Quarterlytics / Industrials / Trucking / TFI International

TFI International

tfii · NYSE Industrials
Claim this profile
Ticker tfii
Exchange NYSE
Sector Industrials
Industry Trucking
Employees 10,000+
← All annual reports
FY2017 Annual Report · TFI International
Sign in to download
Loading PDF…
T

F

I

I

N

T

E

R

N

A

T

I

O

N

A

L

2

0

1

7

A

N

N

U

A

L

R

E

P

O

R

T

2017 ANNUAL REPORT

 
 
 
 
A Message from
Alain Bédard

Dear Fellow Shareholders and Colleagues:

Our improved profitability and strong cash flow in 2017 reflect the 

in net repayment to reduce long-term debt, further bolstering our 

successful implementation of our primary mission to continually 

balance sheet which remains a source of stability and strategic 

create and unlock shareholder value. The North American eco-

strength for us. We returned another $150.6 million to sharehold-

nomic recovery combined with our rigorous focus on operational 

ers over the course of the year through $81.6 million of share 

efficiency led to strong bottom line growth in all of our businesses 

repurchases and another $69.0 million in the form of dividends. 

with the exception of our U.S. Truckload operations. Looking 

In December, we raised our quarterly dividend another 11%.

ahead, we are optimistic that our diversified businesses should 

be clear beneficiaries of economic expansion and tightening 

capacity in the trucking and logistics industries, and the resulting 

rate increases.

TFI has for many years had a successful acquisition strategy, 

which has allowed countless smaller companies to benefit from 

the financial and operational resources that come from being 

underneath the TFI International umbrella, all while adding to our 

However, at TFI International we continually strive to optimize 

capabilities, our route density and our world class management 

our business, regardless of economic conditions. Thus, during 

team. Any acquisition activity we pursue in the near future would 

2017 we focused on operational efficiencies, asset rationalization, 

involve smaller, accretive acquisitions, with a focus on being 

and tight cost controls. We further strengthened our balance sheet 

highly disciplined with our shareholders’ capital. Well-managed, 

through a strategic $135.7 million sale and leaseback transac-

asset-light operations would remain our principal target. Whether 

tion and through $86.4 million of debt reduction. As a result of 

it’s acquisitions, debt reduction or further investment in our 

the strengthening economy and our own internal accomplish-

organic business, our overarching goal is to invest in high 

ments, we were able to return significant capital to our share-

return-on-capital initiatives that maximize our already strong 

holders through both share buybacks and dividends.

cash flow.

TFI International generated total revenue from continuing opera-

I wish to thank our many employees who continue to embrace 

tions of $4.7 billion in 2017, or $4.3 billion before fuel surcharge, 

and thrive under our effective, decentralized operating structure. 

which was up 15.6% from the prior year. Growth was partially 

Their emphasis on delivering innovative, value-added solutions 

offset by lingering weakness especially in U.S. Truckload  

for our customers, and the dedication they bring to the job each 

operations, along with fluctuations in foreign exchange rates.

day, are the building blocks for TFI’s continued success. I also 

Operating income from continuing operations was $243.7 million, 

reflecting a margin of 5.7% of revenue before fuel surcharge, 

versus 6.7% last year. The lower margin was primarily the result 

of U.S. Truckload operations, where we have made a concerted 

effort to improve performance which is beginning to yield results. 

Outside of U.S. Truckload, our organic profitability growth was 

strong. Net income from continuing operations increased to 

$158.0 million, or $1.70 per diluted share which was a 3.7% 

improvement over the prior year’s $1.64.

want to express my sincere appreciation to our shareholders for 

joining us on our journey, and to our Board of Directors for their 

guidance, perspective and unwavering commitment to creating 

shareholder value.

Our net cash from operating activities from continuing operations 

was one of the year’s highlights, reaching $372.6 million, up  

Alain Bédard 
Chairman of the Board, 

10% from 2016. We used $74.6 million of our excess cash flow 

President and Chief Executive Officer

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER AND YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 

1 

 GENERAL INFORMATION 

The  following  is  TFI  International  Inc.’s  management  discussion  and  analysis  (“MD&A”).  Throughout  this  MD&A,  the  terms 
“Company” and “TFI International” shall mean TFI International Inc., and shall include its independent operating subsidiaries. This 
MD&A provides a comparison of the Company’s performance for its three-month period and year ended December 31, 2017 with 
the  corresponding  three-month  period  and  year  ended  December  31,  2016  and  it  reviews  the  Company’s  financial  position  as  of 
December 31, 2017. It also includes a discussion of the Company’s affairs up to February 20, 2018, which is the date of this MD&A. 
The MD&A should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes as at and for 
the year ended December 31, 2017. 

In this document, all financial data are prepared in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued 
by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”). All amounts are in Canadian dollars, and the term “dollar”, as well as the 
symbols “$” and “C$”, designate Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated. Variances may exist as numbers have been rounded. 
This MD&A also uses non-IFRS financial measures. Refer to  the section of  this report entitled “Non-IFRS Financial Measures” for  a 
complete description of these measures. 

The  Company’s  audited  consolidated  financial  statements  have  been  approved  by  its  Board  of  Directors  (“Board”)  upon 
recommendation of its audit committee on February 20, 2018. Prospective data, comments and analysis are also provided wherever 
appropriate to assist existing and new investors to see the business from a corporate management point of view. Such disclosure is 
subject to reasonable constraints for maintaining the confidentiality of certain information that, if published, would probably have an 
adverse impact on the competitive position of the Company. 

Additional  information  relating  to  the  Company  can  be  found  on  its  website  at  www.tfiintl.com.  The  Company’s  continuous 
disclosure materials, including its annual and quarterly MD&A, annual and quarterly consolidated financial statements, annual report, 
annual information form, management proxy circular and the various press releases issued by the Company are also available on its 
website or directly through the SEDAR system at www.sedar.com. 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS 

The  Company  may  make  statements  in  this  report  that  reflect  its  current  expectations  regarding  future  results  of  operations, 
performance and achievements. These are “forward-looking” statements and reflect management’s current beliefs. They are based 
on  information  currently  available  to  management.  Words  such  as “may”,  “could”,  “should”,  “would”,  “believe”,  “expect”, 
“anticipate” and words and expressions of similar import are intended to identify these forward-looking statements. Such forward-
looking  statements  are  subject  to  certain  risks  and  uncertainties  that  could  cause  actual  results  to  differ  materially  from  historical 
results and those presently anticipated or projected. 

The Company wishes to caution readers not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements which reference issues only 
as of the date made. The following important factors could cause the Company’s actual financial performance to differ materially 
from that expressed  in any forward-looking statement: the  highly competitive market conditions, the Company’s ability  to recruit, 
train and retain qualified drivers, fuel price variations and the Company’s ability to recover these costs from its customers, foreign 
currency fluctuations, the impact of environmental standards and regulations, changes in governmental regulations applicable to the 
Company’s  operations,  adverse  weather  conditions,  accidents,  the  market  for  used  equipment,  changes  in  interest  rates,  cost  of 
liability insurance coverage, downturns in general economic conditions affecting the Company and its customers, and credit market 
liquidity. 

The foregoing list should not be construed as exhaustive, and the Company disclaims any obligation subsequently to revise or update 
any  previously  made  forward-looking  statements  unless  required  to  do  so  by  applicable  securities  laws.  Unanticipated  events  are 
likely to occur. Readers should also refer to the section “Risks and Uncertainties” at the end of this MD&A for additional information 
on  risk  factors  and  other  events  that  are  not  within  the  Company’s  control.  The  Company’s  future  financial  and  operating  results 
may fluctuate as a result of these and other risk factors. 

2017 Annual Report

2 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 

 SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA AND HIGHLIGHTS 

(unaudited)  
(in thousands of dollars, except per share data) 

Revenue before fuel surcharge 
Fuel surcharge 
Total revenue 

Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations1 
Operating income from continuing operations1 
Net income 
Net income from continuing operations 
Adjusted net income from continuing operations1 

Net cash from operating activities from continuing operations 
Free cash flow from continuing operations1 

Per share data 
EPS – diluted 
EPS from continuing operations – diluted 
Adjusted EPS from continuing operations – diluted1 
Free cash flow from continuing operations1 
Dividends 

As a percentage of revenue before fuel surcharge 

Adjusted EBITDA margin1 
Depreciation of property and equipment 
Amortization of intangible assets 
Operating margin 
Operating ratio1 

1 

Refer to the section “Non-IFRS financial measures”. 

Fourth quarters ended  
December 31  

Years ended  
December 31  

2017  

2016  

2017  

2016  

  1,058,990  
123,481  
  1,182,471  

  1,036,446  
101,288  
  1,137,734  

4,281,823     3,704,488   
320,720   
4,741,019     4,025,208   

459,196    

131,017  
66,770  
120,192  
120,192  
54,645  

116,148  
102,432  

1.31  
1.31  
0.60  
1.14  
0.21  

12.4%  
4.6%  
1.5%  
6.3%  
93.7%  

127,943  
69,717  
45,339  
46,387  
50,609  

109,815  
98,038  

0.48  
0.49  
0.54  
1.07  
0.19  

12.3%  
4.1%  
1.5%  
6.7%  
93.3%  

514,481    
243,724    
157,988    
157,988    
192,571    

372,601    
376,487    

442,351   
249,265   
639,579   
157,059   
187,391   

337,908   
288,340   

1.70    
1.70    
2.08    
4.16    
0.78    

12.0%    
4.9%    
1.4%    
5.7%    
94.3%    

6.70   
1.64   
1.96   
3.08   
0.70   

11.9%  
3.8%  
1.4%  
6.7%  
93.3%  

Q4 Highlights 
• 

Total revenue from continuing operations increased by $44.7 million from Q4 2016, or 4%, to $1,182.5 million. 

•  Operating income from continuing operations decreased 4%, or $2.9 million from the same quarter last year, mainly as a result 

of a weak performance from its U.S. Truckload (“TL”) operations. 

•  A decrease in income tax expense of $76.1 million was recorded as an income tax recovery arising from a reduction in deferred 

income tax liabilities as a result of the U.S. tax reform. 

•  Net income was $120.2 million, compared to $45.3 million in Q4 2016. The increase is mainly due to the reduction in income 
tax expense. The diluted earnings  per  share (diluted  “EPS”)  were up  173% to  $1.31, compared to 48 cents in the prior year 
period. 

•  Adjusted net income1, a non-IFRS measure, increased $4.0 million mainly from business acquisitions. Adjusted diluted EPS from 

continuing operations1, a non-IFRS measure, increased 11% to 60 cents from 54 cents in Q4 2016. 

• 

• 

The Company’s long-term debt remained relatively stable at $1,498.4 million compared to last quarter. 

The  Company  returned  $47.7  million  to  shareholders  during  the  quarter,  of  which  $17.1  million  was  through  dividends  and 
$30.6  million  through  share  repurchases.  The  weighted  average  number  of  common  shares  was  2%  lower  in  this  quarter 
compared to last year’s same quarter. 

•  On October 31, 2017, TFI International completed the acquisition of Premier Product Management (“PPM”). Based in California, 

PPM provides home delivery services of household appliances in the United States. 

•  On December 11, 2017, the Board approved an 11% dividend increase to 21 cents per share over its previous quarterly dividend 

of 19 cents per share. 

TFI International 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
    
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
    
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 

3 

 ABOUT TFI INTERNATIONAL 

Services 

TFI International is a North American leader in the transportation and logistics industry, operating across the United States, Canada 
and  Mexico  through  its  subsidiaries.  TFI  International  creates  value  for  shareholders  by  identifying  strategic  acquisitions  and 
managing a growing network of wholly-owned operating subsidiaries. Under the TFI International umbrella, companies benefit from 
financial  and  operational  resources  to  build  their  businesses  and  increase  their  efficiency.  TFI  International  companies  service  the 
following reportable segments: 
Package and Courier; 
• 
Less-Than-Truckload; 
• 
Truckload; 
• 
Logistics. 
• 

Seasonality of operations 

The  activities  conducted  by  the  Company  are  subject  to  general  demand  for  freight  transportation.  Historically,  demand  has  been 
relatively stable with the first quarter being generally the weakest in terms of demand. Furthermore, during the harsh winter months, 
fuel consumption and maintenance costs tend to rise. 

Human resources 

The  Company  has  17,044  employees  who  work  in  TFI  International’s  different  business  segments  across  North  America.  This 
compares  to  17,685  employees  as  of  December  31,  2016.  The  year-over-year  decrease  of  641  is  attributable  to  rationalizations 
affecting  1,029  employees  mainly  in  the  Less-Than-Truckload  (“LTL”)  and  TL  segments  offset  by  business  acquisitions  (+388).  The 
Company believes that it has a relatively low turnover rate among its employees in Canada, a normal turnover rate in the U.S., and 
that its employee relations are very good. 

Equipment 

The Company has the largest trucking fleet in Canada and a significant presence in the U.S. market. As at December 31, 2017, the 
Company had 7,058 power units, 24,617 trailers and 9,074 independent contractors. This compares to 8,265 power units, 25,310 
trailers  and  10,270  independent  contractors  as  at  December  31,  2016.  The  decreases  in  power  units  are  due  to  fleet  reduction 
mainly in the U.S. TL businesses. 

Terminals 

TFI International’s head office is in Montréal, Québec and its executive office is located in Etobicoke, Ontario. As at December 31, 
2017,  the  Company  had  391  terminals.  Of  these,  274  are  located  in  Canada,  172  and  102,  respectively,  in  Eastern  and  Western 
Canada. The Company also had 105 terminals in the United States and 12 terminals in Mexico. This compares to 398 terminals as at 
December 31, 2016. In the last twelve months, 29 terminals were added from business acquisitions and the terminal consolidation 
decreased  the  total  number  of  terminals  by  36,  mainly  in  the  Package  and  Courier  and  TL  segments.  In  Q4  2017,  the  Company 
closed nine sites. 

2017 Annual Report 

 
 
 
4 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 

Customers 

The Company has a diverse customer base across a broad cross-section of industries with no single client accounting for more than 
5%  of  consolidated  revenue.  Because  of  its  customer  diversity,  as  well  as  the  wide  geographic  scope  of  the  Company’s  service 
offering  and  the  range  of  segments  in  which  it  operates,  a  downturn  in  the  activities  of  individual  customers  or  customers  in  a 
particular  industry  is  not  expected  to  have  a  material  adverse  impact  on  the  operations  of  the  Company.  The  Company  forged 
strategic partnerships with other transport companies in order to extend its service offering to customers across North America. 

Revenue by Top Customers’ Industry (54% of total revenue) 
Retail 

Manufactured Goods 

Metals & Mining 

Building Materials 

Automotive 

Energy 

Food & Beverage 

Services 

Forest Products 

Chemicals & Explosives 

Waste Management 

Maritime Containers 

Others 

(As at December 31, 2017) 

CONSOLIDATED RESULTS 

31 % 

15 % 

7 % 

7 % 

6 % 

6 % 

6 % 

5 % 

4 % 

3 % 

3 % 

3 % 

4 % 

This  section  provides  general  comments  on  the  consolidated  results  of  operations.  A  more  detailed  analysis  is  provided  in  the 
“Segmented results” section. 

2017 business acquisitions 
In line with the Company’s growth strategy, the Company acquired seven businesses during 2017, notably World Courier Ground 
U.S. (“World Courier Ground”), Cavalier Transportation Services Inc. (“Cavalier”), Les entreprises Dupont 1972 Inc. (“Dupont”) and 
Premier Product Management (“PPM”). 

On January 13, 2017, the Company completed the acquisition of World Courier Ground, the U.S. ground transportation division of 
World Courier. Established in 1983, World Courier Ground is an asset light, time critical courier provider. Operating nationally across 
the U.S., the company offers same-day courier, rush trucking and warehousing services primarily to the medical industry, as well as 
to  the  environmental,  financial,  chemical  and  industrial  sectors.  World  Courier  Ground  management  continues  to  operate  the 
business under the new name TForce Critical.  

On January 28, 2017, the Company completed the acquisition of Cavalier. Established in 1979, Cavalier’s operations consist of LTL 
services,  brokerage  and  warehousing.  Based  in  Bolton,  Ontario,  Cavalier  serves  corridors  primarily  between  Ontario,  Quebec,  New 
York and Illinois. 

On May 28, 2017, the Company completed the acquisition of Dupont, a specialty truckload business based on the south shore of 
Montreal.  Dupont  is  Quebec’s  leading  bulk  cement  transport  company,  also  serving  Ontario,  the  Maritimes,  Labrador  and  the 
northeastern United States with its expert team and state-of-the-art equipment. 

On  October  31,  2017,  the  Group  completed  the  acquisition  of  PPM.  Based  in  California,  PPM  provides  home  delivery  services  of 
household appliances in the United States. Based on historical information, PPM is expected to generate US$27.0 million in annual 
revenue for the Logistics segment. 

These  transactions  were  concluded  in  order  to  add  density  in  the  Company’s  current  network  and  further  expand  value-added 
services. The seven acquired businesses contributed revenue of $137.6 million in 2017. 

TFI International 

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 

5 

Revenue from continuing operations 

TFI International reported a revenue increase from continuing operations mainly as a result of business acquisitions offset by revenue 
declines in existing operations. For the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2017, total revenue from continuing operations increased 
by  $44.7  million,  or  4%,  to  $1,182.5  million  from  $1,137.7  million  in  Q4  2016.  The  contribution  from  business  acquisitions  was 
$126.2 million, while revenue declines in existing operations totalled $81.5 million, or 7%. This reduction was due to a net decrease 
in revenue before fuel surcharge of $74.1 million and a negative currency impact of $15.4 million offset by a fuel surcharge increase 
of $8.0 million. The average exchange rate used to convert TFI International’s revenue generated in U.S. dollars was 4.7% lower this 
quarter  (C$1.2709)  than  it  was  for  the  same  quarter  last  year  (C$1.3341).  With  respect  to  revenue  before  fuel  surcharge  from 
existing operations, decreases were mainly attributable to the Package and Courier and the U.S. TL operating segments. 

For the year ended December  31, 2017, total revenue from  continuing operations increased by $715.8 million, or  18%, to $4.74 
billion from $4.03 billion in 2016. The contribution from business acquisitions of $824.1 million and higher fuel surcharge was offset 
by decreases in revenue from existing operations. On a year to date basis, the currency movements had a negative impact of $26.9 
million, or 0.7%, on revenue from continuing operations. 

Operating expenses from continuing operations 

For  the  fourth  quarter,  the  Company’s  operating  expenses  from  continuing  operations  increased  by  $47.7  million,  or  4%,  from 
$1,068.0 million in Q4 2016 to $1,115.7 million in Q4 2017. The increase is mainly attributable to business acquisitions for $123.0 
million offset by decreases in existing operations as a result of revenue decrease. 

Excluding business acquisitions, operating expenses decreased by $75.3 million, or 7%, in line with the revenue decline from existing 
operations. Particularly, materials and services expenses and personnel expenses decreased respectively 6% and 11% as a result of 
volume  decline,  rationalization  and  terminal  optimization  achieved  in  the  previous  quarters.  Other  operating  expenses,  which  are 
primarily  composed  of  costs  related  to  offices’  and  terminals’  rent,  taxes,  heating,  telecommunications,  maintenance  and  security 
and other general administrative expenses increased mainly as a result of the sale-and-leased back transactions completed earlier in 
2017, which increased rent expense by $1.9 million. 

For the three-month period ended December 31, 2017, depreciation of property and equipment increased by $5.3 million. Excluding 
business acquisitions, depreciation of property and equipment decreased by $1.5 million, or 3%, as a result of the sale-and-leased 
back transactions and the Company’s consistent focus on adjusting capacity to match fluctuations in demand and to optimize capital 
allocation  by  using  more  subcontractors.  For  the  same  period,  intangible  asset  amortization  increased  by  $0.7  million,  on  a 
consolidated basis, due to business acquisitions offset by decreases from existing operations. 

The Company recorded lower gains on its recurring sale of rolling stock and equipment compared to last year (Q4 2017 showed a 
loss of $0.6 million and Q4 2016 showed a gain of $4.1 million). The recurring gain that the Company normally generates from its 
sales of rolling stock and equipment was reduced by losses generated during this quarter by the fleet renewal plan for CFI, acquired 
in Q4 2016, and a softer market for used equipment. The losses pertaining to CFI are not expected to continue as most of its fleet 
renewal plan is complete. 

The operating ratio1, a non-IFRS measure, was 93.7%  in this  quarter, compared to  93.3% for Q4 2016. This ratio was negatively 
impacted by a lower contribution from the U.S. TL operating segment. Excluding business acquisitions, the operating ratio remained 
at 93.3% as a result of strict expense management despite the revenue decline. 

For the year ended December 31, 2017, operating expenses from continuing operations increased by $721.4 million, or 19%, from 
$3.78 billion in 2016 to $4.50 billion in 2017. The increase is mainly attributable to business acquisitions, for $837.2 million, offset 
by decreases due to lower revenue from existing operations. 

Operating income from continuing operations 

For the fourth quarter, TFI International’s operating income from continuing operations decreased by $2.9 million to $66.8 million 
compared  to  $69.7  million  in  2016  and  the  operating  margin  decreased  0.4%  as  a  percentage  of  revenue  before  fuel  surcharge 
from 6.7% in Q4 2016 to 6.3% in Q4 2017. Lower gains on sale of rolling stock and equipment represent 0.3% of the decrease. 
Material  and  services  expenses  net  of  fuel  surcharge  improved  by  0.8%  as  a  percentage  of  revenue  before  fuel  surcharge  from 
operating  efficiencies,  which  were  offset  by  higher  personnel  expenses  and  depreciation  in  percentage  of  revenue  before  fuel 
surcharge mainly attributable to business acquisitions. 

1  

Refer to the section “Non-IFRS financial measures”. 

2017 Annual Report 

 
6 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 

Management’s consistent focus on the quality of revenue may have slightly reduced revenue before fuel surcharge, but this strategy 
in conjunction with cost control benefited the Company. As a percentage of revenue before fuel surcharge, the operating margin 
from existing operations and excluding the lower gain on sale of rolling stock and equipment increased by 0.2% as a percentage of 
revenue before fuel surcharge. 

For the year ended December 31, 2017, TFI International’s operating income from continuing operations decreased by $5.6 million 
to $243.7 million compared to $249.3 million in 2016. The decrease is attributable to an operating loss from business acquisitions of 
$13.2 million offset by improvement from existing operations’ operating income for $7.6 million. 

The  negative  contribution  from  business  acquisitions  is  mainly  attributable  to  CFI,  primarily  operating  in  the  challenging  U.S.  TL 
market.  In  addition  to  the  sluggish  freight  environment,  CFI  incurred  one-time  transitional  and  rebranding  costs  of  $17.6  million 
caused  by  its  separation  from  XPO  Logistics,  the  previous  owner.  Furthermore,  an  aggressive  replacement  program  for  its  rolling 
stock has been put in place and is almost completed, resulting in higher equipment relocation expenses. CFI operating losses were 
mostly generated in the first three quarters of the year but has recorded improved results in Q4. 

Gain on sale of property from continuing operations 
The gain on sale of property, which is accounted for in gain or loss on sale of land and buildings and in gain or loss of sale of assets 
held  for  sale  in  the  consolidated  statements  of  income,  was  $77.7  million  in  2017,  compared  to  $8.9  million  in  2016.  In  Q3  TFI 
International unlocked shareholder value with a sale and leaseback transaction on selected real estate assets. The all-cash transaction 
of  $135.7  million,  which  included  two  facilities  in  each  of  Montreal  and  Toronto,  resulted  in  a  pre-tax  gain  of  $69.8  million.  The 
group of properties included in the transaction represented less than 20% of the net book value of the Company’s total real estate 
portfolio. 

Impairment of intangible assets from continuing operations 
For the year ended December 31, 2017, impairment of intangible assets was $143.0 million. The non-cash impairment charges of 
2017  were  $13.2  million  for  an  impairment  to  the  Dynamex  trade  name  recorded  in  the  first  quarter,  and  $129.8  million  for  a 
goodwill impairment in the U.S. TL operating segment recorded in Q2 due to a weak performance resulting from downward pricing 
pressures  experienced  by  the  industry  as  a  result  of  high  competitiveness,  limited  economic  activity  growth  and  upward  cost 
pressures adversely impacting operating cost per mile and operating margins. 

At December 31, 2017, the Company performed its goodwill impairment tests for operating segments, the results determined that 
the recoverable amounts of the Company’s operating segments exceeded their respective carrying amounts.  

Finance income and costs from continuing operations 

(unaudited)  
(in thousands of dollars) 

Finance costs (income) 
Interest expense on long-term debt 
Interest income and accretion on promissory note 
Net foreign exchange (gain) loss 
Net change in fair value of foreign exchange derivatives 
Net change in fair value of interest rate derivatives 
Others 

Net finance costs 

Interest expense on long-term debt 

Fourth quarters ended  
December 31 

Years ended  
December 31  

2017  
13,102  
(725 ) 
(10 ) 
(126 ) 
193  
1,063  

13,497  

2016  
11,931  
(652 ) 
(1,207 ) 
(129 ) 
(2,692 ) 
4,015  

11,266  

2017  
56,758  
(2,638 ) 
2,491  
(1,247 ) 
(365 ) 
6,076  

61,075  

2016  
41,201   
(2,374 ) 
2,110   
(1,392 ) 
6,232   
9,105   

54,882   

Interest expense on long-term debt for the three-month period and year ended December 31, 2017 increased by $1.2 million and 
$15.6 million, respectively, mainly due to higher borrowings as a result of the Q4 2016 significant business acquisitions. 

Net foreign exchange gain or loss and net investment hedge 

The Company designates as a hedge a portion of its U.S. dollar denominated debt held against its net investments in U.S. operations. 
This accounting treatment allows the Company to offset the designated portion of foreign exchange gain (or loss) of its debt against 
the foreign exchange loss (or gain) of its net investments in U.S. operations and present them in other comprehensive income. Net 
foreign exchange gains or losses recorded in income or loss are attributable to the U.S. dollar portion of the Company’s credit facility 
not designated as a hedge and to other financial assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies. For the three-month period 
and  year  ended  December  31,  2017,  $1.9  million  of  foreign  exchange  losses  and  $25.1  million  of  foreign  exchange  gains, 
respectively ($1.7 million and $21.8 million net of tax, respectively), were recorded to other comprehensive income as net investment 
hedge. 

TFI International 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 

7 

Net change in fair value of derivatives and cash flow hedge 

The Company designates, as a hedge of the variable interest rate instruments, the interest rate derivatives. Therefore the effective 
portion of changes in fair value of the derivatives is recognized in other comprehensive income. For the three-month period and year 
ended December 31, 2017, $2.3 million and $5.4 million of gain on change in fair value of interest rate derivatives, respectively ($1.7 
million and $3.9 million net of tax, respectively), was recorded to other comprehensive income as a change in the fair value of the 
cash flow hedge. 

The Company’s derivative financial instruments, which are used to mitigate foreign exchange and interest rate risks, saw their fair 
values increase by $2.2 million in Q4 2017, of which $2.3 million was designated as cash flow hedge, while in the same quarter last 
year their fair values increased by $2.8 million. For the year ended December 31, 2017, their fair values increased by $7.0 million, of 
which  $5.4  million  was  designated  as  cash  flow  hedge,  compared  to  a  loss  of  $4.8  million  in  the  same  period  in  2016.  The 
derivatives’ fair values are subject to market price fluctuations in foreign exchange and interest rates. 

Others 

The  other  financial  expenses  mainly  comprise  bank  charges,  the  net  change  in  fair  value  of  the  Company’s  deferred  share  unit 
liability and the reclassification to income of gain on investment in equity securities. 

Income tax expense from continuing operations 

On December 22, 2017, the President of the United States signed into law the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“U.S. tax reform”). The U.S. 
tax reform reduces the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, effective as of January 1, 2018. As a result of the 
U.S. tax reform, the Company’s net deferred income tax liability decreased by $76.1 million.  

The  U.S.  Tax  Reform  introduces  other  important  changes  to  U.S.  corporate  income  tax  laws  that  may  significantly  affect  the 
Company’s in future years including, the creation of a new Base Erosion Anti-abuse Tax (BEAT) that subjects certain payments from 
U.S. corporations to foreign related parties to additional taxes, and limitations to the deduction for net interest expense incurred by 
U.S. corporations. Future regulations and interpretations to be issued by U.S. authorities may also impact the Company’s estimates 
and assumptions used in calculating its income tax provisions. 

For the three-month period ended December 31, 2017, the effective tax rate was -128.6%. The income tax recovery of $67.6 million 
reflects  an  $81.7  million  favourable  variance  versus  an  anticipated  income  tax  expense  of  $14.1  million  based  on  the  Company’s 
statutory tax rate of 26.8%. The favourable variance is mainly due to variation in tax rate for $76.1 million as a result of the U.S. tax 
reform and to positive differences between the statutory rate and the effective rates in other jurisdictions of $4.3 million. 

For the year ended December 31, 2017, the effective tax rate was -34.7%. The income tax recovery of $40.6 million reflects a $72.0 
million  favourable  variance  versus  an  anticipated  income  tax  expense  of  $31.4  million  based  on  the  Company’s  statutory  tax  rate  of 
26.8%.  The  favourable  variance  is  mainly  due  to  variation  in  tax  rate  for  $76.1  million  as  a  result  of  the  U.S.  tax  reform,  to  positive 
differences between the statutory rate and the effective rates in other jurisdictions of $21.4 million, and to positive variance from non-
taxable income, mainly capital gains, of $10.5 million, offset by the non-tax effected goodwill impairment, which negative variance was 
$34.8 million and to tax on multi-jurisdiction distributions, of $2.7 million. The more significant favourable variance from effective rates 
in other jurisdictions is attributable, in part, to the impairment of intangible assets portion attributable to the U.S. operations. Having a 
higher effective tax rate, this charge reduces the income tax expense in a larger proportion compared to the Company’s statutory tax 
rate of 26.8%. 

2017 Annual Report 

 
8 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 

The  table  below  presents  the  2017  income  tax  reconciliation  excluding  the  non-tax  effected  goodwill  impairment  recorded  in  Q2 
2017 and the impact of the U.S. tax reform: 

(unaudited)  
(in thousands of dollars) 

Income before income tax 
Goodwill impairment 
Income before goodwill impairment and income tax 
Income tax using the Company’s statutory tax rate 
Increase (decrease) resulting from: 

Rate differential between jurisdictions 
Variation in tax rate 
Non-deductible expenses 
Tax exempt income 
Adjustment for prior years 
Tax on multi-jurisdiction distributions 

Net income from discontinued operations 

 % 

Year ended  
December 31, 2017  
$  
117,346  
129,770  
247,116  
66,227  

26.8 %   

-8.7 %   
0.0 %   
1.1 %   
-4.3 %   
-1.7 %   
1.1 %   
14.3 %   

(21,443 ) 
(109 ) 
2,719  
(10,513 ) 
(4,091 ) 
2,702  
35,492  

As a result  of the divestiture of its Waste Management segment, which was completed  on February 1, 2016, and the Company’s 
decision to cease its operations in rig moving services in 2015, these two operating segments have been reclassified and presented 
on a net basis as discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of income and cash flows. 

For the three-month period and year ended December 31, 2017, no income from discontinued operations was recorded. Last year, 
the net income from discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2016 was $482.5 million and included a pre-tax gain 
on sale of the Waste Management segment in the amount of $559.2 million or $490.8 million net of tax. 

Net income and adjusted net income from continuing operations 

(unaudited)  
(in thousands of dollars, except per share data) 

Fourth quarters ended  
December 31  

Years ended  
December 31  

Net income 
Amortization of intangible assets related to business acquisitions, net of tax 
Net change in fair value of derivatives, net of tax 
Net foreign exchange (gain) loss, net of tax 
(Gain) loss on sale of land and buildings and assets held for sale, net of tax 
Impairment of intangible assets, net of tax 
U.S. tax reform 
Net (income) loss from discontinued operations 
Adjusted net income from continuing operations1 
Adjusted EPS from continuing operations1 – basic 
Adjusted EPS from continuing operations1 – diluted 

1 

Refer to the section “Non-IFRS financial measures”. 

2017  
120,192  
10,122  
49  
(7 )   

424  
—  

(76,135 )   

—  
54,645  
0.61  
0.60  

2017  

2016  
45,339  
9,234  
(2,068 )   
(884 )   

2016  
  157,988     639,579   
32,744   
  38,346    
3,546   
(1,182 )  
1,546   
1,826    
(7,504 ) 
(2,060 )    (66,710 )  
—  
  138,438    
—  
  (76,135 )  
—     (482,520 ) 
  192,571     187,391   
2.00   
1.96   

—  
—  
1,048  
50,609  
0.55  
0.54  

2.13    
2.08    

For the three-month period ended December 31, 2017, TFI International’s net income was $120.2 million compared to $45.3 million 
in Q4 2016. The increase of $74.9 million is mainly attributable to the income tax recovery recorded as a result of the U.S. tax reform 
for $76.1 million. The Company’s adjusted net income from continuing operations1, a non-IFRS measure, which excludes items listed 
in  the  above  table,  was  $54.6  million  for  the  fourth  quarter  compared  to  $50.6  million  in  Q4  2016,  up  8%  or  $4.0  million.  The 
adjusted EPS from continuing operations, fully diluted, increased by 11% to 60 cents. 

For the year ended December 31, 2017, TFI International’s net income was $158.0 million compared to $639.6 million for 2016. The 
decrease is mainly attributable to last year’s net income from discontinued operations of $482.5 million (pre-tax gain on sale of the 
Waste Management segment in the amount of $559.2 million or $490.8 million net of tax) and to the 2017 intangible impairment 
charge of $138.4 million, net of tax, offset by the income tax recovery recorded as a result of the U.S. tax reform for $76.1 million 
and by higher gain on sale of property. The Company’s adjusted net income from continuing operations, which excludes these items, 
increased by $5.2 million to $192.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. 

TFI International 

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
   
 
   
 
   
   
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 

9 

SEGMENTED RESULTS 

For the purpose of this section, adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations refer to the same definitions as in the section “Non-IFRS 
financial  measures”  for  the  consolidated  results.  Also,  to  facilitate  the  comparison  of  business  level  activity  and  operating  costs 
between periods, the Company compares the revenue before fuel surcharge (“revenue”) and reallocates the fuel surcharge revenue 
to materials and services expenses within operating expenses. Note that “Total revenue” is not affected by this reallocation. 

Selected segmented financial information from continuing operations 

(unaudited) 
(in thousands of dollars) 

Package and  
Courier  

Less-Than-  
Truckload  

Truckload  

Logistics  

Corporate  

Eliminations  

Total  

Q4 2017 
Revenue before fuel surcharge   
% of total revenue1 
Adjusted EBITDA 
Adjusted EBITDA margin2 
Operating income (loss) 
Operating margin2 
Net capital expenditures3.4 
Q4 2016 (recasted) 
Revenue before fuel surcharge   
% of total revenue1 
Adjusted EBITDA 
Adjusted EBITDA margin2 
Operating income (loss) 
Operating margin2 
Net capital expenditures5 

2017 
Revenue before fuel surcharge   
% of total revenue1 
Adjusted EBITDA 
Adjusted EBITDA margin2 
Operating income (loss) 
Operating margin2 
Total assets 
Net capital expenditures4 
2016 (recasted) 
Revenue before fuel surcharge   
% of total revenue1 
Adjusted EBITDA 
Adjusted EBITDA margin2 
Operating income (loss) 
Operating margin2 
Total assets 
Net capital expenditures5 

317,331  
29%  
44,050  
13.9%  
35,804  
11.3%  
(14,124 ) 

342,016  
32%  
40,638  
11.9%  
32,254  
9.4%  
2,096  

1,267,300  
28%  
158,101  
12.5%  
124,406  
9.8%  
651,345  
(6,931 ) 

1,291,331  
34%  
146,798  
11.4%  
113,040  
8.8%  
700,749  
10,151  

194,777  
19%  
21,881  
11.2%  
14,260  
7.3%  
3,694  

181,347  
18%  
20,541  
11.3%  
13,309  
7.3%  
969  

799,189  
19%  
83,346  
10.4%  
52,350  
6.6%  
556,807  
(139,769 ) 

732,124  
20%  
77,405  
10.6%  
47,899  
6.5%  
635,233  
6,078  

480,011  
45%  
68,556  
14.3%  
22,692  
4.7%  
24,510  

461,360  
44%  
70,011  
15.2%  
29,032  
6.3%  
7,659  

1,965,315  
46%  
274,868  
14.0%  
77,349  
3.9%  
2,232,157  
142,060  

1,501,224  
40%  
226,358  
15.1%  
102,511  
6.8%  
2,440,148  
35,620  

78,982  
7%  
8,173  
10.3%  
6,214  
7.9%  
(462 ) 

65,574  
6%  
8,195  
12.5%  
7,112  
10.8%  
1  

299,525  
7%  
31,833  
10.6%  
25,534  
8.5%  
221,439  
(17 ) 

236,609  
6%  
25,627  
10.8%  
21,750  
9.2%  
175,190  
(3,774 ) 

—  

(12,111 ) 

—  

—  

(13,851 ) 

—  

—  

(11,643 ) 

(12,200 ) 

98  

—  

(11,442 ) 

(11,990 ) 

1,052  

—  

(49,506 ) 

—  

—  

(33,667 ) 

(35,915 ) 

65,880  
771  

—  

(56,800 ) 

—  

—  

(33,837 ) 

(35,935 ) 

75,233  
1,493  

1,058,990   
100%  
131,017   
12.4%  
66,770   
6.3%  
13,716   

1,036,446   
100%  
127,943   
12.3%  
69,717   
6.7%  
11,777   

4,281,823   
100%  
514,481   
12.0%  
243,724   
5.7%  
3,727,628  
(3,886 ) 

3,704,488   
100%  
442,351   
11.9%  
249,265   
6.7%  
4,026,553   
49,568   

1 
2 
3 
4 

5 

Before eliminations, except for the total. 
As a percentage of revenue before fuel surcharge. 
Additions to property and equipment, net of proceeds from sale of property and equipment and assets held for sale. 
YTD 2017 net capital expenditures include proceeds from the sale of property for consideration of $19.5 million in the Package and Courier segment ($19.5 million 
in Q4) of $148.9 million in the LTL segment ($0.5 million in Q4) and of $8.0 million in the TL segment ($0.5 million in Q4). 
YTD 2016 net capital expenditures include proceeds from the sale of property for consideration of $7.1 million in the LTL segment ($5.0 million in Q4), of $10.6 
million in the TL segment ($0.5 million in Q4) and of $3.7 million in the Logistics segment (nil in Q4). 

When  the  Company  changes  the  structure  of  its  internal  organization  in  a  manner  that  causes  the  composition  of  its  reportable 
segments  to  change,  the  corresponding  information  for  the  comparative  period  is  recasted  to  conform  to  the  new  structure. 
Effective January 1, 2017, the composition of reportable segments was modified to better reflect certain changes in the Company’s 
internal  organization.  In  particular,  TF  Dedicated,  which  was  previously  included  in  the  Package  and  Courier  operating  segment, 
became an independent operation and was reclassified to the TL segment. In addition, a Contrans’ LTL division, which was previously 
included  in  the  TL  segment,  was  reclassified  to  the  LTL  segment  in  order  to  better  reflect  the  nature  of  services  provided. 
Comparative figures have been recasted. 

2017 Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
10  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 

Package and Courier 

(unaudited) - (in thousands of dollars) 

Fourth quarters ended December 31 

Years ended December 31 

Total revenue 
Fuel surcharge 

Revenue 

Materials and services expenses  

(net of fuel surcharge) 

Personnel expenses 
Other operating expenses 
Depreciation of property and equipment 
Amortization of intangible assets 
(Gain) loss on sale of rolling stock and  

equipment 

Operating income 

Adjusted EBITDA 

2017       

 %    

2016       

 %    

2017       

 %    

2016       

 % 

    344,231    
(26,900 )  

  365,250    
(23,234 )  

  1,361,268    
(93,968 )  

  1,366,185    
(74,854 )  

    317,331     100.0 %   342,016     100.0 %   1,267,300     100.0 %   1,291,331     100.0 % 

    174,377     55.0 %   199,777     58.4 %  
    71,966     22.7 %   73,648     21.5 %  
8.2 %  
    27,032    
1.3 %  
4,005    
1.1 %  
4,241    

8.5 %   27,951    
4,492    
1.3 %  
3,892    
1.3 %  

712,000     56.2 %  
290,879     23.0 %  
8.4 %  
106,571    
1.3 %  
16,990    
1.3 %  
16,705    

759,723     58.8 % 
276,483     21.4 % 
8.4 % 
108,241    
1.4 % 
18,191    
1.2 % 
15,567    

(94 )  

0.0 %  

2    

0.0 %  

(251 )  

0.0 %  

86    

0.0 % 

    35,804     11.3 %   32,254    

9.4 %  

124,406    

9.8 %  

113,040    

8.8 % 

    44,050     13.9 %   40,638     11.9 %  

158,101     12.5 %  

146,798     11.4 % 

Gain (loss) on sale of land and buildings 
Gain on sale of assets held for sale 
Impairment of intangible assets 

679    
—    
—    

—    
—    
—    

567    
9,156    
(13,211 )  

(8 )  
—    
—    

Revenue - Package and Courier 
(millions of $)

312

320

316

324

321

305

342

317

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

2016

2017

Revenue 
On  January  13,  2017,  the  Company  purchased  World  Courier  Ground  U.S.  (now 
operating  under  the  new  name  TForce  Critical),  an  asset  light,  time  critical  courier. 
Operating nationally across the U.S., the company offers same-day courier, rush trucking 
and  warehousing  services  primarily  to  the  medical  industry,  as  well  as  to  the 
environmental, financial, chemical and industrial sectors. 

For the quarter ended December 31, 2017, revenue decreased by $24.7 million, or 7%, 
from $342.0 million to $317.3 million compared to the same period in the prior year. The 
decrease  is  due  to  loss  of  volume  of  $35.1  million  and  to  an  unfavourable  foreign 
exchange impact of $5.4 million offset by business acquisitions for $15.8 million. Part of 
the volume decreases relates to some losses of U.S. e-commerce businesses. 

For  the  year  ended  December  31,  2017,  revenue  decreased  by  $24.0  million  from 
$1,291.3  million  to  $1,267.3  million  compared  to  the  same  period  in  the  prior  year; 
volume decreases in the same-day business and negative currency impact of $9.8 million 
offset the $69.5 million contributions from business acquisitions. 

Operating expenses 
For the quarter ended December 31, 2017, the Package and Courier segment’s operating 
expenses  decreased  by  $28.3  million,  or  9%,  from  $309.8  million  in  2016  to  $281.5 
million.  Material  and  services  expenses  decreased  by  3.4%  as  a  percentage  of  revenue 
attributable  to  lower  subcontractor  and  external  labor  expenses  in  the  same-day 
operations.  To  compensate  for  the  volume  decline,  Management  reduced  more  outside 
services  than  its  own  personnel,  as  a  result,  personnel  expenses  decreased  in  absolute 
value but increased 1.2% as a percentage of revenue. 

TFI International 

 
 
 
      
  
  
  
  
   
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
   
   
   
   
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
   
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
   
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS  11 

For the year ended December 31, 2017, the Package and Courier segment’s operating 
expenses decreased by $35.4 million from $1,178.3 million in 2016 million to $1,142.9 
million.  Materials  and  services  expenses  were  down  $47.7  million  or  6%  for  the  year 
ended December 31, 2017 mainly due to loss of volume in the same-day business. The 
employee termination cost were similar in 2017 compared to 2016 at $4.5 million. 

Operating income 
The Company’s operating income in the Package and Courier segment for the quarter 
ended  December  31,  2017  increased  by  11%  or  $3.5  million  compared  to  the  fourth 
quarter  of  2016,  from  $32.3  million  to  $35.8  million  mainly  from  existing  operations. 
For the three–month period ended December 2017, the Package and Courier operating 
margin  increased  1.9%  year-over-year  to  11.3%  due  to  cost  savings  from  right  sizing 
the  same-day  business  in  the  U.S.  and  the  next-day  business  in  Canada,  ongoing 
strategic  personnel  changes  focused  on  synergies  at  several  operating  divisions  within 
the segment, and lower subcontractor costs due to ongoing productivity initiatives.  

For the year ended December 31, 2017, operating income increased by 10% or $11.4 
million  compared  to  the  same  period  in  2016,  from  $113.0  million  to  $124.4  million. 
The operating margin increased 1.0% year-over-year mainly from existing operations to 
reach 9.8% as a result of the constant focus on profitable business and cost reduction 
measures. 

Gain or loss on sale of property and impairment of intangible assets 

Operating income - Package and 
Courier (millions of $)

34.3

31.1

32.8

31.4

32.3

35.8

22.9

16.8

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

2016

2017

A gain on sale of assets held for sale of $9.2 million was recorded in this segment mainly due to a sale and leaseback transaction 
completed in Q3 2017. 

In Q1 2017, TFI International also rebranded  the divisions Dynamex Canada, Dynamex U.S. and Hazen Final Mile into TForce Final 
Mile. The establishment of the new North American division should maximize opportunities in the growing same-day business, last 
mile  delivery  category  and  e-commerce  sector.  This  resulted  in  an  impairment  charge  to  the  original  trademark  intangible  assets 
related to these businesses of $13.2 million. The future amortization period of the residual intangible related to these trademarks has 
been reduced to 4 years with no significant impact on the yearly amortization expense. 

Less-Than-Truckload 

(unaudited) - (in thousands of dollars) 

Fourth quarters ended December 31   

Years ended December 31 

Total revenue 
Fuel surcharge 

Revenue 

2017    
    225,620    
(30,843 )  

 % 

2016    

   % 

2017    

    207,576      
(26,229 )  

    917,245      
  (118,056 )  

 % 

2016    
  827,504     
  (95,380 )  

 % 

    194,777    100.0 %   181,347     100.0 %   799,189     100.0 %   732,124    100.0 % 

Materials and services expenses  

(net of fuel surcharge) 

Personnel expenses 
Other operating expenses 
Depreciation of property and equipment 
Amortization of intangible assets 
Gain on sale of rolling stock and equipment 

Operating income 

Adjusted EBITDA 

    100,532     51.6 %  
52,012     26.7 %  
20,774     10.7 %  
2.6 %  
1.3 %  
-0.2 %  

5,145    
2,476    
(422 )  

95,808    
49,664    
15,413    
5,136    
2,096    
(79 )  

52.8 %   415,001    
27.4 %   225,259    
75,933    
21,307    
9,689    
(350 )  

8.5 %  
2.8 %  
1.2 %  
0.0 %  

51.9 %   383,304     52.4 % 
28.2 %   211,945     28.9 % 
9.5 %   60,028     8.2 % 
2.7 %   20,804     2.8 % 
8,702     1.2 % 
1.2 %  
-0.1 % 
0.0 %  

(558 )  

14,260    

7.3 %  

13,309    

7.3 %  

52,350    

6.6 %   47,899     6.5 % 

21,881     11.2 %  

20,541    

11.3 %  

83,346    

10.4 %   77,405     10.6 % 

Gain (loss) on sale of land and buildings 
Gain (loss) on sale of assets held for sale 

(267 )  
(1,088 )  

2,664    
—    

(242 )  
68,118    

4,442    
—    

2017 Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
 
  
  
  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
   
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
12  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 

Revenue 

On  January  28,  2017,  the  Company  acquired  Cavalier  Transportation  Services  Inc. 
(“Cavalier”). Cavalier provides domestic and U.S. services in the Great Lakes region in 
the LTL and Logistics segments. 

For  the  three-month  period  ended  December  31,  2017,  the  LTL  segment’s  revenue 
increased by 7%, or $13.5 million, from $181.3 million to $194.8 million, mainly due 
to  business  acquisitions.  Excluding  business  acquisitions,  revenue  decreased  by  7%  or 
$12.2 million to $169.2 million. The decrease is largely due to the loss of a major U.S. 
partner,  impact  mitigated  by  its  replacement  and  combination  of  new  business  and 
growth in other existing businesses and negative foreign currency movements of $1.4 
million. 

For  the  year  ended  December  31,  2017,  revenue  increased  by  9%,  or  $67.1  million, 
from  $732.1  million  to  $799.2  million  mainly  due  to  business  acquisitions  for  $99.5 
million, partially offset by decreases from existing operations. 

Operating expenses 

For the fourth  quarter of 2017, operating expenses were up 7%, or $12.5 million, to 
$180.5  million  compared  to  $168.0  million  in  Q4  2016  mainly  from  business 
acquisitions. Excluding business acquisitions, operating expenses were down by 7%, or 
$11.2  million  due  to  the  decline  in  revenue.  Operating  expenses  from  existing 
operations as a percentage of revenue were 92.7%, unchanged over the same quarter 
last year. Mainly as a result of the sale-and-leased back transactions completed earlier 
in 2017, the rent expense increased $1.8 million, while restructuring plan implemented 
in the Company’s Eastern Canadian LTL network generated improvements mainly in the 
materials  and  services  expenses.  During  the  quarter,  a  charge  of  $2.5  million  was 
recorded as employee termination expenses. 

For  the  year  ended  December  31,  2017,  operating  expenses  were  up  9%,  or  $62.6 
million, to $746.8 million compared to $684.2 million last year, mainly attributable to 
business acquisitions offset by reduction in operating expenses from existing operations 
due to volume decline and restructuration. 

Operating income 
For the quarter ended December 31, 2017, operating income increased by $1.0 million 
or 7% from $13.3 million to $14.3 million mainly due to business acquisitions. Despite 
the  increase  in  rent  expenses  due  to  the  sale-and-leased  back  transactions  completed 
earlier  in  2017,  excluding  business  acquisitions,  the  operating  margin  at  7.3% 
remained  unchanged  compared  to  Q4  2016  largely  as  a  result  of  the  operating 
improvements resulting from the restructuration plan. 

For the year ended December 31, 2017, operating income increased by $4.5 million to 
$52.4 million from $47.9 million in 2016 mainly due to business acquisitions and 0.5% 
of  margin  improvements  from  existing  operations,  which  contributed  to  its  operating 
income increase of $1.3 million. 

Revenue - LTL
(millions of $)

199

177

206

188

199

185

195

181

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

2016

2017

Operating income - LTL
(millions of $)

16.0

14.5

14.7

13.4

13.3

14.3

8.6

5.4

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

2016

2017

TFI International 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS  13 

Gain on sale of property 

For the year ended December 31, 2017, gain on sale of assets held for sale of $68.1 million was recorded in this segment mainly due 
to sale and leaseback transactions completed in Q2 and Q3 2017. 

Truckload 

(unaudited) - (in thousands of dollars) 

Fourth quarters ended December 31  

Years ended December 31 

Total revenue 

Fuel surcharge 

Revenue 

Materials and services expenses  

(net of fuel surcharge) 

2017       

 %    

2016       

 %    

2017       

 %    

2016       

 % 

   545,310    

    (65,299 )  

  511,919    

(50,559 )  

  2,209,424    

  1,647,177    

(244,109 )  

(145,953 )  

   480,011     100.0 %   461,360     100.0 %   1,965,315     100.0 %   1,501,224     100.0 % 

   241,119     50.2 %   231,667     50.2 %  

991,877     50.5 %  

780,865     52.0 % 

Personnel expenses 

   151,915     31.6 %   146,715     31.8 %  

633,839     32.3 %  

442,912     29.5 % 

Other operating expenses 

    17,241    

3.6 %   16,252    

3.5 %  

66,605    

3.4 %  

61,254    

4.1 % 

Depreciation of property and equipment 

    38,589    

8.0 %   32,740    

7.1 %  

168,845    

8.6 %  

97,846    

6.5 % 

Amortization of intangible assets 

    7,275    

1.5 %  

8,239    

1.8 %  

28,674    

1.5 %  

26,001    

1.7 % 

(Gain) loss on sale of rolling stock and  

equipment 

Operating income 

Adjusted EBITDA 

    1,180    

0.2 %  

(3,285 )  

-0.7 %  

(1,874 )  

-0.1 %  

(10,165 )  

-0.7 % 

    22,692    

4.7 %   29,032    

6.3 %  

77,349    

3.9 %  

102,511    

6.8 % 

    68,556     14.3 %   70,011     15.2 %  

274,868     14.0 %  

226,358     15.1 % 

Gain (loss) on sale of land and buildings 

Gain on sale of assets held for sale 

Impairment of intangible assets 

(18 )  

—    

—    

(282 )  

—    

—    

(93 )  

172    

(129,770 )  

2,875    

—    

—    

Revenue 

For the three-month period ended December 31, 2017, TL revenue increased by $18.7 
million  or  4%,  from  $461.4  million  in  Q4  2016  to  $480.0  million.  This  increase  is 
attributable to business acquisitions, mainly the acquisition of CFI in the last quarter of 
2016. These business acquisitions contributed $56.3 million to the TL revenue increase. 
Excluding  these  business  acquisitions,  TL  revenue  decreased  by  $37.6  million  or  8% 
compared to the same quarter last year. Part  of this revenue decrease is explained by 
unfavourable  currency  fluctuations  of  $7.2  million  and  the  remaining  decrease  comes 
from  declines,  particularly  in  the  U.S.  TL  divisions  mainly  due  to  customer  right  sizing 
and  the  driver  shortage.  Pricing  slightly  improved  in  Q4  2017  compared  to  last’s  year 
same quarter and is expected to improve in 2018. 

As  part  of  its  asset-light  strategy,  the  TL  segment  increased  its  brokerage  revenue  by 
5%, or $3.0 million, to $60.3 million compared to the same quarter last year. 

For  the  year  ended  December  31,  2017,  revenue  increased  by  $464.1  million  from 
$1,501.2  million  in  2016  to  $1,965.3  million  in  2017.  This  increase  is  mainly  due  to 
business  acquisitions  which  contributed  $516.2  million  to  the  increase.  Excluding 
business  acquisitions,  revenue  decreased  by  3%.  The  unfavourable  foreign  currency 
impact was $12.1 million. 

Revenue - TL
(millions of $)

487

516

483

461

480

338

356

346

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

2016

2017

2017 Annual Report 

 
 
 
    
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
   
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
   
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
   
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
14  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 

Operating expenses 

Operating expenses increased by $25.0 million or 6% from $432.3 million in Q4 2016 
to  $457.3  million  in  Q4  2017  mainly  from  business  acquisitions.  Excluding  business 
acquisitions,  operating  expenses  decreased  by  7%  or  $31.8  million  which  is  slightly 
lower than the 8% decrease in revenue. The TL segment is diligently working to align 
its  cost  structure  to  demand  mainly  on  the  personnel  side  with  a  year-over-year 
improvement of 1.4% as a percentage of revenue. This was offset by gains on sale of 
rolling  stock  and  equipment  that  were  not  favourable  this  quarter  resulting  in  a  net 
negative  impact  of  $2.4  million.  The  Company  continues  to  focus  on  being  cost-
conscious  and  its  priority  remains  to  improve  the  efficiency  and  profitability  of  its 
existing  fleet  and  network  of  independent  contractors.  The  U.S.  divisions  also 
downsized their fleet to demand. This rationalization enables the U.S. assets to be more 
productive. 

For  the  year  ended  December  31,  2017,  operating  expenses  increased  by  $489.3 
million  or  35%  mainly  due  to  business  acquisitions.  Excluding  business  acquisitions, 
operating expenses decreased by $51.2 million or 4% compared to a 3% decrease in 
revenue  on  a  year-to-date  basis.  In  addition,  in  order  to  return  to  a  normal  level  of 
rolling  stock  repair  and  maintenance  expense,  an  extensive  program  of  fleet  renewal 
has  been  put  in  place.  As  a  result,  non-recurring  transition  costs  related  to  the 
acquisition of CFI totalled $17.6 million in 2017. 

Operating income 
The Company’s operating income in the TL segment for the quarter ended December 
31, 2017 decreased by $6.3 million from $29.0 million in the prior year period to $22.7 
million,  mainly  due  lower  revenue  and  lower  gain  on  sale  of  rolling  stock  and 
equipment  from  our  U.S.  TL  divisions.  However,  initiatives  aimed  at  equipment  cost 
reductions have started to yield more positive results at the end of Q4. As a result, the 
fleet was downsized and renewed which reduced repair and maintenance expense. 

Operating income - TL
(millions of $)

29.8

23.4

24.7

29.0

22.7

16.6

19.0

14.7

Excluding  business  acquisitions,  for  the  quarter  ended  December  31,  2017,  operating 
income  decreased  by  $5.8  million,  or  0.8%  as  a  percentage  of  revenue  as  a  result  of 
difficulties in the U.S. TL divisions. Both the  Canadian conventional and specialized TL 
operations maintained their operating margin compared to last year’s same quarter. 

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

2016

2017

For the year ended December 31, 2017, the operating margin was 3.9% compared to 
6.8% in the same period in 2016. Excluding business acquisitions, the operating margin 
increased by 0.2% to 7.0%. The TL segment will continue to focus on cost initiatives to 
improve its margins in light of the stable Canadian freight market and the difficult U.S. 
freight  market.  Driver  recruitment  and  retention,  reducing  empty  mileage,  and  the 
tightening of our U.S. freight network are priorities for the upcoming year. 

Impairment of intangible assets 

For  the  year  ended  December  31,  2017,  impairment  of  intangible  assets  was  $129.8 
million. A goodwill impairment charge was recorded in the U.S. TL operating segment 
in  Q2  due  to  a  weak  performance  resulting  from  downward  pricing  pressures 
experienced  by  the  industry  as  a  result  of  high  competitiveness,  limited  economic 
activity growth and upward cost pressures adversely impacting operating cost per mile 
and operating margins. 

TFI International 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS  15 

Logistics  

(unaudited) - (in thousands of dollars) 

Fourth quarters ended December 31  

Years ended December 31 

Total revenue 

Fuel surcharge 

Revenue 

Materials and services expenses  

(net of fuel surcharge) 

Personnel expenses 

Other operating expenses 

2017    

 % 

2016    

 % 

2017  

 % 

2016  

 % 

      80,692      

    66,840      

   306,474       

   241,142       

(1,710 )  

(1,266 )  

(6,949 )  

(4,533 )  

78,982     100.0 %   65,574     100.0 %   299,525     100.0 %   236,609     100.0 % 

56,557    

71.6 %   47,133    

71.9 %   214,690     71.7 %   170,655     72.1 % 

9,823    

12.4 %  

7,336    

11.2 %   38,391     12.8 %   29,198     12.3 % 

4,525    

5.7 %  

3,126    

4.8 %   14,946    

5.0 %   11,528    

4.9 % 

Depreciation of property and equipment 

Amortization of intangible assets 

248    

1,711    

0.3 %  

2.2 %  

280    

803    

0.4 %  

1,051    

0.4 %  

1,262    

0.5 % 

1.2 %  

5,248    

1.8 %  

2,615    

1.1 % 

Gain on sale of rolling stock and equipment 

(96 )  

-0.1 %  

(216 )  

-0.3 %  

(335 )  

-0.1 %  

(399 )  

-0.2 % 

Operating income 

Adjusted EBITDA 

6,214    

7.9 %  

7,112    

10.8 %   25,534    

8.5 %   21,750    

9.2 % 

8,173    

10.3 %  

8,195    

12.5 %   31,833     10.6 %   25,627     10.8 % 

Gain on sale of land and buildings 

—    

—    

—    

1,639    

Revenue - Logistics
(millions of $)

68

54

80

59

58

73

66

79

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

2016

2017

Revenue 

On  October  31,  2017,  the  Company  completed  the  acquisition  of  PPM.  Based  in 
California, PPM provides home delivery services of household appliances in the United 
States. 

For  the  quarter  ended  December  31,  2017,  revenue  from  the  Logistics  segment 
increased by 20% or $13.4 million year-over-year, from $65.6 million to $79.0 million, 
mainly due to business acquisitions. 

For  the  year  ended  December  31,  2017,  revenue  increased  by  27%  or  $62.9  million 
year-over-year,  from  $236.6  million  to  $299.5  million,  mainly  due  to  business 
acquisitions.  Excluding  business  acquisitions,  revenue  increased  by  7%,  or  $15.7 
million,  attributable  to  higher  volumes  by  new  and  current  customers  and  some  non-
recurring business offset by an unfavourable foreign exchange impact of $2.3 million. 

Operating expenses 
For  the  quarter  ended  December  31,  2017,  operating  expenses  increased  24%  or 
$14.3  million  compared  to  the  fourth  quarter  of  2016,  from  $58.5  million  to  $72.8 
million,  mainly  due  to  business  acquisitions.  Materials  and  services  expenses 
represented 71.6% of revenue, an improvement of 0.3%, as a percentage of revenue, 
when compared to last year’s same quarter. Personnel expenses represented 12.4% of 
revenue,  an  increase  of  1.2%,  as  a  percentage  of  revenue,  when  compared  to  last 
year’s same quarter mostly due to business acquisitions being more labor intensive. 

For the year ended December 31, 2017, operating expenses increased by 28% or $59.1 
million  compared  to  2016,  from  $214.9  million  to  $274.0  million.  This  increase  was 
mostly attributable to higher year-over-year revenues. 

For  the  three-month  period  and  the  year  ended  December  31,  2017,  amortization  of 
intangible  assets  increased  by  $0.9  million  and  $2.6  million,  respectively,  due  to 
business acquisitions. 

2017 Annual Report 

 
   
 
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
16  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 

Operating income 
The  Company’s  operating  income  in  the  Logistics  segment  for  the  quarter  ended 
December 31 , 2017 decreased 13% or $0.9 million compared to the fourth quarter of 
2016,  from  $7.1  million  to  $6.2  million  attributable  to  higher  personnel  and  other 
operating  expenses,  as  well  as  amortization  of  intangible  assets  from  business 
acquisitions. 

Operating income - Logistics
(millions of $)

7.4

5.6

5.4

5.0

4.2

6.3

7.1

6.2

For  the  year  ended  December  31,  2017,  operating  income  increased  17%  or  $3.7 
million  compared  to  2016,  from  $21.8  million  to  $25.5  million  due  to  business 
acquisitions. The Logistics  segment’s operating margin  decreased 0.7% year-over-year 
mainly as a result of amortization of intangible assets from business acquisitions. 

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

2016

2017

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES 

Sources and uses of cash 

(unaudited) 
(in thousands of dollars) 

Sources of cash: 

Net cash from operating activities from continuing operations 

Proceeds from sale of property and equipment 

Proceeds from sale of assets held for sale 

Net variance in cash and bank indebtedness 

Net proceeds from long-term debt 

Net cash from discontinued operations 

Others 

Total sources 

Uses of cash: 

Purchases of property and equipment 

Business combinations, net of net cash acquired 

Net variance in cash and bank indebtedness 

Net repayment of long-term debt 

Dividends paid 

Repurchase of own shares 

Net cash used in discontinued operations 

Others 

Total usage 

Fourth quarters ended 
December 31  

Years ended 
December 31  

2017  

2016  

2017  

2016  

116,148  

20,833  

19,140  

—  

—  

—  

—  

109,815  

19,240  

—  

—  

712,025  

3,853  

—  

372,601  

88,773  

174,779  

13,046  

—  

—  

5,882  

337,908   

60,992   

—  

—  

—  

769,558   

—  

156,121  

844,933  

655,081  

1,168,458   

66,142  

30,021  

7,857  

1,147  

17,086  

30,580  

—  

3,288  

31,017  

775,335  

13,042  

—  

15,523  

1,092  

—  

8,924  

259,140  

118,288  

—  

74,648  

69,016  

81,565  

52,424  

—  

110,443   

798,303   

23,899   

6,063   

64,066   

151,200   

—  

14,484   

156,121  

844,933  

655,081  

1,168,458   

Cash flow from operating activities from continuing operations 
For  the  year  ended  December  31,  2017,  net  cash  from  operating  activities  from  continuing  operations  increased  by  10%  from 
$337.9  million  in  2016  to  $372.6  million.  This  $34.7 million  increase  is  mainly  attributable  to  higher  cash  flow  from  operating 
activities from continuing operations before net change in non-cash operating working capital for $78.7 million, which improvement 
came from business acquisitions and existing operations, offset by higher cash used for net change in non-cash operating working 
capital  of  $26.3  million  and  higher  interest  paid,  for  $21.7  million.  The  net  change  in  non-cash  operating  working  capital  was 
negative $11.6 million in 2017, mainly due to lower trade and other payables versus December 31, 2016, compared to a positive 
contribution from working capital in 2016. 

TFI International 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flow used in investing activities from continuing operations 

Property and equipment 
The  following  table  presents  the  additions  of  property  and  equipment  by  category  for  the  three-month  period  and  year  ended 
December 31, 2017 and 2016. 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS  17 

(unaudited) 
(in thousands of dollars) 

Additions to property and equipment: 

Purchases as stated on cash flow statements 
Non-cash adjustments 

Additions by category: 
Land and buildings 
Rolling stock 
Equipment 

Fourth quarters ended 
December 31  

Years ended 
December 31  

2017  

2016  

2017  

2016  

66,142  
(12,453 ) 

53,689  

2,249  
48,716  
2,724  

53,689  

31,017  
—  

31,017  

1,983  
26,477  
2,557  

31,017  

259,140  
526  

259,666  

8,126  
238,812  
12,728  

259,666  

110,443   
117   

110,560   

9,409   
92,152   
8,999   

110,560   

The  Company  invests  in  new  equipment  to  maintain  its  quality  of  service  while  keeping  maintenance  costs  low.  Its  capital 
expenditures  reflect  the  level  of  reinvestment  required  to  keep  its  equipment  in  good  order  as  well  as  maintain  an  adequate 
allocation of its capital resources. In line with its asset light model, increasing the use of independent contractors to replace owned 
equipment is beneficial for the Company as it reduces capital needs to serve customers. The Company intends to further pursue this 
conversion strategy, particularly with the recent business acquisitions operating with more invested capital. 

Higher 2017 additions of rolling stock compared to 2016 are partly attributable to the CFI business acquisition and its fleet renewal 
program. 

In the normal course of activities, the Company constantly renews its rolling stock equipment generating regular proceeds and gain 
or loss on disposition. The following table indicates the proceeds and gains or losses from sale of property and equipment and assets 
held for sale from continuing operations by category for the three-month period and year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016. 

(unaudited) 
(in thousands of dollars) 

Proceeds by category: 
Land and buildings 
Rolling stock 
Equipment 

Gains (losses) by category: 

Land and buildings 
Rolling stock 
Equipment 

Fourth quarters ended 
December 31  
2016  

2017  

20,520  
19,409  
44  

39,973  

(694 ) 
(564 ) 
(4 ) 

(1,262 ) 

5,516  
13,704  
20  

19,240  

2,382  
4,074  
(15 ) 

6,441  

Years ended 
December 31  
2016  

21,344   
39,498   
150   

60,992   

8,948   
11,587   
(106 ) 

20,429   

2017  

176,359  
87,107  
86  

263,552  

77,678  
2,851  
(85 ) 

80,444  

For the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company disposed of properties for total consideration of $176.4 million ($21.3 million 
in 2016), which generated a gain of $77.7 million ($8.9 million in 2016). Notably, in Q3, TFI International unlocked shareholder value 
with a sale and leaseback transaction on selected real estate assets. The all-cash transaction of $135.7 million, which included two 
facilities in each of Montreal and Toronto, resulted in a pre-tax gain of $69.8 million. 

Business acquisitions 

For the year ended December 31, 2017, cash used in business acquisitions totalled $118.3 million ($798.3 million in 2016). 

In  2017,  the  Company  acquired  seven  businesses.  Refer  to  the  section  of  this  report  entitled  “2017  business  acquisitions”  and 
further information can be found in note 5 of the December 31, 2017 audited consolidated financial statements. 

2017 Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
18  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 

Cash flow from discontinued operations 

For  the  year  ended  December  31,  2017,  the  discontinued  operations  used  cash  flow  of  $52.4 million  mainly  attributable  to  the 
balance of income tax due on the gain on the sale of the Waste group, realized in February 2016, which was paid in January 2017. 
In  2016,  discontinued  operations  generated  cash  flows  of  $769.6 million.  In  the  first  quarter  of  2016,  TFI  International  received 
$758.9 million for the sale of its Waste Management segment to GFL. 

Free cash flow from continuing operations 

(unaudited) 
(in thousands of dollars, except per share data) 

Net cash from operating activities from continuing operations 

Additions to property and equipment 

Proceeds from sale of property and equipment 

Proceeds from sale of assets held for sale 

Free cash flow from continuing operations1 

Free cash flow from continuing operations per share1 

Fourth quarters ended 
December 31  

Years ended 
December 31  

2017  

116,148  

(53,689 ) 

20,833  

19,140  

102,432  

1.14  

2016  

2017  

2016  

109,815  

372,601  

337,908   

(31,017 ) 

(259,666 ) 

(110,560 ) 

19,240  

—  

98,038  

1.07  

88,773  

174,779  

376,487  

4.16  

60,992   

—  

288,340   

3.08   

The Company’s objectives when managing its cash flow from operations are to ensure proper capital investment in order to provide 
stability and competitiveness to its operations, to ensure sufficient liquidity to pursue its growth strategy, and to undertake selective 
business acquisitions within a sound capital structure and a solid financial position. 

For  the  year  ended  December  31,  2017,  TFI  International  generated  free  cash  flow  from  continuing  operations  of  $376.5  million, 
compared  to  $288.3  million  in  2016,  which  represents  a  year-over-year  increase  of  $88.1  million.  This  increase  is  mainly  due  to 
higher proceeds from sale of property and equipment and assets held for sale, offset by higher additions to property and equipment. 

Based  on  the  December  31,  2017  closing  share  price  of  $32.86,  the  free  cash  flow  from  continuing  operations  generated  by  the 
Company in the last twelve months ($376.5 million) represented a yield of 12.7%. 

Financial position 

(unaudited) 
(in thousands of dollars) 

Total assets 

Long-term debt 

Shareholders’ equity 

Debt-to-equity ratio2 

Debt-to-capitalization ratio3 

As at  
December 31, 2017  

As at  
December 31, 2016  

As at  
December 31, 2015  

3,727,628  

1,498,396  

1,415,124  

1.06  

0.51  

4,026,879  

1,584,815  

1,458,650  

1.09  

0.52  

3,377,870   

1,615,100   

1,019,799   

1.58   

0.61   

Compared to December 31, 2016, the Company’s total assets decreased mainly due to the impairment of intangible assets and to 
the sale of certain real estate assets. The long-term debt decreased due to the sale of property and shareholders’ equity decreased 
mainly as a result of the impairment of intangible assets. The debt-to-equity ratio and the debt-to-capitalization ratio were similar to 
those  of  December  31,  2016.  The  Company’s  current  financial  position  reflects  an  appropriate  debt  level  to  further  pursue  its 
acquisition strategy. Strict cash flow management and cash flow generated from operations have allowed the Company to pursue 
debt reduction when the situation has dictated. 

As  at  December  31,  2017,  the  Company’s  working  capital  (current  assets  less  current  liabilities)  was  $116.7  million  compared  to 
$56.9 million as at December 31, 2016. The increase is mainly attributable to the increase of $21.6 million of assets held for sale, 
composed of properties, and to the balance of 2016 income tax paid in Q1 2017 for $57.7 million. 

1 

2 
3 

Refer to the section “Non-IFRS financial measures”. 
Long-term debt divided by shareholders' equity. 
Long-term debt divided by the sum of shareholders' equity and long-term debt. 

TFI International 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS  19 

Contractual obligations 

The  following  table  indicates  the  Company’s  contractual  obligations  with  their  respective  maturity  dates  at  December  31,  2017, 
excluding future interest payments. 

(unaudited) 
(in thousands of dollars) 

Unsecured revolving facility – June 2021 

Term loan – June 2019 & 2020 

Unsecured debentures – December 2020 

Term loan – August 2019 

Finance lease liabilities 

Conditional sales contracts and other long-term debt 

Total  

Less than 
1 year  

1 to 3 
years  

3 to 5 
years  

After 
5 years  

       694,116       

—       

—       694,116       

500,000    

125,000    

75,000    

—     500,000    

—     125,000    

—     75,000    

—    

—    

—    

14,956    

9,959    

4,793    

204    

95,021    

42,468     39,811     12,742    

—  

—  

—  

—  

—  

—  

Operating leases and other commitments (see commitments) 

609,121     203,304     165,901     93,335     146,581  

Total contractual obligations 

    2,113,214     255,731     910,505     800,397     146,581  

As at December 31, 2017, the Company had $40.1 million of outstanding letters of credit ($40.1 million on December 31, 2016). 

On May 17, 2017, TFI International reached an agreement to amend and extend its existing credit facility to June 2021. The facility is 
unsecured  and  can  be  extended  annually.  The  total  available  amount  remained  unchanged  at  $1.2  billion  and  the  amendment 
provides similar terms and covenants. 

On December 21, 2017, the Company extended the maturity of the term loan by eight months for each tranche. The term loan is 
within the confines of the credit facility for the specific purpose of acquiring CFI. This term loan remains at a total of $500 million, 
with $200 million now due in June 2019 and $300 million due in June 2020. 

The  following  table  indicates  the  Company’s  financial  covenants  to  be  maintained  under  its  credit  facility.  These  covenants  are 
measured on a consolidated rolling twelve-month basis: 

Covenants 

Requirements 

December 31, 2017   

As at 

Funded debt-to-EBITDA ratio [ratio of total debt plus letters of credit and some 

other long-term liabilities to earnings before interest, income tax, 
depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”), including last twelve months 
adjusted EBITDA from business acquisitions] 

EBITDAR-to-interest and rent ratio [ratio of EBITDAR (EBITDA before rent and 

including last twelve months adjusted EBITDAR from business acquisitions) to 
interest and net rent expenses] 

< 3.50 

> 1.75 

2.96 

3.17 

The Company believes it will be in compliance with these covenants for the next twelve months. 

Commitments, contingencies and off-balance sheet arrangements 

The following table indicates the Company’s commitments with their respective terms at December 31, 2017.  

(unaudited) 
(in thousands of dollars) 

Operating leases – rolling stock 

Operating leases – real estate & others 

Other commitments 

Total off-balance sheet obligations 

Total  

87,600  

446,562  

74,959  

609,121  

Less than 
1 year  

41,685  

86,660  

74,959  

1 to 3 
years  

36,577  

129,324  

—  

3 to 5 
years  

9,338  

After 
5 years  

—  

83,997  

146,581  

—  

—  

203,304  

165,901  

93,335  

146,581  

Long-term real estate leases, totalling $446.6 million, include eleven significant real estate commitments for an aggregate value of 
$250.0  million,  which  expire  between  2024  and  2035.  A  total  of  294  properties  constitute  the  remaining  real  estate  operating 
leases. 

2017 Annual Report 

 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
     
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
20  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 

Dividends and outstanding share data 

Dividends 

The Company declared $18.7 million in dividends, or 21 cents per common share, in the fourth quarter of 2017. For the year ended 
December 31, 2017, dividends declared were $70.3 million, or 78 cents per common share. 

On December 11, 2017, the Board of Directors approved an 11% dividend increase to 21 cents per share over its previous quarterly 
dividend of 19 cents per share. This increase is in keeping with TFI International’s stated dividend policy and reflects the Company’s 
ability to generate a strong free cash flow. 

NCIB on common shares 

Pursuant to the renewal of the normal course issuer bid (“NCIB”), which began on October 2, 2017 and will expire on October 1, 
2018, the Company is authorized to repurchase for cancellation up to a maximum of 6,000,000 of its common shares under certain 
conditions. The Board of TFI International believes that, at appropriate times, repurchasing its shares through the NCIB represents a 
good use of TFI International’s financial resources, as such action can protect and enhance shareholder value when opportunities or 
volatility arise. 

For the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company repurchased 2,810,126 common shares (2016 – 6,442,702) at a price ranging 
from $26.56 to $32.00 (2016 - $22.00 to $27.30) for a total purchase price of $81.6 million (2016 – $151.2 million). 

Outstanding shares, stock options and restricted share units 

A total of 89,123,588 common shares were outstanding as at December 31, 2017 (December 31, 2016 – 91,575,319). There was 
no significant change in the Company’s outstanding share capital between December 31, 2017 and February 20, 2018. 

As at December 31, 2017, the number of outstanding options to acquire common shares issued under the Company’s stock option 
plan was 5,493,286 (December 31, 2016 – 5,495,887) of which 4,169,819 were exercisable (December 31, 2016 – 3,763,656). On 
February  16,  2017,  the  Board  of  Directors  approved  the  grant  of  395,113  stock  options  under  the  Company’s  stock  option  plan. 
Each stock option entitles the holder to purchase one common share of the Company at an exercise price based on the closing price 
of  the  volume  weighted  average  trading  price  of  the  Company’s  shares  for  the  last  five  trading  days  immediately  preceding  the 
effective date of the grant. 

As at December 31, 2017, the number of restricted share units (‘‘RSUs’’) granted under the Company’s equity incentive plan to the 
benefit  of  its  senior  employees  was  206,396  (December  31,  2016  –  281,027).  On  February  16,  2017,  the  Board  of  Directors 
approved the grant of 60,931 RSUs under the Company’s equity incentive plan. The RSUs will vest in December of the second year 
from the grant date. Upon satisfaction of the required service period, the plan provides for settlement of the award through shares. 

Legal proceedings 

The  Company  is  involved  in  litigation  arising  from  the  ordinary  course  of  business  primarily  involving  claims  for  bodily  injury  and 
property  damage.  It  is  not  feasible  to  predict  or  determine  the  outcome  of  these  or  similar  proceedings.  However,  the  Company 
believes the ultimate recovery or liability, if any, resulting from such litigation individually or in total would not materially adversely 
affect the Company’s financial condition or performance and, if necessary, have been provided for in the financial statements. 

OUTLOOK 

The North American economy has improved. Unemployment is low, consumer spending remains solid, and recent tax law changes in 
the United States may further stimulate the economy. These factors should continue to produce a recovery in freight rates, although 
we expect they may also further increase driver compensation costs. 

In  addition  to  generally  improving  economic  conditions,  key  internal  drivers  of  revenue  and  operating  income  growth  consist  of 
further efficiency improvement, asset rationalization, tight cost controls, and the execution of a disciplined acquisition strategy in the 
fragmented North American transportation and logistics market. 

In the Package and Courier and LTL segments, TFI International’s priorities remain the consolidation of its operations, administration 
and  IT  platforms  for  additional  savings  and  efficiency  gains.  In  Package  and  Courier,  TFI  International  will  remain  proactive  in 
implementing measures to further optimize asset utilization, which includes completing the optimization of businesses in U.S. same-
day operations. The recent rebranding to TForce Final Mile should maximize opportunities in this growing market and is aligned with 
TFI International’s focus on asset-light activities related to e-commerce. 

TFI International 

 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS  21 

In LTL, the Company plans to remain disciplined in adapting supply to demand, as overcapacity continues to affect the industry. To 
this end, the Company will continue to focus on major cities and high-density regions to enhance value. TFI International will also 
leverage its capabilities in asset-light intermodal activities that generate higher returns. 

In  the  TL  division,  Canadian  performance  was  strong  in  2017,  which  we  expect  to  continue  in  2018.  In  the  U.S.  TL  market,  the 
gradual implementation of rate increases in contract renewals should lead to improvement in 2018. The Company will also continue 
to focus on the quality of its U.S. freight revenue and on cost reductions. TFI International will remain disciplined in regards to supply 
management  in  the  U.S.,  while  sustaining  its  efforts  to  optimize  the  utilization  of  existing  assets.  The  Company  will  continue  to 
deploy  leading-edge  analytical  tools  across  its  North  American  network  in  order  to  allow  its  people  to  make  appropriate  business 
decisions and maximize returns. 

The Company believes it can further grow its presence in the Logistics sector, as these non-asset-based activities represent a strategic 
complement to conventional transportation services. Logistics requires less capital, thereby generating even better free cash flow. 

As the Company continues to gradually adopt an asset-light business model, capital will be increasingly deployed in initiatives that 
provide a better return on capital and solid cash flow. In so doing, TFI International aims to increasingly distinguish itself by providing 
innovative, value-added solutions to its growing North American customer base. In the short term, TFI International will use its cash 
flow to prioritize share repurchase and debt reimbursement. 

TFI International is well positioned to benefit from a rising freight rate environment, and management is confident that the steps it is 
taking  will  continue  to  grow  shareholder  value.  The  Company  aims  to  deliver  on  this  commitment  by  adhering  to  its  operating 
principles and by executing its strategy with the same discipline and rigour that have made TFI International a North American leader 
in the transportation and logistics industry. 

SUMMARY OF EIGHT MOST RECENT QUARTERLY RESULTS 

(unaudited) - (in millions of dollars, 
except per share data) 

Q4’17  

Q3’17  

Q2’17  

Q1’17  

Q4’16  

Total revenue 

  1,182.5  

  1,154.4  

  1,232.2  

  1,171.9  

  1,036.4  

Q3’16  

975.5  

Q2’16  

977.8  

Q1’16  

934.2  

Adjusted EBITDA from continuing 

operations1 

Operating income 

Net income (loss) 

EPS – basic 

EPS – diluted 

Net income (loss) from continuing 

131,0  

66.8  

120.2  

1.34  

1.31  

128.2  

60.5  

98.8  

1.10  

1.07  

145.7  

74.3  

(75.0 ) 

(0.82 ) 

(0.82 ) 

109.5  

127.9  

113.8  

116.2  

42.1  

14.1  

0.15  

0.15  

69.7  

45.3  

0.50  

0.48  

69.3  

51.5  

0.56  

0.55  

71.4  

39.1  

0.42  

0.41  

84.5  

38.9  

503.6  

5.16  

5.09  

operations 

120.2  

98.8  

(75.0 ) 

14.1  

46.4  

51.1  

44.3  

15.3  

EPS from continuing operations – 

basic 

1.34  

1.10  

(0.82 ) 

0.15  

0.51  

0.55  

0.47  

0.16  

EPS from continuing operations – 

diluted 

1.31  

1.07  

(0.82 ) 

0.15  

0.49  

0.54  

0.47  

0.15  

Adjusted net income from 
continuing operations1 

Adjusted EPS from continuing 

54.6  

48.8  

56.2  

32.9  

50.6  

53.5  

53.3  

30.0  

operations - diluted1 

0.60  

0.53  

0.60  

0.35  

0.54  

0.57  

0.56  

0.30  

1 

Refer to the section “Non-IFRS financial measures”. 

The differences between the quarters are mainly the result of seasonality (softer in Q1) and business acquisitions. In Q4 2017, higher 
net income, as well as higher basic and diluted EPS, is mainly due to an income tax gain for $76.1 million as a result of the U.S. tax 
reform. In Q3 2017, higher net income, as well as higher basic and diluted EPS, is mainly due to gain on sale of property for $70.1 
million, $59.7 million after-tax. In Q2 2017, the Company recorded a net loss and negative basic and diluted EPS principally due to a 
goodwill impairment in its U.S. TL operating segment of $129.8 million (no tax impact on this impairment). In Q1 2016, higher net 
income,  as  well  as  higher  basic  and  diluted  EPS,  is  mainly  due  to  the  $490.8  million  after-tax  gain  on  the  sale  of  the  Waste 
Management segment. 

2017 Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
22  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 

 NON-IFRS FINANCIAL MEASURES 

Financial data have been prepared in conformity with IFRS. This MD&A includes references to certain non-IFRS financial measures as 
described below. These non-IFRS measures do not have any standardized meanings prescribed by IFRS and are therefore unlikely to 
be  comparable  to  similar  measures  presented  by  other  companies.  Accordingly,  they  should  not  be  considered  in  isolation,  in 
addition to, not as a substitute for or superior to, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. The terms 
and definitions of IFRS and non-IFRS measures used in this MD&A and a reconciliation of each non-IFRS measure to the most directly 
comparable IFRS measure are provided below or in the MD&A. 

Adjusted net income from continuing operations: Net income or loss excluding amortization of intangible assets related to business 
acquisitions, net change in the fair value of derivatives, net foreign exchange gain or loss, gain or loss on sale of land and buildings 
and  assets  held  for  sale,  impairment  of  intangible  assets,  impact  from  the  U.S.  tax  reform  and  income  or  loss  from  discontinued 
operations,  net  of  tax.  In  presenting  an  adjusted  net  income  from  continuing  operations  and  adjusted  EPS  from  continuing 
operations, the Company’s intent is to help provide an understanding of what would have been the net income and earnings per 
share in a context of significant business combinations and excluding specific impacts and to reflect earnings from a strictly operating 
perspective.  The  amortization  of  intangible  assets  related  to  business  acquisitions  comprises  amortization  expense  of  customer 
relationships, trademarks and non-compete agreements accounted for in business combinations and the income tax effects related 
to  this  amortization.  Management  also  believes,  in  excluding  amortization  of  intangible  assets  related  to  business  acquisitions,  it 
provides more information on the amortization of intangible asset expense portion, net of tax, that will not have to be replaced to 
preserve  the  Company’s  ability  to  generate  similar  future  cash  flows.  The  Company  excludes  these  items  because  they  affect  the 
comparability of its financial results and could potentially distort the analysis of trends in its business performance. Excluding these 
items does not imply they are necessarily non-recurring. See reconciliation on page 8. 

Adjusted earnings per share (adjusted “EPS”) from continuing operations - basic: Adjusted net income from continuing operations 
divided by the weighted average number of common shares. 

Adjusted  EPS  from  continuing  operations  -  diluted:  Adjusted  net  income  from  continuing  operations  divided  by  the  weighted 
average number of diluted common shares. 

Adjusted  EBITDA  from  continuing  operations:  Net  income  or  loss  from  continuing  operations  before  finance  income  and  costs, 
income  tax  expense  (recovery),  depreciation,  amortization,  gain  or  loss  on  sale  of  land  and  buildings  and  assets  held  for  sale  and 
impairment  of  intangible  assets.  Management  believes  adjusted  EBITDA  from  continuing  operations  to  be  a  useful  supplemental 
measure. Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations is provided to assist in determining the ability of the Company to generate 
cash from its operations. 

Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations reconciliation: 

(unaudited) 
(in thousands of dollars) 

Fourth quarters ended 
December 31  

Years ended 
December 31  

Net income from continuing operations 

Net finance costs 

Income tax expense (recovery) 

Depreciation of property and equipment 

Amortization of intangible assets 

Gain on sale of land and buildings 

(Gain) loss on sale of assets held for sale 

Impairment of intangible assets 

2017  

120,192  

13,497  

(67,613 ) 

48,298  

15,949  

(394 ) 

1,088  

—  

2016  

46,387  

11,266  

14,446  

42,993  

15,233  

(2,382 ) 

—  

—  

Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations 

131,017  

127,943  

Adjusted EBITDA margin is calculated as a percentage of revenue before fuel surcharge. 

2017  

157,988  

61,075  

(40,642 ) 

209,557  

61,200  

(232 ) 

(77,446 ) 

142,981  

514,481  

2016  

157,059   

54,882   

46,272   

139,439   

53,647   

(8,948 ) 

—  

—  

442,351   

Free cash flow from continuing operations: Net cash from operating activities from continuing operations less additions to property 
and equipment plus proceeds from sale of property and equipment and assets held for sale. Management believes that this measure 
provides  a  benchmark  to  evaluate  the  performance  of  the  Company  in  regard  to  its  ability  to  meet  capital  requirements.  See 
reconciliation on page 18. 

Free cash flow from continuing operations per share: Free cash flow from  continuing  operations  divided  by the weighted average 
number of common shares. 

TFI International 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS  23 

Operating expenses: Operating expenses, as defined in the audited consolidated financial statements. 

Operating  income  (loss):  Net  income  or  loss  from  continuing  operations  before  finance  income  and  costs,  income  tax  expense 
(recovery), gain or loss on sale of land and buildings and assets held for sale, and impairment of intangible assets, as stated in the 
audited consolidated financial statements. 

Operating margin is calculated as a percentage of revenue before fuel surcharge. 

Operating  ratio:  Operating  expenses,  net  of  fuel  surcharge  revenue,  divided  by  revenue  before  fuel  surcharge.  Although  the 
operating ratio is not a recognized financial measure defined by IFRS, it is a widely recognized measure in the transportation industry, 
which we believe provides a comparable benchmark for evaluating the Company’s performance. Also, to facilitate the comparison of 
business level activity and operating costs between periods, the Company compares the revenue before fuel surcharge (“revenue”) 
and reallocates the fuel surcharge revenue to materials and services expenses within operating expenses. 

Operating ratio 

(unaudited)  
(in thousands of dollars) 

Operating expenses 

Fuel surcharge revenue 

Fourth quarters ended 
December 31  

Years ended 
December 31  

2017  

2016  

2017  

2016  

1,115,701  

  1,068,017  

    4,497,295  

    3,775,943   

(123,481 )   

(101,288 )   

(459,196 )   

(320,720 ) 

Operating expenses, net of fuel surcharge revenue 

992,220  

966,729  

4,038,099  

3,455,223   

Revenue before fuel surcharge 

Operating ratio 

1,058,990  

  1,036,446  

4,281,823  

3,704,488   

93.7%  

93.3%  

94.3%  

93.3%  

RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES 

The  Company’s  future  results  may  be  affected  by  a  number 
of  factors  over  some  of  which  the  Company  has  little  or  no 
control.  The  following  discussion  of  risk  factors  contains 
forward-looking 
issues, 
uncertainties  and  risks,  among  others,  should  be  considered 
in evaluating the Company’s business and growth outlook: 

statements. 

following 

The 

Competition.  The  Company  operates  in  a  highly-competitive 
and  fragmented  industry,  and  numerous  competitive  factors 
could  impair  the  Company’s  ability  to  maintain  or  improve 
the  Company’s  profitability  and  could  have  a  materially 
adverse  effect  on  the  Company’s  results  of  operations.  In 
addition, the Company faces growing competition from other 
transporters  in  the  United  States  and  Mexico.  These  factors 
include the following: 

• 

• 

• 

the  Company  competes  with  many  other  transportation 
companies  of  varying  sizes,  including  United  States  and 
Mexican transportation companies; 

the Company’s competitors may periodically reduce their 
freight  rates  to  gain  business,  which  may  limit  the 
Company’s ability to maintain or increase freight rates or 
maintain growth in the Company’s business; 

the  Company’s 

some  of 
customers  are  other 
transportation  companies  or  also  operate  their  own 
private  trucking  fleets,  and  they  may  decide  to  transport 
more of their own freight; 

• 

some  of  the  Company’s  customers  may  reduce  the 
number of carriers they  use  by selecting so-called  “core 
carriers”  as  approved  service  providers  or  by  engaging 
dedicated providers, and in some instances the Company 
may not be selected; 

•  many  customers  periodically  accept  bids  from  multiple 
carriers  for  their  shipping  needs,  and  this  process  may 
depress freight rates or result in the loss of some of the 
Company’s business to competitors; 

• 

• 

• 

the  market  for  qualified  drivers  can  be  competitive, 
particularly  in  the  Company’s  growing  United  States 
operations,  and  the  Company’s  inability  to  attract  and 
retain  drivers  could  reduce  the  Company’s  equipment 
utilization  or 
increase 
compensation, both of which would adversely affect the 
Company’s profitability; 

the  Company 

cause 

to 

economies  of  scale  that  may  be  passed  on  to  smaller 
carriers  by  procurement  aggregation  providers  may 
improve their ability to compete with the Company; 

some of the Company’s smaller competitors may not yet 
be  fully  compliant  with  pending  regulations,  such  as 
regulations  requiring  the  use  of  electronic  logging 
devices,  which  may  allow  such  competitors  to  take 
advantage of additional driver productivity; 

2017 Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
24  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 

• 

• 

advances  in  technology  may  require  the  Company  to 
increase investments in order to remain competitive, and 
the  Company’s  customers  may  not  be  willing  to  accept 
higher  freight  rates  to  cover  the  cost  of  these 
investments; and 

higher fuel prices and, in turn, higher fuel surcharges to 
the  Company’s  customers  may  cause  some  of  the 
Company’s  customers  to  consider  freight  transportation 
alternatives, including rail transportation. 

Regulation.  The  Company  operates  in  a  highly-regulated 
industry,  and  changes  in  existing  regulations  or  violations  of 
existing or future regulations could have a materially adverse 
effect  on  the  Company’s  operations  and  profitability.  In 
Canada,  carriers  must  obtain  licenses  issued  by  provincial 
transport  boards  in  order  to  carry  goods  inter-provincially  or 
to  transport  goods  within  any  province.  Licensing  from 
United  States  and  Mexican  regulatory  authorities  is  also 
required  for  the  transportation  of  goods  between  Canada, 
the United States and Mexico. Any change in or violation of 
existing  or  future  regulations  could  have  an  adverse  impact 
on the scope of the Company’s activities. 

The Company is increasing the Company’s operations in the 
United States, where the transportation industry is subject to 
regulation  from  various  federal,  state  and  local  agencies. 
Drivers  must  comply  with  safety  and  fitness  regulations, 
including  those  relating  to  drug  and  alcohol  testing,  driver 
safety performance and hours of service, and matters such as 
equipment  weight  and  dimensions,  exhaust  emissions  and 
fuel efficiency are also subject to government regulation. 

The right to continue to hold applicable licenses and permits 
is  generally  subject  to  maintaining  satisfactory  compliance 
with  regulatory  and  safety  guidelines,  policies  and  laws. 
Although  the  Company  is  committed  to  compliance  with 
laws  and  safety,  there  is  no  assurance  that  it  will  be  in  full 
compliance  with  them  at  all  times.  Consequently,  at  some 
future  time,  the  Company  could  be  required  to  incur 
significant costs to maintain or improve its compliance record. 
Future  laws  and  regulations  may  be  more  stringent,  require 
changes in the Company’s operating practices, influence the 
demand  for  transportation  services  or  require  the  Company 
to incur additional significant costs. 

to  and 

transportation 

the 
International  Operations.  A  growing  portion  of 
Company’s revenue is derived from operations in the United 
States  and 
from  Mexico.  The 
Company’s international operations are subject to a variety of 
risks,  including  fluctuations  in  foreign  currencies,  changes  in 
the  economic  strength  or  greater  volatility  in  the  economies 
of  foreign  countries  in  which  the  Company  does  business, 
difficulties  in  enforcing  contractual  rights  and  intellectual 
property  rights,  compliance  burdens  associated  with  export 
and import laws, and social, political and economic instability. 
The  Company’s  international  operations  could  be  adversely 
affected  by  restrictions  on  travel.  Additional  risks  associated 
with 
include 
restrictive  trade  policies,  imposition  of  duties,  taxes  or 

international  operations 

the  Company’s 

TFI International 

government  royalties  by  foreign  governments,  adverse 
changes in the regulatory environments, including in tax laws 
and  regulations,  of  the  foreign  countries  in  which  the 
Company  does  business,  compliance  with  anti-bribery  laws, 
restrictions  on  the  withdrawal  of  foreign  investments,  the 
ability to identify and retain qualified local managers and the 
challenge of managing a culturally and geographically diverse 
operation. 

Operating Environment.  The  Company  is  subject  to  changes 
in  its  general  operating  environment.  The  Company  is 
exposed to the following factors, among others, affecting its 
operating environment:  

• 

• 

• 

• 

the  Company’s  future  insurance  and  claims  expense, 
including  the  cost  of  the  Company’s  liability  insurance 
premiums  and  the  number  and  severity  of  claims,  may 
levels,  which  would  require  the 
exceed  historical 
Company to incur additional costs and could reduce the 
Company’s earnings;  

declines  in  the  demand  for  used  revenue  equipment 
could  result  in  decreased  equipment  sales,  lower  resale 
values  and  lower  gains  (or  recording  losses)  on  sales  of 
assets; 

increased  prices  for  new  revenue  equipment,  design 
changes  of  new  engines,  reduced  equipment  efficiency 
resulting 
reduce 
emissions,  or  decreased  availability  of  new  revenue 
equipment; and 

from  new  engines  designed 

to 

adverse  weather  conditions  can  adversely  affect  the 
Company’s  revenue,  as  inclement  weather  may  impede 
operations  and  may  cause  higher  accident  frequency, 
increased claims, more equipment repairs and decreased 
fuel efficiency due to increased engine idling. 

General  Economic,  Credit,  Business  and  Regulatory 
Conditions.  The  Company’s  business  is  subject  to  general 
economic,  credit,  business  and  regulatory  factors  that  are 
largely beyond the Company’s control, and which could have 
a  materially  adverse  effect  on  the  Company’s  operating 
results. 

The Company’s industry is highly cyclical, and the Company’s 
business is dependent on a number of factors that may have 
a  materially  adverse  effect  on  the  Company’s  results  of 
operations,  many  of  which  are  beyond  the  Company’s 
control.  The  Company  believes  that  some  of  the  most 
significant of these factors include (i) excess tractor and trailer 
capacity  in  the  transportation  industry  in  comparison  with 
shipping  demand;  (ii)  declines  in  the  resale  value  of  used 
equipment;  (iii)  strikes,  work  stoppages  or  work  slowdowns 
at  the  Company’s  facilities  or  at  customer,  port,  border 
crossing or other shipping-related facilities; and (iv) increases 
in  interest  rates,  fuel  taxes,  tolls  and  license  and  registration 
fees. 

 
The  Company  is  also  affected  by  (i)  recessionary  economic 
cycles, which tend to be characterized by weak demand and 
downward  pressure  on  rates;  (ii)  changes  in  customers’ 
inventory  levels  and  in  the  availability  of  funding  for  their 
working  capital;  (iii)  changes  in  the  way  the  Company’s 
customers choose to source or utilize the Company’s services; 
and  (iv)  downturns  in  customers’  business  cycles,  such  as 
retail and manufacturing, where the Company has significant 
customer  concentration.  Economic  conditions  may  adversely 
affect customers and their demand for and ability to pay for 
the  Company’s  services.  Customers  encountering  adverse 
economic  conditions  represent  a  greater  potential  for  loss 
increase  the 
and  the  Company  may  be  required  to 
Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts. 

Economic  conditions  that  decrease  shipping  demand  and 
increase the supply of available tractors and trailers can exert 
downward  pressure  on  rates  and  equipment  utilization, 
thereby  decreasing  asset  productivity.  The  risks  associated 
with  these  factors  are  heightened  when  the  economy  is 
weakened.  Some  of  the  principal  risks  during  such  times 
include: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

the  Company  may  experience  a  reduction  in  overall 
freight  levels,  which  may  impair  the  Company’s  asset 
utilization; 

freight  patterns  may  change  as  supply  chains  are 
redesigned,  resulting  in  an  imbalance  between  the 
Company’s capacity and customers’ freight demand; 

customers  may  solicit  bids  for  freight  from  multiple 
trucking  companies  or  select  competitors  that  offer 
lower  rates  in  an  attempt  to  lower  their  costs,  and  the 
Company  may  be  forced  to  lower  the  Company’s  rates 
or lose freight; and 

lack  of  access  to  current  sources  of  credit  or  lack  of 
lender access to capital, leading to an inability to secure 
credit financing on satisfactory terms, or at all. 

reduce 

that  could  materially 

The Company is subject to cost increases that are outside the 
the 
Company’s  control 
Company’s profitability if the Company is unable to increase 
its  rates  sufficiently.  Such  cost  increases  include,  but  are  not 
limited  to,  increases  in  fuel  and  energy  prices,  driver  and 
office  employee  wages,  purchased  transportation  costs, 
taxes,  interest  rates,  tolls,  license  and  registration  fees, 
insurance  premiums  and  claims,  revenue  equipment  and 
related  maintenance,  and  tires  and  other  components.  The 
Company  could  be  affected  by  strikes  or  other  work 
stoppages  at  the  Company’s  service  centers  or  at  customer, 
port,  border  or  other  shipping 
locations.  Further,  the 
Company  may  not  be  able  to  appropriately  adjust  the 
Company’s  costs  and  staffing  levels  to  changing  market 
demands.  In  periods  of  rapid  change,  it  is  more  difficult  to 
match  the  Company’s  staffing  level  to  the  Company’s 
business needs. 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 

25 

Changing  impacts  of  regulatory  measures  could  impair  the 
Company’s  operating  efficiency  and  productivity,  decrease 
the Company’s operating revenues and profitability and result 
in higher operating costs. From time to time, various taxes are 
also increased, including taxes on fuels. The Company cannot 
predict  whether,  or  in  what  form,  any  such  increase 
applicable  to  the  Company  will  be  enacted,  but  such  an 
increase  could  adversely  affect  the  Company’s  results  of 
operations and profitability. 

In  addition,  the  Company  cannot  predict  future  economic 
conditions,  fuel  price  fluctuations  or  changes  in  consumer 
confidence. 

Interest Rate Fluctuations.  Changes  in  interest  rates  may 
result  in  fluctuations  in  the  Company’s  future  cash  flows 
related  to  variable-rate  financial  liabilities.  For  these  items, 
cash flows could be impacted by changes in benchmark rates 
such  as  Bankers’  Acceptance  or  London  Interbank  Offered 
Rate  (Libor).  In  addition,  the  Company  is  exposed  to  gains 
and  losses  arising  from  changes  in  interest  rates  through  its 
derivative financial instruments carried at fair value. 

Currency  Fluctuations.  Significant  fluctuations  in  relative 
currency  values  against  the  Canadian  dollar  could  have  a 
significant impact on the Company’s future  profitability. The 
Company’s  financial  results  are  reported  in  Canadian  dollars 
and  a  growing  portion  of  the  Company’s  revenue  and 
operating costs are realized in currencies other than Canadian 
dollars,  primarily  United  States  dollars.  The  exchange  rates 
between  these  currencies  and  the  Canadian  dollar  have 
fluctuated  in  recent  years  and  may  continue  to  do  so  in  the 
future.  It  is  not  possible  to  mitigate  all  exposure  to 
fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. The results of 
operations  are  therefore  affected  by  movements  of  these 
currencies against the Canadian dollar. 

armed 

events, 

terrorist 

activities, 

Price and Availability of Fuel.  Fuel  is  one  of  the  Company’s 
largest operating expenses. Diesel fuel prices fluctuate greatly 
due  to  factors  beyond  the  Company’s  control,  such  as 
political 
conflicts, 
commodity futures trading, currency fluctuations and natural 
and  man-made  disasters,  any  of  which  may  lead  to  an 
increase  in  the  cost  of  fuel.  Fuel  prices  are  also  affected  by 
the rising demand for fuel in developing countries, and could 
be materially adversely affected by the use of crude oil and oil 
reserves  for  purposes  other  than  fuel  production  and  by 
diminished drilling activity. Such events may lead not only to 
increases  in  fuel  prices,  but  also  to  fuel  shortages  and 
disruptions  in  the  fuel  supply  chain.  Because  the  Company’s 
operations  are  dependent  upon  diesel  fuel,  significant  diesel 
fuel  cost  increases,  shortages  or  supply  disruptions  could 
materially  and  adversely  affect  the  Company’s  business, 
financial condition and results of operations. 

While  the  Company  has  fuel  surcharge  programs  in  place 
with  a  majority  of  the  Company’s  customers,  which 
historically  have  helped  the  Company  offset  the  majority  of 
the  negative  impact  of  rising  fuel  prices,  the  Company  also  

2017 Annual Report 

 
 
 
26  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 

incurs fuel costs that cannot be recovered even with respect 
to  customers  with  which  the  Company  maintains  fuel 
surcharge  programs,  such  as  those  associated  with  non-
revenue  generating  miles  or  time  when  the  Company’s 
engines  are  idling.  Moreover,  the  terms  of  each  customer’s 
fuel  surcharge  program  vary  from  one  division  to  another, 
and the recoverability for fuel price increases varies as well. In 
addition, because the Company’s fuel surcharge recovery lags 
behind changes in fuel prices, the Company’s fuel surcharge 
recovery  may  not  capture  the  increased  costs  the  Company 
pays for fuel, especially when prices are rising. This could lead 
to  fluctuations  in  the  Company’s  levels  of  reimbursement, 
which have occurred in the past. There can be no assurance 
that  such  fuel  surcharges  can  be  maintained  indefinitely  or 
will be sufficiently effective. 

Insurance.  The  Company’s  operations  are  subject  to  risks 
inherent  in  the  transportation  sector,  including  personal 
injury,  property  damage,  worker’s  compensation  and 
employment  and  other 
issues.  The  Company’s  future 
insurance  and  claims  expenses  may  exceed  historical  levels, 
which  could  reduce  the  Company’s  earnings.  The  Company 
subscribes  for  insurance  in  amounts  it  considers  appropriate 
in  the  circumstances  and  having  regard  to  industry  norms. 
Like many players in the industry, the Company self-insures a 
significant  portion  of  the  claims  exposure  related  to  cargo 
loss,  bodily  injury,  worker’s  compensation  and  property 
damages.  Due  to  the  Company’s  significant  self-insured 
amounts,  the  Company  has  exposure  to  fluctuations  in  the 
number or severity of claims and the risk of being required to 
accrue or pay additional amounts if the Company’s estimates 
are revised or claims ultimately prove to be more severe than 
originally  assessed.  Further,  the  Company’s  self-insured 
retention  levels  could  change  and  result  in  more  volatility 
than in recent years. 

Although the Company believes its aggregate insurance limits 
should be sufficient to cover reasonably expected claims, it is 
possible that the amount of one or more claims could exceed 
the  Company’s  aggregate  coverage  limits  or  that  the 
Company  chose  not  to  obtain  insurance  in  respect  of  such 
claims. If any claim were to exceed the Company’s coverage, 
the  Company  would  bear  the  excess,  in  addition  to  the 
Company’s  other  self-insured  amounts.  The  Company’s 
results  of  operations  and  financial  condition  could  be 
materially  and  adversely  affected  if  (i)  cost  per  claim, 
premiums  or  the  number  of  claims  significantly  exceeds  the 
Company’s  coverage  limits  or  retention  amounts;  (ii)  the 
Company  experiences  a  claim  in  excess  of  the  Company’s 
coverage  limits;  (iii)  the  Company’s  insurance  carriers  fail  to 
pay on the Company’s insurance claims; or (iv) the Company 
experiences a claim for which coverage is not provided, either 
because  the  Company  chose  not  to  obtain  insurance  as  a 
result of  high premiums or  because the claim  is not covered 
by insurance the Company has in place. 

TFI International 

Employee and Company’s Labour Relations.  At  the  date 
hereof, the collective agreements between the Company and 
the  vast  majority  of  the  Company’s  unionized  employees 
have been renewed. The Company’s unionized employees are 
all Canadian employees, and the Company does not currently 
have  union  contracts  in  place  with  respect  to  any  of  the 
Company’s United States operations. Although the Company 
believes  that  the  Company’s  relations  with  the  Company’s 
employees  are  satisfactory,  no  assurance  can  be  given  that 
the  Company  will  be  able  to  successfully  extend  or 
renegotiate  the  Company’s  current  collective  agreements  as 
they expire from time to time. If the Company fails to extend 
or  renegotiate  the  Company’s  collective  agreements,  if 
disputes  with  the  Company’s  unions  arise,  or 
if  the 
Company’s  unionized  workers  engage  in  a  strike  or  other 
work  stoppage  or 
the  Company  could 
interruption, 
experience a significant disruption of, or inefficiencies in, the 
Company’s  operations  or  incur  higher  labour  costs,  which 
could  have  a  materially  adverse  effect  on  the  Company’s 
business,  results  of  operations,  financial  condition  and 
liquidity. 

Drivers.  Increases  in  driver  compensation  or  difficulties 
attracting  and  retaining  qualified  drivers  could  have  a 
materially  adverse  effect  on  the  Company’s  profitability  and 
the ability to maintain or grow the Company’s fleet. 

Like  many  in  the  transportation  sector,  the  Company 
experiences  substantial  difficulty  in  attracting  and  retaining 
sufficient numbers of qualified drivers. The truckload industry 
periodically  experiences  a  shortage  of  qualified  drivers.  The 
Company  believes  the  shortage  of  qualified  drivers  and 
intense  competition  for  drivers  from  other  transportation 
companies will create difficulties in maintaining or increasing 
the number of drivers and may restrain the Company’s ability 
to engage a sufficient number of drivers, and the Company’s 
inability  to  do  so  may  negatively  impact  the  Company’s 
operations.  Further,  the  compensation  the  Company  offers 
the Company’s drivers and independent contractor expenses 
are subject to market conditions, and the Company may find 
it necessary to increase driver compensation in future periods. 

the  Company  and  many  other 

trucking 
In  addition, 
companies  suffer  from  a  high  turnover  rate  of  drivers.  This 
high  turnover  rate  requires  the  Company  to  continually 
recruit  a  substantial  number  of  drivers  in  order  to  operate 
existing  revenue  equipment.  If  the  Company  is  unable  to 
continue to attract and retain a sufficient number of drivers, 
the Company could be forced to, among other things, adjust 
the Company’s compensation packages, increase the number 
of  the  Company’s  tractors  without  drivers  or  operate  with 
fewer  trucks  and  face  difficulty  meeting  shipper  demands, 
any  of  which  could  adversely  affect  the  Company’s  growth 
and profitability. 

 
to  successfully 

Acquisitions and Integration Risks.  Historically,  acquisitions 
have  been  a  part  of  the  Company’s  growth  strategy.  The 
Company  may  not  be  able 
integrate 
acquisitions  into  the  Company’s  business,  or  may  incur 
significant unexpected costs in doing so. Further, the process 
of  integrating  acquired  businesses  may  be  disruptive  to  the 
Company’s  existing  business  and  may  cause  an  interruption 
or  reduction  of  the  Company’s  business  as  a  result  of  the 
following factors, among others: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

loss of key employees, customers or contracts; 

in  or 

inconsistencies 

conflicts  between 
possible 
standards,  controls,  procedures  and  policies  among  the 
implement 
combined  companies  and  the  need  to 
company-wide 
information 
financial, 
technology and other systems; 

accounting, 

failure  to  maintain  or  improve  the  safety  or  quality  of 
services that have historically been provided; 

inability  to  retain,  integrate,  hire  or  recruit  qualified 
employees; 

unanticipated environmental or other liabilities; 

failure 
organizations; and 

to 

coordinate 

geographically 

dispersed 

the  diversion  of  management’s  attention  from  the 
Company’s day-to-day business as a result of the need to 
manage any disruptions and difficulties and the need to 
add management resources to do so. 

Anticipated  cost  savings,  synergies,  revenue  enhancements  or 
other  benefits  from  any  acquisitions  that  the  Company 
undertakes  may  not  materialize  in  the  expected  timeframe  or 
at  all.  The  Company’s  estimated  cost  savings,  synergies, 
revenue enhancements or other benefits from acquisitions are 
subject  to  a  number  of  assumptions  about  the  timing, 
execution  and  costs  associated  with  realizing  such  synergies. 
Such assumptions are inherently uncertain and are subject to a 
wide variety of significant business, economic and competition 
risks.  There  can  be  no  assurance  that  such  assumptions  will 
turn  out  to  be  correct  and,  as  a  result,  the  amount  of  cost 
savings, synergies, revenue enhancements or other benefits the 
Company actually realizes and/or the timing of such realization 
may  differ  significantly  (and  may  be  significantly  lower)  from 
the ones the Company estimated, and the Company may incur 
significant  costs  in  reaching  the  estimated  cost  savings, 
synergies, revenue enhancements or other benefits. 

Many of the Company’s recent acquisitions have involved the 
purchase  of  stock  of  existing  companies.  These  acquisitions, 
as  well  as  acquisitions  of  substantially  all  of  the  assets  of  a 
company,  may  expose  the  Company  to  liability  for  actions 
taken  by  an  acquired  business  and  its  management  before 
the  Company’s  acquisition.  The  due  diligence  the  Company 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 

27 

in  connection  with  an  acquisition  and  any 
conducts 
contractual  guarantees  or  indemnities  that  the  Company 
receives  from  the  sellers  of  acquired  companies  may  not  be 
sufficient  to  protect  the  Company  from,  or  compensate  the 
Company for, actual liabilities. Generally, the representations 
made  by  the  sellers,  other  than  certain  representations 
related to fundamental matters, such as ownership of capital 
stock,  expire  within  several  years  of  the  closing.  A  material 
liability associated with an acquisition, especially where there 
is  no  right  to  indemnification,  could  adversely  affect  the 
Company’s  results  of  operations,  financial  condition  and 
liquidity. 

The  Company  intends  to  continue  to  review  acquisition  and 
investment  opportunities  to  attempt  to  acquire  companies 
and  assets  that  meet  the  Company’s  investment  criteria. 
Depending  on  the  number  of  acquisitions  and  investments 
and  funding  requirements,  the  Company  may  need  to  raise 
substantial  additional  capital.  Instability  or  disruptions  in  the 
capital markets, including credit markets, or the deterioration 
of  the  Company’s  financial  condition  due  to  internal  or 
external factors, could restrict or prohibit access to the capital 
markets  and  could  also  increase  the  Company’s  cost  of 
capital.  To  the  extent  the  Company  raises  additional  capital 
through  the  sale  of  equity,  equity-linked  or  convertible  debt 
securities,  the  issuance  of  such  securities  could  result  in 
dilution  to  the  Company’s  existing  shareholders.  If  the 
Company  raises  additional  funds  through  the  issuance  of 
debt  securities,  the  terms  of  such  debt  could  impose 
the  Company’s 
additional 
operations.  Additional  capital,  if  required,  may  not  be 
available  on  acceptable  terms  or  at  all.  If  the  Company  is 
unable  to  obtain  additional  capital  at  a  reasonable  cost,  the 
Company  may  be  required  to  forego  potential  acquisitions, 
which  could  impair  the  execution  of  the  Company’s  growth 
strategy. 

restrictions  and  costs  on 

In addition, the Company faces competition from peer group 
and  non-peer  group  firms  for  acquisition  opportunities.  This 
external  competition  may  hinder  the  Company’s  ability  to 
identify  and/or  consummate  future  acquisitions  successfully. 
There  is  also  a  risk  of  impairment  of  acquired  goodwill  and 
intangible  assets.  This  risk  of  impairment  to  goodwill  and 
intangible  assets  exists  because  the  assumptions  used  in  the 
initial  valuation  of  these  assets,  such  as  interest  rate  or 
forecasted  cash  flows,  may  change  when  testing  for 
impairment is required. 

There is no assurance that the Company will be successful in 
identifying,  negotiating,  consummating  or  integrating  any 
future acquisitions. If the Company does not make any future 
acquisitions,  the  Company’s  growth  rate  could  be  materially 
and adversely affected. Any future acquisitions the Company 
does  undertake  could  involve  the  dilutive  issuance  of  equity 
securities or incurring additional indebtedness. 

2017 Annual Report 

 
 
28  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 

Environmental Matters.  The  Company  uses  storage  tanks  at 
certain  of  its  Canadian  and  United  States  transportation 
terminals.  Canadian  and  United  States  laws  and  regulations 
generally  impose  potential  liability  on  the  present  or  former 
owners  or  occupants  or  custodians  of  properties  on  which 
contamination  has  occurred.  Although  the  Company  is  not 
aware  of  any  contamination  which,  if  remediation  or  clean-
up were required, would have a material adverse effect on it, 
certain  facilities  have  been  in  operation  for  many  years  and 
over such time, the Company or the prior owners, operators 
or  custodians  of  the  properties  may  have  generated  and 
disposed  of  wastes  which  are  or  may  be  considered 
hazardous.  Liability  may  be  imposed  without  regard  to 
whether  the  Company  knew  of,  or  was  responsible  for,  the 
presence  or  disposal  of  those  substances.  In  addition,  the 
presence  of  those  substances,  or  the  failure  to  properly 
dispose of or remove those substances, may adversely affect 
the Company’s ability to sell or rent that property. There can 
be  no  assurance  that  the  Company  will  not  be  required  at 
some  future  date  to  incur  significant  costs  to  comply  with 
environmental  laws,  or  that  the  Company’s  operations, 
business or assets will not be materially affected by current or 
future environmental laws. 

The  Company’s  transportation  operations  and  its  properties 
are  subject  to  extensive  and  frequently-changing  federal, 
provincial,  state,  municipal  and  local  environmental  laws, 
regulations  and  requirements  in  Canada,  the  United  States 
and  Mexico  relating  to,  among  other  things,  air  emissions, 
the  management  of  contaminants,  including  hazardous 
substances  and  other  materials  (including  the  generation, 
handling,  storage,  transportation  and  disposal  thereof), 
discharges  and  the  remediation  of  environmental  impacts 
(such  as  the  contamination  of  soil  and  water,  including 
ground water). A risk of environmental liabilities is inherent in 
transportation  operations,  historic  activities  associated  with 
such  operations  and  the  ownership,  management  or  control 
of real estate. 

Environmental  laws  may  authorize,  among  other  things, 
federal,  provincial,  state  and  local  environmental  regulatory 
agencies  to  issue  orders,  bring  administrative  or  judicial 
actions  for  violations  of  environmental  laws  and  regulations 
or  to  revoke  or  deny  the  renewal  of  a  permit.  Potential 
penalties  for  such  violations  may  include,  among  other 
things,  civil  and  criminal  monetary  penalties,  imprisonment, 
permit  suspension  or  revocation  and  injunctive  relief.  These 
agencies  may  also,  among  other  things,  revoke  or  deny 
renewal  of  the  Company’s  operating  permits,  franchises  or 
licenses  for  violations  or  alleged  violations  of  environmental 
laws  or  regulations  and  impose  environmental  assessment, 
removal of contamination, follow up or control procedures. 

TFI International 

In  addition,  certain  environmental  regulations,  particularly  in 
the  United  States,  limit  exhaust  emissions.  The  Company 
believes  these  requirements  will  result  in  increases  in  new 
tractor  and 
trailer  prices  and  additional  parts  and 
maintenance costs incurred to retrofit the Company’s tractors 
and trailers with technology to achieve compliance with such 
exhaust emissions standards, which could adversely affect the 
Company’s  operating  results  and  profitability,  particularly  if 
such  costs  are  not  offset  by  potential  fuel  savings. 
Furthermore,  any  future  regulations  that  impose  restrictions, 
caps,  taxes  or  other  controls  on  emissions  of  greenhouse 
gases  could  adversely  affect  the  Company’s  operations  and 
financial  results.  Until  the  timing,  scope  and  extent  of  any 
future  regulation  becomes  known,  the  Company  cannot 
predict  its  effect  on  the  Company’s  cost  structure  or  the 
Company’s operating results; however, any future regulation 
impair  the  Company’s  operating  efficiency  and 
could 
productivity and result in higher operating costs. 

Environmental  Contamination.  The  Company  may  have 
liability  for  environmental  contamination  associated  with  its 
current or formerly-owned or leased facilities as well as third-
party facilities. If the Company incurs liability under applicable 
federal, state, provincial or local laws and regulations and if it 
cannot  identify  other  parties  which  it  can  compel  to 
contribute to its expenses and who are financially able to do 
so, it could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s 
financial condition and results of operations. 

The  Company  could  be  subject  to  orders  and  other  legal 
actions  and  procedures  brought  by  governmental  or  private 
parties  in  connection  with  environmental  contamination, 
emissions  or  discharges.  Although 
the  Company  has 
instituted  programs  to  monitor  and  control  environmental 
risks and promote compliance with applicable environmental 
laws and regulations, if the Company is involved in a spill or 
other  accident  involving  hazardous  substances,  if  there  are 
releases of hazardous substances the Company transports, if 
soil or groundwater contamination is found at the Company’s 
facilities  or  results  from  the  Company’s  operations,  or  if  the 
Company  is  found  to  be  in  violation  of  applicable  laws  or 
regulations,  the  Company  could  be  subject  to  cleanup  costs 
and  liabilities,  including  substantial  fines  or  penalties  or  civil 
and  criminal  liability,  any  of  which  could  have  a  materially 
adverse  effect  on  the  Company’s  business  and  operating 
results. 

Key Personnel.  The  future  success  of  the  Company  will  be 
based  in  large  part  on  the  quality  of  the  Company’s 
management  and  key  personnel.  The  loss  of  key  personnel 
could have a negative effect on the Company. There can be 
no  assurance  that  the  Company  will  be  able  to  retain  its 
current  personnel  or,  in  the  event  of  their  departure,  to 
develop or attract new personnel of equal quality. 

 
including  other 

Dependence  on  Third  Parties.  Certain  portions  of  the 
Company’s business are dependent upon the services of third-
party  capacity  providers, 
transportation 
companies.  For  that  portion  of  the  Company’s  business,  the 
Company  does  not  own  or  control  the  transportation  assets 
that deliver the customers’ freight, and the Company does not 
employ  the  people  directly  involved  in  delivering  the  freight. 
This reliance could also cause delays in reporting certain events, 
including  recognizing  revenue  and  claims.  These  third-party 
providers  seek  other  freight  opportunities  and  may  require 
increased  compensation  in  times  of  improved  freight  demand 
or  tight  trucking  capacity.  The  Company’s  inability  to  secure 
the  services  of  these  third  parties  could  significantly  limit  the 
Company’s ability to serve its customers on competitive terms. 
Additionally,  if  the  Company  is  unable  to  secure  sufficient 
equipment  or  other  transportation  services  to  meet  the 
Company’s  commitments  to  the  Company’s  customers  or 
provide  the  Company’s  services  on  competitive  terms,  the 
Company’s operating results could be materially and adversely 
affected. The Company’s ability to secure sufficient equipment 
or  other  transportation  services  is  affected  by  many  risks 
beyond the Company’s control, including equipment shortages 
in  the  transportation  industry,  particularly  among  contracted 
carriers, interruptions in service due to labour disputes, changes 
in  regulations 
in 
transportation rates. 

impacting  transportation  and  changes 

covenants, 

restrictions 

arrangement 

Loan Default.  The  Company’s  current  credit  facilities  and 
financing  agreements  contain  certain  restrictions  and  other 
covenants  relating  to,  among  other  things,  funded  debt, 
distributions,  liens,  investments,  acquisitions  and  dispositions 
outside  the  ordinary  course  of  business  and  affiliate 
transactions.  If  the  Company  fails  to  comply  with  any  of  its 
and 
financing 
requirements,  the  Company  could  be  in  default  under  the 
relevant  agreement,  which  could  cause  cross-defaults  to 
other  financing  arrangements.  In  the  event  of  any  such 
default,  if  the  Company  failed  to  obtain  replacement 
financing or amendments to or waivers under the applicable 
financing  arrangement,  the  Company  may  be  unable  to  pay 
dividends  to  its  shareholders,  its  lenders  could  cease  making 
further  advances,  declare  the  Company’s  debt  to  be 
immediately  due  and  payable,  fail  to  renew  letters  of  credit, 
impose  significant  restrictions  and  requirements  on  the 
Company’s  operations, 
foreclosure  procedures 
institute 
against  their  collateral,  or  impose  significant  fees  and 
transaction  costs.  If  debt  acceleration  occurs,  economic 
conditions may make it difficult or expensive to refinance the 
accelerated  debt  or  the  Company  may  have  to  issue  equity 
securities,  which  would  dilute  stock  ownership.  Even  if  new 
financing  is  made  available  to  the  Company,  credit  may  not 
be available to the Company on acceptable terms. A default 
under the Company’s financing arrangements could result in  

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 

29 

a materially adverse effect on its liquidity, financial condition 
and  results  of  operations.  As  at  the  date  hereof,  the 
Company was in compliance with all of the Company’s debt 
covenants and obligations. 

Credit Facilities. The Company’s credit facilities and financing 
agreements  mature  on  various  dates.  The  Company  has 
significant ongoing capital requirements that could affect the 
Company’s profitability if the Company is unable to generate 
sufficient  cash  from  operations  and/or  obtain  financing  on 
favourable terms. There can be no assurance that such credit 
facilities  or  financing  agreements  will  be  renewed  or 
refinanced,  or  if  renewed  or  refinanced,  that  the  renewal  or 
refinancing  will  occur  on  equally  favourable  terms  to  the 
Company.  The  Company’s  ability  to  pay  dividends  to 
shareholders and ability to purchase new revenue equipment 
may  be  adversely  affected  if  the  Company  is  not  able  to 
renew  its  credit  facilities  or  arrange  refinancing,  or  if  such 
renewal or refinancing, as the case may be, occurs on terms 
materially less favourable to the Company than at present. If 
the Company is unable to generate sufficient cash flow from 
operations  and  obtain  financing  on  terms  favourable  to  the 
Company  in  the  future,  the  Company  may  have  to  limit  the 
Company’s  fleet  size,  enter  into  less  favourable  financing 
arrangements or operate the Company’s revenue equipment 
for  longer  periods,  any  of  which  may  have  a  materially 
adverse effect on the Company’s operations. 

Customer and Credit Risks. The Company provides services to 
clients  primarily  in  Canada,  the  United  States  and  Mexico. 
The  concentration  of  credit  risk  to  which  the  Company  is 
exposed is limited due to the significant number of customers 
that  make  up  its  client  base  and  their  distribution  across 
different geographic areas. Furthermore, no client accounted 
for  more  than  5%  of  the  Company’s  total  accounts 
receivable  for  the  period  ended  as  of  the  date  hereof. 
Generally,  the  Company  does  not  have  long-term  contracts 
in 
with  the  Company’s  major  customers.  Accordingly, 
response to economic conditions, supply and demand factors 
in the industry, the Company’s performance, the Company’s 
customers’ internal initiatives or other factors, the Company’s 
customers  may  reduce  or  eliminate  their  use  of  the 
Company’s services, or may threaten to do so to gain pricing 
and other concessions from the Company. 

Economic conditions and capital markets may adversely affect 
the Company’s customers and their ability to remain solvent. 
The customers’ financial difficulties can negatively impact the 
Company’s  results  of  operations  and  financial  condition, 
especially  if  those  customers  were  to  delay  or  default  in 
payment  to  the  Company.  For  certain  customers,  the 
Company has entered into multi-year contracts, and the rates 
the Company charges may not remain advantageous. 

2017 Annual Report 

 
 
 
30  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 

Availability of Capital.  If  the  economic  and/or  the  credit 
markets  weaken,  or  the  Company  is  unable  to  enter  into 
acceptable  financing  arrangements  to  acquire  revenue 
equipment,  make  investments  and  fund  working  capital  on 
terms  favourable  to  it,  the  Company’s  business,  financial 
results  and  results  of  operations  could  be  materially  and 
adversely  affected.  The  Company  may  need  to 
incur 
additional  indebtedness,  reduce  dividends  or  sell  additional 
shares in order to accommodate these items. A decline in the 
credit  or  equity  markets  and  any  increase  in  volatility  could 
make  it  more  difficult  for  the  Company  to  obtain  financing 
and  may  lead  to  an  adverse  impact  on  the  Company’s 
profitability and operations. 

Information Systems.  The  Company  depends  heavily  on  the 
proper functioning, availability and security of the Company’s 
information  and  communication  systems,  including  financial 
reporting and operating systems, in operating the Company’s 
business.  The  Company’s  operating  system  is  critical  to 
understanding  customer  demands,  accepting  and  planning 
loads,  dispatching  equipment  and  drivers  and  billing  and 
collecting  for  the  Company’s  services.  The  Company’s 
financial reporting system is critical to producing accurate and 
timely 
analyzing  business 
information  to  help  the  Company  manage  its  business 
effectively. 

statements 

financial 

and 

The  Company’s  operations  and  those  of  the  Company’s 
technology  and  communications  service  providers  are 
vulnerable to interruption by natural and man-made disasters 
and other events beyond the Company’s control. If any of the 
Company’s  critical  information  systems  fail,  are  breached  or 
become  otherwise  unavailable,  the  Company’s  ability  to 
manage  the  Company’s  fleet  efficiently,  to  respond  to 
customers’ requests effectively, to maintain billing and other 
records  reliably,  to  maintain  the  confidentiality  of  the 
Company’s data and to bill for services and prepare financial 

system 

significant 

statements  accurately  or  in  a  timely  manner  would  be 
challenged.  Any 
failure,  upgrade 
complication,  security  breach  or  other  system  disruption 
could  interrupt  or  delay  the  Company’s  operations,  damage 
the  Company’s  reputation,  cause  the  Company  to  lose 
customers,  cause  the  Company  to  incur  costs  to  repair  the 
Company’s  systems  or  in  respect  of  litigation  or  impact  the 
Company’s ability to manage the Company’s operations and 
report  the  Company’s  financial  performance,  any  of  which 
could  have  a  materially  adverse  effect  on  the  Company’s 
business. 

Litigation.  The  Company’s  business  is  subject  to  the  risk  of 
litigation  by  employees,  customers,  vendors,  government 
agencies,  shareholders  and  other  parties.  The  outcome  of 
litigation is difficult to assess or quantify, and the magnitude 
of  the  potential  loss  relating  to  such  lawsuits  may  remain 
unknown for substantial periods of time. The cost to defend 
litigation may also be significant. Not all claims are covered by 
the Company’s insurance, and there can be no assurance that 
the  Company’s  coverage  limits  will  be  adequate  to  cover  all 
amounts in dispute. In the United States, where the Company 
has growing operations, many trucking companies have been 
subject  to  class-action  lawsuits  alleging  violations  of  various 
federal  and  state  wage  and  the  Company’s  laws  regarding, 
among  other  things,  employee  classification,  employee  meal 
breaks, rest periods, overtime eligibility, and failure to pay for 
all hours worked. A number of these lawsuits have resulted in 
the  payment  of  substantial  settlements  or  damages  by  the 
defendants.  To  the  extent  the  Company  experiences  claims 
that  are  uninsured,  exceed  the  Company’s  coverage  limits, 
involve  significant  aggregate  use  of  the  Company’s  self-
insured  retention  amounts  or  cause  increases  in  future 
premiums,  the  resulting  expenses  could  have  a  materially 
adverse  effect  on  the  Company’s  business,  results  of 
operations, financial condition and cash flows. 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES 

IFRS 

to  make 

requires  management 

The  preparation  of  the  financial  statements  in  conformity 
judgments, 
with 
estimates  and  assumptions  about  future  events.  These 
estimates and the underlying assumptions affect the reported 
amounts  of  assets  and  liabilities,  the  disclosures  about 
contingent assets and liabilities, and the reported amounts of 
revenues and expenses. Such estimates include the valuation 
of  goodwill  and  intangible  assets,  the  measurement  of 
identified  assets  and 
in  business 
combinations,  the  provision  for  income  taxes,  and  the  self-
insurance  provisions.  These  estimates  and  assumptions  are 
based on management’s best estimates and judgments. 

liabilities  acquired 

Management  evaluates  its  estimates  and  assumptions  on  an 
ongoing  basis  using  historical  experience  and  other  factors, 
the  current  economic  environment,  which 
including 
management  believes 
the 
to  be 
circumstances.  Management  adjusts  such  estimates  and 
assumptions  when  facts  and  circumstances  dictate.  Actual 
results  could  differ  from  these  estimates.  Changes  in  those 
estimates  and  assumptions  resulting  from  changes  in  the 
economic  environment  will  be  reflected  in  the  financial 
statements of future periods. 

reasonable  under 

TFI International 

 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 

31 

CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

Adopted during the period 

The  following  new  standards,  and  amendments  to  standards 
and  interpretations,  are  effective  for  the  first  time  for  interim 
periods beginning on or after January 1, 2017 and have been 
applied 
in  preparing  the  audited  consolidated  financial 
statements: 

Disclosure Initiative: Amendments to IAS 7 

Recognition of Deferred Tax Assets for Unrealized Losses: 
Amendments to IAS 12 

Annual  Improvements  to  IFRS  Standards  (2014-2016 
cycle) 

To be adopted in future periods 
The  following  new  standards  and  amendments  to  standards 
are not yet effective for the year ended December 31, 2017, 
and  have  not  been  applied  in  preparing  the  audited 
consolidated financial statements:  

IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers 

Classification and Measurement of Share-based Payment 
Transactions: Amendments to IFRS 2 

IFRIC 22,  Foreign  Currency  Transactions  and  Advance 
Consideration 

IFRS 16, Leases 

These new standards did not have a significant impact on the 
Company’s audited consolidated financial statements. 

Annual  Improvements  to  IFRS  Standards  (2015-2017 
cycle) 

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES 

In  compliance  with  the  provisions  of  Canadian  Securities 
Administrators’  Regulation  52-109,  the  Company  has  filed 
certificates  signed  by  the  President  and  Chief  Executive 
Officer  (“CEO”)  and  by  the  Chief  Financial  Officer  (“CFO”) 
that, among other things, report on: 

• 

• 

their  responsibility  for  establishing  and  maintaining 
disclosure  controls  and  procedures  and  internal  control 
over financial reporting for the Company; and 

the  design  and  effectiveness  of  disclosure  controls  and 
procedures  and  the  design  and  effectiveness  of  internal 
controls over financial reporting. 

Disclosure controls and procedures (“DC&P”) 

The  President  and  Chief  Executive  Officer  (“CEO”)  and  the 
Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), have designed DC&P, or have 
caused them to be designed under their supervision, in order 
to provide reasonable assurance that: 

•  material  information  relating  to  the  Company  is  made 
known  to  the  CEO  and  CFO  by  others,  particularly 
during the period in which the interim and annual filings 
are being prepared; and 

• 

information required to be disclosed by the Company in 
its  annual  filings,  interim  filings  or  other  reports  filed  or 
submitted  by  it  under  securities  legislation  is  recorded, 
processed,  summarized  and  reported  within  the  time 
periods specified in securities legislation. 

IFRIC 23, Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments 

Further information can be found in note 3 of the December 
31, 2017 audited consolidated financial statements. 

As  at  December  31,  2017,  an  evaluation  was  carried  out, 
under the supervision of the CEO and the CFO, of the design 
and  operating  effectiveness  of  the  Company’s  DC&P.  Based 
on this evaluation, the CEO and the CFO concluded that the 
Company’s  DC&P  were  appropriately  designed  and  were 
operating effectively as at December 31, 2017. 

Internal controls over financial reporting (“ICFR”) 

The  CEO  and  CFO  have  also  designed  ICFR,  or  have  caused 
them  to  be  designed  under  their  supervision,  in  order  to 
provide  reasonable  assurance  regarding  the  reliability  of 
financial 
financial 
statements for external purposes in accordance with IFRS. 

the  preparation  of 

reporting  and 

As  at  December  31,  2017,  an  evaluation  was  carried  out, 
under the supervision of the CEO and the CFO, of the design 
and operating effectiveness of the Company’s ICFR. Based on 
this  evaluation,  the  CEO  and  the  CFO  concluded  that  the 
ICFR  were  appropriately  designed  and  were  operating 
effectively  as  at  December  31,  2017,  using  the  criteria  set 
forth  by  the  Committee  of  Sponsoring  Organizations  of  the 
Treadway  Commission 
Internal  Control  – 
Integrated Framework (2013 framework). 

(COSO)  on 

Changes in internal controls over financial reporting 

No  changes  were  made  to  the  Company’s  ICFR  during  the 
quarter  ended  December  31,  2017  that  have  materially 
affected,  or  are  reasonably  likely  to  materially  affect,  the 
Company’s ICFR. 

2017 Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
 
 
32 

MANAGEMENT’S RESPONSIBILITY 

The  consolidated  financial  statements  of  TFI  International  Inc.  and  all  information  in  this  annual  report  are  the  responsibility  of 
management and have been approved by the Board of Directors. 

The financial statements have been prepared by management in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards. They 
include some amounts that are based on management’s best estimates and judgement. Financial information included elsewhere in 
the annual report is consistent with that in the financial statements. 

The management of TFI International Inc. has developed and maintains an internal accounting system and administrative controls in 
order  to  provide  reasonable  assurance  that  the  financial  transactions  are  properly  recorded  and  carried  out  with  the  necessary 
approval, and that the consolidated financial statements are properly prepared and the assets properly safeguarded. 

The  Board  of  Directors  carries  out  its  responsibility  for  the  financial  statements  in  this  annual  report  principally  through  its  Audit 
Committee. The Audit Committee reviews the Company’s annual consolidated financial statements and recommends their approval 
by the Board of Directors. 

These financial statements have been audited by the independent auditors, KPMG LLP, whose report follows. 

Alain Bédard, FCPA, FCA 
Chairman of the Board, 
President and Chief Executive Officer 
February 20, 2018 

TFI International 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT 

33 

To the Shareholders of TFI International Inc.   
We  have  audited  the  accompanying  consolidated  financial  statements  of  TFI  International  Inc.,  which  comprise  the  consolidated 
statements  of  financial  position  as  at  December  31,  2017  and  December  31,  2016,  the  consolidated  statements  of  income, 
comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash flows for the years then ended, and notes, comprising a summary of significant 
accounting policies and other explanatory information.  

Management’s Responsibility for the Consolidated Financial Statements  
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these consolidated financial statements in accordance with 
International  Financial  Reporting  Standards  ("IFRS")  as  issued  by  the  International  Accounting  Standards  Board  ("IASB"),  and  for 
such internal control as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of consolidated financial statements that are 
free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.  

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

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

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

Opinion  
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of TFI 
International Inc. as at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, and its consolidated financial performance and its consolidated 
cash  flows  for  the  years  then  ended  in  accordance  with  International  Financial  Reporting  Standards  as  issued  by  the  International 
Accounting Standards Board.  

February 20, 2018  
Montréal, Canada  
*CPA auditor, CA, public accountancy permit No. A109612  

2017 Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
34  CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION 

DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016 

(in thousands of Canadian dollars) 

Assets 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Trade and other receivables 
Inventoried supplies 
Current taxes recoverable 
Prepaid expenses 
Derivative financial instruments 
Assets held for sale 

Current assets 

Property and equipment 
Intangible assets 
Other assets 
Deferred tax assets 
Derivative financial instruments 

Non-current assets 
Total assets 

Liabilities 

Bank indebtedness 
Trade and other payables 
Current taxes payable 
Provisions 
Other financial liability 
Derivative financial instruments 
Long-term debt 
Current liabilities 

Long-term debt 
Employee benefits 
Provisions 
Other financial liability 
Derivative financial instruments 
Deferred tax liabilities 

Non-current liabilities 
Total liabilities 

Equity 

Share capital 
Contributed surplus 
Accumulated other comprehensive income 
Retained earnings 

Equity attributable to owners of the Company 

Operating leases, contingencies, letters of credit and other commitments 
Total liabilities and equity 

(*) Recasted (see notes 5 c) and 15) 

The notes on pages 39 to 84 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 

On behalf of the Board: 

As at 
  December 31, 

As at  
  December 31,  

Note 

2017 

2016*  

7  

25  

9  
10  
11  
16  
25  

12  

15  

25  
13  

13  
14  
15  

25  
16  

17  
17, 19  

26  

—  
567,106  
9,296  
14,852  
33,228  
4,521  
23,409  
652,412  

1,197,613  
1,832,274  
35,874  
5,138  
4,317  
3,075,216  
3,727,628  

9,392  
425,815  
13,913  
32,344  
1,300  
559  
52,427  
535,750  

1,445,969  
17,559  
39,380  
13,281  
373  
260,192  
1,776,754  
2,312,504  

711,036  
21,995  
(2,811 ) 
684,904  
1,415,124  

3,654  
569,181  
8,520  
11,370  
38,746  
741  
1,850  
634,062  

1,367,161  
1,973,150  
42,809  
8,410  
1,287  
3,392,817  
4,026,879  

—  
455,175  
57,717  
21,370  
—  
2,376  
40,498  
577,136  

1,544,317  
14,282  
44,406  
5,447  
3,707  
378,934  
1,991,093  
2,568,229  

723,390  
20,230  
51,977  
663,053  
1,458,650  

3,727,628  

4,026,879  

Alain Bédard 

André Bérard 

  Director 

  Director 

TFI International 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016 

(In thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts) 

Note 

2017 

2016*   

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME  35 

Revenue 
Fuel surcharge 
Total revenue 

Materials and services expenses 
Personnel expenses 
Other operating expenses 
Depreciation of property and equipment 
Amortization of intangible assets 
Gain on sale of rolling stock and equipment 
Total operating expenses 

Operating income 

Gain on sale of land and buildings 
Gain on sale of assets held for sale 
Impairment of intangible assets 
Finance income (costs) 

Finance income 
Finance costs 
Net finance costs 

Income before income tax 
Income tax expense (recovery) 

Net income from continuing operations 
Net income from discontinued operations 

Net income for the year attributable to owners of the Company 

Earnings per share attributable to owners of the Company 

Basic earnings per share 
Diluted earnings per share 

Earnings  per  share  from  continuing  operations  attributable  to  owners  of 

the Company 

Basic earnings per share 
Diluted earnings per share 

(*) Recasted for changes in presentation 

The notes on pages 39 to 84 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 

4,281,823  
459,196  
4,741,019  

2,739,834  
1,220,871  
268,599  
209,557  
61,200  
(2,766 ) 
4,497,295  

3,704,488  
320,720  
4,025,208  

2,352,594  
998,031  
243,713  
139,439  
53,647  
(11,481 ) 
3,775,943  

243,724  

249,265  

232  
77,446  
(142,981 ) 

4,250  
(65,325 ) 
(61,075 ) 

117,346  
(40,642 ) 

157,988  
—  

8,948  
—  
—  

4,832  
(59,714 ) 
(54,882 ) 

203,331  
46,272  

157,059  
482,520  

157,988  

639,579  

1.75  
1.70  

1.75  
1.70  

6.83  
6.70  

1.68  
1.64  

20  
20  
20  
20  
20  
20  

21  
10  

23  
23  

24  

6  

18  
18  

18  
18  

2017 Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
36  CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016 

(In thousands of Canadian dollars) 

2017 

2016 

Net income for the year attributable to owners of the Company 

157,988  

639,579  

Other comprehensive income (loss) 

Items that may be reclassified to income or loss in future years: 

Foreign currency translation differences 
Net investment hedge, net of tax 
Changes in fair value of cash flow hedge, net of tax 
Employee benefits, net of tax 
Unrealized gain on investment in equity securities available for sale, net of tax 
Reclassification to income of accumulated unrealized gain on investment in equity securities 

available for sale, net of tax 

Items that may never be reclassified to income or loss in future years: 

Defined benefit plan remeasurement gains (losses), net of tax 

Items directly reclassified to retained earnings: 
Realized loss on investments, net of tax 
Unrealized loss on investments measured at fair value through OCI, net of tax 

Other comprehensive income (loss) for the year, net of tax 

(80,212 ) 
21,761  
3,927  
(148 ) 
—  

—  

(1,930 ) 

—  
(1,403 ) 

(58,005 ) 

(24,788 ) 
22,373  
9,125  
(221 ) 
923  

(923 ) 

407  

(260 ) 
(1,054 ) 

5,582  

Total comprehensive income for the year attributable to owners of the Company 

99,983  

645,161  

The notes on pages 39 to 84 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 

TFI International 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY  37 

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016 

(In thousands of Canadian dollars)   

   Accumulated   
unrealized   

    Note    

Share   Contributed   
surplus    
capital    

loss on   Accumulated   
cash flow   
hedge   

employee   
benefit   
plans    

   Accumulated   
foreign   
currency   
translation   
gain     differences    

   Accumulated     
unrealized     
loss on     
investment      

   Total equity   
   attributable   
to owners   
in equity    Retained   
of the   
securities     earnings     Company    

Balance as at December 31, 2016 

     723,390    

20,230    

(221 )   

9,125    

44,127    

(1,054 )    663,053     1,458,650  

Net income for the year 
Other comprehensive income (loss)  

for the year, net of tax 

Realized loss on equity securities 

Total comprehensive income (loss)  

for the year 

—    

—    
—    

—    

—    

—    
—    

—    

—    

—    

—    

—     157,988    

157,988  

(148 )   
—    

3,927    
—    

(58,451 )   
—    

(1,403 )   
1,287    

(1,930 )   
(1,287 )   

(58,005 ) 
—  

(148 )   

3,927    

(58,451 )   

(116 )    154,771    

99,983  

Share-based payment transactions     
Stock options exercised 
Dividends to owners of the  

19    
  17, 19    

—    
7,748    

6,817    
(1,514 )   

Company 

Repurchase of own shares 
Restricted share units exercised 

Total transactions with owners,  
recorded directly in equity 

17    
17    
19    

—    
(22,231 )   
2,129    

—    
—    
(3,538 )   

(12,354 )   

1,765    

—    
—    

—    
—    
—    

—    

—    
—    

—    
—    
—    

—    

—    
—    

—    
—    
—    

—    

—    
—    

—    
—    
—    

—    
—    

6,817  
6,234  

(70,334 )   
(59,334 )   
(3,252 )   

(70,334 ) 
(81,565 ) 
(4,661 ) 

—     (132,920 )   

(143,509 ) 

Balance as at December 31, 2017 

     711,036    

21,995    

(369 )   

13,052    

(14,324 )   

(1,170 )    684,904     1,415,124  

Balance as at December 31, 2015 

     764,343    

17,819    

Net income for the year 
Other comprehensive loss for the  

year, net of tax 

Total comprehensive income (loss)  

for the year 

—    

—    

—    

—    

—    

—    

—    

—    

—    

46,542    

—     191,095     1,019,799  

—    

—    

—     639,579    

639,579  

(221 )   

9,125    

(2,415 )   

(1,054 )   

147    

5,582  

(221 )   

9,125    

(2,415 )   

(1,054 )    639,726    

645,161  

Share-based payment transactions     
Stock options exercised 
Dividends to owners of the  

19    
  17, 19    

—    
8,259    

6,164    
(1,742 )   

Company 

Repurchase of own shares 
Restricted share units exercised 

Total transactions with owners,  
recorded directly in equity 

17    
17    
19    

—    
(50,478 )   
1,266    

—    
—    
(2,011 )   

(40,953 )   

2,411    

—    
—    

—    
—    
—    

—    

—    
—    

—    
—    
—    

—    

—    
—    

—    
—    
—    

—    

—    
—    

—    
—    

6,164  
6,517  

(64,867 )   
—    
—     (100,722 )   
(2,179 )   
—    

(64,867 ) 
(151,200 ) 
(2,924 ) 

—     (167,768 )   

(206,310 ) 

Balance as at December 31, 2016 

     723,390    

20,230    

(221 )   

9,125    

44,127    

(1,054 )    663,053     1,458,650  

The notes on pages 39 to 84 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 

2017 Annual Report 

 
 
 
     
     
 
   
 
     
   
 
 
 
     
   
   
 
 
 
     
   
   
 
 
 
     
   
   
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
      
      
      
       
      
      
       
      
      
 
   
 
   
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
  
   
    
   
    
   
    
   
    
 
   
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
  
   
   
   
   
    
 
   
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
  
   
 
   
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
  
   
 
   
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
  
   
    
   
    
   
    
 
   
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
  
   
   
   
   
    
 
   
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
  
   
 
 
 
38  CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016 
(In thousands of Canadian dollars) 

Cash flows from operating activities 

Net income for the year attributable to owners of the Company 
Net income from discontinued operations 
Net income from continuing operations 
Adjustments for 

Depreciation of property and equipment 
Amortization of intangible assets 
Impairment of intangible assets 
Share-based payment transactions 
Net finance costs 
Income tax expense (recovery) 
Gain on sale of property and equipment 
Gain on sale of assets held for sale 
Provisions and employee benefits 

Net change in non-cash operating working capital 
Cash generated from operating activities 
Interest paid 
Income tax paid 
Net realized loss on derivatives 

Net cash from operating activities from continuing operations 
Net cash used in operating activities from discontinued operations 

Cash flows from investing activities 

Purchases of property and equipment 
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment 
Proceeds from sale of assets held for sale 
Purchases of intangible assets 
Business combinations, net of cash and bank indebtedness acquired 
Purchases of investments 
Proceeds from sale of investments 
Others 

Net cash used in investing activities from continuing operations 
Net cash from investing activities from discontinued operations 

Cash flows from financing activities 

Increase (decrease) in bank indebtedness 
Proceeds from long-term debt 
Repayment of long-term debt 
Dividends paid 
Repurchase of own shares 
Proceeds from exercise of stock options 
Payment of restricted share units 

Net cash used in financing activities from continuing operations 
Net cash used in financing activities from discontinued operations 

Net change in cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year 

(*) Recasted (see note 15) 

Note 

2017 

2016*   

6  

9  
10  
10  
19  
23  
24  

8  

21  
10  
5  

157,988  
—  
157,988  

209,557  
61,200  
142,981  
6,817  
61,075  
(40,642 ) 
(2,998 ) 
(77,446 ) 
3,809  
522,341  
(11,649 ) 
510,692  
(64,538 ) 
(73,553 ) 
—  
372,601  
(52,424 ) 
320,177  

(259,140 ) 
88,773  
174,779  
(2,083 ) 
(118,288 ) 
—  
7,914  
(1,522 ) 
(109,567 ) 
—  
(109,567 ) 

9,392  
48,316  
(122,964 ) 
(69,016 ) 
(81,565 ) 
6,234  
(4,661 ) 
(214,264 ) 
—  
(214,264 ) 

(3,654 ) 
3,654  
—  

639,579  
482,520  
157,059  

139,439  
53,647  
—  
6,164  
54,882  
46,272  
(20,429 ) 
—  
6,577  
443,611  
14,659  
458,270  
(42,856 ) 
(77,099 ) 
(407 ) 
337,908  
(1,631 ) 
336,277  

(110,443 ) 
60,992  
—  
(1,835 ) 
(798,303 ) 
(29,711 ) 
13,404  
65  
(865,831 ) 
771,189  
(94,642 ) 

(20,245 ) 
615,529  
(621,592 ) 
(64,066 ) 
(151,200 ) 
6,517  
(2,924 ) 
(237,981 ) 
—  
(237,981 ) 

3,654  
—  
3,654  

The notes on pages 39 to 84 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 

TFI International 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016 
(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise noted.) 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

39 

1.  Reporting entity 

TFI International Inc. (the “Company”) is incorporated under the Canada Business Corporations Act, and is a company domiciled 
in Canada. The address of the Company’s registered office is 8801 Trans-Canada Highway, Suite 500, Montreal, Quebec, H4S 
1Z6. 

The consolidated financial statements of the Company as at and for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 comprise 
the Company and its subsidiaries (together referred to as the “Group” and individually as “Group entities”). 

The Group is involved in the provision of transportation and logistics services across the United States, Canada and Mexico. 

2.  Basis of preparation 

a)  Statement of compliance 

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

These consolidated financial statements were authorized for issue by the Board of Directors on February 20, 2018. 

b)  Basis of measurement 

These consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis except for the following material 
items in the statements of financial position: 
• 

investment  in  equity  securities,  derivative  financial  instruments,  forward  purchase  agreement  and  contingent 
considerations are measured at fair value; 
liabilities for cash-settled share-based payment arrangements are measured at fair value in accordance with IFRS 2; 
the  defined  benefit  pension  plan  liability  is  recognized  as  the  net  total  of  the  present  value  of  the  defined  benefit 
obligation less the fair value of the plan assets; and 
assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations are measured at fair value at acquisition date. 

• 
• 

• 

c) 

Functional and presentation currency 
These  consolidated  financial  statements  are  presented  in  Canadian  dollars  (“C$”  or  “CDN$”),  which  is  the  Company’s 
functional currency. All financial information presented in Canadian dollars has been rounded to the nearest thousand. 

d)  Use of estimates and judgments 

The  preparation  of  the  accompanying  financial  statements  in  conformity  with  IFRS  requires  management  to  make 
judgments,  estimates  and  assumptions  about  future  events.  These  estimates  and  the  underlying  assumptions  affect  the 
reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosures about contingent assets and liabilities, and the reported amounts 
of  revenues  and  expenses.  Such  estimates  include  the  valuation  of  goodwill  and  intangible  assets,  the  measurement  of 
identified  assets  and  liabilities  acquired  in  business  combinations,  the  provision  for  income  taxes  and  the  self-insurance 
provisions. These estimates and assumptions are based on management’s best estimates and judgments. 

Management  evaluates  its  estimates  and  assumptions  on  an  ongoing  basis  using  historical  experience  and  other  factors, 
including  the  current  economic  environment,  which  management  believes  to  be  reasonable  under  the  circumstances. 
Management  adjusts  such  estimates  and  assumptions  when  facts  and  circumstances  dictate.  Actual  results  could  differ 
from these estimates. Changes in those estimates and assumptions resulting from changes in the economic environment 
will be reflected in the financial statements of future periods. 

Information about critical judgments, assumptions and estimation uncertainties that have a significant risk of resulting in a 
material adjustment within the next financial year are included in the following notes: 

Note 5 – Establishing the fair value of assets and liabilities, intangible assets and goodwill related to business combinations; 

Note 10 – Determining estimates and assumptions related to impairment tests for long-lived assets and goodwill; 

Note 6, 15 and 26 – Recognition and measurement of provisions and contingencies. 

2017 Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
 
40 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016 
(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise noted.) 

3.  Significant accounting policies 

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

a)  Basis of consolidation 

i) 

Business combinations 
The  Group  measures  goodwill  as  the  fair  value  of  the  consideration  transferred  including  the  fair  value  of  liabilities 
resulting  from  contingent  consideration  arrangements,  less  the  net  recognized  amount  of  the  identifiable  assets 
acquired and liabilities assumed, all measured at fair value as of the acquisition date. When the excess is negative, a 
bargain purchase gain is recognized immediately in income or loss. 

Transaction  costs,  other  than  those  associated  with  the  issue  of  debt  or  equity  securities,  that  the  Group  incurs  in 
connection with a business combination are expensed as incurred. 

ii)  Subsidiaries 

Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the Group. The Group controls an entity when it is exposed to, or has the right 
to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those through its power over the 
entity. The financial statements of subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date that 
control  commences  until  the  date  that  control  ceases.  The  accounting  policies  of  subsidiaries  are  aligned  with  the 
policies adopted by the Group. 

iii)  Forward purchase agreement 

As part of a certain business combination, the Company has entered into a forward purchase agreement to purchase 
the  non-controlling  interest  holders  stake  in  the  respective  company.  Under  the  forward  purchase  agreement  the 
Company  will  acquire  the  non-controlling  interest  in  the  future  at  a  formulaic  variable  price  based  mainly  on  the 
earnings levels in future periods (the “exit price”). The agreement does not include a specified minimum amount for 
the forward purchase price.  

When the forward granted to the non-controlling shareholders provides for settlement in cash or in another financial 
asset by the Company, the Company is required to recognize a liability for the present value of the exercise price of the 
forward. 

In accounting for this transaction, the Company applies the anticipated acquisition method of accounting. Under this 
method  of  accounting,  the  forward  purchase  agreement  is  accounted  for  on  the  date  of  the  forward  purchase 
agreement as if the forward had already been exercised and satisfied by the non-controlling shareholders. As a result, 
the underlying interests are presented as already owned by the Company in the consolidated statements of financial 
position,  the  consolidated  statements  of  income  and  the  consolidated  statements  of  comprehensive  income,  even 
though legally they are still considered non-controlling interest.  

The forward purchase agreement is considered a financial liability and is initially recognized at the present value of the 
exercise price of the forward (recorded as other financial liability on the consolidated statements of financial position). 
The  forward  is  re-measured  to  fair  value  at  each  reporting  date  and  any  subsequent  changes  are  recognized  in  the 
consolidated statements of income as finance income or costs.  

iv)  Transactions eliminated on consolidation 

Intra-group balances and transactions, and any unrealized income and expenses arising from intra-group transactions, 
are eliminated in preparing the consolidated financial statements. 

TFI International 

 
 
 
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016 
(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise noted.) 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

41 

3.  Significant accounting policies (continued) 

b) 

Foreign currency translation 

i) 

Foreign currency transactions 
Transactions  in  foreign  currencies  are  translated  to  the  respective  functional  currencies  of  the  Group’s  entities  at 
exchange rates at the dates of the transactions. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are 
translated to the functional currency at the exchange rate in effect at the reporting date. The foreign currency gain or 
loss  on  monetary  items  is  the  difference  between  amortized  cost  in  the  functional  currency  at  the  beginning  of  the 
period,  adjusted  for  effective  interest  and  payments  during  the  period,  and  the  amortized  cost  in  foreign  currency 
translated  at  the  exchange  rate  at  the  end  of  the  reporting  period.  Non-monetary  assets  and  liabilities  that  are 
measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency are translated at the rate in effect on the transaction date. 
Income and expense items denominated in foreign currency are translated at the date of the transactions. Gains and 
losses are included in income or loss. 

ii) 

Foreign operations 
The  assets  and  liabilities  of  foreign  operations,  including  goodwill  and  fair  value  adjustments  arising  on  business 
combinations,  are  translated  to  Canadian  dollars  at  exchange  rates  in  effect  at  the  reporting  date.  The  income  and 
expenses  of  foreign  operations  are  translated  to  Canadian  dollars  at  the  average  exchange  rate  in  effect  during  the 
reporting period. 

Foreign  currency  differences  are  recognized  in  other  comprehensive  income  in  the  accumulated  foreign  currency 
translation differences account. 

When a foreign operation is disposed of, the relevant amount in the cumulative amount of foreign currency translation 
differences  is  transferred  to  income  or  loss  as  part  of  the  income  or  loss  on  disposal.  On  the  partial  disposal  of  a 
subsidiary while retaining control, the relevant proportion of such cumulative amount is reattributed to non-controlling 
interest. In any other partial disposal of a foreign operation, the relevant proportion is reclassified to income or loss. 

Foreign exchange gains or losses arising from a monetary item receivable from or payable to a foreign operation, the 
settlement  of  which  is  neither  planned  nor  likely  to  occur  in  the  foreseeable  future  and  which  in  substance  is 
considered to form part of the net investment in the foreign operation, are recognized in other comprehensive income 
in the accumulated foreign currency translation differences account. 

c)  Discontinued operations 

A discontinued operation is a component of the Group’s business; the operations and cash flows of which can be clearly 
distinguished from the rest of the Group and which:  

• 
• 
• 

Represents a separate major line of business or geographic area 
Is part of a single co-ordinated plan to dispose of a separate major line of business or geographic area of operations; or 
Is a subsidiary acquired exclusively with a view to re-sale. 

Classification as a discontinued operation occurs at the earlier of disposal or when the operation meets the criteria to be 
classified as held-for-sale. 

When  an  operation  is  classified  as  a  discontinued  operation,  the  comparative  statement  of  income  and  comprehensive 
income is re-presented as if the operation had been discontinued from the start of the comparative year. 

2017 Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
 
42 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016 
(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise noted.) 

3.  Significant accounting policies (continued) 

d) 

Financial instruments 

i)  Non-derivative financial assets  

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

The  Group  derecognizes  a  financial  asset  when  the  contractual  rights  to  the  cash  flows  from  the  asset  expire,  or  it 
transfers the rights to receive the contractual cash flows on the financial asset in a transaction in which substantially all 
the  risks  and  rewards  of  ownership  of  the  financial  asset  are  transferred.  Any  interest  in  transferred  financial  assets 
that is created or retained by the Group is recognized as a separate asset or liability. 

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

Financial assets are classified into financial assets measured at amortized cost or financial assets measured at fair value 
depending on the purpose for which the financial assets were acquired.  

Financial assets measured at amortized cost  

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

• 

• 

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

The  Group  currently  classifies  its  cash  equivalents,  trade  and  other  receivables  and  long-term  non-trade  receivables 
included in other non-current assets as financial assets measured at amortized cost. 

The Group recognizes loss allowances for expected credit losses on financial assets measured at amortized cost. The 
Group has a portfolio of trade receivables at the reporting date. The Group uses a provision matrix to determine the 
lifetime expected credit losses for the portfolio.  

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

An impairment loss in respect of a financial asset measured at amortized cost is calculated as the difference between 
its carrying amount and the present value of the estimated future cash flows discounted at the asset’s original effective 
interest rate. Losses are recognized in income or loss and reflected in an allowance account against trade and other 
receivables.  

TFI International 

 
 
 
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016 
(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise noted.) 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

43 

3.  Significant accounting policies (continued) 

i)  Non-derivative financial assets (continued) 

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

Financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive income  
On initial recognition of an equity investment that is not held for trading, the Group may irrevocably elect to present 
subsequent changes in the investment’s fair value in OCI. This election is made on an investment-by-investment basis.  

ii)  Non-derivative financial liabilities  

The  Group  initially  recognizes  debt  issued  and  subordinated  liabilities  on  the  date  that  they  are  originated.  All  other 
financial  liabilities  are  recognized  initially  on  the  trade  date  at  which  the  Group  becomes  a  party  to  the  contractual 
provisions of the instrument. 

A financial liability is derecognized when its contractual obligations are discharged or cancelled or expire. 

Financial liabilities are classified into financial liabilities measured at amortized cost and financial liabilities measured at 
fair value.  

Financial liabilities measured at amortized cost  
A  financial  liability  is  subsequently  measured  at  amortized  cost,  using  the  effective  interest  method.  The  Group 
currently classifies bank indebtedness, trade and other payables and long-term debt as financial liabilities measured at 
amortized cost.  

Financial liabilities measured at fair value  
Financial liabilities at fair value are initially recognized at fair value and are re-measured at each reporting date with any 
changes therein recognized in net earnings. The Group currently classifies its forward purchase agreement liability in 
connection with a business acquisition as a financial liability measured at fair value. 

iii)  Share capital 

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

When share capital recognized as equity is repurchased, the amount of the consideration paid, which includes directly 
attributable costs, net of any tax effects, is recognized as a deduction from equity. 

iv)  Derivative financial instruments 

The  Group  uses  derivative  financial  instruments  to  manage  its  foreign  currency  and  interest  rate  risk  exposures. 
Embedded  derivatives  are  separated  from  the  host  contract  and  accounted  for  separately  if  the  economic 
characteristics  and  risks  of  the  host  contract  and  the  embedded  derivative  are  not  closely  related,  a  separate 
instrument  with  the  same  terms  as  the  embedded  derivative  would  meet  the  definition  of  a  derivative,  and  the 
combined instrument is not measured at fair value through income or loss. 

Derivatives and embedded derivatives are recognized initially at fair value; related transaction costs are recognized in 
income or loss as incurred. Subsequent to initial recognition, derivatives and embedded derivatives are measured at fair 
value, and changes therein are recognized in net change in fair value of foreign exchange derivatives in income or loss 
with the exception of net change in fair value of cross currency interest rate swap contracts recognized in net foreign 
exchange gain or loss in income or loss. 

2017 Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
 
44 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016 
(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise noted.) 

3.  Significant accounting policies (continued) 

e)  Hedge accounting 

Management’s risk strategy is focused on reducing the variability in profit or losses and cash flows associated with exposure 
to  market  risks.  Hedge  accounting  is  used  to  reduce  this  variability  to  an  acceptable  level.  The  hedges  employed  by  the 
Group reduce the currency and interest rate fluctuation exposures. 

On the initial designation of a hedging relationship, the Group formally documents the relationship between the hedging 
instrument  and  the  hedged  items,  including  the  risk  management  objectives  and  strategy  in  undertaking  the  hedge 
transaction, together with the methods that will be used to assess the effectiveness of the hedging relationship. The Group 
makes an assessment, both at the inception of the hedge relationship as well as on an ongoing basis, whether the hedging 
instruments are expected to be effective in offsetting the changes in the fair value or cash flows of the respective hedged 
items throughout the period for which the hedge in designated.  

Net investment hedge 
The Group designates a portion of its U.S. dollar (“US$”) denominated debt as a hedging item in a net investment hedge. 
The Group applies hedge accounting to foreign currency differences arising between the functional currency of the foreign 
operation  and  the  Company’s  functional  currency  (CDN$),  regardless  of  whether  the  net  investment  is  held  directly  or 
through an intermediate parent.  

Foreign currency differences arising on the translation of a financial liability designated as a hedge of a net investment in 
foreign  operations  are  recognized  in  other  comprehensive  income  to  the  extent  that  the  hedge  is  effective,  and  are 
presented  in  the  currency  translation  differences  account  within  equity.  To  the  extent  that  the  hedge  is  ineffective,  such 
differences are recognized in income or loss. When the hedged net investment is disposed of, the relevant amount in the 
translation reserve is transferred to income or loss as part of the gain or loss on disposal. 

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

f) 

Property and equipment 
Property and equipment are accounted for at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. 

Cost  includes  expenditures  that  are  directly  attributable  to  the  acquisition  of  the  asset,  the  costs  of  dismantling  and 
removing the assets and restoring the site on which they are located, and borrowing costs on qualifying assets. 

When  parts  of  an  item  of  property  and  equipment  have  different  useful  lives,  they  are  accounted  for  as  separate  items 
(major components) of property and equipment. 

Gains  and  losses  on  disposal  of  an  item  of  property  and  equipment  are  determined  by  comparing  the  proceeds  from 
disposal with the carrying amount of property and equipment, and are recognized in net income or loss. 

Depreciation is based on the cost of an asset less its residual value and is recognized in income or loss over the estimated 
useful life of each component of an item of property and equipment. Leased assets are depreciated over the shorter of the 
lease term and their useful lives unless it is reasonably certain that the Group will obtain ownership by the end of the lease 
term. 

TFI International 

 
 
 
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016 
(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise noted.) 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

45 

3.  Significant accounting policies (continued) 

f) 

Property and equipment (continued) 

The depreciation method and useful lives are as follows: 

Categories 

Buildings 

Rolling stock 

Equipment 

Basis 

Straight-line 

Primarily straight-line 

Primarily straight-line 

Useful lives 

15 – 40 years 

3 – 20 years 

5 – 12 years 

Depreciation methods, useful lives and residual values are reviewed at each financial year end and adjusted prospectively, if 
appropriate. 

Property  and  equipment  are  reviewed  for  impairment  in  accordance  with  IAS  36  Impairment  of  Assets  when  there  are 
indicators that the carrying value may not be recoverable. 

g) 

Intangible assets 

i)  Goodwill 

Goodwill that arises upon business combinations is included in intangible assets.  

Goodwill is not amortized and is measured at cost less accumulated impairment losses. 

ii)  Other intangible assets 

Intangible assets consist of customer relationships, trademarks, non-compete agreements and information technology. 

Other  intangible  assets  that  are  acquired  by  the  Group  and  have  finite  lives  are  measured  at  cost  less  accumulated 
amortization and accumulated impairment losses. 

Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized on a straight-line basis over the following estimated useful lives: 

Categories 

Customer relationships 

Trademarks 

Non-compete agreements 

Information technology 

Useful lives 

5 – 15 years 

5 – 20 years 

3 – 10 years 

5 – 7 years 

Useful lives and residual values are reviewed at each financial year end and adjusted prospectively, if appropriate. 

h) 

Leased assets 
Leases with terms which indicate that the Group assumes substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership are classified 
as finance leases. Upon initial recognition the leased asset is measured at an amount equal to the lower of its fair value and 
the  present  value  of  the  minimum  lease  payments.  Subsequent  to  initial  recognition,  the  asset  is  accounted  for  in 
accordance with the accounting policy applicable to that asset. 

Other leases are operating leases and the leased assets are not recognized in the Group’s statements of financial position. 

i) 

Inventoried supplies 
Inventoried supplies consist primarily of repair parts and fuel and are measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value. 

j) 

Impairment 

Non-financial assets 
The carrying amounts of the Group’s non-financial assets other than inventoried supplies and deferred tax assets are reviewed at 
each  reporting date to  determine  whether  there  is  any  indication  of  impairment.  If  any  such  indication exists,  then  the  asset’s 
recoverable amount is estimated. For goodwill, the recoverable amount is estimated on December 31 of each year. 

2017 Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
46 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016 
(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise noted.) 

3.  Significant accounting policies (continued) 

j) 

Impairment (continued) 

For  the  purpose  of  impairment  testing,  assets  that  cannot  be  tested  individually  are  grouped  together  into  the  smallest 
group of assets that generates cash inflows from continuing use that are largely independent of the cash inflows of other 
assets  or  groups  of  assets  (the  “cash-generating  unit”,  or  “CGU”).  For  the  purposes  of  goodwill  impairment  testing, 
goodwill acquired in a business combination is allocated to the group of CGUs (usually a Group’s operating segment), that 
is expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination. This allocation is subject to an operating segment ceiling test 
and reflects the lowest level at which that goodwill is monitored for internal reporting purposes. The recoverable amount of 
an asset or CGU is the greater of its value in use and its fair value less costs to sell. In assessing value in use, the estimated 
future  cash  flows  are  discounted  to  their  present  value  using  a  pre-tax  discount  rate  that  reflects  current  market 
assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset or group of assets. 

The Group’s corporate assets do not generate separate cash inflows. If there is an indication that a corporate asset may be 
impaired, then the recoverable amount is determined for the CGU to which the corporate asset belongs. 

An impairment loss is recognized if the carrying amount of an asset or its CGU exceeds its estimated recoverable amount. 
Impairment losses recognized in respect of CGUs are allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated 
to the units, if any, and then to reduce the carrying amounts of the other assets in the unit (group of units) on a prorata 
basis. 

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

k)  Assets held for sale 

Non-current  assets  are  classified  as  held-for-sale  if  it  is  highly  probable  that  they  will  be  recovered  primarily  through  sale 
rather than through continuing use.  

Such assets are generally measured at the lower of their carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell. Impairment losses 
on  initial  classification  as  held-for-sale  or  held-for-distribution  and  subsequent  gains  and  losses  on  remeasurement  are 
recognized in income or loss. 

Once classified as held-for-sale, intangible assets and property and equipment are no longer amortized or depreciated. 

l) 

Employee benefits 

i)  Defined contribution plans 

A defined contribution plan is a post-employment benefit plan under which an entity pays fixed contributions into a 
separate entity and will have no legal or constructive obligation to pay further amounts. Obligations for contributions 
to defined contribution pension plans are recognized as an employee benefit expense in income or loss in the periods 
during which services are rendered by employees. Prepaid contributions are recognized as an asset to the extent that a 
cash refund or a reduction in future payments is available. 

ii)  Defined benefit plans 

The  Group’s  net  obligation  in  respect  of  defined  benefit  pension  plans  is  calculated  separately  for  each  plan  by 
estimating the amount of future benefit that employees have earned in return for their services in the current and prior 
periods discounting that amount and deducting the fair value of any plan assets. The discount rate is the yield at the 
reporting date on AA credit-rated bonds that have maturity dates approximating the terms of the Group’s obligations 
and  that  are  denominated  in  the  same  currency  in  which  the  benefits  are  expected  to  be  paid.  The  calculation  is 
performed  annually  by  a  qualified  actuary  using  the  projected  unit  credit  method.  When  the  calculation  results  in  a 
benefit to the Group, the recognized asset is limited to the present value of economic benefits available in the form of 
any  future  refunds  from  the  plan  or  reductions  in  future  contributions  to  the  plan.  In  order  to  calculate  the  present 
value of economic benefits, consideration is given to any minimum funding requirements that apply to any plan in the 
Group.  

TFI International 

 
 
 
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016 
(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise noted.) 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

47 

3.  Significant accounting policies (continued) 

l) 

Employee benefits (continued) 

ii)  Defined benefit plans (continued) 

Remeasurements  of  the  net  defined  benefit  liability,  which  comprise  actuarial  gains  and  losses,  the  return  on  plan 
assets (excluding interest) and the effect of the asset ceiling (if any, excluding interest), are recognized immediately in 
other  comprehensive  income.  The  Group  determines  the  net  interest  expense  (income)  on  the  net  defined  benefit 
liability  (asset)  for  the  period  by  applying  the  discount  rate  used  to  measure  the  defined  benefit  obligation  at  the 
beginning of the annual period to the then-net defined benefit liability (asset), taking into account any changes in the 
net  defined  benefit  liability  (asset)  during  the  period  as  a  result  of  contributions  and  benefit  payments.  Net  interest 
expense and other expenses related to defined benefit plans are recognized in profit or loss. 

When the benefits of a plan are changed or when a plan is curtailed, the resulting change in benefit that relates to 
past service or the gain or loss on curtailment is recognized immediately in profit or loss. The Group recognizes gains 
and losses on the settlement of a defined benefit plan when the settlement occurs. 

iii)  Short-term employee benefits 

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

iv)  Share-based payment transactions 

The  grant  date  fair  value  of  equity  share-based  payment  awards  granted  to  employees  is  recognized  as  a  personnel 
expense,  with  a  corresponding  increase  in  contributed  surplus,  over  the  period  that  the  employees  unconditionally 
become entitled to the awards. The amount recognized as an expense is adjusted to reflect the number of awards for 
which the related service conditions are expected to be met, such that the amount ultimately recognized as an expense 
is based on the number of awards that do meet the related service condition at the vesting date. 

The fair value  of the amount  payable to board members in  respect of  deferred share unit  (“DSU”), which are to  be 
settled  in  cash,  is  recognized  as  an  expense  with  a  corresponding  increase  in  liabilities.  The  liability  is  remeasured  at 
each reporting date until settlement. Any changes in the fair value of the liability are recognized as finance income or 
costs in income or loss. 

v)  Termination benefits 

Termination benefits are expensed at the earlier of when the Group can no longer withdraw the offer of those benefits 
and  when  the  Group  recognises  costs  for  a  restructuring.  If  benefits  are  not  expected  to  be  fully  settled  within  12 
months of the end of the reporting period, then they are discounted.  

m)  Provisions 

A provision is recognized if, as a result of a past event, the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation that can be 
estimated reliably, and it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation. If the 
effect of the time value of money is material, provisions are determined by discounting the expected future cash flows at a 
pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the liability. Where 
discounting is used, the unwinding of the discount is recognized as finance cost. 

Self-Insurance 
The  self-insurance  provision  represents  an  accrual  for  estimated  future  disbursements  associated  with  the  self-insured 
portion  for  claims  filed  as  at  year-end  and  incurred  but  not  reported,  related  to  cargo  loss,  bodily  injury,  worker’s 
compensation  and  property  damages.  The  estimates  are  based  on  the  Group’s  historical  experience  including  settlement 
patterns and payment trends. The most significant assumptions in the estimation process include determining the trend in 
costs, the expected cost of claims incurred but not reported and the expected cost to settle or pay the outstanding claims. 
Changes in assumptions and experience could cause these estimates to change significantly in the near term. 

2017 Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
 
48 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016 
(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise noted.) 

3.  Significant accounting policies (continued) 

n)  Revenue recognition 

The Group’s normal business operations consist of the provision of transportation and logistics services. All income relating 
to normal business operations is recognized as revenue based on the stage of completion of the service in the statement of 
income. The stage of completion of the service is determined using the proportion of costs incurred to date compared to 
the estimated total costs of the service. Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable, 
net of trade discounts and volume rebates. Revenue is recognized as services are rendered, when the amount of revenue 
and  income  can  be  reliably  measured  and  in  all  probability  the  economic  benefits  from  the  transactions  will  flow  to  the 
Group. 

o) 

Lease payments 
Payments made under operating leases are recognized in income or loss on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. 
Lease incentives received are recognized as an integral part of the total lease expense, over the term of the lease. 

Minimum lease payments made under finance leases are apportioned between the finance costs and the reduction of the 
outstanding liability. The finance cost is allocated to each period during the lease term so as to produce a constant periodic 
rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability. 

p) 

Finance income and finance costs 
Finance income comprises interest income on funds invested, available-for-sale financial assets (prior to adoption of IFRS 9, 
see  note  3  t)),  dividend  income,  interest  and  accretion  on  promissory  note,  and  bargain  purchase  gains  on  business 
acquisitions. Interest income is recognized as it accrues in income or loss, using the effective interest method. 

Finance  costs  comprise  interest  expense  on  bank  indebtedness  and  long-term  debt,  unwinding  of  the  discount  on 
provisions and impairment losses recognized on financial assets (other than trade receivables). 

Fair value gains or losses on derivative financial instruments and on contingent considerations, and foreign currency gains 
and losses are reported on a net basis as either finance income or cost. 

q) 

Income taxes 
Income  tax  expense  comprises  current  and  deferred  tax.  Current  tax  and  deferred  tax  are  recognized  in  income  or  loss 
except  to  the  extent  that  it  relates  to  a  business  combination,  or  items  recognized  directly  in  equity  or  in  other 
comprehensive income. 

Current tax is the expected tax payable or receivable on the taxable income or loss for the year, using tax rates enacted or 
substantively enacted at the reporting date, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years. 

Deferred  tax  is  recognized  in  respect  of  temporary  differences  between  the  carrying  amounts  of  assets  and  liabilities  for 
financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes. Deferred tax is not recognized for the following 
temporary differences: the initial recognition of assets or liabilities in a transaction that is not a business combination and 
that affects neither accounting nor taxable income or loss, and differences relating to investments in subsidiaries and jointly 
controlled entities to the extent that it is probable that they will not reverse in the foreseeable future. In addition, deferred 
tax  is  not  recognized  for  taxable  temporary  differences  arising  on  the  initial  recognition  of  goodwill.  Deferred  tax  is 
measured at the tax rates that are expected to be applied to temporary differences when they reverse, based on the laws 
that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset if there is 
a legally enforceable right to offset current tax liabilities and assets, and they relate to income taxes levied by the same tax 
authority on the same taxable entity, or on different tax entities, but they intend to settle current tax liabilities and assets on 
a net basis or their tax assets and liabilities will be realized simultaneously. 

A deferred tax asset is recognized for unused tax losses, tax credits and deductible temporary differences, to the extent that it 
is probable that future taxable income will be available against which they can be utilized. Deferred tax assets are reviewed at 
each reporting date and are reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that the related tax benefit will be realized. 

r) 

Earnings per share 
The  Group  presents  basic  and  diluted  earnings  per  share  (“EPS”)  data  for  its  common  shares.  Basic  EPS  is  calculated  by 
dividing  the  income  or  loss  attributable  to  common  shareholders  of  the  Company  by  the  weighted  average  number  of 
common shares outstanding during the period, adjusted for own shares held, if any. Diluted EPS is determined by adjusting 
the income or loss attributable to common shareholders and the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, 
adjusted  for  own  shares  held,  for  the  effects  of  all  dilutive  potential  common  shares,  which  comprise  convertible 
debentures, warrants, and restricted share units and stock options granted to employees. 

TFI International 

 
 
 
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016 
(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise noted.) 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

49 

3.  Significant accounting policies (continued) 

s) 

Segment reporting 
An operating segment is a component of the Group that engages in business activities from which it may earn revenues 
and incur expenses, including revenues and expenses that relate to transactions with any of the Group’s other components. 
All  operating  segments’  operating  results  are  reviewed  regularly  by  the  Group’s  chief  executive  officer  (“CEO”)  to  make 
decisions  about  resources  to  be  allocated  to  the  segment  and  assess  its  performance,  and  for  which  discrete  financial 
information is available. 

Segment results that are reported to the CEO include items directly attributable to a segment as well as those that can be 
allocated on a reasonable basis. Unallocated items comprise mainly corporate assets (primarily the Group’s headquarters), 
head office expenses, income tax assets, liabilities and expenses, as well as long-term debt and interest expense thereon. 

Sales between Group’s segments are measured at the exchange amount. Transactions, other than sales, are measured at 
carrying value. Segment capital expenditure is the total cost incurred during the period to acquire property and equipment, 
and intangible assets other than goodwill. 

t)   New standards and interpretations adopted during the year 

The  Group  has  adopted  the  following  new  standards  and  amendments  to  standards  and  interpretations,  with  a  date  of 
initial application of January 1, 2017. These have been applied in preparing these consolidated financial statements:  

Disclosure Initiative: Amendments to IAS 7: On January 7, 2016 the IASB issued Disclosure Initiative (Amendments to IAS 7). 
The amendments apply prospectively for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2017. The amendments require 
disclosures  that  enable  users  of  financial  statements  to  evaluate  changes  in  liabilities  arising  from  financing  activities, 
including both changes arising from cash flow and non-cash changes. One way to meet this new disclosure requirement is 
to  provide  a  reconciliation  between  the  opening  and  closing  balances  for  liabilities  from  financing  activities.  Adoption  of 
Disclosure Initiative: Amendments to IAS 7 did not have a material impact on the Group’s consolidated financial statements. 

Recognition  of  Deferred  Tax  Assets  for  Unrealized  Losses:  Amendments  to  IAS  12:  On  January  19,  2016  the  IASB  issued 
Recognition of Deferred Tax Assets for Unrealized Losses (Amendments to IAS 12). The amendments apply retrospectively 
for  annual  periods  beginning  on  or  after  January  1,  2017.  The  amendments  clarify  that  the  existence  of  a  deductible 
temporary difference depends solely on a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset and its tax base at the end of the 
reporting period, and is not affected by possible future changes in the carrying amount or expected manner of recovery of 
the  asset.  The  amendments  also  clarify  the  methodology  to  determine  the  future  taxable  profits  used  for  assessing  the 
utilization  of  deductible  temporary  differences.  Adoption  of  Recognition  of  Deferred  Tax  Assets  for  Unrealized  Losses: 
Amendments to IAS 12 did not have a material impact on the Group’s consolidated financial statements. 

Annual  Improvements  to  IFRS  Standards  (2014-2016  cycle):  On  December  8,  2016  the  IASB  issued  narrow-scope 
amendments to three standards as part of its annual improvements process. Each of the amendments has its own specific 
transaction requirements and effective date. Amendments were made to the following standards: 

•  Clarification that IFRS 12 Disclosures of Interests in Other Entities also applies to interests that are classified as held for 
sale, held for distribution, or discontinued operations, effective retrospectively for annual periods beginning on or after 
January 1, 2017;  
Removal  of  outdated  exemptions  for  first  time  adopters  under  IFRS  1  First-time  Adoption  of  International  Financial 
Reporting Standards, effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018; 

• 

•  Clarification  that  the  election  to  measure  an  associate  or  joint  venture  at  fair  value  under  IAS  28  Investments  in 
Associates and Joint Ventures for investments held directly, or indirectly, through a venture capital or other qualifying 
entity  can  be  made  on  an  investment-by-investment  basis.  The  amendments  are  effective  retrospectively  for  annual 
periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018. 

Adoption  of  Annual  Improvements  to  IFRS  Standards  (2014-2016  cycle)  did  not  have  a  material  impact  on  the  Group’s 
consolidated financial statements. 

2017 Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
 
50 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016 
(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise noted.) 

3.  Significant accounting policies (continued) 

u)  New standards and interpretations not yet adopted 

The following new standards are not yet effective for the year ending December 31, 2017, and have not been applied in 
preparing these consolidated financial statements: 

IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers: On May 28, 2014 the IASB issued IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with 
Customers. The new standard is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018. IFRS 15 will replace IAS 
11  Construction  Contracts,  IAS  18  Revenue,  IFRIC  13  Customer  Loyalty  Programmes,  IFRIC  15  Agreements  for  the 
Construction  of  Real  Estate,  IFRIC  18  Transfer  of  Assets  from  Customers,  and  SIC  31  Revenue  –  Barter  Transactions 
Involving  Advertising  Services.  On  April  12,  2016,  the  IASB  issued  Clarifications  to  IFRS  15,  Revenue  from  Contracts  with 
Customers, which is effective at the same time as IFRS 15. The standard contains a single model that applies to contracts 
with customers and two approaches to recognising revenue: at a point in time or over time. The model features a contract-
based five-step analysis of transactions to determine whether, how much and when revenue is recognized. New estimates 
and judgmental thresholds have been introduced, which may affect the amount and/or timing of revenue recognized. The 
new standard applies to contracts with customers. It does not apply to insurance contracts, financial instruments or lease 
contracts, which fall in the scope of other IFRSs. The clarifications to IFRS 15 provide additional guidance with respect to the 
five-step analysis, transition, and the application of the Standard to licenses of intellectual property. The Group will adopt 
IFRS 15 and the clarifications in its financial statements for the annual period beginning on January 1, 2018. Following the 
analysis of the impact of adoption of the standard, the Group has determined that there will be no significant impact on 
the  results.  The  standard  also  requires  to  evaluate  whether  there  is  a  promise  to  transfer  services  to  the  customer  as  a 
principal or to arrange for services to be provided by another party (as an agent). To make that determination, the standard 
uses  a  control  model  rather  than  the  risks-and-rewards  model  under  current  standard.  Based  on  the  evaluation  of  the 
control  model,  it  was  determined  that  certain  businesses  mainly  in  the  LTL  segment  act  as  the  principal  rather  than  the 
agent within their revenue arrangements. This change will require the affected businesses to report transportation revenue 
gross of associated purchase transportation costs rather than net of such amounts within the consolidated statements of 
income. It is expected that this change will result in an approximate $100 million reclassification from operating expenses to 
revenue on the consolidated statements of income for the year ended December 31, 2017. 

Classification and Measurement of Share-based Payment Transactions: Amendments to IFRS 2: On June 20, 2016, the IASB 
issued  amendments  to  IFRS  2  Share-based  Payment,  clarifying  how  to  account  for  certain  types  of  share-based  payment 
transactions. The amendments apply for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018. As a practical simplification, 
the amendments can be applied prospectively. Retrospective application is permitted if information is available without the 
use of hindsight. The amendments provide requirements on the accounting for: 

• 
• 
• 

the effects of vesting and non-vesting conditions on the measurement of cash-settled share-based payments; 
share-based payment transactions with a net settlement feature for withholding tax obligations; and  
a modification to the terms and conditions of a share-based payment that changes the classification of the transaction 
from cash-settled to equity-settled. 

The Group will adopt the amendments to IFRS 2 in its financial statements for the annual period beginning on January 1, 
2018. The Group does not expect the amendments to have a material impact on the financial statements. 

IFRIC  22,  Foreign  Currency  Transactions  and  Advance  Consideration:  On  December  8,  2016,  the  IASB  issued  IFRIC 
Interpretation 22 Foreign Currency Transactions and Advance Consideration. The Interpretation clarifies which date should 
be used for translation when a foreign currency transaction involves an advance payment or receipt. The Interpretation is 
applicable  for  annual  periods  beginning  on  or  after  January  1,  2018.  The  Interpretation  clarifies  that  the  date  of  the 
transaction for the purpose of determining the exchange rate to use on initial recognition of the related asset, expense or 
income  (or  part  of  it)  is  the  date  on  which  an  entity  initially  recognizes  the  non-monetary  asset  or  non-monetary  liability 
arising from the payment or receipt of advance consideration. The Interpretation may be applied either: 

• 
• 

retrospectively; or 
prospectively to all assets, expenses and income in the scope of the Interpretation initially recognized on or after: 
• 
• 

the beginning of the reporting period in which the entity first applies the Interpretation; or 
the beginning of a prior reporting period presented as comparative information in the financial statements.  

TFI International 

 
 
 
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016 
(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise noted.) 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

51 

3.  Significant accounting policies (continued) 

u)  New standards and interpretations not yet adopted (continued) 

The Group will adopt the Interpretation in its financial statements for the annual period beginning on January 1, 2018. The 
Group does not expect the amendments to have a material impact on the financial statements. 

IFRS  16,  Leases:  On  January  13,  2016  the  IASB  issued  IFRS  16  Leases.  The  new  standard  is  effective  for  annual  periods 
beginning  on  or  after  January  1,  2019.  Earlier  application  is  permitted  for  entities  that  apply  IFRS  15  Revenue  from 
Contracts  with  Customers  at  or  before  the  date  of  initial  adoption  of  IFRS  16. IFRS  16  will  replace  IAS  17  Leases.  This 
standard introduces a single lessee accounting model and requires a lessee to recognize assets and liabilities for all leases 
with a term of more than 12 months, unless the underlying asset is of low value. A lessee is required to recognize a right-
of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset and a lease liability representing its obligation to make lease 
payments.  This  standard  substantially  carries  forward  the  lessor  accounting  requirements  of  IAS  17,  while  requiring 
enhanced disclosures to be provided by lessors. Other areas of the lease accounting model have been impacted, including 
the  definition  of  a  lease.  Transitional  provisions  have  been  provided.  The  Group  intends  to  adopt  IFRS  16  in  its  financial 
statements for the annual period beginning on January 1, 2019. The Group is in the process of reviewing lease agreements 
in accordance with the new standard. The adoption of this standard will have a material impact on the financial statements. 

Annual  Improvements  to  IFRS  Standards  (2015-2017  cycle):  On  December  12,  2017  the  IASB  issued  narrow-scope 
amendments  to  three  standards  as  part  of  its  annual  improvements  process.  The  amendments  are  effective  on  or  after 
January  1,  2019,  with  early  application  permitted.  Each  of  the  amendments  has  its  own  specific  transition  requirements. 
Amendments were made to the following standards: 

• 

• 

• 

IFRS 3 Business Combinations and IFRS 11 Joint Arrangements - to clarify how a company accounts for increasing its 
interest in a joint operation that meets the definition of a business;  
IAS  12  Income  Taxes  –  to  clarify  that  all  income  tax consequences  of  dividends  are  recognized  consistently  with  the 
transactions that generated the distributable profits – i.e. in profit or loss, OCI, or equity; and  
IAS  23  Borrowing  Costs  –  to  clarify  that  specific  borrowings  –  i.e.  funds  borrowed  specifically  to  finance  the 
construction of a qualifying asset – should be transferred to the general borrowings pool once the construction of the 
qualifying asset has been completed.  

The Group intends to adopt these amendments in its financial statements for the annual period beginning on January 1, 
2019. The extent of the impact of adoption of the amendments has not yet been determined. 

IFRIC 23 Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments: On June 7, 2017, the IASB issued IFRIC Interpretation 23 Uncertainty over 
Income Tax Treatments. The Interpretation provides guidance on the accounting for current and deferred tax liabilities and 
assets in circumstances in which there is uncertainty over income tax treatments. The Interpretation is applicable for annual 
periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019. Earlier application is permitted. 

The Interpretation requires: 

• 

• 

• 

an entity to contemplate whether uncertain tax treatments should be considered separately, or together as a group, 
based on which approach provides better predictions of the resolution;  

an entity to determine if it is probable that the tax authorities will accept the uncertain tax treatment; and 

if it is not probable that the uncertain tax treatment will be accepted, measure the tax uncertainty based on the most 
likely amount or expected value, depending on whichever method better predicts the resolution of the uncertainty. 

The  Group  intends  to  adopt  the  Interpretation  in  its  financial  statements  for  the  annual  period  beginning  on  January  1, 
2019. The extent of the impact of adoption of the Interpretation has not yet been determined. 

2017 Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
 
52 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016 
(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise noted.) 

4.  Segment reporting 

The  Group  operates  within  the  transportation  and  logistics  industry  in  the  United  States,  Canada  and  Mexico  in  different 
reportable  segments,  as  described  below.  The  reportable  segments  are  managed  independently  as  they  require  different 
technology and capital resources. For each of the operating segments, the Group’s CEO reviews internal management reports 
on a monthly basis. The following summary describes the operations in each of the Group’s reportable segments: 

Package and Courier: 

Pickup, transport and delivery of items across North America. 

Less-Than-Truckload: 

Pickup, consolidation, transport and delivery of smaller loads. 

Truckload(a): 

Full loads carried directly from the customer to the destination using a closed van or specialized 
equipment to meet customer’s specific needs. Includes expedited transportation, flatbed, container 
and dedicated services. 

Logistics: 

Logistics services. 

(a)  The  Truckload  segment  represents  the  aggregation  of  the  Canadian  Truckload,  U.S.  Truckload,  and  Specialized  Truckload  operating 

segments.  The  aggregation  of  the  segment  was  analyzed  using  management’s  judgement  in  accordance  with  IFRS  8.  The  operating 

segments were determined to be similar with respect to the nature of services offered and the methods used to distribute their services, 

additionally,  they  have  similar  economic  characteristics  with  respect  to  long  term  expected  gross  margin,  levels  of  capital  invested  and 
market place trends. 

Information  regarding  the  results  of  each  reportable  segment  is  included  below.  Performance  is  measured  based  on  segment 
operating income or loss. This measure is included in the internal management reports that are reviewed by the Group’s CEO 
and refers to “Operating income (loss)” in the consolidated statements of income. Segment’s operating income or loss is used 
to measure performance as management believes that such information is the most relevant in evaluating the results of certain 
segments relative to other entities that operate within these industries. 

When  the  Group  changes  the  structure  of  its  internal  organization  in  a  manner  that  causes  the  composition  of  its  reportable 
segments to change, the corresponding information for the comparative period is recasted to conform to the new structure. 

  Package and   Less-Than-    

Courier  

Truckload  

Truckload  

Logistics  

Corporate   Eliminations  

Total  

2017 

External revenue 
Inter-segment revenue 
Total revenue 
Operating income (loss) 
Selected items: 

      1,353,474       907,985       2,181,389      298,171      

7,794    

9,260    

8,303    
1,361,268     917,245     2,209,424     306,474    
25,534    

124,406    

52,350    

28,035    

77,349    

—      
—    
—    
(35,915 )  

—       4,741,019  
—  
(53,392 )  
(53,392 )   4,741,019  
243,724  

—    

Depreciation and amortization 
Gain (loss) on sale of land and buildings     
Gain on sale of assets held for sale 
Impairment of intangible assets 
Intangible assets 
Total assets 
Total liabilities 
Additions to property and equipment 

2016* 

External revenue 
Inter-segment revenue 
Total revenue 
Operating income (loss) 
Selected items: 

Depreciation and amortization 
Gain (loss) on sale of land and buildings     
Intangible assets 
Total assets 
Total liabilities 
Additions to property and equipment 

33,695    
567    
9,156    
13,211    

6,299    
197,519    
30,996    
—    
(93 )  
(242 )  
—    
172    
68,118    
129,770    
—    
—    
425,653     238,995    
988,773     176,487    
651,345     556,807     2,232,157     221,439    
145,173     154,531    
12,640    

2,248    
—    
—    
—    
2,366    
65,880    
32,704     1,602,816    
771    

377,280    
231,936    

13,823    

496    

270,757  
—    
232  
—    
77,446  
—    
—    
142,981  
—     1,832,274  
—     3,727,628  
—     2,312,504  
259,666  
—    

7,016    

1,359,169     808,430     1,624,753     232,856    
8,286    
1,366,185     827,504     1,647,177     241,142    
21,750    

102,511    

113,040    

47,899    

19,074    

22,424    

—    
—    
—    
(35,935 )  

—     4,025,208  
(56,800 )  
—  
(56,800 )   4,025,208  
249,265  

—    

33,758    
(8 )  

29,506    
4,442    

123,847    
2,875    

3,877    
1,639    
450,541     230,194     1,159,622     130,994    
700,749     635,233     2,440,148     175,190    
157,426     146,008    
16,967    

2,098    
—    
1,799    
75,233    
19,350     1,725,480    
1,990    

517,265    
80,021    

11,152    

430    

193,086  
—    
—    
8,948  
—     1,973,150  
—     4,026,553  
—     2,565,529  
110,560  
—    

(*) Recasted for changes in composition of reportable segments, changes in presentation and note 5 c). 

TFI International 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
    
    
    
  
 
 
   
    
    
    
    
    
    
  
   
   
   
   
    
    
    
    
    
    
  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
   
    
    
    
    
    
    
  
   
    
    
    
    
    
    
  
   
   
   
   
   
    
    
    
    
    
    
  
   
   
   
   
   
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016 
(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise noted.) 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

53 

4.  Segment reporting (continued) 

Geographical information 
Revenue  is  attributed  to  geographical  locations  based  on  the  origin  of  service’s  location.  Segment  assets  are  based  on  the 
geographical location of the assets. 

Revenue 

Canada 

United States 

Mexico 

Property and equipment and intangible assets 

Canada 

United States 

Mexico 

(*) Recasted (see note 5 c)) 

5.  Business combinations 

a)  Business combinations 

2017 

2016 

2,677,040  

2,434,762  

2,042,861  

1,586,766  

21,118  

3,680  

4,741,019  

4,025,208  

2017 

2016*  

1,693,190  

1,771,198  

1,314,635  

1,543,820  

22,062  

25,293  

3,029,887  

3,340,311  

In line with the Group’s growth strategy, the Group acquired seven businesses during 2017, notably World Courier Ground 
U.S.  (“World  Courier  Ground”),  Cavalier  Transportation  Services  Inc.  (“Cavalier”)  and  Premier  Product  Management 
(“PPM”). 

On January 13, 2017, the Group completed the acquisition of World Courier Ground. Established in 1983, World Courier 
Ground is an asset light, time critical courier provider. Operating nationally across the U.S., the company offers same day 
courier, rush trucking and warehousing services primarily to the medical industry, as well as to the environmental, financial, 
chemical  and  industrial  sectors.  World  Courier  Ground  management  continues  to  operate  the  business  under  the  new 
name TForce Critical.  

On January 28, 2017, the Group completed the acquisition of Cavalier. Established in 1979, Cavalier’s operations consist of 
LTL  services,  brokerage  and  warehousing.  Based  in  Bolton,  ON,  Cavalier  serves  corridors  primarily  between  Ontario, 
Quebec, New York and Illinois. 

On  October  31,  2017,  the  Group  completed  the  acquisition  of  PPM.  Founded  in  2004  and  based  in  California,  PPM 
provides home delivery services of household appliances in the United States. 

During  2017,  transaction  costs  of  $0.1  million  have  been  expensed  in  other  operating  expenses  in  the  consolidated 
statements of income in relation to the above mentioned business acquisitions (2016 – $3.7 million, $3.2 million of which 
has been recorded in personnel expenses and $0.5 million in other operating expenses). 

These cash-settled transactions were concluded in order to add density in the Group’s current network and further expand 
value-added  services.  The  seven  acquired  businesses  contributed  revenue  and  net  income  of  $137.6  million  and  $5.3 
million respectively. If these acquisitions had occurred on January 1, 2017, per management’s best estimates, the revenue 
and  net  income  would have  been  $197.3 million  and  $9.7  million  respectively.  In  determining  these  estimated  amounts, 
management assumed that the fair value adjustments that arose on the date of acquisition would have been the same had 
the acquisition occurred on January 1, 2017. 

2017 Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
54 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016 
(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise noted.) 

5.  Business combinations (continued) 

a)  Business combinations (continued) 

As of the reporting date, the Group had not completed the purchase price allocation over the identifiable net assets and 
goodwill of several of the 2017 acquisitions. Information to confirm fair value of certain assets and liabilities is still to be 
obtained for these acquisitions. As the Group obtains more information, the allocation will be completed. The table below 
presents the purchase price allocation based on the best information available to the Group to date.  

Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Trade and other receivables 

Inventoried supplies and prepaid expenses 

Property and equipment 

Intangible assets 

Other assets 

Bank indebtedness 

Trade and other payables 

Income tax payable 

Provisions 

Long-term debt 

Deferred tax liabilities 

Total identifiable net assets 

Total consideration transferred 

Goodwill 

Cash 

Contingent consideration 

Total consideration transferred 

(*) Includes non material adjustments to prior year acquisitions 

(**) Recasted (see note 5 c)) 

Note  

9  

10  

10  

2017*  

1,006  

22,112  

5,950  

27,213  

70,873  

859  

—  

(17,081 ) 

(1,673 ) 

—  

(9,030 ) 

(12,163 ) 

88,066  

130,958  

42,892  

119,294  

11,664  

130,958  

2016**  

15,794  

100,333  

12,981  

458,804  

98,677  

—  

(121 ) 

(75,099 ) 

(468 ) 

(16,251 ) 

(5,103 ) 

(154,178 ) 

435,369  

816,393  

381,024  

813,976  

2,417  

816,393  

The  trade  receivables  comprise  of  gross  amounts  due  of  $21.7  million,  of  which  $0.7  million  was  expected  to  be 
uncollectible at the acquisition date. 

Of the goodwill and intangible assets acquired through business combinations in 2017, $28.6 million is deductible for tax 
purposes (2016 - $21.8 million). 

During 2016, the Group acquired ten businesses, one of which is considered significant. 

On October 27, 2016, the Group completed the acquisition of the North American truckload operation of XPO Logistics for 
a  total  cash  consideration  of  $747.4  million,  of  which,  $500.0  million  has  been  financed  through  a  new  term  loan.  The 
acquisition  represents  an  important  expansion  of  the  Group’s  TL  and  Logistics  services  across  North  America.  With  an 
operating history of over 60 years, the acquired business is a top 20 carrier headquartered in Joplin, Missouri. The business 
provides an integrated offering of point-to-point dry-van TL transportation services across the United States, and is one of 
the largest service providers of cross-border trucking into Mexico. This acquisition, which operates under the name of CFI, 
significantly strengthens the Group’s presence in the North American truckload landscape with prominent market positions 
in domestic US and cross-border Mexico freight. 

The other 2016 acquisitions did not have a material effect on the Group’s financial position and results of operations. 

TFI International 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016 
(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise noted.) 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

55 

5.  Business combinations (continued) 

b)  Goodwill 

The  goodwill  is  attributable  mainly  to  the  premium  of  an  established  business  operation  with  a  good  reputation  in  the 
transportation  industry,  and the  synergies  expected  to  be  achieved  from  integrating  the  acquired  entity  into  the  Group’s 
existing business. 

The goodwill arising in the above business combinations has been allocated to operating segments as indicated in the table 
below, which represents the lowest level at which goodwill is monitored internally. 

Operating segment 

Package and Courier 

Less-Than-Truckload 

U.S. Truckload 

Specialized Truckload 

Logistics 

  Reportable segment 

  Package and Courier 

  Less-Than-Truckload 

  Truckload 

  Truckload 

  Logistics 

(*) Recasted for changes in composition in reportable segments and note 5 c). 

2017  

1,992  

8,927  

—  

19,352  

12,621  

42,892  

2016*  

7,823  

7,481  

333,339  

7,230  

25,151  

381,024  

c)  Adjustment to the provisional amounts of prior year business combinations 

The  2016  annual  consolidated  financial  statements  included  details  of  the  Group’s  business  combinations  and  set  out 
provisional fair values relating to the consideration and net assets acquired of CFI. This acquisition was accounted for under 
the  provisions  of  IFRS  3.  As  required  by  IFRS  3,  the  provisional  fair  values  have  been  reassessed  in  light  of  information 
obtained during the measurement period following the acquisition. Consequently, the fair value of certain assets acquired 
and liabilities assumed of CFI has been adjusted during the year and accordingly, the comparative information for the prior 
year presented in these consolidated financial statements has been revised as follow: 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Trade and other receivables 

Inventoried supplies and prepaid expenses 

Property and equipment 

Intangible assets 

Trade and other payables 

Provisions 

Deferred tax liabilities 

Total identifiable net assets 

Total consideration transferred 

Goodwill 

d)  Contingent consideration 

Provisional  
fair  
value  

Measurement  
period  
adjustment  

Reassessed  
fair  
value  

13,949       

82,997    

12,104    

460,779    

129,860    

(57,607 )   

(16,251 )   

(194,680 )   

431,151    

747,449    

316,298    

—       

13,949    

—  

—  

(27,910 )   

(50,198 )   

—  

—  

44,408  

(33,700 )   

—  

33,700  

82,997  

12,104  

432,869  

79,662  

(57,607 ) 

(16,251 ) 

(150,272 ) 

397,451  

747,449  

349,998  

The contingent consideration relates to one business combination and is recorded in the original purchase price allocation. 
The  fair  value  was  determined  using  expected  cash  flow  based  on  probability  weighted  scenario  discounted  at  a  rate  of 
6.0%. This consideration is contingent on achieving specified earning levels in future periods. The maximum yearly amount 
payable over the next four years is $5.0 million for a total consideration of $20.0 million. At December 31, 2017, the fair 
value of the contingent arrangement was estimated at $11.7 million and is currently presented in other financial liabilities 
on the consolidated statements of financial position. 

2017 Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
56 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016 
(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise noted.) 

6.  Discontinued operations  

On September 30, 2015, the Company decided to cease operations in the rig moving operating segment and accordingly has 
classified all the property and equipment as assets held for sale. 

On  February  1,  2016,  the  Company  sold  the  Waste  Management  segment  (“Waste”)  to  GFL  Environmental  Inc.  (“GFL”)  for 
total  consideration  of  $800  million,  which  includes  an  unsecured  promissory  note  of  $25  million  yielding  3%  interest  with  a 
term of 4 years.  

The following table presents the net income (loss) from discontinued operations:  

Revenue 

Expenses 

Loss on assets held for sale 

Gain on the sale of Waste 

Income (loss) before income tax 

Income tax expense (recovery) 

Net income (loss) from discontinued operations (1) 

Earnings (loss) per share from discontinued operations 

Basic earnings (loss) per share 

Diluted earnings (loss) per share 

Additional information: 

Depreciation of property and equipment 

Rig moving  

304  

1,898  

(1,594 ) 

(8,920 ) 

—  

(10,514 ) 

(3,656 ) 

(6,858 ) 

2016 

Waste  

14,340  

15,630  

(1,290 ) 

—  

559,246  

557,956  

68,578  

489,378  

Total  

14,644  

17,528  

(2,884 ) 

(8,920 ) 

559,246  

547,442  

64,922  

482,520  

(0.07 ) 

(0.07 ) 

5.22  

5.12  

5.15  

5.05  

—  

2,256  

2,256  

(1) 

The net income from discontinued operations is fully attributable to the owners of the Company. 

During 2016, an impairment of $5.0 million was recognized on assets belonging to the rig moving segment.  

The assets and liabilities of the discontinued operations were as follows: 

Current assets 

Current liabilities 

2016  
326  

(2,700 ) 

TFI International 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016 
(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise noted.) 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

57 

6.  Discontinued operations (continued) 

Sale of the Waste Management segment 
On February 1, 2016, the Company completed the sale of Waste to GFL, headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, for a sale price of 
$800  million.  At  closing,  GFL  paid  $758.9  million  to  the  Company  net  of  closing  adjustments,  and  issued  an  unsecured 
promissory note to the Company in an amount of $25 million, payable in four years and bearing interest at an annual rate of 
3%. The table below presents the reconciliation of the gain on the sale of the Waste Management. 

Sale price 

Closing adjustment to sale price 

Net sale price 

Trade and other receivables 
Inventoried supplies and prepaid expenses 
Property and equipment 
Intangible assets 
Goodwill 
Other assets 
Bank indebtedness 
Trade and other payables 
Income taxes payable 
Provisions 
Long-term debt 

Deferred tax liabilities 

Total identifiable net assets 

Fair value adjustment to the promissory note 

Gain on sale of Waste 

Income tax on gain on disposal 

Gain on sale of Waste, net of tax 

Net sale price is paid as follow: 
Cash consideration received 
Promissory note issued 

Note  

i  

ii  

iii  

ii  

2016  

800,000  

(16,126 ) 

783,874  

34,014  
4,364  
140,089  
93,408  
22,369  
9,576  
(6,018 ) 
(16,576 ) 
(3,956 ) 
(26,544 ) 
(7,235 ) 

(26,398 ) 

217,093  

(7,535 ) 

559,246  

(68,475 ) 

490,771  

758,874  
25,000  

783,874  

i) 

Closing  adjustments  to  the  sale  price  includes  an  assumed  lease  amount  of  $0.7 million,  closure  and  post-closure  costs  of  $9.1 million, 

working capital adjustment of $2.4 million and income taxes payable of $4.0 million. 

ii) 

The fair value adjustment to the promissory note has been calculated with a discount rate of 12% over 4 years based on the specific risk of 

the business. 

iii) 

The gain of $559.2 million on the sale of Waste generated an income tax expense $68.5 million which represents an effective tax rate of 
12.2% largely explained by the capital nature of the transaction. 

7.  Trade and other receivables 

Trade receivables 

Other receivables 

2017  

546,160  

20,946  

567,106  

2016  

552,057  

17,124  

569,181  

The Group’s exposure to credit and currency risks related to trade and other receivables is disclosed in note 25 a) and d). 

2017 Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
58 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016 
(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise noted.) 

8.  Additional cash flow information 

Net change in non-cash operating working capital 

Trade and other receivables 

Inventoried supplies 

Prepaid expenses 

Trade and other payables 

9.  Property and equipment 

2017  

14,548  

(238 ) 

9,060  

(35,019 ) 

(11,649 ) 

2016  

40,095  

836  

1,598  

(27,870 ) 

14,659  

Cost 
Balance at December 31, 2015 
Additions through business combinations* 
Other additions 
Disposals 
Reclassification from (to) assets held for sale 

Land and buildings  

Rolling stock  

Equipment  

Total   

424,593      
44,420    
9,409    
(16,434 )   
4,644    

908,662      
412,716    
92,152    
(114,207 )   
(3,277 )   

149,482      
1,668    
8,999    
(6,673 )   
—    

1,482,737  
458,804  
110,560  
(137,314 ) 
1,367  

Effect of movements in exchange rates 

(556 )   

(6,073 )   

(334 )   

(6,963 ) 

Balance at December 31, 2016* 
Additions through business combinations 
Other additions 
Disposals 
Reclassification to assets held for sale 

Effect of movements in exchange rates 

466,076    
4,788    
8,126    
(7,167 )   
(133,003 )   

(5,355 )   

1,289,973    
20,755    
238,812    
(219,024 )   
—    

153,142    
1,670    
12,728    
(14,001 )   
—    

1,909,191  
27,213  
259,666  
(240,192 ) 
(133,003 ) 

(36,113 )   

(1,069 )   

(42,537 ) 

Balance at December 31, 2017 

333,465    

1,294,403    

152,470    

1,780,338  

Depreciation 
Balance at December 31, 2015 
Depreciation for the year 
Disposals 
Reclassification from (to) assets held for sale 

Effect of movements in exchange rates 

Balance at December 31, 2016 
Depreciation for the year 
Disposals 
Reclassification to assets held for sale 

Effect of movements in exchange rates 

67,620    
11,505    
(3,991 )   
2,067    

(244 )   

76,957    
11,719    
(3,933 )   
(14,111 )   

(956 )   

341,707    
112,441    
(86,736 )   
(1,388 )   

(689 )   

365,335    
182,627    
(137,243 )   
—    

1,066    

91,549    
15,493    
(7,211 )   
—    

(93 )   

99,738    
15,211    
(13,241 )   
—    

(444 )   

500,876  
139,439  
(97,938 ) 
679  

(1,026 ) 

542,030  
209,557  
(154,417 ) 
(14,111 ) 

(334 ) 

Balance at December 31, 2017 

69,676    

411,785    

101,264    

582,725  

389,119    

924,638    

53,404    

1,367,161  

263,789    

882,618    

51,206    

1,197,613  

Net carrying amounts 

At December 31, 2016* 

At December 31, 2017 

(*) Recasted (see note 5 c)) 

TFI International 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
    
     
     
     
    
     
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
   
    
    
    
  
   
    
    
    
  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
   
    
    
    
  
   
    
    
    
  
   
   
   
    
    
    
  
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016 
(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise noted.) 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

59 

9.  Property and equipment (continued) 

Leased assets 
The Group leases items of rolling stock and equipment under a number of finance lease agreements. For the majority of these 
leases, the Group is responsible for the residual value on termination date. The leased assets secure lease obligations (see note 
13). At December 31, 2017, the net carrying amount of leased assets was $32.3 million (2016 - $36.1 million). During the year 
ended December 31, 2017, the Group acquired leased assets in the amount of $0.4 million (2016 – $0.1 million) under finance 
lease agreements and all other new leased assets come from business acquisitions. 

Security 
At December 31, 2017 certain rolling stock are pledged as security for conditional sales contracts, with a carrying amount of 
$120.4 million (2016 - $104.1 million) (see note 13). 

10.  Intangible assets 

Other intangible assets 

Non-    

Goodwill  

Customer    

compete  
relationships   Trademarks   agreements  

Information    
technology  

Total  

Cost 

Balance at December 31, 2015 
Additions through business 

combinations* 

Other additions 
Extinguishments 
Effect of movements in exchange rates 

Balance at December 31, 2016* 
Additions through business 

combinations 
Other additions 
Extinguishments 
Effect of movements in exchange rates 

    1,207,311    

443,516    

73,649    

2,530    

29,630     1,756,636  

381,024    
—    
—    
(11,979 )  

59,992    
—    
(6,261 )  
(5,333 )  

37,010    
—    
(57 )  
(986 )  

785    
—    
(541 )  
(48 )  

890    
1,835    
(1,948 )  
(348 )  

479,701  
1,835  
(8,807 ) 
(18,694 ) 

    1,576,356    

491,914    

109,616    

2,726    

30,059     2,210,671  

42,892    
—    
—    
(42,587 )  

64,040    
—    
(2,100 )  
(15,715 )  

365    
—    
(2,877 )  
(4,478 )  

6,440    
—    
—    
(202 )  

28    
2,083    
(7,231 )  
(978 )  

113,765  
2,083  
(12,208 ) 
(63,960 ) 

Balance at December 31, 2017 

    1,576,661    

538,139    

102,626    

8,964    

23,961     2,250,351  

Amortization and impairment losses 

Balance at December 31, 2015 
Amortization for the year 
Extinguishments 
Effect of movements in exchange rates 

Balance at December 31, 2016 
Amortization for the year 
Impairment loss 
Extinguishments 
Effect of movements in exchange rates 

60,000    
—    
—    
—    

60,000    
—    
129,770    
—    
(4,320 )  

98,748    
42,606    
(6,261 )  
(1,055 )  

134,038    
47,271    
—    
(2,100 )  
(4,991 )  

14,434    
5,919    
(57 )  
(137 )  

20,159    
8,270    
13,211    
(2,877 )  
(1,185 )  

743    
490    
(541 )  
(18 )  

674    
1,081    
—    
—    
(41 )  

20,211    
4,632    
(1,948 )  
(245 )  

22,650    
4,578    
—    
(7,231 )  
(880 )  

194,136  
53,647  
(8,807 ) 
(1,455 ) 

237,521  
61,200  
142,981  
(12,208 ) 
(11,417 ) 

Balance at December 31, 2017 

185,450    

174,218    

37,578    

1,714    

19,117    

418,077  

Net carrying amounts 

At December 31, 2016* 

    1,516,356    

357,876    

89,457    

2,052    

7,409     1,973,150  

At December 31, 2017 

    1,391,211    

363,921    

65,048    

7,250    

4,844     1,832,274  

(*) Recasted (see note 5 c)) 

2017 Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
 
 
   
  
   
  
 
   
    
    
  
    
  
 
   
  
  
  
 
 
   
    
    
    
    
    
  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
   
    
    
    
    
    
  
   
    
    
    
    
    
  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
   
    
    
    
    
    
  
   
    
    
    
    
    
  
   
    
    
    
    
    
  
 
 
60 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016 
(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise noted.) 

10.  Intangible assets (continued) 

In  2017,  the  Group  rebranded  certain  package  and  courier  companies  by  initiating  a  change  of  name.  This  rebranding  was 
identified as an indicator of impairment for the trade name intangibles of these companies. The group estimated the value in 
use of the trade names to be $5.8 million using the relief-from-royalty method compared to its carrying value of $19.0 million, 
resulting in an impairment charge of $13.2 million. Management assumed that the trade names have a value for 4 years and 
used a discount rate of 9.3% in its analysis. The Group also changed the amortization period to 4 years for the remaining net 
book value of these trade names only. 

Goodwill impairment test 
IFRS  requires  an  entity  to  assess  at  the  end  of  each  reporting  period  whether  there  is  any  indication  that  an  asset  may  be 
impaired.  If  such  indication  exists,  the  entity  shall  estimate  the  recoverable  amount  of  the  assets.  In  Q2  2017,  management 
determined that such an indication existed as the results of the U.S. Truckload operating segment were substantially below the 
expected results. As a result, a goodwill impairment analysis was performed only for the U.S. Truckload operating segment. 

For the purpose of impairment testing, goodwill is allocated to the Group’s operating segments which represent the lowest level 
within  the  Group at  which the  goodwill  is monitored  for  internal  management  purposes.  The  aggregate  carrying  amounts  of 
goodwill allocated to the U.S. Truckload operating segment, prior to any impairment, was $441.8 million as at June 30, 2017 
(December 31, 2016 - $444.8 million). 

The Group performed a goodwill impairment test as at June 30, 2017. The results using the value in use approach determined 
that the recoverable amount of the U.S. Truckload operating segment was lower than the carrying amount at June 30, 2017. 
The Group recognized a goodwill impairment charge of $129.8 million. 

The value in use methodology is based on discounted future cash flows. Management believes that the discounted future cash 
flows method is appropriate as it allows more precise valuation of specific future cash flows. 

The estimated future cash flows were discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate of 11.2% (2016 - 11.2%) 
at  June  30,  2017  for  the  U.S.Truckload.  The  discount  rate  was  estimated  based  on  past  experience,  and  industry  average 
weighted  average  cost  of  capital,  which  were  based  on  a  possible  range  of  debt  leveraging  of  40.0%  (2016  –  40.0%)  at  a 
market interest rate of 6.8% (2016 – 6.7%). 

First year cash flows were projected based on previous operating results and reflect current economic conditions. For a further 
4-year  period,  cash  flows  were  extrapolated  using  an  average  growth  rate  of  2.0%  (2016  –  2.0%)  in  revenues  and  margins 
were adjusted where deemed appropriate. The terminal value growth rate was 2.0% (2016 – 2.0%). The values assigned to the 
key assumptions represent management’s assessment of future trends in the transportation industry and were based on both 
external and internal sources (historical data). 

The recoverable amount for the U.S. Truckload calculated at June 30, 2017 was $869.7 million ($1,257.6 million – December 
31, 2016) as compared to a carrying amount of $999.5 million on June 30, 2017 ($960.0 million – December 31, 2016). 

At December 31, 2017, the Group performed its annual goodwill impairment tests for operating segments which represent the 
lowest level within the Group at which the goodwill is monitored for internal management purposes. The  aggregate carrying 
amounts of goodwill allocated to each unit are as follows: 

Reportable segment / operating segment 

Package and Courier 
Less-Than-Truckload 
Truckload 

Canadian Truckload 
U.S. Truckload 
Specialized Truckload 

Logistics 

(*) Recasted for changes in composition of reportable segments and note 5 c). 

2017  

359,557  
159,261  

110,298  
292,582  
360,547  
108,966  

2016*  

367,430  
150,334  

110,298  
444,752  
346,851  
96,691  

1,391,211  

  1,516,356  

TFI International 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016 
(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise noted.) 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

61 

10.  Intangible assets (continued) 

The  results  as  at  December  31,  2017 determined  that  the  recoverable  amounts  of  the  Group’s  operating  segments  exceeded 
their respective carrying amounts. 

The recoverable amounts of the Group’s operating segments were determined using the value in use approach. The value in use 
methodology is based on discounted future cash flows. Management believes that the discounted future cash flows method is 
appropriate as it allows more precise valuation of specific future cash flows. 

In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using pre-tax discount rates as 
follows:  

Reportable segment / operating segment 

Package and Courier 

Less-Than-Truckload 

Truckload 

Canadian Truckload 

U.S. Truckload 

Specialized Truckload 

Logistics 

2017  

9.5%  

10.1%  

11.9%  

11.3%  

11.9%  

10.7%  

2016  

9.4%  

10.0%  

11.2%  

11.2%  

11.8%  

10.6%  

The discount rates were estimated based on past experience, and industry average weighted average cost of capital, which were 
based on a possible range of debt leveraging of 40.0% (2016 – 40.0%) at a market interest rate of 7.0% (2016 – 6.7%). 

First year cash flows were projected based on previous operating results and reflect current economic conditions. For a further 
4-year  period,  cash  flows  were  extrapolated  using  an  average  growth  rate  of  2.0%  (2016  –  2.0%)  in  revenues  and  margins 
were adjusted where deemed appropriate. The terminal value growth rate was 2.0% (2016 – 2.0%). The values assigned to the 
key assumptions represent management’s assessment of future trends in the transportation industry and were based on both 
external and internal sources (historical data). 

11.  Other assets 

Promissory note 

Investments in equity securities 

Restricted cash 

Security deposits 

Other 

Note  

6  

2017 

20,739  

6,310  

4,294  

3,748  

783  

2016 

18,962  

15,884  

4,294  

3,645  

24  

35,874 

42,809  

Restricted  cash  consists  of  cash  held  as  potential  claims  collateral  pursuant  to  re-insurance  agreements  under  the  Group’s 
insurance program. 

12.  Trade and other payables 

Trade payables and accrued expenses 
Personnel accrued expenses 
Dividend payable 

(*) Recasted (see note 15) 

2017  

305,781  
101,317  
18,717  

425,815  

2016*  

318,480  
119,296  
17,399  

455,175  

The Group’s exposure to currency and liquidity risk related to trade and other payables is disclosed in note 25. 

2017 Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
62 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016 
(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise noted.) 

13.  Long-term debt 

This note provides information about the contractual terms of the Group’s interest-bearing long-term debt, which are measured 
at amortized cost. For more information about the Group’s exposure to interest rate, foreign exchange currency and liquidity, 
see note 25. 

Non-current liabilities 

Revolving facility 

Term loans 

Unsecured debentures 

Conditional sales contracts 

Finance lease liabilities 

Other long-term debt 

Current liabilities 

Current portion of conditional sales contracts 

Current portion of finance lease liabilities 

Current portion of other long-term debt 

2017  

2016  

690,893  

572,788  

124,738  

52,553  

4,997  

—  

767,034  

571,663  

124,552  

42,758  

12,401  

25,909  

  1,445,969  

  1,544,317  

33,502  

9,959  

8,966  

52,427  

29,807  

9,869  

822  

40,498  

Terms and conditions of outstanding long-term debt are as follows: 

Currency  

Nominal  
interest rate  

Year of  
maturity  

Face  
value  

Carrying  
amount  

Face  
value  

Carrying  
amount   

2017 

2016 

Revolving facility 
Revolving facility 
Term loan 
Unsecured debentures 
Term loan 
Conditional sales 

contracts 

Finance lease liabilities 
Other long-term debt 

  a  
  a  
  a  
  b  
  c  

C$    
US$    
C$    
C$    
C$    

BA + 2.15%    
Libor + 2.15%    

2021     250,400  
2021     354,851  
BA + 2.15%     2019-2020     500,000  
2020     125,000  
3.00 - 3.45%    
75,000  
2019    
3.95%    

248,720  
442,173  
497,957  
124,738  
74,831  

  302,900  
  348,953  
  500,000  
  125,000  
  75,000  

  d   Mainly C$     1.99% - 3,81%     2018-2022    
  e   Mainly C$     2.35% - 6.90%     2018-2022    
2018    
C$     4.30% - 4.75%    

86,055  
14,956  
8,966  

86,055  
14,956  
8,966  

  72,565  
  22,270  
  26,731  

301,170  
465,864  
496,933  
124,552  
74,730  

72,565  
22,270  
26,731  

  1,498,396  

  1,584,815  

In 2017, in addition to the repayments and new borrowings, the debt decreased due to currency fluctuations by $23.3 million 
and increased by $2.5 million due to the amortization of deferred financing fees. 

TFI International 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
    
    
  
 
 
 
   
 
  
 
   
 
   
 
    
    
    
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
    
    
    
  
 
  
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016 
(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise noted.) 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

63 

13.  Long-term debt (continued) 

a)  Revolving credit facility 

On  May  17,  2017,  the  Group  extended  its  existing  revolving  credit  facility,  by  one  year,  to  June  2021.  The  facility  is 
unsecured  and  can  be  extended  annually.  The  total  available  amount  under  the  revolving  facility  is  $1,200  million.  The 
agreement still provides, under certain conditions, an additional $250 million of credit availability (C$245 million and US$5 
million).  Based  on  certain  ratios,  the  interest  rate  will  vary  between  banker’s  acceptance  rate  (or  Libor  rate  on  US$ 
denominated debt) plus applicable margin, which can vary between 125 basis points and 275 basis points. As of December 
31, 2017, the credit facility’s interest rate on CAD denominated debt was 3.5% (2016 – 3.0%) and on US$ denominated 
debt was 3.7% (2016 – 2.7%). The Group is subject to certain covenants regarding the maintenance of financial ratios and 
was  in  compliance  with  these  covenants  at  year-end  (see  note  25  (f)).  Deferred  financing  fees  of  $0.9  million  were 
recognized on the extension.  

On December  21, 2017, the  Group extended the maturity  of the term loan by eight months for each tranche. The term 
loan is within the confines of the credit facility for the specific purpose of acquiring CFI. This term loan remains at a total of 
$500 million, with $200 million now due in June 2019 and $300 million due in 2020. Early repayment, in part or whole is 
permitted, and will permanently reduce the amount borrowed. The terms and conditions of the facility are the same as the 
credit  facility  and  is  subject  to  the  same  covenants.  Deferred  financing  fees  of  $0.2  million  were  recognized  on  the 
extension. 

b)  Unsecured debentures 

Loan agreement is in the form of unsecured debentures carrying an interest rate between 3% and 3.45% depending on 
certain ratios and with a December 2020 maturity date. The debentures may be repaid, without penalty, after December 
18, 2019, subject to the approval of the Group’s syndicate of bank lenders.  

c)  Term loan 

This loan takes the form of a term loan carrying an interest rate of 3.95% and with an August 2019 maturity date. This 
second  ranking  term  loan  may  be  repaid  prior  to  the  maturity  subject  to  the  approval  of  the  Group’s  syndicate  of  bank 
lenders. Repayment prior to August 18, 2018 would result in an early repayment penalty. No penalty would apply after this 
date. 

d)   Conditional sales contracts 

Conditional sales contracts are secured by rolling stock having a carrying value of $120.4 million (2016 - $104.1 million) (see note 
9). 

e)   Finance lease liabilities 

Finance lease liabilities are secured by rolling stock having a carrying value of $32.3 million (2016 - $36.1 million) (see note 
9). Finance lease liabilities are payable as follows: 

Future minimum lease payments 
Interest 

Present value of minimum lease payments 

Less than  
1 year  

10,478  
(519 ) 

9,959  

1 to 5   More than  
5 years  
years  

5,244    
(247 )   

4,997    

—  
—  

—  

Total   

15,722  
(766 ) 

14,956  

f)  Principal installments of other long-term debt payable during the subsequent years are as follows: 

Revolving facility 
Term loans 
Unsecured debentures 
Conditional sales contracts 
Other long-term debt 

Less than  
1 year  

—  
—  
—  
33,502  
8,966  

42,468  

1 to 5   More than  
5 years  
years  

694,116  
575,000  
125,000  
52,553  
—  

1,446,669  

—  
—  
—  
—  
—  

—  

Total   

694,116  
575,000  
125,000  
86,055  
8,966  

1,489,137  

2017 Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
64 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016 
(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise noted.) 

14.  Employee benefits 

The Group sponsors defined benefit pension plans for 259 of its employees (2016 – 289). 

These  plans  are  all  within  Canada  and  include  one  unregistered  plan.  All  the  defined  benefit  plans  are  no  longer  offered  to 
employees and two defined benefits plan in the past have already been converted prospectively to defined contribution plans. 
Therefore, the future obligation will only vary by actuarial re-measurements. 

With the exception of one plan, all other plans do not have recurring contributions for employees. These plans are still required 
to fund past service costs. The remaining plan is fully funded by the Group.  

The Group measures its accrued benefit obligations and the fair value of plan assets for accounting purposes as at December 31 
of each year. The most recent actuarial valuation of the pension plans for funding purposes was as of December 31, 2016 and 
the next required valuation will be as of December 31, 2017. 

In  addition  to  the  above  mentioned  defined  benefit  plans,  the  Group  sponsors  employee  severance  plan  in  Mexico.  At 
December 31, 2017, total obligation under this arrangement amounted to $0.7 million (nil in 2016). 

Information about the Group’s defined benefit pension plans is as follows: 

Accrued benefit obligation 
Fair value of plan assets 

Plan deficit - employee benefit liability 

Plan assets comprise: 

Equity securities 

Debt securities 

Other 

2017  

48,689  
(31,822 ) 

16,867  

2016  

45,942  
(31,660 ) 

14,282  

2017  

33%  

59%  

8%  

2016  

32%  

60%  

8%  

All equity and debt securities have quoted prices in active markets. Debt securities are held through mutual funds and primarily 
hold investments with ratings of AAA or AA, based on Moody’s ratings.  

The other asset categories are real estate investment trusts. 

Movement in the present value of the accrued benefit obligation for defined benefit plans: 

Accrued benefit obligation, beginning of year 

Current service cost 

Interest cost 

Benefits paid 

Remeasurement loss arising from: 

- Financial assumptions 

- Experience 

Accrued benefit obligation, end of year 

2017  

45,942  

591  

1,729  

(2,661 ) 

1,839  

1,249  

2016  

46,908  

541  

1,744  

(3,772 ) 

132  

389  

48,689  

45,942  

TFI International 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016 
(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise noted.) 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

65 

14.  Employee benefits (continued) 

Movement in the fair value of plan assets for defined benefit plans: 

Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year 

Interest income 

Employer contributions 

Benefits paid 

Remeasurement gain arising from financial assumptions 

Plan administration expenses 

Fair value of plan assets, end of year 

Expense recognized in income or loss: 

Current service cost 

Net interest cost 

Plan administration expenses 

Pension expense 

Actual return on plan assets 

Actuarial losses recognized in other comprehensive income: 

Amount accumulated in retained earnings, beginning of year 

Recognized during the year 

Amount accumulated in retained earnings, end of year 

Recognized during the year, net of tax 

The significant actuarial assumptions used (expressed as weighted average): 

Accrued benefit obligation: 

Discount rate at December 31 

Future salary increases 

Employee benefit expense: 

Discount rate at January 1 

Rate of return on plan assets at January 1 

Future salary increases 

2017  

2016  

31,660  

33,147  

1,193  

1,314  

(2,661 ) 

456  

(140 ) 

1,206  

138  

(3,772 ) 

1,077  

(136 ) 

31,822  

31,660  

2017  

2016  

591  

536  

140  

1,267  

1,649  

2017  

10,692  

2,632  

13,324  

1,930  

541  

538  

136  

1,215  

2,283  

2016  

11,248  

(556 ) 

10,692  

(407 ) 

2017  

2016  

3.5%  

1.2%  

3.9%  

3.9%  

1.1%  

3.9%  

2.9%  

3.9%  

3.9%  

2.9%  

2017 Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
66 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016 
(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise noted.) 

14.  Employee benefits (continued) 

Assumptions regarding future mortality are based on published statistics and mortality tables. The current longevities underlying 
the value of the liabilities in the defined benefit plans are as follows: 

Longevity at age 65 for current pensioners 

Males 

Females 

Longevity at age 65 for current members aged 45 

Males 

Females 

2017  

2016  

21.7  

24.1  

22.8  

25.1  

21.6  

24.1  

22.7  

25.0  

At December 31, 2017 the weighted-average duration of the defined benefit obligation was 12.0 years. 

The following table presents the impact of changes of major assumptions on the defined benefit obligation for the years ended 
December 31: 

Discount rate (1% movement) 

Life expectancy (1-year movement) 

Historical information: 

2017 

2016 

Increase 

  Decrease 

Increase 

  Decrease  

(5,050 ) 

1,145  

6,173  

(1,046 ) 

(5,169 ) 

1,065  

6,304  

(1,097 ) 

Present value of the accrued benefit obligation 

    48,689  

    45,942  

    46,908  

    46,620  

    41,441  

Fair value of plan assets 

Deficit in the plan 

(31,822 ) 

(31,660 ) 

(33,147 ) 

(32,973 ) 

(28,888 ) 

16,867  

14,282  

13,761  

13,647  

12,553  

2017       

2016       

2015       

2014       

2013     

Experience adjustments arising on plan obligations 

Experience adjustments arising on plan assets 

3,088  

456  

521  

1,077  

738  

278  

5,201  

2,492  

(1,161 ) 

2,736  

The Group expects approximately $1.0 million in contributions to be paid to its defined benefit plans in 2018. 

15.  Provisions 

Balance at January 1, 2017 
Provisions made during the year 
Provisions used during the year 
Provisions reversed during the year 
Revaluation of provisions 

Balance at December 31, 2017 

2017 
Current provisions 
Non-current provisions 

2016 
Current provisions 
Non-current provisions 

TFI International 

Self insurance  

53,424  
65,694  
(61,318 ) 
(1,408 ) 
(1,177 ) 

55,215  

Other  

12,352  
11,310  
(7,088 ) 
(65 ) 
—  

16,509  

Total   

65,776  
77,004  
(68,406 ) 
(1,473 ) 
(1,177 ) 

71,724  

26,992  
28,223  

5,352  
11,157  

32,344  
39,380  

21,370  
32,054  

—  
12,352  

21,370  
44,406  

 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016 
(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise noted.) 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

67 

15.  Provisions (continued) 

As at December 31, 2017, the current portion of provisions is being disclosed separately from the trade and other payables. The 
prior period comparative figures have been recasted for this change in presentation.  

Self-insurance  provisions  represent  the  uninsured  portion  of  outstanding  claims  at  year-end.  The  current  portion  reflects  the 
amount expected to be paid in the following year. Due to the long-term nature of the liability, the provision has been calculated 
using a discount rate of 3.0%. 

16.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities 

Property and equipment 

Intangible assets 

Derivative financial instruments and investment in equity securities 

Long-term debt 

Employee benefits 

Provisions 

Tax losses 

Other 

Net deferred tax liabilities 

Presented as: 

Deferred tax assets 

Deferred tax liabilities 

(*) Recasted (see note 5 c)) 

Movement in temporary differences during the year: 

   Recognized  
in income or  
loss from  

Recognized  
in income or  
loss from  
continuing   discontinued  
operations  
operations  

Balance  
  December 31,  
2015  

Partnership investments 

(9,953 )    

9,953      

Property and equipment 

Intangible assets 

Long-term debt 

Employee benefits 

Provisions 

Tax losses 

Other 

(140,986 )  

(117,351 )  

10,553    

5,305    

10,671    

14,284    

(1,680 )  

14,222    

(4,650 )  

1,850    

1,886    

(13,734 )  

(386 )  

4,389    

Net deferred tax liabilities 

(227,863 )  

12,236    

—  

218  

(1,299 ) 

13  

—  

(572 ) 

—  

(2,046 ) 

(3,686 ) 

2017  

2016*  

(181,628 ) 

(103,987 ) 

(1,890 ) 

3,877  

9,730  

13,025  

6,583  

(764 ) 

(270,191 ) 

(136,028 ) 

1,248  

5,903  

7,102  

21,334  

550  

(442 ) 

(255,054 ) 

(370,524 ) 

5,138  

8,410  

(260,192 ) 

(378,934 ) 

Transfer of    

Recognized  
directly in  

Acquired  
in business  
equity   combinations*  

Balance  
group   December 31,  
2016*  

held for sale  

   deferred taxes  
to disposal  

—      

—      

—  

—      

2,151    

1,001    

—    

(53 )  

—    

—    

(3,166 )  

(130,659 )  

(32,976 )  

—    

—    

9,457    

—    

—    

(67 )  

(154,178 )  

765    

375    

(13 )  

—    

(108 )  

—    

2,015    

3,034    

(270,191 ) 

(136,028 ) 

5,903  

7,102  

21,334  

550  

806  

(370,524 ) 

2017 Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
   
 
    
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
   
      
   
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
68 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016 
(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise noted.) 

16.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities (continued) 

Balance  
December 31,  

2016    

(270,191 )     
(136,028 )   
5,903    
7,102    
21,334    
550    
806    

Recognized    
in income or    
loss from  
continuing  
operations    

78,470      
37,880    
(2,026 )   
1,862    
(7,274 )   
6,730    
(2,052 )   

Property and equipment 
Intangible assets 
Long-term debt 
Employee benefits 
Provisions 
Tax losses 
Other 

Net deferred tax liabilities 

(370,524 )   

113,590    

(*) Restated (see note 5 c)) 

Recognized  
directly in  

equity    

11,683      
4,834    
—    
766    
(1,135 )   
(697 )   
(1,408 )   

14,043    

Acquired  
in business  
combinations    

Balance  
December 31,  

2017    

(1,590 )     

(10,673 )   
—    
—    
100    
—    
—    

(12,163 )   

(181,628 ) 
(103,987 ) 
3,877  
9,730  
13,025  
6,583  
(2,654 ) 

(255,054 ) 

Tax losses expire between 2027 and 2037 and the related deferred tax assets have been recognized because it is probable that 
future taxable income will be available to benefit from these losses. 

17.  Share capital and other components of equity 

The  Company  is  authorized  to  issue  an  unlimited  number  of  common  shares  and  preferred  shares,  issuable  in  series.  Both 
common and preferred shares are without par value. All issued shares are fully paid. 

The common shares entitle the holders thereof to one vote per share. The holders of the common shares are entitled to receive 
dividends as declared from time to time. Subject to the rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attached to any other class 
of shares of the Company, the holders of the common shares are entitled to receive the remaining property of the Company 
upon its dissolution, liquidation or winding-up. 

The preferred shares may be issued in one or more series, with such rights and conditions as may be determined by resolution of 
the Directors who shall determine the designation, rights, privileges, conditions and restrictions to be attached to the preferred 
shares of such series. There are no voting rights attached to the preferred shares except as prescribed by law. In the event of the 
liquidation,  dissolution  or  winding-up  of  the  Company,  or  any  other  distribution  of  assets  of  the  Company  among  its 
shareholders, the holders of the preferred shares of each series are entitled to receive, with priority over the common shares and 
any  other  shares  ranking  junior  to  the  preferred  shares  of  the  Company,  an  amount  equal  to  the  redemption  price  for  such 
shares, plus an amount equal to any dividends declared thereon but unpaid and not more. The preferred shares for each series 
are also entitled to such other preferences over the common shares and any other shares ranking junior to the preferred shares 
as  may  be  determined  as  to  their  respective  series  authorized  to  be  issued.  The  preferred  shares  of  each  series  shall  be  on  a 
parity basis with the preferred shares of every other series with respect to payment of dividends and return of capital. There are 
no preferred shares currently issued and outstanding. 

The following table summarizes the number of common shares issued: 

(in number of shares) 

Balance, beginning of year 

Repurchase and cancellation of own shares 

Stock options exercised 

Repurchase and cancellation of own shares - Substantial issuer bid 

Balance, end of year 

Note  

2017  

2016  

  91,575,319  

  97,632,502  

(2,810,126 ) 

(3,742,778 ) 

19  

358,395  

385,519  

—  

(2,699,924 ) 

  89,123,588  

  91,575,319  

TFI International 

 
 
 
 
   
  
    
    
  
 
   
  
    
    
  
 
 
 
 
 
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
    
    
    
    
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016 
(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise noted.) 

17.  Share capital and other components of equity (continued) 

The following table summarizes the share capital issued and fully paid: 

Balance, beginning of year 

Repurchase and cancellation of own shares 

Cash consideration of stock options exercised 

Ascribed value credited to share capital on stock options exercised 

Issuance of shares on settlement of RSUs 

Balance, end of year 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

69 

2017  

723,390  

(22,231 ) 

6,234  

1,514  

2,129  

2016  

764,343  

(50,478 ) 

6,517  

1,742  

1,266  

711,036  

723,390  

Pursuant to the renewal of the normal course issuer bid (“NCIB”) which began on October 2, 2017 and expiring on October 1, 
2018, the Company is authorized to repurchase for cancellation up to a maximum of 6,000,000 of its common shares under 
certain conditions. As at December 31, 2017, and since the inception of this NCIB, the Company has repurchased and cancelled 
979,400 common shares under this NCIB. 

During 2017, the Company repurchased 2,810,126 common shares at a price ranging from $26.56 to $32.00 per share for a 
total purchase price of $81.6 million relating to the NCIB. During 2016, the Company repurchased 3,742,778 common shares at 
a  price  ranging  from  $22.00 to  $27.30  per  share  for  a  total  purchase  price  of  $91.8  million  relating  to  a  previous  NCIB.  The 
excess  of  the  purchase  price  paid  over  the  carrying  value  of  the  shares  repurchased  in  the  amount  of  $59.3  million  (2016  – 
$62.4 million) was charged to retained earnings as share repurchase premium. 

On February 11, 2016, the Company announced a substantial issuer bid (“SIB”) to purchase, for cancellation, up to 10 million 
common shares for an aggregate purchase price not to exceed $220 million (the ‘Offer’). 

The Offer was made by way of a “modified Dutch Auction” pursuant to which shareholders may tender all or a portion of their 
shares (i) at a price not less than $19.00 and not more than $22.00 per share, in increments of $0.10 per share, or (ii) without 
specifying a purchase price, in which case their shares would be purchased at the purchase price determined in accordance with 
the Offer. 

The offer expired on March 28, 2016. The Company purchased and cancelled 2,699,924 common shares at a price of $22.00 
per share, for a total purchase price of $59.4 million relating to this SIB. The excess of the purchase price paid over the carrying 
value of the shares repurchased in the amount of $38.3 million was charged to retained earnings as share repurchase premium. 

Contributed surplus 
The contributed surplus account is used to record amounts arising on the issue of equity-settled share-based payment awards 
(see note 19). 

Accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) 
At December 31, 2017 and 2016, AOCI is comprised of accumulated foreign currency translation differences arising from the 
translation of the financial statements of foreign operations, changes in fair value of available for sale financial assets (prior to 
the adoption of IFRS 9), financial assets measured at fair value through OCI, gain or loss on net investment hedge, realized gains 
on investments, cash flow hedges and defined benefit plan remeasurement gain or loss. 

Dividends 
In 2017, the Company declared dividends amounting to 78.0 cents per common share (2016 – 70.0 cents) for a total of $70.3 
million (2016 - $64.9 million). After December 31, 2017 no dividends were declared by the Board of Directors. 

2017 Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
70 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016 
(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise noted.) 

18.  Earnings per share 

Basic earnings per share 
The basic earnings per share and the weighted average number of common shares outstanding have been calculated as follows: 

(in thousands of dollars and number of shares) 

Net income attributable to owners of the Company 

Net income from continuing operations 

Issued common shares, beginning of year 

Effect of stock options exercised 

Effect of repurchase of own shares 

Weighted average number of common shares 

Earnings per share – basic 

Earnings per share from continuing operations – basic 

2017  

157,988  

157,988  

2016  

639,579  

157,059  

91,575,319  

  97,632,502  

109,479  

94,049  

(1,191,059 ) 

(4,017,885 ) 

90,493,739  

  93,708,666  

1.75  

1.75  

6.83  

1.68  

Diluted earnings per share 
The  diluted  earnings  per  share  and  the  weighted  average  number  of  common  shares  outstanding  after  adjustment  for  the 
effects of all dilutive common shares have been calculated as follows: 

(in thousands of dollars and number of shares) 

Net income attributable to owners of the Company 

Net income from continuing operations attributable to owners of the Company, 
adjusted for dilution effect 

Weighted average number of common shares 

Dilutive effect: 

Stock options and restricted share units 

Weighted average number of diluted common shares 

Earnings per share - diluted 

Earnings per share from continuing operations - diluted 

2017  

157,988  

2016  

639,579  

157,988  

157,059  

90,493,739  

  93,708,666  

2,284,144  

1,811,827  

92,777,883  

  95,520,493  

1.70  

1.70  

6.70  

1.64  

As  at  December  31,  2017,  394,056  stock  options  were  excluded  from  the  calculation  of  diluted  earnings  per  share  as  these 
options were deemed to be anti-dilutive (2016 – 1,909,897). 

The average market value of the Company’s shares for purposes of calculating the dilutive effect of stock options was based on 
quoted market prices for the period during which the options were outstanding. 

TFI International 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016 
(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise noted.) 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

71 

19.  Share-based payment arrangements 

Stock option plan 
The Company offers a stock option plan for the benefit of certain of its employees. The maximum number of shares that can be 
issued upon the exercise of options granted under the current 2012 stock option plan is 5,979,201. Each stock option entitles 
its holder to receive one common share upon exercise. The exercise price payable for each option is determined by the Board of 
Directors  at  the  date  of  grant,  and  may  not  be  less  than  the  closing  price  of  volume  weighted  average  trading  price  of  the 
Company’s  shares  for  the  last  five  trading  days  immediately  preceding  the  grant  date.  The  options  vest  in  equal  installments 
over three years and the expense is recognized following the accelerated method as each installment is fair valued separately. 
The table below summarizes the changes in the outstanding stock options: 

(in thousands of options and in dollars) 

Balance, beginning of year 

Granted 

Exercised 

Forfeited 

Balance, end of year 

2017  

Number  
of  
options  

Weighted   Number  
of  
options  

average  
exercise price  

2016  
Weighted   
average   
exercise price   

5,496  

395  

(358 )   

(40 )   

5,493  

18.02  

35.02  

17.39  

28.21  

19.22  

4,934  

1,039  

(386 ) 

(91 ) 

5,496  

16.67  

24.64  

16.90  

24.75  

18.02  

Options exercisable, end of year 

4,170  

16.52  

3,764  

14.92  

The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2017: 

(in thousands of options and in dollars) 

Options outstanding 

Options exercisable  

Exercise prices 

6.32 

9.46 

14.28 

16.46 

20.18 

24.64 

24.93 

25.14 

35.02 

Weighted  
average  
remaining  
contractual life  
(in years)  

Number  
of  
options  

685  

620  

381  

665  

632  

988  

786  

354  

382  

5,493  

1.6  

2.6  

0.6  

1.6  

2.6  

5.6  

4.6  

3.6  

6.1  

3.3  

Number   
of   
options   

685  

620  

381  

665  

632  

324  

509  

354  

—  

4,170  

Of  the  options  outstanding  at  December  31,  2017,  a  total  of  4,456,400  (2016  –  4,667,432)  are  held  by  key  management 
personnel. 

The weighted average share price at the date of exercise for stock options exercised in 2017 was $31.79 (2016 – $29.99).  

In 2017, the Group recognized a compensation expense of $3.4 million (2016 – $3.1 million) with a corresponding increase to 
contributed surplus. 

2017 Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
72 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016 
(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise noted.) 

19.  Share-based payment arrangements (continued) 

On February 16, 2017, the Board of Directors approved the grant of 395,113 stock options under the Company’s stock option 
plan of which 240,254 were granted to key management personnel. The options vest in equal installments over three years and 
have  a  life  of  seven  years.  The  fair  value  of  the  stock  options  granted  was  estimated  using  the  Black-Scholes  option  pricing 
model using the following weighted average assumptions: 

Average expected option life 

Risk-free interest rate 

Expected stock price volatility 

Average dividend yield 

February 16, 2017  

July 21, 2016  

4.5 years  

1.04%  

22.46%  

2.17%  

4.5 years  

0.56%  

23.01%  

2.83%  

Weighted average fair value per option of options granted 

$ 

5.34  

$ 

3.33  

Deferred share unit plan for board members 
The Company offers a deferred share unit plan (“DSU”) for its board members. Under this plan, board members may elect to 
receive cash, deferred share units or a combination of both for their compensation. The following table provides the number of 
units related to this plan: 

(in units) 

Balance, beginning of year 

Board members compensation 

Deferred share units redeemed 

Dividends paid in units 

Balance, end of year 

2017  

260,567  

27,633  

(13,428 ) 

6,551  

281,323  

2016  

255,053  

36,031  

(38,108 ) 

7,591  

260,567  

In 2017, the Group recognized, as a result of deferred share units, a compensation expense of $0.9 million (2016 - $1.0 million) 
with a corresponding increase to trade and other payables. In addition, in other finance costs, the Group recognized a mark-to-
market gain of $0.3 million on deferred share units in 2017 (2016 – loss of $3.2 million).  

As  at  December  31,  2017,  the  total  carrying  amount  of  liabilities  for  cash-settled  arrangements  recorded  in  trade  and  other 
payables amounted to $9.3 million (2016 - $9.1 million). 

Performance contingent restricted share unit plan 
The  Company  offers  an  equity  incentive  plan  to  the  benefits  of  senior  employees  of  the  Group.  The  plan  provides  for  the 
issuance of restricted share units (‘‘RSUs’’) under conditions to be determined by the Board of Directors. The RSUs will vest in 
December  of  the  second  year  from  the  grant  date.  Upon  satisfaction  of  the  required  service  period,  the  plan  provides  for 
settlement of the award through shares. 

On  February  16,  2017,  the  Company  granted  a  total  of  60,931  RSUs  under  the  Company’s  equity  incentive  plan  of  which 
36,494 were granted to key management personnel. The fair value of the RSUs is determined to be the share price fair value at 
the date of the grant and is recognized as a share-based compensation expense, through contributed surplus, over the vesting 
period. The fair value of the RSU’s granted during the year was $35.02 per unit.  

TFI International 

 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016 
(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise noted.) 

19.  Share-based payment arrangements (continued) 

The table below summarizes changes to the outstanding RSUs:  

(in thousands of RSUs and in dollars) 

Balance, beginning of year 

Granted 

Reinvested 

Settled 

Forfeited 

Balance, end of year 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

73 

2017  
   Weighted  
average  
exercise  
price  

Number  
of  
RSUs  

2016  
   Weighted  
average  
exercise  
price  

Number  
of  
RSUs  

281  

61  

8  

(143 ) 

(1 ) 

206  

24.78  

35.02  

26.14  

24.93  

29.14  

27.74  

224  

143  

7  

(86 ) 

(7 ) 

281  

25.01  

24.64  

24.98  

25.13  

24.95  

24.78  

The following table summarizes information about RSUs outstanding and exercisable as at December 31, 2017: 

(in thousands of RSUs and in dollars) 

Exercise prices 

24.64 

35.02 

RSUs outstanding 

Number of  
RSUs  

Remaining  
contractual life  
(in years)  

145  

61  

206  

1.0  

2.0  

1.3  

The weighted average share price at the date of settlement of RSUs vested in 2017 was $32.87 (2016 – $33.53). The excess of 
the purchase price paid over the carrying value of shares repurchased for settlement of the award, in the amount of $3.3 million 
(2016 – $2.1 million), was charged to retained earnings as share repurchase premium. 

In  2017,  the  Group  recognized  as  a  result  of  RSUs  a  compensation  expense  of  $3.4  million  (2016  -  $3.0  million)  with  a 
corresponding increase to contributed surplus. 

Of the RSUs outstanding at December 31, 2017, a total of 129,246 (2016 – 198,832) are held by key management personnel. 

20.  Operating expenses 

The  Group’s  operating  expenses  from  continuing  operations  include:  a)  materials  and  services  expenses,  which  are  primarily 
costs related to independent contractors and vehicle operation; vehicle operation expenses, which primarily include fuel, repairs 
and  maintenance,  insurance,  permits  and  operating  supplies;  b)  personnel  expenses;  c)  other  operating  expenses,  which  are 
primarily  composed  of  costs  related  to  offices’  and  terminals’  rent,  taxes,  heating,  telecommunications,  maintenance  and 
security and other general administrative expenses; and d) depreciation, amortization and gain or loss on disposition of rolling 
stock and equipment. 

Materials and services expenses 

Independent contractors 

Vehicle operation expenses 

Personnel expenses 

Other operating expenses 

Depreciation of property and equipment 

Amortization of intangible assets 

Gain on sale of rolling stock and equipment 

2017  

2016  

1,931,800    

1,751,707  

808,034    

600,887  

2,739,834    

2,352,594  

1,220,871    

268,599    

209,557    

61,200    

998,031  

243,713  

139,439  

53,647  

(2,766 )   

(11,481 ) 

4,497,295    

3,775,943  

2017 Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
74 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016 
(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise noted.) 

21.  Sale of assets held for sale  

During  the  year  ended  December  31,  2017,  the  Group  disposed  of  properties  classified  as  assets  held  for  sale  for  total 
consideration of $174.8 million (2016 – nil). The Group has concluded a number of sale and leaseback transactions. The all-cash 
transactions totalling $166.4 million resulted in a pre-tax gain of $78.0 million. As a result of these transactions, commitments 
increased by $112.1 million at December 31, 2017.  

22.  Personnel expenses 

Short-term employee benefits 

Contributions to defined contribution plans 

Current and past service costs related to defined benefit plans 

Termination benefits 

Equity-settled share-based payment transactions 

Cash-settled share-based payment transactions 

23.  Finance income and finance costs 

Recognized in income or loss: 

(Income) costs 

Interest expense on long-term debt 

Interest income and accretion on promissory note 

Net foreign exchange loss 

Net change in fair value of foreign exchange derivatives 

Net change in fair value of interest rate derivatives 

Other financial expenses 

Reclassification to income of gain on investment in equity securities 

Net finance costs 

Presented as: 

Finance income 

Finance costs 

24.  Income tax expense  

Note  

2017  

2016  

14  

19  

19  

1,187,950  

970,855  

11,499  

12,394  

591  

13,091  

6,817  

923  

541  

7,063  

6,164  

1,014  

1,220,871  

998,031  

2017  

56,758  

(2,638 ) 

2,491  

(1,247 ) 

(365 ) 

6,076  

—  

61,075  

(4,250 ) 

65,325  

2016  

41,201  

(2,374 ) 

2,110  

(1,392 ) 

6,232  

10,171  

(1,066 ) 

54,882  

(4,832 ) 

59,714  

On December 22, 2017, the President of the United States signed into law the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“U.S. Tax Reform”). The 
U.S. Tax Reform reduces the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, effective as of January 1, 2018. The U.S. 
Tax Reform also allows for immediate capital expensing of new investments in certain qualified depreciable assets made after 
September  27,  2017,  which  will  be  phased  down  starting  in  year  2023.  As  a  result  of  the  U.S.  Tax  Reform,  the  Group’s  net 
deferred income tax liability decreased by $76.1 million. 

The  U.S.  Tax  Reform  introduces  other  important  changes  to  U.S.  corporate  income  tax  laws  that  may  significantly  affect  the 
Group in future years including the creation of a new Base Erosion Anti-abuse Tax (BEAT) that subjects certain payments from 
U.S. corporations to foreign related parties to additional taxes, and limitations to the deduction for net interest expense incurred 
by  U.S.  corporations.  Future  regulations  and  interpretations  to  be  issued  by  U.S.  authorities  may  also  impact  the  Group’s 
estimates and assumptions used in calculating its income tax provisions.  

TFI International 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016 
(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise noted.) 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

75 

24.  Income tax expense (continued) 

Income tax recognized in income or loss: 

Current tax expense 

Current year 

Adjustment for prior years 

Deferred tax expense (recovery) 

Origination and reversal of temporary differences 

Variation in tax rate 

Adjustment for prior years 

Income tax expense (recovery) from continuing operations 

Income tax recognized in other comprehensive income: 

2017  

2016  

74,148  

(1,200 ) 

72,948  

(34,455 ) 

(76,244 ) 

(2,891 ) 

(113,590 ) 

(40,642 ) 

63,324  

(4,816 ) 

58,508  

(14,548 ) 

(34 ) 

2,346  

(12,236 ) 

46,272  

2017 

Tax  
(benefit)  
expense  

Before  
tax  

Net of  
tax  

Before  
Tax  

2016 

Tax  
(benefit)  
expense  

Net of  
tax  

(133 ) 

(17 ) 

(116 ) 

(1,217 ) 

(163 ) 

(1,054 ) 

(80,212 ) 

—  

(80,212 ) 

(24,788 ) 

—  

(24,788 ) 

(2,632 ) 
(212 ) 

(702 ) 
(64 ) 

(1,930 ) 
(148 ) 

556  
(316 ) 

149  
(95 ) 

407  
(221 ) 

(1,485 ) 
25,114  
5,352  

(54,208 ) 

(198 ) 
3,353  
1,425  

3,797  

(1,287 ) 
21,761  
3,927  

(58,005 ) 

(300 ) 
25,824  
12,454  

12,213  

(40 ) 
3,451  
3,329  

6,631  

(260 ) 
  22,373  
9,125  

5,582  

Change in fair value of investment 

in equity securities 

Foreign currency translation 

differences 

Defined benefit plan 

remeasurement gains (losses) 

Employee benefit 
Reclassification to retained earnings 
of accumulated unrealized loss 
on investment in equity securities  

Gain on net investment hedge 
Gain on cash flow hedge 

Reconciliation of effective tax rate: 

Income before income tax 

117,346  

203,331  

Income tax using the Company’s statutory tax rate 

26.8 %   

31,449  

26.9 %   

54,696  

Increase (decrease) resulting from: 

Rate differential between jurisdictions 

(31.0 %)   

(36,405 ) 

(3.7 %)   

(7,588 ) 

2017 

2016 

Variation in tax rate 

Non deductible expenses 

Tax exempt income 

Adjustment for prior years 

Others 

(65.0 %)   

(76,244 ) 

44.7 %   

52,460  

(9.0 %)   

(10,513 ) 

(3.5 %)   

2.3 %   

(4,091 ) 

2,702  

0.0 %   

1.9 %   

(1.2 %)   

(1.2 %)   

0.0 %   

(34 ) 

3,950  

(2,365 ) 

(2,470 ) 

83  

(34.7 %)   

(40,642 ) 

22.7 %   

46,272  

2017 Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
76 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016 
(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise noted.) 

25.  Financial instruments and financial risk management 

Derivative financial instruments’ fair values were as follows: 

Current assets 

Interest rate derivatives 

Non-current assets 

Interest rate derivatives 

Current liabilities 

Embedded foreign exchange 
derivatives in finance leases 

Interest rate derivatives 

Non-current liabilities 

Embedded foreign exchange 
derivatives in finance leases 

Interest rate derivatives 

Measured at fair value  
through income or loss  

Designated as effective  
cash flow hedge instruments  

Note  

2017  

2016  

2017  

2016  

a  

a  

a  

a  

—  

—  

311  

—  

311  

—  

—  

—  

—  

—  

1,062  

162  

1,224  

496  

—  

496  

4,521  

741  

4,317  

1,287  

—  

248  

248  

—  

373  

373  

—  

1,152  

1,152  

—  

3,211  

3,211  

As at December 31, 2017 and 2016, the impact to income or loss and other comprehensive income is as follows: 

Finance loss (income) 

2017  

2016  

  Other comprehensive loss   
2016  

2017  

Derivative financial instruments measured at fair value 

through income or loss: 

Cross currency interest rate swap contracts 

Interest rate derivatives 

Foreign exchange derivatives 

—  

(365 ) 

—  

11,375  

6,232  

177  

Embedded foreign exchange derivatives in finance 

leases 

(1,247 ) 

(1,569 ) 

—  

—  

—  

—  

—  

—  

—  

—  

Derivative financial instruments measured at fair value 

through other comprehensive income: 

Interest rate derivatives 

—  

—  

(1,612 ) 

16,215  

(5,352 ) 

(5,352 ) 

(12,454 ) 

(12,454 ) 

Risks 
In the normal course of its operations and through its financial assets and liabilities, the Group is exposed to the following risks: 

credit risk 
• 
• 
liquidity risk 
•  market risk. 

This note presents information about the Group’s exposure to each of the above risks, the Group’s objectives and processes for 
managing  risk,  and  the  Group’s  management  of  capital.  Further  quantitative  disclosures  are  included  throughout  these 
consolidated financial statements. 

TFI International 

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016 
(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise noted.) 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

77 

25.  Financial instruments and financial risk management (continued) 

Risk management framework 
The  Group’s  management  identifies  and  analyzes  the  risks  faced  by  the  Group,  sets  appropriate  risk  limits  and  controls,  and 
monitors risks and adherence to limits. Risk management is reviewed regularly to reflect changes in market conditions and the 
Group’s activities.  

The Board of Directors has overall responsibility of the Group’s risk management framework. The Board of Directors monitors 
the Group’s risks through its audit committee. The audit committee reports regularly to the Board of Directors on its activities. 

The Group’s audit committee oversees how management monitors and manages the Group’s risks and is assisted in its oversight 
role by the Group’s internal audit. Internal audit undertakes both regular and ad hoc reviews of risk, the results of which are 
reported to the audit committee. 

a)  Credit risk 

Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the Group if a customer or counterparty to a financial instrument fails to meet its 
contractual obligation, and arises principally from the Group’s trade receivables. The Group grants credit to its customers in 
the ordinary course of business. Management believes that the credit risk of trade receivables is limited due to the following 
reasons: 

There is a broad base of customers with dispersion across different market segments; 

• 
•  No single customer accounts for more than 10% of the Group’s revenue; 
•  Approximately 94.5% (2016 – 92.9%) of the Group’s trade receivables are not past due or 30 days or less past due; 
Bad debt expense has been approximately 0.1% (2016 – 0.1%) of consolidated revenues for the last 3 years.  
• 

Exposure to credit risk 
The Group’s maximum credit exposure corresponds to the carrying amount of the financial assets. The maximum exposure 
to credit risk at the reporting date was: 

Trade and other receivables 

Promissory note 

Derivative financial assets 

Impairment losses 
The aging of trade and other receivables at the reporting date was: 

2017  

2016  

567,106  

569,181  

20,739  

8,838  

18,962  

2,028  

596,683  

590,171  

Not past due 

Past due 1 – 30 days 

Past due 31 – 60 days 

Past due more than 60 days 

Total  
2017  

Impairment  
2017  

Total  
2016  

Impairment   
2016  

424,745  

112,135  

23,120  

14,037  

574,037  

—  

693  

2,079  

4,159  

6,931  

414,794  

114,523  

25,328  

20,961  

575,606  

—  

643  

1,928  

3,854  

6,425  

2017 Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
78 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016 
(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise noted.) 

25.  Financial instruments and financial risk management (continued) 

a)  Credit risk (continued) 

Impairment losses (continued) 

The movement in the allowance for impairment in respect of trade and other receivables during the year was as follows: 

Balance, beginning of year 

Business combinations 

Bad debt expenses 

Amount written off and recoveries 

Balance, end of year 

2017  

6,425  

651  

2,147  

(2,292 ) 

6,931  

2016  

10,277  

1,943  

113  

(5,908 ) 

6,425  

The impaired trade receivables are mostly due from customers that are experiencing financial difficulties.  

The promissory note has been individually evaluated for impairment due to its significance.  

b) 

Liquidity risk 

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group will not be able to meet its financial obligations associated with its financial liabilities 
that are settled by delivering cash or another financial asset. The Group’s approach to managing liquidity is to ensure, as far 
as  possible,  that  it  will  always  have  sufficient  liquidity  to  meet  its  liabilities  when  due,  under  both  normal  and  stressed 
conditions, without incurring unacceptable losses or risking damage to its reputation. 

Cash  inflows  and  cash  outflows  requirements  from  Group’s  entities  are  monitored  closely  and  separately  to  ensure  the 
Group  optimizes  its  cash  return  on  investment.  Typically,  the  Group  ensures  that  it  has  sufficient  cash  to  meet  expected 
operational expenses; this excludes the potential impact of extreme circumstances that cannot reasonably be predicted. The 
Group  monitors  its  short  and  medium-term  liquidity  needs  on  an  ongoing  basis  using  forecasting  tools.  In  addition,  the 
Group  maintains  a  revolving  facility,  which  has  $501.3 million  availability  at  December  31,  2017  (2016  -  $410.0 million) 
and  has  an  additional  $250 million  credit  available  (C$245 million  and  US$5 million)  under  certain  conditions  under  its 
syndicated bank agreement (2016 - $250 million, C$245 million and US$5 million). 

The following are the contractual maturities of the financial liabilities, including estimated interest payment: 

December 31, 2017 

Trade and other payables 
Long-term debt 
Derivatives financial liabilities 
Other financial liability 

December 31, 2016 

Trade and other payables 
Long-term debt 
Derivatives financial liabilities 
Other financial liability 

Carrying  
amount    

Contractual  

cash flows    

Less than  

1 year    

1 to 2  
years    

2 to 5  
years    

More than   
5 years     

425,815      

425,815      

1,498,396    
932    
14,581    

1,657,039    
932    
17,000    

425,815      
105,490    
559    
1,300    

—      

—      

352,127    
249    
6,555    

1,199,422    
124    
9,145    

1,939,724    

2,100,786    

533,164    

358,931    

1,208,691    

455,175    
1,584,815    
6,083    
5,447    

455,175    
1,741,045    
6,083    
5,692    

455,175    
91,092    
2,376    
1,300    

—    
303,998    
1,649    
1,300    

—    
1,345,955    
1,953    
3,092    

2,051,520    

2,207,995    

549,943    

306,947    

1,351,000    

—  
—  
—  
—  

—  

—  
—  
105  
—  

105  

It is not expected that the contractual cash flows could occur significantly earlier, or at significantly different amounts. 

TFI International 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
    
    
    
    
    
  
     
   
   
   
 
   
 
   
    
    
    
    
    
  
   
    
    
    
    
    
  
   
   
   
   
 
   
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016 
(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise noted.) 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

79 

25.  Financial instruments and financial risk management (continued) 

c)  Market risk 

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

The  Group  buys  and  sells  derivatives,  and  also  incurs  financial  liabilities,  in  order  to  manage  market  risks.  All  such 
transactions  are  carried  out  within  the  guidelines  set  by  the  Group’s  management  and  it  does  not  use  derivatives  for 
speculative purposes. 

d)  Currency risk 

The  Group  is  exposed  to  currency  risk  on  financial  assets  and  liabilities,  sales  and  purchases  that  are  denominated  in  a 
currency other  than the respective functional  currencies of Group entities. Primarily the Canadian entities  are exposed to 
U.S.  dollars  and  entities  having  a  functional  currency  other  than  the  Canadian  dollars  (foreign  operations)  are  not 
significantly  exposed  to  currency  risk.  The  Group  mitigates  and  manages  its  future  US$  cash  flow  by  creating  offsetting 
positions  through  the  use  of  derivatives.  These  instruments  include  foreign  exchange  contracts  and  currency  option 
instruments, which are commitments to buy or sell at a future date, and may be settled in cash. 

To mitigate its financial net liabilities exposure to foreign currency risk related to Canadian entities, the Group designated a 
portion of its U.S. dollar denominated debt as a hedging item in a net investment hedge. 

The  Group’s  financial  assets  and  liabilities  exposure  to  foreign  currency  risk  related  to  Canadian  entities  was  as  follows 
based on notional amounts: 

(in thousands of U.S. dollars) 

Trade and other receivables 
Trade and other payables 
Long-term debt 

Balance sheet exposure 
Long-term debt designated as investment hedge 

Net balance sheet exposure 

2017  

2016  

35,437  
(6,208 ) 
(328,167 ) 

(298,938 ) 
325,000  

37,644  
(5,248 ) 
(332,539 ) 

(300,143 ) 
325,000  

26,062  

24,857  

The  Group  estimates  its  annual  net  US$  denominated  cash  flow  from  operating  activities  at  approximately  $280 million 
(2016 - $240 million). This cash flow is earned evenly throughout the year. 

The following exchange rates applied during the year: 

Average US$ for the year ended December 31 
Closing US$ as at December 31 

Sensitivity analysis 

2017  

1.2982  
1.2545  

2016  

1.3245  
1.3427  

A 1-cent increase in the U.S. dollar at the reporting date, assuming all other variables, in particular interest rates, remain 
constant,  would  have  increased  (decreased)  equity  and  income  or  loss  by  the  amounts  shown  below.  The  analysis  is 
performed on the same basis for 2016. 

Balance sheet exposure 
Long-term debt designated as investment hedge 

Net balance sheet exposure 

2017 

2016 

1-cent  
Increase  

1-cent  
  Decrease  

1-cent  
Increase  

1-cent   
  Decrease   

(2,383 ) 
2,591  

208  

2,383  
(2,591 ) 

(208 ) 

(2,235 ) 
2,420  

185  

2,235  
(2,420 ) 

(185 ) 

Net impact on change in fair value of foreign exchange derivatives is not significant. 

2017 Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
80 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016 
(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise noted.) 

25.  Financial instruments and financial risk management (continued) 

e) 

Interest rate risk 
The Group’s intention is to minimize its exposure to changes in interest rates by maintaining a significant portion of fixed-
rate interest-bearing long-term debt. This is achieved by entering into interest rate swaps.  

On October 27, 2016, pursuant to the adoption of IFRS 9, the Group entered into interest rate swaps designated for cash 
flow hedges at the inception of the swap for $500 million. This variable interest debt sets interest using the 30-day Banker`s 
Acceptance  rate.  In  addition,  on  November  1,  2016,  the  Group  further  designated  for  cash  flow  hedges  of  pre-existing 
interest rate swaps of $325 million to hedge variable interest debt set using the 30-day Libor rate. A $5.4 million gain, $4.0 
million  net  of  tax,  (2016  -  $12.5  million  gain,  $9.1  million  net  of  tax)  was  recorded  on  the  marking-to-market  of  the 
interest rate derivative to other comprehensive income for these cash flow hedges.  

Ineffectiveness  in  hedging  stems  from  differences  between  the  hedged  item  and  hedging  instruments  with  respect  to 
interest  rate  characteristics,  currency,  notional  values  and  term.  For  the  year  ended  December  31,  2017,  the  derivatives 
designated  as  cash  flow  hedges  were  considered  to  be  fully  effective  and  no  ineffectiveness  has  been  recognized  in  net 
earnings. 

At  December  31,  2017  and  2016,  the  interest  rate  profile  of  the  Group’s  carrying  amount  interest-bearing  financial 
instruments excluding the effects of interest rate derivatives was: 

Fixed rate instruments 
Variable rate instruments 

2017  

307,503  
  1,190,893  

  1,498,396  

2016  

337,661  
1,247,154  

1,584,815  

The Group’s interest rate derivatives are as follows: 

2017 

2016 

   Notional    

   Notional    

   Notional    

   Notional    

  Average   Contract   Average   Contract  
Libor   Amount  
rate    

B.A.   Amount  
rate    

CDN$    

Fair  
value  

US$     CDN$        

Average   Contract   Average   Contract  
Libor   Amount  
rate    

B.A.   Amount  
rate    

CDN$    

Fair  
value  

US$     CDN$    

Coverage period: 

Less than 1 year 
1 to 2 years 
2 to 3 years 
3 to 4 years 
4 to 5 years 
5 to 6 years 

Asset (liability) 

Presented as: 

Current assets 
Non-current assets 
Current liabilities 
Non-current liabilities    

    0.98%     500,000     1.92%     325,000     4,273  
    0.99%     300,000     1.92%     325,000     3,129  
433  
218  
164  
—  

—     1.89%     237,500    
—     1.92%     100,000    
—     1.92%     75,000    
—    
—    
—    

—    
—    
—    
—    

  0.98%     500,000     1.85%     350,000    
  0.98%     500,000     1.92%     325,000    
  0.99%     300,000     1.92%     325,000    
—     1.89%     237,500    
—     1.92%     100,000    
—     1.92%     75,000    

—    
—    
—    

(573 ) 
(411 ) 
(605 ) 
(661 ) 
(141 ) 
(106 ) 

 8,217  

     4,521  
     4,317  
(248 ) 
(373 ) 

     (2,497 ) 

741  
     1,287  
     (1,314 ) 
     (3,211 ) 

The  fair  value  of  the  interest  rate  swaps  has  been  estimated  using  industry  standard  valuation  models  which  use  rates 
published on financial capital markets. 

TFI International 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
   
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
   
     
      
      
      
       
  
   
      
      
      
      
  
   
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
    
    
    
  
 
    
    
    
   
    
    
    
    
  
 
    
    
    
    
  
   
    
    
    
 
    
    
    
    
   
    
    
    
 
    
    
    
   
    
    
    
    
 
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
 
    
    
    
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016 
(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise noted.) 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

81 

25.  Financial instruments and financial risk management (continued) 

Fair value sensitivity analysis for fixed rate instruments 
The Group does not account for any fixed rate financial  liabilities at fair value through income or loss. Therefore a change in 
interest rates at the reporting date would not affect income or loss. 

Cash flow sensitivity analysis for variable rate instruments 
A 1% change in interest rates at the reporting date would have increased (decreased) equity and net income or net loss by the 
amounts shown below. This analysis assumes that all other variables, in particular foreign currency rates, remain constant. The 
analysis is performed on the same basis for 2016. 

Interest on variable rate instrument 

Interest on interest rate swaps 

Impact on instruments used in cash flow hedge: 

Interest on variable rate instrument 

Interest on interest rate swaps 

2017 

2016 

1% increase  

1% decrease  

1% increase  

1% decrease   

(2,070 ) 

—  

(2,070 ) 

2,070  

—  

2,070  

(2,272 ) 

245  

(2,027 ) 

2,272  

(245 ) 

2,027  

2017 

2016 

1% increase  

1% decrease  

1% increase  

1% decrease  

(6,635 ) 

6,635  

—  

6,635  

(6,635 ) 

—  

(6,845 ) 

6,845  

—  

6,845  

(6,845 ) 

—  

Net impact on change in fair value of interest rate swaps is not significant. 

f)  Capital management 

For the purposes of capital management, capital consists of share capital and retained earnings of the Group. The Group’s 
objectives when managing capital are: 

• 
• 
• 
• 

To ensure proper capital investment in order to provide stability and competitiveness to its operations; 
To ensure sufficient liquidity to pursue its growth strategy and undertake selective acquisitions; 
To maintain an appropriate debt level so that there are no financial constraints on the use of capital; and 
To maintain investors, creditors and market confidence. 

The Group seeks to maintain a balance between the highest returns that might be possible with higher level of borrowings 
and the advantages and security by a sound capital position.  

The Group monitors its long-term debt using the ratios below to maintain an appropriate debt level. The Group’s debt-to-
equity and debt-to-capitalization ratios are as follows: 

Long-term debt 
Shareholders’ equity 

Debt-to-equity ratio 
Debt-to-capitalization ratio 

2017  

2016  

  1,498,396  
  1,415,124  

  1,584,815  
  1,458,650  

1.06  
0.51  

1.09  
0.52  

2017 Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
82 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016 
(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise noted.) 

25.  Financial instruments and financial risk management (continued) 

f)  Capital management (continued) 

There were no changes in the Group’s approach to capital management during the year. 

The Group’s credit facility agreement requires monitoring two ratios on a quarterly basis. The first is a ratio of total debt 
plus  letters  of  credit  and  some  other  long-term  liabilities  to  earnings  before  interest,  income  taxes,  depreciation  and 
amortization  (“EBITDA”).  The  second  is  a  ratio  of  adjusted  earnings  before  interest,  income  taxes,  depreciation  and 
amortization  and  rent  expense  (“EBITDAR”),  and,  including  last  twelve  months  adjusted  EBITDAR  from  acquisitions  to 
interest  and  net  rent  expenses.  These  ratios  are  measured  on  a  consolidated  last  twelve-month  basis  and  must  be  kept 
below  a  certain  threshold  so  as  not  to  breach  a  covenant  in  the  Group’s  syndicated  bank.  At  December  31,  2017  and 
December 31, 2016, the Group was in compliance with its financial covenants. 

The Group has sufficient liquidity to continue both its operations as well as its acquisition strategy. 

Upon maturity of the Group’s long-term debt, the Group’s management and its Board of Directors will assess if the long-
term debt should be renewed at its original value, increased or decreased based on the then required capital need, credit 
availability and future interest rates. 

g)  Accounting classification and fair values 

The fair values of financial assets and liabilities, together with the carrying amounts shown in the statements of financial 
position, are as follows: 

Financial assets 

Assets carried at fair value 

Derivative financial instruments 
Investment in equity securities 
Assets carried at amortized cost 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Trade and other receivables 
Promissory note 

Financial liabilities 

Liabilities carried at fair value 

Derivative financial instruments 
Other financial liability 

Liabilities carried at amortized cost 

Bank indebtedness 
Trade and other payables 
Long-term debt 

2017 

Carrying  
Amount  

2016 

Fair  
Value  

Carrying  
Amount  

Fair   
Value   

8,838  
6,310  

—  
567,106  
20,739  

602,993  

8,838  
6,310  

—  
567,106  
20,739  

602,993  

2,028  
15,884  

3,654  
569,181  
18,962  

609,709  

2,028  
15,884  

3,654  
569,181  
18,962  

609,709  

932  
14,581  

932  
14,581  

6,083  
5,447  

6,083  
5,447  

9,392  
425,815  
1,498,396  

9,392  
425,815  
  1,563,730  

—  
455,175  
  1,584,815  

1,949,116  

  2,014,450  

  2,051,520  

—  
455,175  
1,647,483  

2,114,188  

TFI International 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016 
(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise noted.) 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

83 

25.  Financial instruments and financial risk management (continued) 

g)  Accounting classification and fair values (continued) 

Interest rates used for determining fair value 
The  interest  rates  used  to  discount  estimated  cash  flows,  when  applicable,  are  based  on  the  government  yield  curve  at 
December 31 plus an adequate credit spread, and were as follows: 

Long-term debt 

2017  

3.1%  

2016  

3.1%  

Fair value hierarchy 
Group’s financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring basis are investment in equity securities and the 
derivative financial instruments discussed above. Investment in equity securities are measured using level-1 inputs of the fair 
value hierarchy and derivative financials instruments are measured using level-2 inputs. 

The forward purchase agreement liability and the promissory note are valued at the fair value using level 3 inputs in the fair 
value hierarchy. The fair value of the forward purchase agreement liability represents the present value of the exercise price 
of the forward and is measured by applying the income approach using the probability-weighted expected payment of the 
exit price and is based on discounted cash flows. Unobservable inputs within the fair value measurement include the exit 
price and the expected payment date for the written put options. The exit price is based on a formulaic variable price which 
is mainly a function of earnings levels in future periods and requires assumptions about revenue growth rates and operating 
margins and the expected payment date of the exit price. If the future earnings levels in the future periods would increase 
(decrease), the estimated fair value of forward purchase agreement liability would increase (decrease). 

The fair value of the promissory note represents the present value of the future cash flows, based on the interest rate of the 
note, discounted by the company specific rate of the counterparty of the note. The company specific rate is comprised of a 
risk-free market rate and a company specific  premium  based on their risk profile. The counterparty to the note is GFL, a 
private  company,  for  which  limited  publicly  available  information  exist.  At  the  issuance  of  the  promissory  note,  the  fair 
value  was  established  using  public  information  on  the  source  of  funding  to  acquire  the  Waste  Management  segment. 
Subsequent  to  the  initial  measurement,  adjustments  to  the  company  risk  premium  are  made  based  on  the  analysis  of 
published  financial  information  and  on  significant  macro  environmental  factors  impacting  their  segment.  The  risk-free 
market rate is publicly available.  

26.  Operating leases, contingencies, letters of credit and other commitments 

a)  Operating leases 

The Group entered into operating leases expiring on various dates through March 2035, with respect to rolling stock, real 
estate and other. The total future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows: 

Less than 1 year 

Between 1 and 5 years 

More than 5 years 

2017  

128,345  

259,236  

146,581  

534,162  

2016  

128,339  

246,284  

100,898  

475,521  

In 2017, expense of $149.5 million was recognized in the consolidated statement of income in respect of operating leases 
(2016 – $134.3 million). 

2017 Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
84 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016 
(Tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise noted.) 

26.  Operating leases, contingencies, letters of credit and other commitments (continued) 

b)  Contingencies 

There  are  pending  operational  and  personnel  related  claims  against  the  Group.  The  Group  has  accrued  $6.9  million  for 
claim settlements which are presented in long term provisions on the consolidated statements of financial position (2016 – 
$6.7 million). In the opinion of management, these claims are adequately provided for and settlement should not have a 
significant impact on the Group’s financial position or results of operations.  

c) 

Letters of credit 
As at December 31, 2017, the Group had $40.1 million of outstanding letters of credit (2016 - $40.1 million). 

d)  Other commitments 

As at December 31, 2017, the Group had $75 million of purchase and lease commitments materializing within a year (2016 
– nil). 

27.  Related parties 

Parent and ultimate controlling party 

There is no single ultimate controlling party. The shares of the Company are widely held. 

Transactions with key management personnel 

Board  members  of  the  Company,  executive  officers  and  top  managers  of  major  Group’s  entities  are  deemed  to  be  key 
management personnel. Compensation totalling $0.4 million (2016 – nil) was paid to a board member for consulting services 
provided  during  2017.  There  were  no  other  transactions  with  key  management  personnel  other  than  their  respective 
compensation. 

Key management personnel compensation 
In addition to their salaries, the Company also provides non-cash benefits to board members and executive officers. 

Executive  officers  also  participate  in  the  Company’s  stock  option  and  performance  contingent  restricted  share  unit  plans  and 
board members are entitled to deferred share units, as described in note 19. Costs incurred for key management personnel in 
relation to these plans are detailed below. 

Key management personnel compensation comprised:   

Short-term benefits 
Post-employment benefits 
Equity-settled share-based payment transactions 
Cash-settled share-based payment transactions 

2017  

10,574  
1,035  
4,515  
923  

17,047  

2016  

18,019  
975  
4,231  
934  

24,159  

TFI International 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR

Computershare Trust Company of Canada 
100 University Avenue, 8th floor 
Toronto, Ontario M5J 2Y1 
Telephone: 1 800 564-6253 
Fax: 1 888 453-0330

ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

Wednesday, April 25, 2018 
at 1:30 p.m. 
The Exchange Tower 
130 King Street West 
Toronto, Ontario M5X 1J2

Si vous désirez recevoir la version française de  
ce rapport, veuillez écrire au secrétaire de la société :  
8801, route Transcanadienne, bureau 500
Montréal (Québec) H4S 1Z6

Corporate
Information

EXECUTIVE OFFICE

96 Disco Road 
Etobicoke, Ontario M9W 0A3  
Telephone: 647 725-4500

HEAD OFFICE

8801 Trans-Canada Highway 
Suite 500 
Montreal, Quebec H4S 1Z6  
Telephone: 514 331-4000 
Fax: 514 337-4200

Web site: www.tfiintl.com 
E-mail: administration@tfiintl.com

AUDITORS

KPMG LLP

STOCK EXCHANGE LISTING

TFI International Inc. shares are listed on the Toronto Stock 
Exchange under the symbol TFII and on the OTCQX market-
place in the U.S. under the symbol TFIFF.

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

National Bank of Canada

Royal Bank of Canada 

Bank of America Merrill Lynch 

Bank of Montreal

The Bank of Nova Scotia 

Caisse Centrale Desjardins 

JP Morgan Chase Bank

Toronto Dominion Bank

Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ (Canada) 

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce

HSBC Bank Canada

PNC Bank Canada Branch

Alberta Treasury Branch

T

F

I

I

N

T

E

R

N

A

T

I

O

N

A

L

2

0

1

7

A

N

N

U

A

L

R

E

P

O

R

T

www.tfiintl.com