been reclassified as discontinued operations for 2007, 2006 and 2005.

4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE BY  
CONTINUING OPERATIONS 
($ MILLIONS) 

Canada 
South America 
UK 

REVENUE 

EBIT  

2008 
3,216.9 
1,501.6 
1,272.9 

2007 
2,936.2 
1,325.6 
1,400.4 

2008 
234.5 
148.2 
53.6 

2007 
286.3 
127.4 
73.0 

Power Systems 
Power Systems revenues are reported within other Finning divisions 

896.9 

821.3

REVENUE BY LINES OF BUSINESS -  
CONTINUING OPERATIONS (1) 
($ MILLIONS) 
New Mobile Equipment 
New Power & Energy Systems 
Customer Support Services 
Equipment Rental 
Used Equipment 
(1) Excludes other revenue 

2008 

2007  

2,376.9 
551.7 
1,899.5 
712.8 
431.8 

39.7% 
9.2% 
31.7% 
11.9% 
7.2% 

2,233.5 
503.0 
1,701.2 
781.2 
417.6 

39.4% 
8.9% 
30.0% 
13.8% 
7.4% 

CUSTOMER SUPPORT SERVICES 
REVENUE ($MILLIONS)

ASSETS BY OPERATIONS
GEOGRAPHIC BREAKDOWN

1,899

100%

2,000

1,750

1,500

1,250

1,196

1,701

1,583

1,340

1,000

750

500

250

0

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

CANADA

FINSA

UK GROUP

80%

60%

40%

20%

0%

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

REVENUE BY OPERATIONS

21.2%

25.1%

53.7%

CANADA
FINSA
UK GROUP

EBIT BY OPERATIONS
Excludes other corporate items and goodwill impairment

12.3%

53.7%

34.0%

CANADA
FINSA
UK GROUP

2008 FInnIng InTErnATIOnAl InC.

5

 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
FOCUS,
EXECUTE &
DRIVE OUR
STRATEGY  
FOR 
SUCCESS

66
6

letter to shareholders

“We are completely focused on 
maintaining customer service levels 
and managing costs, while preserving 
the strength of our balance sheet and 
generating cash.”

Mike Waites
president & chief executive officer

What often distinguishes successful 
companies is their ability to drive towards 
a clear strategic vision while maintaining 
equal focus on superior execution of 
near-term operating plans. Backed by a 
strong and well-trained workforce, these 
companies know who they are, where 
they are headed, and are driven to help 
their customers succeed. As a result, these 
companies tend to dominate the industries 
in which they operate. I firmly believe that 
Finning is such a company.

At Finning, we are driven to provide 
unrivalled service to our customers. The 
stories about our field technicians and 
skilled staff are legendary and date back 
to our early operating philosophy of “we 
service what we sell”. In an ever changing 
world, it is increasingly important to stand 
for this level of commitment and service. 
It is the combination of the Caterpillar 
product and the Finning service that 
differentiates us in the market place. 
Investing in service and our people is of 
paramount importance in this respect and 
we believe our customers will reward us 
with their loyalty and future business. 

It is our intention to dominate the mining, 
oil sands and heavy construction equipment 
businesses in our territories. Further, we 
believe we can grow our power systems 
business substantially. These are the 
areas where we can leverage our service 
capabilities and continue to drive our 
product support business forward. We 
are well on our way towards achieving our 
target of $2.3 billion of customer support 
revenues in 2010.  

Finning’s story is about dominating the sales 
and service of large machines in Western 
Canada and Northern Chile. It is a story 
about a $1 billion book of business from 
the oil sands in Canada and our ability to 
drive the same success in Northern Chile. 
It is a story about growing our engines 
business revenue to reach $1 billion. And, 
it is a story about customer service and 
customer support. In short, we know who 
we are and where we are going. 

Turning to a review of how we executed 
our strategic plan in 2008, it is fair to say 
that the business environment when the 
year began was significantly different than 
when it ended. In describing our financial 
results, it is gratifying to report that 2008 
revenues were almost $6.0 billion, up 5.8% 
from 2007 and a new record. Most notably, 
our customer support revenues grew by 
11.7% over 2007 to $1.9 billion. Annual 
diluted earnings per share, excluding 
certain non-recurring items of $0.06 per 
share and a non-cash goodwill impairment 
charge of $0.88 per share, was $1.49, down 
3.9% from 2007. These were the second 
best operating results in Finning’s history.

Free cash flow improved significantly. In 
2008, we generated $23.2 million free 
cash flow, before dividends, a significant 
improvement over 2007 when we used 
$110.7 million. In the fourth quarter 
alone we generated $151.7 million of free 
cash flow, before dividends. Cash flow is 
expected to improve significantly in 2009. 
Importantly, we also achieved an attractive 
return on equity of 15.4% in 2008, adjusted 
for the goodwill impairment charge and 
other non-recurring items noted above. 
During the year we increased our quarterly 
dividend to $0.11 per share, our 7th 
consecutive year of dividend increases.

2008 FInnIng InTErnATIOnAl InC.
2008 FInnIng InTErnATIOnAl InC.

7
7

letter to shareholders continued 

Progress by operation
In Canada, revenues reached $3.2 billion, 
an increase of 9.6% over 2007, driven 
by strong demand for equipment and 
product support from the existing oil 
sands operations. Investment in people 
to support the oil sands customers, 
expenses related to the integration of our 
new Red Deer facility and fourth quarter 
restructuring costs reduced EBIT from the 
Canadian operations by 18.1% to $234.5 
million. Improving profitability at Finning 
(Canada) is a key priority for 2009. We 
began 2008 pursuing growth, and while 
we aggressively managed our capital 
programs and rental fleets, the capacity 
additions were greater than what we 
needed in a weaker business environment. 
This is a short-term phenomenon and we 
are rebalancing our cost base at Finning 
(Canada) to align with expected revenues. 
We expect the large installed equipment 
base at the existing oil sands projects to 
continue to drive our parts and service 
business as well as generate opportunities 
in heavy equipment overhaul. Additionally, 
we believe that planned government 
infrastructure spending in 2009 and beyond 
will support the heavy construction sector. 

Our South American operations posted 
another record year. Driven by strong 
growth in our customer support business, 
revenues increased to $1.5 billion, up 13.3% 
over 2007. EBIT reached $148.2 million, up 
16.3% from 2007. Despite lower copper 
prices, the mining sector continued to 
perform well through the fourth quarter. 
Our expense control measures were 
effective in mitigating inflationary pressures 
in the region, and our operating and 
financial results in South America continue 
to be very strong. Our mining customers 
in South America are among the world’s 
lowest cost copper producers, and we 
believe they will continue to operate in this 
environment of lower copper prices. Given 
significant expansion in the installed large 
equipment base over the past few years, we 
expect our product support revenues to 
continue to grow in 2009. 

Our UK Group faced very challenging 
market conditions throughout last 
year. In local currency, 2008 UK Group 
revenues were comparable to 2007 
levels. In Canadian dollars, revenue 
declined by 9.1% from the prior year.

The UK dealership operations had a 
successful year in the heavy construction 
and power systems divisions. We 
achieved a 13.1% increase in customer 
support revenues in local currency in 
the U.K., which is particularly notable 
given the adverse economic conditions. 

We continued to experience challenges 
with our Hewden business as the U.K. 
rental market remained very weak given 
the difficult economic conditions. Our 
actions over the last couple of years have 
been extensive and we continued to 
rationalize and focus the business further 
with the announced closure of 22 branches 
and substantially reduced rental fleet 
investment. As a result of deteriorating 
market conditions, we recorded a goodwill 
impairment charge of $151.4 million with 
respect to Hewden in the fourth quarter 
of 2008. This was a non-cash charge and 
reflects the lower value of the business 
in a significantly weaker economic 
environment. The returns from our 
Hewden operation were unacceptable and 
we will take further actions as necessary 
to improve Hewden’s performance. 

Across our geographies, our consolidated 
power systems revenues reached a 
record $896.9 million*, a 9.2% increase 
over 2007. The engine sales and service 
business grew in all our regions and was 
particularly strong in South America. 
The oil & gas sector in Western Canada 
remained soft; however, electric power 
generation and large project work drove 
considerable activity in the U.K. 

In summary, there were many  
achievements in 2008. Our primary 
challenge was to quickly adjust our costs 
and capacity in Canada and in our rental 
operations in the U.K. given the economic 
downturn. Towards the end of 2008, 
we initiated in excess of $100 million of 
future gross cost reductions and we will 
continue to adjust our costs as necessary 
depending on the economic environment.

Looking ahead
We are focused on prudently managing 
our balance sheet through these uncertain 
times while positioning the company for 
future success and growth. Our balance 
sheet is solid and we have adequate 
operating credit facilities that are 
committed until late in 2011. In addition, 

there are no long-term debt maturities 
until December 2011. In 2009, we expect to 
generate significant cash flow as a result of 
our focus on working capital management, 
a further reduction in rental fleet additions 
and a very disciplined approach to capital 
spending. Our cash will be deployed to 
reduce debt, pay dividends and selectively 
fund long-term strategic initiatives as 
economic conditions allow. This financial 
strength provides the foundation for us 
to grow and drive towards our vision.

The tremendous growth in our machine 
population over recent years has paved 
the way for product support opportunities 
for years to come. We opened our new 
Centre of Excellence (COE) in Red Deer, 
Alberta in the first quarter of 2008. At 
the COE, we have centralized activities 
and implemented more efficient processes 
related to preparation of new equipment 
for delivery and rebuilding old machines, 
thus freeing up customer service capacity 
in our regular branches. This facility 
gives us tremendous upside operating 
leverage as activity builds in the future. 

In Northern Chile, we opened a similar 
facility to serve our mining customers. 
The La Negra Truck Shop assembles 
mining equipment and rebuilds and 
refurbishes these machines for second 
and subsequent lives. In 2009, we will 
further increase our presence in this 
strategic location with a large new Parts 
Distribution Centre (PDC) in La Negra. 
The PDC will support the large machine 
population with parts and components 
and increase efficiencies by consolidating 
numerous warehouses in the vicinity.

Our commitment to serving our customers 
more effectively and running our 
operations more efficiently is underscored 
by our investment in a new information 
technology (IT) system. This new IT 
platform will support all our business 
processes. It will allow us to manage the 
growing volume of transactions more 
efficiently and will give us improved access 
to information and tools for decision 
making. The system is being implemented 
in Canada first and will subsequently be 
installed in South America and the U.K. 

8

* Power Systems revenues are reported within other Finning divisions.

Share Value (excluding dividends) has grown  
at an annual compound growth rate as follows:

relative Price Performance
Finning International Inc. vs. S&P/TSX Composite Index
Dec 31, 2003 to Dec 31, 2008

5 years 
 -1.0%

10 years 
 10.0%

20 years 
 8.6%

250

Finning International Inc.

200

S&P/TSX Composite Index

150

100

50
31-Dec-03

31-Dec-04

31-Dec-05

31-Dec-06

31-Dec-07

31-Dec-08

People
I will close with a final and important message about people. It is our employees who make Finning the leading equipment and service 
supplier in our regions.

Our commitment to maintaining a safe work environment is at the core of our values. Our ‘lost time frequency rate’, a measure of 
workplace safety, continues to improve and we are an industry leader in this area. Avoiding injuries in each of our operations will remain  
at the top of our list of priorities.

Despite this focus on safety, we are deeply saddened by the untimely deaths of three of our employees during 2008. Such tragedies are 
unacceptable and the executive team is absolutely committed to driving our safety values.

Our commitment to our people also extends to continued investments in technical and leadership training which support our employees’ 
ability to ensure we remain our customers’ service provider of choice.

I would like to acknowledge the support of Caterpillar as a strategic business partner. In my first year as President & Chief Executive 
Officer, I’m also appreciative of the support and guidance received from our Board of Directors. I especially want to take this opportunity 
to sincerely thank our employees for their ongoing dedication and hard work. You are the best in the business and it is a pleasure to work 
with you every day.

executing our Strategy
While recognizing that these are uncertain times, I remain confident that we are driving the right strategy for our customers, our business 
and our shareholders. We have a clear vision to dominate those businesses where we can truly differentiate our service commitment. 
We have also taken decisive and quick action to address our organization’s cost structure and will continue to be responsive to market 
conditions.

We have a good line of sight on product support opportunities resulting from the significant increase in equipment fleets in recent years 
and we are focused on executing our strategy while remaining steadfast in our commitment to deliver the “art of service”.

Sincerely,
FINNING INTERNATIONAL INC.

Mike Waites 
President & Chief Executive Officer

2008 FInnIng InTErnATIOnAl InC.

9

 
chairman’s letter

Conrad A. Pinette

Douglas W.G. Whitehead
chairman of the board

James E.C. Carter

Kathleen M. O’Neill

John M. Willson

“The Board of Directors is working with Finning’s senior 
management team to navigate through these challenging 
times, build on our operating performance, and ensure 
that we continue to support our long-term strategic goals.”

10
10

David L. Emerson

Andrew H. Simon

Bruce L. Turner

John M. Reid

Ricardo Bacarreza

Michael T. Waites

It is my pleasure to report to you 
for the first time in my role as 
Chairman of the Board of Finning. 

Despite the unprecedented economic 
turmoil in the fourth quarter of 2008, 
Finning reported its second highest 
earnings per share performance in 
company history and a new record of 
almost $6.0 billion in revenue. The new 
backdrop of weaker global markets 
resulted in a significant shift in management 
focus from managing rapid growth to 
decisively adjusting our cost structure 
while maintaining our high-quality service. 

The Board of Directors is working with 
Finning’s senior management team to 
navigate through these challenging times, 
build on our operating performance, 
and ensure that we continue to support 
our long-term strategic goals. Upholding 
the highest governance standards 
remains a key priority for your Board. 
Finning has an established tradition of 
excellence in corporate governance 
and the Board remains resolute in our 
commitment to fulfilling the duties 
of stewardship and accountability. 

Adding to your Board’s considerable 
experience, we had the pleasure of 
welcoming a new member in December 
2008. David Emerson joined the Finning 
Board of Directors bringing extensive 
senior leadership experience in business, 
as an elected Member of Parliament and 
in the Canadian Federal Cabinet. I would 

also like to acknowledge the retirement 
of Don O’Sullivan from the Board in May 
2008 after serving as a Director since 1991. 
Throughout the years, Don contributed 
to Finning’s success as a trusted advisor 
and we will miss his incisive counsel.

In closing, I would like to thank my fellow 
Directors for their contributions last 
year and all Finning employees for their 
continuing hard work and dedicated efforts 
to lead the company into the future.

For a more detailed discussion of our 
corporate governance policies and 
practices, I encourage you to review 
the Finning management proxy circular 
and visit the corporate governance 
section at www.finning.com.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, 

Douglas W.G. Whitehead
Chairman of the Board

2008 FInnIng InTErnATIOnAl InC.
2008 FInnIng InTErnATIOnAl InC.

11
11

Free cash flow is expected to grow substantially in 2009. 
Our top priority is to maintain our financial strength while 
positioning Finning for future success and growth.

Financial 
Performance

1.

2.

Focus on Cash 
Generation

3.

Maintaining a Strong 
Balance Sheet

Finning’s balance sheet remains healthy. 
Our net debt to total capital ratio of  
48.9% remains within our target range of  
40-50%, although at the higher end. Our 
top priority in 2009 is to reduce our net 
debt to total capital ratio to the lower  
end of our target range by using the 
significant increase in projected free  
cash flow to repay debt. 

Finning has adequate operating 
credit facilities that are committed 
until December 2011. The main 
short-term credit facility is an $800 
million, unsecured, global borrowing 
facility arranged with a syndicate of 
mainly Canadian chartered banks. At 
December 31, 2008 $261.6 million of 
the facility was available. In addition, 
$109.8 million in cash was available.

Finning has no long-term debt maturities 
prior to December 2011, providing a stable 
financial position for the Company. 

2008 revenue grew by 5.8% to a record  
$6.0 billion. Earnings before interest and  
taxes (EBIT), after adjusting for non- 
recurring items, decreased by 11.0% to  
$405.8 million. These non-recurring items 
totaled $169.1 million and included:

•  non-cash goodwill impairment charge  
of $151.4 million related to Hewden, 
EPS impact = ($0.88)

•   costs associated with the UK back-office 
integration and Hewden depot closures - 

  $10.3 million, EPS impact = ($0.04)

•  costs related to the transition and  

integration of the Collicutt acquisition  
into the COE - $12.6 million,  
EPS impact = ($0.05)

•  costs related to restructuring charges  

incurred globally in the fourth quarter in 
response to weakening market conditions - 

  $9.5 million, EPS impact = ($0.04)

•  gains on sale of Hewden properties -  

$14.7 million, EPS impact = $0.07

Diluted earnings per share, before these 
non-recurring items, was $1.49, down 3.9% 
compared to $1.55 in 2007. There were no 
significant non-recurring items in 2007.

In 2008, Finning generated $576.7 million 
cash from operations compared to $623.0 
million in 2007. Free cash flow before 
dividends, (cash from operating activities 
less net expenditures on capital assets) 
improved significantly in 2008. For the 
full year, free cash flow of $23.2 million 
was generated compared to a use of cash 
in 2007 of $110.7 million. In the fourth 
quarter 2008, we generated $151.7 million 
of free cash flow before dividends, a 
significant increase compared to the first 
three quarters of 2008 as we saw a pattern 
of improving cash flow generation each 
consecutive quarter. 

Capital expenditures, excluding the 
Collicutt acquisition, totaled $100.4 
million in 2008 compared to $74.2 million 
in 2007. Apart from working capital, the 
majority of Finning’s capital expenditures 
are discretionary as the business has very 
modest required capital expenditure needs. 

Total net rental equipment expenditures 
amounted to $204.8 million in 2008, less 
than half of the $474.6 million that was 
invested in rental equipment in 2007. Rental 
additions were reduced significantly in the 
fourth quarter of 2008 and will remain  
low in 2009. 

Free cash flow is expected to grow 
substantially in 2009 as new equipment 
inventories are reduced given lower 
orders for equipment and shorter lead 
time from Caterpillar and as we increase 
our focus on managing other working 
capital items as well as significantly reduce 
expenditures on rental equipment and 
tightly control our capital spending.

12

financial management

4.

Cost Control 
and Operating 
Efficiencies

5.

Selective Funding of 
Long-Term Strategic 
Initiatives

6.

Dividend Growth

Tight control of operating costs is a 
key focus area for Finning as we look to 
improve profitability in an environment  
of lower new equipment sales. 

Our 2009 capital expenditures will  
depend on business conditions and will  
be tightly controlled and prioritized around 
long-term strategic initiatives.

During 2008, Finning raised its quarterly 
dividend to $0.11 per share, our 7th 
consecutive year of dividend increases.  
The annual dividend has grown at an 
average rate of over 17.1% per annum in 
the last five years. The indicated annual 
dividend is currently $0.44 per share. 
We believe that an attractive dividend 
represents an important part of total 
shareholder return.

We remain committed to appropriately 
funding our long-term strategic initiatives. 
We are focused on dominating the mining 
equipment related businesses, growing the 
heavy construction equipment business 
and ensuring that we have the physical and 
people capabilities to continue to provide 
our customers with the very best service.

In 2008, consolidated EBIT margins 
declined as expenses increased to meet 
planned revenue growth that did not 
materialize to the extent we expected 
due to lower demand. The largest portion 
of the higher costs incurred in 2008 
was related to the strategic initiatives in 
Western Canada for anticipated future 
growth in the oil sands. We also incurred 
some one-time costs in the U.K. as we 
continued to reduce excess capacity in 
light of the weak business environment. 
In addition, the design, development and 
implementation of our new information 
technology system resulted in $16.2 million 
of expenses in 2008. 

In the fourth quarter, in light of weaker 
economic conditions, we acted quickly to 
right size our operations in all our regions 
by reducing costs and adjusting staffing 
levels. The one-time costs associated  
with this global restructuring totaled  
$9.5 million. 

In 2009 we will improve profitability at 
Finning (Canada) by re-aligning costs and 
capacity with projected revenues and also 
improve results at our rental operations  
in the U.K. Towards the end of 2008,  
we initiated in excess of $100 million of 
gross cost reductions that will benefit us  
in 2009, and we will continue to adjust  
our cost structure depending on the 
economic environment.

ANNUAL DIVIDEND PER SHARE
5 year Compound Annual Growth Rate = 17.1%

$ 0.50

0.45

0.40

0.35

0.30

0.25

0.20

0.15

0.10

0.05

0.00

* Indicated Dividend

0.44*

0.43

0.36

0.28

0.22

0.20

2004 2005

2006

2007 2008 2009

2008 FInnIng InTErnATIOnAl InC.

13

SET THE
HIGHEST
STANDARD 
FOR
SUPPORT

14

Finning West Edmonton Branch, Alberta

2008 Performance
Our Canadian operations achieved 
an attractive revenue growth of 9.6% 
reaching a record $3.2 billion in 2008. 
Continued strong demand from the mining 
sector, particularly the existing oil sands 
operations, was the primary driver of a 
15.4% increase in new equipment sales 
and a 8.4% rise in customer support 
revenues over 2007. Higher revenues 
from our parts and service business 
and strong equipment deliveries to oil 
sands customers offset lower activity in 
construction, petroleum and forestry 
due to weaker market conditions. 

2008 EBIT from our Canadian operations 
declined by 18.1% to $234.5 million as a 
result of higher costs mainly related to 
a number of strategic initiatives during 
the year to enhance our customer 
service capabilities for anticipated 
growth in Western Canada. Excluding 
certain non-recurring items, EBIT 
decreased by 10.9% to $255.1 million. 

In the first half of 2008, we transitioned 
the recently acquired Collicutt business 
into the new Finning Centre of Excellence 
(COE) in Red Deer, Alberta. This 24-
bay, 200,000 sq. ft. facility focuses on 
new equipment preparation and major 
equipment overhauls. The COE enables us 
to standardize new equipment preparation 
processes, improve efficiencies and 
accelerate the delivery of newly purchased 
machines to our customers. It also allows 
Finning to take advantage of the growing 
heavy equipment overhaul opportunities 
with specialized expertise to generate 
additional value. Customers can purchase 
complete certified rebuilt machines 
for a significant discount compared to 
the purchase price of a new machine. 
We incurred extra costs related to the 
transition of COE, and bringing this 
operation to target productivity levels.

We also made significant progress towards 
implementing a new information technology 
system to streamline our processes and 
yield greater efficiencies. The new IT 
system will allow us to effectively manage  
a higher volume of transactions and provide 
better access to information and tools for 
decision making. This new information 
technology system is scheduled to go live  
in Canada in early 2010, and we incurred 

$7.9 million of expenses related  
to this project in 2008. 

In addition, in light of weaker economic 
conditions, we acted quickly to restructure 
our Canadian operations in the fourth 
quarter of 2008. The one-time costs 
of $8.0 million associated with this 
restructuring impacted our fourth  
quarter results. 

The largest portion of the higher costs 
incurred by Finning (Canada) in 2008 
was related to the rapid growth in the oil 
sands where we increased our customer 
service capabilities substantially to support 
anticipated demand for equipment, parts 
and service from our oil sands customers. 

Improving profitability at Finning 
(Canada) by re-aligning our costs with 
projected revenues, improving operating 
efficiencies and further developing our 
product support capabilities for the 
future will be key priorities in 2009.  

Product Support makes a difference
Customer support revenues rose by 8.4% 
in Canada in 2008. Excluding revenues from 
the discontinued alliance with Shell, the 
increase was 19.5%. Continuing to grow the 
product support business remains another 
one of our key priorities for 2009, and we 
will continue to selectively fund initiatives 
to strengthen our leading position as 
a heavy equipment parts and service 
provider.   

From 2004 to 2008, our Canadian 
operations have experienced 
unprecedented growth in new equipment 
sales of almost 30% on average per year. 
This surge in demand has resulted in 
a population of over 41,000 machines, 
including about 25,000 units that are less 
than 10 years old. Roughly half of this 
population is comprised of heavy mining 
and construction equipment, such as off-
highway trucks, dozers, loaders, graders 
and scrapers. These large machines are 
significant consumers of parts and service 
during their operating lives and are eligible 
for a complete rebuild when they reach 
the later stages of their first life. This 
substantial machine population is the 
foundation for Finning’s future parts and 
service business. 

canada

CANADA REVENUE ($MILLIONS)

CANADA REVENUE ($ millions)

3,217

2,936

2,613

2,050

1,563

3,500

3,000

2,500

2,000

1,500

1,000

500

0

CANADA EBIT ($MILLIONS)

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

CANADA EBIT ($ millions)

286

234

215*

300

250

200

150

100

50

150

132

0

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
CANADA CUSTOMER SUPPORT 
SERVICES REVENUE ($MILLIONS)

CANADA CUSTOMER SUPPORT  
SERVICES REVENUE ($ millions)

1,200

1,000

800

712

600

564

982

906

873

400

200

0

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

* 2006 EBIT excludes gains on sale of assets.

2008 FInnIng InTErnATIOnAl InC.

15

canada  CONTINUED

Finning Truck Shop, Fort McMurray, Alberta

Our Customers Come First
Moe Prieur and Kirt laing were off work enjoying a leisurely Saturday when duty called. Damage to a wheel on a 
Caterpillar 773 off-highway truck belonging to long-time customer, Syncrude, had brought the unit at their Aurora mine  
in northern Alberta to a grinding halt. Exemplifying the commitment to service for which Finning is known, both Moe  
and Kirt immediately launched a search for a replacement. 

When a replacement wheel couldn’t be located through the usual means, they decided to broaden their search  
by appealing to their other customers. Working with the Mildred lake branch, they eventually tracked down a  
Fort McMurray client willing to loan a wheel until a replacement could be ordered. After obtaining the wheel, Kirt 
personally travelled to Aurora to make the delivery. The trademark Finning persistence and the collective  
efforts of Moe and Kirt paid off as the 773 was restored and ready to return to operation in record time.

Finning Centre of Excellence, Red Deer, Alberta

Finning West Edmonton Branch, Alberta

797 Haul Truck, Albian Sands, Alberta

16

canada  CONTINUED

For over 75 years, Finning has been well 
known for delivering outstanding product 
support in Western Canada. We have 
successfully worked with our customers 
through many economic downturns. In the 
current environment, moving material at 
the lowest cost per ton is more critical than 
ever to our customers as they strive to 
keep the operating costs of their equipment 
as low as possible. Our extensive service 
capabilities and innovative service solutions 
are geared toward supporting our 
customers to achieve these goals.

Over the past five years, we have taken 
deliberate steps to expand our customer 
support capabilities in Western Canada. 
This continues to give us a substantial 
competitive advantage and expertise in 
offering parts, service and machine and 
component rebuilds. We have expanded 
our physical capacity by investing in the 
world-class OEM Remanufacturing facility 
in Edmonton and the COE in Red Deer. 
With our investment in OEM, we control 
the supply of high quality remanufactured 
components such as engines and 
transmissions and produce the rebuilt 
components that we use for maintaining 
our customers’ machine fleets and for 
performing major machine overhaul work 
at the COE. 

We have continued to invest in our 
employees’ technical expertise by 
implementing training programs while 
reinforcing the highest safety standards. 
Our oil sands operations in Fort McMurray 
saw continued demand for heavy equipment 
mechanics. Today, over 840 Finning 
employees work at our four oil sands 
branches compared to approximately 620 
employees in 2007.  

mining 
Mining activity in Western Canada was 
strong in the first three quarters of 2008 
and held up reasonably well for the balance 
of the year when commodity prices 
weakened. Finning (Canada) had a very 
successful year delivering new equipment 
and product support to the mining industry, 
particularly to the oil sands. Mining 
customers accounted for 54% of all new 
equipment sales in Western Canada as 
we delivered a record number of mining 
machines, including 68 Caterpillar 797 off-
highway trucks. Strong growth in the mining 
equipment population over the last five 

years gives us very good visibility for future 
product support revenues.

While commodity prices are lower, we 
expect the existing oil sands operations and 
large coal and copper mines to continue 
to operate and target the lowest per unit 
production costs. As our largest customers 
will need to run their fleets as efficiently as 
possible, Finning will continue to support 
them with reliable parts and service.

One of our key objectives in Western 
Canada is to maintain our leading position 
in the oil sands. To capitalize on the long-
term potential of this region, we have 
developed a mining support infrastructure 
in central and northern Alberta that is 
unmatched in the industry. 

The large new equipment purchased by 
our customers is shipped from Caterpillar 
factories to the COE in Red Deer where 
we prepare it for delivery. Existing 
customer machines are maintained by 
Finning technicians working at our branches 
or in the field. Parts are supplied through 
our distribution network with Edmonton 
serving as the hub. Large components 
which need replacing are rebuilt at our 
world-class component rebuild facility, 
OEM Remanufacturing. Customers’ 
downtime is minimized, as Finning draws 
on its component inventory to replace the 
components being rebuilt. When a machine 
reaches the later stages of its first life, it 
is shipped to the COE where the machine 
is rebuilt to an as-new standard with a 
complete warranty. Components for these 
rebuilt machines are provided by OEM. All 
other parts are supplied by our Edmonton-
based parts operations.

heavy Construction
In 2008, about 21% of all new equipment 
deliveries in Western Canada were 
directed to our construction customers. 
Activity in the heavy construction sector 
was lower in 2008 than in the previous 
two years. Most government-funded 
infrastructure work such as building roads 
and bridges continues in both provinces; 
however, some projects have been slower 
to start than expected. 

We expect the announced infrastructure 
spending plans by various levels of 
governments to start supporting higher 
volumes of heavy construction towards 

the end of 2009. In addition, the large 
population of heavy construction 
equipment currently operating on 
infrastructure and non-residential 
construction projects in B.C and Alberta 
will continue to require parts and service.    

Focus on execution and efficiencies
Demand for new equipment is expected 
to slow in 2009. Lower commodity prices 
are impacting our customers in commodity 
based industries in Western Canada. We 
reduced certain orders from Caterpillar 
in the fourth quarter of 2008 and we will 
continue to align our inventory levels 
with customer demand. The economic 
downturn has resulted in delays to some 
mining expansions and new projects. 
Conventional oil and gas and forestry 
sectors are expected to remain weak as 
well. However, we expect the large machine 
population in Western Canada, particularly 
at the existing oil sands operations, to 
continue to drive growth in our parts and 
service business in 2009.

We expect that 2009 will be a year of 
transition and opportunity for Finning 
(Canada). Our key priority is to continue 
aligning our costs and resources in response 
to current market conditions while staying 
the course on our long-term strategy of 
providing timely service solutions to our 
expanded machine population base and 
growing our customer support business. 
We are confident in our ability to improve 
operating efficiencies and find more 
innovative ways to provide equipment, 
parts and service to our customers.

2008 FInnIng InTErnATIOnAl InC.

17

 
GO THE
DISTANCE
FOR 
OUR
CUSTOMERS

18
18

Carmen de Andacollo Copper Mine, Chile

south america

2008 Performance
Finning South America (FINSA)  
delivered very strong results in 2008. 
FINSA revenues increased by 13.3%  
over 2007 to a record $1.5 billion. EBIT 
was up 16.3% over 2007 reaching $148.2 
million. These results were driven by 
strong growth in product support and 
power systems revenues. Improved 
profitability was attributable to a higher 
proportion of customer support sales 
in the total revenue mix and effective 
cost control measures to mitigate the 
impact of inflation in this region. 

In 2009, our focus on cost controls, 
management of inventory levels and 
operating efficiencies will be at the 
forefront of our priorities.

The past few years of high copper and 
metal prices fueled tremendous growth 
in the mining industry in Chile and, to a 
lesser extent, in Argentina. We delivered 
a record number of mining machines to 
our customers in northern Chile. Most 
of these heavy equipment fleets operate 
with a customer support agreement where 
Finning delivers parts and, in many cases, 
service and maintenance. We expect that 
most of this mining equipment will continue 
to operate and generate strong demand 
for parts and service as our largest mining 
customers are among the lowest cost 
producers of copper in the world. The 
economic growth in the FINSA region also 
translated into strong construction activity. 
Finning was very successful in benefiting 
from this strong demand for  
new equipment.

In 2008, as expected, the revenue mix 
shifted towards customer support services 
which contributed over 44% of total FINSA 
revenue. The healthy growth in parts and 
service revenues is the result of a large and 
growing population of mining and heavy 
construction equipment in this region, as 
well as our efforts in developing high-quality 
product support capabilities to capture a 
larger share of this higher-margin business.    

Product Support makes a difference
FINSA achieved a 15% average annual 
growth rate in customer support services 
revenues over the last five years. Our 
product support business in South 
America is primarily driven by the copper 
mining industry. We have long-standing 
relationships with our copper mining 

SOUTH AMERICA REVENUE ($MILLIONS)

SOUTH AMERICA REVENUE ($ millions)

1,502

1,326

1,007 1,010

870

1,600

1,400

1,200

1,000

800

600

400

200

0

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
SOUTH AMERICA EBIT ($MILLIONS)

SOUTH AMERICA EBIT ($ millions)

148

127

109

93

160

120

83

80

40

0

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
FINSA CUSTOMER SUPPORT SERVICES 
REVENUE ($MILLIONS)

SOUTH AMERICA CUSTOMER SUPPORT  
SERVICES REVENUE ($ millions)

800

600

400

382

400

664

550

472

200

0

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

797 Haul Truck, Escondida Copper Mine, Chile

2008 FInnIng InTErnATIOnAl InC.

19

south america  CONTINUED

Finning Truck Shop, Escondida Copper Mine, Chile

Our Customers Come First

Known as the driest place on earth, parts of the Atacama Desert along the coast of northern Chile have experienced 
years without a drop of rain. It is in this arid climate, 3,100 meters above sea level that the Escondida mine is located 
and the Finning service team operates. As one of the world’s largest copper producers, Escondida aimed to increase 
productivity by contracting Finning to replace the engines on a fleet of sixty Caterpillar 797 off-highway trucks. 

led by Francisco Vergara, a team of 30 Finning employees dedicated themselves to the task working in seven day rotations. 
The desert climate and high altitude, plus the adjustment to camp life, presented a unique challenge making the team’s 
efforts nothing less than remarkable. The Finning team was praised for improving the client’s equipment availability and 
reliability which, in turn, led to meaningful productivity improvements. The team can also take pride in having fulfilled the 
contract while maintaining a perfect safety record.

Finning Service Depot, Coquimbo Branch, Chile

Haul Truck, Carmen de Andacollo Copper Mine, Chile

Finning Service Depot, Coquimbo Branch, Chile

20

south america  CONTINUED

Approximately 350 new employees (net), 
mostly mechanics and customer support 
staff joined FINSA in 2008. The strong 
technical competencies of our employees 
are critical to deliver best in class product 
support, and we continue to invest in 
training and development of our people. 

The Chilean and Argentine governments 
have announced additional investments in 
infrastructure which should provide extra 
support for the construction sector later 
this year. Overall, we expect a lower level 
of equipment sales to the construction 
industry in 2009.

Looking ahead
We expect to see a steady stream of parts 
and service revenues on the installed 
equipment base, particularly from our 
mining customers. We have the service 
infrastructure and proven technical 
capabilities in place, and we will work with 
our customers to find the most effective 
solutions to their equipment needs. In 
addition, we will manage ongoing high 
inflation and constrained credit availability 
in Argentina.

FINSA’s solid product support strategy 
makes us the market leader in our 
territory. We have put tight cost control 
and inventory management policies in 
place. Our focus on execution and driving 
operating efficiencies will serve us well 
through the economic downturn and 
position us to capitalize on further growth 
opportunities when the markets recover.

mining
Mining customers account for over half 
of FINSA’s total revenue. The product 
support revenues from the mining industry 
have grown substantially over the last few 
years, reflecting the increasing number of 
customer support agreements in the region. 
In 2008, about 65% of mining revenues 
were generated by parts and service. We 
currently have 21 service contracts that 
support about 600 machines operating in 
the field. Approximately 60% of our FINSA 
employees support mining customers. 
In October 2008, FINSA delivered the 
100th Caterpillar 797 truck, and during 
2009, we will be delivering additional 
units to this fleet of 400-ton trucks.

Chile’s copper mining industry is the largest 
in the world, supplying over 30% of the 
global copper production. It is also one of 
the lowest cost copper producing regions 
in the world. While copper prices have 
dropped significantly, they continue to be at 
a level that is economically viable for most 
of our copper mining customers. 

Our customers continue to demand 
maximum equipment availability to achieve 
the lowest cost per ton of material moved. 
Finning will continue to deliver parts and 
service and ensure optimum mechanical 
availability. 

general machinery
The general machinery business in 
South America slowed in 2008. This was 
mainly a reflection of slower economic 
conditions and was felt most in Argentina. 
Construction accounts for about 30% of 
total FINSA revenues and for about half of 
Argentina’s business.

customers and have been very successful in 
delivering parts and service to this sector.

We made significant investments in our 
product support capabilities in South 
America, particularly in northern Chile, 
where our largest mining customers 
operate. Two years ago, we opened the 
La Negra Truck Shop near Antofagasta 
to assemble and rebuild large off-highway 
trucks and other heavy equipment. An 
expansion of this facility is now underway, 
and in 2009 we will increase the shop space 
to accommodate the growing volumes. 

In early 2009, we opened a new 248,000 sq. 
ft. Parts Distribution Centre (PDC), next 
to our La Negra Truck Shop. The PDC will 
consolidate several parts and components 
warehousing facilities in the area and will 
have the capacity to support future growth 
in the mining machine population. Like our 
other facilities, the PDC employs world 
class contamination controls. All parts and 
components are safely stored inside and 
are not affected by the wide temperature 
fluctuations that can occur in the Atacama 
Desert where these facilities are located.  

We have developed extensive service 
capabilities in northern Chile to support 
our customers’ equipment needs through 
all stages of the machine life cycle. 

In this region, the new equipment arrives 
by ship at the port of Antofagasta and is 
moved to our La Negra Truck Shop where 
it is assembled and prepared for delivery to 
our mining customers.

During its working life, the equipment 
is serviced by Finning technicians at the 
mine site. All parts consumed during the 
machine’s life are supplied by our PDC 
in La Negra. The components in need of 
replacement are rebuilt at our Component 
Rebuild Centre (CRC) in Antofagasta. 

If a customer chooses to continue using 
the machine for a second or subsequent 
life, our La Negra Truck Shop can provide 
a complete rebuild. All components 
are removed and sent to the CRC in 
Antofagasta for remanufacturing, and the 
PDC supplies all required parts to the 
Truck Shop and CRC.

2008 FInnIng InTErnATIOnAl InC.

21

 
BUILD
CUSTOMER
LOYALTY 
& DELIVER
RESULTS

22

Finning Cannock Branch, UK

united kingdom

2008 Performance
In Canadian dollars, the UK Group’s 
revenues declined by 9.1% in 2008 to 
$1.3 billion. Despite challenging market 
conditions throughout the year and 
particularly in the fourth quarter of 2008, 
UK Group revenues in local currency 
were comparable to 2007 levels. Demand 
for new equipment from the coal mining 
industry continued to be strong and 
contributed to the growth in our product 
support revenues in 2008. However,  
a slowdown in most other market  
sectors, and especially in general 
construction, affected new equipment  
sales at the UK dealership. 

The global financial crisis impacted the UK 
economy earlier and more significantly than 
other Finning regions. The severe downturn 
in residential and commercial construction 
negatively impacted the sales and rental  
of general construction equipment. Sales  
of heavy construction equipment were  
also lower, but demand for smaller 
construction equipment was affected to 
a greater degree. 

Large infrastructure construction projects 
are continuing for the most part and are 
expected to remain active, given projects 
associated with the upcoming Summer 
Olympics in London in 2012 and the 
announced Government infrastructure 
stimulus spending that is expected later 
in 2009 and in 2010. Increased funding of 
Private Finance Initiatives will help increase 
infrastructure spending, which will benefit 
construction customers.

In the equipment rental industry, much 
softer equipment markets and a very price 
competitive environment challenged both 
Hewden and Finning’s other equipment 
rental activities and reduced sales volumes 
to this market sector considerably. As a 
result, Hewden’s performance was weak 
as our rental revenues were affected by 
lower utilization rates and severe price 
competition. 

EBIT contribution from the UK Group was 
$53.6 million, 26.6% lower than in 2007. 
The decline in profitability was mainly 
the result of a lower contribution from 
Hewden and overall weakness in all the UK 
equipment markets. 

Product Support growth
Large machines in the coal mining, heavy 
construction and power segments are the 
primary drivers of our product support 
business in the U.K. A strategic focus on 
sales of large equipment and expanding 
our customer service capabilities in skilled 
people and service locations supported 
attractive growth in customer support 
revenues. In 2008, in local currency, 
customer support revenues improved by 
approximately 13.1% compared to 2007, 
reflecting an increased machine population 
and successful execution of our product 
support strategy. 

In 2008, approximately 20% of total UK 
Group revenues were from customer 
support services, compared to about 18% in 
2007. Excluding the Hewden rental revenues 
to make the results more representative of 
a typical dealer operation, customer service 
revenues represented roughly 27% of total 
dealership revenues in 2008.

We have taken measures to significantly 
improve our service capabilities in the 
U.K. and deliver parts and service ‘closer 
to the customer’. We have increased our 
service bay capacity by 20% over the past 
two years. We have also invested in extra 
capacity at our Leeds Component Rebuild 
Centre to achieve consistent component 
repair quality. While capital investments 
have been modest, the number of product 
support contracts has increased by 20% 
over the past two years. Our customers are 
recognizing the added value that we deliver. 
In a survey completed for Caterpillar in 
2008, Finning Construction attained the 
highest customer loyalty score of any 
equipment dealer in Europe.

We will continue to strive to be ‘number 
one for service’ in the U.K. We have bold 
goals to grow our product support business 
and we are confident we can add more value 
to our customers in the coal mining and 
heavy construction sectors by enhancing 
our parts and service offerings.   

Cost Savings and restructuring 
In 2008, we made significant progress on a 
number of cost savings and restructuring 
activities. Our restructuring efforts at the 
dealership and Hewden are continuing as we 
streamline the operations, reduce excess 
capacity and lower our cost structure to 
reflect the changed business environment. 

UK REVENUE FROM CONTINUING 
UK REVENUE FROM  
OPERATIONS($MILLIONS)
CONTINUING OPERATIONS  ($ millions)

1,600

1,400

1,200

1,180

1,000

1,400

1,271

1,230

1,273

800

600

400

200

0

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

UK CUSTOMER SUPPORT  
SERVICES REVENUE
from continuinG operations ($ millions)

UK CUSTOMER SUPPORT SERVICES REVENUE 
FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS($MILLIONS)

300

250

250

245

238

253

228

200

150

100

50

0

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

2008 FInnIng InTErnATIOnAl InC.

23

united kingdom CONTINUED

Halstead Branch, Service Engineers (from left to right: Darren Copping, Jamie Leach, Darren Fews)

Our Customers Come First

Channeling the team spirit and determination characteristic of champion athletes, the Finning team pulled together to  
fulfill an urgent order bound for london’s 2012 Olympic site. 

Territory sales representative, Martyn Dewey, was quick out of the blocks beginning the race to meet a tight deadline 
when he took an order for six Cat 725 articulated dump trucks late on a Friday afternoon. From there, the baton was 
handed over to the Halstead branch service engineers, Darren Copping, Darren Fews, Jamie leach, and delivery handover 
engineer, graham Knighton, all of whom worked tirelessly through the night to prepare the equipment for delivery. In 
the final leg of the relay, Finning’s specialist sign writers provided the finishing touch by adding the customer’s logo to the 
equipment before sending it racing towards the finish line. Posting an impressive time of less than five days from start to 
finish, both the customer and the Finning team were thrilled to claim victory.

Finning Service Depot, Cannock Branch, UK

Finning Service Depot, Cannock Branch, UK

Finning Parts Warehouse, Cannock Branch, UK

24

united kingdom CONTINUED

In 2008 we completed the centralization 
of our business support services at one 
location at Cannock, England with the 
closure of the Tannochside administration 
offices near Glasgow, Scotland. The back 
office rationalization negatively impacted 
EBIT by approximately $7.8 million in 2008, 
and is expected to save approximately 
$6.5 million per annum when fully 
implemented. We also integrated the 
General Construction division into the 
Heavy Construction division with expected 
savings of approximately $2.0 million 
annually. A rationalization in the heavy 
construction division at the dealership was 
initiated late in 2008 and will result in a 
reduction of approximately 85 positions 
generating annual savings of approximately 
$5.5 million. 

At Hewden, late in 2008, we announced 
the closure or merger of 22 branch 
locations and staff reduction of over 
200 people, which is expected to save 
approximately $12.5 million per annum 
when implemented. In addition, during 
2008 significant reductions in the rental 
fleet were completed as we disposed of 
over $180 million gross book value of 
Hewden rental assets.

the uK dealership
Despite very challenging market conditions, 
the UK dealership had a successful year in 
the large and core business and in power 
systems. The entire UK New Construction 
equipment industry contracted on a unit 
basis by over 25% from 2007 levels to about 
27,500 machines, however, some sectors 
were more negatively impacted than 
others. The largest impact was felt in the 
small equipment or general construction 
sector. Although the overall decline in 
demand reduced our new equipment sales, 
which were down 14.0% compared to 2007 
revenues, Finning (UK) was able to achieve 
market share growth in all important 
equipment categories. 

of Caterpillar 777 100-ton trucks have 
increased significantly over the past few 
years, and we expect additional demand 
for up to 50 units per year over the next 
several years as the UK Group continues 
to support domestic coal production 
over imports to meet energy needs. 
About half of the coal mining equipment 
population is serviced under customer 
support agreements where Finning provides 
parts, remanufactured components, 
regular maintenance as well as complete 
rebuilds. Each Caterpillar 777 requires 
approximately $65,000 worth of parts and 
service per annum, and our UK dealership 
is in an excellent position to continue 
capturing the growing customer support 
business from this market sector. 

The heavy construction equipment 
industry in the U.K. is primarily driven 
by infrastructure project work on roads, 
rail and ports, to name a few. In addition, 
there is a high level of scrap and demolition 
activity associated with new construction 
sites which are almost always ‘brown-
field’ in the U.K. Our large customers are 
expected to benefit from the announced 
infrastructure spending by the U.K. 
Government which includes funds for such 
major projects as Crossrail train network, 
Olympic site development, and Thames 
Gateway projects. We expect to see 
increased demand for parts and service 
from the heavy construction sector as 
these projects are launched towards the 
end of 2009 and into 2010, although idle 
rental equipment capacity will absorb some 
of this increase. Our construction division 
is focused on customer segments that 
produce opportunities in a lower economic 
cycle such as ports, waste and rehandling 
activities to support the UK population. 
While Government Infrastructure spending 
is an important economic contributor, 
there are many opportunities in industry 
segments driven by population and energy 
requirements.

We continue to make market share gains 
in those industries that drive customer 
support opportunities for us, such as coal 
mining and infrastructure construction. 
The coal mining sector in the U.K. remains 
active and production is projected to grow 
production over the next two to three 
years to meet the country’s energy needs. 
There are currently over 20 coal mine sites 
operating in the U.K. Our customers’ fleets 

hewden
During 2008 we continued to execute 
on our plan to reposition Hewden as a 
smaller, more focused business generating 
higher returns. Following the disposition 
of the Hewden Tool Hire division in 
2007, we initiated the next stage of 
the Hewden business transformation 
project. In 2008, the Hewden business 
was reorganized into three sales regions 

and a new senior management team was 
appointed. We started to benefit from 
the new information system implemented 
in 2007, which provides us with accurate 
and timely management information on 
fleet utilization and pricing. We are now 
focused on implementing a customer 
centric, performance driven culture 
among employees to increase revenues 
and improve asset utilization and cost 
management. We are determined to 
improve the operating results from our 
rental operations, and we are fortunate 
to have employees at Hewden who 
are committed to the turn-around 
process. We have initiatives in place to 
drive operational improvements and 
achieve the required return on assets 
when the economy begins to recover.

Priorities for 2009
For 2009 and beyond, the UK Group will 
continue to focus on large equipment sales 
to key market segments, expanding our 
opportunities in the growing power and 
energy sectors and developing customer 
support capabilities. Despite the challenging 
economic environment, opportunities exist 
in mining and heavy construction equipment 
markets as well as in power systems. 
Projects related to the 2012 Summer 
Olympics are moving forward including 
construction of venues and transportation 
infrastructure improvements. As well, coal 
mining remains active with new sites under 
development. Coal production levels are 
projected to increase over the next several 
years and expanding fleets will continue to 
drive product support revenue growth.

At the Hewden operations, the emphasis 
is on executing the business turn-
around. The asset base has been reduced 
significantly and operating cost reductions 
are being implemented. In 2009, our focus 
is on executing the plan to complete the 
restructuring and drive better returns 
on the smaller Hewden asset base.

Our efforts in the U.K. are focused 
around tight cost management as 
we continue to lower our cost base 
and asset portfolio while vigorously 
pursuing growth opportunities in 
select profitable industry segments.

2008 FInnIng InTErnATIOnAl InC.

25

 
INNOVATE
& ADD
VALUE IN
ALL WE 
DO

26
26

Finning Power Systems Branch, Edmonton, Alberta

power systems

2008 highlights
Power Systems provides power and energy 
solutions to a diverse group of customers. 
We sell, rent, and support engines and 
ancillary equipment in the oil and gas, 
industrial, marine, on-highway trucking, and 
Electric Power Generation (EPG) sectors 
in all our territories.

Our power systems business experienced a 
solid year in 2008. While market conditions 
were mixed, continued demand for EPG 
and large project work in all our regions 
contributed to healthy growth. Globally, 
power systems generated $896.9 million in 
revenues during 2008, a 9.2% increase over 
2007. Product support revenues were up 
8.0% and new power and energy systems 
sales rose by 9.7%. EBIT contribution from 
power systems grew by 26.0% over 2007 
reflecting our focus on growing higher-
margin product support and large power 
project business.

Canada
In Canada, demand for power systems 
products spans multiple sectors with oil 
and gas, EPG and on-highway trucking 
being the most significant. Power systems 
revenues in Canada grew by 7.0% over 
2007 driven by demand for engines for 
gas compression packages, many of which 
are exported by our customers to buyers 
outside of Western Canada, and modest 
growth in parts and service. Continued 
demand for electric prime power in remote 
locations, specialized electric power 
projects and electric power rental also 
contributed to revenue growth.

Weakness in the local oil and gas sector, 
including a slowdown in natural gas drilling 
activity, persisted through 2008. Overall 
drilling activity is expected to remain low 
in 2009 with the exception of the Montney 
and Horn River areas in northeastern B.C. 
which are providing some attractive power 
systems opportunities. 

South america
The power systems business was 
particularly strong in South America in 
2008 where revenues rose by 36.1% in local 
currency compared to 2007. Finning South 
America’s main markets for engines are 
EPG, oil and gas and marine applications. In 
addition to providing engine and generator 
packages, Finning also delivers maintenance 
under product support agreements with 

our large power generating customers. 
Power systems revenues grew in all 
the product lines that we distribute: 
Caterpillar, Perkins and FG Wilson. 

Most of our power systems growth in 
South America was driven by continued 
demand for EPG equipment. The 
constrained base electricity supply and 
the resulting potential energy shortages 
in Chile and Argentina are expected to 
continue to provide us with opportunities 
to supply engines for power plants and 
power rentals, although we expect the 
slowdown in activity in 2009 will reduce 
overall demand for engines.

In the marine sector, shipbuilding and 
fishing were very active in 2008 and the 
new marine branch we opened in Mar del 
Plata, Argentina was well received by our 
customers.

united Kingdom
In the U.K., the power systems business 
covers many sectors: EPG, industrial, 
petroleum, pleasure craft and commercial 
marine. Power systems revenues grew 
4.1% in local currency over 2007, despite 
soft markets for new engine sales. 
Demand from oil and gas, diesel standby, 
commercial marine and large pleasure craft 
continued to be healthy, however, industrial 
products and small pleasure craft slowed 
considerably by mid-2008. 

A considerable part of the power systems 
growth in the U.K. was driven by EPG 
projects where we have developed 
widely recognized project management 
and technical expertise. Our UK power 
systems team sells and supports prime, 
continuous, and stand-by power generation 
installations to serve hospitals, data centres 
and utility companies. We design, procure, 
engineer and construct projects and 
support them with ongoing operating and 
maintenance contracts. 

Finning also delivers innovative renewable 
energy solutions for multiple applications. 
We convert methane to energy at sewage 
treatment plants, landfills and coal mines 
to generate combined heat and power for 
many customers. The unique expertise 
of our UK power systems group opens 
opportunities to engage in similar projects 
around the world. 

Looking ahead
We expect lower revenue from new engine 
sales in most territories to be partly offset 
by continued growth in customer support 
and Electric Power Generation. 

Finning’s power systems group is known  
for its engineering capabilities and 
innovative solutions that add considerable 
value to the power projects demanding 
customer specifications. The main 
project value is often derived from 
the mechanical, electrical or control 
engineering work that Finning delivers as 
part of the entire power systems solution. 
For many large sophisticated power 
projects the engine comprises only a 
modest part of the total project’s value. 

The power systems business remains 
very promising with many opportunities 
that extend beyond our traditional 
geographic service territories. One of our 
main strategic objectives is to capture 
these opportunities and continue to 
grow our market share in engine sales 
as well as provide specialized design and 
development services in addition to our 
traditional parts and maintenance service. 

POWER SYSTEMS REVENUE  ($ millions)
 Power Systems results are reported within other Finning divisions

POWER SYSTEMS REVENUE ($MILLIONS)
Power Systems results are reported within other Finning Divisions

1,000

800

600

400

200

0

897

821

694

610

479

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

2008 FInnIng InTErnATIOnAl InC.

27

 
 
THE
FINNING
COMMITMENT
Our commitments  
to our employees, our 
customers, and our 
shareholders are rooted 
in Finning’s core values. 

to our emPLoYeeS:  
We will foster a workplace where 
people’s actions are guided by: caring 
for each other’s safety and well-being, 
communicating openly, taking responsibility, 
empowering and trusting one another, and 
doing our best.

to our CuStomerS: 
We will provide the best solutions  
and value. 

to our SharehoLderS: 
We will deliver top quartile  
shareholder returns. 

our VaLueS:  We Care. We Communicate. We Take Responsibility. We Empower.  We Trust. We Do Our Best. 

28

Finning Service Depot, Santiago, Chile

corporate responsibility

At Finning, we believe that our company’s 
core values form the foundation on which 
we have built our track record of success. 
Our enduring values and business ethics are 
reflected in our company’s commitments 
and further reinforced through the Finning 
Code of Conduct which guides our 
employees’ actions. Inherent in our values 
is a strong commitment to minimizing our 
impact on the environment, contributing 
to communities and maintaining the highest 
health and safety standards.

Focus on the environment
Implementing practices that eliminate 
or minimize Finning’s impact on the 
environment is a high priority. Our 
focus in this area is viewed as a shared 
responsibility between each and every 
Finning employee and is an important 
part of our corporate culture. 

As a leading supplier of renewable energy 
solutions, Finning plays an important 
role in reducing our collective impact on 
land, water and climate systems. Over 
the past decade, we have developed 
extensive expertise in supplying and 
servicing power generation systems which 
produce electricity using bio-gas containing 
methane from landfills, sewage treatment 
plants, and coal mines. Harnessing 
methane, which would otherwise 
be released as a greenhouse gas, to 
generate electricity is one example of our 
commitment to sustainable development 
and environmental stewardship.

Through our investment in OEM 
Remanufacturing, a world-class facility 
that rebuilds used equipment components 
such as engines and transmissions, Finning 
reduces waste, saves energy, and decreases 
the consumption of raw materials 
required to produce new components. 

In 2008, Finning joined the Carbon 
Disclosure Project (CDP) by becoming 
a participant in their annual survey. 
The CDP, a not-for-profit organization 
representing global institutional investors, 
encourages companies to measure, 
manage and potentially reduce emissions 
and climate change impacts. Our 
submission to the 2008 questionnaire 
is available on the CDP website, and 
we will participate again in 2009.

in the Community
Finning derives great pride from playing 
an active role in the communities in which 
our employees live and work. Our support 
takes many forms, including charitable 
contributions through our Community 
Investment Program, cultural sponsorships, 
and employee giving campaigns. In 
addition, Finning is proud to play a vital 
role in helping students develop technical 
skills and gain practical experience. 

In 2008, we extended our commitment 
to workforce training by contributing 
$1 million to the Northern Alberta 
Institute of Technology’s (NAIT) Heavy 
Equipment Technician and Industrial Heavy 
Equipment Technology program, along 
with $1 million worth of equipment. In 
South America, we support training and 
development in association with local 
schools by providing equipment, technical 
expertise and practical work experience.

Through our Community Investment 
Program, Finning partnered with 
various non-profit organizations such 
as Junior Achievement and Ronald 
McDonald House to meet local needs. 
In the U.K., our corporate giving was 
primarily focused towards the Lighthouse 
Club Benevolent Fund, a charity 
dedicated to giving aid and assistance to 
construction workers and their families 
who suffer injuries or ill health. 

Living up to Finning’s deeply-rooted 
corporate values, employees company-
wide annually demonstrate their 
commitment to enhancing the quality of 
life for others through various fundraising 
initiatives, including a spirited United 
Way campaign. Last year, Finning raised 
close to $1 million for the United Way 
through the joint efforts of employees 
and our corporate matching program. 

Finning also channeled its community spirit 
through various sponsorships, including 
our support of the Alpine Canada Ski Team 
to further Canada’s quest to become a 
world-class alpine ski racing contender.

highest Safety Standards
Above all, Finning is committed to being an 
industry leader in safety. In 2008, our safety 
performance as measured by ‘lost time 
frequency rate’ improved to 0.38 incidents 
per 200,000 man hours worked, which is a 
27% improvement compared to 2007 and 
among the best safety performances in our 
industry. This achievement demonstrates 
the high awareness of our safety standards 
among all employees and their continuous 
efforts to follow the safety procedures. 
By continuing to promote a safe working 
environment, we aim to reduce the 
frequency of injuries and the occurrence  
of serious incidents.

Our strong corporate commitment in 
the areas of environment and safety was 
recognized in 2008 with two awards: 
the Rental Environment Award from the 
European Rental Awards to Hewden, and 
the Silver RoSPA (Royal Society for the 
Prevention of Accidents) Occupational 
Health & Safety Award to Finning (UK)  
and Hewden.

LOST TIME INJURY FREqUENCY (LTI)
Lost time injuries per 200,000 work hours

LOST TIME INJURY FREQUENCY (LTI)*
*Lost time injuries per 200,000 work hours

1.00

0.80

0.78

0.80

0.72

0.60

0.40

0.20

0.00

0.52

0.38

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

2008 FInnIng InTErnATIOnAl InC.

29

 
financial report

Management’s Discussion & Analysis  
Management’s Report to the Shareholders 
Auditors’ Report  
Consolidated Financial Statements  
Ten Year Financial Summary  

31
 57
57
58
92

management’s discussion & analysis

This discussion and analysis of the financial results of Finning International Inc. (Finning or the Company) should be read in conjunction with 
the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. The results reported herein have been prepared in accordance with Canadian 
generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and are presented in Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated.  Additional information relating 
to the Company, including the Company’s Annual Information Form, can be found on the SEDAR (System for Electronic Disclosure and Retrieval) 
website at www.sedar.com. 

RESulTS oF oPERATIonS

The results from continuing operations include those of acquired businesses from the date of their purchase and exclude results from operations 
that have been disposed or are classified as discontinued. Results of operations from businesses that qualified as discontinued operations in 2007 
have been reclassified to that category in 2007 and prior periods presented unless otherwise noted. Please see the section entitled “Discontinued 
operations – Tool Hire Division” for a discussion of these operations. 

Fourth Quarter overview

($ mIllIonS) 

Q4 2008 

Q4 2007 

Q4 2008 

Q4 2007

(% oF REvEnuE)

Revenue 
Gross profit 
Selling, general & administrative expenses 
other income (expenses) 

Goodwill impairment 
Earnings from continuing operations before  
  interest and income taxes (EBIT)(1)  
Finance costs  
Provision for income taxes 
net income 

$ 

$ 

1,566.7 
432.2 
(348.7) 
(16.6) 
66.9 
(151.4) 

(84.5) 
(21.7) 
(0.6) 
(106.8) 

$ 

$ 

1,459.5
408.9 
(297.5) 
0.8 
112.2 
– 

112.2 
(18.9) 
(22.8) 
70.5 

27.6% 
(22.3)% 
(1.0)% 
4.3% 
(9.7)% 

(5.4)% 
(1.4)% 
(0.0)% 
(6.8)% 

28.0%
(20.4)%
0.1%
7.7%
–

7.7%
(1.3)%
(1.6)%
4.8%

(1)  EBIT as defined above and referred to throughout this management’s Discussion and Analysis (mD&A) does not have a standardized meaning under generally 
accepted accounting principles. For a reconciliation of this amount to net income from continuing operations, see the heading “Description of non-GAAP 
measure” in this mD&A.

Fourth quarter consolidated revenues from continuing operations of almost $1.6 billion increased 7.3% from the fourth quarter of 2007 and 
were the highest quarterly revenues ever recorded by Finning. Finning achieved record quarterly revenues driven primarily by strong demand  
for customer support services, particularly in Canada and South America. 

REVENUE BY OPERATION
($ millions)  3 months ended December 31 

REVENUE BY LINE OF BUSINESS
($ millions)  3 months ended December 31 

900

750

600

450

300

150

0

6
2
8

0
5
7

4
6
4

8
4
3

1
6
3

7
7
2

CANADA

SOUTH
AMERICA

UK GROUP

2007
2008

700

600

500

400

300

200

100

0

5
2
6

0
1
6

7
0
5

4
9
3

8
8
1

3
7
1

3
4
1

4
3
1

3
2
1

7
1
1

NEW
EQUIPMENT

POWER &
ENERGY

USED
EQUIPMENT

EQUIPMENT
RENTAL

CSS

OTHER

7 5

2007
2008

EBIT BY OPERATION*
($ millions)  3 months ended December 31
*excluding other operations – corporate head office
 and goodwill impairment 

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0

(10)

9
6

7
4

8
3

8
2

6
1

9
-

2007
2008

CANADA

SOUTH
AMERICA

UK GROUP

2008 finning international inc. 31
31
2008 finning international inc.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
management’s discussion & analysis

Revenues from the Company’s Canadian operations increased 10.1% in the fourth quarter of 2008 compared with the same period last year, 
primarily reflecting strong revenues from customer support services. The increase in customer support services revenues was primarily due 
to servicing the steadily increasing number of Caterpillar units in the Company’s Canadian dealership territory and the accompanying demand 
for Caterpillar parts. The Canadian operations’ revenues also reflected solid market demand and growth in the mining sector, particularly in the 
Alberta oil sands. Revenues from the Company’s South American operations increased 33.4% compared with the fourth quarter of 2007 driven 
primarily by higher customer support services and increased equipment sales in the mining sector. Foreign exchange also had a positive impact 
on revenues. Excluding the impact of foreign exchange when translating results, revenues for the fourth quarter of 2008 in functional currency 
(the u.S. dollar) increased by 8.0% in the Company’s South American operations over the fourth quarter of 2007. In the u.K., revenues were 
down 23.5% over 2007 driven primarily by reduced new equipment sales and lower rental activity in the Hewden rental business, partially offset 
by higher customer support services revenues experienced at the Company’s uK dealership. In local currency, revenues were 19.3% lower when 
compared to last year’s fourth quarter. 

From a line of business perspective, strong demand continued in the fourth quarter of 2008 for customer support services, dominating the 
revenue growth with an increase of 28.7% over the same period in 2007. Recent strong demand for equipment in the mining and infrastructure 
sectors has resulted in an increase in demand for customer support services in order to service the larger population of equipment. used 
equipment revenues were slightly higher in the fourth quarter of 2008 and typically vary depending on product availability, customer buying 
preferences, and exchange rate considerations. lower rental revenues in the fourth quarter of 2008 reflected the lower rental activity in the 
Hewden rental business. 

Revenue mix in the fourth quarter of 2008 was weighted more towards customer support services as the Company services the large population 
of equipment sold to customers. Customer support services revenues made up 32.3% of total revenues in the fourth quarter of 2008, compared 
with 27.0% of total revenues in the same period last year. 

Finning’s global order book or backlog (the retail value of new equipment units ordered by customers for future deliveries) continues to be 
strong at $1.5 billion at the end of the fourth quarter of 2008, although is lower than the December 2007 level of $1.7 billion and the September 
2008 level of $2.0 billion. Backlog and new orders were down in all operations, reflecting the worldwide economic slowdown. The Company has 
proactively reconfirmed orders with customers to support the balances in the backlog. Finning has reduced and cancelled certain equipment 
orders with Caterpillar without any penalty. 

The Company is dependent on Caterpillar Inc. (Caterpillar) for the timely supply of parts and equipment to fulfill its deliveries and meet the 
requirements of the Company’s service maintenance contracts. Availability of equipment has improved overall, and Finning continues to work 
closely with Caterpillar and customers to ensure that demand for parts and equipment can be met. Although Caterpillar has recently announced 
significant layoffs, this is not expected to impact the timely delivery of equipment on order. 

Gross profit of $432.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2008 increased 5.7% over the same period last year. As a percentage of revenue, gross 
profit for the quarter was 27.6%, down slightly when compared with 28.0% achieved in the fourth quarter of 2007. The lower gross profit as a 
percentage of revenue (gross profit margin) on a consolidated basis was primarily due to lower rental and used equipment margins. The Canadian 
operations earned a higher gross profit margin primarily due to price realization from customer support services. The South American operations 
experienced lower gross profit margins primarily due to lower margins earned on certain new equipment sales. Gross profit margin for the  
uK Group was lower when compared to the prior year’s quarter due to lower margins earned by the rental business in the u.K. This was 
partially offset by a higher gross profit margin achieved by the uK dealership, due to a higher proportion of revenues from customer support 
services, which typically have higher margins. 

The Company performed its annual goodwill impairment review in the fourth quarter of 2008 and determined that the fair value of Hewden 
Stuart Plc (Hewden) was less than its book value, which included goodwill recorded on acquisition. This determination resulted from a decline in 
market multiples and a reduction of fair value as determined using a discounted cash flow methodology due to a change in assumptions in order 
to reflect current market conditions. This resulted in a full goodwill impairment charge of $151.4 million for Hewden in the fourth quarter of 
2008. The goodwill impairment charge is non-cash in nature and does not affect the Company’s liquidity, cash flows from operating activities, or 
debt covenants and is not expected to have any adverse impact on future operations. The Company expects no income tax deduction from this 
charge. A further discussion regarding the non-cash goodwill impairment charge can be found in the Goodwill Impairment section of this mD&A. 

Earnings from continuing operations before interest and income taxes (EBIT) for the fourth quarter of 2008 were a loss of $84.5 million. EBIT 
in the fourth quarter of 2008 included certain costs which are considered by the Company to be non-recurring. These items, which totalled 
$166.4 million, included the goodwill impairment charge relating to Hewden, restructuring costs in connection with the business support 
integration in the u.K., and costs incurred related to the restructuring of Hewden’s nationwide depot network, with the closure or merger of  
22 depots. In addition, in response to deteriorating global market conditions, Finning undertook certain actions that resulted in restructuring 
charges in the fourth quarter of 2008. Excluding these restructuring costs and goodwill impairment, EBIT would have been $81.9 million,  
27.0% lower than the fourth quarter of 2007. 

3232

management’s discussion & analysis

The lower EBIT in the fourth quarter of 2008 was primarily due to costs incurred in the design and implementation of a new global information 
technology system to benefit future periods as well as higher variable operating costs to support the increased level of activity anticipated in the 
near future for deliveries and product support. In addition, long-term incentive plan (lTIP) charges were $11.0 million higher in the fourth quarter 
of 2008 compared to the same period in 2007. The mark-to-market impact on the valuation of certain stock-based compensation was fully 
hedged in 2008, whereas the fourth quarter of 2007 included a favourable unhedged mark-to-market impact. 

The Company’s EBIT margin (EBIT divided by revenues), excluding the restructuring costs and goodwill impairment charge noted above, was  
5.2% in the fourth quarter of 2008, down from 7.7 % earned in the fourth quarter of 2007.

Consolidated net loss from continuing operations for the quarter was $106.8 million compared with net income of $70.5 million for the same 
period in 2007. Adjusting for the restructuring costs and goodwill impairment noted above, net income from continuing operations would have 
been $55.9 million.

Basic loss per share from continuing operations for the quarter was $0.63. Excluding the restructuring costs and goodwill impairment charge,  
basic earnings per share (EPS) was $0.33 compared with $0.40 in the same period last year, a decrease of 17.5%. The total positive impact due  
to the stronger Canadian dollar in the fourth quarter of 2008 compared to the same period last year was approximately $0.09 per share.

CASH Flow
Cash flow after changes in working capital for the fourth quarter was $169.0 million, down from cash flow of $221.3 million generated in the 
same period last year. Strong demand, particularly in South America, from mining customers resulted in increased investments in inventory for 
committed orders that will be delivered in early 2009. working capital demands have stabilized in the fourth quarter of 2008 and, combined with 
initiatives to improve cash cycle times, have resulted in the improvement in cash flow after changes in working capital in the fourth quarter of 
2008 (generation of $169.0 million) compared to the third quarter of 2008 (generation of $84.1 million). 

The Company generated proceeds on the disposal of rental assets in excess of additions in the amount of $8.4 million in the fourth quarter of 
2008, compared with a net investment in rental assets of $14.2 million in the same period in 2007. with lower utilization of rental assets in 2008, 
asset additions were moderated and underutilized assets were sold. 

As a result of these items, cash flow from operating activities was $177.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2008 compared to $207.3 million in  
the fourth quarter of 2007. The cash flow generated in the fourth quarter of 2008 compares favourably to the previous three quarters in 2008. 

During the fourth quarter of 2008, under the normal course issuer bid in place, the Company repurchased and cancelled 934,996 common shares  
at an average price of $18.68 for an aggregate amount of $17.5 million. During the fourth quarter of 2007, the Company repurchased and 
cancelled 2,465,200 common shares at an average price of $27.31 for an aggregate amount of $67.3 million. 

2008 finning international inc. 33
33
2008 finning international inc.

management’s discussion & analysis

annual overview

($ mIllIonS) 

2008 

2007 

2008 

2007

(% oF REvEnuE)

Revenue 
Gross profit 
Selling, general & administrative expenses 
other income (expenses) 

Goodwill impairment 
Earnings from continuing operations before  
  interest and income taxes (EBIT)(1) 
Finance costs  
Provision for income taxes 
net income from continuing operations 
loss from discontinued operations, net of tax 
net income 

$ 

$ 

5,991.4 
1,714.7 
(1,309.8) 
(16.8) 
388.1 
(151.4) 

236.7 
(83.6) 
(57.1) 
96.0 
– 
96.0 

$ 

$ 

5,662.2
1,599.2 
(1,144.8) 
1.4 
455.8 
– 

455.8 
(72.8) 
(102.9) 
280.1  
(2.0) 
278.1 

28.6% 
(21.8)% 
(0.3)% 
6.5% 
(2.5)% 

4.0% 
(1.4)% 
(1.0)% 
1.6% 
– 
1.6% 

28.2%
(20.2)%
–
8.0%
–

8.0%
(1.3)%
(1.8)%
4.9%
–
4.9%

(1)  EBIT as defined above and referred to throughout this management’s Discussion and Analysis (mD&A) does not have a standardized meaning under generally 
accepted accounting principles. For a reconciliation of this amount to net income from continuing operations, see the heading “Description of non-GAAP 
measure” in this mD&A.

For the sixth consecutive year, consolidated revenues reached record levels. Annual revenues from continuing operations of almost $6 billion 
increased 5.8%, year over year. Finning achieved record annual revenues for 2008 driven primarily by strong new equipment sales in Canada and 
an increase in customer support services revenues in all dealership operations. 

Revenues from the Company’s Canadian operations increased 9.6% in 2008 compared with 2007. new equipment sales continued to dominate 
revenue growth in Canada as a result of extremely strong demand for equipment during the year, primarily in the mining sector and particularly 
in the Alberta oil sands. Revenues from the Company’s South American operations increased 13.3% in 2008 compared with the prior year, with a 
significant increase in customer support services revenues. The higher revenues from customer support services reflected the higher number of 
Caterpillar units operating in the field and the increased coverage across the region as a result of the Company’s investment in branches. In the 
u.K. revenues were down 9.1%, reflecting the negative impact from the strength of the Canadian dollar relative to the u.K. pound sterling. In local 
currency, revenues generated by the uK Group were only marginally lower than the 2007 level, with reduced new equipment sales, reflecting the 
softening of the market, and lower rental activity in the Hewden rental business, partially offset by improved customer support services revenues. 

From a line of business perspective, strong demand continued in 2008 for new equipment and customer support services. These two lines  
of business comprised 71.4% of consolidated revenues in 2008, compared with 69.5% in 2007. The demand from the mining and infrastructure 
sectors for new equipment was high in 2008, and customer support services have increased to service the larger population of equipment, 
particularly in South America. This is expected to continue into 2009 as the population of equipment in the Company’s territories increased 
in 2008. The increase in customer support services revenues occurred in spite of no longer earning any revenues from the fuels and lubricants 
distribution business with Shell Canada which was terminated in the fourth quarter of 2007. Excluding the revenues from the Shell business in 
2007, customer support services revenues were 17.5% higher in 2008 compared with the prior year. lower rental revenues in 2008 reflected  
the lower rental activity in the Hewden rental business. 

REVENUE BY OPERATION
($ millions)  12 months ended December 31 

REVENUE BY LINE OF BUSINESS
($ millions)  12 months ended December 31 

7
1
2
6 3
3
9

,

,

2

2
0
5
1

,

6
2
3
1

,

0
0
4
1

,

3
7
2
1

,

CANADA

SOUTH
AMERICA

UK GROUP

2007
2008

3,500

3,000

2,500

2,000

1,500

1,000

500

0

3434

2,500

2,000

1,500

1,000

500

0

7
7
3

,

2

3
3
2

,

2

9
9
8
1 1
0
7
1

,

,

1
8
7

3
1
7

2
5
5

3
0
5

8
1
4

2
3
4

NEW
EQUIPMENT

POWER &
ENERGY

USED
EQUIPMENT

EQUIPMENT
RENTAL

CSS

OTHER

6
2

9
1

2007
2008

EBIT FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS*
($ millions)  12 months ended December 31
*excluding other operations – corporate head office
 and goodwill impairment  

6
8
300 2

250

200

150

100

50

0

4
3
2

8
4
1

7
2
1

3
7

4
5

CANADA

SOUTH
AMERICA

UK GROUP

2007
2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
management’s discussion & analysis

Gross profit of $1,714.7 million in 2008 increased 7.2% over 2007 and was also slightly higher as a percentage of revenue. The gross profit  
margin (gross profit divided by revenues) in the Canadian operations for 2008 was higher when compared to the prior year. This resulted 
primarily from higher margins earned on customer support services, partially offset by the shift in revenue mix to lower margined new equipment 
sales. South America contributed a higher gross profit margin due to its revenue mix shift towards higher margined customer support services. 
The uK Group had a lower gross profit margin, reflecting lower rental utilization rates earned from the uK rental business partially offset by 
higher gross profit margins earned on customer support services from the uK dealership.

EBIT was $236.7 million in 2008. Results in 2008 included certain items that are considered by the Company to be non-recurring. These items, 
which totalled $169.1 million, included the Hewden goodwill impairment, costs related to the integration and transition of Collicutt, business 
support and depot restructuring costs in the u.K., restructuring costs incurred globally by Finning in the fourth quarter of 2008 in light of the 
current market conditions partially offset by the gains on the sale of certain properties in Hewden. Adjusting for these non-recurring items,  
EBIT for 2008 would have been $405.8 million, 11.0% lower than the prior year. 

The lower EBIT in 2008 can be attributed to a stronger Canadian dollar, on average for the year, and higher variable operating costs to support 
the increased level of activity that was anticipated for deliveries and product support through to the end of the year. Forecasted activity levels 
are being adjusted to take into account current global market conditions and actions have been taken by the Company globally to respond to 
the deteriorating economic conditions. The reduction in EBIT was partially offset by lTIP charges that were $8.6 million lower in 2008 compared 
with the same period in 2007. mark-to-market volatility was significantly reduced in 2008 through a compensation hedge, the cost of which is 
reported in the other operating unit. 

Consolidated net income from continuing operations in 2008 was $96.0 million compared with $280.1 million in 2007. Adjusting for the  
non-recurring items noted above, net income from continuing operations would have been $257.8 million, 8.0% lower than the 2007 level. 

Basic EPS from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2008 of $0.56 included a number of non-recurring items as described 
above. Adjusting the 2008 results for these non-recurring items, including the goodwill impairment charge, basic EPS would have been $1.50 for 
the year ended December 31, 2008 compared with $1.57 in 2007, a decrease of 4.5%. The total negative impact due to the stronger Canadian 
dollar in 2008 compared to the prior year was approximately $0.10 per share.

CASH Flow AFTER CHAnGES In woRKInG CAPITAl
Cash flow after changes in working capital for the year ended December 31, 2008 was $278.1 million, compared with cash flow of $404.4 million 
generated in 2007. Throughout all operations, management continues to focus on improving cash cycle times and operating efficiencies while 
ensuring appropriate levels of working capital exist to support current activity levels. 

The Company made a net investment in rental assets of $204.8 million in 2008, which was less than half of what was invested in 2007. As a result  
of softening demand, rental investment moderated in 2008 compared to the very high demand for rental assets in 2007, particularly at the 
Company’s Canadian and Hewden operations. 

As a result of these items, cash flow provided by operating activities was $72.7 million in 2008 compared to cash flow used by operating activities 
of $56.7 million in 2007. 

For the year ended December 31, 2008, under a share repurchase program, the Company repurchased and cancelled 5,901,842 common shares 
at an average price of $24.99 for an aggregate amount of $147.5 million. For the year ended December 31, 2007, the Company repurchased  
and cancelled 3,691,400 common shares at an average price of $27.82 for an aggregate amount of $102.7 million.

FoREIGn ExCHAnGE
The Company’s reporting currency is the Canadian dollar. However, due to the geographical diversity of the Company’s operations, a significant 
portion of revenue and operating expenses are in a different currency. The most significant currencies in which the Company transacts business 
are the Canadian dollar, the u.S. dollar, and the u.K. pound sterling. The most significant foreign exchange impact on the Company’s net income  
is the translation of foreign currency based earnings into Canadian dollars. 

Compared to the fourth quarter of 2007, foreign exchange had a positive impact of approximately $150 million on consolidated revenues earned  
by the Company in the fourth quarter of 2008 compared to the prior year due to the 23.5% weaker Canadian dollar relative to the u.S. dollar,  
partially offset by a 5.3% stronger Canadian dollar relative to the u.K. pound sterling. As a result, net income was positively impacted by 
approximately $0.09 per share in the fourth quarter of 2008 compared to the same period last year. 

net income was negatively impacted by approximately $0.10 per share in 2008 compared to the year ended December 31, 2007 as the Canadian 
dollar was marginally stronger (0.8%) in 2008 relative to the u.S. dollar, and 8.7% stronger relative to the u.K. pound sterling. 

2008 finning international inc. 35
35
2008 finning international inc.

management’s discussion & analysis

The impact of foreign exchange due to the movement of the Canadian dollar relative to the u.S. dollar and the u.K. pound sterling is expected 
to continue to affect Finning’s results in 2009. The sensitivity of the Company’s net earnings to fluctuations in the average annual foreign 
exchange rates is summarized on page 50. 

The following tables provide details of revenue and EBIT contribution by operation and the foreign exchange impact for the three and twelve 
months ended December 31, 2008. 

$ 

$ 
$ 

Canada 

750.3 
79.7 
(4.0) 
826.0 
75.7 
10.1% 
(0.5)% 

Canada 

$  2,936.2 
(78.7) 
359.4 
$  3,216.9 
280.7 
$ 
9.6% 
12.2% 

South 
America 

uK Group  Consolidated

$ 

$ 
$ 

348.0 
80.7 
35.6 
464.3 
116.3 
33.4% 
10.2% 

$ 

$ 
$ 

361.2 
(9.0) 
(75.8) 
276.4 
(84.8) 
(23.5)% 
(21.0)% 

$  1,459.5
151.4
(44.2)
$  1,566.7
107.2
$ 
7.3%
(3.0)%

South 
America 

$  1,325.6 
6.9 
169.1 
$  1,501.6 
176.0 
$ 
13.3% 
12.8% 

uK Group  Consolidated

$  5,662.2
(184.6)
513.8
$  5,991.4
329.2
$ 
5.8%
9.1%

$ 

$ 
$ 

1,400.4 
(112.8) 
(14.7) 
1,272.9 
(127.5) 
(9.1)% 
(1.0)% 

Goodwill 

uK Group 

other 

Impairment  Consolidated

South 
America 

Canada 

69.3 
8.9 
(31.1) 
47.1 
(22.2) 
(32.0)% 

$ 

$ 
$ 

28.2 
12.4 
(2.3) 
38.3 
10.1 
35.8% 

$ 

$ 
$ 

16.1 
(0.2) 
(25.6) 
(9.7) 
(25.8) 
(160.2)% 

$ 

$ 
$ 

(44.9)% 

(8.2)% 

(159.0)% 

(1.4) 
– 
(7.4) 
(8.8) 
(7.4) 
– 

– 

$ 

$ 
$ 

– 
– 
(151.4) 
(151.4) 
(151.4) 
– 

$ 

$ 
$ 

112.2
21.1
(217.8)
(84.5)
(196.7)
(175.3)%

– 

(194.1)%

Canada 

286.3 
(18.1) 
(33.7) 
234.5 
(51.8) 
(18.1)% 

South 
America 

$ 

$ 
$ 

127.4 
(2.5) 
23.3 
148.2 
20.8 
16.3% 

uK Group 

other 

Impairment  Consolidated

Goodwill 

$ 

$ 
$ 

73.0 
(5.2) 
(14.2) 
53.6 
(19.4) 
(26.6)% 

$ 

$ 
$ 

(30.9) 
– 
(17.3) 
(48.2) 
(17.3) 
– 

– 

$ 

$ 
$ 

– 
– 
(151.4) 
(151.4) 
(151.4) 
– 

$ 

$ 
$ 

455.8
(25.8)
(193.3)
236.7
(219.1)
(48.1)%

– 

(42.4)%

(11.8)% 

18.3% 

(19.5)% 

Three months ended December 31 
($ mIllIonS) 

Revenues – Q4 2007 
Foreign exchange impact 
operating revenue increase (decrease) 
Revenues – Q4 2008 
Total revenue increase (decrease) 
  – percentage increase (decrease) 
  – percentage increase, excluding foreign exchange 

Twelve months ended December 31 
($ mIllIonS) 

Revenues – 2007 Annual 
Foreign exchange impact 
operating revenue increase (decrease) 
Revenues – 2008 Annual 
Total revenue increase (decrease) 
  – percentage increase (decrease) 
  – percentage increase, excluding foreign exchange 

Three months ended December 31 
($ mIllIonS) 

EBIT – Q4 2007 
Foreign exchange impact 
operating EBIT increase (decrease) 
EBIT – Q4 2008 
Total EBIT increase (decrease) 
  – percentage increase (decrease) 
  – percentage increase (decrease),  
    excluding foreign exchange 

Twelve months ended December 31 
($ mIllIonS) 

EBIT – 2007 Annual 
Foreign exchange impact 
operating EBIT increase (decrease) 
EBIT – 2008 Annual 
Total EBIT increase (decrease) 
  – percentage increase (decrease) 
  – percentage increase (decrease),  
    excluding foreign exchange 

$ 

$ 
$ 

$ 

$ 
$ 

3636

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
management’s discussion & analysis

RESulTS By BuSInESS SEGmEnT
The Company and its subsidiaries operate primarily in one principal business, that being the selling, servicing, and renting of heavy equipment  
and related products in various markets worldwide as noted below. Finning’s operating units are as follows:

•	
•	
•	
•	

 Canadian operations: British Columbia, Alberta, the yukon Territory, the northwest Territories, and a portion of nunavut.
 South American operations: Chile, Argentina, uruguay, and Bolivia. 
 UK Group operations: England, Scotland, wales, Falkland Islands, and the Channel Islands.
 Other: corporate head office.

The table below provides details of revenue by operations and lines of business for continuing operations. 

For year ended December 31, 2008 
($ mIllIonS) 

new mobile equipment 
new power & energy systems 
used equipment 
Equipment rental 
Customer support services 
other 
Total 
Revenue percentage by operations 

For year ended December 31, 2007 
($ mIllIonS) 

new mobile equipment 
new power & energy systems 
used equipment 
Equipment rental 
Customer support services 
other 
Total 
Revenue percentage by operations 

Canada 

$  1,464.9 
205.7 
252.8 
296.6 
981.8 
15.1 
$  3,216.9 
53.7% 

Canada 

$  1,253.2 
194.9 
269.3 
290.1 
905.8 
22.9 
$  2,936.2 
51.9% 

Souths 
America 

$ 

575.9 
161.7 
37.2 
58.8 
664.4 
3.6 
$  1,501.6 
25.1% 

Souths 
America 

$ 

574.4 
108.7 
42.8 
46.6 
550.3 
2.8 
$  1,325.6 
23.4% 

uK Group  Consolidated 

$ 

336.1 
184.3 
141.8 
357.4 
253.3 
– 
$  1,272.9 
21.2% 

$  2,376.9 
551.7 
431.8 
712.8 
1,899.5 
18.7 
$  5,991.4 
100.0%

uK Group  Consolidated 

$ 

405.9 
199.4 
105.5 
444.5 
245.1 
– 
$  1,400.4 
24.7% 

$ 

$ 

2,233.5 
503.0 
417.6 
781.2 
1,701.2 
25.7 
5,662.2 
100.0%

Revenue 
percentage

39.7%
9.2%
7.2%
11.9%
31.7%
0.3%
100.0%

Revenue 
percentage

39.4%
8.9%
7.4%
13.8%
30.0%
0.5%
100.0%

The table below provides selected income statement information by business segment for continuing operations:

For year ended December 31, 2008 
($ mIllIonS) 

Canada 

South 
America 

uK Group 

other 

Impairment  Consolidated

Goodwill 

Revenue from external sources 
operating costs 
Depreciation and amortization 
other income (expenses) 
Goodwill impairment 
Earnings before interest and taxes 
Earnings before interest and tax
  – percentage of revenue 
  – percentage by operations (excluding goodwill) 

For year ended December 31, 2007 
($ mIllIonS) 

Revenue from external sources 
operating costs 
Depreciation and amortization 
other income (expenses) 
Earnings before interest and taxes 
Earnings before interest and tax
  – percentage of revenue 
  – percentage by operations 

$  3,216.9 
  (2,801.8) 
(164.5) 
(16.1) 
– 
234.5 

$ 

$  1,501.6 
  (1,313.8) 
(34.2) 
(5.4) 
– 
148.2 

$ 

$  1,272.9 
  (1,099.8) 
(125.5) 
6.0 
– 
53.6 

$ 

$ 

$ 

– 
(46.7) 
(0.2) 
(1.3) 
– 
(48.2) 

$ 

$ 

– 
– 
– 
– 
(151.4) 
(151.4) 

$  5,991.4
  (5,262.1)
(324.4)
(16.8)
(151.4)
236.7

$ 

7.3% 
60.4% 

Canada 

9.9% 
38.2% 

South 
America 

4.2% 
13.8% 

– 
(12.4)% 

– 
– 

4.0%
100%

uK Group 

other 

Impairment  Consolidated

Goodwill 

$  2,936.2 
(2,486.0) 
(165.5) 
1.6 
286.3 

$ 

$  1,325.6 
(1,171.7) 
(25.9) 
(0.6) 
127.4 

$ 

$  1,400.4 
(1,191.3) 
(136.5) 
0.4 
73.0 

$ 

$ 

$ 

– 
(30.9) 
– 
– 
(30.9) 

$ 

$ 

9.8% 
62.8% 

9.6% 
28.0% 

5.2% 
16.0% 

– 
(6.8)% 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 

$  5,662.2
(4,879.9)
(327.9)
1.4
455.8

$ 

8.0%
100%

2008 finning international inc. 37
37
2008 finning international inc.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
management’s discussion & analysis

Canadian OperatiOns
The Canadian operating segment primarily reflects the results of the Company’s operating division, Finning (Canada). This reporting segment  
also includes the Company’s interest in oEm Remanufacturing Company Inc. (oEm), which is separately managed from Finning (Canada), and 
a 25% interest in Pipeline machinery International (Plm). on January 15, 2008, Finning (Canada) acquired the issued and outstanding common 
shares of Collicutt, a leading Canadian oilfield service company. The results of Collicutt’s operations have been included in the consolidated 
financial statements since the acquisition date. 

The table below provides details of the results from the Canadian operating segment:

For years ended December 31 
($ mIllIonS) 

Revenue from external sources 
operating costs 
Depreciation and amortization 
other income (expenses) 
Earnings before interest and taxes 
Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT)
  – as a percentage of revenue 
  – as a percentage of consolidated EBIT (excluding goodwill impairment) 

$ 

$ 

2008 

3,216.9 
(2,801.8) 
(164.5) 
(16.1) 
234.5 

7.3% 
60.4% 

$ 

$ 

2007

2,936.2
(2,486.0)
(165.5)
1.6
286.3

9.8%
62.8%

Record revenues were achieved in the Company’s Canadian operations in 2008. Revenues increased 9.6% over the 2007 levels to $3,216.9 million. 
Revenues from most lines of business in Canada increased over 2007 levels, most notably in new equipment sales and customer support services.

The increase in new equipment revenues was primarily attributable to strong market demand and growth in the mining sectors, particularly the 
Alberta oil sands. 

new equipment orders from customers declined during the last quarter of 2008, reflecting the current slowdown in the global economy and  
as a result, the backlog in Finning (Canada) is lower than the September 2008 level. Finning (Canada) has reduced and cancelled certain orders  
with Caterpillar as a result of the slowdown. However, the backlog continues to reflect future deliveries to the mining sector, which is the key  
strategic sector for Finning’s Canadian operations. Although global economic conditions are currently weaker in most sectors, activity in mining  
is expected to partially counter weakness in other market areas. 

Higher revenues from customer support services were primarily a result of servicing the steadily increasing population of Caterpillar units in  
the Company’s Canadian dealership territory and the accompanying demand for Caterpillar parts. This increase in revenues occurred in spite of 
no longer earning any revenues from the fuels and lubricants distribution business with Shell Canada which was terminated in the fourth quarter 
of 2007. Revenues from the Shell business were approximately $84 million in 2007. 

CANADA – REVENUE BY LINE OF BUSINESS
($ millions)  12 months ended December 31 

5
6
4
1

,

3
5
2
1

,

2
8
6 9
0
9

9
6
2

3
5
2

0
9
2

6
9
2

6
0
2

5
9
1

NEW
EQUIPMENT

POWER &
ENERGY

USED
EQUIPMENT

EQUIPMENT
RENTAL

CSS

OTHER

3
2

5
1

2007
2008

1,500

1,250

1,000

750

500

250

0

3838

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
management’s discussion & analysis

used equipment revenues are approximately 6% lower than the prior year, reflecting the slowdown in the general economy. Rental revenues 
increased over 2007 as a result of strong customer demand in this sector, particularly in the last quarter of the year. Finning (Canada) increased 
the number of the Company’s Cat Rental Stores in operation in western Canada to 37 at December 31, 2008, compared with 34 stores at 
December 31, 2007. 

Revenues from the Company’s 25% investment in Pipeline machinery International (Plm) increased 32% over the prior year to $111.0 million. 
while the majority of revenues were earned in north America, Plm has experienced growth in international activity. 

In Canada, overall gross profit as a percentage of revenue was slightly up compared to the prior year. This reflects higher margins from customer 
support services, primarily due to price realization, partially offset by lower margins earned on the sale of used equipment.

Selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) costs in 2008 increased both in absolute dollars and as a percentage of revenue compared with 2007. 
The higher costs in 2008 were primarily incurred to meet the long term strategic growth objectives of the Canadian operations, including an 
increase in its product support capability and its support of the higher activity levels in the Alberta oil sands. 

A large part of the higher SG&A was driven by an increased investment in people in two strategic areas; one area being the development of a 
heavy equipment centre of excellence in Red Deer, Alberta, and the second was the Alberta oil sands. The integration of Collicutt was also a 
contributing factor to increased SG&A costs in 2008 as compared to 2007. In addition, standard variable selling costs such as warranty and freight 
have increased with the growth in new equipment revenues. 

In the fourth quarter of 2008, the Canadian operations reacted to the downturn in the economy by downsizing its salaried workforce by 
approximately 225 people. The restructuring costs of $8.0 million, primarily severance, were included in other expenses. Also included in other 
expenses was the Canadian operations’ share of the costs related to the implementation of a new information technology system for the 
Company’s global operations. 

EBIT of $234.5 million in 2008 was 18.1% lower than the $286.3 million earned in 2007. EBIT margin (EBIT divided by revenues) of the Canadian 
operating segment was 7.3% in 2008, down from 9.8% last year. The decline in EBIT margin is attributed primarily to the increase in SG&A costs 
as discussed above. 

In the first quarter of 2008, the Company completed the acquisition of Collicutt and incurred costs in the first two quarters of 2008 to integrate 
and transition the Collicutt operations to support Finning customer service work. Excluding the costs incurred with this integration and 
transition and the restructuring costs noted above, the 2008 EBIT margin for 2008 would have been 8.0% compared with 9.8% achieved in 2007. 
This decrease reflects the higher costs incurred in 2008 to meet the long term strategic growth objectives, as discussed above. 

The aggregate purchase price on the acquisition of Collicutt was $136.4 million. The purchase price was funded through $84.3 million in cash, and 
15,403 common shares of the Company with a value of $0.4 million. Acquisition costs of $6.9 million were incurred and paid on the transaction. 
on the date of the acquisition, the Company repaid $44.8 million of Collicutt’s existing bank debt resulting in aggregate consideration of 
$136.4 million. 

This acquisition is expected to provide Finning (Canada) with the opportunity to expand its capacity of regional branches to enable Finning to 
undertake more higher-margin customer service work, accelerate throughput of new equipment prepared for delivery to customers, and increase 
the ability to undertake machine overhaul and rebuild work. Finning (Canada) has relocated its Edmonton-based new equipment preparation to 
its new facilities in Red Deer, Alberta. This heavy equipment centre of excellence is expected to free up existing service facility capacity and give 
the Company the opportunity to develop a mining/heavy equipment overhaul rebuild capability in Red Deer. 

Finning, Finning (Canada), and oEm have been involved in legal proceedings for the past three years with the Alberta division of the International 
Association of machinists and Aerospace workers – local lodge 99 relating to Finning (Canada)’s outsourcing of component repair and rebuilding 
services to oEm in 2005. These legal proceedings are continuing, and a number of applications are currently before the Alberta labour Relations 
Board. Finning expects that it will be able to continue to manage the operational impacts of these proceedings. 

2008 finning international inc. 39
39
2008 finning international inc.

management’s discussion & analysis

sOuth ameriCa
The Company’s South American operations include the results of its Caterpillar dealerships in Chile, Argentina, uruguay, and Bolivia.

The table below provides details of the results from the South American operations:

For years ended December 31  
($ mIllIonS) 

Revenue from external sources 
operating costs 
Depreciation and amortization 
other expenses  
Earnings before interest and taxes 
Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT)
  – as a percentage of revenue 
  – as a percentage of consolidated EBIT (excluding goodwill impairment) 

$ 

$ 

2008 

1,501.6 
(1,313.8) 
(34.2) 
(5.4) 
148.2 

9.9% 
38.2% 

$ 

$ 

2007

1,325.6
(1,171.7)
(25.9)
(0.6)
127.4

9.6%
28.0%

Annual 2008 revenues of $1,501.6 million were at record levels for Finning’s South American operations in both Canadian dollars and functional 
currency (u.S. dollars), surpassing the previous record achieved in 2007. Finning South America’s revenues increased 13.3% over last year  
(12.7% in functional currency), reflecting higher revenues in most lines of business, most notably in customer support services, new equipment 
sales, and rentals. new equipment order backlog remains strong and is comparable to the levels achieved at the end of 2007. 

Strong growth in customer support services, up 20.7% from 2007, was primarily driven by the higher number of Caterpillar units operating in 
the field. The higher revenues also reflect the increasing number of mining maintenance and repair contracts entered into over the past couple 
of years as well as the increased coverage across the region as a result of Finning’s investment in branches. Customer support services revenues 
dominated revenue growth in 2008 and now make up 44.2% of total revenues (41.5% in 2007). The continued strong new equipment revenues 
in 2008 were attributable to the demand in the mining sector. Power and energy system revenues were also up compared with the prior year, 
primarily in Chile with higher demand for energy.

Gross profit increased in 2008 both in absolute terms and as a percentage of revenue. This occurred partially due to the revenue mix shift 
towards customer support services, which typically have higher margins. The stronger margins achieved by customer support services reflect 
price realization to offset inflationary cost and foreign exchange pressures. 

SG&A costs have increased in absolute dollars, but as a percentage of revenue were comparable to 2007. In order to meet customer service 
demand and the increasing number of service maintenance contracts, over 300 additional revenue-generating employees and support staff were 
hired, representing a 6% increase over December 2007 levels. As a result of the increased headcount, SG&A expenses included higher salaries 
and benefit costs in 2008. The increase in other SG&A costs was mostly driven by increased activity levels with higher associated selling costs, and 
continued to reflect the upward pressure of inflationary increases. where possible, price increases have been implemented to offset rising costs, 
and cost controls have been put in place to mitigate the general inflationary pressures in the region. Foreign exchange did not have a significant 
impact on EBIT as the Canadian dollar relative to the u.S. dollar for the year ended December 31, 2008 was comparable to 2007.

In light of the current market conditions, Finning South America restructured its operations in the fourth quarter of 2008, and incurred costs 
of $1.0 million which were included in other expenses. Also included in other expenses was the South American operations’ share of the costs 
related to the implementation of a new information technology system for the Company’s global operations. 

SOUTH AMERICA – REVENUE BY LINE OF BUSINESS
($ millions)  12 months ended December 31 

4
7
5

6
7
5

4
6
6

0
5
5

2
6
1

9
0
1

3
4

7
3

9
7 5
4

NEW
EQUIPMENT

POWER &
ENERGY

USED
EQUIPMENT

EQUIPMENT
RENTAL

CSS

OTHER

3 4

2007
2008

700

600

500

400

300

200

100

0

4040

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
management’s discussion & analysis

EBIT of the Company’s South American operations of $148.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, was 16.3% higher than 2007, 
reflecting the strong revenue growth. EBIT as a percentage of revenue for Finning South America increased to 9.9%, up from 9.6% in 2007. The 
improvement was primarily a result of higher price realization as well as a higher proportion of customer support services revenues in 2008, 
which earns a higher margin.

In the third quarter and early in the fourth quarter of 2008, the Company successfully renewed the collective agreements with the three unions 
representing the vast majority of Finning (Chile) employees. The new collective agreements have a four year term, which include an enhanced 
wage settlement. The contract enhancement will assist the Company in retaining and attracting the employees needed to meet future demand.

united KingdOm (“uK”) grOup
The Company’s uK Group includes the following three market units: Construction, Power Systems, and Rental (Hewden). In the fourth quarter  
of 2008, the uK Group combined Heavy Construction and General Construction into one market unit. 

on July 31, 2007, Hewden sold its Tool Hire Division. The results from the Tool Hire Division are recorded as discontinued operations with prior 
period results restated accordingly. 

The table below provides details of the results of the continuing operations from the uK Group:

For years ended December 31  
($ mIllIonS) 

Revenue from external sources 
operating costs 
Depreciation and amortization 
other income 
Earnings before interest and taxes 
Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT)
  – as a percentage of revenue 
  – as a percentage of consolidated EBIT (excluding goodwill impairment) 

$ 

$ 

2008 

1,272.9 
(1,099.8) 
(125.5) 
6.0 
53.6 

4.2% 
13.8% 

$ 

$ 

2007

1,400.4
(1,191.3)
(136.5)
0.4
73.0

5.2%
16.0%

Annual 2008 revenues of $1,272.9 million were down 9.1% from the prior year. Foreign exchange had a negative impact on the translation  
of revenues due to the 8.7% strengthening of the Canadian dollar relative to the u.K. pound sterling year over year. In local currency, revenues 
were comparable with 2007. 

In local currency, revenues from customer support services and used equipment sales improved compared with 2007. Revenues from other lines 
of business in 2008 were lower compared to the prior year, reflecting the softening of the market for new equipment sales. 

Rental revenues continue to be affected by lower utilization rates at Hewden. A reorganization of this business unit is underway to improve  
its focus on delivering on its commitments to customers, reducing its overall cost structure, and improving the performance of its assets. 

Gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2008 was lower compared with the same period last year in absolute terms and as a percentage  
of revenue. The rental business experienced lower margins in 2008 compared to the prior year for the reasons noted above, and margins were 
also lower in new and used equipment. 

UK GROUP – REVENUE BY LINE OF BUSINESS
FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
($ millions)  12 months ended December 31 

500

400

300

200

100

0

4
4
4

8
5
3

3
5
2

5
4
2

6
0
4

6
3
3

9
9
1

4
8
1

2
4
1

6
0
1

NEW
EQUIPMENT

POWER &
ENERGY

USED
EQUIPMENT

EQUIPMENT
RENTAL

CSS

2007
2008

2008 finning international inc. 41
41
2008 finning international inc.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
management’s discussion & analysis

SG&A costs were lower in 2008 compared with 2007 in absolute terms, and comparable as a percentage of revenue. The reduction is a result  
of various initiatives and management’s focus on realizing cost efficiencies. 

other income / expenses in 2008 include a number of non-recurring items. 

•	

•	

•	

 As part of the ongoing reorganization of the uK Group business units first announced in the fourth quarter of 2006, it was announced in 
early 2008 that Finning would centralize the business support services of its Finning uK Group into a single location at Cannock, England. 
As a result, Hewden has closed its administration offices in Tannochside, near Glasgow and is strengthening a Hewden operational support 
team in manchester. Combined with investments in new information technology last year, the move is designed to achieve lower overall 
operating costs and better integrated information technology, finance, and other support services across the Finning uK Group. other 
expenses for 2008 included restructuring costs of approximately $7.8 million incurred in connection with this integration of support services. 
A further $2 million is anticipated to be spent during 2009. This integration will promote efficiencies and is expected to substantially reduce 
administrative support costs over time. 
	In	the	fourth	quarter	of	2008,	Hewden	announced	a	restructuring	of	its	nationwide	depot	network,	with	the	closure	or	merger	of	22	depots.	
This restructuring included costs of approximately $2.5 million which were incurred in 2008. A further $6 million is anticipated to be spent 
during 2009. The organization structure was simplified to provide a greater focus on the customer combined with opportunities for cost savings.
 In light of the current market conditions, the uK Group also further restructured their operations and incurred restructuring costs of 
$0.5 million. other income / expenses in 2008 also included a $14.7 million pre-tax gain on the sale of certain properties at Hewden, and 
Finning (uK)’s share of the costs related to the implementation of a new information technology system for the Company’s global operations.

In 2008, the uK Group contributed EBIT of $53.6 million, compared with $73.0 million in 2007. After adjusting for the restructuring costs related 
to the business support integration, depot closures, and global restructuring noted above, as well as the gain on the properties sale, EBIT would 
have been $49.7 million, lower by 31.9% compared with last year. Excluding those same costs, EBIT as a percentage of revenue for the uK Group 
of 3.9% in 2008 was lower than the 5.2% achieved in 2007. 

DISConTInuED oPERATIonS – Tool HIRE DIvISIon 
on July 31, 2007, the Company sold its Tool Hire Division. This division is classified as discontinued operations within the consolidated income 
statements for all periods presented prior to the disposition. 

The table below provides details of the discontinued operations of the Tool Hire Division for the year ended December 31, 2007, excluding the 
gain and loss on sale:

For years ended December 31  
($ THouSAnDS) 

Revenue from external sources 
operating costs 
Depreciation and amortization 
other expenses  
Earnings before interest and taxes  

Approximately 1,200 employees were transferred with the sale of the Tool Hire Division. 

COrpOrate and Other OperatiOns

For years ended December 31  
($ mIllIonS) 

operating costs – corporate  
operating costs – mark-to-market and equity investment 
Depreciation and amortization 
other expenses  
Earnings before interest and taxes 

2007

113.3
(82.2)
(23.4)
(8.0)
(0.3)

2007

(27.0)
(3.9)
–
–
(30.9)

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

2008 

(25.8) 
(20.9) 
(0.2) 
(1.3) 
(48.2) 

$ 

$ 

For the year ended December 31, 2008, corporate operating costs decreased to $25.8 million compared with $27.0 million in 2007. 

4242

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
management’s discussion & analysis

Equity earnings from the Company’s investment in Energyst B.v. in 2008 were lower by $1 million compared with 2007. The mark-to-market lTIP 
expense incurred at the corporate level in 2008 was $16.0 million higher than in 2007. The Company entered into a compensation hedge at the 
end of 2007 which offsets the mark-to-market impact relating to certain stock-based compensation plans. The 2007 balance reflects the mark-
to-market impact following the valuation of certain stock-based compensation plans. The 2008 balance primarily reflects the mark-to-market 
expense of the compensation hedge which offsets the lTIP mark-to-market gains recorded by the operating companies. on a consolidated basis, 
the lTIP mark-to-market impact, net of hedging costs, is minimal for 2008.

Costs included in other expenses in 2008 relate to the implementation of a new information technology system for the Company’s global operations.

gOOdwill impairment
Goodwill is assessed for impairment at the reporting unit level at least annually. Any potential goodwill impairment is identified by comparing  
the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying value. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, goodwill is considered not 
to be impaired. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, a more detailed assessment must be undertaken to determine the 
fair value of goodwill. A goodwill impairment charge is recognized to the extent that, at the reporting unit level, the carrying value of goodwill 
exceeds its fair value. 

The Company determines the fair value of the reporting unit using a discounted cash flow model corroborated by other valuation techniques 
such as market multiples. The process of determining these fair values requires management to make estimates and assumptions including, but not 
limited to, projected future sales, earnings and capital investment, discount rates, and terminal growth rates. Projected future sales, earnings, and 
capital investment are consistent with strategic plans presented to the Company’s Board of Directors. Discount rates are based on an industry 
weighted average cost of capital. These estimates are subject to change due to uncertain competitive and economic market conditions or changes 
in business strategies. 

In the fourth quarter of 2008, the Company performed its annual goodwill impairment test and determined that the carrying value of goodwill 
established on the acquisition of Hewden in 2001 exceeded its respective fair value. As a result, the Company recorded in other expenses a full 
goodwill impairment charge of $151.4 million. The Company expects no income tax deduction from this non-cash goodwill impairment charge. 
The determination that the fair value of goodwill was less than its carrying value resulted from a decline in market multiples. It was also due to 
a reduction of fair value as determined using the discounted cash flow methodology, primarily due to a change in market assumptions principally 
from the increasing economic uncertainty in the global market. Although the market conditions have changed in the fourth quarter of 2008, 
management believes the Company’s strategy and rationalization efforts for Hewden are sound.

earnings BefOre interest and taxes (eBit)
on a consolidated basis, EBIT was $236.7 million in 2008. Gross profit increased 7.2% to $1,714.7 million in 2008 compared with 2007, and gross 
profit margin (gross profit as a percentage of revenues) was 28.6%, up from the prior year gross profit margin of 28.2%. However, the increase 
in gross profit was offset by higher SG&A costs, which were incurred to meet anticipated growth and customer demand primarily in the mining 
sector, as well as cost increases in both western Canada and South America.

Results in 2008 included certain items that are considered by the Company to be non-recurring. These included the Hewden goodwill impairment 
charge, costs related to the integration and transition of Collicutt, business support and depot restructuring costs in the u.K., restructuring costs 
incurred globally by Finning in the fourth quarter of 2008 in light of the current market conditions, partially offset by the gains on the sale of 
certain properties in Hewden. Adjusting for these non-recurring items, EBIT for 2008 would have been $405.8 million, 11.0% lower than the prior 
year. EBIT as a percentage of revenue would have been 6.8%, compared with 8.0% for 2007.

EBIT BY OPERATION*
($ millions)  12 months ended December 31
*excluding other operations – corporate head office
  and goodwill impairment  

6
8
300 2

250

200

150

100

50

0

4
3
2

8
4
1

7
2
1

3
7

4
5

CANADA

SOUTH
AMERICA

UK GROUP

2007
2008

2008 finning international inc. 43
43
2008 finning international inc.

management’s discussion & analysis

major components of the annual EBIT variance were:

($ mIllIonS)

2007 eBit 
  net change in operations  
  Foreign exchange impact 
  Hewden goodwill impairment charge 
  Gain on sale of certain properties in Hewden 
  Collicutt integration and start-up costs 
  Restructuring costs in the u.K. 
  Global restructuring costs 
  lower lTIP costs 
  other net expenses  
2008 eBit 

$ 

$ 

455.8
(19.7)
(25.8)
(151.4)
14.7
(12.6)
(10.3)
(9.5)
8.6
(13.1)
236.7

finanCe COsts 
Finance costs for the year ended December 31, 2008 of $83.6 million were 14.8% higher than 2007. The higher finance costs in 2008 were 
primarily due to higher debt in 2008 as a result of the acquisition of Collicutt, the repurchase of the Company’s common shares as part of a 
normal course issuer bid, as well as to support the Company’s higher working capital requirements. 

prOvisiOn fOr inCOme taxes
Finning’s 2008 annual income tax expense was $57.1 million (37.3% effective tax rate) compared with $102.9 million (26.9% effective tax rate) for 
2007. The higher effective tax rate in 2008 reflects a number of non-recurring items, primarily the goodwill impairment charge recorded in the 
fourth quarter of 2008, which is not deductible for tax purposes. Adjusting for the non-recurring gains and costs discussed throughout this mD&A, 
as well as the Hewden goodwill impairment charge, the effective tax rate would have been approximately 20%. This is lower than the 2007 effective 
tax rate as well as management’s guidance of 25-30% for 2008 primarily due to the change in the Company’s earnings mix with proportionately 
more income earned in lower tax jurisdictions. In addition, the Company benefited from tax adjustments resulting from the closure of previously 
open tax years, lower capital tax rates applied to the sale of properties in the u.K., and a tax benefit recognized on the wind up of Collicutt. 

net inCOme
Finning’s net income from continuing operations in 2008 was $96.0 million compared with $280.1 million in 2007. Finning’s 2008 earnings included 
certain items considered by the Company to be non-recurring. These included a non-cash goodwill impairment charge, costs related to the 
integration of Collicutt, business support and depot restructuring costs in the u.K., as well as global restructuring costs incurred by Finning in the 
fourth quarter of 2008 in light of the current market conditions. These non-recurring costs were partially offset by gains on the sale of certain 
properties in Hewden. Adjusting for these non-recurring items, net income from continuing operations would have been $257.8 million, 8.0% lower 
than the 2007 level. The Company realized improved margins in 2008 but this was more than offset by higher costs to meet customer demand.

Basic EPS from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2008 of $0.56 included a number of non-recurring items as described 
above. Adjusting the 2008 results for these non-recurring items, including the goodwill impairment charge, basic EPS would have been $1.50 for 
the year ended December 31, 2008 compared with $1.57 in 2007, a decrease of 4.5%. The total negative impact due to the stronger Canadian 
dollar in 2008 compared to the prior year was approximately $0.10 per share.

lIQuIDITy AnD CAPITAl RESouRCES
management of the Company assesses liquidity in terms of Finning’s ability to generate sufficient cash flow to fund its operations. net cash flow  
is affected by the following items:

•	
•	
•	

	operating	activities,	including	the	level	of	accounts	receivable,	inventories,	accounts	payable,	rental	equipment,	and	financing	provided	to	customers;
	investing	activities,	including	acquisitions	of	complementary	businesses,	divestitures	of	non-core	businesses,	and	capital	expenditures;	and
	external	financing,	including	bank	credit	facilities,	commercial	paper,	and	other	capital	market	activities,	providing	both	short	and	long-term	financing.

4444

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
management’s discussion & analysis

Cash flOw frOm Operating aCtivities
For the year ended December 31, 2008, cash flow after working capital changes was $278.1 million, a decrease from cash flow of $404.4 million 
generated last year. Throughout all operations, management continues to focus on improving cash cycle times and operating efficiencies while 
ensuring appropriate levels of working capital exist to support current activity levels.

The Company made a net investment in rental assets of $204.8 million during 2008, less than half of the $474.6 million invested in 2007, and 
slightly below management’s annual guidance given in the third quarter of 2008 of $220 million to $250 million. Rental investment moderated in 
2008 compared to the very high demand for rental assets in 2007, particularly at the Company’s Canadian operations. with utilization of rental 
assets decreasing in 2008, rental expenditures were reduced wherever possible and underutilized assets were sold. 

overall, cash flow generated by operating activities was $72.7 million in 2008 which improved from the use of cash from operating activities  
of $56.7 million in 2007. 

Free cash flow (before dividends) is defined as cash flow provided by operating activities less net capital expenditures, discussed below. The 
Company’s free cash flow (before dividends) for 2008 was $23.2 million, below the annual guidance provided of $100-$120 million primarily due 
to the timing of cash receipts and higher inventory levels than expected in South America to support deliveries in early 2009. 

Cash used fOr investing aCtivities
net cash used in investing activities in 2008 totalled $198.1 million compared with cash provided by investing activities of $181.3 million in 2007. 
The primary use of cash in 2008 related to the acquisition of Collicutt for $135.8 million, net of cash received. The primary source of cash in 
2007 was the net proceeds of $242.9 million received on the sale of the Tool Hire division in the u.K.

Gross capital additions for the year ended December 31, 2008 were $100.4 million compared with $74.2 million for the year ended December 31,  
2007. net capital expenditures in 2008 of $49.5 million were slightly below management’s annual guidance given in the third quarter of 2008 of 
$60 million to $75 million due to further delays in certain capital projects. The capital additions in 2008 and 2007 reflect general capital spending 
to support operations. Capital additions in 2008 also included capitalized costs related to the Company’s new global information system, and 
capital additions in the prior year also included the capitalization of certain costs related to the development of Hewden’s new information 
system. The Company has committed to pay approximately $16 million over the next three years for consulting and implementation support for 
the new information technology system solution for its global operations.

Investing activities in 2008 included approximately $8.6 million in proceeds on the sale of vehicles at Hewden. These vehicles were subsequently 
leased back under an operating lease.

In 2008, the Company increased its investment in Energyst B.v. by $11.5 million, increasing its equity investment to 25.4%. In both 2008 and 
2007, the Company acquired one Cat Rental Store for $1.3 million and $2.7 million, respectively. Also in 2007 the Company paid proceeds of 
approximately $4.1 million on the settlement of foreign currency forwards that hedged foreign subsidiary investments. 

The Company believes that internally generated cash flow, supplemented by borrowing from existing financing sources, if necessary, will be 
sufficient to meet anticipated capital expenditures and other cash requirements in 2009. management believes that the 2009 results will by 
highlighted by stronger cash generation as working capital requirements are reduced, expenditures on equipment for the rental fleets are 
significantly reduced, and capital expenditures are actively managed, depending on business conditions, over the course of the year. At this time, 
the Company does not reasonably expect any presently known trend or uncertainty to affect our ability to access our historical sources of cash. 

finanCing aCtivities
As at December 31, 2008, the Company’s short and long-term borrowings totalled $1.6 billion, an increase of $430.0 million, or 36.5% since 
December 31, 2007, primarily to support the acquisition of Collicutt and the repurchase of common shares as part of a normal course issuer bid, 
as well as support the Company’s higher working capital requirements. 

To complement the internally generated funds from operating and investing activities, the Company has approximately $1.3 billion in unsecured 
credit facilities. Included in this amount, Finning has committed bank facilities totalling approximately $870 million with various Canadian and  
u.S. financial institutions. The largest of these facilities ($800 million) is in place until December 2011. As at December 31, 2008 over $300 million 
was available under these committed facilities and no term debt matures until December 2011. Availability of these facilities, seasonal needs 
for working capital, and the discretionary nature of some of the outflows like rental additions and share buybacks mean that the Company has 
sufficient liquidity to meet operational needs in the foreseeable future. 

2008 finning international inc. 45
45
2008 finning international inc.

management’s discussion & analysis

longer-term capital resources are provided by direct access to capital markets. The Company is rated by both Standard & Poor’s (S&P) and 
Dominion Bond Rating Service (DBRS). In 2008, the Company’s long-term debt rating was upgraded to A (low) by DBRS, and was confirmed at 
BBB+ by S&P. The Company’s short-term debt rating was reconfirmed by DBRS at R-1 (low). The Company continues to utilize the Canadian 
commercial paper market as well as borrowings under its credit facilities as its principal sources of short-term funding in Canada. The Company’s 
commercial paper program is backstopped by the global syndicated credit facility. In February 2008, the maximum authorized limit of the 
Company’s commercial paper program was increased from $500 million to $600 million. 

In may 2008, the Company issued two unsecured medium Term notes (mTn). The 5-year, $250 million mTn has a coupon interest rate of  
5.16% per annum, payable semi-annually commencing September 3, 2008. The 10-year, $350 million mTn has a coupon interest rate of 6.02% 
per annum, payable semi-annually commencing December 1, 2008. Proceeds from these issuances were used for debt repayment, including the 
repayment of the Company’s existing $200 million 7.40% mTn which matured in June 2008 as well as outstanding commercial paper borrowings.

Financing activities in 2008 also included a payment of $8.9 million on the settlement of a derivative that hedged future cash flows associated  
with the new mTn issuances noted above. 

In 2007, an additional pension payment of $17.1 million was made to fund the uK pension plans as agreed at the time of the sale of the materials 
Handling Division. In addition, the Company repurchased previously securitized receivables for cash of $45 million. 

As a result of the Board’s confidence in the future earnings for the Company and its ongoing commitment to the return of value to its 
shareholders, the Company increased its quarterly dividend in may 2008 by one cent to eleven cents per common share. As a result, dividends 
paid to shareholders increased in 2008 by $9.5 million to $74.0 million. 

The Company has an active share repurchase program in effect until July 8, 2009. For the year ended December 31, 2008, the Company 
repurchased and cancelled 5,901,842 common shares at an average price of $24.99 for an aggregate amount of $147.5 million. For the year ended 
December 31, 2007, the Company repurchased and cancelled 3,691,400 common shares at an average price of $27.82 for an aggregate amount  
of $102.7 million. 

The Company’s overall net debt to total capitalization ratio was 48.9% at the end of 2008, compared with 40.8% at the end of 2007. This ratio is 
higher than the prior year due to the higher debt in 2008, primarily as a result of the acquisition of Collicutt and the repurchase of the Company’s 
common shares as part of a normal course issuer bid. The non-cash goodwill impairment charge did not have a significant impact on the net debt 
to total capitalization ratio. 

COntraCtual OBligatiOns
Payments on contractual obligations in each of the next five years and thereafter are as follows:

($ mIllIonS) 

2009 

2010 

2011 

2012 

2013 

Thereafter 

Total

long-term debt
  – principal repayment 
  – interest  
operating leases 
Capital leases 
Total contractual obligations 

$ 

$ 

2.6 
63.3 
71.2 
26.3 
163.4 

$ 

$ 

3.4 
63.2 
63.2 
6.8 
136.6 

$ 

$ 

557.0 
63.1 
 49.7 
1.2 
671.0 

$ 

$ 

– 
47.2 
 31.7 
1.1 
80.0 

$ 

$ 

504.9 
47.2 
23.5 
1.1 
576.7 

$ 

$ 

350.0 
94.8 
150.8 
14.7 
610.3 

$  1,417.9
378.8
390.1
51.2
$  2,238.0

The above table does not include obligations to fund pension benefits, although the Company is making regular contributions to their registered 
defined benefit pension plans in Canada and the uK in order to fund the pension plans as required. Contribution requirements are based on 
periodic (at least triennial) actuarial funding valuations performed by the Company’s (or plan Trustees’) actuaries. For 2008, approximately 
$50 million was contributed towards the Company’s defined benefit pension plans. Currently, the Company is committed to maintain a similar 
level of funding during 2009. However, the decreases in security values in global financial markets in the latter part of 2008 will likely increase 
required pension funding levels in 2010. The amount of increase will be determined over the next 12-18 months as new funding valuations are 
performed, with the resulting new funding requirements likely to come into effect commencing in 2010. management anticipates any increase  
in funding requirements will be manageable.

4646

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
management’s discussion & analysis

Off-BalanCe sheet arrangement
In 2002, the Company entered into an arrangement and sold a $45.0 million co-ownership interest in a pool of eligible non-interest bearing 
trade receivables to a multi-seller securitization trust (the “Trust”), net of overcollateralization. under the terms of the agreement, which expired 
on november 29, 2007, the Company could sell co-ownership interests of up to $120.0 million on a revolving basis. The Company retained 
a subordinated interest in the cash flows arising from the eligible receivables underlying the Trust’s co-ownership interest. The Trust and its 
investors did not have recourse to the Company’s other assets in the event that obligors failed to pay the underlying receivables when due. 
Pursuant to the agreement, the Company serviced the pool of underlying receivables. 

on the expiry date, the Company terminated the co-ownership interests, ceased all securitization of its accounts receivable, and repurchased 
previously securitized receivables for cash of $45.0 million. 

For the 2007 period up to the repurchase of the receivables held by the Trust, the Company recognized a pre-tax loss of $1.8 million relating  
to these transfers. In 2007, proceeds from revolving reinvestment of collections were $451.9 million.

emplOyee share purChase plan
The Company has an employee share purchase plan for its Canadian employees. under the terms of this plan, eligible employees may purchase 
common shares of the Company in the open market at the current market price. The Company pays a portion of the purchase price to a 
maximum of 2% of employee earnings. At December 31, 2008, 62% of Canadian employees were contributing to this plan. The Company has 
an All Employee Share Purchase ownership Plan for its employees in Finning (uK) and Hewden. under the terms of this plan, employees may 
contribute up to 10% of their salary to a maximum of £125.00 per month. The Company will provide one common share, purchased in the open 
market, for every three shares the employee purchases. At December 31, 2008, 26% and 13% of eligible employees in Finning (uK) and Hewden, 
respectively, were contributing to this plan. These plans may be cancelled by Finning at any time.

ACCounTInG ESTImATES AnD ConTInGEnCIES

aCCOunting, valuatiOn and repOrting
Changes in the rules or standards governing accounting can impact our financial reporting. The Company employs professionally qualified 
accountants throughout its finance group and all of the operating unit financial officers have a reporting relationship to the Chief Financial officer 
(CFo). Senior financial representatives are assigned to all significant projects that impact financial accounting and reporting systems. Policies 
are in place to ensure completeness and accuracy of reported transactions. Key transaction controls are in place, and there is a segregation of 
duties between transaction initiation, processing, and cash receipt or disbursement, and there is restricted physical access to the Treasury and 
cash settlements area. Accounting, measurement, valuation, and reporting of accounts, which involve estimates and / or valuations, are reviewed 
quarterly by the CFo and the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors. Significant accounting and financial topics and issues are presented  
to and discussed with the Audit Committee. 

management’s discussion and analysis of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations are based on the Company’s consolidated 
financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with Canadian GAAP. The Company’s significant accounting policies are contained in  
note 1 to the consolidated financial statements. Certain of these policies require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the  
reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. These policies may require particularly 
subjective and complex judgments to be made as they relate to matters that are inherently uncertain and because the likelihood that materially 
different amounts could be reported under different conditions or using different assumptions. The Company has discussed the development, 
selection, and application of its key accounting policies, and the critical accounting estimates and assumptions they involve, with the Audit 
Committee. The more significant estimates include: fair values for goodwill impairment tests, allowance for doubtful accounts, provisions for 
inventory obsolescence, reserves for warranty, provisions for income tax, the determination of employee future benefits, the useful lives of the 
rental fleet and related residual values, costs associated with maintenance and repair contracts, and provisions for restructuring costs. 

A significant portion of goodwill recorded on the consolidated balance sheets related to the Company’s investment in Hewden Stuart plc 
(Hewden), acquired in 2001. The Company performs impairment tests on its goodwill balances on at least an annual basis or as warranted by events 
or circumstances. During the year, the Company performed its assessment of goodwill by estimating the fair value of operations to which the 
goodwill relates using the present value of expected discounted future cash flows. The Company determined that the fair value of Hewden was less 
than its book value, primarily due to the higher cost of capital assumptions in the valuation methodology, reflecting year-end market conditions. As 
a result, the Company recorded a full goodwill impairment charge of $151.4 million. The goodwill impairment charge is non-cash in nature and does 
not affect the Company’s liquidity, cash flows from operating activities, or debt covenants and will not have an impact on future operations.

Due to the size, complexity, and nature of the Company’s operations, various legal and tax matters are pending. In the opinion of management, 
none of these matters will have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

2008 finning international inc. 47
47
2008 finning international inc.

management’s discussion & analysis

inCOme taxes
The Company exercises judgment in estimating the provision for income taxes. Provisions for federal, provincial, and foreign taxes are based on 
the respective laws and regulations in each jurisdiction within which the Company operates. These complex laws and regulations are potentially 
subject to different interpretation between the Company and the respective tax authority. Due to the number of variables associated with 
the differing tax laws and regulations across the multiple jurisdictions, the precision and reliability of the resulting estimates are subject to 
uncertainties and may change as additional information becomes known.

Future income tax assets and liabilities are comprised of the tax effect of temporary differences between the carrying amount and tax basis of 
assets and liabilities as well as the tax effect of undeducted tax losses, and are measured according to the income tax law that is expected to apply 
when the asset is realized or liability settled. Assumptions underlying the composition of future income tax assets and liabilities include estimates 
of future results of operations and the timing of reversal of temporary differences as well as the tax rates and laws in each respective jurisdiction 
at the time of the expected reversal. The composition of future income tax assets and liabilities is reasonably likely to change from period to 
period due to the uncertainties surrounding these assumptions.

Description oF non-Gaap Measure
EBIT is defined herein as earnings from continuing operations before interest expense, interest income, and income taxes and is a measure of  
performance utilized by management to measure and evaluate the financial performance of its operating segments. It is also a measure that is  
commonly reported and widely used in the industry to assist in understanding and comparing operating results. EBIT does not have any standardized  
meaning prescribed by GAAP and is therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. Accordingly, this measure  
should not be considered as a substitute or alternative for net income or cash flow, in each case as determined in accordance with GAAP.

A reconciliation between EBIT and net income from continuing operations is as follows:

For years ended December 31  
($ mIllIonS) 

Earnings from continuing operations before interest, income taxes, and goodwill impairment charge 
Goodwill impairment 
Earnings from continuing operations before interest and income taxes (EBIT) 
Finance costs 
Provision for income taxes 
net income from continuing operations 

$ 

$ 

2008 

388.1 
(151.4) 
236.7 
(83.6) 
(57.1) 
96.0 

2007

455.8
–
455.8
(72.8)
(102.9)
280.1

$ 

$ 

Finning’s 2008 earnings included certain items considered by the Company to be non-recurring. These included a non-cash goodwill impairment 
charge, costs related to the integration of Collicutt, business support and depot restructuring costs in the u.K., as well as global restructuring 
costs incurred by Finning in the fourth quarter of 2008 in light of the current market conditions. These non-recurring costs were partially offset 
by gains on the sale of certain properties in Hewden. 

A reconciliation between Basic EPS and Adjusted Basic EPS, reflecting the per share impact of the non-recurring items noted above, is as follows: 

($ mIllIonS) 

Basic earnings (loss) per share 
Per share impact of non-recurring items
  Goodwill impairment charge 
  other non-recurring items 
Adjusted basic earnings per share 

three months 
ended 
December 31, 2008 

twelve months 
ended 
 December 31, 2008

$ 

(0.63) 

$ 

0.89 
0.07 
0.33 

0.56

0.88
0.06
1.50

risk ManaGeMent
Finning and its subsidiaries are exposed to market, financial, and other risks in the normal course of their business activities. The Company has 
adopted an Enterprise Risk management (ERm) approach in identifying, prioritizing, and evaluating risks. This ERm framework assists the Company 
in managing business activities and risks across the organization in order to achieve the Company’s strategic objectives.

The Company is dedicated to a strong risk management culture to protect and enhance shareholder value. The processes within Finning’s risk 
management function are designed to ensure that risks are properly identified, managed, and reported. The Company discloses all of its key risks in 
its most recent Annual Information Form (AIF) with key financial risks also included herein. on a quarterly basis, the Company assesses all of its key 
risks and any changes to key financial or business risks are disclosed in the Company’s quarterly mD&A. on a quarterly basis, the Audit Committee 
reviews the Company’s process with respect to risk assessment and management of key risks, including the Company’s major financial risks and 
exposures and the steps taken to monitor and control such exposures. Changes to the key risks are also reviewed by the Audit Committee. 

4848

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
management’s discussion & analysis

Financial Derivatives
The Company uses various financial instruments such as interest rate swaps, forward foreign exchange contracts, and collars as well as foreign 
currency debt to manage its foreign exchange exposures, interest rate exposures, and stock-based compensation expenses which fluctuate 
with share price movements (see notes 3 and 4 of notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements). The Company uses derivative financial 
instruments only in connection with managing related risk positions and does not use them for trading or speculative purposes.

The Company continually evaluates and manages risks associated with financial derivatives, which includes counterparty credit exposure.

Financial risks anD uncertainties
lIQuIDITy RISK
liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they fall due. The Company’s approach to managing 
liquidity is to ensure, as far as possible, that it will always have sufficient cash flows to fund its operations and to meet its liabilities when due, 
under both normal and stressed conditions. The Company also maintains certain credit facilities which can be drawn upon as needed. 

FInAnCInG ARRAnGEmEnTS
The Company will require capital to finance its future growth and to refinance its outstanding debt obligations as they come due for repayment. 
If the cash generated from the Company’s business, together with the credit available under available bank facilities, is not sufficient to fund future 
capital requirements, the Company will require additional debt or equity financing in the capital markets. The Company’s ability to access capital 
markets on terms that are acceptable will be dependent upon prevailing market conditions, as well as the Company’s future financial condition. 
Further, the Company’s ability to increase its debt financing may be limited by its financial covenants or its credit rating objectives. Although 
the Company does not anticipate any difficulties in raising necessary funds in the future, there can be no assurance that capital will be available 
on suitable terms and conditions, or that borrowing costs and credit ratings will not be adversely affected. In addition, the Company’s current 
financing arrangements contain certain restrictive covenants that may impact the Company’s future operating and financial flexibility. 

CREDIT RISK
Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the Company if a customer or counterparty to a financial instrument fails to meet its contractual 
obligations, and arises principally from the Company’s receivables from customers, instalment notes receivables, and derivative counterparties. 
The Company has a large diversified customer base, and is not dependent on any single customer or group of customers. Credit risk is minimized 
because of the diversification of the Company’s operations as well as its large customer base and its geographical dispersion. Although there 
is usually no significant concentration of credit risk related to the Company’s position in trade accounts or notes receivable, the Company 
does have a certain degree of credit exposure arising from its derivative contracts and investments. There is a risk that counterparties to 
these derivative contracts and investments may default on their obligations. However, the Company minimizes this risk by ensuring there is no 
excessive concentration of credit risk with any single counterparty, by active credit management and monitoring, and by dealing only with financial 
institutions that have a credit rating of at least A- from S&P and A (low) from DBRS. 

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

The Company buys and sells derivatives in the ordinary course of business, and also incurs financial liabilities, in order to manage market risks.  
All such transactions are carried out within the guidelines set by the Company’s Global Hedging Policy approved by the Audit Committee. 

CuRREnCy RISK
The Company is geographically diversified, with significant investments in several different countries. The Company transacts business in multiple 
currencies, the most significant of which are the u.S. dollar (uSD), the Canadian dollar (CAD), the u.K. pound sterling (GBP), and the Chilean 
peso (ClP). As a result, the Company has foreign currency exposure with respect to items denominated in foreign currencies. The three main 
types of foreign exchange risk of the Company can be categorized as follows:

investment in foreign operations
 All of the Company’s foreign operations are considered self-sustaining. Accordingly, assets and liabilities are translated into Canadian dollars  
using the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet dates. Any unrealized translation gains and losses are recorded as an item of 
comprehensive income and accumulated other comprehensive income. 

 It is the Company’s objective to manage its exposure to currency fluctuations arising from its foreign investments. The Company has hedged 
a portion of its foreign investments through foreign currency denominated loans and other derivative contracts. Any exchange gains or 
losses arising from the translation of the hedging instruments are recorded, net of tax, as an item of comprehensive income and accumulated 
other comprehensive income. Cumulative currency translation adjustments, net of gains or losses of the associated hedging instruments, 
are recognized in net income when there is a reduction in the Company’s net investment in the self-sustaining foreign operations. A 5% 
hypothetical strengthening of the Canadian dollar relative to all other currencies from the December 2008 month end rates, assuming the 
same current level of hedging instruments, would result in an after-tax deferred unrealized loss of approximately $29 million.

2008 finning international inc. 49
49
2008 finning international inc.

 
 
 
management’s discussion & analysis

transaction exposure
 many of the Company’s operations purchase, sell, rent, and lease products as well as incur costs throughout the world using different 
currencies. This mismatch of currencies creates transactional exposure at the operational level, which may affect the Company’s profitability as 
exchange rates fluctuate. It may also impact the Company’s competitive position as relative currency movements affect the business practices 
and/or pricing strategies of the Company’s competitors. 

 It is the Company’s objective to manage the impact of exchange rate movements and volatility in results. Each operation manages the majority 
of its transactional exposure through sales pricing policies and practices. The Company also enters into forward exchange contracts to manage 
residual mismatches in foreign currency cash flows. As a result, the foreign exchange impact on earnings with respect to transactional activity 
is not significant.

translation exposure
 The most significant foreign exchange impact on the Company’s net income is the translation of foreign currency based earnings into 
Canadian dollars each reporting period. All of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries report their operating results in currencies other than the 
Canadian dollar. Therefore, exchange rate movements in the u.S. dollar and u.K. pound sterling relative to the Canadian dollar will impact the 
consolidated results of the South American and u.K. operations in Canadian dollar terms. In addition, the Company’s Canadian results are 
impacted by the translation of their u.S. dollar based earnings. Some of the Company’s earnings translation exposure is offset by interest on 
foreign currency denominated loans and derivative contracts associated with the net investment hedges.

sensitivity to variances in foreign exchange rates
 The sensitivity of the Company’s net earnings to fluctuations in average annual foreign exchange rates is summarized in the table below.  
A 5 percent strengthening of the Canadian dollar against the following currencies for a full year relative to the December 31, 2008 month end 
rates would increase / (decrease) annual net income by the amounts shown below. This analysis assumes that all other variables, in particular 
volumes, relative pricing, interest rates, and hedging activities are unchanged. 

  Currency 

    uSD 
    GBP 
    ClP 

December 31, 2008  
month end rates 

1.2246 
1.7896 
0.0019 

increase (decrease) in 
annual net income
$ mIllIonS
(22)
(2)
1

 The sensitivities noted above ignore the impact of exchange rate movements on other macroeconomic variables, including overall levels 
of demand and relative competitive advantages. If it were possible to quantify these impacts, the results would likely be different from the 
sensitivities shown above.

InTEREST RATE RISK
The Company’s interest bearing financial assets comprise instalment note receivables, which bear interest at a fixed rate. The Company’s debt 
portfolio comprises both fixed and floating rate debt instruments, with terms to maturity ranging up to ten years. In relation to its debt financing, 
the Company is exposed to potential changes in interest rates, which may cause the Company’s borrowing costs to fluctuate. Floating rate debt 
exposes the Company to fluctuations in short-term interest rates, while fixed rate debt exposes the Company to future interest rate movements 
upon refinancing the debt at maturity. Fluctuations in current or future interest rates could result in a material adverse impact on the Company’s 
financial results by causing related finance expense to rise. Further, the fair value of the Company’s fixed rate debt obligations and the mark-
to-market on the cross currency interest rate swaps may be negatively affected by changes in interest rates, thereby exposing the Company to 
potential losses on early settlements or refinancing. The Company minimizes its interest rate risk by balancing its portfolio of fixed and floating 
rate debt, as well as managing the term to maturity of its debt portfolio. At certain times the Company utilizes derivative instruments such as 
interest rate swaps to adjust the balance of fixed and floating rate debt to appropriately determined levels. 

CommoDITy PRICES
The Company’s revenues can be indirectly affected by fluctuations in commodity prices; in particular, changes in views on long-term commodity 
prices. In Canada, commodity price movements in the forestry, metals, coal, and petroleum sectors can have an impact on customers’ demands 
for equipment and customer service. In Chile and Argentina, significant fluctuations in the price of copper and gold can have similar effects, as 
customers base their capital expenditure decisions on the long-term outlook for metals. In the u.K., changes to prices for thermal coal may 
impact equipment demand in that sector. Significant fluctuations in commodity prices could result in a material adverse impact on the Company’s 
financial results. with significantly lower commodity prices, demand is reduced as development of new projects is slowed or stopped and 
production from existing projects can be curtailed, both leading to less demand for equipment. However, product support growth has been, and 
will continue to be, important in mitigating the effects of downturns in the business cycle. Finning’s customer support services revenues typically 
contribute higher gross margins than new equipment sales. 

5050

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
management’s discussion & analysis

SToCK-BASED ComPEnSATIon RISK
Stock-based compensation is an integral part of the Company’s compensation program, and can be in the form of the Company’s common shares 
or cash payments that reflect the value of the shares. Since Canadian GAAP require certain stock-based compensation which is accounted for as 
liability-based awards to be recorded on a mark-to-market basis, compensation cost can vary significantly as the price of the Company’s common 
shares changes. The Company has entered into a derivative contract to manage this potential exposure, called a variable Rate Share Forward (vRSF). 

A 5% strengthening or weakening in the Company’s share price as at December 31, 2008, all other variables remaining constant, would have 
increased or decreased net income by approximately $0.9 million as a result of revaluing certain of the Company’s stock-based compensation.  
As the Company’s share price changes, the mark-to-market impact related to the stock-based compensation liability is effectively offset by the 
mark-to-market impact related to the vRSF. 

controls anD proceDures certiFication
DISCloSuRE ConTRolS AnD PRoCEDuRES
management is responsible for establishing and maintaining a system of controls and procedures over the public disclosure of financial and 
non-financial information regarding the Company. Such controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that all relevant 
information is gathered and reported to senior management, including the Chief Executive officer (CEo) and Chief Financial officer (CFo),  
on a timely basis so that appropriate decisions can be made regarding public disclosure. 

The CEo and the CFo, together with other members of management, have designed the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures in order 
to provide reasonable assurance that material information relating to the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries would have been known to 
them, and by others, within those entities. 

The Company has a Disclosure Policy and a Disclosure Committee in place to mitigate risks associated with the disclosure of inaccurate or 
incomplete information, or failure to disclose required information. 

•	

•	

 The Disclosure Policy sets out accountabilities, authorized spokespersons, and Finning’s approach to the determination, preparation, and 
dissemination of material information. The policy also defines restrictions on insider trading and the handling of confidential information. 
 A Disclosure Committee, consisting of senior management and external legal counsel, review all financial information prepared for 
communication to the public to ensure it meets all regulatory requirements and is responsible for raising all outstanding issues it believes 
require the attention of the Audit Committee prior to recommending disclosure for that Committee’s approval.

InTERnAl ConTRol ovER FInAnCIAl REPoRTInG
management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. management have designed internal 
control over financial reporting to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial 
statements in accordance with Canadian GAAP. There has been no change in the design of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting 
during the quarter ended December 31, 2008, that would materially affect, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal 
control over financial reporting. 

EvAluATIon oF EFFECTIvEnESS
As required by national Instrument 52-109, Certification of Disclosure in Issuers’ Annual and Interim Filings (nI 52-109) issued by the Canadian 
Securities regulatory authorities, an evaluation and testing of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure 
controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting were conducted as of December 31, 2008, by and under the supervision 
of management, including the CEo and CFo. In making the assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial 
reporting, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring organizations of the Treadway Commission (CoSo) in 
Internal Control – Integrated Framework. The evaluation included documentation review, enquiries, and other procedures considered by management 
to be appropriate in the circumstances. 

Based on that evaluation, the CEo and CFo have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and internal control over financial reporting 
were effective as of December 31, 2008. 

Regular involvement of Internal Audit and quarterly reporting to the Audit Committee and the Company’s external auditors assists in providing 
reasonable assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. while the officers of the Company have designed the Company’s 
disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting, they expect that these controls and procedures may not prevent 
all errors and fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived or operated, can only provide reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the 
objectives of the control system are met. 

2008 finning international inc. 51
51
2008 finning international inc.

management’s discussion & analysis

selecteD Quarterly inForMation
($ mIllIonS, ExCEPT FoR SHARE AnD oPTIon DATA)

Q4 

Q3 

Q2 

Q1 

Q4 

Q3 

Q2 

Q1

2008 

2007

$  826.0 
464.3 
276.4 
$ 1,566.7 

Revenue(1)
  Canada 
  South America 
  uK Group 
Total revenue 
net income (loss)(1)(2)
  from continuing operations  $  (106.8) 
  from discontinued operations   
– 
Total net income 
$  (106.8) 
Basic earnings (loss)  
  per share(1)(2)(3)
  from continuing operations  $ 
  from discontinued operations   
Total basic EPS  
Diluted earnings (loss) per 
  share(1)(2)(3)
  from continuing operations  $ 
  from discontinued operations   
Total diluted EPS 
Total assets(1) 
long-term debt 
  Current 
  non-current 
Total long-term debt(4)  
Cash dividends paid  
  per common share(3) 
Common shares  
  outstanding (000’s)(3) 
options outstanding (000’s)(3) 

(0.62) 
– 
$ 
(0.62) 
$ 4,720.4 

2.6 
$ 
  1,410.7 
$ 1,413.3 

(0.63) 
– 
(0.63) 

  170,445 
6,037 

0.11 

$ 

$ 

$  748.9 
389.7 
324.6 
$ 1,463.2 

$  849.1 
340.7 
341.5 
$ 1,531.3 

$  792.9 
306.9 
330.4 
$ 1,430.2 

$  750.3 
348.0 
361.2 
$  1,459.5 

$  639.9 
317.4 
371.8 
$  1,329.1 

$  846.4 
321.6 
329.6 
$  1,497.6 

$  699.6
338.6
337.8
$  1,376.0

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

64.8 
– 
64.8 

0.38 
– 
0.38 

$ 

$ 

 67.2 
– 
 67.2 

$   70.8 
– 
$   70.8 

$   0.39 
– 
 0.39 

$ 

$ 

$ 

0.41 
– 
0.41 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

70.5 
– 
70.5 

0.40 
– 
0.40 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

63.6 
– 
63.6 

0.35 
– 
0.35 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

75.3 
(1.2) 
74.1 

0.42 
(0.01) 
0.41 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

70.7
(0.8)
69.9

0.39
–
0.39

$ 

0.37 
– 
$ 
0.37 
$ 4,604.4 

$ 

0.39 
– 
$   0.39 
$ 4,603.8 

2.5 
$ 
  1,313.1 
$ 1,315.6 

$   100.5 
   1,121.8 
$ 1,222.3 

$ 

0.40 
– 
0.40 
$ 
$ 4,527.8 

$  215.9 
605.7 
$  821.6 

$ 

0.39 
– 
$ 
0.39 
$  4,134.2 

$ 

0.35 
– 
$ 
0.35 
$  4,079.7 

$ 

0.42 
(0.01) 
$ 
0.41 
$  4,434.4 

$  215.7 
590.4 
$  806.1 

$  204.2 
554.5 
$  758.7 

$  204.1 
600.6 
$  804.7 

$ 

0.39
–
$ 
0.39
$  4,386.2

$ 

2.2
753.8
$  756.0

$ 

0.11 

$ 

0.11 

$ 

0.10 

$ 

0.10 

$ 

0.09 

$ 

0.09 

$ 

0.08

  171,356 
 6,200 

  172,692 
 6,343 

  172,623 
4,576 

  176,132 
4,656 

  178,521 
4,737 

  179,601 
4,934 

  179,272
3,606

(1)  on January 15, 2008 the Company’s Canadian operations purchased Collicutt Energy Services ltd. The results of operations and financial position of Collicutt 

are included in the 2008 figures above.

 on July 31, 2007, the Company’s u.K. subsidiary, Hewden Stuart Plc, sold its Tool Hire Division. Results from the Tool Hire Division qualify as discontinued 
operations and have been reclassified to that category for all periods presented. Included in the loss from discontinued operations in the third quarter of 2007 
is the after-tax gain on the sale of the Tool Hire Division of $0.1 million. Restructuring and other costs associated with the disposition of $2.0 million after 
tax were recorded in the second and third quarters of 2007. Revenues from the uK Tool Hire Division have been excluded from the revenue figures above. 
Assets from the Tool Hire Division have been included in the total assets figures for periods prior to their sale.

(2)  The Company performed its annual goodwill impairment review in the fourth quarter of 2008 and determined that the fair value of Hewden was less than its 
book value, which included goodwill on acquisition. As a result, the Company recorded a full goodwill impairment of $151.4 million for Hewden in the fourth 
quarter of 2008. The goodwill impairment charge is non-cash in nature and does not affect the Company’s liquidity, cash flows from operating activities, or debt 
covenants and is not expected to have any adverse impact on future operations. The Company expects no income tax deduction from this charge.

(3)  on may 9, 2007, the Company’s shareholders approved a split of the Company’s outstanding common shares on a two-for-one basis. Each shareholder of 

record at the close of business on may 30, 2007, received one additional share for every outstanding share held on the record date. All share and per-share 
data have been adjusted to reflect the stock split. During 2008, the Company repurchased 5,901,842 common shares at an average price of $24.99 as part of a 
normal course issuer bid. During 2007, 3,691,400 common shares were repurchased at an average price of $27.82.

 Earnings per share (EPS) for each quarter has been computed based on the weighted average number of shares issued and outstanding during the respective 
quarter; therefore, quarterly amounts may not add to the annual or year-to-date total.

(4)  In the second quarter of 2008, the Company issued two unsecured medium Term notes (mTn); a five year $250 million mTn and a 10 year $350 million 
mTn. Proceeds from these issuances were used for debt repayment, including the repayment of a $200 million mTn which expired in June 2008 as well as 
outstanding commercial paper borrowings. 

5252

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
management’s discussion & analysis

new accountinG pronounceMents 
CHAnGES ADoPTED In 2008
Effective January 1, 2008, the Company adopted the following new accounting standards issued by the Canadian Institute of Chartered 
Accountants (CICA): Section 3031, Inventories; Section 3862, Financial Instruments – Disclosures; and Section 3863, Financial Instruments – 
Presentation. The principal changes related to these standards are described below.

(i) inventories
The new standard provides more guidance on the measurement and disclosure requirements for inventories. Specifically the new pronouncement 
requires inventories to be measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value, and provides guidance on the determination of cost and its 
subsequent recognition as an expense, including any write-down to net realizable value. 

The new standard has been applied prospectively; accordingly comparative periods have not been restated. However, prior period financial 
statements retroactively reflect the classification of external unbilled service work in progress, which was previously presented in inventory. 
Adjustments to the previous carrying amount of inventories have been recognized as an adjustment of the balance of retained earnings as at 
January 1, 2008.

As at January 1, 2008, the impact on the consolidated balance sheet as a result of the adoption of these standards was an increase in inventory  
of $8.7 million; an increase in future income tax liability of $2.4 million; and an increase in retained earnings of $6.3 million. 

The effect on net income for the year ended December 31, 2008 as a result of adopting the new standard is not material. 

Details of the specific impact of these standards on the Company are disclosed in note 1 to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

(ii) financial instrument Disclosures 
Section 3862 Financial Instruments – Disclosures and Section 3863 Financial Instruments – Presentation, together comprise a complete set of 
disclosure and presentation requirements that revise and enhance current disclosure requirements for financial instruments, as discussed further 
in note 4 to the consolidated financial statements. Section 3862 requires disclosure of additional detail by financial asset and liability categories. 
Section 3863 establishes standards for presentation of financial instruments and non-financial derivatives. It deals with the classification of financial 
instruments, from the perspective of the issuer, between liabilities and equity, the classification of related interest, dividends, losses, and gains, and 
the circumstances in which financial assets and financial liabilities are offset. 

FuTuRE ACCounTInG PRonounCEmEnTS
(a) gooDwill anD intangible assets
In February 2008, the CICA issued Section 3064, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, replacing Section 3062, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets and 
Section 3450, Research and Development Costs. The new pronouncement establishes standards for the recognition, measurement, presentation, and 
disclosure of goodwill subsequent to its initial recognition and of intangible assets by profit-oriented enterprises. Standards concerning goodwill 
are unchanged from the standards included in the previous Section 3062. This Section is effective in the first quarter of 2009, and the new 
standard does not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. 

(b) business combinations 
In January 2009, the CICA issued Section 1582, Business Combinations, Section 1601, Consolidations, and Section 1602, Non-controlling Interests. These 
new standards are harmonized with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Section 1582 specifies a number of changes, including: 
an expanded definition of a business; a requirement to measure all business acquisitions at fair value; a requirement to measure non-controlling 
interests at fair value; and a requirement to recognize acquisition-related costs as expenses. Section 1601 establishes the standards for preparing 
consolidated financial statements. Section 1602 specifies that non-controlling interests be treated as a separate component of equity, not as a 
liability or other item outside of equity. The new standards will become effective in 2011. Early adoption is permitted.

(c) convergence with international financial reporting stanDarDs 
In February 2008, Canada’s Accounting Standards Board confirmed that Canadian GAAP, as used by public companies, will be converged with 
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) effective January 1, 2011. The transition from Canadian GAAP to IFRS will be applicable for  
the Company for the first quarter of 2011 when the Company will prepare both the current and comparative financial information using IFRS. 

2008 finning international inc. 53
53
2008 finning international inc.

management’s discussion & analysis

while IFRS uses a conceptual framework similar to Canadian GAAP, there are significant differences on recognition, measurement, and disclosures. 
The Company commenced its IFRS conversion project in late 2007. The project consists of four phases: raise awareness; assessment; design; 
and implementation. with the assistance of an external expert advisor, the Company has completed a high level review of the major differences 
between Canadian GAAP and IFRS as applicable to the Company. while a number of differences have been identified, the areas of highest potential 
impact include property, plant and equipment, certain aspects of revenue recognition, income taxes, foreign currency, employee future benefits, 
stock-based compensation, presentation and disclosure, as well as the initial adoption of IFRS under the provisions of IFRS 1 First Time Adoption.  
The Company expects the transition to IFRS to impact financial reporting, business processes, internal controls, and information systems. 

The Company will initiate the design phase in 2009 which will involve establishing issue-specific work teams to focus on generating options and 
making recommendations in the identified risk areas. The Company will also establish a communications plan, begin to develop staff training 
programs, and evaluate the impact of the IFRS transition on other business activities. 

earninGs coveraGe ratio
The following earnings coverage ratio is calculated for the twelve months ended December 31, 2008 and constitutes an update to the earnings 
coverage ratio described in the Company’s short form base shelf prospectus dated may 5, 2008.

Twelve months ended December 31, 2008

Earnings coverage ratio 

2.8

The earnings coverage ratio is calculated by dividing: (a) the Company’s earnings from continuing operations before interest and taxes for the 
period stated; by (b) finance costs incurred over the period stated.

The earnings coverage ratio was negatively impacted by the non-cash goodwill impairment charge noted throughout this mD&A. Excluding the 
impact of this charge, the earnings coverage ratio would have been 4.6. 

outstanDinG share Data

As at February 13, 2009

Common shares outstanding 
options outstanding 

170,533,067
5,837,770

Market outlook 
The world’s financial crisis and liquidity concerns continued through the fourth quarter of 2008. The resultant expected economic slowdown 
has occurred and commodity prices have fallen to comparatively low levels. Spending has been curbed by consumers in most parts of the world. 
Reduced consumer demand, lower availability of credit and reduced access to capital markets will impact some of Finning’s customers who will 
have less demand for new equipment as a result. 

However, Governments around the world have responded with stimulus packages that include significant amounts of capital spending directed  
to infrastructure projects. much of this construction will require heavy equipment and will provide work for some of Finning’s customers. 

In western Canada, existing operations in the oil sands as well as the larger coal and copper mining operations continue to operate at high levels 
in order to maximize cash flow and achieve lowest cost per ton economics. High equipment operating levels support Finning’s parts and service 
business. Some new projects have been delayed or deferred and capital expenditure plans have been scaled back pending a return to higher 
commodity prices. Construction spending continues on infrastructure projects, especially by Governments. Engine sales to gas compression 
packagers, for international sales, continues at good levels. The residential construction, forestry, and conventional oil and gas industries in 
western Canada continue to experience considerably slower business conditions and equipment purchases are expected to remain at lower 
levels. This situation is expected to continue through 2009. 

Heavy equipment markets in Chile remain comparatively healthy and demand for the Company’s products and services continues at reasonable 
levels at the present time. Demand for equipment and support services for the Chilean construction industry is fairly good. Sales of engines for 
power generation have slowed considerably. while copper prices are significantly lower, they are expected to remain at levels which support 
economic operations at most of Finning’s large South American mining customers. These companies are among the lowest cost producers of 
copper in the world, and parts and service revenues are expected to continue to grow reflecting the impact of new equipment sales to the 
industry in the recent past. 

5454

management’s discussion & analysis

In Argentina, significant inflationary cost pressures continue and constrained liquidity in the banking sector is challenging customers in arranging 
financing for equipment purchases. Finning has been actively managing its business in Argentina to reduce the level of exposure to an economic 
crisis in that country. This includes keeping parts and equipment inventories at modest levels, ensuring accounts receivable are as current as 
possible and by managing its operations to run as efficiently as possible with cost increases arising from inflation promptly passed along in the 
form of price increases.

Business at the Caterpillar dealership in the uK has slowed in most sectors. Demand for equipment from the coal mining sector remains 
satisfactory, but the downturn in the uK housing market and slowing business conditions are being felt in most other sectors. market conditions 
in the uK plant hire (equipment rental) industry are also challenging. The business is highly competitive and utilization rates are lower. 

A significant portion of Finning’s business is derived from the sale of parts and service for previously sold equipment operating in Finning’s 
geographic territories. Given the large volumes of new equipment sold in recent years, the demand for parts and service is expected to remain 
reasonably good. Finning’s large mining and oil sands customers continue to run their equipment at high levels and continue to require significant 
parts and service from Finning.

Given the current economic uncertainty, management’s confidence in predicting future business levels is lower than in the past. The current 
outlook is for lower new equipment sales compared to 2008 and for parts and service revenues to grow, but at a more modest rate than the 
prior year. 2009 results are also expected to generate higher cash flow than 2008 as working capital requirements are reduced, and assuming 
budgeted levels of equipment sales are achieved. overall expenditures on equipment additions to Finning’s rental fleets are expected to be 
meaningfully reduced in 2009; however, demand for rental equipment, as an alternative to purchasing, is increasing among Finning’s customers, 
especially in Canada.

Finning’s financial condition is strong. The Company has committed bank facilities totalling approximately $870 million with various Canadian and 
u.S. financial institutions. The largest of these facilities ($800 million) is committed until December 2011. At December 31, 2008 over $300 million 
was available under these facilities. At January 31, 2009 approximately $230 million was available. Finning expects to generate higher cash flow 
in 2009 as a result of lower capital spending, lower rental equipment additions, and reduced working capital requirements. Given the expected 
improved cash flow, the committed credit facilities, and the discretionary nature of some of Finning’s cash outflows, such as rental additions and 
capital expenditures, as well as the absence of any term debt maturities until late 2011, management believes that Finning has sufficient credit and 
liquidity to meet operational needs in the foreseeable future.

Finning has taken extensive action to reduce its costs in the face of lower demand for equipment. In response to the current market conditions, 
Finning incurred restructuring costs globally during the fourth quarter of 2008, resulting in a reduction of headcount of approximately 700 
employees. However, its long term strategy is unchanged as it continues to focus on the parts and service business as well as the mining and 
heavy construction sectors. Finning expects to continue to invest in technical training, and in some locations additional human resources are still 
required to meet the projected strategic growth. These include Fort mcmurray, Edmonton, and some mining branches in Chile. 

The decreases in security values in global financial markets in the latter part of 2008 will have an impact on the pension funding and expense 
levels of Finning’s defined benefit pension plans going forward. The predominant pension arrangement in Canada going forward is a defined 
contribution plan, with the existing defined benefit plan having been closed to new members (other than executives) since 2004. The Company’s 
South American employees do not participate in a Company pension plan. As such, the more significant impact on pension funding and pension 
expense would relate to the uK operations although the uK defined benefit plans are also essentially closed to new entrants (new hires now 
participate in a defined contribution arrangement, if any), a significant liability still exists. At present, management anticipates that the changes to 
the funded level and related pension expense of its defined benefit pension plans will be manageable.

Finning’s financial results are impacted by changes to the value of the Canadian dollar compared to the u.S. dollar and the u.K. pound sterling  
in the translation of its foreign currency earnings. The Company’s 2008 results were negatively impacted as a result of translating foreign currency 
based earnings from the strengthening of the Canadian dollar in the first half of 2008. nominal changes in average foreign exchange rates in  
the third quarter of 2008 had a minimal impact on third quarter financial results. Foreign exchange had a positive impact on net income in the 
fourth quarter due to the weaker Canadian dollar relative to the u.S. dollar, compared to the prior year’s fourth quarter. For the year ended 
December 31, 2008, net income was negatively impacted by approximately $0.10 per share compared to last year. The impact of foreign exchange 
due to the movement of the Canadian dollar relative to the u.S. dollar and the u.K. pound sterling is expected to continue to affect Finning’s 
results in 2009.

February 18, 2009

2008 finning international inc. 55
55
2008 finning international inc.

management’s discussion & analysis

selecteD annual inForMation

($ mIllIonS, ExCEPT FoR SHARE DATA) 

Total revenue(1) 
net income (loss)(1)(2) 
  before goodwill impairment 
  goodwill impairment 
  from continuing operations 
  from discontinued operations 
Total net income 
Basic earnings (loss) per share(1)(2)(3) 
  before goodwill impairment 
  goodwill impairment 
  from continuing operations 
  from discontinued operations 
Total basic EPS 
Diluted earnings (loss) per share(1)(2)(3) 
  before goodwill impairment 
  goodwill impairment 
  from continuing operations 
  from discontinued operations 
Total diluted EPS 
Total assets(1)(2)  
long-term debt(4)
  Current  
  non-current  

Cash dividends declared per common share(3) 

2008 

5,991.4 

247.4 
(151.4) 
96.0 
– 
96.0 

1.44 
(0.88) 
0.56 
– 
0.56 

1.43 
(0.88) 
0.55 
– 
0.55 
4,720.4 

2.6 
1,410.7 
1,413.3 
0.43 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

2007 

2006

5,662.2 

$ 

4,853.2

280.1 
– 
280.1 
(2.0) 
278.1 

1.57 
– 
1.57 
(0.01) 
1.56 

1.55 
– 
1.55 
(0.01) 
1.54 
4,134.2 

215.7 
590.4 
806.1 
0.36 

236.2
–
236.2
(32.1)
204.1

1.32
–
1.32
(0.18)
1.14

1.31
–
1.31
(0.18)
1.13
4,200.8

2.2
735.9
738.1
0.275

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

(1)  on July 31, 2007, the Company’s u.K. subsidiary, Hewden Stuart Plc, sold its Tool Hire Division. on September 29, 2006, the Company’s u.K. subsidiary,  

Finning (uK), sold its materials Handling Division. 

 Results from the Tool Hire and materials Handling divisions qualify as discontinued operations and have been reclassified to that category for all periods 
presented. Included in the loss from discontinued operations in 2007 is the after-tax gain on the sale of the Tool Hire Division of $0.1 million. Included in the 
loss from discontinued operations in 2006 is the after-tax loss on the sale of the materials Handling Division of $32.7 million or $0.18 per share. Revenues 
from the uK Tool Hire and materials Handling divisions have been excluded from the revenue figures above. Assets from the Tool Hire and materials Handling 
divisions have been included in the total assets figures for periods prior to their sale. 

 on January 15, 2008 the Company’s Canadian operations purchased Collicutt Energy Services ltd. The results of operations and financial position of Collicutt 
are included in the 2008 figures above.

(2)  The Company performed its annual goodwill impairment review in the fourth quarter of 2008 and determined that the fair value of Hewden was less than its 
book value, which included goodwill on acquisition. As a result, the Company recorded a full goodwill impairment charge of $151.4 million for Hewden in the 
fourth quarter of 2008. The goodwill impairment charge is non-cash in nature and does not affect the Company’s liquidity, cash flows from operating activities, 
or debt covenants, and is not expected to have any adverse impact on future operations. The Company expects no income tax deduction from this charge. 

(3)  on may 9, 2007, the Company’s shareholders approved a split of the Company’s outstanding common shares on a two-for-one basis. Each shareholder of record 
at the close of business on may 30, 2007, received one additional share for every outstanding share held on the record date. All share and per-share data have 
been adjusted to reflect the stock split. During 2008, the Company repurchased 5,901,842 common shares at an average price of $24.99 as part of a normal 
course issuer bid. During 2007, 3,691,400 common shares were repurchased at an average price of $27.82.

 Earnings per share (EPS) for each quarter has been computed based on the weighted average number of shares issued and outstanding during the respective 
quarter; therefore, quarterly amounts may not add to the annual or year-to-date total.

(4)  In 2008, the Company issued two unsecured medium Term notes (mTn); a five year $250 million mTn and a 10 year $350 million mTn. Proceeds from  

these issuances were used for debt repayment, including the repayment of a $200 million mTn which expired in June 2008 as well as outstanding commercial 
paper borrowings. 

5656

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
management’s report to the shareholders

The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements and management’s Discussion and Analysis (mD&A) are the responsibility of Finning 
International Inc.’s management. The Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally 
accepted in Canada which recognize the necessity of relying on some of management’s best estimates and informed judgements.

The Company maintains an accounting system and related controls to provide management with reasonable assurance that transactions are 
executed and recorded in accordance with its authorizations, that assets are properly safeguarded and accounted for, and that financial records 
are reliable for preparation of financial statements.

The Company’s independent auditors, Deloitte & Touche llP, have audited the Consolidated Financial Statements, as reflected in their report  
for 2008.

The Board of Directors oversees management’s responsibilities for the Consolidated Financial Statements primarily through the activities of  
its Audit Committee. The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors is composed solely of directors who are neither officers nor employees  
of the Company. The Committee meets regularly during the year with management of the Company and the Company’s independent auditors  
to review the Company’s interim and annual financial statements and mD&A. The Audit Committee also reviews internal accounting controls, risk 
management, internal and external audit results, and accounting principles and practices. The Audit Committee is responsible for approving the 
remuneration and terms of engagement of the Company’s independent auditors. The Audit Committee also meets with the independent auditors, 
without management present, to discuss the results of their audit and the quality of financial reporting. on a quarterly basis, the Audit Committee 
reports its findings to the Board of Directors, and recommends approval of the interim and annual Consolidated Financial Statements. 

The Consolidated Financial Statements and mD&A have, in management’s opinion, been properly prepared within reasonable limits of materiality 
and within the framework of the accounting policies summarized in note 1 of the notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

m.T. waites 
President & Chief Executive officer 

February 18, 2009 
vancouver, BC, Canada

D.S. Smith
Executive vice President & Chief Financial officer

Auditors’ Report

to the shareholDers oF FinninG international inc.:
we have audited the consolidated balance sheets of Finning International Inc. as at December 31, 2008 and 2007 and the consolidated statements 
of income, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity and cash flow for each of the years in the two year period ended December 31, 2008. 
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial 
statements based on our audits.

we conducted our audits in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform 
an audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test 
basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used 
and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.

In our opinion, these consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as at 
December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the two year period ended  
December 31, 2008, in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles.

DEloITTE & TouCHE llP, Chartered Accountants
February 18, 2009
vancouver, BC, Canada

2008 finning international inc. 57
57
2008 finning international inc.

consolidated statements of income

For years ended December 31  
($ THouSAnDS, ExCEPT SHARE AnD PER SHARE AmounTS) 

Revenue
  new mobile equipment 
  new power and energy systems 
  used equipment 
  Equipment rental 
  Customer support services 
  other 
    Total revenue 

Cost of sales 
Gross profit 

2008 

2007

$  2,376,933 
551,710 
431,804 
712,791 
1,899,483 
18,704 
5,991,425 

4,276,749 
1,714,676 

$ 

2,233,512
503,012
417,613
781,194
1,701,253
25,660
5,662,244

4,063,079
1,599,165

Selling, general, and administrative expenses 

1,309,756 

1,144,753

other expenses (income) (note 2) 
Goodwill impairment (note 17) 
Earnings from continuing operations before interest and income taxes  

Finance costs (notes 3 and 4) 
Income from continuing operations before provision for income taxes  

Provision for income taxes (note 6) 

net income from continuing operations 
loss from discontinued operations, net of tax (note 16) 
net income 

Earnings (loss) per share – basic 
  From continuing operations (note 9) 
  From discontinued operations 

Earnings (loss) per share – diluted
  From continuing operations (note 9) 
  From discontinued operations 

weighted average number of shares outstanding
  Basic 
  Diluted 

16,801 
151,373 
236,746 

83,636 
153,110 

57,114 

95,996 
– 
95,996 

0.56 
– 
0.56 

0.55 
– 
0.55 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

(1,435)
–
455,847

72,842
383,005

102,898

280,107
(2,050)
278,057

1.57
(0.01)
1.56

1.55
(0.01)
1.54

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

  172,361,881 
  173,318,957 

  178,844,411
  180,459,955

The accompanying notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

5858

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
     
December 31  
($ THouSAnDS) 

assets
Current assets
  Cash and cash equivalents (note 20) 
  Accounts receivable 
  Service work in progress 
  Inventories (note 10) 
  other assets (note 11) 
    Total current assets 

Finance assets (note 12) 
Rental equipment (note 13) 
land, buildings, and equipment (note 14) 
Intangible assets (note 14) 
Goodwill (note 17) 
other assets (note 11) 

liaBilities
Current liabilities
  Short-term debt (note 3) 
  Accounts payable and accruals 
  Income tax payable 
  Current portion of long-term debt (note 3) 
    Total current liabilities 

long-term debt (note 3) 
long-term obligations (note 18) 
Future income taxes (note 6) 
    Total liabilities 

Commitments and Contingencies (notes 24 and 25)

shareholDers’ eQuity
Share capital (note 7) 
Contributed surplus  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss  
Retained earnings 
    Total shareholders’ equity  

Approved by the Directors:

consolidated balance sheets

2008 

2007

$ 

109,772 
840,810 
102,607 
1,473,504 
288,102 
2,814,795 

11,671 
987,835 
470,859 
38,344 
99,278 
297,593 
$  4,720,375 

$ 

193,635 
1,316,818 
3,187 
2,643 
1,516,283 

1,410,727 
96,296 
129,965 
3,153,271 

$ 

$ 

$ 

61,860
728,696
83,742
1,207,802
166,842
2,248,942

26,714
1,028,301
348,923
24,548
251,099
205,636
4,134,163

370,942
1,106,392
32,440
215,663
1,725,437

590,382
101,699
98,848
2,516,366

554,966 
25,441 
(176,444) 
1,163,141 
1,567,104 
$  4,720,375 

571,402
15,356
(232,223)
1,263,262
1,617,797
4,134,163

$ 

m.T. waites, Director 

D.w.G. whitehead, Director

The accompanying notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

2008 finning international inc. 59
59
2008 finning international inc.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
consolidated statements of comprehensive income

For years ended December 31  
($ THouSAnDS) 

net income 

other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax
  Currency translation adjustments 
  unrealized gains on net investment hedges, net of tax of $1.7 million  
    (2007: net of tax of $20.6 million) 
  Realized translation adjustment, net of investment hedges, reclassified to  
    earnings on disposition of investment, net of tax of $0.2 million 
  unrealized losses on cash flow hedges, net of tax of $3.6 million  
    (2007: net of tax of $1.5 million) 
  Realized losses (gains) on cash flow hedges, reclassified to earnings, net of tax of $0.3 million  
    (2007: net of tax of $0.8 million) 
Comprehensive income  

2008 

2007

$ 

95,996 

$ 

278,057

60,536 

2,154 

– 

(8,276) 

(194,452)

47,394

443

(3,512)

1,365 
151,775 

$ 

(747)
127,183

$ 

consolidated statements of shareholders’ equity

Accumulated other  
Comprehensive Income (loss)

($ THouSAnDS, ExCEPT SHARE AmounTS) 

Shares 

Amount 

Share Capital 

  Contributed 
Surplus 

Foreign 
Currency 
 Translation and 
  Gains/(losses) 
on net 
Investment 
Hedges 

Gains/ 
(losses) on
Cash Flow 
Hedges 

Retained
Earnings 

Total

Balance, January 1, 2007 
Comprehensive income (loss) 
Issued on exercise of stock options 
Repurchase of common shares 
Stock option expense  
Dividends on common shares 
Balance, December 31, 2007 

179,090,738 
– 
732,541 
(3,691,400) 
– 
– 
176,131,879 

$  573,482 
– 
9,848 
(11,928) 
– 
– 
$  571,402 

$ 

$ 

7,791 
– 
(1,695) 
– 
9,260 
– 
15,356 

$ 

(77,046)  $ 

(146,615) 
– 
– 
– 
– 

$  (223,661)  $ 

(4,303)  $  1,140,415  $  1,640,339
127,183
278,057 
(4,259) 
8,153
– 
– 
(102,692)
(90,764) 
– 
9,260
– 
– 
(64,446)
(64,446) 
– 
(8,562)  $  1,263,262  $  1,617,797

Transition adjustment (note 1) 
Balance, January 1, 2008 
Comprehensive income (loss) 
Issued on exercise of stock options 
Issued for acquisition (note 15) 
Repurchase of common shares  
  (note 7) 
Stock option expense 
Dividends on common shares 
Balance, December 31, 2008 

– 
176,131,879 
– 
199,627 
15,403 

– 
$  571,402 
– 
2,260 
398 

– 
$  15,356 
– 
(341) 
65 

– 

$ (223,661)  $ 
62,690 
– 
– 

– 

6,282
6,282 
(8,562)  $ 1,269,544  $ 1,624,079
151,775
95,996 
(6,911) 
1,919
– 
– 
463
– 
– 

(5,901,842) 
– 
– 
170,445,067 

(19,094) 
– 
– 
$  554,966 

– 
10,361 
– 
$  25,441 

  (147,496)
10,361
(73,997)
$ (160,971)  $  (15,473)  $ 1,163,141  $ 1,567,104

  (128,402) 
– 
(73,997) 

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 

The accompanying notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

6060

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For years ended December 31  
($ THouSAnDS) 

operatinG activities
  net income 
  Add items not affecting cash
    Depreciation and amortization 
    Future income taxes 
    Stock-based compensation 
    Gain on disposal of capital assets (note 2)  
    Goodwill impairment 
    Gain on disposal of discontinued operations (note 16) 
    other  

  Changes in working capital items (note 20) 
  Cash provided after changes in working capital items 
    Rental equipment, net of disposals 
    Equipment leased to customers, net of disposals 
Cash flow provided by (used in) operating activities 

investinG activities
  Additions to capital assets 
  Proceeds on disposal of capital assets 
  Proceeds from sale of discontinued operations (note 16) 
  Acquisition of businesses (notes 11, 15 and 17) 
  Payment of contingent consideration 
  Payments on settlement of foreign currency forwards  
Cash provided by (used in) investing activities 

FinancinG activities
  Decrease in short-term debt 
  Increase of long-term debt 
  Payment on settlement of derivative 
  Repurchase of securitized accounts receivable (note 27) 
  Defined benefit pension plan special funding (note 21) 
  Issue of common shares on exercise of stock options  
  Repurchase of common shares (note 7) 
  Dividends paid 
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities 
Effect of currency translation on cash balances 
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents  
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year 

See supplemental cash flow information, note 20

consolidated statements of cash flow

2008 

2007

$ 

95,996 

$ 

278,057

326,095 
9,822 
14,144 
(19,892) 
151,373 
– 
(816) 
576,722 

(298,589) 
278,133 
(204,800) 
(652) 
72,681 

(100,417) 
50,954 
– 
(148,639) 
– 
– 
(198,102) 

(198,147) 
589,861 
(8,914) 
– 
– 
1,919 
(147,496) 
(73,997) 
163,226 
10,107 
47,912 
61,860 
109,772 

$ 

351,289
18,393
25,540
(6,552)
–
(38,590)
(5,122)
623,015

(218,588)
404,427
(474,566)
13,449
(56,690)

(74,226)
20,212
242,851
(2,670)
(767)
(4,065)
181,335

(43,608)
135,642
–
(45,000)
(17,066)
8,153
(102,692)
(64,446)
(129,017)
(12,253)
(16,625)
78,485
61,860

$ 

The accompanying notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

2008 finning international inc. 61
61
2008 finning international inc.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
notes to the consolidated financial statements

December 31, 2008 and 2007

1. signifiCant aCCOunting pOliCies
These Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and 
are presented in Canadian dollars, unless otherwise stated. 

The significant accounting policies used in these Consolidated Financial Statements are as follows:

(A) PRINCIPleS OF CONSOlIDATION
The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Finning International Inc. (“Finning” or “Company”), which includes the Finning 
(Canada) division, Finning’s wholly owned subsidiaries, and its proportionate share of joint venture investments. Principal operating subsidiaries 
include Finning (uK) ltd., Finning Chile S.A., Hewden Stuart plc (“Hewden”), Finning Argentina S.A. and Finning Soluciones mineras S.A. (in 
Argentina), Finning uruguay S.A., and Finning Bolivia S.A. The Company’s principal joint venture is Pipeline machinery International (Plm), in 
which Finning has a 25% interest. 

For interests acquired or disposed of during the year, the results of operations are included in the consolidated statements of income from, or up 
to, the date of the transaction, respectively. 

(B) USe OF eSTImATeS
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with Canadian GAAP requires the Company’s management to make estimates 
and assumptions about future events that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses, and disclosure of contingent assets 
and liabilities. Actual amounts may differ from those estimates. 

Significant estimates used in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements include, but are not limited to, fair values for goodwill 
impairment tests, allowance for doubtful accounts, provisions for inventory obsolescence, reserves for warranty, provisions for income tax, the 
determination of employee future benefits, the useful lives of the rental fleet and related residual values, costs associated with maintenance and 
repair contracts, and provisions for restructuring costs. 

(C) FOReIGN CURReNCy TRANSlATION
Transactions undertaken in foreign currencies are translated into Canadian dollars at exchange rates prevailing at the time the transactions 
occurred. Account balances denominated in foreign currencies are translated into Canadian dollars as follows:

•	

•	

	Monetary	assets	and	liabilities	are	translated	at	exchange	rates	in	effect	at	the	balance	sheet	dates	and	non-monetary	items	are	translated	 
at historical exchange rates. 
	Exchange	gains	and	losses	are	included	in	income	except	where	the	exchange	gain	or	loss	arises	from	the	translation	of	monetary	items	
designated as hedges, in which case the gain or loss is deferred and accounted for in conjunction with the hedged asset.

Financial statements of foreign operations, all considered self-sustaining, are translated from the functional currency into Canadian dollars as follows:

•	
•	
•	

	Assets	and	liabilities	are	translated	using	the	exchange	rates	in	effect	at	the	balance	sheet	dates.
	Revenue	and	expense	items	are	translated	at	average	exchange	rates	prevailing	during	the	period	that	the	transactions	occurred.
	Unrealized	translation	gains	and	losses	are	recorded	as	an	item	of	other	comprehensive	income	and	accumulated	other	comprehensive	
income. Cumulative currency translation adjustments are recognized in net income when there is a reduction in the net investment in the  
self-sustaining foreign operation.

The Company has hedged some of its investments in foreign subsidiaries using derivatives and foreign currency denominated borrowings. 
Exchange gains or losses arising from the translation of the hedge instruments are accounted for as items of other comprehensive income  
and presented in the accumulated other comprehensive loss account on the consolidated balance sheet.

(D) CASh AND CASh eqUIvAleNTS 
Short-term investments, consisting of highly rated and liquid money market instruments with original maturities of three months or less, are 
considered to be cash equivalents and are recorded at fair value, which approximates cost. 

(e) SeCURITIzATION OF TRADe ReCeIvABleS
In 2002 and 2004, the Company sold a co-ownership interest in certain accounts receivable in Canada to a securitization trust (the “Trust”). These 
transactions were accounted for as sales to the extent that the Company was considered to have surrendered control over the interest in the 
accounts receivable and received proceeds from the Trust, other than a beneficial interest in the assets sold. The Company serviced the receivables 
and recognized a servicing liability on the date of the transfer, which was amortized to income over the expected life of the transferred receivable 
interest. In november 2007, the co-ownership interest was repurchased from the Trust and the securitization program was terminated. 

6262

notes to the consolidated financial statements

(F) INveNTORIeS
Inventories are assets held for sale in the ordinary course of business, in the process of production for sale, or in the form of materials or 
supplies to be consumed in the production process or in the rendering of services. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realizable 
value. Cost is determined on a specific item basis for on-hand equipment, and on a weighted average cost basis for parts and supplies. The cost 
of inventories includes all costs of purchase, conversion costs, and other costs incurred in bringing inventories to their existing location and 
condition. In the case of internal service work in progress on equipment, cost includes an appropriate share of overhead costs based on normal 
operating capacity.

(G) OTheR ASSeTS
Investments in which the Company exercises significant influence, but not control, are accounted for using the equity method. A long-term 
investment is considered impaired if its fair value falls below its cost, and the decline is considered other than temporary.

(h) INCOme TAxeS
The asset and liability method of tax allocation is used in accounting for income taxes. under this method, temporary differences arising from 
the difference between the tax basis of an asset and a liability and its carrying amount on the balance sheet are used to calculate future income 
tax assets or liabilities. Future income tax assets or liabilities are calculated using tax rates anticipated to be in effect in the periods that the 
temporary differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in income tax rates on future income tax assets and liabilities is recognized 
in income in the period that the change becomes substantively enacted.

(I) FINANCe ASSeTS 
Finance assets comprise instalment notes receivable and equipment leased to customers on long-term financing leases. 

Instalment notes receivable represents amounts due from customers relating to financing of equipment sold and parts and service sales. These 
receivables are recorded net of unearned finance charges.

Depreciation of equipment leased to customers is provided in equal monthly amounts over the terms of the individual leases after recognizing 
the estimated residual value of each unit at the end of each lease.

(j) ReNTAl eqUIPmeNT
Rental equipment is available for short and medium term rentals and is recorded at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Cost is determined  
on a specific item basis. Rental equipment is depreciated to its estimated residual value over its estimated useful life on a straight-line or on  
an actual usage basis. 

(K) CAPITAl ASSeTS 
land, buildings, and equipment are recorded at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Depreciation of these capital assets is recorded in selling, 
general, and administrative expenses in the consolidated statement of income. 

Buildings and equipment are depreciated over their estimated useful lives on either a declining balance or straight-line basis using the following 
annual rates:

Buildings 
General equipment 
Automotive equipment 

2% - 5%
10% - 33%
20% - 33%

Intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized. Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized on a straight-line basis over their 
estimated useful lives, which range to a maximum period of ten years. Amortization is recorded in selling, general, and administrative expenses  
in the consolidated statement of income. 

(l) GOODwIll 
Goodwill represents the excess cost of an investment over the fair value of the net assets acquired and is not amortized. 

(m) ASSeT ImPAIRmeNT
The Company reviews both long-lived assets to be held and used and identifiable intangible assets with finite lives for impairment whenever 
events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be fully recoverable. Determination of recoverability 
is based on an estimate of undiscounted future cash flows resulting from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. measurement of an 
impairment loss for long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangible assets that management expects to hold and use is based on the fair 
value of the assets, whereas assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less estimated selling costs. 
The deterioration in the global economic environment in the last quarter of 2008 triggered the requirement for an impairment analysis on the 
Company’s long-lived assets and identifiable intangible assets with finite lives as at December 31, 2008. Based on management’s analysis, it was 
determined there was no impairment of these assets at that time. As at December 31, 2007, the Company determined there were no triggering 
events requiring an impairment analysis. 

2008 finning international inc. 63
63
2008 finning international inc.

notes to the consolidated financial statements

1.  signifiCant aCCOunting pOliCies (continued)
(m) ASSeT ImPAIRmeNT (CONTINUeD)
Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are subject to an annual assessment for impairment unless events or changes in circumstances 
indicate that the value may not be fully recoverable, in which case the assessment is done at that time. Goodwill and intangible assets with 
indefinite lives are assessed primarily by applying a fair value-based test at the reporting unit level. The fair value is estimated using the present 
value of expected future cash flows. The Company also considers projected future operating results, trends, and other circumstances in making 
such evaluations. An impairment loss would be recognized to the extent the carrying amount of goodwill or intangible assets exceeds their fair 
value – see note 17. 

(N) leASeS
leases entered into by the Company as lessee are classified as either capital or operating leases. leases where all of the benefits and risks of 
ownership of property rest with the Company are accounted for as capital leases. Equipment under capital lease is depreciated on the same basis 
as capital assets. Gains or losses resulting from sale/leaseback transactions are deferred and amortized in proportion to the amortization of the 
leased asset. Rental payments under operating leases are expensed as incurred. 

(O) ASSeT ReTIRemeNT OBlIGATIONS
The Company recognizes its legal obligations for the retirement of certain tangible long-lived assets. The fair value of a liability for an asset 
retirement obligation is recognized in the period in which it is incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. The associated asset 
retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset and then amortized over the estimated useful life. In 
subsequent periods, the asset retirement obligation is adjusted for the passage of time and any changes in the amount or timing of the underlying 
future cash flows through charges to earnings. A gain or loss may be incurred upon settlement of the liability. 

(P) ReveNUe ReCOGNITION
Revenue recognition, with the exception of cash sales, occurs when there is a written arrangement in the form of a contract or purchase order 
with the customer, a fixed or determinable sales price is established with the customer, performance requirements are achieved, and ultimate 
collection of the revenue is reasonably assured. Revenue is recognized as performance requirements are achieved in accordance with the following:

•	

•	

•	

•	

	Revenue	from	sales	of	equipment	is	recognized	at	the	time	title	to	the	equipment	and	significant	risks	of	ownership	passes	to	the	customer,	
which is generally at the time of shipment of the product to the customer;
	Revenue	from	sales	of	power	and	energy	systems	includes	construction	contracts	with	customers	that	involve	the	design,	installation,	and	
assembly of power and energy equipment systems. Revenue is recognized on a percentage of completion basis proportionate to the work that 
has been completed which is based on associated costs incurred;
	Revenue	from	equipment	rentals	and	operating	leases	is	recognized	in	accordance	with	the	terms	of	the	relevant	agreement	with	the	
customer, either evenly over the term of that agreement or on a usage basis such as the number of hours that the equipment is used; and
	Revenue	from	customer	support	services	includes	sales	of	parts	and	servicing	of	equipment.	For	sales	of	parts,	revenue	is	recognized	when	the	
part is shipped to the customer or when the part is installed in the customer’s equipment. For servicing of equipment, revenue is recognized 
as the service work is performed. Customer support services are also offered to customers in the form of long-term maintenance and repair 
contracts. For these contracts, revenue is recognized on a basis proportionate to the service work that has been performed based on the 
parts and labour service provided. Parts revenue is recognized based on parts list price and service revenue is recognized based on standard 
billing labour rates. At or near the completion of the contract, any remaining deferred revenue on the contract is recognized as revenue. Any 
losses estimated during the term of the contract are recognized when identified. 

(q) STOCK-BASeD COmPeNSATION
The Company has stock option plans and other stock-based compensation plans for directors and certain eligible employees which are described 
in note 8. Stock-based awards are measured and recognized using a fair value-based method of accounting. 

For stock options granted after January 1, 2003, fair value is determined on the grant date of the stock option and recorded as compensation 
expense over the vesting period, with a corresponding increase to contributed surplus. For stock options granted prior to January 1, 2003, the 
Company recorded no compensation expense and will continue to use the intrinsic value-based method of accounting for those stock options. 
when stock options are exercised, the proceeds received by the Company, together with any related amount recorded in contributed surplus, 
are credited to share capital.

Compensation expense which arises from fluctuations in the market price of the Company’s common shares underlying other stock-based 
compensation plans (net of hedging instruments) is recognized in selling, general, and administrative expense in the consolidated income 
statement with the corresponding liability recorded on the consolidated balance sheet in long-term obligations. 

6464

notes to the consolidated financial statements

(R) emPlOyee FUTURe BeNeFITS 
The Company and its subsidiaries offer a number of benefit plans that provide pension and other benefits to many of its employees in Canada  
and the u.K. These plans include defined benefit and defined contribution plans. 

The Company’s South American employees do not participate in employer pension plans but are covered by country specific legislation with 
respect to indemnity plans. The Company accrues its obligations to employees under these indemnity plans based on the actuarial valuation  
of anticipated payments to employees. 

Defined benefit plans: The cost of pensions and other retirement benefits is determined by independent actuaries using the projected benefit 
method prorated on service and management’s best estimates of assumptions including the expected return on plan assets and salary escalation 
rate, along with the use of a discount rate as prescribed under Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA) Section 3461, employee 
Future Benefits. For the purpose of calculating the expected return on plan assets, those assets are valued at market value.

Past service costs from plan amendments are amortized on a straight-line basis over the expected average remaining service life of employees 
active at the date of amendment. 

Actuarial gains and losses arise from differences between actual experience and that expected as a result of economic, demographic, and other 
assumptions made. These include the difference between the actual and expected rate of return on plan assets for a period, and differences from 
changes in actuarial assumptions used to determine the accrued benefit obligation. The excess of the net accumulated actuarial gains or losses 
over 10% of the greater of the accrued benefit obligation and the market value of the plan assets is amortized on a straight-line basis over the 
expected average remaining service life of the active employees covered by the plans. 

upon adoption of CICA 3461 on January 1, 2000, a transitional asset or obligation was determined for each plan as a result of the new standard. 
The Company is amortizing these transitional amounts on a straight-line basis over 13 years for the Finning (Canada) and Hewden plans and over  
14 years for the Finning (uK) plan, representing the average remaining service period of employees expected to receive benefits under the 
benefit plans as of January 1, 2000, the transition date.

Defined contribution plans: The cost of pension benefits includes the current service cost, which comprise the actual contributions made by the 
Company during the year. These contributions are based on a fixed percentage of member earnings for the year.

(S) COmPReheNSIve INCOme, FINANCIAl INSTRUmeNTS, AND heDGeS 
comprehensive income
Comprehensive income comprises the Company’s net income and other comprehensive income and represents changes in shareholders’ equity 
during a period arising from non-owner sources. other comprehensive income includes currency translation adjustments on the Company’s net 
investment in self-sustaining foreign operations and related hedging gains and losses, unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, 
and hedging gains and losses on cash flow hedges. The Company’s comprehensive income, components of other comprehensive income, and 
accumulated other comprehensive income are presented in the Statements of Comprehensive Income and the Statements of Shareholders’ Equity. 

financial assets anD financial liabilities
ClassifiCation
The Company has made the following classification of its financial assets and financial liabilities:

•	

•	

•	

	Cash	equivalents	are	classified	as	Held	for	Trading.	They	are	measured	at	fair	value	with	realized	and	unrealized	gains	and	losses	reported	 
in net income. 
	Accounts	receivable,	instalment	notes	receivable,	and	supplier	claims	receivable	are	classified	as	Loans	and	Receivables.	They	are	measured	 
at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method. At December 31, 2008 and 2007, the recorded amount approximates fair value. 
	Short-term	and	long-term	debt	and	accounts	payable	and	accruals	are	classified	as	“Other	Financial	Liabilities”.	They	are	measured	at	
amortized cost using the effective interest rate method. At December 31, 2008 and 2007, the measured amount approximates fair value,  
with the exception of long-term debt. The estimated fair value of the Company’s long-term debt as at December 31, 2008 and 2007 is 
disclosed in note 4. 

Transaction costs directly attributable to the acquisition or issue of a financial asset or financial liability are included in the carrying amount  
of the financial asset or financial liability, and are amortized to income using the effective interest rate method. 

Derivatives 
All derivative instruments are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. 

2008 finning international inc. 65
65
2008 finning international inc.

notes to the consolidated financial statements

1.  signifiCant aCCOunting pOliCies (continued)
(S) COmPReheNSIve INCOme, FINANCIAl INSTRUmeNTS, AND heDGeS (CONTINUeD)
embeDDeD Derivatives 
Derivatives may be embedded in other financial instruments (host instruments). Embedded derivatives are treated as separate derivatives  
when their economic characteristics and risks are not closely related to those of the host instrument, the terms of the embedded derivative are 
the same as those of a stand-alone derivative, and the combined contract is not classified as Held for Trading. These embedded derivatives are 
measured at fair value on the balance sheet with subsequent changes in fair value recognized in income. The Company selected January 1, 2003 
as its transition date for embedded derivatives. The Company has not identified any embedded derivatives that are required to be accounted for 
separately from the host contract.

heDges
The Company utilizes derivative financial instruments and foreign currency debt in order to manage its foreign currency and interest rate 
exposures, and stock-based compensation expenses which fluctuate with share price movements. The Company uses derivative financial 
instruments only in connection with managing related risk positions and does not use them for trading or speculative purposes. 

The Company determines whether or not to formally designate, for accounting purposes, eligible hedging relationships between hedging 
instruments and hedged items. This process includes linking derivatives to specific risks from assets or liabilities on the balance sheet or specific 
firm commitments or forecasted transactions. For hedges designated as such for accounting purposes, the Company formally assesses, both at 
inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the hedging item is highly effective in offsetting changes in fair value or cash flows associated with the 
identified hedged items. when derivative instruments have been designated as a hedge and are highly effective in offsetting the identified hedged 
risk, hedge accounting is applied to the derivative instruments. The ineffective portion of hedging gains and losses of highly effective hedges is 
reported in income. The accounting treatment for the types of hedges used by the Company is described below.

Cash flow heDges
The Company uses foreign exchange forward contracts and collars to hedge the currency risk associated with certain foreign currency purchase 
commitments, payroll, and associated accounts payable and accounts receivable. The effective portion of hedging gains and losses associated with 
these cash flow hedges is recorded, net of tax, in other comprehensive income and is released from accumulated other comprehensive income 
and recorded in income when the hedged item affects income.

when a hedging instrument expires or is sold, or when a hedge is discontinued or no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, any 
accumulated gain or loss recorded in other comprehensive income at that time remains in other comprehensive income until the originally 
hedged transaction affects income. when a forecasted transaction is no longer expected to occur, the accumulated gain or loss that was reported 
in other comprehensive income is immediately recorded in the income statement.

Gains and losses relating to forward foreign exchange contracts that are not designated as hedges for accounting purposes are recorded in selling, 
general, and administrative expenses.

From time to time, the Company uses derivative financial instruments to hedge interest rate risk associated with future proceeds of debt. 

As at December 31, 2008, approximately $8.8 million of net losses (net of tax) included in accumulated other comprehensive income are 
expected to be reclassified to current earnings over the next twelve months when earnings are affected by the hedged transactions. 

fair value heDges
Changes in the fair value of derivatives designated and qualifying as fair value hedging instruments are recorded in income along with changes in 
the fair value of the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk. 

Generally, if a hedging relationship no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, the cumulative adjustment to the carrying amount of the 
hedged item is amortized to income based on a recalculated effective interest rate over the remaining expected life of the hedged item, unless 
the hedged item has been derecognized in which case the cumulative adjustment is recorded immediately in the income statement.

net investment heDges
The Company typically uses forward contracts, cross-currency interest rate swaps, and foreign currency debt to hedge foreign currency gains 
and losses on its long-term net investments in self-sustaining foreign operations. The effective portion of the gain or loss of such instruments 
associated with the hedged risk is recorded in other comprehensive income each period. These gains or losses will be recorded in income when 
there is a reduction in the Company’s net investment in the self-sustaining foreign operation. 

The Company uses the forward rate method for net investment hedges where derivative financial instruments are used. The Company uses the 
spot method, as required, when the Company uses debt to hedge foreign currency net investments.

6666

notes to the consolidated financial statements

(T) ChANGe IN ACCOUNTING POlICIeS
Effective January 1, 2008, the Company adopted the following new accounting standards issued by the CICA: Section 3031, Inventories; Section 
3862, Financial Instruments – Disclosures; and Section 3863, Financial Instruments – Presentation. The principal changes related to these standards are 
described below.
(i)  Inventories

 The new standard provides more guidance on the measurement and disclosure requirements for inventories. Specifically the new 
pronouncement requires inventories to be measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value, and provides guidance on the 
determination of cost and its subsequent recognition as an expense, including any write-down to net realizable value. 
 The new standard has been applied retrospectively without restatement; accordingly comparative periods have not been restated. However, 
prior period financial statements retroactively reflect the separate presentation of external unbilled service work in progress, which was 
previously presented in inventory. Adjustments to the previous carrying amount of inventories have been recognized as an adjustment of the 
balance of retained earnings as at January 1, 2008. 
 The adoption of the new standard resulted in the following adjustments as of January 1, 2008 in accordance with the transition provisions:
1.  Allocation of Fixed and variable overhead

 In accordance with the new standard, fixed and variable overheads have been applied to internal service work in progress. upon adoption, 
the carrying value of internal service work in progress has been increased by $8.7 million, with an increase in future income tax liability of 
$2.4 million and an increase in retained earnings of $6.3 million. 

2.  Presentation of Service work in Progress

 Service work in progress relates to unbilled work in progress for external customers and represents the costs incurred plus recognized 
profits, net of any recognized losses and progress billings. Revenue is recognized on service work in progress on a basis proportionate 
to the service work that has been performed based on the parts and labour service provided. Service work in progress was previously 
included in inventory. It is presented as a current asset and the 2007 figure has been reclassified for comparative purposes. 
The effect on net income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2008 as a result of adopting the new standard is not material. 

(ii)   Financial Instrument Disclosures 

 Section 3862 Financial Instruments – Disclosures and Section 3863 Financial Instruments – Presentation, together comprise a complete set of 
disclosure and presentation requirements that revise and enhance current disclosure requirements for financial instruments, as discussed 
further in note 4 to the consolidated financial statements. Section 3862 requires disclosure of additional detail by financial asset and liability 
categories. Section 3863 establishes standards for presentation of financial instruments and non-financial derivatives. It deals with the 
classification of financial instruments, from the perspective of the issuer, between liabilities and equity, the classification of related interest, 
dividends, losses and gains, and the circumstances in which financial assets and financial liabilities are offset. 

(U) COmPARATIve FIGUReS
Certain comparative figures have been reclassified to conform to the 2008 presentation. 

(v) FUTURe ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCemeNTS
(i)  Goodwill and Intangible Assets

 In February 2008, the CICA issued Section 3064, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, replacing Section 3062, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets and 
Section 3450, Research and Development Costs. The new pronouncement establishes standards for the recognition, measurement, presentation, 
and disclosure of goodwill subsequent to its initial recognition and of intangible assets by profit-oriented enterprises. Standards concerning 
goodwill are unchanged from the standards included in the previous Section 3062. This Section is effective in the first quarter of 2009, and the 
new standard does not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. 

(ii)  Business Combinations

 In January 2009, the CICA issued Section 1582, Business Combinations, Section 1601, Consolidations, and Section 1602, Non-controlling Interests. 
These new standards are harmonized with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Section 1582 specifies a number of changes, 
including: an expanded definition of a business, a requirement to measure all business acquisitions at fair value, a requirement to measure non-
controlling interests at fair value, and a requirement to recognize acquisition-related costs as expenses. Section 1601 establishes the standards 
for preparing consolidated financial statements. Section 1602 specifies that non-controlling interests be treated as a separate component of 
equity, not as a liability or other item outside of equity. The new standards will become effective in 2011. Early adoption is permitted. 

(iii) Convergence with International Financial Reporting Standards 

 In February 2008, Canada’s Accounting Standards Board confirmed that Canadian GAAP, as used by public companies, will be converged with 
IFRS effective January 1, 2011. The transition from Canadian GAAP to IFRS will be applicable for the Company for the first quarter of 2011 
when the Company will prepare both the current and comparative financial information using IFRS. 

2008 finning international inc. 67
67
2008 finning international inc.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
notes to the consolidated financial statements

2. Other expenses (inCOme)
other expenses (income) include the following items:

For years ended December 31  
($ THouSAnDS) 

Gain on sale of properties in Hewden (a) 
Restructuring (b) 
Project costs (c) 
Gain on sale of other surplus properties 
Gain on disposition of distribution arrangement in Canada (d) 

2008 

(19,210) 
20,496 
16,197 
(682) 
– 
16,801 

$ 

$ 

2007

–
1,607
3,510
(4,144)
(2,408)
(1,435)

$ 

$ 

The tax recovery on other expenses for the year ended December 31, 2008 was $7.3 million (2007: tax expense of $0.1 million on other income).

(a)  In 2008, the Company’s uK subsidiary, Hewden, sold certain properties for cash proceeds of approximately $37.8 million, resulting in a pre-tax 

gain of $19.2 million. 

(b)  In 2008, the Company’s uK operations incurred restructuring costs of approximately $8 million in connection with the integration of business 

support services. The uK operations also incurred costs of approximately $3 million in 2008 related to the restructuring of Hewden’s 
nationwide depot network. In addition, Finning incurred restructuring costs globally in 2008 in response to the current market conditions. 

(c)  Project costs in 2008 relate to the implementation of a new information technology system for the Company’s global operations. 
(d)  In 2007, Finning (Canada) terminated its distribution arrangement with Shell Canada Products for net cash proceeds of approximately 

$7 million, resulting in a pre-tax gain of $2.4 million. 

3. shOrt-term and lOng-term deBt 

December 31  
($ THouSAnDS) 

Short-term debt 
long-term debt:
  medium Term notes 
    7.40%, $200 million, due June 19, 2008 
    4.64%, $150 million, due December 14, 2011 
    5.16%, $250 million, due September 3, 2013 
    6.02%, $350 million, due June 1, 2018 
  5.625%, £125 million Eurobond, due may 30, 2013  
  other term loans (a)  

less current portion of long-term debt 
Total long-term debt 

2008 

2007

$ 

193,635 

$ 

370,942

– 
149,718 
249,057 
348,241 
222,122 
444,232 
1,413,370 
(2,643) 
$  1,410,727 

200,812
149,622
–
–
242,881
212,730
806,045
(215,663)
590,382

$ 

(a)  other term loans include u.S. $291.0 million and £10.0 million (2007: u.S. $130.6 million and £30 million) of unsecured borrowings under 
committed bank facilities that are classified as long-term debt, and other unsecured term loans primarily from supplier merchandising 
programs. other loans also include £2.4 million of rental equipment financing secured by the related equipment, with varying rates of interest 
from 5.5% – 10.3% and maturing on various dates up to 2011. 

SHoRT-TERm DEBT
Short-term debt primarily consists of commercial paper borrowings and other short-term bank indebtedness. 

The Company maintains a maximum authorized commercial paper program of $600 million which is utilized as its principal source of short-term 
funding. This commercial paper program is backstopped by credit available under an $800 million long-term committed credit facility. In addition, 
the Company also maintains, as required, certain other secured and unsecured bank credit facilities to support its subsidiary operations. As at 
December 31, 2008, the Company had approximately $1,300 million (2007: $1,380 million) of unsecured credit facilities, and including all bank and 
commercial paper borrowings drawn against these facilities, approximately $660 million (2007: $800 million) of capacity remained available. 

Included in short-term debt is foreign currency denominated debt of u.S. $29.0 million (2007: u.S. $14.3 million) and £32.7 million (2007: £27.2 million). 

The average interest rate applicable to the consolidated short-term debt for 2008 was 4.5% (2007: 5.3%).

6868

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
notes to the consolidated financial statements

lonG-TERm DEBT
The Company’s Canadian dollar denominated medium Term notes (mTns) are unsecured, and interest is payable semi-annually with principal  
due on maturity. The Company’s £125.0 million 5.625% Eurobond is unsecured, and interest is payable annually with principal due on maturity.

In may 2008, the Company issued two unsecured mTns. The 5-year, $250 million mTn has a coupon interest rate of 5.16% per annum, payable 
semi-annually commencing September 3, 2008. The mTn was priced at $99.994 of its principal amount to yield 5.163% per annum. The 10-year, 
$350 million mTn has a coupon interest rate of 6.02% per annum, payable semi-annually commencing December 1, 2008. The mTn was priced 
at $99.936 of its principal amount to yield 6.028% per annum. 

Proceeds from these issuances were used for debt repayment, including the repayment of the Company’s $200 million 7.40% mTn which 
matured in June 2008 as well as outstanding commercial paper borrowings.

The Company has an $800 million unsecured syndicated revolving credit facility, maturing in December 2011. The facility is available in multiple 
borrowing jurisdictions and may be drawn by a number of the Company’s principal operating subsidiaries. Borrowings under this facility are 
available in multiple currencies and at various floating rates of interest. At December 31, 2008, $538.4 million (2007: $438.2 million) was drawn  
on this facility, including commercial paper issuances. 

lonG-TERm DEBT REPAymEnTS
Principal repayments on long-term debt in each of the next five years and thereafter are as follows:

($ THouSAnDS)

2009 
2010 
2011 
2012 
2013 
Thereafter 

FInAnCE CoSTS
Finance costs as shown on the consolidated statement of income comprise the following elements:

For years ended December 31  
($ THouSAnDS) 

Interest on debt securities:
  Short-term debt 
  long-term debt 

loss (gain) on interest rate derivatives 
other finance related expenses, net of sundry interest earned  

less: interest expense related to discontinued operations 
Finance costs from continuing operations  

$ 

$ 

2,643
3,367
556,995
–
504,927
350,000
1,417,932

2008 

2007

$ 

$ 

15,866 
61,495 
77,361 
1,578 
4,697 
83,636 
– 
83,636 

$ 

$ 

25,600
46,444
72,044
(823)
5,381
76,602
(3,760)
72,842

4. finanCial instruments
ovERvIEw
Finning and its subsidiaries are exposed to market, credit, liquidity, and other risks from its use of financial instruments. The Enterprise Risk 
management process within the Company’s risk management function is designed to ensure that such risks are identified, managed, and reported. 
on a quarterly basis, the Audit Committee reviews the Company’s process with respect to risk assessment and management of key risks, 
including the Company’s major financial risks and exposures and the steps taken to monitor and control such exposures. Changes to the key risks 
are reviewed by the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee also reviews the adequacy of disclosures in the Company’s Annual Information Form, 
management’s Discussion and Analysis, and Consolidated Financial Statements. 

This note presents information about the Company’s exposure to credit, liquidity, and market risks and the Company’s objectives, policies, and 
processes for managing these risks. 

2008 finning international inc. 69
69
2008 finning international inc.

 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
notes to the consolidated financial statements

4. finanCial instruments (continued)
CREDIT RISK
Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the Company if a customer or counterparty to a financial instrument fails to meet its contractual 
obligations, and arises principally from the Company’s receivables from customers, instalment notes receivables, and derivative counterparties.

traDe anD other reCeivables
The Company has a large diversified customer base, and is not dependent on any single customer or group of customers. Credit risk is minimized 
because of the diversification of the Company’s operations as well as its large customer base and its geographical dispersion. 

The Company establishes an allowance for impairment that represents its estimate of potential losses in respect of trade and other receivables. The 
main components of this allowance are a specific loss component that relates to individually significant exposures, and a collective loss component 
established for groups of similar assets in respect of losses that may have been incurred but not yet specifically identified. The collective loss 
allowance is determined based on historical data of payment statistics for similar financial assets, adjusted for current economic conditions.

Counterparty CreDit risk 
The Company does have a certain degree of credit exposure arising from its derivative contracts and investments. There is a risk that counterparties  
to these derivative contracts and investments may default on their obligations. However, the Company minimizes this risk by ensuring there is no 
excessive concentration of credit risk with any single counterparty, by active credit management and monitoring, and by dealing only with financial 
institutions that have a credit rating of at least A- from Standard & Poor’s and A (low) from DBRS. 

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

December 31 
($ THouSAnDS) 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Accounts receivable 
Service work in progress 
Supplier claims receivable 
Instalment notes receivable 
Cross currency interest rate swaps used as a hedge of net investment 
Forward foreign currency contracts 

The maximum exposure to credit risk for trade receivables at the reporting date by geographic location of customer was:

2008

$ 

109,772
840,810
102,607
62,912
38,852
66,417
18,182
$  1,239,552

2008

397,738
176,062
212,495
3,751
4,462
794,508

$ 

$ 

2008

Gross 

allowance

$ 

$ 

527,331 
172,473 
65,498 
12,323 
44,037 
821,662 

$ 

$ 

176
284
1,618
2,127
22,949
27,154

December 31 
($ THouSAnDS) 

Canada 
u.K. 
South America 
Europe 
other 

impairment losses
The aging of trade receivables at the reporting date was:

December 31 
($ THouSAnDS) 

not past due 
Past due 1 – 30 days 
Past due 31 – 90 days 
Past due 91 – 120 days 
Past due greater than 120 days  
Total 

7070

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The movement in the allowance for doubtful accounts in respect of trade receivables during the period was as follows:

notes to the consolidated financial statements

For years ended December 31  
($ THouSAnDS) 

Balance, beginning of year 
Additional allowance 
Receivables written off 
Foreign exchange translation adjustment 
Balance, end of year 

2008 

28,229 
12,331 
(13,408) 
2 
27,154 

$ 

$ 

2007

28,248
13,682
(10,489)
(3,212)
28,229

$ 

$ 

The allowance amounts in respect of trade receivables are used to record impairment losses unless the Company is satisfied that no recovery  
of the amount owing is possible; at that point the amount is considered not recoverable and is written off against the financial asset directly.

lIQuIDITy RISK 
liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they fall due. The Company’s approach to managing 
liquidity is to ensure, as far as possible, that it will always have sufficient cash flows to fund its operations and to meet its liabilities when due, 
under both normal and stressed conditions. The Company also maintains certain credit facilities which can be drawn upon as needed. 

The following are the contractual maturities of financial liabilities and derivatives. The amounts presented represent the future undiscounted 
principal and interest cash flows and therefore do not equate to the carrying amount on the consolidated balance sheet. 

carrying amount 
December 31, 
2008 

2009 

2010-2011 

2012-2013 

Thereafter

Contractual cash flows

$  

193,635 
747,016 
222,122 
436,226 
8,006 
1,316,818 

$ 

(193,635) 
(40,930) 
(12,583) 
(9,451) 
(3,000) 
(1,316,818) 

$ 

– 
(231,860) 
(25,166) 
(423,901) 
(5,726) 
– 

$ 

– 
(317,940) 
(248,866) 
(32,539) 
– 
– 

$ 

–
(444,786)
–
–
–
–

(23,892) 
29,497 

(364,005)
446,181

– 
66,417 

(1,045) 
– 

– 
18,182 
(3,389) 
– 
(487) 
– 
(9,592) 
– 

(11,946) 
14,749 

(146) 
13 

(137,500) 
155,221 
(309,824) 
306,579 
(56,011) 
55,107 
(72,115) 
64,884 

(23,892) 
29,497 

(416) 
37 

(2,620) 
3,146 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–

(26,876) 
– 

$ 

$ 

– 
– 

$ 

– 
– 

(54,142) 
35,164 

$ 

$ 

Canadian dollar (CAD) 
united States dollar (uSD) 

British pound (GBP) 
Chilean peso (ClP)

2008 finning international inc. 71
71
2008 finning international inc.

($ THouSAnDS) 

non-derivative financial  
  liabilities
Short-term debt 
unsecured mTns 
Eurobond 
unsecured bank facilities 
other term loans 
Accounts payable and accruals 

Derivatives 
Cross currency interest  
  rate swaps
  Pay GBP (fixed) 
  Receive CAD (fixed) 
Interest rate swaps
  Pay uSD (fixed) 
  Receive uSD (floating) 
Forward foreign currency  
  contracts and collars
  Sell CAD 
  Buy uSD 
  Sell uSD 
  Buy CAD 
  Sell ClP 
  Buy uSD 
  Sell uSD 
  Buy ClP 
Share forward
  Sell 
  Buy  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
notes to the consolidated financial statements

4. finanCial instruments (continued)
mARKET RISK 
market risk is the risk that changes in market prices, such as foreign exchange rates and interest rates will affect the Company’s income or the 
value of its holdings of financial instruments. The objective of market risk management is to manage and control market risk exposures within 
acceptable parameters.

The Company buys and sells derivatives in the ordinary course of business, and also incurs financial liabilities, in order to manage market risks.  
All such transactions are carried out within the guidelines set by the Company’s Global Hedging Policy approved by the Audit Committee. 

CuRREnCy RISK
The Company is geographically diversified, with significant investments in several different countries. The Company transacts business in multiple 
currencies, the most significant of which are the u.S. dollar, the Canadian dollar, the u.K. pound sterling, and the Chilean peso.

As a result, the Company has foreign currency exposure with respect to items denominated in foreign currencies. The three main types of foreign 
exchange risk of the Company can be categorized as follows:

INveSTmeNT IN FOReIGN OPeRATIONS
All of the Company’s foreign operations are considered self-sustaining. Accordingly, assets and liabilities are translated into Canadian dollars 
using the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet dates. Any unrealized translation gains and losses are recorded as an item of other 
comprehensive income and accumulated other comprehensive income.

It is the Company’s objective to manage its exposure to currency fluctuations arising from its foreign investments. The Company has hedged 
a portion of its foreign investments through foreign currency denominated loans and other derivative contracts. Any exchange gains or losses 
arising from the translation of the hedging instruments are recorded as an item of other comprehensive income and accumulated other 
comprehensive income. Cumulative currency translation adjustments, net of gains or losses of the associated hedging instruments, are recognized 
in net income when there is a reduction in the Company’s net investment in the self-sustaining foreign operations.

TRANSACTION exPOSURe
many of the Company’s operations purchase, sell, rent, and lease products as well as incur costs throughout the world in different currencies. 
This mismatch of currencies creates transactional exposure at the operational level, which may affect the Company’s profitability as exchange 
rates fluctuate. It may also impact the Company’s competitive position as relative currency movements affect the business practices and/or pricing 
strategies of the Company’s competitors. 

It is the Company’s objective to manage the impact of exchange rate movements and volatility in results. Each operation manages the majority 
of its transactional exposure through sales pricing policies and practices. The Company also enters into forward exchange contracts to manage 
residual mismatches in foreign currency cash flows. As a result, the foreign exchange impact on earnings with respect to transactional activity is 
not significant.

TRANSlATION exPOSURe
The most significant foreign exchange impact on the Company’s net income is the translation of foreign currency based earnings into Canadian 
dollars each reporting period. All of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries report their operating results in currencies other than the Canadian 
dollar. Therefore, exchange rate movements in the u.S. dollar and u.K. pound sterling relative to the Canadian dollar will impact the consolidated 
results of the South American and u.K. operations in Canadian dollar terms. In addition, the Company’s Canadian results are impacted by the 
translation of its u.S. dollar based earnings. Some of the Company’s earnings translation exposure is offset by interest on foreign currency 
denominated loans and derivative contracts associated with the net investment hedges.

7272

notes to the consolidated financial statements

exposure to currency risk
The Company is exposed to foreign currency risk. The currencies of the Company’s financial instruments, based on notional amounts, were as follows: 

December 31 
(THouSAnDS) 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Accounts receivable 
Short-term and long-term debt 
Accounts payable and accruals 
Gross balance sheet exposure 
Cross currency interest rate swaps 
Foreign forward exchange contracts and collars 

caD 

usD 

GBp 

clp

2008

22,076 
377,032 
(912,311) 
(310,433) 
(823,636) 
328,190 
166,459 

58,353 
79,025 
(319,990) 
(522,651) 
(705,263) 
– 
(137,567) 

848 
99,298 
(169,220) 
(130,249) 
(199,323) 
(150,000) 
– 

4,702,208
  72,432,169
–
  (50,658,822)
  26,475,555
–
3,388,336

sensitivity analysis
A 5% strengthening of the Canadian dollar against the following currencies for a full year relative to the December 31, 2008 month end rates 
would increase / (decrease) profit or loss by the amounts shown below. A 5% strengthening of the Canadian dollar against the following 
currencies from the December 31, 2008 month end rates would increase / (decrease) equity by the amounts shown below. This analysis assumes 
that all other variables, in particular volumes, relative pricing, interest rates, and hedging activities are unchanged. 

December 31 
($ THouSAnDS) 

uSD 
GBP 
ClP 

2008

equity 

profit or loss

$ 
$ 
$ 

(11,800) 
(17,200) 
– 

$ 
$ 
$ 

(22,500)
(2,200)
700

A 5% weakening of the Canadian dollar against the above currencies relative to the December 31, 2008 month end rates would have an equal but 
opposite effect on the above currencies in the amounts shown above, on the basis that all other variables are unchanged.

InTEREST RATE RISK
The Company’s interest bearing financial assets comprise instalment note receivables, which bear interest at a fixed rate. The Company’s debt 
portfolio comprises both fixed and floating rate debt instruments, with terms to maturity ranging up to ten years. In relation to its debt financing, 
the Company is exposed to potential changes in interest rates, which may cause the Company’s borrowing costs to fluctuate. Floating rate debt 
exposes the Company to fluctuations in short-term interest rates, while fixed rate debt exposes the Company to future interest rate movements 
upon refinancing the debt at maturity. Fluctuations in current or future interest rates could result in a material adverse impact on the Company’s 
financial results, by causing related finance expense to rise. Further, the fair value of the Company’s fixed rate debt obligations and the mark-
to-market on the cross currency interest rate swaps may be negatively affected by changes in interest rates, thereby exposing the Company to 
potential losses on early settlements or refinancing. 

The Company minimizes its interest rate risk by balancing its portfolio of fixed and floating rate debt, as well as managing the term to maturity 
of its debt portfolio. At certain times the Company utilizes derivative instruments such as interest rate swaps to adjust the balance of fixed and 
floating rate debt to appropriately determined levels.

PROFIle
At the reporting date the interest rate profile of the Company’s interest-bearing financial instruments was as follows:

December 31 
($ THouSAnDS) 

Fixed rate instruments
Financial assets 
Financial liabilities 

variable rate instruments
Financial liabilities 

2008

$ 

$ 

42,719
(986,113)
(943,394)

$ 

(637,867)

2008 finning international inc. 73
73
2008 finning international inc.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
notes to the consolidated financial statements

4. finanCial instruments (continued)
FAIR vAlUe SeNSITIvITy ANAlySIS FOR FIxeD RATe INSTRUmeNTS
The Company does not account for any fixed rate financial assets and liabilities at fair value through the income statement, and the Company 
does not currently have any derivatives (interest rate swaps) designated as hedging instruments under a fair value hedge accounting model. 
Therefore a change in interest rates at the reporting date would not affect net income.

A change of 100 basis points in interest rates for a full year relative to the interest rates at the reporting date would have increased or decreased 
equity by approximately $4.8 million.

CASh FlOw SeNSITIvITy ANAlySIS FOR vARIABle RATe INSTRUmeNTS
A change of 100 basis points in short-term interest rates for a full year relative to the interest rates at the reporting date would have increased 
or decreased net income by approximately $4.5 million. This analysis assumes that all other variables, in particular foreign currency rates,  
remain constant. 

oTHER RISK
The Company’s revenues can be indirectly affected by fluctuations in commodity prices; in particular, changes in views on long-term commodity 
prices. In Canada, commodity price movements in the forestry, metals, coal, and petroleum sectors can have an impact on customers’ demands 
for equipment and customer service. In Chile and Argentina, significant fluctuations in the price of copper and gold can have similar effects, as 
customers base their capital expenditure decisions on the long-term outlook for metals. In the u.K., changes to prices for thermal coal may 
impact equipment demand in that sector. Significant fluctuations in commodity prices could result in a material adverse impact on the Company’s 
financial results. 

SToCK-BASED ComPEnSATIon CoSTS RISK
Stock-based compensation is an integral part of the Company’s compensation program, and can be in the form of the Company’s common shares 
or cash payments that reflect the value of the shares. Since Canadian GAAP require certain stock-based compensation which is accounted for as 
liability-based awards to be recorded on a mark-to-market basis, compensation cost can vary significantly as the price of the Company’s common 
shares changes. The Company has entered into a derivative contract to manage this potential exposure, called a variable Rate Share Forward (vRSF). 

The vRSF is cash-settled at the end of a five-year term, or at any time prior to that at the option of the Company, based on the difference 
between the Company’s common share price at the time of settlement and the execution price plus accrued interest. The average execution 
price per share was $28.71 on 2.0 million common shares, which approximated the number of outstanding deferred share units and vested share 
appreciation units as at December 31, 2007. 

At December 31, 2008, the vRSF relates to 1.7 million common shares at a price of $28.71 plus interest maturing in 2012. A 5% strengthening or 
weakening in the Company’s share price as at December 31, 2008, all other variables remaining constant, would have increased or decreased net 
income by approximately $0.9 million as a result of revaluing certain of the Company’s stock-based compensation. As the Company’s share price 
changes, the mark-to-market impact related to the stock-based compensation liability is effectively offset by the mark-to-market impact related  
to the vRSF. 

FAIR vAluES 
The following fair value information is provided solely to comply with financial instrument disclosure requirements. The Company cautions 
readers in the interpretation of the impact of these estimated fair values. The fair value of financial instruments is determined by reference to 
quoted market prices for actual or similar instruments, where available, or by estimates derived using present value or other valuation techniques. 
The fair value of accounts receivable, notes receivable, short-term debt, and accounts payable and accruals approximates their recorded values 
due to the short-term maturities of these instruments.

7474

notes to the consolidated financial statements

The fair values of the derivatives below have been estimated using market information as at December 31, 2008 and 2007, and are recorded at 
fair value on the balance sheet as indicated below. These fair values approximate the amount the Company would receive or pay to terminate  
the contracts:

notional 
value 

Term to 
maturity 

Fair value
Receive (Pay)

($ oR £ THouSAnDS) 

Balance Sheet Classification 

2008
Foreign exchange
Cross Currency Interest Rate Swaps
  Pay GBP fixed / receive CAD fixed   other assets – long-term  
Forwards buy uSD / sell CAD 
Swaps sell uSD / buy CAD 
Forwards buy uSD / sell ClP 
Forwards sell uSD / buy ClP 
Collars sell uSD / buy ClP 

other assets – current  
accounts payable and accruals 
accounts payable and accruals 
accounts payable and accruals 
accounts payable and accruals 

GBp  150,000 
usD  129,321 
usD  253,000 
usD  45,000 
usD  34,889 
usD  24,000 

perpetual 
1-13 months 
1-6 months 
1-2 months 
1-12 months 
1-12 months 

$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 

$ 

66,417
18,182
(3,389)
(487)
(6,240)
(3,352)

(1,045)

accounts payable and accruals 

usD  11,250 

1-3 years 

interest rates
Interest Rate Swaps 

long-term incentive plans
variable Rate Share Forward 

long-term obligations 

$ 

48,809 

november 2012 

$ 

(26,876)

2007
Foreign exchange
Cross Currency Interest Rate Swaps
  Pay GBP fixed / receive CAD fixed  other assets – long term  
Forwards buy uSD / sell CAD 
Forwards buy uSD / sell ClP 
Forward buy uSD / sell CAD 

Accounts payable and accruals 
Accounts payable and accruals 
other assets – current  

GBP 
150,000 
uSD  166,921 
48,000 
uSD 
3,875 
uSD 

perpetual 
1-12 months 
1-2 months 
3 months 

interest rates
Bond Forward  
Interest Rate Swaps 

long-term incentive plans
variable Rate Share Forward 

Accounts payable and accruals 
Accounts payable and accruals 

$ 
uSD 

200,000 
11,250 

September 2008 
1-4 years 

long-term obligations 

$ 

57,422 

november 2012 

$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 

$ 

41,637
(3,283)
(48)
71

(5,028)
(325)

(193)

lonG-TERm DEBT
The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt is estimated as follows: 

December 31 
($ THouSAnDS) 

long-term debt 

2008 

2007

Book value 

Fair value 

Book value 

Fair value

$  1,413,370 

$  1,336,351 

$ 

806,045 

$ 

788,459

5. management Of Capital 
The Company’s objective when managing capital is to maintain a flexible capital structure which optimizes the cost of capital at acceptable risk. In 
the management of capital, the Company includes shareholders’ equity, cash and cash equivalents, short-term and long-term debt in the definition 
of capital. 

The Company manages its capital structure and makes adjustments to it in light of changes in economic conditions and the risk characteristics  
of its underlying assets. In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Company may purchase shares for cancellation pursuant  
to normal course issuer bids, issue new shares, issue new debt, issue new debt to replace existing debt with different characteristics, or adjust  
the amount of dividends paid to shareholders. 

The Company monitors the following ratios: net debt to total capitalization and dividend payout ratio. net debt to total capitalization and 
dividend payout ratio are non-GAAP measures which do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and therefore may not be 
comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. 

2008 finning international inc. 75
75
2008 finning international inc.

 
 
notes to the consolidated financial statements

5. management Of Capital (continued)
net debt to total capitalization is calculated as short-term and long-term debt, net of cash and cash equivalents (net debt) divided by total 
capitalization. Total capitalization is defined as the sum of net debt and all components of equity (share capital, contributed surplus, accumulated 
other comprehensive loss, and retained earnings). 

Dividend payout ratio is calculated as the annual dividend declared per share divided by basic earnings per share from continuing operations  
for the past twelve month period. 

The Company’s strategy is to maintain the targets set out in the following table. The Company believes that these target ratios are in the optimal 
range and provide access to capital at a reasonable cost. 

As at and for years ended December 31 
($ THouSAnDS, ExCEPT AS noTED) 

components of Debt and coverage ratios
  Cash and cash equivalents 
  Short-term debt 
  Current portion of long-term debt 
  long-term debt 
  net debt 
  Shareholders’ equity 

net debt to total capitalization 
Dividend payout ratio  

2008 

2007

$ 

(109,772) 
193,635 
2,643 
1,410,727 
$  1,497,233 
$  1,567,104 

$ 

$ 
$ 

(61,860)
370,942
215,663
590,382
1,115,127
1,617,797

company targets 

40 - 50% 
25 - 30% 

2008 

48.9% 
77.2% 

2007

40.8%
22.9%

The net debt to total capitalization ratio is within the Company’s target. This ratio is higher than the prior year due to the higher debt in 2008, 
primarily as a result of the acquisition of Collicutt Energy Services Inc. and the repurchase of the Company’s common shares as part of a normal 
course issuer bid. The non-cash goodwill impairment charge negatively impacted the net debt to total capitalization ratio by 2.3% as a result of  
a $151.4 million reduction to equity. 

The dividend payout ratio was impacted by the non-cash goodwill impairment charge noted above. Excluding the impact of this charge, the 
dividend payout ratio would have been 29.9%, an increase over the 2007 level and within the Company’s target. 

CovEnAnT
The Company is subject to a maximum net debt to total capitalization level pursuant to a covenant within its syndicated bank credit facility.  
As at December 31, 2008 and 2007, the Company is in compliance with this covenant. 

6. inCOme taxes
PRovISIon FoR InComE TAxES 
As the Company operates in several tax jurisdictions, its income is subject to various rates of taxation. The components of the Company’s income 
tax provision are as follows:

For years ended December 31  
($ THouSAnDS) 

Provision for income taxes
  Current 
    Canada  
    International 

  Future 
    Canada  
    International 

7676

2008 

2007

$ 

$ 

38,663 
8,629 
47,292 

(4,037) 
13,859 
9,822 
57,114 

$ 

$ 

70,954
19,352
90,306

230
12,362
12,592
102,898

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
     
notes to the consolidated financial statements

The provision for income taxes differs from the amount that would have resulted from applying the Canadian statutory income tax rates to 
income from continuing operations before income taxes as follows: 

For years ended December 31  
($ THouSAnDS) 

Combined Canadian federal and provincial income taxes  
  at the statutory tax rate 
Increase / (decrease) resulting from:
  lower statutory rates on the earnings  
    of foreign subsidiaries 
  Goodwill impairment 
  Change in statutory tax rates in uK and Canada 
  non-deductible stock-based compensation  
    and other expenses 
  Income not subject to tax 
  non-taxable capital gain 
  other  
Provision for income taxes 

2008 

2007

$ 

46,010 

30.05% 

$ 

125,971 

32.89%

(17,349) 
43,126 
(799) 

5,393 
(2,953) 
(11,939) 
(4,375) 
57,114 

$ 

(11.33)% 
28.17% 
(0.52)% 

3.52% 
(1.92)% 
(7.81)% 
(2.86)% 
37.30% 

(24,183) 
– 
(4,536) 

6,012 
(410) 
(277) 
321 
102,898 

$ 

(6.31)%
–
(1.18)%

1.57%
(0.11)%
(0.07)%
0.08%
26.87%

FuTuRE InComE TAx ASSET AnD lIABIlITy 
Included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets are a current future income tax asset and long-term future income tax asset of 
$66.9 million (2007: $51.8 million) and $1.7 million (2007: $2.6 million), respectively.

Temporary differences and tax loss carry-forwards that give rise to future income tax assets and liabilities are as follows: 

December 31  
($ THouSAnDS) 

Future income tax assets:
  Accounting provisions not currently deductible for tax purposes 
  loss carry-forwards 
  other stock-based compensation 
  Goodwill of foreign subsidiaries 
  other 

Future income tax liabilities:
  Derivative financial instruments 
  Capital, rental, and leased assets 
  Employee benefits 
  other 

net future income tax liability 

2008 

2007

$ 

$ 

63,696 
6,435 
4,203 
1,172 
– 
75,506 

(6,663) 
(81,767) 
(46,267) 
(1,364) 
(136,061) 
(60,555) 

$ 

$ 

51,096
5,416
10,938
849
1,800
70,099

(12,968)
(63,392)
(38,214)
–
(114,574)
(44,475)

The Company has recognized the benefit of the following tax loss carry-forwards available to reduce future taxable income and capital gains 
expiring through 2028 for Canada and available indefinitely for International: 

December 31  
($ THouSAnDS) 

Canada 
International 

2008 

19,809 
5,571 
25,380 

$ 

$ 

2007

14,464
5,821
20,285

$ 

$ 

2008 finning international inc. 77
77
2008 finning international inc.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
     
notes to the consolidated financial statements

7. share Capital
The Company is authorized to issue an unlimited number of preferred shares without par value, of which 4.4 million are designated as cumulative 
redeemable preferred shares. The Company had no preferred shares outstanding for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007. 

The Company is authorized to issue an unlimited number of common shares. 

The Company repurchased and cancelled 5,901,842 common shares during 2008 as part of a normal course issuer bid. These shares were 
repurchased at an average price of $24.99, which has been allocated to reduce share capital by $19.1 million and retained earnings by 
$128.4 million. During 2007, the Company repurchased and cancelled 3,691,400 common shares at an average price of $27.82, which were 
allocated to reduce share capital by $11.9 million and retained earnings by $90.8 million.

on may 9, 2007, the Company’s shareholders approved a split of the Company’s outstanding common shares on a two-for-one basis. Each 
shareholder of record at the close of business on may 30, 2007, received one additional share for every outstanding share held on the record 
date. All stock-based compensation plans, share, and per-share data have been adjusted to reflect the stock split. 

A shareholders’ rights plan is in place which is intended to provide all holders of common shares with the opportunity to receive full and 
fair value for all of their shares in the event a third party attempts to acquire a significant interest in the Company. The Company’s dealership 
agreements with subsidiaries of Caterpillar Inc. are fundamental to its business and any change in control must be approved by Caterpillar Inc.

The plan provides that one share purchase right has been issued for each common share and will trade with the common shares until such 
time as any person or group, other than a “permitted bidder”, bids to acquire or acquires 20% or more of the Company’s common shares, at 
which time the plan rights become exercisable. The rights may also be triggered by a third party proposal for a merger, amalgamation or a similar 
transaction. In may 2008, the rights plan was extended for three years such that it will automatically terminate at the end of the Company’s 
Annual meeting of shareholders in 2011 unless further extended by the shareholders prior to that time.

The plan will not be triggered if a bid meets certain criteria (a permitted bidder). These criteria include that:

•	
•	

•	

	the	offer	is	made	for	all	outstanding	voting	shares	of	the	Company;
	more	than	50%	of	the	voting	shares	have	been	tendered	by	independent	shareholders	pursuant	to	the	Takeover	Bid	(voting	shares	tendered	
may be withdrawn until taken up and paid for); and
	the	Takeover	Bid	expires	not	less	than	60	days	after	the	date	of	the	bid	circular.

8. stOCK-Based COmpensatiOn plans
The Company has a number of stock-based compensation plans, which are described below. 

SToCK oPTIonS
The Company has several stock option plans for certain employees and directors with vesting occurring over a three-year period. The exercise 
price of each option is based on the closing price of the common shares of the Company on the date of the grant. options granted after  
January 1, 2004 are exercisable over a seven-year period. options granted prior to January 1, 2004 are exercisable over a ten-year period.  
under the 2005 Stock option Plan, the Company may issue up to 7.5 million common shares pursuant to the exercise of stock options. At 
December 31, 2008, 2.1 million common shares remain eligible to be issued in connection with future grants under this Stock option Plan. 

Details of the stock option plans are as follows:

For years ended December 31 

options outstanding, beginning of year 
Granted 
Exercised  
Cancelled 
options outstanding, end of year 

Exercisable at year end 

2008 

weighted  
average 
exercise price 

$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 

$ 

20.99 
29.83 
10.47 
26.85 
23.72 

17.54 

options 

4,656,402 
1,853,100 
(209,832) 
(262,400) 
6,037,270 

2,726,492 

2007

weighted 
Average 
Exercise Price

$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 

$ 

14.44
31.59
11.50
19.86
20.99

11.92

options 

3,903,526 
1,721,000 
(746,188) 
(221,936) 
4,656,402 

1,745,280 

In the second quarter of 2008, the Company granted 1,853,100 common share options to senior executives and management of the Company 
(2007: 1,721,000 common share options). In 2008 and 2007, long term incentives for executives and senior management were made primarily in 
the form of stock options. It is the Company’s practice to grant and price stock options only when it is felt that all material information has been 
disclosed to the market.

7878

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
notes to the consolidated financial statements

The Company determines the cost of all stock options granted since January 1, 2003 using the fair value-based method of accounting for stock 
options. This method of accounting uses an option-pricing model to determine the fair value of stock options granted which is amortized over 
the vesting period.

The fair value of the options granted has been estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following 
weighted-average assumptions:

Dividend yield 
Expected volatility 
Risk-free interest rate 
Expected life 

2008 Grant 

2007 Grant

1.27% 
25.44% 
4.25% 
5.5 years 

1.21%
21.57%
4.09%
5.5 years

At the grant date, the weighted average fair value of each option granted during the year was $8.35 (2007: $7.89). Total stock option expense 
recognized in 2008 was $10.4 million (2007: $9.3 million). 

The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 2008:

Range of exercise prices 

$4.52 - $8.50 
$14.69 - $16.27 
$19.75 - $19.82 
$25.85 - $31.67 

options outstanding 
weighted 
average 
remaining 
life 

weighted 
average 
exercise 
price 

options exercisable

number 
outstanding 

weighted 
average 
exercise 
price

1.5 years 
3.0 years 
4.3 years 
5.9 years 
4.7 years 

$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 
$  

6.23 
15.79 
19.75 
30.66 
23.72 

777,502 
433,002 
990,996 
524,992 
2,726,492 

$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 
$  

6.23
15.79
19.75
31.59
17.54

number 
outstanding 

777,502 
433,002 
1,509,066 
3,317,700 
6,037,270 

oTHER SToCK-BASED ComPEnSATIon PlAnS
The Company has other stock-based compensation plans in the form of deferred share units and stock appreciation rights plans that use notional 
common share units. These notional units, upon vesting, are valued based on the Company’s common share price on the Toronto Stock Exchange 
and are marked to market at the end of each fiscal quarter. 

In December 2007, the Company entered into a variable Rate Share Forward (vRSF) with a financial institution to hedge a portion of its 
outstanding deferred share units and vested share appreciation units, reducing the impact of movements in the Company’s share price on these 
stock-based compensation plans – see note 4.

Details of the plans are as follows: 

DIReCTORS
Directors’ DeferreD share unit plan a (DDsu)
The Company offers a Deferred Share unit Plan (DDSu) for members of the Board of Directors. under the DDSu Plan, non-employee 
Directors of the Company may elect to allocate all or a portion of their annual compensation as deferred share units. These units are fully 
vested upon issuance. These units accumulate dividend equivalents in the form of additional units based on the dividends paid on the Company’s 
common shares. units are redeemable for cash or shares only following termination of service on the Board of Directors and must be redeemed 
by December 31st of the year following the year in which the termination occurred. The value of the deferred share units when converted to 
cash will be equivalent to the market value of the Company’s common shares at the time the conversion takes place.

non-employee Directors of the Company were allocated a total of 39,512 deferred share units in 2008 (2007: 14,301 share units), which were 
granted to the Directors and expensed over the calendar year as the units are issued. 

2008 finning international inc. 79
79
2008 finning international inc.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
notes to the consolidated financial statements

8. stOCK-Based COmpensatiOn plans (continued)
exeCUTIve
DeferreD share unit plan a (Dsu-a)
under the DSu-A Plan, senior executives of the Company may be awarded deferred share units as approved by the Board of Directors. This plan 
utilizes notional units that are fully vested upon issuance to the executives. These units accumulate dividend equivalents in the form of additional 
units based on the dividends paid on the Company’s common shares. units are redeemable only following termination of employment and must 
be redeemed by December 31st of the year following the year in which the termination occurred. no units have been awarded under the DSu-A 
Plan since 2001.

DeferreD share unit plan b (Dsu-b)
under the DSu-B Plan, executives of the Company may be awarded performance based deferred share units as approved by the Board of 
Directors. This plan utilizes notional units that become vested at specified percentages or become vested partially on December 30th of the year 
following the year of retirement, death, or disability. These specified levels and vesting percentages are based on the Company’s common share 
price at those specified levels exceeding, for ten consecutive days, the common share price at the date of grant. vested deferred share units are 
redeemable for a period of 30 days after termination of employment, or by December 31st of the year following the year of retirement, death, or 
disability. The notional deferred share units that have not vested within five years from the date that they were granted expire. only vested units 
accumulate dividend equivalents in the form of additional units based on the dividends paid on the Company’s common shares. no units have 
been awarded under the DSu-B Plan since 2005.

As at December 31, 2008 and 2007, all outstanding DSu units have vested. 

Details of the deferred share unit plans, which reflect the mark-to-market adjustments, excluding the impact of the vRSF hedge, are as follows: 

For years ended December 31 

2008 

2007

unITS 

Dsu-a 

Dsu-B 

DDsu 

total 

DSu-A 

DSu-B 

DDSu 

Total

outstanding and vested,  
  beginning of year 
Additions 
Exercised 
outstanding and vested,  
  end of year 

lIABIlITy 

($ THouSAnDS)

  57,179 
867 
  (32,834) 

 1,139,700 
  16,365 
 (439,854) 

  294,033 
  52,226 
  (81,817) 

 1,490,912 
  69,458 
 (554,505) 

  104,964 
789 
(48,574) 

  1,353,496 
14,525 
  (228,321) 

  358,280 
25,402 
(89,649) 

  1,816,740
40,716
  (366,544)

  25,212 

  716,211 

  264,442 

 1,005,865 

57,179 

  1,139,700 

  294,033 

  1,490,912

Balance, beginning of year  $  1,639 
Expense (income) 
(319) 
Exercised 
(961) 
Balance, end of year 
359 

$ 

$  32,664 
(9,860) 
  (12,598) 
$  10,206 

$  8,427 
(2,540) 
(2,119) 
$  3,768 

$  42,730 
  (12,719) 
  (15,678) 
$  14,333 

$ 

$ 

2,508 
406 
(1,275) 
1,639 

$  32,342 
6,632 
(6,310) 
$  32,664 

$ 

$ 

8,561 
2,636 
(2,770) 
8,427 

$  43,411
9,674
(10,355)
$  42,730

mANAGemeNT ShARe APPReCIATION RIGhTS (SAR) PlAN
Beginning in 2002, awards under the SAR Plan were granted to senior managers within Canada and the u.K. The exercise price is determined 
based on the Company’s common share price on the Toronto Stock Exchange on the grant date. under the SAR Plan, awards are expensed over 
the vesting period of three years when the market price of the Company’s common shares exceeds the exercise price under the plan for vested 
units. Changes, either increases or decreases, in the quoted market value of common shares between the date of grant and the measurement 
date result in a change in the measure of compensation for the award and will be amortized over the remaining vesting period. The SAR Plan uses 
notional units that are valued based on the Company’s common share price on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

8080

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In 2008 and 2007, there were no SAR units issued to management. Details of the SAR plans, excluding the impact of the vRSF hedge, are as follows: 

notes to the consolidated financial statements

For years ended December 31 
unITS 

outstanding, beginning of year 
Exercised 
Cancelled 
outstanding, end of year 
vested, beginning of year 
vested 
Exercised 
Cancelled 
vested, end of year 

lIABIlITy 

($ THouSAnDS)

Balance, beginning of year 
Expense (income) 
Exercised 
Balance, end of year 

Strike price ranges:  

2008 

2007

836,875 
(162,351) 
(28,920) 
645,604 
711,102 
122,105 
(162,351) 
(25,252) 
645,604 

1,162,132
(317,557)
(7,700)
836,875
762,722
265,937
(317,557)
–
711,102

$ 

$ 

11,443 
(9,378) 
(1,849) 
216 

$13.03 - $16.22

$ 

$ 

9,965
6,413
(4,935)
11,443

SummARy – ImPACT oF SToCK-BASED ComPEnSATIon PlAnS
Changes in the value of all deferred share units and share appreciation rights is a result of fluctuations in the Company’s common share price 
and the impact of new issues, including stock options, partially offset by the impact of the vRSF hedge. The total impact was an expense of 
$16.9 million in 2008 (2007: $25.5 million).

9. earnings per share
Basic earnings per share (EPS) is calculated by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of 
common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is calculated to reflect the dilutive effect of exercising outstanding 
stock options by applying the treasury stock method. 

Earnings used in determining earnings per share from continuing operations are presented below. Earnings used in determining earnings per 
share from discontinued operations are the earnings from discontinued operations as reported within the consolidated statements of income.

For years ended December 31  
($ THouSAnDS, ExCEPT SHARE AnD PER SHARE AmounTS) 

2008
Basic eps from continuing operations:
net income from continuing operations 
Effect of dilutive securities: stock options 
Diluted eps from continuing operations:
net income from continuing operations and assumed conversions 

2007
Basic eps from continuing operations:
net income from continuing operations 
Effect of dilutive securities: stock options 
Diluted eps from continuing operations:
net income from continuing operations and assumed conversions 

Income 

Shares 

Per Share

$ 

95,996 
– 

  172,361,881 
957,076 

$ 

95,996 

  173,318,957 

$ 

280,107 
– 

  178,844,411 
1,615,544 

$ 

280,107 

  180,459,955 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

0.56
–

0.55

1.57
–

1.55

2008 finning international inc. 81
81
2008 finning international inc.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
notes to the consolidated financial statements

10. inventOries

December 31  
($ THouSAnDS) 

on-hand equipment 
Parts and supplies 
Internal service work in progress 
Inventories 

2008 

2007

$  1,013,204 
384,112 
76,188 
$  1,473,504 

$ 

$ 

844,699
326,581
36,522
1,207,802

For the year ended December 31, 2008, on-hand equipment, parts, supplies, and internal service work in progress recognized as an expense 
amounted to $3,776.2 million (2007: $3,570.5 million). For the year ended December 31, 2008, the write-down of inventories to net realizable 
value, included in cost of sales, amounted to $20.8 million (2007: $23.5 million).

11. Other assets

December 31  
($ THouSAnDS) 

other assets – current:
  Future income taxes (note 6) 
  value Added Tax receivable 
  Prepaid expenses 
  Current portion of finance assets (note 12) 
  Supplier claims receivable 
  Income taxes recoverable 
  Short-term derivative contracts receivable (note 4) 
  other 

other assets – long-term:
  Accrued defined benefit pension asset (note 21) 
  long-term swap contracts receivable (note 4) 
  Investment in Energyst B.v. (a)  
  Deferred project costs 
  Future income taxes (note 6) 
  other 

2008 

2007

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

66,889 
7,868 
21,980 
29,344 
62,912 
45,081 
18,182 
35,846 
288,102 

157,028 
66,417 
34,655 
– 
2,521 
36,972 
297,593 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

51,806
6,519
13,817
11,789
45,780
582
–
36,549
166,842

126,747
41,637
17,105
746
2,567
16,834
205,636

(a)  The Company accounts for its 25.4% investment in Energyst using the equity method of accounting. In 2008, the Company increased its 

interest in Energyst by purchasing 36,455 new shares that were issued from Treasury for cash of $11.5 million (EuR 7.6 million). As a result, 
the Company’s equity interest in Energyst increased to 25.4% from 24.4%. 

12. finanCe assets

December 31  
($ THouSAnDS) 

Instalment notes receivable 
Equipment leased to customers 
less accumulated depreciation 

Total finance assets 
less current portion of instalment notes receivable  

2008 

38,852 
2,676 
(513) 
2,163 
41,015 
(29,344) 
11,671 

$ 

$ 

2007

36,590
2,636
(723)
1,913
38,503
(11,789)
26,714

$ 

$ 

Depreciation of equipment leased to customers for the year ended December 31, 2008 was $0.4 million (2007: $5.7 million). Depreciation 
expense in 2007 reflects a full year of depreciation on a higher balance of equipment leased to customers before significant disposals in the fourth 
quarter of 2007. 

8282

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
13. rental eQuipment

December 31  
($ THouSAnDS) 

Cost 
less accumulated depreciation 

notes to the consolidated financial statements

2008 

2007

$  1,621,494 
(633,659) 
987,835 

$ 

$ 

$ 

1,707,545
(679,244)
1,028,301

Rental equipment under capital leases of $40.4 million (2007: $22.9 million), net of accumulated depreciation of $6.5 million (2007: $9.4 million), 
are included above. Depreciation of rental equipment for the year ended December 31, 2008 was $273.0 million (2007: $278.7 million).

14. Capital assets
lAnD, BuIlDInGS, AnD EQuIPmEnT

December 31 
($ THouSAnDS) 

land 
Buildings and equipment 

2008 

  accumulated 
depreciation 

cost 

net book 
value 

2007
Accumulated 
depreciation 

Cost 

net book 
value

$ 

71,224 
610,253 
$  681,477 

$ 

– 
(210,618) 
$  (210,618) 

$ 

71,224 
399,635 
$  470,859 

$ 

$ 

55,217 
488,848 
544,065 

$ 

$ 

– 
(195,142) 
(195,142) 

$ 

$ 

55,217
293,706
348,923

land, buildings, and equipment under capital leases of $12.1 million (2007: $13.5 million), net of accumulated depreciation of $2.9 million  
(2007: $2.2 million), are included above. Depreciation of buildings and equipment for the year ended December 31, 2008 was $44.4 million  
(2007: $38.1 million).

InTAnGIBlE ASSETS

December 31 
($ THouSAnDS) 

Subject to amortization
  Customer contracts and related  
    customer relationships 
  Software 

Indefinite lives
  Distribution rights 

2008 

  accumulated 
depreciation 

cost 

net book 
value 

2007
Accumulated 
depreciation 

Cost 

net book 
value

$ 

$ 

12,879 
44,844 
57,723 

$ 

(3,248) 
(16,777) 
(20,025) 

$ 

9,631 
28,067 
37,698 

646 
58,369 

– 
(20,025) 

$ 

$ 

646 
38,344 

$ 

$ 

$ 

3,132 
34,994 
38,126 

(1,549) 
(12,675) 
(14,224) 

$ 

646 
38,772 

$ 

– 
(14,224) 

$ 

1,583
22,319
23,902

646
24,548

The Company acquired intangible assets subject to amortization of $18.9 million in 2008 (2007: $10.8 million). Amortization of intangible assets 
subject to amortization for the year ended December 31, 2008 was $6.8 million (2007: $4.1 million). 

Certain intangible assets are considered to have indefinite lives because they are expected to generate cash flows indefinitely.

15. aCQuisitiOn
on January 15, 2008, the Company’s Canadian operation, Finning (Canada), acquired all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Collicutt 
Energy Services ltd. (Collicutt), a Canadian oilfield service company. The purchase is accounted for under the purchase method of accounting.  
The results of Collicutt’s operations have been included in the consolidated financial statements since that date. 

The purchase price of the Collicutt acquisition totaled $136.4 million. The purchase price was funded through $84.3 million in cash and 15,403 
common shares of the Company with a value of $0.4 million. Acquisition costs of $6.9 million were incurred and paid on the transaction. on the 
date of the acquisition, the Company repaid $44.8 million of Collicutt’s existing bank debt resulting in aggregate consideration of $136.4 million. 

In December 2008, the Company finalized its valuation of the Collicutt net assets acquired and modified the purchase price allocation. This 
resulted in an increase in goodwill of $3.0 million from that reported in the third quarter of 2008.

2008 finning international inc. 83
83
2008 finning international inc.

 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
notes to the consolidated financial statements

15. aCQuisitiOn (continued)
The following table summarizes the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition. 

($ THouSAnDS) 

Cash 
Inventories 
other current assets 
Future income taxes – current  
Property, plant, and equipment 
Intangible assets 
Goodwill 
Total assets acquired 
Current liabilities 
Future income taxes – long-term 
Total liabilities assumed 
net assets acquired  

$ 

$ 

159
29,914
20,985
4,203
99,255
6,670
10,282
171,468
18,320
16,795
35,115
136,353

The intangible assets acquired primarily represent customer relationships and non-competition agreements. Customer relationships valued 
at $4.4 million are being amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated life of three years, and non-competition agreements valued at 
$1.9 million are being amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated life of seven years.

The goodwill was assigned to the Canada operating segment and is not deductible for tax purposes. 

16. dispOsitiOn Of disCOntinued OperatiOn
on July 31, 2007, the Company sold the business and assets of the Tool Hire Division of the Company’s u.K. subsidiary, Hewden Stuart Plc, 
excluding real estate, for cash proceeds of $242.9 million (approximately £112 million), net of costs. 

The gross sale price, net of taxes and transaction costs, was approximately equal to the net book value of the net tangible assets and goodwill 
associated with the tools rental business, and resulted in an after-tax gain on disposal of $0.1 million. 

The results of operations of the Tool Hire Division have been included in the consolidated statements of cash flow up to the date of disposition 
and as discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of income up to the date of disposition. The results of the Tool Hire Division had 
previously been reported in the Finning uK Group segment.

loss from the Tool Hire Division to the date of disposition is summarized as follows:

For year ended December 31 
($ THouSAnDS) 

Revenue  
loss before provision for income taxes 
Gain on sale of discontinued operations 
Provision for income tax expense 
loss from discontinued operations  

The significant net cash flows from the Tool Hire Division are as follows: 

For year ended December 31 
($ THouSAnDS) 

Cash flows used in operating activities 
Cash used in investing activities  

8484

2007

113,272
(4,108)
38,590
(36,532)
(2,050)

2007

(3,795)
(561)

$ 

$ 

$ 
$ 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
notes to the consolidated financial statements

17. gOOdwill
The change in the carrying amount of goodwill is as follows: 

December 31, 2008 
($ THouSAnDS) 

Goodwill, beginning of year 
Acquired (a) (note 15) 
Goodwill impairment (b) 
Disposed  
Foreign exchange translation adjustment 
Goodwill, end of year 

December 31, 2007 
($ THouSAnDS) 

Goodwill, beginning of year 
Acquired (a) 
Adjustment to purchase price  
Disposed (note 16) 
Foreign exchange translation adjustment 
Goodwill, end of year 

canada 

south america 

uk Group 

consolidated

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

33,431 
10,380 
– 
– 
– 
43,811 

$ 

$ 

28,504 
40 
– 
– 
6,833 
35,377 

Canada 

South America 

32,388 
1,043 
– 
– 
– 
33,431 

$ 

$ 

33,342 
– 
253 
– 
(5,091) 
28,504 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

189,164 
– 
(151,373) 
(1,428) 
(16,273) 
20,090 

$ 

$ 

251,099
10,420
(151,373)
(1,428)
(9,440)
99,278

uK Group 

Consolidated

316,140 
– 
– 
(91,136) 
(35,840) 
189,164 

$ 

$ 

381,870
1,043
253
(91,136)
(40,931)
251,099

(a)  In 2008, the Company acquired the assets and business operations of Fort Saskatchewan Rentals Inc., an equipment rental company based  

in Saskatchewan, Canada for cash of approximately $1.3 million, and all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Collicutt, as described 
in note 15. In 2007, the Company acquired the assets and business operations of mainline Rent-All (1986) ltd., an equipment rental company 
based in Alberta, Canada, for cash of approximately $2.7 million. 

(b)  The Company performed its annual goodwill impairment review in the fourth quarter of 2008 and determined that the fair value of Hewden 
was less than its book value, primarily due to increasing economic uncertainty in the global market and the higher cost of capital assumptions 
in the valuation methodology. As a result, the Company recorded a goodwill impairment of $151.4 million.

18. lOng-term OBligatiOns

December 31  
($ THouSAnDS) 

Stock-based compensation (note 8) 
leasing obligations (a) (note 24) 
Employee future benefit obligations 
Sale leaseback deferred gain 
Asset retirement obligations (b) 
other 

2008 

41,425 
16,975 
20,311 
7,854 
1,119 
8,612 
96,296 

$ 

$ 

2007

54,173
12,618
17,498
8,470
1,423
7,517
101,699

$ 

$ 

(a)  Capital leases issued at varying rates of interest from 0.7% – 17.4% and maturing on various dates up to 2026.
(b)  Asset retirement obligations relate to estimated future costs to remedy dilapidation costs on certain operating leases in the u.K. and are 

based on the Company’s prior experience, including estimates for labour, materials, equipment, and overheads such as surveyor and legal costs. 
To determine the recorded liability, the future estimated cash flows have been discounted using the Company’s credit-adjusted risk-free rate 
of 4%. Should changes occur in estimated future dilapidation costs, revisions to the liability could be made. The total undiscounted amount of 
estimated cash flows is $1.7 million, and the expected timing of payment of the cash flows is estimated to be over the next thirty years. 

19. Cumulative CurrenCy translatiOn adJustments
The Company’s subsidiaries operate in three functional currencies: Canadian dollars, u.S. dollars, and the u.K. pound sterling. The Company 
experiences foreign currency translation gains or losses as a result of consolidating the financial statements of self-sustaining foreign operations. 
These unrealized foreign currency translation gains or losses are recorded in the Accumulated other Comprehensive Income/loss account 
on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Currency translation adjustments arise as a result of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates at the 
period end. The cumulative currency translation adjustment for 2008 mainly resulted from the weaker Canadian dollar relative to the u.S. dollar 
(23.9% weaker), and stronger relative to the u.K. pound sterling (8.7% stronger), from December 31, 2007 to December 31, 2008.

2008 finning international inc. 85
85
2008 finning international inc.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
notes to the consolidated financial statements

19. Cumulative CurrenCy translatiOn adJustments (continued)
The exchange rates of the Canadian dollar against the following foreign currencies were as follows:

December 31 
Exchange rate 

u.S. dollar 
u.K. pound sterling 

For years ended December 31 
Average exchange rates

u.S. dollar 
u.K. pound sterling 

20. supplemental Cash flOw infOrmatiOn
non CASH woRKInG CAPITAl CHAnGES

For years ended December 31  
($ THouSAnDS) 

Accounts receivable and other  
Inventories – on-hand equipment 
Inventories – parts and supplies 
Accounts payable and accruals 
Income taxes 
Changes in working capital items 

ComPonEnTS oF CASH AnD CASH EQuIvAlEnTS 

December 31  
($ THouSAnDS) 

Cash  
Short-term investments 
Cash and cash equivalents 

InTEREST AnD TAx PAymEnTS 

For years ended December 31  
($ THouSAnDS) 

Interest paid  
Income taxes paid 

2008 

1.2246 
1.7896 

1.0660 
1.9617 

2007

0.9881
1.9600

1.0748
2.1487

2008 

2007

$ 

$ 

(159,284) 
(112,587) 
(43,045) 
85,340 
(69,013) 
(298,589) 

2008 

$ 

$ 

105,905 
3,867 
109,772 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

(158,857)
(65,548)
(31,897)
31,215
6,499
(218,588)

2007

16,533
45,327
61,860

2008 

2007

$ 
$ 

(83,569) 
(94,767) 

$ 
$ 

(74,668)
(105,091)

21. emplOyee future Benefits
The Company and its subsidiaries in Canada and the u.K. have defined benefit pension plans and defined contribution pension plans providing 
retirement benefits for most of their permanent employees.

The defined benefit pension plans include both registered and non-registered pension plans that provide a pension based on the members’ final 
average earnings and years of service while participating in the pension plan.

•	

	In	Canada,	defined	benefit	plans	exist	for	eligible	employees.	Final	average	earnings	are	based	on	the	highest	3-5	year	average	salary	and	there	is	
no standard indexation feature. Effective July 1, 2004, non-executive members of the defined benefit plan were offered a voluntary opportunity 
to convert their benefits to a defined contribution pension plan. The registered defined benefit plan was subsequently closed to all new non-
executive employees, who are eligible to enter one of the Company’s defined contribution plans. The defined benefit pension plan continues to 
be open to new executives. Pension benefits under the registered plans’ formula that exceed the maximum taxation limits are provided from a 
non-registered supplemental pension plan. Benefits under this plan are partially funded by a Retirement Compensation Arrangement. 

8686

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
notes to the consolidated financial statements

•	

•	

	Finning	(UK)	provides	a	defined	benefit	plan	for	all	employees	hired	prior	to	January	2003.	Final	average	earnings	are	based	on	the	highest	
3-year period and benefits are indexed annually with inflation subject to limits. Effective January 2003, this plan was closed to new non-
executive employees and replaced with a defined contribution pension plan. The defined benefit plan was temporarily re-opened in June 2003, 
on a one-time basis, to allow for the transfer of employees assumed upon the acquisition of the lex Harvey business. These employees were 
allowed to join the Finning (uK) defined benefit pension plan, for future service only. with the sale of the uK materials Handling business, 
certain employees became non-active members of the defined benefit plan. 
	Hewden	has	two	defined	benefit	plans	that	are	open	to	eligible	management	and	executive	members	by	invitation	only.	Final	average	earnings	
are based on the highest 3-year period and benefits are indexed annually with inflation subject to limits. with the sale of the Hewden Tool Hire 
business, certain employees became non-active members of the defined benefit plan. 

The defined contribution pension plans in Canada are registered pension plans that offer a base Company contribution rate for all members.  
The Company will also partially match employee contributions to a maximum additional Company contribution of 1% of employee earnings.  
The defined contribution pension plan in the uK offers a match of employee contributions, within a required range, plus 1%. 

The Company’s South American employees do not participate in employer pension plans but are covered by country specific legislation with respect 
to indemnity plans. The Company has recorded a liability to employees based on an actuarial valuation of anticipated payments to employees. An 
amount of $4.3 million was expensed in 2008 (2007: $4.8 million) for a total obligation at December 31, 2008 of $20.3 million (2007: $17.5 million). 

The expense for the Company’s benefit plans, primarily for pension benefits, is as follows: 

For years ended December 31 
($ THouSAnDS)  

Defined contribution plans
net benefit plan expense 
Defined benefit plans
Current service cost, net of  
  employee contributions 
Interest cost  
Actual loss (return) on  
  plan assets 
Actuarial (gains) losses 
Plan curtailment (a) 
Employee future benefit  
  costs before adjustments  
  to recognize the long-term  
  nature of employee future  
  benefit costs 
Adjustments to recognize  
  the long-term nature  
  of employee future  
  benefit costs:
Difference between expected  
  return and actual return  
  on plan assets for year 
Difference between actuarial  
  loss recognized for year and  
  actual actuarial gain on  
  accrued benefit obligation  
  for year 
Difference between  
  amortization of past service  
  costs for year and actual  
  plan amendments for year 
Amortization of transitional  
  obligation / (asset) 
Defined benefit costs  
  recognized 
Total  

canada 

uk  hewden 

total 

Canada 

uK 

Hewden 

Total

2008 

2007

$  21,163 

$  1,104 

$ 

159 

$  22,426 

$  16,193 

$ 

823 

$ 

241 

$  17,257

$  7,014 
  18,474 

$  3,713 
  24,329 

$  1,436 
  10,324 

$  12,163 
  53,127 

$  8,343 
16,563 

$  5,328 
26,238 

$  2,039 
10,582 

$  15,710
53,383

  42,184 
  (60,837) 
– 

  86,407 
  (99,297) 
– 

  33,859 
  (30,120) 
– 

  162,450 
 (190,254) 
– 

(8,120) 
(3,559) 
– 

(17,619) 
(75,643) 
– 

(7,321) 
(21,148) 
958 

(33,060)
  (100,350)
958

6,835 

  15,152 

  15,499 

  37,486 

13,227 

(61,696) 

(14,890) 

(63,359)

  (62,505) 

 (115,187) 

  (45,539) 

 (223,231) 

(11,707) 

(11,498) 

(4,280) 

(27,485)

  64,060 

  100,941 

  30,693 

  195,694 

5,769 

82,102 

22,894 

  110,765

298 

(647) 

(143) 

(492) 

298 

(709) 

– 

(411)

(19) 

(1,140) 

1,259 

100 

(19) 

(1,248) 

1,523 

256

8,669 
$  29,832 

(881) 
223 

1,769 
$  1,928 

9,557 
$  31,983 

$ 

7,568 
$  23,761 

6,951 
$  7,774 

5,247 
$  5,488 

19,766
$  37,023

(a)  As a result of the sale of the Tool Hire Division, the Company recognized a curtailment to reflect the impact of the significant reduction of the 

expected years of future service of active employees participating in the Hewden defined benefit plans. 

2008 finning international inc. 87
87
2008 finning international inc.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
notes to the consolidated financial statements

21. emplOyee future Benefits (continued)
Total cash payments for employee future benefits for 2008, which is made up of cash contributed by the Company to its defined benefit plans and 
its defined contribution plans was $49.3 million and $22.4 million, respectively (2007: $78.5 million and $17.2 million, respectively).

Information about the Company’s defined benefit plans is as follows:

For years ended December 31 
($ THouSAnDS)  

accrued benefit obligation
Balance at beginning of year 
Current service cost 
Interest cost 
Benefits paid 
Actuarial (gains) losses  
Foreign exchange rate changes 
Balance at end of year 

plan assets
Fair value at beginning of year 
Actual return (loss) on  
  plan assets 
Employer contributions (a) 
Employees’ contributions 
Benefits paid 
Foreign exchange rate changes 
Fair value at end of year 

Funded status –  
  plan surplus/(deficit) 
unamortized net  
  actuarial loss 
unamortized past  
  service costs 
Contributions remitted  
  after valuation date 
unamortized transitional 
  obligation/asset 
Accrued benefit asset/ 
  (liability) (b) 

canada 

uk  hewden 

total 

Canada 

uK 

Hewden 

Total

2008 

2007

$ 318,152 
8,708 
  18,474 
  (17,244) 
  (60,837) 
– 
$ 267,253 

$ 400,820 
6,179 
  24,329 
  (14,191) 
  (99,297) 
  (27,567) 
$ 290,273 

$ 169,964 
2,346 
  10,324 
(9,053) 
  (30,120) 
  (12,451) 
$ 131,010 

$ 888,936 
  17,233 
  53,127 
  (40,488) 
 (190,254) 
  (40,018) 
$ 688,536 

$ 313,435 
10,068 
16,563 
(18,355) 
(3,559) 
– 
$ 318,152 

$ 531,799 
8,126 
26,238 
(19,959) 
(75,643) 
(69,741) 
$ 400,820 

$ 215,008  $ 1,060,242
21,492
53,383
(47,134)
(100,350)
(98,697)
$ 169,964  $  888,936

3,298 
10,582 
(8,820)   
(21,148)   
(28,956)   

$ 298,994 

$ 407,486 

$ 159,086 

$ 865,566 

$ 295,019 

$ 424,982 

$ 160,792  $  880,793

  (42,184) 
  16,369 
1,694 
  (17,244) 
– 
$ 257,629 

  (86,407) 
  22,018 
2,466 
  (14,191) 
  (28,751) 
$ 302,621 

  (33,859) 
  11,980 
910 
(9,053) 
  (11,197) 
$ 117,867 

 (162,450) 
  50,367 
5,070 
  (40,488) 
  (39,948) 
$ 678,117 

8,120 
12,485 
1,725 
(18,355) 
– 
$ 298,994 

17,619 
46,169 
2,798 
(19,959) 
(64,123) 
$ 407,486 

7,321 
23,268 
1,259 
(8,820)   
(24,734)   

33,060
81,922
5,782
(47,134)
(88,857)
$ 159,086  $  865,566

$  (9,624)  $  12,348 

$ (13,143)  $ (10,419) 

$  (19,158)  $  6,666 

$  (10,878)  $ 

(23,370)

  63,115 

  71,196 

  35,697 

  170,008 

64,670 

63,740 

22,306 

150,716

1,769 

(6,496) 

(1,655) 

(6,382) 

2,067 

(7,762) 

– 

(5,695)

2,934 

1,659 

897 

5,490 

3,984 

1,833 

998 

6,815

(83) 

(5,129) 

3,543 

(1,669) 

(102) 

(6,756) 

5,139 

(1,719)

$  58,111 

$  73,578 

$  25,339 

$ 157,028 

$  51,461 

$  57,721 

$  17,565  $  126,747

(a)  In 2007, an additional pension payment of $17.1 million was made to fund the uK pension plans as agreed at the time of the sale of the 

materials Handling Division. 

(b)  The accrued benefit asset or liability is classified in either other assets or long-term obligations, respectively, on the consolidated balance 

sheets. 

Included in the above accrued benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets at the year-end are the following amounts in respect of plans that are 
not fully funded:

For years ended December 31 
($ THouSAnDS)  

canada 

uk  hewden 

total 

Canada 

uK 

Hewden 

Total

2008 

2007

Accrued benefit obligation 
Fair value of plan assets 
Funded status – plan deficit 

$ 219,457 
  205,180 
$  14,277 

$ 

$ 

– 
– 
– 

$ 118,702 
  105,409 
$  13,293 

$ 338,159 
  310,589 
$  27,570 

$ 262,895 
  236,336 
$  26,559 

$ 

$ 

– 
– 
– 

$ 154,093 
  143,011 
$  11,082 

$ 416,988
  379,347
$  37,641

For measurement purposes, assets and liabilities of the plans are valued as at november 30. Plan assets do not include direct investment in 
common shares of the Company at December 31, 2008 and 2007. 

8888

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
notes to the consolidated financial statements

Plan assets are principally invested in the following securities at november 30, 2008:

Equity 
Fixed-income 
Real estate 

The significant actuarial assumptions are as follows:

Discount rate – obligation  
Discount rate – expense  
Expected long-term rate of  
  return on plan assets 
Rate of compensation increase 
Estimated remaining service  
  life (years) 

canada 

7.50% 
5.80% 

7.25% 
3.50% 

8-11 

canada 

45% 
46% 
9% 

2008 
uk 

7.20% 
6.20% 

7.00% 
4.00% 

14 

hewden 

Canada 

7.20% 
6.20% 

7.25% 
4.00% 

13 

5.80% 
5.25% 

7.25% 
3.50% 

10-15 

uk 

61% 
39% 
– 

2007
uK 

6.20% 
5.30% 

7.00% 
4.00% 

14 

hewden

58%
42%
–

Hewden

6.20%
5.30%

7.25%
4.00%

13

Discount rates are determined based on high quality corporate bonds at the measurement date, november 30. Recent market conditions and 
the current economic environment have resulted in significantly higher corporate bond yields at november 30, 2008 than in previous years. If 
yields were lower, the accrued defined benefit pension obligations as presented in this note would be higher. As an indication of the sensitivity of 
Finning’s defined benefit pension obligation, if the discount rates were 0.25% lower at november 30, 2008, the accrued defined benefit pension 
obligation presented would have increased by approximately $8 million for Finning (Canada)’s plans, £7 million for the Finning uK plan, and 
£3 million for the Hewden plans. 

Defined benefit pension plans are country and entity specific. The major defined benefit plans and their respective valuation dates are:

Defined Benefit Plan 

last Actuarial valuation Date 

next Actuarial valuation Date

Canada – BC Regular & Executive Plan 
Canada – Executive Supplemental Income Plan 
Canada – General Supplemental Income Plan 
Canada – Alberta Defined Benefit Plan 
Finning uK Defined Benefit Scheme 
Hewden Stuart Pension Scheme 
Hewden Pension Plan 

December 31, 2006 
December 31, 2006 
December 31, 2006 
December 31, 2005 
December 31, 2005 
December 31, 2005 
January 1, 2008 

December 31, 2009
December 31, 2009
December 31, 2009
December 31, 2008
December 31, 2008
December 31, 2008
January 1, 2011

22. eCOnOmiC relatiOnships
The Company distributes and services heavy equipment and related products. The Company has dealership agreements with numerous equipment 
manufacturers, of which the most significant are with subsidiaries of Caterpillar Inc. Distribution and servicing of Caterpillar products account for 
the major portion of the Company’s operations. Finning has a strong relationship with Caterpillar Inc. that has been ongoing since 1933. 

2008 finning international inc. 89
89
2008 finning international inc.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
notes to the consolidated financial statements

23. segmented infOrmatiOn
The Company and its subsidiaries have operated primarily in one industry during the year, that being the selling, servicing, and renting of heavy 
equipment and related products.

The reportable operating segments are as follows:

•	
•	
•	
•	

	Canadian	operations:	British	Columbia,	Alberta,	the	Yukon	Territory,	the	Northwest	Territories,	and	a	portion	of	Nunavut.
	South	American	operations:	Chile,	Argentina,	Uruguay,	and	Bolivia.	
	UK	Group	operations:	England,	Scotland,	Wales,	Falkland	Islands,	and	the	Channel	Islands.
	Other:	corporate	head	office.

For year ended December 31, 2008 
($ thousands) 

Canada 

South 
America 

uK Group 

other 

Impairment  Consolidated

Goodwill 

Revenue from external sources 
operating costs 
Depreciation and amortization 
other income (expenses) 
Goodwill impairment (note 17) 
Earnings before interest and taxes 
Finance costs  
Provision for income taxes 
net income 
Identifiable assets 
Capital assets 
Gross capital expenditures(1) 
Gross rental asset expenditures 

$ 3,216,946 
 (2,801,877) 
  (164,489) 
(16,102) 
– 
$  234,478 

$ 1,501,633 
 (1,313,753) 
(34,217) 
(5,428) 
– 
$  148,235 

$ 1,272,842 
 (1,099,805) 
(125,447) 
6,036 
– 
53,626 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 2,094,186 
$  278,171 
$  143,269 
$  296,166 

$ 1,350,929 
$  115,626 
$  47,940 
$  76,715 

$ 1,135,352 
$  114,811 
$ 
15,234 
$  161,803 

$ 

4 
(46,709) 
(208) 
(1,307) 
– 

$ 5,991,425
– 
 (5,262,144)
– 
(324,361)
– 
(16,801)
– 
(151,373)
(151,373) 
(48,220)  $  (151,373)  $  236,746
(83,636)
(57,114)
$ 
95,996
$ 4,720,375
$  509,203 
$  206,443
$  534,684

$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 

– 
– 
– 
– 

$  139,908 
595 
$ 
– 
$ 
– 
$ 

For year ended December 31, 2007 
($ thousands) 

Canada 

South 
America 

uK Group 

other 

Impairment  Consolidated

Goodwill 

Revenue from external sources 
operating costs 
Depreciation and amortization 
other income (expenses) 
Earnings from continuing operations  
  before interest and taxes 
Finance costs  
Provision for income taxes 
net income from continuing operations 
loss from discontinued operations, net of tax 
net income  
Identifiable assets 
Capital assets 
Gross capital expenditures(1) 
Gross rental asset expenditures 

(1) includes capital leases

$ 2,936,229 
  (2,486,030) 
(165,488) 
1,602 

$ 1,325,582 
 (1,171,761) 
(25,922) 
(551) 

$ 1,400,427 
  (1,191,290) 
(136,474) 
384 

$ 

6 
(30,867) 
– 
– 

$ 

$  286,313 

$  127,348 

$ 

73,047 

$ 

(30,861) 

$ 

$ 1,820,394 
$  158,301 
23,604 
$ 
$  449,894 

$  810,465 
58,339 
$ 
21,856 
$ 
76,481 
$ 

$ 1,434,608 
$  156,014 
32,359 
$ 
$  231,110 

$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 

68,696 
817 
– 
– 

$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

$ 5,662,244
  (4,879,948)
(327,884)
1,435

$  455,847
(72,842)
(102,898)
280,107
(2,050)
$  278,057
$ 4,134,163
$  373,471
77,819
$ 
$  757,485

9090

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
notes to the consolidated financial statements

24. COntraCtual OBligatiOns 
Future minimum lease payments due under capital lease contracts and payments due under various operating lease contracts are as follows:

For years ended December 31  
($ THouSAnDS) 

2009 
2010 
2011 
2012 
2013 
Thereafter 

less imputed interest 

less current portion of capital lease obligation 
Total long-term capital lease obligation 

Capital 
leases 

26,336 
6,799 
1,235 
1,083 
1,064 
14,720 
51,237 
(10,607) 
40,630 
(23,655) 
16,975 

$ 

$ 

operating 
leases

71,168
63,159
49,684
31,752
23,465
150,832
390,060
n/a
390,060
n/a
390,060

$ 

$ 

25. COmmitments and COntingenCies
(a)  Due to the size, complexity, and nature of the Company’s operations, various legal and tax matters are pending. In the opinion of management, 

these matters will not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations. 

(b)  The Company has committed to pay approximately $16 million over the next three years for consulting and implementation support for  

a new information technology system solution for its global operations. 

26. guarantees and indemnifiCatiOns
The Company enters into contracts with rights of return, in certain circumstances, for the repurchase of equipment sold to customers for an 
amount based on an estimate of the future value of the fair market price at that time. As at December 31, 2008, the total estimated value of these 
contracts outstanding is $172.4 million coming due at periods ranging from 2009 to 2015. The Company’s experience to date has been that the 
equipment at the exercise date of the contract is worth more than the repurchase amount. The total amount recognized as a provision against 
these contracts is $0.7 million.

As part of the Tool Hire and materials Handling divisions’ Purchase and Sale Agreements, Finning has provided indemnifications to the respective 
third party purchaser, covering breaches of representation and warranties as well as litigation and other matters set forth in the agreement. 
Claims may be made by the third party purchaser under these agreements for various periods of time depending on the nature of the claim. The 
maximum potential exposure of Finning under these indemnifications is 100% of the purchase price with respect to the Tool Hire Division, and 
75% of the purchase price with respect to the materials Handling Division. As at December 31, 2008, Finning had no material liabilities recorded 
for these indemnifications. 

In connection with the sale of the materials Handling Division in 2006, the Company provided a guarantee to a third party with respect to  
a property lease. If the lessee were to default, the Company would be required to make the annual lease payments of approximately $1.2 million 
to the end of the lease term in 2020. As at December 31, 2008, the Company had no liability recorded for this guarantee. 

In the normal course of operations, the Company has several long-term maintenance and repair contracts with various customers which contain 
cost per hour guarantees. 

During the year, the Company entered into various other commercial letters of credit in the normal course of operations.

27. aCCOunts reCeivaBle seCuritiZatiOn
In 2002, the Company entered into an arrangement and sold a $45.0 million co-ownership interest in a pool of eligible non-interest bearing 
trade receivables to a multi-seller securitization trust (the “Trust”), net of overcollateralization. under the terms of the agreement, which expired 
on november 29, 2007, the Company could sell co-ownership interests of up to $120.0 million on a revolving basis. The Company retained 
a subordinated interest in the cash flows arising from the eligible receivables underlying the Trust’s co-ownership interest. The Trust and its 
investors did not have recourse to the Company’s other assets in the event that obligors failed to pay the underlying receivables when due. 
Pursuant to the agreement, the Company serviced the pool of underlying receivables. 

on the expiry date, the Company terminated the co-ownership interests, ceased all securitization of its accounts receivable, and repurchased 
previously securitized receivables for cash of $45.0 million. 

For the 2007 period up to the repurchase of the receivables held by the Trust, the Company recognized a pre-tax loss of $1.8 million relating  
to these transfers. 

In 2007, proceeds from revolving reinvestment of collections were $451.9 million.

2008 finning international inc. 91
91
2008 finning international inc.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
ten year financial summary

For years ended December 31  
($ THouSAnDS ExCEPT PER SHARE DATA) 

REvEnuE(1)
  Canadian operations 
  South American operations 
  uK Group 
  International operations 
  ToTAl ConSolIDATED 

Earnings before interest and tax (EBIT)(1)(2) 
  As a percent of revenue 
net income(1)(2) 
  As a percent of revenue 

EARnInGS PER Common SHARE(1)(2)
  Basic 
  Diluted(3) 

DIvIDEnDS
  Per common share 

Cash flow after working capital changes 
Cash flow per share 
Gross capital expenditures 

RATIoS
  Asset turnover ratio 
  net debt to total capitalization(4) 
  Book value per common share 
  Return on average shareholders’ equity(1)(2) 

Common SHARE PRICE
  High 
  low 
  year end 

Common shares outstanding (thousands) 
Revenue per employee 
net income per employee(2) 

numBER oF EmPloyEES
  Canada 
  South America 
  uK Group 
  International 
  ToTAl 

2008 

2007 

2006 

2005 

2004 

2003 

2002 

2001 

2000 

1999

$  3,216,946 
$  1,501,633 
$  1,272,842 
4 
$ 
$  5,991,425 

$ 

$ 

$ 
$ 

$ 

$ 
$ 
$ 

$ 

$ 
$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 

236,746 
4.0% 
95,996 
1.6% 

0.56 
0.55 

0.43 

278,133 
1.63 
206,443 

1.35 
49% 
9.19 
5.8% 

31.15 
12.09 
14.25 

170,445 
439,899 
7,048 

5,061 
4,988 
3,506 
65 
13,620 

$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 
$ 

$ 

$ 
$ 
$ 

$ 

$ 
$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 

2,936,229 
1,325,582 
1,400,427 
6 
5,662,244 

455,847 
8.0% 
280,107 
4.9% 

1.57 
1.55 

0.36 

404,427 
2.30 
77,819 

1.36 
41% 
9.19 
16.8% 

33.50 
23.10 
28.66 

176,132 
440,642 
21,798 

4,618 
4,638 
3,543 
51 
12,850 

$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 
$ 

$ 

$ 
$ 
$ 

$ 

$ 
$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 

2,612,597 
1,009,906 
1,230,730 
6 
4,853,239 

373,708 
7.7% 
236,187 
4.9% 

1.32 
1.31 

0.275 

460,210 
2.57 
89,370 

1.22 
40% 
9.07 
15.8% 

23.90 
18.05 
23.90 

179,090 
392,605 
18,726 

4,106 
3,865 
4,841 
44 
12,856 

$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 
$ 

$ 

$ 
$ 
$ 

$ 

$ 
$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 

2,049,675 
1,007,341 
1,271,264 
– 
4,328,280 

257,955 
6.0% 
161,672 
3.7% 

0.91 
0.90 

0.22 

478,757 
2.68 
81,111 

1.15 
46% 
7.92 
11.8% 

20.70 
16.13 
18.57 

178,404 
377,554 
12,810 

3,316 
3,377 
6,074 
38 
12,805 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

1,562,584 

869,893 

1,403,807 

15 

3,836,299 

271,933 

7.1% 

114,946 

3.0% 

0.73 

0.72 

0.20 

247,422 

1.40 

106,202 

1.15 

50% 

7.50 

11.0% 

17.70 

14.43 

17.50 

176,780 

338,918 

9,360 

2,936 

3,203 

6,097 

44 

12,280 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

1,456,357 

561,964 

1,574,950 

24 

3,593,295 

255,168 

7.1% 

131,951 

3.7% 

0.86 

0.84 

0.18 

384,210 

2.47 

89,657 

1.09 

42% 

6.16 

14.3% 

16.60 

11.50 

15.00 

155,510 

314,953 

11,566 

2,717 

2,456 

6,191 

45 

11,409 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

1,269,275 

444,644 

1,493,512 

55 

3,207,486 

277,783 

8.7% 

132,253 

4.1% 

0.86 

0.84 

0.15 

472,804 

3.05 

47,426 

1.05 

37% 

6.00 

15.7% 

14.43 

9.83 

12.78 

155,160 

327,462 

13,502 

2,548 

1,817 

5,391 

39 

9,795 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

1,398,623 

448,005 

1,391,566 

8,849 

3,247,043 

241,601 

7.4% 

103,917 

3.2% 

0.69 

0.67 

0.10 

445,623 

2.94 

51,180 

1.25 

47% 

5.12 

14.1% 

10.18 

6.05 

10.00 

151,632 

331,230 

10,601 

2,629 

1,516 

5,619 

39 

9,803 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

1,214,516 

474,145 

682,162 

89,209 

2,460,032 

165,263 

6.7% 

73,391 

3.0% 

0.48 

0.47 

0.10 

357,780 

2.36 

15,284 

1.18 

57% 

4.51 

10.5% 

6.93 

4.93 

6.35 

151,580 

477,120 

14,234 

2,326 

1,390 

1,404 

36 

5,156 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

1,032,922

377,777

712,941

106,221

2,229,861

148,912

6.7%

59,600

2.7%

0.38

0.37

0.10

438,232

2.75

20,864

1.05

56%

4.37

8.7%

7.70

4.50

6.75

159,474

450,113

12,031

2,271

1,259

1,364

60

4,954

Certain comparative figures have been reclassified to conform to the 2008 presentation. In addition, financial data has been restated to incorporate  
common share subdivision occurring during the ten year period.

1.   on July 31, 2007, the Company’s u.K. subsidiary, Hewden Stuart Plc. (Hewden) sold its Tool Hire Division. Results from that operation have been reclassified  
to discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005. on September 29, 2006, the Company’s u.K. subsidiary, Finning (uK) sold 
its materials Handling Division. Results from that operation have been reclassified to discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005, and 
2004. Therefore, revenue, EBIT, net income, earnings per common share, and return on average shareholders’ equity reflect results from continuing operations 
for those years.

2.   In 2008, the Company performed its annual goodwill impairment review and determined that the fair value of Hewden was less than its book value, which 

included goodwill on acquisition. As a result, the Company recorded a full goodwill impairment charge of $151.4 million ($0.88 basic and diluted loss per share) 
for Hewden in the fourth quarter of 2008.

3.   In 2000, the diluted earnings per share calculation was changed to reflect the dilutive effect of exercising outstanding stock options by application of the treasury 

stock method. Diluted earnings for the years ended 1999 to 2005 have been stated using this method.

4.   In 2008, the net debt to total capitalization calculation was changed to include cash and cash equivalents in the definition of net debt; accordingly, net debt to 
total capitalization for years 1999 to 2007 has been restated. Equity ratio for years 2001 to 2003 included non-controlling interest that was treated as equity. 
Equity ratio for 2000 year does not include investment in Hewden. 

9292

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For years ended December 31  

($ THouSAnDS ExCEPT PER SHARE DATA) 

REvEnuE(1)

  Canadian operations 

  South American operations 

  uK Group 

  International operations 

  ToTAl ConSolIDATED 

Earnings before interest and tax (EBIT)(1)(2) 

  As a percent of revenue 

net income(1)(2) 

  As a percent of revenue 

EARnInGS PER Common SHARE(1)(2)

  Basic 

  Diluted(3) 

DIvIDEnDS

  Per common share 

Cash flow after working capital changes 

Cash flow per share 

Gross capital expenditures 

RATIoS

  Asset turnover ratio 

  net debt to total capitalization(4) 

  Book value per common share 

  Return on average shareholders’ equity(1)(2) 

Common SHARE PRICE

  High 

  low 

  year end 

Common shares outstanding (thousands) 

Revenue per employee 

net income per employee(2) 

numBER oF EmPloyEES

  Canada 

  South America 

  uK Group 

  International 

  ToTAl 

2008 

2007 

2006 

2005 

2004 

2003 

2002 

2001 

2000 

1999

ten year financial summary

$  3,216,946 

$  1,501,633 

$  1,272,842 

4 

$  5,991,425 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

236,746 

4.0% 

95,996 

1.6% 

0.56 

0.55 

0.43 

278,133 

1.63 

206,443 

1.35 

49% 

9.19 

5.8% 

31.15 

12.09 

14.25 

170,445 

439,899 

7,048 

5,061 

4,988 

3,506 

65 

13,620 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

2,936,229 

1,325,582 

1,400,427 

6 

5,662,244 

455,847 

8.0% 

280,107 

4.9% 

1.57 

1.55 

0.36 

404,427 

2.30 

77,819 

1.36 

41% 

9.19 

16.8% 

33.50 

23.10 

28.66 

176,132 

440,642 

21,798 

4,618 

4,638 

3,543 

51 

12,850 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

2,612,597 

1,009,906 

1,230,730 

6 

4,853,239 

373,708 

7.7% 

236,187 

4.9% 

1.32 

1.31 

0.275 

460,210 

2.57 

89,370 

1.22 

40% 

9.07 

15.8% 

23.90 

18.05 

23.90 

179,090 

392,605 

18,726 

4,106 

3,865 

4,841 

44 

12,856 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

2,049,675 

1,007,341 

1,271,264 

– 

4,328,280 

257,955 

6.0% 

161,672 

3.7% 

0.91 

0.90 

0.22 

478,757 

2.68 

81,111 

1.15 

46% 

7.92 

11.8% 

20.70 

16.13 

18.57 

178,404 

377,554 

12,810 

3,316 

3,377 

6,074 

38 

12,805 

$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 
$ 

$ 

$ 
$ 
$ 

$ 

$ 
$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 

1,562,584 
869,893 
1,403,807 
15 
3,836,299 

271,933 
7.1% 
114,946 
3.0% 

0.73 
0.72 

0.20 

247,422 
1.40 
106,202 

1.15 
50% 
7.50 
11.0% 

17.70 
14.43 
17.50 

176,780 
338,918 
9,360 

2,936 
3,203 
6,097 
44 
12,280 

$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 
$ 

$ 

$ 
$ 
$ 

$ 

$ 
$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 

1,456,357 
561,964 
1,574,950 
24 
3,593,295 

255,168 
7.1% 
131,951 
3.7% 

0.86 
0.84 

0.18 

384,210 
2.47 
89,657 

1.09 
42% 
6.16 
14.3% 

16.60 
11.50 
15.00 

155,510 
314,953 
11,566 

2,717 
2,456 
6,191 
45 
11,409 

$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 
$ 

$ 

$ 
$ 
$ 

$ 

$ 
$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 

1,269,275 
444,644 
1,493,512 
55 
3,207,486 

277,783 
8.7% 
132,253 
4.1% 

0.86 
0.84 

0.15 

472,804 
3.05 
47,426 

1.05 
37% 
6.00 
15.7% 

14.43 
9.83 
12.78 

155,160 
327,462 
13,502 

2,548 
1,817 
5,391 
39 
9,795 

$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 
$ 

$ 

$ 
$ 
$ 

$ 

$ 
$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 

1,398,623 
448,005 
1,391,566 
8,849 
3,247,043 

241,601 
7.4% 
103,917 
3.2% 

0.69 
0.67 

0.10 

445,623 
2.94 
51,180 

1.25 
47% 
5.12 
14.1% 

10.18 
6.05 
10.00 

151,632 
331,230 
10,601 

2,629 
1,516 
5,619 
39 
9,803 

$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 
$ 

$ 

$ 
$ 
$ 

$ 

$ 
$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 

1,214,516 
474,145 
682,162 
89,209 
2,460,032 

165,263 
6.7% 
73,391 
3.0% 

0.48 
0.47 

0.10 

357,780 
2.36 
15,284 

1.18 
57% 
4.51 
10.5% 

6.93 
4.93 
6.35 

151,580 
477,120 
14,234 

2,326 
1,390 
1,404 
36 
5,156 

$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 
$ 

$ 

$ 
$ 
$ 

$ 

$ 
$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 

1,032,922
377,777
712,941
106,221
2,229,861

148,912
6.7%
59,600
2.7%

0.38
0.37

0.10

438,232
2.75
20,864

1.05
56%
4.37
8.7%

7.70
4.50
6.75

159,474
450,113
12,031

2,271
1,259
1,364
60
4,954

Certain comparative figures have been reclassified to conform to the 2008 presentation. In addition, financial data has been restated to incorporate  

common share subdivision occurring during the ten year period.

1.   on July 31, 2007, the Company’s u.K. subsidiary, Hewden Stuart Plc. (Hewden) sold its Tool Hire Division. Results from that operation have been reclassified  

to discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005. on September 29, 2006, the Company’s u.K. subsidiary, Finning (uK) sold 

its materials Handling Division. Results from that operation have been reclassified to discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005, and 

2004. Therefore, revenue, EBIT, net income, earnings per common share, and return on average shareholders’ equity reflect results from continuing operations 

2.   In 2008, the Company performed its annual goodwill impairment review and determined that the fair value of Hewden was less than its book value, which 

included goodwill on acquisition. As a result, the Company recorded a full goodwill impairment charge of $151.4 million ($0.88 basic and diluted loss per share) 

for those years.

for Hewden in the fourth quarter of 2008.

3.   In 2000, the diluted earnings per share calculation was changed to reflect the dilutive effect of exercising outstanding stock options by application of the treasury 

stock method. Diluted earnings for the years ended 1999 to 2005 have been stated using this method.

4.   In 2008, the net debt to total capitalization calculation was changed to include cash and cash equivalents in the definition of net debt; accordingly, net debt to 

total capitalization for years 1999 to 2007 has been restated. Equity ratio for years 2001 to 2003 included non-controlling interest that was treated as equity. 

Equity ratio for 2000 year does not include investment in Hewden. 

2008 finning international inc. 93
93
2008 finning international inc.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Board of Directors

ricarDo Bacarreza
Santiago, Chile
President, Proinvest S.A.
Director since 1999
member of the Audit Committee and Pension Committee 

JaMes e.c. carter
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Director of EPCoR utilities Inc., Clark Builders, the Alberta 
Research Council and CAREERS: The next Generation 
Director since 2007
member of the Audit Committee and the 
Environment, Health and Safety Committee 

hon. DaviD l. eMerson, p.c.
vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Senior Advisor, Farris vaughn, wills & murphy llP  
and CAI managers
Director of Conair-Cascade Aerospace, Canada China  
Business Council, Timberwest Forest Corporation  
and British Columbia Transmission Corporation  
Director since 2008
member of the Audit Committee and the Pension Committee 

kathleen M. o’neill
Toronto, ontario, Canada
Director of Tmx Group Inc. and Canadian Tire Bank,  
a subsidiary of Canadian Tire Corporation
Director since 2007
Chair of the Pension Committee and a member of, and the 
designated ‘financial expert’ for the Audit Committee, a member 
and Pension lead Director of the Human Resources Committee

conraD a. pinette
vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Director of A&w Revenue Royalties Income Fund,  
Canfor Corporation, northgate minerals Corporation  
and Timberwest Forest Corporation
Director since 1992
Chair of the Corporate Governance Committee and a member  
of the Human Resources Committee and the Pension Committee

John M. reiD
vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Director of methanex Corporation
Director since 2006
Chair of the Audit Committee and a member  
of the Corporate Governance Committee

anDrew h. siMon, oBe
Bougy-villars, Switzerland
Director of CDR Tabasco Parentco limited,  
SGl Carbon AG Supervisory Board, Dalkia plc, Travis Perkins plc  
and management Consulting Group plc
Director since 1999
member of the Audit Committee and the Environment,  
Health and Safety Committee

Bruce l.turner
Santiago, Chile
President, Turner minerals S.A.
Director since 2006
Chair of the Environment, Health and Safety Committee  
and a member of the Human Resources Committee  
and the Corporate Governance Committee

Michael t. waites
vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
President and Chief Executive officer, Finning International Inc.
Director since 2008
member of the Environment, Health and Safety Committee

DouGlas w.G. whiteheaD
north vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Director of Ballard Power Systems Inc., Inmet mining Corporation, 
International Forest Products ltd. and Belkorp Industries 
Director since 1999
Chairman of the Board of Directors

John M. willson
vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Director of nexen Inc., Garaventa (Canada) ltd.  
and the ymCA of Greater vancouver
Director since 2000
lead Director, Chair of the Human Resources Committee  
and a member of the Corporate Governance Committee

please refer to the Company’s management proxy circular for detailed biographies of finning directors.

9494

DouGlas w.G. whiteheaD
CHAIRmAn oF THE BoARD
FInnInG InTERnATIonAl InC.

anDrew w. Bone
PRESIDEnT, PowER SySTEmS
FInnInG InTERnATIonAl InC.

Michael t. waites
PRESIDEnT AnD CHIEF ExECuTIvE oFFICER
FInnInG InTERnATIonAl InC.

anDrew s. Fraser
mAnAGInG DIRECToR
FInnInG GRouP, uK

anna p. Marks
SEnIoR vICE PRESIDEnT AnD  
CoRPoRATE ConTRollER
FInnInG InTERnATIonAl InC.

thoMas M. Merinsky
vICE PRESIDEnT,  
InvESToR RElATIonS AnD 
CoRPoRATE AFFAIRS
FInnInG InTERnATIonAl InC.

DaviD e. parker
PRESIDEnT
FInnInG (CAnADA)

Corporate officers

DaviD F. n. priMrose
SEnIoR vICE PRESIDEnT,  
CoRPoRATE HumAn RESouRCES
FInnInG InTERnATIonAl InC.

J. Gail sexsMith
CoRPoRATE SECRETARy
FInnInG InTERnATIonAl InC.

DaviD s. sMith
ExECuTIvE vICE PRESIDEnT  
AnD CHIEF FInAnCIAl oFFICER
FInnInG InTERnATIonAl InC.

Juan carlos villeGas
PRESIDEnT
FInnInG SouTH AmERICA

2008 finning international inc. 95
95
2008 finning international inc.

corporate governance

The Corporation’s Board of Directors and management are committed to the highest standards of good corporate governance and understand 
that such standards are central to the efficient and effective operation of the Corporation in a manner that ultimately enhances shareholder value.

Board Mandate and composition
The Board of Directors has overall responsibility for conduct of the business and affairs of the Corporation. The Board discharges this 
responsibility both directly and through delegating certain authority to committees of the Board and to senior management of the Corporation.

The Board of Directors is currently made up of 11 members. All directors, other than michael T. waites (who is the President and Chief 
Executive officer of the Corporation) and Douglas w.G. whitehead (who was the former President and Chief Executive officer) are independent.

In addition, in order to ensure that the Board can function independently from management, the Corporation has separated the role of 
Chairman of the Board (currently Douglas w.G. whitehead) and Chief Executive officer (currently michael T. waites). Further, to ensure 
objectivity, the Board has appointed John m. willson as lead Director. The Board further ensures its independence by convening an independent 
director-only in camera session at every Board meeting.

Finally, each year the Board (with the assistance of the Corporate Governance Committee) formally reviews its own performance, the 
performance of each committee of the Board, the performance of the Chairman of the Board, the performance of each individual director  
(peer assessment) and the performance of the Chief Executive officer. 

committees of the Board of Directors
There are currently five standing committees of the Board of Directors: the Audit Committee, the Corporate Governance Committee,  
the Environment, Health and Safety Committee, the Pension Committee and the Human Resources Committee. Each committee operates  
in accordance with Board-approved terms of reference. 

the audit committee
The Audit Committee provides assistance to the Board of Directors in fulfilling its oversight responsibility to the shareholders with respect to  
the Corporation’s: (a) financial statements; (b) financial reporting process; (c) systems of internal and disclosure controls; (d) internal audit function;  
(e) external audit function; (f) financial arrangements and liquidity and (g) risk identification, assessment and management program. It is the 
responsibility of the Committee to maintain an open avenue of communication between itself, the external auditors, the internal auditors and the 
management of the Corporation. In performing its role, the Committee is empowered to investigate any matter brought to its attention, with full 
access to all books, records, facilities and personnel of the Corporation. It is also empowered to retain outside counsel or other experts as required.

the corporate Governance committee
The mandate of the Corporate Governance Committee is to enhance corporate performance by assessing and making recommendations 
regarding Board effectiveness and by establishing a process for identifying, recruiting, appointing and re-appointing directors and providing for  
the on-going development of current Board members.

the environment, health and safety committee
The mandate of the Environment, Health and Safety Committee is to encourage, assist and counsel the management of the Corporation in its drive 
towards attaining and maintaining a high level of performance in areas relating to the environment, health and safety. The Committee also seeks to 
ensure, through the management of the Corporation, that the Corporation’s employees and contractors enjoy a safe and healthy workplace.

the pension committee
The mandate of the Pension Committee is to oversee all of the Corporation’s pension plans, including registered pension plans and supplemental 
pension arrangements. This oversight includes the responsibility to analyze policies and strategies developed by management in the area of 
pensions and to review the Corporation’s performance with respect to meeting its fiduciary obligations as they relate to the Corporation’s 
pension plans. Items to be addressed by the Board Pension Committee include, but are not limited to, governance, compliance, plan design and 
benefit strategy, investment strategy and funding policies, the ongoing performance of the plans and their investments, and the selection of  
certain advisors.

the human resources committee
The Human Resources Committee provides oversight of the design of the Corporation’s compensation programs and policies and also provides 
recommendations to the Board of Directors on key compensation and human resources matters. The Committee makes recommendations to 
the full Board of Directors with respect to executive and key employee continuity and any changes to the Corporation’s executive compensation 
program which the Committee considers to be necessary from time to time.

The Corporation’s management proxy circular issued in connection with the 2009 Annual meeting of Shareholders and the corporate governance section  
of the Corporation’s website provide a full discussion of Finning’s corporate governance policies and practices.

9696

STOCK EXCHANGES
The common shares of Finning International Inc.  
are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange. Symbol: FTT

AUDITORS
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Vancouver, Canada

SOLICITORS
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
Vancouver, Canada

CORPORATE HEAD OFFICE
Suite 1000-666 Burrard Street
Vancouver, British Columbia 
Canada V6C 2X8
Telephone: 604-691-6444

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
May 14, 2009
10:00 am PDT

Terminal City Club
837 West Hastings Street,
Vancouver, British Columbia

shareholder information

CORPORATE INFORMATION
The Company prepares an Annual Information Form (AIF),
which is filed with the securities commission or similar bodies
in all of the provinces of Canada. Copies of the AIF and Annual
and quarterly Reports are available to shareholders and other
interested parties on request or can be accessed directly from
Finning’s website at www.finning.com

INVESTOR INqUIRIES
Inquiries relating to shares or dividends should be directed to
the Company’s Registrar and Transfer Agent. Inquiries relating
to the Company’s operating activities and financial information
should be directed to Tom Merinsky, Vice President, Investor
Relations and Corporate Affairs.  
Telephone 604-331-4950   Fax 604-691-6440
Email: investor_relations@finning.ca

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
This report contains forward-looking statements and information,
which reflect the current view of Finning International Inc.
with respect to future events and financial performance. Any
such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and
uncertainties and Finning’s actual results of operations could
differ materially from historical results or current expectations.
Finning assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise its
forward-looking statements even if experience or future
changes make it clear that any projected results expressed or
implied therein do not materialize.

Refer to Finning’s annual report, management information circular,
annual information form and other filings with the Ontario
Securities Commission and Toronto Stock Exchange, which can
be found at www.sedar.com, for further information on risks and
uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially
from forward-looking statements contained in this report.

REGISTRAR & TRANSFER AGENT
COMPUTERSHARE TRUST COMPANY OF CANADA

Vancouver
Computershare
510 Burrard Street
2nd Floor
Vancouver, B.C.
V6C 3B9

toronto
Computershare
100 University Avenue
11th Floor
Toronto, Ontario
M5J 2Y1

Phone
North America
1-800-564-6253
International
514-982-7555

Website
www.computershare.com

email
service@computershare.com

 
www.finning.com

By selecting the papers used for this report 27 trees, 9,995 gallons  
of water and 8,000 lbs of wood were saved.  In addition, 2,473 lbs  
of greenhouse emissions, 1,322 pounds of solid waste, and 19,000 
BTU (000) of energy were saved.