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NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES | 12 Months Ended
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Mar. 31, 2019
General Information About Financial Statements [Abstract] |
NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES | NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Nature of operations CAE Inc. and its subsidiaries (or the Company) design, manufacture and supply simulation equipment, provide training, and develop integrated training solutions for defence and security markets, commercial airlines, business aircraft operators, helicopter operators, aircraft manufacturers and for healthcare education and service providers. CAE’s flight simulators replicate aircraft performance in normal and abnormal operations as well as a comprehensive set of environmental conditions utilizing visual systems that contain a database of airports, other landing areas, flying environments, mission-specific environments, and motion and sound cues. The Company offers a range of flight training devices based on the same software used on its simulators. The Company also operates a global network of training centres with locations around the world. The Company’s operations are managed through three segments: (i) Civil Aviation Training Solutions – Provides comprehensive training solutions for flight, cabin, maintenance and ground personnel in commercial, business and helicopter aviation, a range of flight simulation training devices, as well as ab initio pilot training and crew sourcing services; (ii) Defence and Security – Is a training systems integrator for defence forces across the air, land and naval domains, and for government organizations responsible for public safety; (iii) Healthcare – Designs and manufactures simulators, audiovisual and simulation centre management solutions, develops courseware and offers services for training of medical, nursing and allied healthcare students as well as medical practitioners worldwide. CAE is a limited liability company incorporated and domiciled in Canada. The address of the main office is 8585 Côte-de-Liesse, Saint-Laurent, Québec, Canada, H4T 1G6. CAE shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange and on the New York Stock Exchange. Basis of preparation The key accounting policies applied in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements are described below. These policies have been consistently applied to all years presented, unless otherwise stated. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Part I of the CPA Canada Handbook – Accounting and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). The consolidated financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, except for the following items measured at fair value: contingent consideration, derivative financial instruments, financial instruments at fair value through profit and loss, financial instruments at fair value through other comprehensive income and liabilities for cash-settled share-based arrangements. The functional and presentation currency of CAE Inc. is the Canadian dollar. Basis of consolidation Subsidiaries Subsidiaries are all entities over which the Company has control. Control exists when the Company is exposed to, or has the rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through the power over the entity. Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date control is obtained and they are no longer consolidated on the date control ceases. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Joint arrangements Joint arrangements are arrangements in which the Company exercises joint control as established by contracts requiring unanimous consent for decisions about the activities that significantly affect the arrangement’s returns. When the Company has the rights to the net assets of the arrangement, the arrangement is classified as a joint venture and is accounted for using the equity method. When the Company has rights to the assets and obligations for the liabilities relating to an arrangement, the arrangement is classified as a joint operation and the Company accounts for each of its assets, liabilities and transactions, including its share of those held or incurred jointly, in relation to the joint operation. Under the equity method of accounting, interests in joint ventures are initially recognized at cost and adjusted thereafter to recognize the Company’s share of the profits or losses and movements in other comprehensive income (OCI) of the investee. When the Company’s share of losses in a joint venture equals or exceeds its interests in the joint ventures, the Company does not recognize further losses, unless it will incur obligations or make payments on behalf of the joint ventures. Unrealized gains resulting from transactions with joint ventures are eliminated, to the extent of the Company’s share in the joint venture. For sales of products or services from the Company to its joint ventures, the elimination of unrealized profits is considered in the carrying value of the investment in equity accounted investees in the consolidated statement of financial position and in the share in profit or loss of equity accounted investees in the consolidated income statement. Business combinations Business combinations are accounted for under the acquisition method. The consideration transferred for the acquisition of a subsidiary is the fair value of the assets transferred, the liabilities incurred and the equity interests issued by the Company, if any, at the date control is obtained. The consideration transferred includes the fair value of any liability resulting from a contingent consideration arrangement. Acquisition-related costs, other than share and debt issue costs incurred to issue financial instruments that form part of the consideration transferred, are expensed as incurred. Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination are measured initially at their fair value at the acquisition date. If a business combination is achieved in stages, the Company remeasures its previously held interest in the acquiree at its acquisition-date fair value and recognizes the resulting gain or loss, if any, in net income. Contingent consideration classified as a liability is measured at fair value, with subsequent changes recognized in income. If the contingent consideration is classified as equity, it is not remeasured until it is finally settled within equity. New information obtained during the measurement period, up to 12 months following the acquisition date, about facts and circumstances existing at the acquisition date affect the acquisition accounting. Non-controlling interests Non-controlling interests (NCI) represent equity interests in subsidiaries owned by outside parties. The share of net assets of subsidiaries attributable to non-controlling interests is presented as a component of equity. Changes in the Company’s ownership interest in subsidiaries that do not result in a loss of control are accounted for as equity transactions. The Company treats transactions with non-controlling interests as transactions with equity owners of the Company. For interests purchased from non-controlling interests, the difference between any consideration paid and the relevant share acquired of the carrying value of net assets of the subsidiary is recorded in equity. Gains or losses on disposals of non-controlling interests are also recorded in equity. Financial instruments and hedging relationships Recognition, classification and measurement A financial instrument is any contract that gives rise to a financial asset in one entity and a financial liability or equity instrument in another entity. Financial assets and financial liabilities, including derivatives, are recognized in the consolidated statement of financial position when the Company becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the financial instrument. On initial recognition, all financial instruments are measured at fair value. When there is a difference between the fair value of the consideration given or received at initial recognition and the amount determined using a valuation technique, such difference is recognized immediately in income unless it qualifies for recognition as some other type of asset or liability. Financial instruments are subsequently measured based on their classification, which are:
– | Financial instruments measured at amortized cost;
– | Financial instruments measured at fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL);
– | Financial instruments measured at fair value through other comprehensive income (FVOCI).
Financial assets A financial asset is measured at amortized cost if it meets both of the following conditions: – The asset is held within a business model whose objective is to hold assets to collect contractual cash flows; and – The contractual terms of the financial asset give rise, on specific dates, to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest (SPPI) on the principal amount outstanding. Financial assets at amortized cost are subsequently measured using the effective interest rate (EIR) method and are subject to impairment. Gains and losses are recognized in income when the asset is derecognized, modified or impaired. The Company’s financial assets at amortized cost include accounts receivable and advances to a portfolio investment. Financial assets at FVTPL include financial assets held for trading, financial assets designated upon initial recognition at fair value through profit or loss, and financial assets mandatorily required to be measured at fair value. Financial assets are classified as held for trading if they are acquired for the purpose of selling or repurchasing in the near term. Derivatives, including separated embedded derivatives, are also classified as held for trading unless they are designated as effective hedging instruments. Financial assets with cash flows that are not SPPI are classified and measured at FVTPL, irrespective of the business model. Financial assets at FVTPL are carried in the statement of financial position at fair value with net changes in fair value recognized in the income statement. The Company’s financial assets at FVTPL include cash and cash equivalents, and derivative instruments not designated as hedging instrument in a hedge relationship. Financial assets at FVOCI are equity investments the Company has irrevocably elected to classify at FVOCI. This classification is determined on an instrument-by-instrument basis. Gains and losses on these financial assets are never transferred to income. Dividends are recognized in the income statement when the right of payment has been established, except when the Company benefits from such proceeds as a recovery of part of the cost of the financial asset, in which case, such gains are recorded in OCI. Financial assets are not reclassified subsequent to their initial recognition, unless the Company changes its business model for managing financial assets. Financial liabilities Financial liabilities at FVTPL include financial liabilities held for trading and financial liabilities designated upon initial recognition as at FVTPL. Financial liabilities are classified as held for trading if they are incurred for the purpose of repurchasing in the near term. This category also includes derivatives financial instruments that are not designated as hedging instrument in a hedge relationship. Separated embedded derivatives are also classified as held for trading unless they are designated as effective hedging instruments. Financial liabilities at FVTPL are carried in the statement of financial position at fair value with net changes in fair value recognized in the income statement. The Company’s financial liabilities measured at FVTPL include contingent liabilities arising on business combinations and also derivative instruments not designated as hedging instrument in a hedge relationship. Financial liabilities at amortized cost are subsequently measured using the EIR method. Gains and losses are recognized in income when the liabilities are derecognized as well as through the EIR amortization process. The Company’s financial liabilities at amortized cost include accounts payables, accrued liabilities, long term debt, including interest payable, as well as royalty obligations. Transaction costs Transaction costs that are directly related to the acquisition or issuance of financial assets and financial liabilities (other than those classified at FVTPL and FVOCI) are included in the fair value initially recognized for those financial instruments. These costs are amortized to income using the EIR method. Offsetting of financial assets and financial liabilities Financial assets and financial liabilities are offset and the net amount is presented in the consolidated statement of financial position when the Company has an unconditional and legally enforceable right to set off the recognized amounts and intends to settle on a net basis or to realize the assets and settle the liabilities simultaneously. Hedge accounting The Company uses derivative financial instruments, such as forward currency contracts, cross currency swaps and interest rate swaps to hedge its foreign currency risks and interest rate risks, respectively. A hedging relationship qualifies for hedge accounting when it meets all of the following effectiveness requirements:
– | There is ‘an economic relationship’ between the hedged item and the hedging instrument;
– | The effect of credit risk does not ‘dominate the value changes’ that result from that economic relationship;
– | The hedge ratio of the hedging relationship is the same as that resulting from the quantities of:
–The hedged item that the Company actually hedges and –The hedging instrument that the Company actually uses to hedge that quantity of hedged item. For the purpose of hedge accounting, hedges are classified as:
– | Cash flow hedges when hedging the exposure to variability in cash flows that is either attributable to a particular risk associated with a recognized asset or liability or a highly probably forecast transaction or the foreign currency risk in an unrecognized firm commitment;
– | Hedges of a net investment in a foreign operation;
– | Fair value hedges when hedging the exposure to changes in the fair value of a recognized asset or liability or an unrecognized firm commitment.
Documentation At the inception of a hedge relationship, the Company formally documents the designation of the hedge, the risk management objectives and strategy, the hedging relationship between the hedged item and hedging item and the method for testing the effectiveness of the hedge, which must be reasonably assured over the term of the hedging relationship and can be reliably measured. The Company formally assesses, both at inception of the hedge relationship and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of hedged items in relation to the hedged risk. Cash flow hedge The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges is recognized in OCI, while the ineffective portion is recognized immediately in income. Amounts accumulated in OCI are reclassified to income in the period in which the hedged item affects income. However, when the forecasted transactions that are hedged items result in recognition of non-financial items, gains and losses previously recognized in OCI are included in the initial carrying value of the related non-financial assets acquired or liabilities incurred. The deferred amounts are ultimately recognized in income as the related non-financial items are derecognized or amortized. Hedge accounting is discontinued prospectively when the hedging relationship no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, when the designation is revoked, or when the hedging instrument expires or is sold. Any cumulative gain or loss directly recognized in OCI at that time remains in OCI until the hedged item is recognized in income. When it is probable that a hedged transaction will not occur, the cumulative gain or loss that was recognized in OCI is recognized in income immediately. Hedge of net investments in foreign operations The Company has designated certain long-term debts as a hedging item of the Company’s overall net investments in foreign operations whose activities are denominated in a currency other than the Company’s functional currency. The portion of gains or losses on the hedging item that is determined to be an effective hedge is recognized in OCI and is limited to the translation gain or loss on the net investment. Fair value hedge The Company currently does not enter into fair value hedge transactions. Derecognition Financial assets A financial asset is derecognized when:
– | The rights to receive cash flows from the asset have expired; or
– | The Company has transferred its rights to receive cash flows from the asset and either has transferred substantially all the risks and rewards of the asset or has neither transferred nor retained substantially all the risks and rewards of the asset, but has transferred control of the asset.
The Company is involved in a program in which it sells interests in certain of its accounts receivable. The Company continues to act as a collection agent. Under the program the Company transfers some significant risks and rewards of the accounts receivable it sells and retains others. The accounts receivable are derecognized up to an amount corresponding to the extent of the Company's continuing involvement, which represents its maximum retained exposure. Impairment of financial assets The Company uses the expected credit loss (ECL) model for calculating impairment of financial assets and recognizes expected credit losses as loss allowances for assets measured at amortized cost. ECLs are based on the difference between the contractual cash flows due in accordance with the contract and all the cash flows that the Company expects to receive, discounted at the original or credit adjusted effective interest rate. ECLs are recognized in two stages. For credit exposures for which there has not been a significant increase in credit risk since initial recognition, ECLs are provided for credit losses that result from default events that are possible within the next 12-months (a 12-month ECL). For those credit exposures for which there has been a significant increase in credit risk since initial recognition, a loss allowance is required for credit losses expected over the remaining life of the exposure, irrespective of the timing of the default (a lifetime ECL). For trade receivables and contract assets, the Company applies the simplified approach permitted by IFRS 9, which requires expected lifetime losses to be recognized from initial recognition of the assets. Financial liabilities A financial liability is derecognized when the obligation under the liability is discharged, cancelled or expired. When an existing financial liability is replaced by another from the same lender on substantially different terms, or the terms of an existing liability are substantially modified, such an exchange or modification is treated as a derecognition of the original liability and the recognition of a new liability, and the difference in the respective carrying amounts is recognized in the income statement. Foreign currency translation Foreign operations A ssets and liabilities of subsidiaries that have a functional currency other than the Canadian dollar are translated from their functional currency to Canadian dollars at exchange rates in effect at the reporting date. Revenue and expenses are translated at the average exchange rates. The resulting translation adjustments are included in OCI. When a Company has a long-term intercompany balance receivable from or payable to a foreign operation for which settlement is not planned in the foreseeable future, such item is considered, in substance, a part of the Company’s net investment in that foreign operation. Gains or losses arising from the translation of those intercompany balances denominated in foreign currencies are also included in OCI. Transactions and balances Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the prevailing exchange rate at the reporting date. Non-monetary assets and liabilities, and revenue and expense items denominated in foreign currencies are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rate prevailing at the dates of the respective transactions. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions are recognized in income, except when deferred in OCI as qualifying cash flow hedges and qualifying net investment hedges. Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and highly-liquid investments with original terms to maturity of 90 days or less at the date of purchase. Accounts receivable Receivables are initially recognized at fair value and are subsequently carried at amortized cost, net of a credit loss allowances, based on expected recoverability. The amount of the allowance is the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of the estimated future cash flows, discounted at the original effective interest rate. The loss is recognized in income. Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously provided for or written-off are recognized in income. Inventories Raw materials are valued at the lower of average cost and net realizable value. Spare parts to be used in the normal course of business are valued at the lower of cost, determined on a specific identification basis, and net realizable value. Work in progress is stated at the lower of cost, determined on a specific identification basis, and net realizable value. The cost of work in progress includes material, labour and an allocation of manufacturing overhead, which is based on normal operating capacity. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less estimated costs of completion and the estimated costs necessary to generate revenue. In the case of raw materials and spare parts, the replacement cost is the best measure of net realizable value. Property, plant and equipment Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost less any accumulated depreciation and any accumulated net impairment losses. Costs include expenditures that are directly attributable to the acquisition or manufacturing of the item. The cost of an item of property, plant and equipment that is initially recognized includes, when applicable, the initial present value estimate of the costs required to dismantle and remove the asset and restore the site on which it is located at the end of its useful life. Purchased software that is integral to the functionality of the related equipment is capitalized as part of that equipment. Subsequent costs, such as updates on training devices, are included in the asset’s carrying amount or recognized as a separate asset only when it is probable that future economic benefits will flow to the Company and the cost of the item can be reliably measured; otherwise, they are expensed. A loss on disposal is recognized in income when the carrying value of a replaced item is derecognized, unless the item is transferred to inventories. If it is not practicable to determine the carrying value, the cost of the replacement and the accumulated depreciation calculated by reference to that cost will be used to derecognize the replaced part. The costs of day-to-day servicing of property, plant and equipment are recognized in income as incurred. Gains and losses on disposal of property, plant and equipment are determined by comparing the proceeds from disposal with its carrying amount, and are recognized net within other gains and losses. The different components of property, plant and equipment are recognized separately when their useful lives are materially different and such components are depreciated separately in income. Leased assets are depreciated over the shorter of the lease term and their useful lives. If it is reasonably certain that the Company will obtain ownership by the end of the lease term, the leased asset is depreciated over its useful life. Land is not depreciated. The estimated useful lives, residual values and depreciation methods are as follows:
| Method | Amortization rate/period
Buildings and improvements | Declining balance/Straight-line | 2.5 to 10%/3 to 40 years
Simulators | Straight-line (10% residual) | Not exceeding 25 years
Machinery and equipment | Declining balance/Straight-line | 20 to 35%/2 to 15 years
Aircraft | Straight-line (residual not exceeding 15%) | Not exceeding 25 years
Aircraft engines | Based on utilization | Not exceeding 3,500 hours
Depreciation methods, useful lives and residual values are reviewed and adjusted, if appropriate, on a prospective basis at each reporting date. Leases The Company leases certain property, plant and equipment from and to others. Leases in which substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership are transferred are classified as finance leases. All other leases are accounted for as operating leases. The Company as a lessor With regards to finance leases, the asset is derecognized at the commencement of the lease. The net present value of the minimum lease payments and any discounted unguaranteed residual value are recognized as non-current receivables. Finance income is recognized over the term of the lease based on the effective interest method. Income from operating leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the corresponding lease. The Company as a lessee Finance leases are capitalized at the lease’s commencement at the lower of the fair value of the leased item and the present value of the minimum lease payments. Any initial direct costs of the lessee are added to the amount recognized as an asset. The corresponding obligations are included in long-term debt. Finance expense is recognized over the term of the lease based on the effective interest method. Payments made under operating leases are charged to income on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. Sale and leaseback transactions The Company engages in sales and leaseback transactions as part of the Company’s financing strategy to support investment in the Civil Aviation training Solutions and Defence and Security segments. Where a sale and leaseback transaction results in a finance lease, any excess of sales proceeds over the carrying amount is deferred and amortized over the lease term. Where a sale and leaseback transaction results in an operating lease, and it is clear that the transaction is established at fair value, any profit or loss is recognized in income. If the sales price is below fair value, the shortfall is recognized in income immediately except if the loss is compensated for by future lease payments at below market price, it is deferred and amortized in proportion to the lease payments over the period the asset is expected to be used. If the sale price is above fair value, the excess over fair value is deferred and amortized over the period the asset is expected to be used. Intangible assets Goodwill Goodwill is measured at cost less accumulated impairment losses, if any. Goodwill arises on the acquisition of subsidiaries. Goodwill represents the excess of the aggregate of the cost of an acquisition, including the Company’s best estimate of the fair value of contingent consideration and the acquisition-date fair value of any previous held equity interest in the acquiree, over the fair value of the net identifiable assets of the acquiree at the acquisition date. Gains and losses on the disposal of an entity include the carrying amount of goodwill relating to the entity sold. Research and development (R&D) Research costs are expensed as incurred. Development costs are also charged to income in the period incurred unless they meet all the specific capitalization criteria established in IAS 38, Intangible Assets. Capitalized development costs are stated at cost and net of accumulated amortization and accumulated impairment losses, if any. Amortization of the capitalized development costs commences when the asset is available for use and is included in research and development expense. Other intangible assets Intangible assets acquired separately are measured at cost upon initial recognition. The cost of intangible assets acquired in a business combination is the fair value as at the acquisition date. Following initial recognition, intangible assets are carried at cost, net of accumulated amortization and accumulated impairment losses, if any. The cost of an internally generated intangible asset comprises all directly attributable costs necessary to create, produce, and prepare the asset to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management. Gains and losses on disposal of intangible assets are determined by comparing the proceeds from disposal with its carrying amount and are recognized within other gains and losses. Amortization Amortization is calculated using the straight-line method for all intangible assets over their estimated useful lives as follows:
| Amortization period
| (in years)
Capitalized development costs | 3 to 10
Customer relationships | 3 to 20
ERP and other software | 3 to 10
Licenses and technology | 3 to 20
Other intangible assets | 2 to 40
Amortization methods and useful lives are reviewed and adjusted, if appropriate, on a prospective basis at each reporting date. Impairment of non-financial assets The carrying amounts of the Company’s non-financial assets subject to amortization are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Goodwill and assets that are not yet available for use are tested for impairment annually or at any time if an indicator of impairment exists. The recoverable amount of an asset or a cash-generating unit (CGU) is the greater of its value in use and its fair value less costs of disposal. The recoverable amount is determined for an individual asset; unless the asset does not generate cash inflows that are largely independent of those from other assets or groups of assets. In such case, the CGU that the asset belongs to is used to determine the recoverable amount. For the purposes of impairment testing, the goodwill acquired in a business combination is allocated to CGUs or groups of CGUs, which generally corresponds to its operating segments or one level below, that are expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination, irrespective of whether other assets or liabilities of the acquiree are assigned to those units. An impairment loss is recognized if the carrying amount of an asset or CGU exceeds its estimated recoverable amount. Where the recoverable amount of a CGU to which goodwill has been allocated is lower than the CGU’s carrying amount, the related goodwill is impaired. Any remaining amount of impairment exceeding the impaired goodwill is recognized on a pro rata basis of the carrying amount of each asset in the respective CGU. Impairment losses are recognized in income. The Company evaluates impairment losses, other than goodwill impairment, for potential reversals at each reporting date. An impairment loss is reversed if there is any indication that the loss has decreased or no longer exists due to changes 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. Such reversal is recognized in income. Borrowing costs Borrowing costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition or construction of a qualifying asset are capitalized as part of the cost of the asset. A qualifying asset is one that takes a substantial period of time to get ready for its intended use. Capitalization of borrowing costs ceases when the asset is completed and ready for its intended use. All other borrowing costs are recognized as finance expense in income, as incurred. Other assets Restricted cash The Company is required to hold a defined amount of cash as collateral under the terms of certain subsidiaries’ external bank financing, government-related sales contracts and business combination arrangements. Deferred financing costs Deferred financing costs related to the revolving unsecured term credit facilities, when it is probable that some or all of the facilities will be drawn down, and deferred financing costs related to sale and leaseback agreements are included in other assets at cost and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the related financing agreements. Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Accounts payable and accrued liabilities are recognized initially at fair value and subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. Provisions Provisions are recognized when the Company has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of past events, it is probable that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation and the amount can be reliably estimated. Provisions are not recognized for future operating losses. Provisions are measured at the present value of the expenditures expected to be required to settle the obligation using a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the obligation. The increase in the provision due to passage of time is recognized as a finance expense. When there are a number of similar obligations, the likelihood that an outflow will be required in settlement is determined by considering the class of obligations as a whole. Provisions for estimated contract losses are recognized as an onerous contract provision in the period in which the loss is determined. Contract losses are measured at the amount by which the estimated total costs exceed the estimated total revenue from the contract. Warranty provisions are recorded when revenue is recognized based on past experience. Long-term debt Long-term debt is recognized initially at fair value, net of transaction costs incurred. They are subsequently stated at amortized cost. Any difference between the proceeds, net of transaction costs, and the redemption value is recognized in income over the period of borrowings using the effective interest method. Fees paid on the establishment of loan facilities are recognized as transaction costs of the loan to the extent that it is probable that some or all of the facility will be drawn down. In these cases, the fee is deferred until the drawdown occurs. To the extent that there is no evidence that it is probable that some or all of the facility will be drawn down, the fee is capitalized as a pre-payment for liquidity services and amortized over the period of the facility to which it relates. Share capital Common shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares or options are shown in equity as a deduction, net of tax, from the proceeds. When share capital recognized as equity is repurchased, the amount of the consideration paid, which includes directly attributable costs, net of tax, is recognized as a deduction from equity. Revenue recognition The Company recognizes revenue when it transfers the control of the promised goods or services to the customer. The transaction price is the amount of consideration to which the Company is expected to be entitled to in exchange for transferring promised goods or services. Variable consideration is included in the transaction price when it is highly probable that there will be no significant reversal of revenue in the future. Variable consideration is usually derived from sales incentives, in the form of discounts or volume rebates, and penalties. The Company identifies the various performance obligations of the contract and allocates the transaction price based on the estimated relative stand-alone selling prices of the promised goods or services underlying each performance obligation. The Company’s performance obligations are satisfied over time or at a point in time depending on the transfer of control to the customer. Sales of goods and services Customized training devices Revenues from contracts with customers for the design, engineering, and manufacturing of training devices are recognized over time using the cost input method when the Company determines that these devices have a sufficient level of customization such that they have no alternative use and the Company has enforceable rights to payment for work completed to date. The measure of progress toward complete satisfaction of the performance obligation is generally determined by comparing the actual direct contract costs incurred to date to the total estimated costs for the entire contract. When the Company determines that there is an alternative use for these devices, revenue is recognized at a point in time, when the customer obtains control of the device. Standardized training devices Revenue from contracts with customers for the construction of standardized training devices is recognized at a point in time, when the customer obtains control of the device. Training services Revenues from the sale of training hours or training courses are recognized at a point in time, when services are rendered. For flight schools, cadet training courses are offered mainly by way of ground school and live aircraft flight. For both phases, revenue is recognized over time, using the time elapsed input method. Product maintenance, support and updates Revenues from the sale of product maintenance services and post-delivery customer support are recognized over time, using the time elapsed output method or costs incurred method. Revenues from update services, to enhance a training device currently owned by a customer, are recognized over time, using the cost input method. Spare parts Revenue from the sale of spare parts is recognized at a point in time, which is generally on delivery to the customer. Software arrangements Revenue from off-the-shelf software sales is recognized at a point in time, on delivery. Revenue from fixed-price software arrangements and software customization contracts that require significant production, modification, or customization of software is recognized over time using the cost input method. Other Significant financing component The Company accounts for a significant financing component on contracts of more than 12 months where timing of cash receipts and revenue recognition differ substantially. The transaction price for such contracts is adjusted for the time value of money, using the rate that would be reflected in a separate financing transaction between the Company and its customers at contract inception, to take into consideration the significant financing component. Non-monetary transactions The Company may also enter into sales arrangements where little or no monetary consideration is involved. The non-monetary transactions are measured at the most reliable measure of the fair value of the asset or service given up or fair value of the asset or service received. Contract modifications Contract modifications, which consist of an increase in the scope or price of a contract, are accounted for as a separate contract when the additional goods or services to be delivered are distinct from those delivered prior to the contract modification and when the price increases by an amount of consideration that reflects its stand-alone selling price. Contract modifications are treated prospectively when the additional goods or services are distinct, but the price increase does not reflect the stand-alone selling price. When the remaining goods or services are not distinct, the Company recognizes an adjustment to revenue of the initial contract on a cumulative catch-up basis at the date of the contract modification. Costs to obtain and to fulfill a contract The Company recognizes incremental costs of obtaining a contract as an asset when they are expected to be recovered over a period of more than one year. The Company recognizes costs directly related to fulfilling a contract with a customer as an asset when they generate or enhance resources that will be used to satisfy the performance obligation in the future and they are expected to be recovered, These assets are amortized on a systematic basis that is consistent with the Company’s transfer of the related goods or services to the customer. Right to invoice If the Company has the right to invoice a customer in an amount that directly corresponds with the value of the Company’s performance to date then revenue can be recognized at the invoice amount. Contract balances The timing of revenue recognition, billing and cash collections results in accounts receivable, contract assets and contract liabilities on the consolidated financial position. Contract assets are recognized when revenue is recognized in excess of billings or when the Company has a right to consideration and that right is conditional to something other than the passage of time. Contract assets are subsequently transferred to accounts receivable when the right to payment becomes unconditional. Contract liabilities are recognized when payments received from customers are in excess of revenue recognized. Contract liabilities are subsequently recognized in revenue when the Company satisfies its performance obligations. Contract assets and contract liabilities are reported in a net position on a contract-by-contract basis at the end of each reporting period and are classified as current based on our normal operating cycle. Employee benefits Defined benefit pension plans The Company maintains defined benefit pension plans that provide benefits based on length of service and final average earnings. The defined benefit asset or liability comprises the present value of the defined benefit obligation at the reporting date less the fair value of plan assets out of which the obligations are to be settled. The defined benefit obligations are actuarially determined for each plan using the projected unit credit method. The present value of the defined benefit obligation is determined by discounting the estimated future cash flows using the interest rate of high-quality corporate bonds that are denominated in the currency in which the benefit will be paid and that have terms to maturity approximating the terms of the related pension obligation. In countries where there is no deep market in such bonds, the market rates on government bonds are used. The value of any employee benefit asset recognized is restricted to the present value of any economic benefits available in the form of refunds from the plan or reductions in the future contributions to the plan (asset ceiling test). Minimum funding requirements may give rise to an additional liability to the extent that they require paying contributions to cover an existing shortfall. Plan assets can only be used to fund employee benefits, are not available to the creditors of the Company, nor can they be paid directly to the Company. Fair value of plan assets is based on market price information. The Company determines the net pension cost of its Canadian defined benefit plans utilizing individual discount rates derived from the yield curve. For the other defined benefit plans, the Company utilises a single weighted average discount rate derived from the yield curve. Actuarial gains and losses arising from experience adjustments, changes in actuarial assumptions and the effect of any asset ceiling and minimum liability are recognized to OCI in the period in which they arise. Past service costs are recognized as an expense as incurred at the earlier of when the plan amendment or curtailment occurs and when the entity recognizes related termination benefits. Defined contribution pension plans The Company also maintains defined contribution plans for which the Company pays fixed contributions to publicly or privately administered pension insurance plans on a mandatory, contractual or voluntary basis. The Company has no legal or constructive obligation to pay further amounts if the fund does not hold sufficient assets to pay the benefits to all employees. Obligations for contributions to defined contribution pension plans are recognized as an employee benefit expense in income as the services are provided. Termination benefits Termination benefits are recognized as an expense when the Company is demonstrably committed, without realistic possibility of withdrawal, to a formal detailed plan to either terminate employment before the normal retirement date, or to provide termination benefits as a result of an offer made to encourage voluntary redundancy. Termination benefits for voluntary redundancies are recognized as an expense, if the Company has made an offer of voluntary redundancy, based on the number of employees expected to accept the offer. Benefits falling due more than 12 months after the reporting date are discounted to their present value. Share-based payment transactions T he Company’s share-based payment plans consist of two categories: an equity-settled share-based payment plan comprised of the Employee Stock Option Plan (ESOP); and cash-settled share-based payments plans that include the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), the Executive Deferred Share Unit (EDSU) plan, the Deferred Share Unit (DSU) plan, the Long-Term Incentive Time Based plans and a Long-Term Incentive Performance Based plan. The Long-Term Incentive – Deferred Share Unit (LTI-DSU) plan and the Long-Term Incentive – Time Based Restricted Share Unit (LTI-TB RSU) plan are time based plans and the Long-Term Incentive – Performance Share Unit (LTI-PSU) plan is performance based plan. For both categories, the fair value of the employee services received in exchange is recognized as an expense in income. Service and non-market performance conditions attached to the transactions are not taken into account in determining fair value. For the equity-settled plan, the cost of equity-settled transactions is measured at fair value using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The compensation expense is measured at the grant date and recognized over the service period with a corresponding increase to contributed surplus. The cumulative expenses recognized for equity-settled transactions at each reporting date represents the extent to which the vesting period has expired and management’s best estimate of the number of equity instruments that will ultimately vest. For options with graded vesting, each tranche is considered a separate grant with a different vesting date and fair value, and each tranche is accounted for separately. When the options are exercised, the Company issues new shares and the proceeds received net of any directly attributable transaction costs are credited to share capital. For cash-settled plans, a corresponding liability is recognized. The fair value of employee services received is calculated by multiplying the number of units expected to vest with the fair value of one unit as of grant date based on the market price of the Company’s common shares. The fair value of the ESPP is a function of the Company’s contributions. Until the liability is settled, the Company re-measures the fair value of the liability at the end of each reporting period and at the date of settlement, with any changes in fair value recognized in income for the period. The Company has entered into equity swap agreements with two major Canadian financial institutions in order to reduce its earnings exposure related to the fluctuation in the Company’s share price relating to the EDSU, DSU, LTI-DSU and LTI-TB RSU programs. Current and deferred income tax Income tax expense comprises current and deferred tax. An income tax expense is recognized in income except to the extent that it relates to items recognized in OCI or directly in equity, in which case it is recognized in OCI or directly in equity, respectively. Current tax is the amount expected to be paid or recovered from taxation authorities on the taxable income or loss for the year, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date in the countries where the Company and its subsidiaries operate and generate taxable income, and any adjustment to tax payable or receivable in respect of previous years. Management periodically evaluates positions taken in tax returns with respect to situations in which applicable tax regulation is subject to interpretation. It establishes provisions, where appropriate, on the basis of amounts expected to be paid to the tax authorities. Deferred tax is recognized using the financial position liability method, providing for temporary differences between the tax bases of assets or liabilities and their carrying amounts in the consolidated financial statements. Deferred income tax is provided on temporary differences arising on investments in subsidiaries, and jointly controlled entities, except where the timing of the reversal of the temporary difference is controlled by the Company and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future. Deferred tax is measured on an undiscounted basis at the tax rates that are expected to be applied to temporary differences when they reverse, based on the laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date. Deferred tax assets are recognized for all deductible temporary differences and carry forward of unused tax losses. The recognition of deferred tax assets are limited to the amount which is probable to be realized. Deferred tax assets are reviewed at each reporting date and are reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that a recognized deferred tax asset will be realized. Unrecognized deferred tax assets are reassessed at each reporting date and are recognized to the extent that it has become probable that an unrecognized deferred tax asset will be realized. 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 taxable entities which intend to settle current tax liabilities and assets on a net basis or if their tax assets and liabilities will be realized simultaneously. Taxes on income in the interim periods are accrued by jurisdiction using the effective tax rate that would be applicable to expected total annual profit or loss of the jurisdiction. Investment tax credits Investment tax credits (ITCs) arising from R&D activities are deducted from the related costs and are accordingly included in the determination of net income when there is reasonable assurance that the credits will be realized. ITCs arising from the acquisition or development of property, plant and equipment and capitalized development costs are deducted from the cost of those assets with amortization calculated on the net amount. Investment tax credits expected to be recovered beyond 12 months are classified in Other assets. Earnings per share Earnings per share is calculated by dividing the net income for the period attributable to the common shareholders of the Company by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. The diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding is calculated by taking into account the dilution that would occur if the securities or other agreements for the issuance of common shares were exercised or converted into common shares at the later of the beginning of the period or the issuance date unless it is anti-dilutive. The treasury stock method is used to determine the dilutive effect of the stock options. The treasury stock method is a method of recognizing the use of proceeds that could be obtained upon the exercise of options in computing diluted earnings per share. It assumes that any proceeds would be used to purchase common shares at the average market price during the period. Only the Company’s stock options have a dilutive potential on common shares. Government participation Government contributions are recognized when there is reasonable assurance that the contributions will be received and all attached conditions will be complied with by the Company. Government participation related to the acquisition of intangible assets is recorded as a reduction of the cost of the related asset while government participation related to current expenses is recorded as a reduction of the related expenses. The Company benefits from investment tax credits that are deemed to be equivalent to government contributions. Contributions are received for Project New Core Markets from Investissement Québec (IQ) for costs incurred in R&D programs. Contributions were received in previous fiscal years for Project Phoenix from Industry Canada under the Technology Partnerships Canada (TPC) program and from IQ. Project New Core Markets and Project Phoenix require the Company to pay royalties. The obligation to pay royalties, recognized as royalty obligations, is recorded when the contribution is receivable and is estimated based on future projections. The obligation is discounted using the prevailing market rates of interest, at that time, for a similar instrument (similar as to currency, term, type of interest rate, guarantees or other factors) with a similar credit rating. The current portion is included as part of accrued liabilities. The difference between government contributions and the discounted value of royalty obligations is accounted for as a government participation which is recognized as a reduction of related expenses or as a reduction of the cost of the related asset. The Company recognizes the Government of Canada’s participation in Project Falcon and Project Innovate and the Government of Canada's and the Government of Québec's in Project Digital Intelligence as interest-bearing long-term debt. The initial measurement of the accounting liability is discounted using the prevailing market rates of interest, at that time, for a similar instrument (similar as to currency, term, type of interest rate, guarantees or other factors) with a similar credit rating. The difference between the face value of the long-term obligation and the discounted value of the long-term obligation is accounted for as a government contribution which is recognized as a reduction of costs or as a reduction of capitalized expenditures. Use of judgements, estimates and assumptions The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires the Company’s management (management) to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies, the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures at the date of the consolidated financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses for the period reported. It also requires management to exercise its judgement in applying the Company’s accounting policies. The areas involving a high degree of judgement or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the consolidated financial statements are disclosed below. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Changes will be reported in the period in which they are identified. Business combinations Business combinations are accounted for in accordance with the acquisition method. The consideration transferred and the acquiree’s identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities are measured at their fair value. Depending on the complexity of determining these valuations, the Company either consults with independent experts or develops the fair value internally by using appropriate valuation techniques which are generally based on a forecast of the total expected future net discounted cash flows. These evaluations are linked closely to the assumptions made by management regarding the future performance of the related assets and the discount rate. Contingent consideration is measured at fair value using a discounted cash flow model. Development costs Development costs are recognized as intangible assets and are amortized over their useful lives when they meet the criteria for capitalization. Forecasted revenue and profitability for the relevant projects are used to assess compliance with the capitalization criteria and to assess the recoverable amount of the assets. Impairment of non-financial assets The Company’s impairment test for goodwill is based on internal estimates of fair value less costs of disposal calculations and uses valuation models such as the discounted cash flows model (level 3). Key assumptions on which management based its determination of fair value less costs of disposal include estimated growth rates, post-tax discount rates and tax rates. These estimates, including the methodology used, can have a material impact on the respective values and ultimately the amount of any goodwill impairment. Likewise, whenever property, plant and equipment and intangible assets are tested for impairment, the determination of the assets’ recoverable amount involves the use of estimates by management and can have a material impact on the respective values and ultimately the amount of any impairment. See Note 20 for further details regarding assumptions used. Revenue recognition Combining contracts The Company uses judgement to determine if multiple contracts with the same customer should be combined by evaluating if the contracts were negotiated as a single commercial package, if the consideration in one contract depends on the other contract or if the goods and services are a single performance obligation. Determining the transaction price The Company is required to estimate the amount of variable consideration to be included in the transaction price only to the extent that it is highly probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will not subsequently occur. The amount of variable consideration is estimated using either the expected value method or the most likely amount depending on which method best predicts the amount the Company will be entitled to receive. Transaction price allocated to performance obligations In allocating the transaction price for contracts with multiple performance obligations, the Company estimates the stand-alone selling price using the expected cost plus a margin approach if they are not directly observable. Timing of satisfaction of performance obligations For contracts where revenue is recognized over time using the cost input method, the Company is required to estimate the work performed to date as a proportion of the total work to be performed. Management conducts monthly reviews of its estimated costs to complete as well as its revenue and margins recognized, on a contract-by-contract basis. The impact of any revisions in cost and revenue estimates is reflected in the period in which the need for a revision becomes known. Defined benefit pension plans The cost of defined benefit pension plans and the present value of the employee benefit obligations are determined using actuarial valuations. Actuarial valuations involve, amongst others, making assumptions about discount rates, future salary increases and mortality rates. All assumptions are reviewed at each reporting date. Any changes in these assumptions will impact the carrying amount of the employee benefit obligations and the cost of the defined benefit pension plans. In determining the appropriate discount rate, management considers the interest rates of high quality corporate bonds that are denominated in the currency in which the benefits will be paid, and that have terms to maturity approximating the terms of the related pension liability. The mortality rate is based on publicly available mortality tables for the specific country. Future salary increases and pension increases are based on expected future inflation rates for the specific country. Individual discount rates are derived from the yield curve and are used to determine the service cost and interest cost of the Canadian defined benefit pension plans at the beginning of the year. The present value of the employee benefit obligations for these Canadian plans is determined based on the individual discount rates derived from the yield curve at the end of the year. Other key assumptions for pension obligations are based, in part, on current market conditions. See Note 14 for further details regarding assumptions used. Government royalty repayments In determining the amount of repayable government royalties, assumptions and estimates are made in relation to discount rates, expected revenues and the expected timing of revenues. Revenue projections consider past experience and represent management’s best estimate about the future. Revenues after a five-year period are extrapolated using estimated growth rates, ranging from 6.0% to 15.0%, over the period of repayments. The estimated repayments are discounted using average rates ranging from 6.0% to 9.5% based on terms of similar financial instruments. These estimates, along with the methodology used to derive the estimates, can have a material impact on the respective values and ultimately any repayable obligation in relation to government participation. A 1% increase to the growth rates would increase the royalty obligation at March 31, 2019 by approximately $3.5 million (2018 − $4.0 million). Share-based payments The Company measures the cost of cash and equity-settled transactions with employees by reference to the fair value of the related instruments at the date at which they are granted. Estimating fair value for share-based payments requires determining the most appropriate valuation model for a grant, which depends on the terms and conditions of the grant. This also requires making assumptions and determining the most appropriate inputs to the valuation model including the expected life of the option, volatility and dividend yield. Income taxes The Company is subject to income tax laws in numerous jurisdictions. Judgement is required in determining the worldwide provision for income taxes. The determination of tax liabilities and assets involves uncertainties in the interpretation of complex tax regulations. The Company provides for potential tax liabilities based on the weighted average probability of the possible outcomes. Differences between actual results and those estimates could influence the income tax liabilities and deferred tax liabilities in the period in which such determinations are made. Deferred tax assets are recognized to the extent that it is probable that taxable profit will be available against the losses that can be utilized. Significant management judgement is required to determine the amount of deferred tax assets that can be recognized, based upon the likely timing and the level of future taxable profits together with future tax planning strategies. The recorded amount of total deferred tax assets could be altered if estimates of projected future taxable income and benefits from available tax strategies are lowered, or if changes in current tax regulations are enacted that impose restrictions on the timing or extent of the Company’s ability to utilize future tax benefits. Leases The classification as either finance or operating lease is based on management’s judgement of the application of criteria provided in IAS 17 – Leases and on the substance of the lease arrangement. Most of the Company’s arrangements accounted for as operating leases are in relation to buildings and flight simulators. With regards to certain aircraft used in the Company’s live training operations, management has concluded that the undiscounted lease rental payments in the amount of $46.6 million (2018 - $119.4 million) associated with the lease convention to these aircraft should be accounted for as an off-balance sheet arrangement as it is offset by a reciprocal arrangement with a third party and is non-recourse to CAE.

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