EX-99.1 2 exhibit991-mdax2018.htm EXHIBIT 99.1
2018
REPORT TO
SHAREHOLDERS
February 22, 2019

TABLE OF CONTENTS |
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS |
1.0 | PREFACE | P. 3
2.0 | CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS | P. 4
3.0 | OUR BUSINESS | P. 5
| 3.1 | Overview |
| 3.2 | Operating segment reporting |
| 3.3 | Our operations |
| 3.4 | Competitive environment |
4.0 | STRATEGY AND OBJECTIVES | P. 9
5.0 | OPERATING RESULTS | P. 10
| 5.1 | Overview |
| 5.2 | Non-GAAP financial measures |
| 5.3 | Selected annual information |
| 5.4 | Consolidated operating review |
| 5.5 | Summary of quarterly results |
| 5.6 | Fourth quarter operating results |
6.0 | FINANCIAL CONDITION | P. 19
7.0 | CASH FLOWS | P. 21
8.0 | LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES | P. 23
9.0 | LEGAL PROCEEDINGS | P. 25
10.0 | OUTLOOK | P. 26
11.0 | FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT | P. 26
12.0 | CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGMENTS | P. 31
13.0 | ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NOT YET APPLIED | P. 33
14.0 | DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES | P. 33
15.0 | INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING | P. 34
16.0 | RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES | P. 34
17.0 | DEFINITION AND RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES | P. 43
MANAGEMENT’S RESPONSIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL REPORTING | P. 47
AUDITED ANNUAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | P. 51
NOTES TO AUDITED ANNUAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | P. 55

| MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

1.0 | PREFACE

In this Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A), “Gildan”, the “Company”, or the words “we”, “us”, and “our” refer, depending on the context, either to Gildan Activewear Inc. or to Gildan Activewear Inc. together with its subsidiaries.
This MD&A comments on our operations, financial performance and financial condition as at and for the years ended December 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017. All amounts in this MD&A are in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise noted. For a complete understanding of our business environment, trends, risks and uncertainties, and the effect of accounting estimates on our results of operations and financial condition, this MD&A should be read in conjunction with Gildan’s audited annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 30, 2018 and the related notes.
In preparing this MD&A, we have taken into account all information available to us up to February 21, 2019, the date of this MD&A. The audited annual consolidated financial statements and this MD&A were reviewed by Gildan’s Audit and Finance Committee and were approved and authorized for issuance by our Board of Directors on February 20, 2019.
All financial information contained in this MD&A and in the audited annual consolidated financial statements has been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), except for certain information discussed in the section entitled “Definition and reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures” in this MD&A.
Additional information about Gildan, including our 2018 Annual Information Form, is available on our website at www.gildancorp.com, on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com, and on the EDGAR section of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission website (which includes the Annual Report on Form 40-F) at www.sec.gov.
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| MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

2.0 CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements included in this MD&A constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and Canadian securities legislation and regulations and are subject to important risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. This forward-looking information includes, amongst others, information with respect to our objectives and the strategies to achieve these objectives, as well as information with respect to our beliefs, plans, expectations, anticipations, estimates, and intentions. In particular, information appearing under the headings “Our business - Our operations”, “Strategy and objectives”, "Operating results", “Liquidity and capital resources - Long-term debt and net indebtedness”, and “Outlook” contain forward looking statements. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of conditional or forward-looking terminology such as “may”, “will”, “expect”, “intend”, “estimate”, “project”, “assume”, “anticipate”, “plan”, “foresee”, “believe”, or “continue”, or the negatives of these terms or variations of them or similar terminology. We refer you to the Company’s filings with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, as well as the risks described under the “Financial risk management”, “Critical accounting estimates and judgments”, and “Risks and uncertainties” sections of this MD&A for a discussion of the various factors that may affect the Company’s future results. Material factors and assumptions that were applied in drawing a conclusion or making a forecast or projection are also set out throughout this document.
Forward-looking information is inherently uncertain and the results or events predicted in such forward-looking information may differ materially from actual results or events. Material factors, which could cause actual results or events to differ materially from a conclusion, forecast, or projection in such forward-looking information, include, but are not limited to:

• | our ability to implement our growth strategies and plans;

• | our ability to successfully integrate acquisitions and realize expected benefits and synergies;

• | the intensity of competitive activity and our ability to compete effectively;

• | changes in general economic and financial conditions globally or in one or more of the markets we serve;

• | our reliance on a small number of significant customers;

• | the fact that our customers do not commit to minimum quantity purchases;

• | our ability to anticipate, identify, or react to changes in consumer preferences and trends;

• | our ability to manage production and inventory levels effectively in relation to changes in customer demand;

• | fluctuations and volatility in the price of raw materials used to manufacture our products, such as cotton, polyester fibres, dyes and other chemicals;

• | our reliance on key suppliers and our ability to maintain an uninterrupted supply of raw materials and finished goods;

• | the impact of climate, political, social, and economic risks in the countries in which we operate or from which we source production;

• | disruption to manufacturing and distribution activities due to such factors as operational issues, disruptions in transportation logistic functions, labour disruptions, political or social instability, bad weather, natural disasters, pandemics, and other unforeseen adverse events;

• | compliance with applicable trade, competition, taxation, environmental, health and safety, product liability, employment, patent and trademark, corporate and securities, licensing and permits, data privacy, bankruptcy, anti-corruption, and other laws and regulations in the jurisdictions in which we operate;

• | the imposition of trade remedies, or changes to duties and tariffs, international trade legislation, bilateral and multilateral trade agreements and trade preference programs that the Company is currently relying on in conducting its operations or the application of safeguards thereunder;

• | factors or circumstances that could increase our effective income tax rate, including the outcome of any tax audits or changes to applicable tax laws or treaties;

• | changes to and failure to comply with consumer product safety laws and regulations;

• | changes in our relationship with our employees or changes to domestic and foreign employment laws and regulations;

• | negative publicity as a result of actual, alleged, or perceived violations of labour and environmental laws or international labour standards, or unethical labour or other business practices by the Company or one of its third-party contractors;

• | changes in third-party licensing arrangements and licensed brands;

• | our ability to protect our intellectual property rights;

• | operational problems with our information systems as a result of system failures, viruses, security and cyber security breaches, disasters, and disruptions due to system upgrades or the integration of systems;

• | an actual or perceived breach of data security;

• | our reliance on key management and our ability to attract and/or retain key personnel;

• | changes in accounting policies and estimates; and

• | exposure to risks arising from financial instruments, including credit risk o n trade accounts receivables and other financial instruments, liquidity risk, foreign currency risk, and interest rate risk, as well as risks arising from commodity prices.

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| MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

These factors may cause the Company’s actual performance and financial results in future periods to differ materially from any estimates or projections of future performance or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements do not take into account the effect that transactions or non-recurring or other special items announced or occurring after the statements are made may have on the Company’s business. For example, they do not include the effect of business dispositions, acquisitions, other business transactions, asset write-downs, asset impairment losses, or other charges announced or occurring after forward-looking statements are made. The financial impact of such transactions and non-recurring and other special items can be complex and necessarily depends on the facts particular to each of them.
There can be no assurance that the expectations represented by our forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. The purpose of the forward-looking statements is to provide the reader with a description of management’s expectations regarding the Company’s future financial performance and may not be appropriate for other purposes. Furthermore, unless otherwise stated, the forward-looking statements contained in this report are made as of the date hereof, and we do not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise unless required by applicable legislation or regulation. The forward-looking statements contained in this report are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.
3.0 OUR BUSINESS
3.1 Overview
Gildan is a leading manufacturer of everyday basic apparel, including activewear, underwear, socks, hosiery, and legwear products sold in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America to wholesale distributors, screenprinters or embellishers, as well as to retailers in North America, and directly to consumers, primarily through our own e-commerce platforms. Since its formation, the Company has made significant capital investments in developing its own large-scale, low-cost vertically integrated supply chain, encompassing yarn production, textile and sock manufacturing, and sewing operations. Gildan's manufacturing operations are located in Central America, the Caribbean Basin, North America, and Bangladesh.
We believe the skill set that we have developed in designing, constructing, and operating our own manufacturing facilities combined with the significant capital investments made over the years in that respect, well above average industry capital intensity levels, are strong factors that differentiate us from our competition. More than 90% of our sales are derived from products we produce ourselves. Owning and operating the vast majority of our manufacturing facilities allows us to exercise tighter control over our production processes and to ensure adherence to high standards for environmental and social responsibility practices throughout our supply chain. In addition, running our own operations enables us to better control operational efficiency, costs, and product quality, as well as provide a reliable supply chain with short production/delivery cycle times.
3.2 Operating segment reporting
Effective January 1, 2018, the Company implemented executive leadership changes and consolidated its organizational structure to better leverage its go-to-market strategy across its brand portfolio and drive greater operational efficiency across the organization. The Company combined its Printwear and Branded Apparel operating businesses into one consolidated divisional operating structure, reflecting how the business is managed and reviewed by the Company’s chief operating decision maker. Consequently, starting in 2018 the Company began reporting under one reportable business segment.
3.3 Our Operations
3.3.1 Brands, Products, and Customers
The products we manufacture and sell are marketed under our Company-owned brands, including Gildan®, American Apparel®, Comfort Colors®, Gildan® Hammer™, Gold Toe®, Anvil®, Alstyle®, Secret®, Silks®, Kushyfoot®, Secret Silky®, Therapy Plus™, Peds® and MediPeds®. Through a sock licensing agreement providing exclusive distribution rights in the United States and Canada, we also sell socks under the Under Armour® brand. In addition, we manufacture and supply products to select leading global athletic and lifestyle brands, as well as to certain retail customers who market these products under their own brands.
Our primary product categories include activewear, underwear and hosiery, the vast majority of which we manufacture. Some of our brands also extend to other categories such as intimates, shapewear, denim, and peripheral or fringe products like caps, totes, towels, and other accessories which are primarily sourced through third-party suppliers.
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| MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

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

Primary product categories | Product-line details | Brands
Activewear | T-shirts, fleece tops and bottoms, and sport shirts | Gildan®, Gildan Performance®, Gildan Platinum®(1), Gildan® Hammer™, Comfort Colors®(2), American Apparel®, Anvil®, Alstyle®(2), Gold Toe®
Hosiery | athletic, dress, casual and workwear socks, liner socks, socks for therapeutic purposes(4), sheer panty hose(5), tights(5), and leggings(5) | Gildan®, Gildan Platinum®(1), Under Armour®(3), Gold Toe®, PowerSox®, GT a Gold Toe Brand®, Silver Toe®, Signature Gold by Goldtoe®, Peds®, MediPeds®, Kushyfoot®(1), Therapy Plus®(1), All Pro®, Secret®(1), Silks®(1), Secret Silky®, American Apparel®
Underwear | men's and boys' underwear (tops and bottoms) and ladies panties | Gildan®, Gildan Platinum®(1), American Apparel®
Intimates | ladies shapewear, intimates, and accessories | Secret®(1), American Apparel®, Secret Silky®
Other | To round out our product offerings for certain brands, we also offer other products, including but not limited to denim, jackets, sweaters, bodysuits, skirts, dresses, accessories, which are mainly sourced through third-party suppliers

(1) Gildan Platinum® and Kushyfoot® are registered trademarks in the U.S. Secret®, Silks®, and Therapy Plus® are registered trademarks in Canada.
(2) Comfort Colors® and Alstyle® are registered trademarks in the U.S.
(3) Under license agreement for socks only - with exclusive distribution rights in the U.S. and Canada.
(4) Applicable only to Therapy Plus® and MediPeds®.
(5) Applicable only to Secret®, Silks®, Secret Silky®, and Peds®.
3.3.2 Manufacturing
The vast majority of our products are manufactured in facilities that we own and operate. To a lesser extent, we also use third-party contractors to supplement our requirements. Our vertically integrated manufacturing operations include capital-intensive yarn-spinning, textile, sock, and sheer hosiery manufacturing facilities, as well as labour-intensive sewing facilities. Our manufacturing operations are situated in five main hubs, including the United States, Central America, the Caribbean Basin, Mexico, and Bangladesh. All of our yarn-spinning operations are located in the United States, while textile, sewing, and sock manufacturing operations are situated in the other geographical hubs mentioned above, the largest of which is in Central America, in Honduras.
In order to support further sales growth, we continue to expand our manufacturing capacity, including investments in technology to enhance our capabilities in the production of fashion basics and performance garments.
Developments in 2018
During 2018, we consolidated and reduced some of our sock manufacturing capacity. In the third quarter of 2018, we closed a smaller sock facility in North Carolina, U.S., which was acquired as part of the acquisition of Peds Legwear Inc. (Peds), and transitioned the production to our Rio Nance 4 sock facility in Honduras. During the fourth quarter, we also began consolidating our sock operations in Honduras into one facility by integrating the majority of our sock production into our Rio Nance 4 facility. The Rio Nance 3 facility, previously our other sock facility, is now largely focusing on our garment dyeing operations. In the fourth quarter of 2018, we also made the decision to close the AKH textile facility in Honduras, which was acquired as part of the Anvil acquisition in 2012, operating in leased premises outside of our large manufacturing complex
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| MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

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

| Canada | United States | Central America | Caribbean Basin | Mexico | Asia
Yarn-spinning facilities:(1) conversion of cotton, polyester and other fibres into yarn |  | ■ Clarkton, NC ■ Cedartown, GA ■ Columbus, GA (2 facilities) ■ Salisbury, NC (2 facilities) ■ Mocksville, NC |  |  |  |
Textile facilities: knitting yarn into fabric, dyeing and cutting fabric |  |  | ■ Honduras (4 facilities) | ■ Dominican Republic | ■ Agua Prieta | ■ Bangladesh
Sewing facilities(2): assembly and sewing of cut goods |  |  | ■ Honduras (4 facilities) ■ Nicaragua (3 facilities) | ■ Dominican Republic (3 facilities) | ■ Ensenada ■ Hermosillo ■ Agua Prieta | ■ Bangladesh
Garment-dyeing:(3) pigment dyeing or reactive dyeing process |  |  | ■ Honduras (1 facility) |  |  |
Hosiery manufacturing facilities: conversion of yarn into finished socks/sheer hosiery | ■ Montreal, QC |  | ■ Honduras (1 facility) |  |  |

(1) While the majority of our yarn requirements are internally produced, we also use third-party yarn-spinning suppliers, primarily in the U.S., to satisfy the remainder of our yarn needs.
(2) While we operate the majority of our sewing facilities, we also use the services of third-party sewing contractors, primarily in Haiti, Nicaragua and other regions in Central America, as well as Mexico, to satisfy the remainder of our sewing requirements.
(3) Garment dyeing is a feature of our Comfort Colors® products only, which involves a different dyeing process than how we typically dye the majority of our products. Our garment dyeing operations are located in our Rio Nance 3 facility in Honduras.
3.3.3 Genuine Responsibility™
Embedded in our long-term vision of 'Making Apparel Better', our commitment to operating responsibly and integrating sustainability into our business practices is a key part of our business strategy and has been an important element of our success. Over the past two decades, we have developed our Genuine Responsibility™ CSR program, incorporating industry-leading guidelines to govern our business activities and operations, and to provide a framework for responsible labour practices, sustainability programs, and social initiatives. Our program is centered around three fundamental priorities, namely 'Caring for our People', 'Conserving the Environment', and 'Creating Stronger Communities'.
We are committed to empowering our people through training and development programs and providing industry leading working conditions and progressive compensation packages at each of our worldwide locations. Our efforts around conserving the environment include the investment in and implementation of innovative solutions that reduce the environmental impact of our operations throughout our supply chain, including responsibly managing water usage, wastewater, energy, carbon emissions, and solid waste. We also strive to create stronger communities in all of the regions where we operate through dedicated support for education, active living, entrepreneurship, and environmental stewardship initiatives.
Gildan recognizes that transparency is an important driver of our ongoing efforts, allowing closer engagement with a wide array of stakeholders, and is proud to have published its fourteenth consecutive Sustainability Report in 2018. Reported under the stringent GRI-Comprehensive guidelines, this report describes our progress, challenges, and future goals and initiatives. We are proud of our accomplishments in the area of corporate social responsibility and the recognitions we've earned, including our sixth consecutive inclusion in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index and our 10th FundaHRSE CSR seal.
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| MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

We remain committed to furthering our efforts in the areas of focus we have outlined as part of our Genuine Responsibility™ program. Please refer to www.genuineresponsibility.com for more information.
3.3.4 Sales, marketing, and distribution
Our global sales and marketing office is located in Christ Church, Barbados, out of which we have established customer-related functions, including sales management, marketing, customer service, credit management, sales forecasting, and production planning, as well as inventory control and logistics. We also maintain sales offices in the U.S. We have established extensive distribution operations worldwide primarily through internally managed and operated distribution centres. We distribute our products out of our Company-operated large distribution centres in the United States, in Eden, NC, Charleston, SC, Jurupa Valley, CA, and Jacksonville, FL, and out of smaller facilities in the U.S. and Canada, as well as out of Company-owned distribution facilities in Honduras and Mexico. To supplement some of our distribution needs, we use third-party warehouses in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Colombia, Europe, and Asia.
Developments in 2018
As part of our organization consolidation, effective January 1, 2018, which included the combination of our former Printwear and Branded Apparel operating business into one consolidated divisional operating structure, we centralized marketing, merchandising, sales, and administrative functions and streamlined our distribution network, including the closure of smaller owned and leased warehouse facilities, as well as the start-up of new larger distribution centres in the west and east coasts of the United States.
3.3.5 Employees and corporate office
We currently employ over 50,000 employees worldwide. Our corporate head office is located in Montreal, Canada.
3.4 Competitive environment
The basic apparel market for our products is highly competitive and continuously evolving. Changing market dynamics, such as the growth of on-line shopping, declining store traffic trends, as well as retailer closures and consolidation, are intensifying competition while at the same time presenting opportunities for various market participants. Competition is generally based upon price, quality and consistency, comfort, fit, style, brand, and service. We compete on these factors by leveraging our competitive strengths, including our strategically located manufacturing operations and supply chain, scale, cost structure, global distribution, and our brand positioning in the markets we serve. We believe the skill set we have developed in owning and operating manufacturing operations together with the significant capital investments we have made, which have been above historical industry averages, are key competitive strengths.
We face competition from large and smaller U.S.-based and foreign manufacturers or suppliers of basic family apparel. Among the larger competing North American-based manufacturers are Fruit of the Loom, Inc., a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., which competes through its own brand offerings and those of its subsidiary, Russell Corporation, as well as Hanesbrands Inc. (Hanesbrands). These companies manufacture out of similar geographies as Gildan and compete primarily within the same basic apparel product categories in similar channels of distribution in North America and international markets. In socks and underwear, our competitors also include Garan Incorporated, Renfro Corporation, Jockey International, Inc., Kayser Roth Corporation, and Spanx, Inc. In addition, we compete with smaller U.S.-based competitors selling to or operating as wholesale distributors of imprintable activewear products, including Next Level Apparel, Bella + Canvas, Delta Apparel Inc., and Color Image Apparel, Inc., as well as Central American and Mexican manufacturers. Competing brands also include various private label brands controlled and sold by many of our customers, including wholesale distributors within the imprintables channel and retailers. In recent years, we have seen an increase in private label offerings, particularly within the mass retail channel, replacing branded offerings. While this trend creates additional competition for our brands, it also provides opportunity for the Company to become a strategic supplier to these customers, given the Company’s scale and manufacturing capabilities.
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| MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

4.0 STRATEGY AND OBJECTIVES
Our growth strategy is composed of the following strategic drivers:
4.1 Growing share in fashion basics
Within the imprintables channel, there are three main categories for activewear, namely “basics”, “fashion basics”, and “performance basics”. The Company historically focused on the basics category and over the years gained significant market share penetration with the Gildan® brand becoming the leading brand in this category in North America. In more recent years, we have seen an acceleration of industry growth in the fashion basics and performance basics categories, due in part to end users shifting preference to lighter weight and softer fabrics (fashion basics), or garments offering attributes featuring moisture wicking and anti-microbial properties for long-lasting comfort and performance (performance basics). Fashion basics products are produced with higher quality cotton ring-spun yarns and/or blended yarn fibres and may feature more fitted silhouettes, side seam stitching, and stretch attributes, among other characteristics. Over the last few years we have started to pursue gains in market share in these categories and have developed and acquired brands which are well positioned to drive growth in these categories. Our opening price point offering is marketed under the Gildan® and Gildan® Hammer™ brands. Higher price point offerings include the Anvil® brand, the American Apparel® brand, which is positioned as a premium brand in fashion basics, and the Comfort Colors® brand, also a premium brand, which features garment-dyed activewear products. In the performance category, we market our products under our Gildan Performance® brand offering. We have also invested in developing our own yarn-spinning manufacturing facilities, thereby securing our own cost-effective ring-spun yarn supply. In addition, our newest textile facility Rio Nance 6, which began production during 2018, is being ramped up with new equipment geared for more efficient production of fashion basics. With strong brand positioning in these categories supported by cost-effective manufacturing operations, including yarn capabilities, we believe we are well positioned to drive market leadership within imprintable fashion and performance basics.
4.2 Driving international growth
We are pursuing further growth within the imprintable channel of international markets, focusing in Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America, where we estimate the addressable market opportunity in aggregate to be large. Currently our sales outside the United States and Canada represent approximately 10% of our total consolidated net sales. We are continuing to expand our manufacturing capacity to support further penetration in these markets where our growth has been somewhat restricted by capacity availability. We have been increasing capacity at our manufacturing hub in Asia, specifically in Bangladesh, which is dedicated to supporting international markets. To support requirements for Europe, we also use supply from our Central American hub, where we are also expanding capacity. We intend to continue to pursue further sales growth internationally by leveraging the extensive breadth of our North American product line to further develop and broaden our international product offering and enhance the profitability mix of our international sales. Our current sales base has been established primarily through the sale of products marketed under the Gildan® brand. We are now leveraging additional brands from our portfolio, such as the American Apparel® and Comfort Colors® brands, among others, across the international markets in which we compete.
4.3 Capitalizing on retailer private label program opportunities that fit within our business model
The apparel market is evolving and various market dynamics are unfolding. E-commerce as a distribution platform is impacting the retail landscape in various ways. On-line shopping facilitates price transparency and has led to brand proliferation due to low barriers of entry given the lack of shelf space limitations as in the traditional brick and mortar outlets. We believe these factors are contributing to the resurgence of private label brands by traditional retailers trying to differentiate their offerings and enhance profitability.
While we continue to pursue sales growth with our own brands, in light of the rising trend of retailers shifting focus to proprietary private label brands, particularly mass merchants, the Company is also pursuing opportunities to supply retailers with products for their own private label programs. The mass tier within the retail channel represents the largest share of sales of basic apparel products. While we have established relationships and a sales base with mass retailers, our overall basic apparel market share within this channel for our own brands is small compared to the market share held by national brands. We believe we are well positioned to support retailers who are seeking low-cost, large-scale manufacturers to support their private label program requirements. The Company intends to pursue private label programs aligned to its operational and financial criteria, including product and SKU complexity and size of program, financial return targets, duration or term of expiry of the agreement, and working capital investment requirements, among other factors of consideration.
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| MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

4.4 Growing with global athletic and lifestyle brands
We have also developed strong relationships with, and are targeting to grow our sales as a supply chain partner to a small number of select leading global athletic and lifestyle brands for which we manufacture products, but against which our brands do not compete directly. We believe we are well positioned to service global brands that are increasingly looking to source from manufacturers that meet rigorous quality and social compliance criteria, strategically located in the Western Hemisphere. The majority of our sales to global lifestyle brands are primarily derived from the sale of activewear products. In recent years we have also started to sell sock products to one of our global brand customers and we believe there is an opportunity to leverage our relationships with these customers to continue to grow our sales in activewear and socks.
4.5 Pursuing e-commerce growth
We are targeting to grow our sales by leveraging our brand portfolio across our e-commerce infrastructure and the on-line platforms of our customers. Accessibility to consumers and end-users through e-commerce is increasing, and “space” to market products on-line is not a constraining factor for growth as in the traditional brick and mortar retailer channel. Consequently, e-commerce is creating opportunities for our brands. The Company has been investing in building its e-commerce capabilities, including the development of a strong operational e-commerce team and investments in enhancing direct-to-consumer distribution capabilities.
4.6 Enhancing sales and earnings growth with acquisitions that complement our strategy
We believe we can enhance our sales and earnings growth by continuing to seek complementary strategic acquisition opportunities. We intend to use our free cash flow and debt financing capacity to pursue acquisitions which meet our criteria. Over the past decade, we have completed acquisitions which have added brands to our portfolio or expanded our product offering, enhanced our manufacturing capabilities, or expanded our distribution or presence in geographical markets. The three main considerations around which we have developed our criteria for evaluating acquisition opportunities include: (1) strategic fit; (2) ease of integration; and (3) financial targets, including return on investment thresholds, based on our risk-adjusted cost of capital.
5.0 OPERATING RESULTS
5.1 Overview
This MD&A comments on our operations, financial performance, and financial condition as at and for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2018 (Fiscal 2018) and the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 (Fiscal 2017).
5.2 Non-GAAP financial measures
We use non-GAAP financial measures (non-GAAP measures) to assess our operating performance. Securities regulations require that companies caution readers that earnings and other measures adjusted to a basis other than IFRS do not have standardized meanings and are unlikely to be comparable to similar measures used by other companies. Accordingly, they should not be considered in isolation. We use non-GAAP measures including adjusted net earnings, adjusted diluted EPS, adjusted operating income, adjusted operating margin, adjusted EBITDA, free cash flow, total indebtedness, net indebtedness (total indebtedness net of cash and cash equivalents), net debt leverage ratio, and return on net assets (RONA) to measure our performance and financial condition from one period to the next, which excludes the variation caused by certain adjustments that could potentially distort the analysis of trends in our operating performance, and because we believe such measures provide meaningful information on the Company’s financial condition and financial performance. In 2018, we began reporting RONA as a non-GAAP financial measure.
We refer the reader to section 17.0 entitled “Definition and reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures” in this MD&A for the definition and complete reconciliation of all non-GAAP measures used and presented by the Company to the most directly comparable IFRS measures.
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| MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

5.3 Selected annual information

(in $ millions, except per share amounts or otherwise indicated) |  |  |  | Variation 2018-2017 | Variation 2017-2016
2018 |  | 2017 |  | 2016 |  | $ |  | % |  | $ |  | % |
Net sales | 2,908.6 |  | 2,750.8 |  | 2,585.1 |  | 157.8 |  | 5.7 | % | 165.7 |  | 6.4 | %
Gross profit | 806.0 |  | 801.2 |  | 719.7 |  | 4.8 |  | 0.6 | % | 81.5 |  | 11.3 | %
SG&A expenses | 368.5 |  | 377.3 |  | 336.4 |  | (8.8 | ) | (2.3 | )% | 40.9 |  | 12.2 | %
Restructuring and acquisition-related costs | 34.2 |  | 22.9 |  | 11.7 |  | 11.3 |  | 49.3 | % | 11.2 |  | 95.7 | %
Operating income | 403.2 |  | 401.0 |  | 371.5 |  | 2.2 |  | 0.5 | % | 29.5 |  | 7.9 | %
Adjusted operating income(1) | 437.4 |  | 423.9 |  | 383.2 |  | 13.5 |  | 3.2 | % | 40.7 |  | 10.6 | %
Adjusted EBITDA(1) | 595.5 |  | 586.1 |  | 523.8 |  | 9.4 |  | 1.6 | % | 62.3 |  | 11.9 | %
Financial expenses | 31.0 |  | 24.2 |  | 19.7 |  | 6.8 |  | 28.1 | % | 4.5 |  | 22.8 | %
Income tax expense | 21.4 |  | 14.5 |  | 5.2 |  | 6.9 |  | 47.6 | % | 9.3 |  | 178.8 | %
Net earnings | 350.8 |  | 362.3 |  | 346.6 |  | (11.5 | ) | (3.2 | )% | 15.7 |  | 4.5 | %
Adjusted net earnings(1) | 393.1 |  | 386.9 |  | 356.3 |  | 6.2 |  | 1.6 | % | 30.6 |  | 8.6 | %
Basic EPS | 1.66 |  | 1.62 |  | 1.47 |  | 0.04 |  | 2.5 | % | 0.15 |  | 10.2 | %
Diluted EPS | 1.66 |  | 1.61 |  | 1.47 |  | 0.05 |  | 3.1 | % | 0.14 |  | 9.5 | %
Adjusted diluted EPS(1) | 1.86 |  | 1.72 |  | 1.51 |  | 0.14 |  | 8.1 | % | 0.21 |  | 13.9 | %
Gross margin | 27.7 | % | 29.1 | % | 27.8 | % | n/a |  | (1.4) pp |  | n/a |  | 1.3 pp |
SG&A expenses as a percentage of sales | 12.7 | % | 13.7 | % | 13.0 | % | n/a |  | (1.0) pp |  | n/a |  | 0.7 pp |
Operating margin | 13.9 | % | 14.6 | % | 14.4 | % | n/a |  | (0.7) pp |  | n/a |  | 0.2 pp |
Adjusted operating margin (1) | 15.0 | % | 15.4 | % | 14.8 | % | n/a |  | (0.4) pp |  | n/a |  | 0.6 pp |
Total assets | 3,004.6 |  | 2,980.7 |  | 2,990.1 |  | 23.9 |  | 0.8 | % | (9.4 | ) | (0.3 | )%
Total non-current financial liabilities | 669.0 |  | 630.0 |  | 600.0 |  | 39.0 |  | 6.2 | % | 30.0 |  | 5.0 | %
Net indebtedness(1) | 622.3 |  | 577.2 |  | 561.8 |  | 45.1 |  | 7.8 | % | 15.4 |  | 2.7 | %
Return on net assets (RONA)(1) | 15.6 | % | 14.9 | % | 14.0 | % | n/a |  | 0.7 pp |  | n/a |  | 0.9 pp |
Annual cash dividends declared per common share | 0.448 |  | 0.374 |  | 0.312 |  | 0.074 |  | 19.8 | % | 0.062 |  | 19.9 | %
Net debt leverage ratio(1) | 1.0 |  | 1.0 |  | 1.0 |  | n/a |  | n/a |  | n/a |  | n/a |
n/a = not applicable |  |  |  |  |  |  |
(1) See section 17.0 "Definition and reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures" in this MD&A.
Certain minor rounding variances exist between the consolidated financial statements and this summary.

GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 11

| MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

5.4 Consolidated operating review
5.4.1 Net sales

(in $ millions, or otherwise indicated) |  |  |  | Variation 2018-2017 | Variation 2017-2016
2018 |  | 2017 |  | 2016 |  | $ |  | % |  | $ |  | % |
| Activewear | 2,321.4 |  | 2,043.1 |  | 1,888.9 |  | 278.3 |  | 13.6 | % | 154.2 |  | 8.2 | %
| Hosiery and underwear(1) | 587.2 |  | 707.7 |  | 696.2 |  | (120.5 | ) | (17.0 | )% | 11.5 |  | 1.7 | %
Total net sales | 2,908.6 |  | 2,750.8 |  | 2,585.1 |  | 157.8 |  | 5.7 | % | 165.7 |  | 6.4 | %
(1) Also includes intimates and other fringe products.
Certain minor rounding variances exist between the consolidated financial statements and this summary.

Fiscal 2018 compared to fiscal 2017
Net sales increased by $157.8 million for the year ended December 30, 2018 compared to last year. Sales growth for the year reflected a 13.6% increase in activewear sales, partly offset by a 17.0% decline in the hosiery and underwear category. The increase in activewear sales was driven by higher unit sales volume and net selling prices, more favourable product mix, and positive foreign exchange impacts compared to the prior year. Activewear unit volume growth was mainly due to higher shipments of imprintable products in the U.S., including fashion basics and fleece products, combined with strong double digit unit sales volume growth in international markets and higher unit sales of global lifestyle brand products. The decline in the hosiery and underwear category was mainly due to lower sock volumes in the mass market channel, particularly as a result of the shift to private label brands by mass retailers, as well as declines in licensed and Gold Toe® brand sales. Favourable product-mix was driven by higher sales of fleece and fashion basics and higher value sock sales. The Company's net sales growth for 2018 of 5.7% was in line with its guidance of net sales growth in the mid-single digit range, and the $120.5 million decline in the hosiery and underwear category was essentially in line with the Company's latest guidance projecting a decline in the category of approximately $125 million.
Fiscal 2017 compared to fiscal 2016
The $165.7 million, or 6.4%, increase in net sales was due to an 8.2% increase in activewear sales and a 1.7% increase in the hosiery and underwear category. Activewear sales growth in 2017 was mainly due to the incremental sales contribution of approximately $94 million from the combined acquisitions of Alstyle and American Apparel, higher net selling prices, double-digit organic unit sales volume growth in fashion basics, favourable product mix, and increased shipments in international markets. These positive factors were partly offset by lower unit sales of activewear basics and unfavourable foreign exchange. The sales increase in the Hosiery and underwear category was due to the incremental sales contribution of approximately $39 million from the Peds acquisition and higher underwear sales, partly offset by lower sock sales and the impact from the planned exit of private label programs.
5.4.2 Gross profit

|  |  |  | Variation 2018-2017 | Variation 2017-2016
(in $ millions, or otherwise indicated) | 2018 |  | 2017 |  | 2016 |
Gross profit | 806.0 |  | 801.2 |  | 719.7 |  | 4.8 | 81.5
Gross margin | 27.7 | % | 29.1 | % | 27.8 | % | (1.4) pp | 1.3 pp
Certain minor rounding variances exist between the consolidated financial statements and this summary.

Gross profit is the result of our net sales less cost of sales. Gross margin reflects gross profit as a percentage of sales. Our cost of sales includes all raw material costs, manufacturing conversion costs, including manufacturing depreciation expense, sourcing costs, inbound freight and inter-facility transportation costs, and outbound freight to customers. Cost of sales also includes the costs of purchased finished goods, costs relating to purchasing, receiving and inspection activities, manufacturing administration, third-party manufacturing services, sales-based royalty costs, insurance, inventory write-downs, and customs and duties. Our reporting of gross profit and gross margin may not be comparable to these metrics as reported by other companies, since some entities include warehousing and handling costs and/or exclude depreciation expense, outbound freight to customers, and royalty costs from cost of sales.
GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 12

| MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Fiscal 2018 compared to fiscal 2017
The 140 basis point decline in gross margin in 2018 over the prior year was mainly due to higher raw material and other input costs, as well as higher manufacturing costs primarily related to disruptions in our supply chain which occurred earlier in the year, and costs related to the ramp up of activewear capacity, partly offset by higher net selling prices and the benefit of a richer product-mix compared to last year.
Fiscal 2017 compared to fiscal 2016
Gross margin increased by 130 basis points in fiscal 2017 over the prior year, mainly due to higher net selling prices and favourable product mix primarily driven by higher sales of fashion basics and fleece products, partly offset by lower sales of higher margin socks products.
5.4.3 Selling, general and administrative expenses

|  |  |  | Variation 2018-2017 | Variation 2017-2016
(in $ millions, or otherwise indicated) | 2018 |  | 2017 |  | 2016 |
SG&A expenses | 368.5 |  | 377.3 |  | 336.4 |  | (8.8) | 40.9
SG&A expenses as a percentage of sales | 12.7 | % | 13.7 | % | 13.0 | % | (1.0) pp | 0.7 pp
Certain minor rounding variances exist between the consolidated financial statements and this summary.

Fiscal 2018 compared to fiscal 2017
The decline in selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A) and the 100 basis point improvement in SG&A as a percentage of sales in 2018 were mainly due to the benefit of cost reductions resulting from our organizational realignment which we began to implement at the start of the year. We generated cost reductions from the consolidation of marketing, sales, distribution, and administrative functions which more than offset investments related to e-commerce and distribution capabilities primarily in the first half of the year. SG&A expenses as a percentage of sales for the second half of 2018 were 12.3%, down 220 basis points compared to 14.5% in the second half of 2017, and exceeded the Company's guidance calling for SG&A expenses as a percentage of sales in the second half of the year to be lower by 100 to 200 basis points compared to the prior year, due to better than anticipated cost management.
Fiscal 2017 compared to fiscal 2016
The increase in SG&A in 2017 compared to 2016 was mainly due to the impact of acquisitions and other expenses, including distribution and e-commerce costs, as well as higher variable compensation expenses.
5.4.4 Restructuring and acquisition-related costs

|  |  |  | Variation 2018-2017 |  | Variation 2017-2016 |
(in $ millions) | 2018 |  | 2017 |  | 2016 |
Employee termination and benefit costs | 7.8 |  | 4.0 |  | 5.0 |  | 3.8 |  | (1.0 | )
Exit, relocation and other costs | 13.6 |  | 13.8 |  | 7.9 |  | (0.2 | ) | 5.9 |
Net loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment related to exit activities | 12.4 |  | 0.9 |  | 1.1 |  | 11.5 |  | (0.2 | )
Loss on disposal or transfer of assets held for sale | — |  | — |  | 0.6 |  | — |  | (0.6 | )
Remeasurement of contingent consideration in connection with a business acquisition | — |  | — |  | (6.2 | ) | — |  | 6.2 |
Acquisition-related transaction costs | 0.4 |  | 4.2 |  | 3.3 |  | (3.8 | ) | 0.9 |
Restructuring and acquisition-related costs | 34.2 |  | 22.9 |  | 11.7 |  | 11.3 |  | 11.2 |
Certain minor rounding variances exist between the consolidated financial statements and this summary.

Restructuring and acquisition-related costs are comprised of costs directly related to the closure of business locations or the relocation of business activities, significant changes in management structure, as well as transaction, exit, and integration costs incurred pursuant to business acquisitions.
GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 13

| MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Restructuring and acquisition-related costs in fiscal 2018 related primarily to the following: $9.0 million for the closure of the AKH textile manufacturing facility which was acquired as part of the Anvil acquisition; $9.0 million for the consolidation of the Company's U.S. distribution centres pursuant to prior years' business acquisitions (net of a gain on disposal of $1.2 million and the $5.0 million reversal of an environmental liability for a distribution facility sold in fiscal 2018); $7.3 million for the Company's internal organizational realignment; $5.5 million for the consolidation of sock production manufacturing; and $3.4 million in other costs, including the consolidation of garment dyeing operations acquired in the Comfort Colors acquisition and information systems integration for prior year acquisitions.
The Company had initially projected restructuring and acquisition-related costs for 2018 to be in the range of $15 to $20 million. The higher than previously anticipated restructuring and acquisition-related costs were largely associated with the consolidation of textile manufacturing and sock production capacity, as well as the closure of an additional distribution facility in North Carolina, which were not assumed in the Company's initial guidance.
Restructuring and acquisition-related costs in fiscal 2017 related primarily to the following: $7.9 million of transaction and integration costs for the American Apparel business acquisition; $6.2 million for the rationalization of the Company's remaining retail store outlets; $4.4 million for the integration of prior years' business acquisitions, primarily for the integration of Alstyle and Peds; $2.7 million for the consolidation of the Company's West Coast distribution centres pursuant to the acquisitions of American Apparel and Alstyle; and $1.7 million for the Company's internal organizational realignment.
Restructuring and acquisition-related costs in fiscal 2016 related primarily to the following: $8.4 million of transaction and integration costs for the Alstyle and Peds acquisitions; $4.5 million for the integration of other businesses acquired in previous years, involving consolidation of customer service, distribution, and administrative functions; $4.2 million for the rationalization of our retail store outlets as part of our overall direct-to-consumer channel strategy; and other costs of $0.8 million, partially offset by a gain of $6.2 million on the re-measurement of the fair value of contingent consideration in connection with the Doris acquisition.
5.4.5 Operating income and adjusted operating income

|  |  |  | Variation 2018-2017 |  | Variation 2017-2016
(in $ millions, or otherwise indicated) | 2018 |  | 2017 |  | 2016 |
Operating income | 403.2 |  | 401.0 |  | 371.5 |  | 2.2 |  | 29.5
Adjustment for: |  |  |  |  |
Restructuring and acquisition-related costs | 34.2 |  | 22.9 |  | 11.7 |  | 11.3 |  | 11.2
Adjusted operating income(1) | 437.4 |  | 423.9 |  | 383.2 |  | 13.5 |  | 40.7
Operating margin | 13.9 | % | 14.6 | % | 14.4 | % | (0.7) pp |  | 0.2 pp
Adjusted operating margin(1) | 15.0 | % | 15.4 | % | 14.8 | % | (0.4) pp |  | 0.6 pp

(1) See section 17.0 "Definition and reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures" in this MD&A.
Certain minor rounding variances exist between the consolidated financial statements and this summary.
Fiscal 2018 compared to fiscal 2017
The increase in operating income in 2018 compared to 2017 reflected the increase in sales and lower SG&A expenses driven by cost reductions primarily associated with the Company's organizational consolidation, which more than offset lower gross profit and higher restructuring and acquisition-related costs. Excluding the impact of restructuring and acquisition-related costs, adjusted operating margin in 2018 was in line with our guidance calling for a slight year over year decline. The slight decline in adjusted operating margin was due to the gross margin decline which more than offset the benefit of lower SG&A expenses as a percentage of sales.
Fiscal 2017 compared to fiscal 2016
The increase in operating income in 2017 compared to 2016 was mainly due to the increase in gross profit, partially offset by higher SG&A expenses and higher restructuring and acquisition-related costs. Excluding the impact of restructuring and acquisition-related costs, adjusted operating margin in 2017 was up 60 basis points driven by higher gross margin in the year, partially offset by higher SG&A expenses as a percentage of sales.
GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 14

| MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

5.4.6 Financial expenses, net

|  |  |  | Variation 2018-2017 |  | Variation 2017-2016 |
(in $ millions) | 2018 |  | 2017 |  | 2016 |
Interest expense on financial liabilities recorded at amortized cost | 24.8 |  | 17.1 |  | 12.6 |  | 7.7 |  | 4.5 |
Bank and other financial charges | 7.5 |  | 8.0 |  | 6.3 |  | (0.5 | ) | 1.7 |
Interest accretion on discounted provisions | 0.3 |  | 0.3 |  | 0.3 |  | — |  | — |
Foreign exchange loss (gain) | (1.5 | ) | (1.3 | ) | 0.4 |  | (0.2 | ) | (1.7 | )
Financial expenses, net | 31.1 |  | 24.1 |  | 19.6 |  | 7.0 |  | 4.5 |
Certain minor rounding variances exist between the consolidated financial statements and this summary. |

Fiscal 2018 compared to fiscal 2017
The increase in net financial expenses in fiscal 2018 compared to fiscal 2017 was mainly due to higher interest expense as a result of higher effective interest rates on our long-term debt bearing interest at variable rates as a result of higher U.S. short-term interest rates, and higher average borrowing levels. Foreign exchange gains for fiscal 2018 and fiscal 2017 relate primarily to the revaluation of net monetary assets denominated in foreign currencies.
Fiscal 2017 compared to fiscal 2016
The increase in net financial expenses in fiscal 2017 compared to fiscal 2016 was due to higher interest expense as a result of slightly higher borrowing levels and higher effective interest rates on our long-term debt relating mainly to higher U.S. short-term interest rates and the interest rates on the notes payable that were issued in August 2016. Bank and other financial charges increased in fiscal 2017 compared to fiscal 2016 due to the amortization of financing fees incurred in connection with the new debt issuances in fiscal 2016 and discount fees related to the sales of trade accounts receivables. Foreign exchange gains for fiscal 2017 relate primarily to the revaluation of net monetary assets denominated in foreign currencies.
5.4.7 Income taxes
The Company’s average effective tax rate is calculated as follows:

|  |  |  | Variation 2018-2017 | Variation 2017-2016
(in $ millions, or otherwise indicated) | 2018 |  | 2017 |  | 2016 |
Earnings before income taxes | 372.1 |  | 376.8 |  | 351.8 |  | (4.7) | 25.0
Income tax expense | 21.4 |  | 14.5 |  | 5.2 |  | 6.9 | 9.3
Average effective income tax rate | 5.8 | % | 3.8 | % | 1.5 | % | 2.0 pp | 2.3 pp
Certain minor rounding variances exist between the consolidated financial statements and this summary. |

Fiscal 2018 compared to fiscal 2017
The higher income tax expense and average effective tax rate compared to last year is mainly due to an increase in deferred income tax expense adjustments relating to the Company’s internal organizational realignment, referred to in section 3.2 of this annual MD&A, and the impact of income tax rate changes. In fiscal 2018, pursuant to additional phases to the internal organizational realignment, the Company reassessed the recoverability of its deferred income tax assets in the respective jurisdictions affected, resulting in an increase in deferred tax expense of $6.1 million for assets that were no longer probable of being realized. In fiscal 2017, the initiation of the internal organizational realignment plan resulted in an increase to deferred income tax expense of $3.3 million. The fiscal 2018 deferred income tax expense also included $2.0 million for the revaluation of deferred income tax assets and liabilities due to changes in statutory income tax rates, compared to a deferred income tax recovery of $1.6 million in fiscal 2017 for tax rate changes, primarily to reflect the changes in the U.S. statutory federal corporate income tax rate impact that took effect at the beginning of 2018. Excluding the impact of the aforementioned adjustments to deferred income tax expense in both years, and excluding the impact of restructuring and acquisition-related costs described in section 5.4.4 of this MD&A, the average effective income tax rate for both years was approximately 3.3%, slightly lower than the anticipated full year tax rate of approximately 4%.
Fiscal 2017 compared to fiscal 2016
The higher income tax expense and average effective tax rate in fiscal 2017 compared to fiscal 2016 were in part due to higher operating profits earned in higher tax rate jurisdictions, lower income tax recoveries relating to prior taxation years, and other adjustments. The fiscal 2017 income tax expense included $1.6 million of income tax recoveries relating to prior
GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 15

| MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

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

|  |  |  | Variation 2018-2017 |  | Variation 2017-2016 |
(in $ millions, except per share amounts) | 2018 |  | 2017 |  | 2016 |
Net earnings | 350.8 |  | 362.3 |  | 346.6 |  | (11.5 | ) | 15.7 |
Adjustments for: |  |  |  |  |
Restructuring and acquisition-related costs | 34.2 |  | 22.9 |  | 11.7 |  | 11.3 |  | 11.2 |
Income tax expense relating to restructuring and acquisition-related actions(1) | 6.1 |  | 3.3 |  | (2.0 | ) | 2.8 |  | 5.3 |
Income tax expense (recovery) related to the revaluation of deferred income tax assets and liabilities due to statutory income tax rate changes(2) | 2.0 |  | (1.6 | ) | — |  | 3.6 |  | (1.6 | )
Adjusted net earnings(3) | 393.1 |  | 386.9 |  | 356.3 |  | 6.2 |  | 30.6 |
Basic EPS | 1.66 |  | 1.62 |  | 1.47 |  | 0.04 |  | 0.15 |
Diluted EPS | 1.66 |  | 1.61 |  | 1.47 |  | 0.05 |  | 0.14 |
Adjusted diluted EPS(3) | 1.86 |  | 1.72 |  | 1.51 |  | 0.14 |  | 0.21 |
(1) These income tax expenses relate to the Company’s internal organizational realignment. Pursuant to the initiation and completion of this organizational realignment plan, the Company reassessed the recoverability of its deferred income tax assets and the valuation of its deferred tax liabilities in the respective jurisdictions affected, resulting in an increase to deferred income tax expense in fiscal 2018 and 2017 of $6.1 million and $3.3 million, respectively. (2) The income tax expense for the impact of income tax rate changes are primarily related to the impact of U.S. tax reform, reflecting the reduction in the U.S. statutory federal tax rate that took effect in 2018.
(3) See section 17.0 "Definition and reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures" in this MD&A.
Certain minor rounding variances exist between the consolidated financial statements and this summary.

Fiscal 2018 compared to fiscal 2017
Net earnings for 2018 were slightly down compared to the prior year due to the decline in operating margin and higher financial expenses and income taxes, which more than offset the contribution of higher sales. The increase in adjusted net earnings in 2018 was mainly due to the contribution of higher sales, which more than offset the decline in adjusted operating margin and higher financial expenses. On a diluted per share basis, net earnings and adjusted net earnings for 2018 were up over the prior year, including the benefit of a lower share count.
Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure. Please refer to section 17.0 "Definition and reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures" in this MD&A. Adjusted EBITDA for 2018 amounted to $595.5 million, up $9.4 million compared to $586.1 million in 2017, coming in just slightly under the low end of our guidance range.
Return on net assets (RONA) is a non-GAAP measure that the Company uses as a performance indicator to measure the efficiency of its invested capital. Please refer to section 17.0 "Definition and reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures" in this MD&A. During 2018, as we executed on our growth drivers and drove increased efficiency across the organization, RONA for 2018 improved to 15.6%, up 70 basis points from 14.9% in 2017.
Fiscal 2017 compared to fiscal 2016
The increase in net earnings and adjusted net earnings was due to higher operating income, partially offset by higher financial expenses and a higher income tax expense. Additionally, diluted EPS and adjusted diluted EPS reflected the benefit of share repurchases.
GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 16

| MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

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

For the three months ended (in $ millions, except share and per share amounts or otherwise indicated) | Dec 30, 2018 |  | Sep 30, 2018 |  | Jul 1, 2018 |  | Apr 1, 2018 |  | Dec 31, 2017 |  | Oct 1, 2017 |  | Jul 2, 2017 |  | Apr 2, 2017 |  | (1)
Net sales | 742.7 |  | 754.4 |  | 764.2 |  | 647.3 |  | 653.7 |  | 716.4 |  | 715.4 |  | 665.4 |  |
Net earnings | 59.6 |  | 114.3 |  | 109.0 |  | 67.9 |  | 54.9 |  | 116.1 |  | 107.7 |  | 83.5 |  |
Net earnings per share |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Basic(2) | 0.29 |  | 0.55 |  | 0.51 |  | 0.31 |  | 0.25 |  | 0.52 |  | 0.48 |  | 0.36 |  |
Diluted(2) | 0.29 |  | 0.55 |  | 0.51 |  | 0.31 |  | 0.25 |  | 0.52 |  | 0.48 |  | 0.36 |  |
Weighted average number of shares outstanding (in ‘000s) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Basic | 206,796 |  | 207,926 |  | 212,477 |  | 218,541 |  | 219,387 |  | 223,017 |  | 224,859 |  | 229,474 |  |
Diluted | 207,122 |  | 208,161 |  | 212,722 |  | 218,850 |  | 219,758 |  | 223,481 |  | 225,389 |  | 229,943 |  |
(1) Reflects the acquisition of American Apparel from February 8, 2017. |
(2) Quarterly EPS may not add to year-to-date EPS due to rounding. |
Certain minor rounding variances exist between the consolidated financial statements and this summary. |

5.5.1 Seasonality and other factors affecting the variability of results and financial condition
Our results of operations for interim and annual periods are impacted by the variability of certain factors, including, but not limited to, changes in end-use demand and customer demand, our customers’ decision to increase or decrease their inventory levels, changes in our sales mix, and fluctuations in selling prices and raw material costs. While our products are sold on a year-round basis, our business experiences seasonal changes in demand which result in quarterly fluctuations in operating results. Although certain products have seasonal peak periods of demand, competitive dynamics may influence the timing of customer purchases causing seasonal trends to vary somewhat from year to year. Historically, demand for T-shirts is lowest in the fourth quarter and highest in the second quarter of the year, when distributors purchase inventory for the peak summer selling season. Demand for fleece is typically highest in advance of the fall and winter seasons, in the second and third quarters of the year. Sales of hosiery and underwear are higher during the second half of the year, during the back-to-school period and the Christmas holiday selling season. These seasonal sales trends of our business also result in fluctuations in our inventory levels throughout the year.
Our results are also impacted by fluctuations in the price of raw materials and other input costs. Cotton and polyester fibres are the primary raw materials used in the manufacture of our products, and we also use chemicals, dyestuffs, and trims, which we purchase from a variety of suppliers. Cotton prices are affected by consumer demand, global supply, which may be impacted by weather conditions in any given year, speculation on the commodities market, the relative valuations and fluctuations of the currencies of producer versus consumer countries, and other factors that are generally unpredictable. While we enter into purchase contracts and derivative financial instruments in advance of delivery to establish firm prices for the cotton component of our yarn requirements, our realized cotton costs can fluctuate significantly between interim and annual reporting periods. Energy costs in our results of operations are also affected by fluctuations in crude oil, natural gas, and petroleum prices, which can also influence transportation costs and the cost of related items used in our business, such as polyester fibres, chemicals, dyestuffs, and trims. Changes in raw material costs are initially reflected in the cost of inventory and only impact net earnings when the respective inventories are so ld.
Business acquisitions may affect the comparability of results. As noted in the table under “Summary of quarterly results”, the quarterly financial data reflect results of companies acquired from their effective date of acquisition. In addition, management decisions to consolidate or reorganize operations, including the closure of facilities, may result in significant restructuring costs in an interim or annual period. The effect of asset write-downs, including provisions for bad debts and slow moving inventories, can also affect the variability of our results. Subsection 5.4.4 entitled “Restructuring and acquisition-related costs” in this annual MD&A contains a discussion of costs related to the Company’s restructuring activities and business acquisitions.
Our reported amounts for net sales, cost of sales, SG&A expenses, and financial expenses/income are impacted by fluctuations in certain currencies versus the U.S. dollar as described in section 11 entitled “Financial risk management” in this annual MD&A. The Company periodically uses derivative financial instruments to manage risks related to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates.
GILDAN 2018 REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS P. 17

| MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

5.6 Fourth quarter operating results

For the three months ended | December 30, 2018 |  | December 31, 2017 |  |  |
(in $ millions, except per share amounts or otherwise indicated) | Variation $ | Variation % |
Net sales | 742.7 |  | 653.7 |  | 89.0 | 13.6 | %
Gross profit | 195.4 |  | 177.0 |  | 18.4 | 10.4 | %
SG&A expenses | 95.5 |  | 103.9 |  | (8.4) | (8.1 | )%
Restructuring and acquisition-related costs | 21.7 |  | 11.0 |  | 10.7 | n.m. |
Operating income | 78.2 |  | 62.0 |  | 16.2 | 26.1 | %
Adjusted operating income(1) | 99.9 |  | 73.0 |  | 26.9 | 36.8 | %
Adjusted EBITDA(1) | 138.0 |  | 114.0 |  | 24.0 | 21.1 | %
Financial expenses | 8.7 |  | 5.9 |  | 2.8 | 47.5 | %
Income tax expense | 10.0 |  | 1.2 |  | 8.8 | n.m. |
Net earnings | 59.6 |  | 54.9 |  | 4.7 | 8.6 | %
Adjusted net earnings(1) | 88.9 |  | 67.6 |  | 21.3 | 31.5 | %
Basic EPS | 0.29 |  | 0.25 |  | 0.04 | 16.0 | %
Diluted EPS | 0.29 |  | 0.25 |  | 0.04 | 16.0 | %
Adjusted diluted EPS(1) | 0.43 |  | 0.31 |  | 0.12 | 38.7 | %
Gross margin | 26.3 | % | 27.1 | % | n/a | (0.8) pp |
SG&A expenses as a percentage of sales | 12.9 | % | 15.9 | % | n/a | (3.0) pp |
Operating margin | 10.5 | % | 9.5 | % | n/a | 1.0 pp |
Adjusted operating margin(1) | 13.5 | % | 11.2 | % | n/a | 2.3 pp |
n.m. = not meaningful |  |  |  |
n/a - not applicable |  |  |  |
(1) See section 17.0 "Definition and reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures" in this MD&A.
Certain minor rounding variances exist between the consolidated financial statements and this summary.

Net sales for the fourth quarter ended December 30, 2018 of $742.7 million were up 13.6% compared to the fourth quarter of 2017 driven by a 22.3% increase in activewear sales, partly offset by a 7.9% sales decline in the hosiery and underwear category, which was anticipated. The increase in the activewear category in the fourth quarter, where we generated $569 million in net sales, was mainly due to higher unit sales volumes, a better product-mix driven primarily by higher fleece shipments, and higher net selling prices. Activewear volume growth reflected higher shipments of imprintable products in North America and a 29% increase in international shipments, as well as higher sales to global lifestyle brands and retailers. Sales in the hosiery and underwear category totaled $173 million, as anticipated, down $15 million from the fourth quarter last year primarily due to lower Gildan® sock sales in mass and lower mass retailer replenishment of Gildan® underwear in the quarter, partly offset by shipments under one of our new private label underwear programs in the fourth quarter.
Gross margin in the fourth quarter was down 80 basis points to 26.3% compared to the prior year quarter. The decrease was mainly due to higher raw material and other input costs, activewear growth ramp up costs, and the flow through of the balance of the costs related to supply chain disruptions which we incurred earlier in the year. These factors more than offset the benefit from higher net selling prices and more favourable product-mix compared to the prior year quarter.
SG&A expenses for the fourth quarter of 2018 of $95.5 million were down over 8% compared to $103.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2017. As a percentage of sales, SG&A expenses were 12.9%, down 300 basis points from 15.9% in the fourth quarter last year primarily reflecting the benefit of cost reductions driven by our organizational consolidation and a higher sales base. Operating margin and adjusted operating margin in the fourth quarter of 2018 were 10.5% and 13.5%, respectively, better by 100 and 230 basis points, respectively, compared to the fourth quarter of 2017. The improvement was mainly due to lower SG&A expenses as a percentage of sales, partly offset by a lower gross margin.
We incurred $21.7 million in restructuring and acquisition-related costs in the fourth quarter of 2018 primarily related to the Company’s organizational realignment and the consolidation of textile, sock manufacturing, warehouse distribution, and garment dyeing operations. With respect to textile manufacturing, during the fourth quarter of 2018, we made the decision to close our AKH textile facility in Honduras, which was acquired as part of the Anvil acquisition in 2012, and was operating
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| MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

in leased premises outside of our large manufacturing complex in Rio Nance. We transitioned this production that was largely for fashion basics products to our new state-of-the art Rio Nance 6 textile facility, which we are ramping up with new equipment geared for more efficient production of fashion basics. In addition, during the fourth quarter, we began the consolidation of our sock operations, integrating the majority of our sock production in Honduras into our Rio Nance 4 facility, with our Rio Nance 3 facility now largely focusing on our garment dyeing operations.
Income tax expense for the quarter was $10.0 million compared to $1.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2017. Income tax expense in both periods included deferred income tax expense adjustments of $7.6 million and $1.7 million, respectively, associated with restructuring and acquisition-related actions and the impact of tax rate changes.
Net earnings totaled $59.6 million or $0.29 per share on a diluted basis for the three months ended December 30, 2018, compared with net earnings of $54.9 million or $0.25 per share for the three months ended December 31, 2017. Adjusted net earnings of $88.9 million were up 31.5% from $67.6 million in the fourth quarter last year. We generated adjusted diluted EPS for the fourth quarter of $0.43, up 38.7% compared to the fourth quarter last year mainly due to higher adjusted operating income and the benefit of a lower share count compared to the prior year, partly offset by higher financial and income tax expenses.
6.0 FINANCIAL CONDITION
6.1 Current assets and current liabilities

| December 30, 2018 |  | December 31, 2017 |  |
(in $ millions) | Variation |
Cash and cash equivalents | 46.7 |  | 52.8 |  | (6.1 | )
Trade accounts receivable | 317.2 |  | 243.4 |  | 73.8 |
Income taxes receivable | 1.7 |  | 3.9 |  | (2.2 | )
Inventories | 940.0 |  | 945.7 |  | (5.7 | )
Prepaid expenses, deposits and other current assets | 77.4 |  | 62.1 |  | 15.3 |
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | (347.0 | ) | (258.5 | ) | (88.5 | )
Total working capital | 1,036.0 |  | 1,049.4 |  | (13.4 | )
Certain minor rounding variances exist between the consolidated financial statements and this summary. |

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

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

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

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

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

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| MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

6.2 Property, plant and equipment, intangible assets and goodwill

| Property, plant |  | Intangible |  |
(in $ millions) | and equipment |  | assets |  | Goodwill |
Balance, December 31, 2017 | 1,035.8 |  | 401.6 |  | 226.6 |
Net capital additions | 110.7 |  | 19.5 |  | 0.1 |
Disposals | (30.3 | ) | (0.2 | ) | — |
Additions through business acquisitions | — |  | — |  | 0.7 |
Depreciation and amortization | (125.8 | ) | (27.3 | ) | — |
Balance, December 30, 2018 | 990.4 |  | 393.6 |  | 227.4 |
Certain minor rounding variances exist between the consolidated financial statements and this summary. |

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

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

6.3 Other non-current assets and non-current liabilities

| December 30, 2018 |  | December 31, 2017 |  |
(in $ millions) | Variation |
Other non-current assets | 10.3 |  | 8.8 |  | 1.5 |
Long-term debt | 669.0 |  | 630.0 |  | 39.0 |
Deferred income taxes | 12.6 |  | 3.7 |  | 8.9 |
Other non-current liabilities | 39.9 |  | 37.1 |  | 2.8 |
Certain minor rounding variances exist between the consolidated financial statements and this summary. |

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

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

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

Total assets were $3,004.6 million as at December 30, 2018, compared to $2,980.7 million as at December 31, 2017.
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| MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

7.0 CASH FLOWS
7.1 Cash flows from (used in) operating activities

(in $ millions) | 2018 |  | 2017 |  | Variation |
Net earnings | 350.8 |  | 362.3 |  | (11.5 | )
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to cash flows from operating activities(1) | 202.3 |  | 175.2 |  | 27.1 |
Changes in non-cash working capital balances | (14.5 | ) | 75.8 |  | (90.3 | )
Cash flows from operating activities | 538.6 |  | 613.3 |  | (74.7 | )

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

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

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

7.2 Cash flows from (used in) investing activities

(in $ millions) | 2018 |  | 2017 |  | Variation |
Purchase of property, plant and equipment | (107.7 | ) | (92.0 | ) | (15.7 | )
Purchase of intangible assets | (17.6 | ) | (2.8 | ) | (14.8 | )
Business acquisitions | (1.3 | ) | (115.8 | ) | 114.5 |
Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment | 15.6 |  | 0.5 |  | 15.1 |
Cash flows used in investing activities | (111.0 | ) | (210.1 | ) | 99.1 |
Certain minor rounding variances exist between the consolidated financial statements and this summary. |

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

• | Capital expenditures during fiscal 2018 are described in section 6.2 of this MD&A, and our projected capital expenditures for the next fiscal year are discussed in section 8.0 entitled “Liquidity and capital resources” in this MD&A.

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| MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

7.3 Free cash flow

(in $ millions) | 2018 |  | 2017 |  | Variation |
Cash flows from operating activities | 538.5 |  | 613.4 |  | (74.9 | )
Cash flows used in investing activities | (110.9 | ) | (210.0 | ) | 99.1 |
Adjustment for: |  |  |
Business acquisitions | 1.3 |  | 115.8 |  | (114.5 | )
Free cash flow(1) | 428.9 |  | 519.2 |  | (90.3 | )
(1) See section 17.0 "Definition and reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures" in this MD&A.
Certain minor rounding variances exist between the consolidated financial statements and this summary. |

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

7.4 Cash flows from (used in) financing activities

(in $ millions) | 2018 |  | 2017 |  | Variation |
Increase in amounts drawn under revolving long-term bank credit facilities | 39.0 |  | 30.0 |  | 9.0 |
Dividends paid | (94.6 | ) | (84.8 | ) | (9.8 | )
Proceeds from the issuance of shares | 3.2 |  | 4.9 |  | (1.7 | )
Repurchase and cancellation of shares | (367.5 | ) | (328.6 | ) | (38.9 | )
Share repurchases for settlement of non-Treasury RSUs | (7.2 | ) | (6.3 | ) | (0.9 | )
Withholding taxes paid pursuant to the settlement of non-Treasury RSUs | (6.1 | ) | (4.5 | ) | (1.6 | )
Cash flows used in financing activities | (433.2 | ) | (389.3 | ) | (43.9 | )
Certain minor rounding variances exist between the consolidated financial statements and this summary. |

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

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

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| MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

8.0 LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
8.1 Capital allocation framework
Our primary uses of funds are for working capital requirements, capital expenditures, business acquisitions, and payment of dividends. We have also used funds for the repurchase of shares. We fund our requirements with cash generated from operations and with funds drawn from our long-term debt facilities. We have established a capital allocation framework intended to enhance sales and earnings growth as well as shareholder returns. After funding working capital needs, our first priority of cash use is to fund our organic growth with the required capital investments. Beyond these requirements, we intend to use our free cash flow and debt financing capacity to support our current dividend, and then seek to complete complementary strategic acquisitions which meet our criteria. In addition, when appropriate, we intend to use excess cash to repurchase shares under normal course issuer bid programs. The Company has set a net debt leverage target ratio of one to two times pro-forma adjusted EBITDA for the trailing twelve months, which it believes will provide an efficient capital structure and a framework within which it can execute on its capital allocation priorities.
8.2 Long-term debt and net indebtedness
The Company's long-term debt as at December 30, 2018 is described below.

| Effective interest rate (1) | Principal amount | Maturity date
(in $ millions, or otherwise indicated) | December 30, 2018 |  | December 31, 2017 |
Revolving long-term bank credit facility, interest at variable U.S. LIBOR-based interest rate plus a spread ranging from 1% to 2% (2) | 3.4% | $ | 69 |  | $ | 30 |  | April 2023
Term loan, interest at variable U.S. LIBOR-based interest rate plus a spread ranging from 1% to 2% (3) | 2.8% | 300 |  | 300 |  | April 2023
Notes payable, interest at fixed rate of 2.70%, payable semi-annually (4) | 2.7% | 100 |  | 100 |  | August 2023
Notes payable, interest at variable U.S. LIBOR-based interest rate plus a spread of 1.53% payable quarterly (4) | 2.7% | 50 |  | 50 |  | August 2023
Notes payable, interest at fixed rate of 2.91%, payable semi-annually (4) | 2.9% | 100 |  | 100 |  | August 2026
Notes payable, interest at variable U.S. LIBOR-based interest rate plus a spread of 1.57% payable quarterly (4) | 2.9% | 50 |  | 50 |  | August 2026
|  | $ | 669 |  | $ | 630 |  |

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

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

(3) | The unsecured term loan is non-revolving and can be prepaid in whole or in part at any time with no penalties. The spread added to the U.S. LIBOR-based variable interest rate is a function of the total net debt to EBITDA ratio (as defined in the term loan agreement).

(4) | The unsecured notes issued for a total aggregate principal amount of $300 million to accredited investors in the U.S. private placement market can be prepaid in whole or in part at any time, subject to the payment of a prepayment penalty as provided for in the Note Purchase Agreement.

In March 2018, the Company amended its unsecured revolving long-term bank credit facility of $1 billion to extend the maturity date from April 2022 to April 2023, amended its unsecured term loan of $300 million to extend the maturity date from June 2021 to April 2023, and cancelled its unsecured revolving long-term bank credit facility of $300 million.
Under the terms of the revolving facilities, term loan facility, and notes, the Company is required to comply with certain covenants, including maintenance of financial ratios. The Company was in compliance with all financial covenants at December 30, 2018.
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| MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

(in $ millions) | December 30, 2018 |  | December 31, 2017 |
Long-term debt and total indebtedness(1) | 669.0 |  | 630.0 |
Cash and cash equivalents | (46.7 | ) | (52.8 | )
Net indebtedness(1) | 622.3 |  | 577.2 |
(1) See section 17.0 "Definition and reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures" in this MD&A.
Certain minor rounding variances exist between the consolidated financial statements and this summary.

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

| December 30, 2018 |  | December 31, 2017 |
(in $ millions, or otherwise indicated)
Adjusted EBITDA for the trailing twelve months | 595.5 |  | 586.1 |
Adjustment for: |  |
Business acquisitions | — |  | 0.3 |
Pro-forma adjusted EBITDA for the trailing twelve months | 595.5 |  | 586.4 |
Net indebtedness(1) | 622.3 |  | 577.2 |
Net debt leverage ratio(1) | 1.0 |  | 1.0 |
(1) See section 17.0 "Definition and reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures" in this MD&A.
Certain minor rounding variances exist between the consolidated financial statements and this summary.

For fiscal 2019, the Company is projecting capital expenditures of approximately $125 million primarily for the continued development of the Rio Nance 6 facility in Honduras, investments in existing textile facilities, sewing capacity expansion to align with increases in textile capacity, as well as expenditures in information technology.
We expect that cash flows from operating activities and the unutilized financing capacity under our long-term debt facilities will continue to provide us with sufficient liquidity for the foreseeable future to fund our organic growth strategy, including anticipated working capital and capital expenditure requirements, to fund dividends to shareholders, as well as to provide us with financing flexibility to take advantage of potential acquisition opportunities which complement our organic growth strategy and to fund the NCIB discussed in section 8.5 below.
The Company, upon approval from its Board of Directors, may issue or repay long-term debt, issue or repurchase shares, or undertake other activities as deemed appropriate under the specific circumstances.
8.3 Outstanding share data
Our common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) under the symbol GIL. As at February 14, 2019, there were 206,740,357 common shares issued and outstanding along with 2,662,446 stock options and 105,573 dilutive restricted share units (Treasury RSUs) outstanding. Each stock option entitles the holder to purchase one common share at the end of the vesting period at a pre-determined option price. Each Treasury RSU entitles the holder to receive one common share from treasury at the end of the vesting period, without any monetary consideration being paid to the Company. Treasury RSUs are used exclusively for one-time awards to attract candidates or for retention purposes and their vesting conditions, including any performance objectives, are determined by the Board of Directors at the time of grant.
8.4 Declaration of dividend
The Company paid dividends of $94.6 million during the year ended December 30, 2018. On February 20, 2019, the Board of Directors approved a 20% increase in the amount of the quarterly dividend and declared a cash dividend of $0.134 per share for an expected aggregate payment of $27.7 million which will be paid on April 1, 2019 on all of the issued and
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| MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

outstanding common shares of the Company, rateably and proportionately to the holders of record on March 7, 2019. This dividend is an “eligible dividend” for the purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) and any other applicable provincial legislation pertaining to eligible dividends.
As part of the Company's capital allocation framework as described in section 8.1 of this MD&A, the Board of Directors considers several factors when deciding to declare quarterly cash dividends, including the Company’s present and future earnings, cash flows, capital requirements, and present and/or future regulatory and legal restrictions. There can be no assurance as to the declaration of future quarterly cash dividends. Although the Company’s long-term debt agreements require compliance with lending covenants in order to pay dividends, these covenants are not currently, and are not expected to be, a constraint to the payment of dividends under the Company’s dividend policy.
8.5 Normal course issuer bid
On February 23, 2017, the Company announced the renewal of a normal course issuer bid (previous NCIB) beginning February 27, 2017 and ending on February 26, 2018, to purchase for cancellation up to 11,512,267 common shares (representing approximately 5% of the Company’s issued and outstanding common shares of the Company). On November 1, 2017, the Company obtained approval from the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) to amend its previous NCIB program in order to increase the maximum number of common shares that may be repurchased from 11,512,267 common shares, to 16,117,175 common shares, representing approximately 7% of the Company’s issued and outstanding common shares. No other terms of the previous NCIB were amended.
On February 21, 2018, the Board of Directors of the Company approved the initiation of a new NCIB commencing on February 27, 2018 to purchase for cancellation up to 10,960,391 common shares, representing approximately 5% of the Company’s issued and outstanding common shares. On August 1, 2018, the Company obtained approval from the TSX to amend its current NCIB program in order to increase the maximum number of common shares that may be repurchased from 10,960,391 common shares, or approximately 5% of the Company’s issued and outstanding common shares as at February 15, 2018 (the reference date for the NCIB), to 21,575,761 common shares, representing approximately 10% of the public float as at February 15, 2018. No other terms of the NCIB were amended.
During the year ended December 30, 2018, the Company repurchased for cancellation a total of 12,634,693 common shares under its NCIB through the facilities of the TSX and of the NYSE for a total cost of $367.5 million, of which a total of 175,732 common shares were repurchased under the previous NCIB. Of the total cost of $367.5 million, $9.2 million was charged to share capital and the balance was charged to retained earnings.
Gildan received approval from the TSX to renew its NCIB commencing on February 27, 2019 to purchase for cancellation up to 10,337,017 common shares, representing approximately 5% of the Gildan’s issued and outstanding common shares. As of February 14, 2019, Gildan had 206,740,357 common shares issued and outstanding. Gildan is authorized to make purchases under the NCIB until February 26, 2020 in accordance with the requirements of the TSX. Purchases will be made by means of open market transactions on both the TSX and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), or alternative trading systems, if eligible, or by such other means as a securities regulatory authority may permit, including by private agreements under an issuer bid exemption order issued by securities regulatory authorities in Canada. Under the bid, Gildan may purchase up to a maximum of 136,754 Common Shares daily through TSX facilities, which represents 25% of the average daily trading volume on the TSX for the most recently completed six calendar months. The price to be paid by Gildan for any Common Shares will be the market price at the time of the acquisition, plus brokerage fees, and purchases made under an issuer bid exemption order will be at a discount to the prevailing market price in accordance with the terms of the order.
9.0 LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
9.1 Claims and litigation
The Company is a party to claims and litigation arising in the normal course of operations. The Company does not expect the resolution of these matters to have a material adverse effect on the financial position or results of operations of the Company.
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| MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

10.0 OUTLOOK
A discussion of management’s expectations as to our outlook for fiscal 2019 is contained in our earnings results press release dated February 21, 2019 under the section entitled “Outlook”. The press release is available on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com, on the EDGAR website at www.sec.gov, and on our website at www.gildancorp.com.
11.0 FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT
The Company is exposed to risks arising from financial instruments, including credit risk, liquidity risk, foreign currency risk, interest rate risk, commodity price risk, as well as risks arising from changes in the price of our common shares in connection with our share-based compensation plans. The disclosures under this section, in conjunction with the information in note 14 to the 2018 audited annual consolidated financial statements, are designed to meet the requirements of IFRS 7, Financial Instruments: Disclosures, and are therefore incorporated into, and are an integral part of, the 2018 audited annual consolidated financial statements.
The Company may periodically use derivative financial instruments to manage risks related to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, commodity prices, interest rates, and the market price of its own common shares. The use of derivative financial instruments is governed by the Company’s Financial Risk Management Policy approved by the Board of Directors and is administered by the Financial Risk Management Committee. The Financial Risk Management Policy of the Company stipulates that derivative financial instruments should only be used to hedge or mitigate an existing financial exposure that constitutes a commercial risk to the Company, and if the derivatives are determined to be the most efficient and cost effective means of mitigating the Company’s exposure to liquidity risk, foreign currency risk, and interest rate risk, as well as risks arising from commodity prices. Hedging limits, as well as counterparty credit rating and exposure limitations are defined in the Company’s Financial Risk Management Policy, depending on the type of risk that is being mitigated. Derivative financial instruments are not used for speculative purposes.
At the inception of each designated hedging derivative contract, we formally designate and document the hedging relationship and our risk management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedge. Documentation includes identification of the hedging instrument, the hedged item, the nature of the risk being hedged, and how we will assess whether the hedging relationship meets the hedge effectiveness requirements, including our analysis of the sources of hedge ineffectiveness and how we determine the hedge ratio.
11.1 Credit risk
Credit risk is the risk of an unexpected loss if a customer or counterparty to a financial instrument fails to meet its contractual obligations and arises primarily from the Company’s trade accounts receivable. The Company may also have credit risk relating to cash and cash equivalents and derivative financial instruments, which it manages by dealing only with highly rated North American and European financial institutions. Our trade accounts receivable and credit exposure fluctuate throughout the year based on the seasonality of our sales and other factors. The Company’s average trade accounts receivable and credit exposure during an interim reporting period may be significantly higher than the balance at the end of that reporting period. In addition, due to the seasonality of the Company’s net sales, the Company’s trade accounts receivable balance as at the end of a calendar year will typically be lower than at the end of an interim reporting period.
Under the terms of a receivables purchase agreement, the Company may continuously sell trade accounts receivables of certain designated customers to a third-party financial institution in exchange for a cash payment equal to the face value of the sold trade accounts receivables, less an applicable discount. The Company retains servicing responsibilities, including collection, for these trade accounts receivables but does not retain any credit risk with respect to any trade accounts receivables that have been sold. All trade accounts receivables sold under the receivables purchase agreement are removed from the consolidated statements of financial position, as the sale of the trade accounts receivables qualify for de-recognition. As at December 30, 2018, trade accounts receivables being serviced under a receivables purchase agreement amounted to $117 million. The receivables purchase agreement, which allows for the sale of a maximum of $175 million of accounts receivables at any one time, expires on June 24, 2019, subject to annual extensions.
The Company’s credit risk for trade accounts receivable is concentrated as the majority of its sales are to a relatively small group of wholesale distributors and mass-market and other retailers. As at December 30, 2018, the Company’s ten largest trade debtors accounted for 65% of trade accounts receivable; the largest of which accounted for 22%. The Company’s top
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| MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

ten trade debtors are all located in the U.S. The remaining trade accounts receivable balances are dispersed among a larger number of debtors across many geographic areas including the U.S., Canada, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America.
Most of the Company’s customers have been transacting with the Company or its subsidiaries for several years. Many wholesale distributors are highly leveraged with significant reliance on trade credit terms provided by a few major vendors, including the Company, and third-party debt financing, including bank debt secured with trade accounts receivable and inventory pledged as collateral. The financial leverage of these customers may limit or prevent their ability to refinance existing indebtedness or to obtain additional financing and could affect their ability to comply with restrictive debt covenants and meet other obligations. The profile and credit quality of the Company’s mass-market and other retailer customers varies significantly. Adverse changes in a customer’s financial condition could cause us to limit or discontinue business with that customer, require us to assume more credit risk relating to that customer’s future purchases, or result in uncollectible trade accounts receivable from that customer. Future credit losses relating to any one of our top ten customers could be material and could result in a material charge to earnings.
The Company’s extension of credit to customers involves considerable judgment and is based on an evaluation of each customer’s financial condition and payment history. The Company has established various internal controls designed to mitigate credit risk, including a dedicated credit function which recommends customer credit limits and payment terms that are reviewed and approved on a quarterly basis by senior management at the Company’s primary sales offices in Christ Church, Barbados. Where available, the Company’s credit departments periodically review external ratings and customer financial statements and, in some cases, obtain bank and other references. New customers are subject to a specific validation and pre-approval process. From time to time, where circumstances warrant, the Company will temporarily transact with customers on a prepayment basis. While the Company’s credit controls and processes have been effective in mitigating credit risk, these controls cannot eliminate credit risk in its entirety and there can be no assurance that these controls will continue to be effective or that the Company’s low credit loss experience will continue.
The Company’s exposure to credit risk for trade accounts receivable by geographic area was as follows as at:

(in $ millions) | December 30, 2018 |  | December 31, 2017 |
Trade accounts receivable by geographic area: |  |
United States | 270.5 |  | 208.2 |
Canada | 16.9 |  | 14.7 |
Europe and other | 29.8 |  | 20.5 |
Total trade accounts receivable | 317.2 |  | 243.4 |

The aging of trade accounts receivable balances was as follows as at:
(in $ millions) | December 30, 2018 |  | December 31, 2017 |
Not past due | 257.8 |  | 197.6 |
Past due 0-30 days | 21.0 |  | 31.7 |
Past due 31-60 days | 16.3 |  | 9.8 |
Past due 61-120 days | 14.8 |  | 2.0 |
Past due over 121 days | 14.8 |  | 7.4 |
Trade accounts receivable | 324.7 |  | 248.5 |
Less allowance for expected credit losses | (7.5 | ) | (5.1 | )
Total trade accounts receivable | 317.2 |  | 243.4 |

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

our assumption that this customer will succeed with its current efforts to secure the refinancing of its bank debt or sell its business as a going concern. In the event that new information becomes available to us that would change our assessment of the possible outcomes, the amount recorded in allowance for expected credit losses will be updated in the period in which the additional information is received. There is no assurance that the customer will be successful with its current initiatives. If this customer is unable to refinance its operations or execute on other strategic options, the trade account receivable balance with this customer could become unrecoverable, which would require a corresponding charge to earnings in fiscal 2019.
11.2 Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they fall due. We rely on cash resources, debt, and cash flows generated from operations to satisfy our financing requirements. We may also require access to capital markets to support our operations as well as to achieve our strategic plans. Any impediments to our ability to continue to meet the covenants and conditions contained in our long-term debt agreements as well as our ability to access capital markets, the failure of a financial institution participating in our revolving long-term bank credit facilities, or an adverse perception in capital markets of our financial condition or prospects could have a material impact on our financing capability. In addition, our access to financing at reasonable interest rates could be influenced by the economic and credit market environment.
We manage liquidity risk through the management of our capital structure and financial leverage, as outlined in note 24 to the 2018 audited annual consolidated financial statements. In addition, we manage liquidity risk by continuously monitoring actual and projected cash flows, taking into account the seasonality of our sales and cash receipts and the expected timing of capital expenditures. The Board of Directors reviews and approves the Company’s operating and capital budgets, as well as transactions such as the declaration of dividends, the initiation of share repurchase programs, mergers, acquisitions, and other major investments or divestitures.
11.2.1 Off-balance sheet arrangements and maturity analysis of contractual obligations
In the normal course of business, we enter into contractual obligations that will require us to disburse cash over future periods. All commitments have been reflected in our consolidated statements of financial position except for purchase obligations, minimum annual lease payments under operating leases which are primarily for premises, and minimum royalty payments, which are included in the table of contractual obligations that follows. The following table sets forth the maturity of our contractual obligations by period for the following items as at December 30, 2018.

Carrying |  |  | Contractual |  | Less than 1 |  | 1 to 3 |  | 4 to 5 |  | More than 5 |
(in $ millions) | amount |  |  | cash flows |  | fiscal year |  | fiscal years |  | fiscal years |  | fiscal years |
Accounts payable and accrued |  |  |  |  |  |  |
liabilities | 347.0 |  |  | 347.0 |  | 347.0 |  | — |  | — |  | — |
Long-term debt(1) | 669.0 |  |  | 669.0 |  | — |  | — |  | 519.0 |  | 150.0 |
Purchase obligations | — |  |  | 200.1 |  | 198.3 |  | 1.8 |  | — |  | — |
Operating leases and other obligations | 4.6 |  |  | 318.9 |  | 65.3 |  | 109.8 |  | 103.9 |  | 39.9 |
Total contractual obligations | 1,020.6 |  |  | 1,535.0 |  | 610.6 |  | 111.6 |  | 622.9 |  | 189.9 |
(1) Excluding interest |  |  |  |  |  |  |

As disclosed in note 23 to our 2018 audited annual consolidated financial statements, we have granted financial guarantees, irrevocable standby letters of credit, and surety bonds to third parties to indemnify them in the event the Company and some of its subsidiaries do not perform their contractual obligations. As at December 30, 2018, the maximum potential liability under these guarantees was $55.4 million, of which $11.1 million was for surety bonds and $44.3 million was for financial guarantees and standby letters of credit.
11.3 Foreign currency risk
The majority of the Company’s cash flows and financial assets and liabilities are denominated in U.S. dollars, which is the Company’s functional and reporting currency. Foreign currency risk is mainly limited to the portion of the Company’s business transactions denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars, primarily for sales and distribution expenses for customers outside the U.S., certain equipment purchases, and head office expenses in Canada. The Company’s exposure relates primarily to changes in the U.S. dollar versus the Canadian dollar, the Pound sterling, the Euro, the Australian dollar, the Mexican peso, and the Chinese yuan. For the Company’s foreign currency transactions, fluctuations in the respective exchange rates relative to the U.S. dollar will create volatility in the Company’s cash flows, in the reported amounts for sales
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| MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

and SG&A expenses in its consolidated statement of earnings and comprehensive income, and for property, plant and equipment in its consolidated statement of financial position, both on a period-to-period basis and compared with operating budgets and forecasts. Additional earnings variability arises from the translation of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar at the rates of exchange at each reporting dates, the impact of which is reported as a foreign exchange gain or loss and included in financial expenses (net) in the statement of earnings and comprehensive income.
The Company also incurs a portion of its manufacturing costs in foreign currencies, primarily payroll costs paid in Honduran Lempiras, Dominican Pesos, Mexican Pesos, Nicaraguan Cordobas, and Bangladeshi Taka, as well as in Canadian dollars. Significant changes in these currencies relative to the U.S. dollar exchange rate in the future, could have a significant impact on our operating results.
The Company’s objective in managing its foreign currency risk is to minimize its net exposures to foreign currency cash flows, by transacting with third parties in U.S. dollars to the maximum extent possible and practical and holding cash and cash equivalents and incurring borrowings in U.S. dollars. The Company monitors and forecasts the values of net foreign currency cash flows and, from time to time will authorize the use of derivative financial instruments, such as forward foreign exchange contracts with maturities of up to three years, to economically hedge a portion of foreign currency cash flows. The Company had forward foreign exchange contracts outstanding as at December 30, 2018, consisting primarily of contracts to sell and buy Canadian dollars, sell Euros, sell Pounds sterling, sell Australian dollars, and buy Mexican pesos in exchange for U.S. dollars. The outstanding contracts and other foreign exchange contracts that were settled during fiscal 2018 were designated as cash flow hedges and qualified for hedge accounting. The underlying risk of the foreign exchange contracts is identical to the hedged risk and, accordingly, we have established a ratio of 1:1 for all foreign exchange hedges. No ineffectiveness was recognized in net earnings, as the change in value used for calculating the ineffectiveness of the hedging instruments was the same as the change in value used for calculating the ineffectiveness of the hedged items. We refer the reader to note 14 to the 2018 audited annual consolidated financial statements for details of these financial derivative contracts and the impact of applying hedge accounting.
The following tables provide an indication of the Company’s significant foreign currency exposures included in the consolidated statement of financial position as at December 30, 2018 arising from financial instruments:

|  |  |  | December 30, 2018 |
(in U.S. $ millions) | CAD |  | EUR |  | GBP |  | MXN |  | CNY |  | AUD |  | BDT |  | COP |
Cash and cash equivalents | 1.0 |  | 1.1 |  | 1.7 |  | 3.1 |  | 3.6 |  | 0.6 |  | 1.7 |  | 0.6 |
Trade accounts receivable | 16.1 |  | 6.9 |  | 4.7 |  | 3.8 |  | 2.8 |  | 2.6 |  | — |  | 3.2 |
Prepaid expenses, deposits and other current assets | — |  | 1.7 |  | — |  | 0.6 |  | 1.8 |  | — |  | 2.6 |  | 1.7 |
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | (14.6 | ) | (6.5 | ) | (0.5 | ) | (4.6 | ) | (1.3 | ) | (0.1 | ) | (2.3 | ) | (0.2 | )

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

|  | For the year ended December 30, 2018 |
(in U.S. $ millions) | CAD |  | EUR |  | GBP |  | MXN |  | CNY |  | AUD |  | BDT |  | COP |
Impact on earnings before income taxes | (0.1 | ) | (0.2 | ) | (0.3 | ) | (0.1 | ) | (0.3 | ) | (0.2 | ) | (0.1 | ) | (0.3 | )
Impact on other comprehensive income before income taxes | (0.8 | ) | 1.5 |  | 1.7 |  | (0.2 | ) | — |  | 0.3 |  | — |  | — |

An assumed 5 percent weakening of the U.S. dollar during the year ended December 30, 2018 would have had an equal but opposite effect on the above currencies to the amounts shown above, assuming that all other variables remain constant.
11.4 Commodity risk
The Company is subject to the commodity risk of cotton prices and cotton price movements, as the majority of its products are made of 100% cotton or blends of cotton and synthetic fibers. The Company is also subject to the risk of fluctuations in the prices of crude oil and petrochemicals as they influence the cost of polyester fibers which are used in many of its products.
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| MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

The Company purchases cotton from third-party merchants, cotton-based yarn from third-party yarn manufacturers, and polyester fibers from third-party polyester manufacturers. The Company assumes the risk of price fluctuations for these purchases. The Company enters into contracts, up to eighteen months in advance of future delivery dates, to establish fixed prices for its cotton and cotton-based yarn purchases and polyester fibers purchases, in order to reduce the effects of fluctuations in the cost of cotton, crude oil, and petrochemicals used in the manufacture of its products. These contracts are not used for trading purposes and are not considered to be financial instruments that would need to be accounted for at fair value in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Without taking into account the impact of fixed price contracts, a change of $0.01 per pound in the price of cotton or polyester fibers would affect the Company’s annual raw material costs by approximately $6 million, based on current production levels.
In addition, fluctuations in crude oil or petroleum prices also affect our energy consumption costs and can influence transportation costs and the cost of related items used in our business, including other raw materials we use to manufacture our products such as chemicals, dyestuffs, and trims. We generally purchase these raw materials at market prices.
The Company has the ability to enter into derivative financial instruments, including futures and option contracts, to manage its exposure to movements in commodity prices. Such contracts are accounted for at fair value in the consolidated financial statements in accordance with the accounting standards applicable to financial instruments. During fiscal 2018, the Company entered into commodity derivative contracts as described in note 14 to the 2018 audited annual consolidated financial statements. The underlying risk of the commodity derivative contracts is identical to the hedged risk and accordingly, we have established a ratio of 1:1 for all commodity derivative hedges. Due to a strong correlation between commodity future contract prices and our purchased costs, we did not experience any significant ineffectiveness on our hedges. We refer the reader to note 14 to the 2018 audited annual consolidated financial statements for details of these derivative contracts and the impact of applying hedge accounting.
11.5 Interest rate risk
The Company is subject to interest rate risk arising from its $300 million term loan, $100 million of its unsecured notes payable, and amounts drawn on its revolving long-term bank credit facilities, all of which bear interest at a variable U.S. LIBOR-based interest rate, plus a spread.
The Company generally fixes the rates for LIBOR-based borrowings for periods of one to three months. The interest rates on amounts drawn on debt agreements and on any future borrowings will vary and are unpredictable. Increases in interest rates on new debt issuances may result in a material increase in financial charges.
The Company has the ability to enter into derivative financial instruments that would effectively fix its cost of current and future borrowings for an extended period of time. The Company has floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps outstanding to hedge up to $250 million of its floating interest rate exposure on a designated portion of certain long-term debt agreements. The interest rate swap contracts are designated as cash flow hedges and qualify for hedge accounting.
As our floating rate debt has a variable rate of interest linked to LIBOR as a benchmark for establishing the rate, the anticipated changes to the LIBOR after 2021 could impact the cost of our variable rate indebtedness. In July 2017, the United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which regulates LIBOR, announced that it intends to stop persuading or compelling banks to submit rates for the calculation of LIBOR to the administrator of LIBOR after 2021. It is likely that banks will not continue to provide submissions for the calculation of LIBOR after 2021 and possible that they may not provide submissions before then. It is impossible to predict whether LIBOR will continue to be viewed as an acceptable market benchmark, what effects any changes to LIBOR or the transition to alternative reference rates may have on variable rate indebtedness or on our business, financial condition, or results of operations. The consequence of these developments cannot be entirely predicted but could include an increase in the cost of our variable rate indebtedness. If LIBOR rates are no longer available or viewed as an acceptable market benchmark, and our lenders are required, or exercise discretion, to implement substitute reference rates for the calculation of interest rates under our floating rate debt, we may incur expenses in effecting the transition, and may be subject to disputes or litigation with lenders over the appropriateness or comparability to LIBOR of the substitute reference rates.
Based on the value of interest-bearing financial instruments during the year ended December 30, 2018, an assumed 0.5 percentage point increase in interest rates during such period would have decreased earnings before income taxes by $1.9 million. An assumed 0.5 percentage point decrease in interest rates would have had an equal but opposite effect on earnings before income taxes, assuming that all other variables remain constant.
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| MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

12.0 CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGMENTS
Our significant accounting policies are described in note 3 to our 2018 audited annual consolidated financial statements. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income, and expenses. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognized in the period in which the estimates are revised and in any future periods affected.
12.1 Critical judgments in applying accounting policies
The following are critical judgments that management has made in the process of applying accounting policies and that have the most significant effect on the amounts recognized in the consolidated financial statements:
Determination of cash-generating units (CGUs)
The identification of CGUs and grouping of assets into the respective CGUs is based on currently available information about actual utilization experience and expected future business plans. Management has taken into consideration various factors in identifying its CGUs. These factors include how the Company manages and monitors its operations, the nature of each CGU’s operations, and the major customer markets they serve. As such, the Company has identified its CGUs for purposes of testing the recoverability and impairment of non-financial assets to be Textile & Sewing and Hosiery.
Income taxes
The Company’s income tax provisions and income tax assets and liabilities are based on interpretations of applicable tax laws, including income tax treaties between various countries in which the Company operates, as well as underlying rules and regulations with respect to transfer pricing. These interpretations involve judgments and estimates and may be challenged through government taxation audits that the Company is regularly subject to. New information may become available that causes the Company to change its judgment regarding the adequacy of existing income tax assets and liabilities; such changes will impact net earnings in the period that such a determination is made.
12.2 Key sources of estimation uncertainty
Key sources of estimation uncertainty that have a significant risk of resulting in a material adjustment to the carrying amount of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are as follows:
Allowance for expected credit losses
The Company makes an assessment of whether accounts receivable are collectable based on an expected credit loss model which factors in changes in credit quality since the initial recognition of trade accounts receivable based on customer risk categories. Credit quality is assessed by taking into account the financial condition and payment history of the Company's customers, and other factors. Furthermore, these estimates must be continuously evaluated and updated. The Company is not able to predict changes in the financial condition of its customers, and if circumstances related to its customers’ financial condition deteriorate, the estimates of the recoverability of trade accounts receivable could be materially affected and the Company could be required to record additional allowances. Alternatively, if the Company provides more allowances than needed, a reversal of a portion of such allowances in future periods may be required based on actual collection experience.
Sales promotional programs
In the normal course of business, certain incentives, including discounts and rebates, are granted to our customers. At the time of sale, estimates are made for customer price discounts and rebates based on the terms of existing programs. Accruals required for new programs, which relate to prior sales, are recorded at the time the new program is introduced. Sales are recorded net of these program costs and a provision for estimated sales returns, which is based on historical experience, current trends and other known factors. If actual price discounts, rebates, or returns differ from estimates, significant adjustments to net sales could be required in future periods.
Inventory valuation
The Company regularly reviews inventory quantities on hand and records a provision for those inventories no longer deemed fully recoverable. The cost of inventories may no longer be recoverable if those inventories are slow moving, discontinued, damaged, if they have become obsolete, or if their selling prices or estimated forecast of product demand decline. If actual
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| MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

market conditions are less favorable than previously projected or if liquidation of the inventory which is no longer deemed fully recoverable is more difficult than anticipated, additional provisions may be required.
Business combinations
Business combinations are accounted for in accordance with the acquisition method. On the date that control is obtained, the identifiable assets, liabilities, and contingent liabilities of the acquired company are measured at their fair value. Depending on the complexity of determining these valuations, the Company uses appropriate valuation techniques which are generally based on a forecast of the total expected future net discounted cash flows. These valuations are linked closely to the assumptions made by management regarding the future performance of the related assets and the discount rate applied as it would be assumed by a market participant.
Recoverability and impairment of non-financial assets
The calculation of fair value less costs of disposal or value in use for purposes of measuring the recoverable amount of non-financial assets involves the use of significant assumptions and estimates with respect to a variety of factors, including expected sales, gross margins, SG&A expenses, cash flows, capital expenditures, and the selection of an appropriate earnings multiple or discount rate, all of which are subject to inherent uncertainties and subjectivity. The assumptions are based on annual business plans and other forecasted results, earnings multiples obtained by using market comparables as references, and discount rates which are used to reflect market-based estimates of the risks associated with the projected cash flows, based on the best information available as of the date of the impairment test. Changes in circumstances, such as technological advances, adverse changes in third-party licensing arrangements, changes to the Company’s business strategy, and changes in economic and market conditions can result in actual useful lives and future cash flows that differ significantly from estimates and could result in increased charges for amortization or impairment. Revisions to the estimated useful lives of finite-life non-financial assets or future cash flows constitute a change in accounting estimate and are applied prospectively. There can be no assurance that the estimates and assumptions used in the impairment tests will prove to be accurate predictions of the future. If the future adversely differs from management’s best estimate of key economic assumptions and the associated cash flows materially decrease, the Company may be required to record material impairment charges related to its non-financial assets. Please refer to note 10 of the audited annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 30, 2018 for additional details on the recoverability of the Company’s cash-generating units.
Valuation of statutory severance obligations and the related costs
The valuation of the statutory severance obligations and the related costs requires economic assumptions, including discount rates and expected rates of compensation increases, and participant demographic assumptions. The actuarial assumptions used may differ materially from year to year due to changing market and economic conditions, resulting in significant increases or decreases in the obligations and related costs.
Measurement of the estimate of expected costs for decommissioning and site restoration
The measurement of the provision for decommissioning and site restoration costs requires assumptions including expected timing of the event which would result in the outflow of resources, the range of possible methods of decommissioning and site restoration, and the expected costs that would be incurred to settle any decommissioning and site restoration liabilities. The Company has measured the provision using the present value of the expected costs, which requires an assumed discount rate. Revisions to any of the assumptions and estimates used by management may result in changes to the expected expenditures to settle the liability, which would require adjustments to the provision and which may have an impact on the operating results of the Company in the period the change occurs.
Income taxes
The Company has unused available tax losses and deductible temporary differences in certain jurisdictions. The Company recognizes deferred income tax assets for these unused tax losses and deductible temporary differences only to the extent that, in management’s opinion, it is probable that future taxable profit will be available against which these available tax losses and temporary differences can be utilized. The Company’s projections of future taxable profit involve the use of significant assumptions and estimates with respect to a variety of factors, including future sales and operating expenses. There can be no assurance that the estimates and assumptions used in our projections of future taxable income will prove to be accurate predictions of the future, and in the event that our assessment of the recoverability of these deferred tax assets changes in the future, a material reduction in the carrying value of these deferred tax assets could be required, with a corresponding charge to net earnings.
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| MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

13.0 ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NOT YET APPLIED
13.1 Accounting policies
The Company’s audited consolidated financial statements for fiscal 2018 were prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), using the same accounting policies as those applied in its fiscal 2017 audited annual consolidated financial statements.
13.2 New accounting standards and interpretations not yet applied
The following new accounting standards are not effective for the year ended December 30, 2018, and have not been applied in preparing the audited annual consolidated financial statements.
Leases
In January 2016, the IASB issued IFRS 16, Leases, which specifies how an entity will recognize, measure, present, and disclose leases. The standard provides a single lessee accounting model, requiring lessees to recognize assets and liabilities for all leases unless the Company elects to exclude leases when the lease term is twelve months or less, or the underlying asset has a low monetary value. Lessors continue to classify leases as operating or finance, with IFRS 16’s approach to lessor accounting substantially unchanged from its predecessor, IAS 17. IFRS 16 applies to annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019, with earlier adoption permitted only if IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, has also been applied. The Company will adopt the new standard in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 using the modified retrospective transition method. The Company expects that the initial adoption of IFRS 16 will result in approximately $80 million of right-of-use assets and approximately $88 million of operating lease liabilities (primarily for the rental of premises) being recognized in the consolidated statement of financial position. Provisions related to lease exit costs are expected to be reduced by approximately $5 million, and deferred lease credits (relating to lease inducements) currently recorded in accounts payable and accrued liabilities are expected to be reduced by approximately $2 million, as a result of the adoption of IFRS 16. Accordingly, the Company expects to record an adjustment to reduce opening retained earnings by approximately $1 million from the initial adoption of IFRS 16. The Company also expects a decrease of its operating lease costs, offset by an increase of its depreciation and amortization and financial expenses resulting from the changes in the recognition, measurement, and presentation requirements. However, no significant impact on net earnings is expected at this time. The Company is completing the assessment of the overall impact on the Company’s disclosures and is addressing any system and process changes necessary to compile the information to meet the recognition and disclosure requirements of the new guidance starting in the first quarter of fiscal 2019.
Uncertain Income Tax Treatments
In June 2017, the IASB issued IFRIC 23, Uncertainty Over Income Tax Treatments, which clarifies how to apply the recognition and measurement requirements in IAS 12, Income Taxes, when there is uncertainty regarding income tax treatments. The Interpretation addresses whether an entity needs to consider uncertain tax treatments separately, the assumptions an entity should make about the examination of tax treatments by taxation authorities, how an entity should determine taxable profit and loss, tax bases, unused tax losses, unused tax credits, and tax rates, and how an entity considers changes in facts and circumstances in such determinations. IFRIC 23 applies to annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019, with earlier adoption permitted. The Company does not expect any significant impacts from the adoption of IFRIC 23 on its consolidated financial statements.
14.0 DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
As stated in the Canadian Securities Administrators’ National Instrument 52-109, Certification of Disclosure in Issuers’ Annual and Interim Filings and Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, disclosure controls and procedures means controls and other procedures of an issuer that are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by the issuer in its annual filings, interim filings, or other reports filed or submitted by it under securities legislation is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the securities legislation and include controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by an issuer in its annual filings, interim filings, or other reports filed or submitted under securities legislation is accumulated and communicated to the issuer’s management, including its certifying officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
An evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 30, 2018 was carried out under the supervision of, and with the participation of, our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 30, 2018.
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| MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

15.0 INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
15.1 Management’s annual report on internal control over financial reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rules 13(a)-15(f) and 15(d)-15(f) under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and under National Instrument 52-109.
Our internal control over financial reporting means a process designed by, or under the supervision of, an issuer’s certifying officers, and effected by the issuer’s board of directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with the issuer’s GAAP and includes those policies and procedures that: (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets; (2) are designed to provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorization of our management and directors; and (3) are designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the annual financial statements or interim financial reports.
The design of any system of controls and procedures is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of certain events. There can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions, regardless of how remote. As a result, due to its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, as of December 30, 2018, based on the framework set forth in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on that evaluation under this framework, our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 30, 2018.
15.2 Attestation report of independent registered public accounting firm
KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, which audited and reported on our financial statements in this Report to Shareholders, has issued an unqualified report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 30, 2018.
15.3 Changes in internal control over financial reporting
There have been no changes that occurred during the period beginning on October 1, 2018 and ended on December 30, 2018 in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
16.0 RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES
In addition to the risks previously described under the sections “Financial risk management”, “Critical accounting estimates and judgments”, and those described elsewhere in this MD&A, this section describes the principal risks that could have a material and adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or business, cash flows, or the trading price of our common shares, as well as cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations expressed in or implied by our forward-looking statements. The risks listed below are not the only risks that could affect the Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial may also materially adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, or business.
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Our ability to implement our growth strategies and plans
The growth of our business depends on the successful execution of our key strategic initiatives, which are described in section 4.0 of this MD&A. Although we are currently selling fashion basics in North America and we have been growing our sales of imprintables in international markets, we may not be successful in further increasing our penetration in these markets, as the required skill set, capabilities, and brand positioning to do so may be different than those the Company possesses or has the ability to develop. Our sales growth opportunities may be limited or negatively impacted by customers, including wholesale distributors and retailers pursuing growth of their own private label offerings that we do not supply and ultimately compete against our own brands. With the rising trend of retailers shifting focus to proprietary private label offerings, our growth prospects may be limited or negatively impacted if we are unsuccessful in securing these types of private label programs. Our financial performance may be negatively impacted if new business that we secure in existing or new channels of distribution has lower economic returns. As consumers increasingly migrate towards on-line shopping, our future sales may be negatively impacted if we fail to continue to grow our sales with, and service, major retailers' e-commerce businesses or fail to adequately develop our own capabilities to service consumers directly. From a manufacturing perspective, there can be no assurance that we will successfully add new capacity or that we will not encounter operational issues that may affect or disrupt our current production or supply chain or delay the ramp-up of new facilities required to support sales growth. Our ability to generate cash flows from operations will depend on the success we have in executing our key strategic initiatives, which in turn will ultimately impact our ability to pursue acquisition opportunities. Furthermore, we may be unable to identify acquisition targets, successfully integrate a newly acquired business, or achieve expected benefits and synergies from such integration.
Our ability to compete effectively
The markets for our products are highly competitive and evolving rapidly. Competition is generally based upon price, quality and consistency, comfort, fit, style, brand, and service. Our competitive strengths include our expertise in building and operating large-scale, vertically integrated manufacturing hubs which have allowed us to operate efficiently and reduce costs, offer competitive pricing, and provide a reliable supply chain. There can be no assurance that we will be able to maintain our low cost manufacturing and distribution structure and remain competitive. As discussed in section 3.4 of this MD&A, we compete with domestic and international manufacturers, brands of well-established U.S. apparel and sportswear companies, as well as our own customers, including retailers and wholesale distributors that are selling basic apparel products under their own private label brands that compete directly with our brands. In addition, shopping trends are also evolving, on-line shopping is growing rapidly, and e-commerce is further intensifying competition in the market as it facilitates competitive entry and comparison shopping. Failure to compete effectively and respond to evolving trends in the market, including intensifying competition from private label brands and e-commerce, and failure to adapt our operations to service the changing needs of our customers could have a negative impact on our business and results of operations. Any changes in our ability to compete effectively in the future may result in the loss of customers to competitors, reduction in customer orders or shelf space, lower prices or the need for additional customer price incentives, and other forms of marketing support to our customers, all of which could have a negative effect on our profitability if we are unable to offset such negative impacts with new business or cost reductions.
Our ability to integrate acquisitions
The Company’s strategic opportunities include potential complementary acquisitions that could support, strengthen, or expand our business. The integration of newly acquired businesses may prove to be more challenging, take more time than originally anticipated, or result in significant additional costs and/or operational issues, all of which could negatively affect our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, we may not be able to fully realize expected synergies and other benefits.
We may be negatively impacted by changes in general economic and financial conditions
General economic and financial conditions, globally or in one or more of the markets we serve, may negatively affect our business. If there is a decline in economic growth and in consumer and commercial activity, and/or if adverse financial conditions exist in the credit markets, as in the case of the global credit crisis in 2008 and 2009, this may lead to lower demand for our products resulting in sales volume reductions and lower selling prices and may cause us to operate at levels below our optimal production capacity, which would result in higher unit production costs, all of which could negatively affect our profitability and reduce cash flows from operations. Weak economic and financial conditions could also negatively affect the financial condition of our customers, which could result in lower sales volumes and increased credit risk. The nature and extent of the Company’s credit risks are described under the section “Financial risk management” in this MD&A.
We rely on a small number of significant customers
We rely on a small number of customers for a significant portion of our total sales. In fiscal 2018, our top three customers accounted for 19.0%, 10.0% and 7.6% (2017 - 16.5%, 7.6% and 11.9%) of total sales respectively, and our top ten customers accounted for 56.5% (2017 - 58.3%) of total sales. We expect that these customers will continue to represent a significant portion of our sales in the future.
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Future sales volumes and profitability could be negatively affected should one or more of the following events occur:

• | a significant customer substantially reduces its purchases or ceases to buy from us, or we elect to reduce its volume of business with or cease to sell to a significant customer, and we cannot replace that business with sales to other customers on similar terms;

• | a large customer exercises its purchasing power to negotiate lower prices or higher price discounts or requires us to incur additional service and other costs;

• | further industry consolidation leads to greater customer concentration and competition; and

• | a customer encounters financial difficulties and is unable to meet its financial obligations.

Our customers do not commit to purchase minimum quantities
Our contracts with our customers do not require them to purchase a minimum quantity of our products or commit to minimum shelf space allocation for our products. If any of our customers experience a significant business downturn or fail to remain committed to our products, they may reduce or discontinue purchases from us. Although we have maintained long-term relationships with many of our wholesale distributor and retail customers, there can be no assurance that historic levels of business from any of our customers will continue in the future.
Our ability to anticipate, identify, or react to changes in consumer preferences and trends
While we currently focus on basic products, the apparel industry, particularly within the retail channel, is subject to evolving consumer preferences and trends. Our success may be negatively impacted by changes in consumer preferences which do not fit with Gildan’s core competency of marketing and large-scale manufacturing of basic apparel products. If we are unable to successfully anticipate, identify or react to changing styles or trends, or misjudge the market for our products, our sales could be negatively impacted and we may be faced with unsold inventory which could negatively impact our profitability. In addition, when introducing new products for our customers we may incur additional costs and transitional manufacturing inefficiencies as we ramp-up production or upgrade manufacturing capabilities to support such customer programs, which could negatively impact our profitability.
Our ability to manage production and inventory levels effectively in relation to changes in customer demand
Demand for our products may vary from year to year. We aim to appropriately balance our production and inventory with our ability to meet market demand. Based on discussions with our customers and internally generated projections reflecting our analysis of factors impacting industry demand, we produce and carry finished goods inventory to meet the expected demand for delivery of specific product categories. If, after producing and carrying inventory in anticipation of deliveries, demand is significantly less than expected, we may have to carry inventory for extended periods of time, or sell excess inventory at reduced prices. In either case, our profits would be reduced. Excess inventory could also result in lower production levels, resulting in lower plant and equipment utilization and lower absorption of fixed operating costs. Alternatively, we are also exposed to loss of sales opportunities and market share if we produce insufficient inventory to satisfy our customers’ demand for specific product categories as a result of underestimating market demand or not meeting production targets, in which case our customers could seek to fulfill their product needs from competitors and reduce the amount of business they do with us.
We may be negatively impacted by fluctuations and volatility in the price of raw materials used to manufacture our products
Cotton and polyester fibers are the primary raw materials used in the manufacture of our products. We also use chemicals, dyestuffs, and trims which we purchase from a variety of suppliers. The price of cotton fluctuates and is affected by consumer demand, global supply, which may be impacted by weather conditions in any given year, speculation in the commodities market, the relative valuations and fluctuations of the currencies of producer versus consumer countries, and other factors that are generally unpredictable and beyond our control. In addition, fluctuations in crude oil or petroleum prices affect our energy consumption costs and can also influence transportation costs and the cost of related items used in our business, such as polyester fibers, chemicals, dyestuffs, and trims. As discussed under the heading entitled “Commodity risk” in the “Financial risk management” section of this MD&A, the Company purchases cotton and polyester fibers through its yarn-spinning facilities, and also purchases processed cotton yarn and blended yarn from outside vendors, at prices that are correlated with the price of cotton and polyester fibers. The Company may enter into contracts up to eighteen months in advance of future delivery dates to establish fixed prices for cotton, cotton-based yarn, and polyester fiber purchases and reduce the effect of price fluctuations in the cost of cotton and polyester fibers used in the manufacture of its products. For future delivery periods where such fixed price contracts have been entered into, the Company will be protected against cotton and polyester fiber price increases but would not be able to benefit from cotton or polyester fiber price decreases. Conversely, in the event that we have not entered into sufficient fixed priced contracts for cotton or polyester fibers, or have not made other arrangements to lock in the price of cotton or polyester fibers in advance of delivery, we will not be protected against price increases, but will be in a position to benefit from any price decreases. A significant increase in raw material costs, particularly cotton and polyester fiber costs, could have an negative effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition, if the increase or part of the increase is not mitigated through additional manufacturing and distribution cost
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reductions and/or higher selling prices, or if resulting selling price increases negatively impact demand for the Company’s products. In addition, when the Company fixes its cotton and polyester fiber costs for future delivery periods and the cost of cotton or polyester fibers subsequently decreases significantly for that delivery period, the Company may need to reduce selling prices, which could have a negative effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We rely on key suppliers
Our ability to meet our customers’ needs depends on our ability to maintain an uninterrupted supply of raw materials and finished goods from third-party suppliers. More specifically, we source cotton, cotton-based yarns, polyester fibers, chemicals, dyestuffs, and trims primarily from a limited number of outside suppliers. In addition, a substantial portion of the products sold under the Gold Toe® portfolio of brands and licensed brands are purchased from a number of third-party suppliers. Our business, results of operations, and financial condition could be negatively affected if there is a significant change in our relationship with any of our principal suppliers of raw materials or finished goods, or if any of these key suppliers have difficulty sourcing cotton fibers and other raw materials, experience production disruptions, fail to maintain production quality, fail to qualify under our social compliance program, experience transportation disruptions or encounter financial difficulties. These events can result in lost sales, cancellation charges, or excessive markdowns, all of which can have a negative effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.
We may be negatively impacted by climate, political, social, and economic risks in the countries in which we operate or from which we source production
The majority of our products are manufactured in Central America, primarily in Honduras and Nicaragua, as well as the Caribbean Basin, and to a lesser extent in Bangladesh, as described in the section entitled “Our operations” in this MD&A. We also purchase significant volumes of socks from third-party suppliers in Asia. Some of the countries in which we operate or source from have experienced political, social, and economic instability in the past, and we cannot be certain of their future stability. In addition, most of our facilities are located in geographic regions that are exposed to the risk of, and have experienced in the past, hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes. Any such events in the future could have a negative impact on our business.
The following conditions or events could disrupt our supply chain, interrupt production at our facilities or those of our suppliers, increase our cost of sales and other operating expenses, result in a loss of sales, asset losses, or require additional capital expenditures to be incurred:

• | fires, pandemics, extraordinary weather conditions, or natural disasters, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, tsunamis, typhoons, and earthquakes;

• | political instability, social and labour unrest, war, or terrorism;

• | disruptions in port activities, shipping and freight forwarding services; and

• | interruptions in the availability of basic services and infrastructure, including power and water shortages.

Our insurance programs do not cover every potential loss associated with our operations, including potential damage to assets, lost profits, and liability that could result from the aforementioned conditions or events. In addition, our insurance may not fully cover the consequences resulting from a loss event, due to insurance limits, sub-limits, or policy exclusions. Any occurrence not fully covered by insurance could have a negative effect on our business.
Compliance with laws and regulations in the various countries in which we operate and the potential negative effects of litigation and/or regulatory actions
Our business is subject to a wide variety of laws and regulations across all of the countries in which we do business, which involves the risk of legal and regulatory actions regarding such matters as international trade, competition, taxation, environmental, health and safety, product liability, employment practices, patent and trademark infringement, corporate and securities legislation, licensing and permits, data privacy, bankruptcies, and other claims. Some of these compliance risks are further described in this "Risks and uncertainties" section of the MD&A. In the event of non-compliance with such laws and regulations, we may be subject to regulatory actions, claims and/or litigation which could result in fines, penalties, claim settlement costs or damages awarded to plaintiffs, legal defense costs, product recalls and related costs, remediation costs, incremental operating costs and capital expenditures to improve future/ongoing compliance, and damage to the Company’s reputation. In addition, non-compliance with certain laws and regulations could result in regulatory actions that could temporarily or permanently restrict or limit our ability to conduct operations as planned, potentially resulting in lost sales, closure costs, and asset write-offs. Due to the inherent uncertainties of litigation or regulatory actions in both domestic and foreign jurisdictions, we cannot accurately predict the ultimate outcome of any such proceedings.
Laws and regulations are constantly changing and are often complex, and future compliance cannot be assured. Changes necessary to maintaining compliance with these laws and regulations may increase future compliance costs and have other negative impacts on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.
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As part of the regulatory and legal environments in which we operate, Gildan is subject to anti-bribery laws that prohibit improper payments directly or indirectly to government officials, authorities, or persons defined in those anti-bribery laws in order to obtain business or other improper advantages in the conduct of business. Failure by our employees, subcontractors, suppliers, agents, and/or partners to comply with anti-bribery laws could impact Gildan in various ways that include, but are not limited to, criminal, civil and administrative legal sanctions, negative publicity, and could have a negative effect on our reputation as well as our business, results of operations, and financial condition.
We rely on certain international trade agreements and preference programs and are subject to evolving international trade regulations
As a multinational corporation, we are affected by domestic tariffs, including the potential imposition of anti-dumping or countervailing duties on our raw materials and finished goods, international trade legislation, bilateral and multilateral trade agreements and trade preference programs in the countries in which we operate, source, and sell products. In order to remain globally competitive, we have situated our manufacturing facilities in strategic locations to benefit from various free trade agreements and trade preference programs. Furthermore, management continuously monitors new developments and evaluates risks relating to duties including anti-dumping and countervailing duties, tariffs, and trade restrictions that could impact our approach to global manufacturing and sourcing, and makes adjustments as needed. The Company relies on a number of preferential trade programs which provide duty free access to the U.S. market for goods meeting specified rules of origin, including the Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act (CBTPA), the Dominican Republic - Central America - United States Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR), the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement (HOPE), which allow qualifying textiles and apparel from participating countries duty-free access to the U.S. market. The Company relies on similar arrangements to access the European Union, Canada, and other markets. Changes to trade agreements or trade preference programs that the Company currently relies on may negatively impact our global competitive position. The likelihood that the agreements and preference programs around which we have built our manufacturing supply chain will be modified, repealed, or allowed to expire, and the extent of the impact of such changes on our business, cannot be determined with certainty.
Recently there has been an increasing focus on U.S. domestic manufacturing that has drawn worldwide attention. The current U.S. Administration is encouraging companies to manufacture in the U.S. While a significant proportion of our costs to manufacture our products originate in the United States, the Company also has significant operations outside the U.S. There can be no assurance that the recent and continuing focus in this area may not attract negative publicity on the Company and its activities, lead to adverse changes in international trade agreements and preference programs that the Company currently relies on, the implementation of anti-dumping or countervailing duties on the imports of our raw materials and finished goods into the U.S. from other countries, or lead to further tax reform in the U.S. that could increase our effective income tax rate. Furthermore, the imposition of non-tariff barriers by the countries into which we sell our products internationally may also impact our ability to service such markets. Any of such outcomes could negatively impact our ability to compete effectively and negatively affect our results of operations.
Most trade agreements provide for the application of special safeguards in the form of reinstatement of normal duties if increased imports constitute a substantial cause of serious injury, or threat thereof, to a domestic industry. The likelihood that a safeguard will be adopted and the extent of its impact on our business cannot be determined with certainty.
Furthermore, the imposition of any new domestic tariffs in any of the countries in which we operate may also negatively impact our global competitive position. For example, United States domestic law provides for the application of anti-dumping or countervailing duties on imports of products from certain countries into the United States should determinations be made by the relevant agencies that such imported products have been subsidized and/or are being sold at less than “fair value” and that such imports are causing a material injury to the domestic industry. The mechanism to implement anti-dumping and countervailing duties is available to every World Trade Organization member country. The impact of the imposition of such duties on products we import into the U.S. or other markets cannot be determined with certainty.
Following the United States’ January 2017 withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP), the remaining countries participating in the TPP, namely, Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam negotiated and agreed to a revised trade agreement known as the Comprehensive Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). CPTPP has been ratified by Australia, Canada, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore, and Vietnam and officially came in force on December 30, 2018. The remaining participating countries (Brunei, Chile, Malaysia, and Peru) will not benefit or be bound by the agreement until they complete their ratification process. CPTPP may negatively affect our competitive position in some of the countries in which we sell our products.
In 2018, the United States, Canada, and Mexico concluded a renegotiated agreement of NAFTA referred to as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The USMCA is expected to replace NAFTA once it has been ratified by each of the member countries. The USMCA brings more closely into alignment the apparel rules of origin with those of CAFTA-
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DR. NAFTA will remain in effect until the USMCA is ratified by each member country. There is a risk that the United States could withdraw from NAFTA if the USMCA is not ratified by U.S. Congress. The termination of NAFTA without the full implementation of USMCA could adversely impact the overall competitiveness of products we ship to the U.S., Canada, and Mexico from our Mexican and Canadian manufacturing supply chains, as applicable.
The European Union has an Association Agreement with Central America, including Honduras and Nicaragua, where we have production operations. The European Union also has preferential trade arrangements with other countries. The European Union maintains a Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) and the Everything But Arms programs (EBA). These programs allow free or reduced duty entry into the European Union of qualifying articles, including apparel, from developing countries and least developed countries where we have manufacturing operations, including Haiti and Bangladesh. The European Union also affords preference to qualifying apparel from notable production venues including Vietnam, Myanmar and Pakistan, which could negatively impact our competitive position in the European Union. Any changes to these agreements, could have a negative impact on our operations.
On June 23, 2016, the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union with a scheduled exit date of March 29, 2019 (Brexit). A proposed agreement between the United Kingdom and the European Union on the terms of the withdrawal and the future relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union was defeated in the U.K. Parliament and at this time, the prospects of an alternative agreement are unclear, thus increasing the possibility of a “no-deal Brexit,” which, absent any extension or, potential transition period that could ease the impact on trade between the parties, could result in the loss of certain efficiencies in our European distribution network. With respect to trade between the United Kingdom and third countries with which the European Union has trade agreements in effect, if the United Kingdom fails to timely implement identical or similar agreements or programs to the ones in effect with the European Union, it could negatively impact the competitiveness of our supply chain in servicing the United Kingdom market.
The People's Republic of China extends duty-free and quota-free trade benefits under the Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement to qualifying apparel articles from Bangladesh, including certain chief-weight cotton apparel articles. Any changes to this agreement could have a negative impact on our operations.
A segment of our goods from China have been subject to tariffs by the U.S. which are over-and-above the normal applicable duty rates. Furthermore, the tariffs on these goods may further increase or additional goods may become subject to tariffs in the absence of an agreement between the U.S. and China which could have a negative impact on our operations.
Overall, new agreements or arrangements that further liberalize access to our key country markets could negatively impact our competitiveness in those markets. The likelihood that any such agreements, measures, or programs will be adopted, or that the agreements and preference programs around which we have built our manufacturing supply chain will be modified, repealed, or allowed to expire, and the extent of the impact of such changes on our business, cannot be determined with certainty.
In addition, the Company is subject to customs audits as well as valuation and origin verifications in the various countries in which it operates. Although we believe that our customs compliance programs are effective at ensuring the eligibility of all goods manufactured for the preferential treatment claimed upon importation, we cannot predict the outcome of any governmental audit or inquiry.
The Company operates a U.S. foreign trade zones (FTZ) at its distribution warehouse in North Carolina. FTZs enhance efficiencies in the customs entry process and allow for the non-application of duty on certain goods distributed internationally. FTZs are highly regulated operations and while the Company believes it has adequate systems and controls in place to manage the regulatory requirements associated with its FTZ, we cannot predict the outcome of any governmental audit or examination of its FTZ.
In recent years, governmental bodies have responded to the increased threat of terrorist activity by requiring greater levels of inspection of imported goods and imposing security requirements on importers, carriers, and others in the global supply chain. These added requirements can sometimes cause delays and increase costs in bringing imported goods to market. We believe we have effectively addressed these requirements in order to maximize velocity in our supply chain, but changes in security requirements or tightening of security procedures, for example, in the aftermath of a terrorist incident, could cause delays in our goods reaching the markets in which we distribute our products.
Textile and apparel articles are generally not subject to specific export restrictions or licensing requirements in the countries where we manufacture and distribute goods. However, the creation of export licensing requirements, imposition of restrictions on export quantities, or specification of minimum export prices could potentially have a negative impact on our business. In addition, unilateral and multilateral sanctions and restrictions on dealings with certain countries and persons are unpredictable,
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continue to emerge and evolve in response to international economic and political events, and could impact our trading relationships with vendors or customers.
Factors or circumstances that could increase our effective income tax rate
The Company benefits from a low overall effective corporate tax rate as the majority of its profits are earned and the majority of its sales, marketing, and manufacturing operations are carried out in low tax rate jurisdictions in Central America and the Caribbean Basin. The Company’s income tax filing positions and income tax provisions are based on interpretations of applicable tax laws in the jurisdictions in which it operates, including income tax treaties between various countries in which the Company operates as well as underlying rules and regulations with respect to transfer pricing. These interpretations involve judgments and estimates and may be challenged through government taxation audits that the Company is regularly subject to. Although the Company believes its tax filing positions are sustainable, we cannot predict with certainty the outcome of any audit undertaken by taxation authorities in any jurisdictions in which we operate, and the final result may vary compared to the estimates and assumptions used by management in determining the Company’s consolidated income tax provision and in valuing its income tax assets and liabilities. Depending on the ultimate outcome of any such audit, there may be a negative impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. In addition, if the Company were to receive a tax reassessment by a taxation authority prior to the ultimate resolution of an audit, the Company could be required to submit an advance deposit on the amount reassessed.
The Company’s overall effective income tax rate may also be adversely affected by the following: changes to current domestic laws in the countries in which the Company operates; changes to or terminations of the income tax treaties the Company currently relies on; an increase in income and withholding tax rates; changes to free trade and export processing zone rules in certain countries where the Company is currently not subject to income tax; changes to guidance regarding the interpretation and application of domestic laws, free trade and export processing zones, and income tax treaties; increases in the proportion of the Company’s overall profits being earned in higher tax rate jurisdictions due to changes in the locations of the Company’s operations; or other factors.
On December 22, 2017, the United States signed into law the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (U.S. Tax Reform) which reduces the federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018. In addition, other changes to U.S. corporate tax laws resulting from the U.S. tax reform include the limitation on deductibility of interest expense paid by U.S. corporations and the introduction of the base erosion anti-abuse tax that applies an additional tax under certain conditions related to certain payments made by U.S. corporations to foreign related parties. Although we do not expect a significant adverse effect to our tax rate resulting from the U.S. tax reform, any further significant changes to the current tax rules which govern the manner in which sales and profits are taxed in the U.S. could materially increase the effective income tax rate of the Company.
We have not recognized a deferred income tax liability for the undistributed profits of our subsidiaries, as we currently have no intention to repatriate these profits. If our expectations or intentions change in the future, we could be required to recognize a charge to earnings for the tax liability relating to the undistributed profits of our subsidiaries, which would also result in a corresponding cash outflow in the years in which the earnings would be repatriated. As at December 30, 2018, the estimated income tax liability that would result in the event of a full repatriation of these undistributed profits is approximately $74 million.
Provisions for uncertain tax positions are measured at the best estimate of the amounts expected to be paid upon ultimate resolution. The Company’s overall effective income tax rate is impacted by its assessment of uncertain tax positions and whether additional taxes and interest may be due. The Company’s assessment of uncertain tax positions may be negatively affected as a result of new information, a change in management’s assessment of the technical merits of its positions, changes to tax laws, administrative guidance, and the conclusion of tax audits.
Compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations
We are subject to various federal, state, local, and other environmental and occupational health and safety laws and regulations in the different jurisdictions in which we operate, concerning, among other things, wastewater discharges, air emissions, storm water flows, and solid waste disposal. Our manufacturing plants generate some quantities of hazardous waste, which are recycled, repurposed, or disposed of by licensed waste management companies. Through our Corporate Environmental Policy, Environmental Code of Practice and Environmental Management System, we seek not only to comply with all applicable laws and regulations, but also to reduce our environmental footprint through waste prevention, recovery, and treatment. Although we believe that we are currently in compliance in all material respects with the regulatory requirements of those jurisdictions in which our facilities are located, the extent of our liability, if any, for past failures to comply with laws, regulations, and permits applicable to our operations cannot be reasonably determined. In line with our commitment to the environment, as well as to the health and safety of our employees, we incur capital and other expenditures each year that are aimed at achieving compliance with current environmental standards. There can be no assurance that future changes in federal, state, local, or other regulations, interpretations of existing regulations or the discovery of currently unknown problems or conditions
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will not require substantial additional environmental remediation expenditures or fines/penalties or result in a disruption to our supply chain that could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operation, or financial condition.
During fiscal 2013, Gildan was notified that a Gold Toe subsidiary has been identified as one of numerous “potentially responsible parties” at a certain waste disposal site undergoing an investigation by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection under the Pennsylvania Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act and the Solid Waste Management Act. As a result of activities alleged to have occurred during the 1980’s, Gildan could be liable to contribute to the costs of any investigation or cleanup action which the site may require, although to date we have insufficient information from the authorities as to the potential costs of the investigation and cleanup to reasonably estimate Gildan’s share of liability for any such costs, if any.
Compliance with product safety regulation
We are subject to consumer product safety laws and regulations that could affect our business. In the United States, we are subject to the Consumer Product Safety Act, as amended by the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008, the Federal Hazardous Substances Act, the Flammable Fabrics Act, the Toxic Substances Control Act, and rules and regulations enacted pursuant to these statutes. Such laws provide for substantial penalties for non-compliance. These statutes and regulations include requirements for testing and certification for flammability of wearing apparel, for lead content and lead in surface coatings in children’s products, and for phthalate content in child care articles, including plasticized components of children’s sleepwear. We are also subject to similar laws and regulations, and to additional warning and reporting requirements, in the various individual states within the U.S. in which our products are sold.
In Canada, we are subject to similar laws and regulations, including the Hazardous Products Act and the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (the “CCPSA”), which apply to manufacturers, importers, distributors, advertisers, and retailers of consumer products. In the European Union, we are also subject to product safety regulations, including those which are imposed pursuant to the General Product Safety Directive. We are also subject to similar laws and regulations in the other jurisdictions in which our products are sold.
Compliance with existing and future product safety laws and regulations and enforcement policies may require that we incur capital and other costs, which may be significant. Non-compliance with applicable product safety laws and regulations may result in substantial fines and penalties, costs related to the recall, replacement and disposal of non-compliant products, as well as negative publicity which could harm our reputation and result in a loss of sales. Our customers may also require us to meet existing and additional consumer safety requirements, which may result in our inability to provide the products in the manner required. Although we believe that we are in compliance in all material respects with applicable product safety laws and regulations in the jurisdictions in which we operate, the extent of our liability and risk of business interruption, if any, due to failures to comply with laws, regulations, and permits applicable to our operations cannot be reasonably determined.
We may be negatively impacted by changes in our relationship with our employees or changes to domestic and foreign employment regulations
We employ over 50,000 employees worldwide. As a result, changes in domestic and foreign laws governing our relationships with our employees, including wage and human resources laws and regulations, fair labour standards, overtime pay, unemployment tax rates, workers’ compensation rates, and payroll taxes, would likely have a direct impact on our operating costs. The majority of our employees are employed outside Canada and the United States. A significant increase in wage rates or the cost of benefit programs in the countries in which we operate could have a negative impact on our operating costs.
The Company has historically been able to operate in a productive manner in all of its manufacturing facilities without experiencing significant labour disruptions, such as strikes or work stoppages. Many of our employees are members of labour organizations. The Company is party to collective bargaining agreements at its sewing operations in Nicaragua and Honduras. In connection with its textile operations in the Dominican Republic, the Company was previously a party to a collective bargaining agreement with a union registered with the Dominican Ministry of Labor, covering approximately 900 employees. The collective bargaining agreement was terminated in February 2011 upon the mutual consent of the Company and the union, although the union is still claiming to represent a majority of the factory workers. A second union is also claiming that it represents the majority of the workers at the plant and the matter is now before the Dominican Republic Labor Court. Notwithstanding the termination of the agreement, the Company is continuing to provide all of the benefits to the employees covered by the original agreement. If labour relations were to change or deteriorate at any of our facilities or any of our third-party contractors’ facilities, this could negatively affect the productivity and cost structure of the Company’s manufacturing operations.
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| MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

We may experience negative publicity as a result of actual, alleged, or perceived violations of labour laws or international labour standards, unethical labour, and other business practices
We are committed to ensuring that all of our operations and contractor operations comply with our strict internal Code of Conduct, local and international laws, and the codes and principles to which we subscribe, including those of the Fair Labor Association (FLA) and the Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP). While the majority of our manufacturing operations are conducted through Company-owned facilities, we also utilize third-party contractors, which we do not control, to complement our vertically integrated production. If one of our own manufacturing operations or one of our third-party contractors or sub-contractors violates or is accused of violating local or international labour laws or other applicable regulations, or engages in labour or other business practices that would be viewed, in any market in which our products are sold, as unethical, we could experience negative publicity which could harm our reputation and result in a loss of sales.
We may be negatively impacted by changes in third-party licensing arrangements and licensed brands
A number of products are designed, manufactured, sourced, and sold under trademarks that we license from third parties, under contractual licensing relationships that are subject to periodic renewal. Because we do not control the brands licensed to us, our licensors could make changes to their brands or business models that could result in a significant downturn in a brand’s business, negatively affecting our sales and results of operations. If any licensor fails to adequately maintain or protect their trademarks, engages in behaviour with respect to the licensed marks that would cause us reputational harm, or if any of the brands licensed to us violates the trademark rights of a third-party or are deemed to be invalid or unenforceable, we could experience a significant downturn in that brand’s business, negatively affecting our sales and results of operations, and we may be required to expend significant amounts on public relations, advertising, legal, and other related costs. In addition, if any of these licensors choose to cease licensing these brands to us in the future, our sales and results of operations would be negatively affected.
Our ability to protect our intellectual property rights
Our trademarks are important to our marketing efforts and have substantial value. We aggressively protect these trademarks from infringement and dilution through appropriate measures including court actions and administrative proceedings; however, the actions we have taken to establish and protect our trademarks and other intellectual property may not be adequate. We cannot be certain that others will not imitate our products or infringe our intellectual property rights. Infringement or counterfeiting of our products could diminish the value of our brands or otherwise negatively affect our business. In addition, unilateral actions in the United States or other countries, such as changes to or the repeal of laws recognizing trademark or other intellectual property rights, could have an impact on our ability to enforce those rights.
From time to time we are involved in opposition and cancellation proceedings with respect to our intellectual property, which could affect its validity, enforceability, and use. The value of our intellectual property could diminish if others assert rights in, or ownership of, or oppose our applications to register our trademarks and other intellectual property rights. In some cases, there may be trademark owners who have prior rights to our trademarks or to similar trademarks, which could harm our ability to sell products under or register such trademarks. In addition, we have registered trademarks in certain foreign jurisdictions and the laws of foreign countries may not protect our intellectual property rights to the same extent as do the laws of the United States or Canada. We do not own trademark rights to all of our brands in all jurisdictions, which may limit the future sales growth of certain branded products in such jurisdictions. Furthermore, actions we have taken to protect our intellectual property rights may not be adequate to prevent others from seeking to invalidate our trademarks or block sales of our products as a violation of the trademarks and intellectual property rights of others.
In some cases, litigation may be necessary to protect our trademarks and other intellectual property rights, to enforce our rights or defend against claims by third parties alleging that we infringe, dilute, misappropriate, or otherwise violate third-party trademark or other intellectual property rights. Any litigation or claims brought by or against us, whether with or without merit, and whether successful or not, could result in substantial costs and diversion of our resources, which could have a negative effect on our business, financial condition, results of operation and cash flows. Any intellectual property litigation claims against us could result in the loss or compromise of our intellectual property rights, could subject us to significant liabilities, require us to seek licenses on unfavorable terms, if available at all, and/or require us to rebrand our products and services, any of which could negatively affect our business, results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows.
We rely significantly on our information systems for our business operations
We place significant reliance on our information systems. Our information systems consist of a full range of supply chain and financial systems. The systems include applications related to product development, planning, manufacturing, distribution, sales, human resources, and financial reporting. We depend on our information systems to operate our business and make key decisions. These activities include forecasting demand, purchasing raw materials and supplies, designing products, scheduling and managing production, selling to our customers, responding to customer, supplier and other inquiries, managing inventories, shipping goods on a timely basis, managing our employees, and summarizing results. There can be no assurance that we will not experience operational problems with our information systems as a result of system failures, viruses, information
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| MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

security incidents, cyber security incidents, disasters or other causes, or in connection with upgrade to our systems or implementation of new systems. In addition, there can be no assurance that we will be able to timely modify or adapt our systems to meet evolving requirements for our business. Any material disruption or slowdown of our systems could cause operational delays and other impacts that could negatively affect our business and results of operations.
We may be negatively impacted by data security and privacy breaches
Our business involves the regular collection and use of sensitive and confidential information regarding employees, customers, business partners, vendors, and other third parties. These activities are highly regulated and privacy and information security laws are complex and constantly changing. Non-compliance with these laws and regulations can lead to legal liability. Furthermore, an information technology system failure or non-availability, cyber security incident, or breach of systems could disrupt our operations, cause the loss of, corruption of, or unauthorized access to business information and data, compromise confidential information, or expose us to regulatory investigation, litigation, or contractual penalties. Divergent technology systems inherited through business acquisitions increase complexity and potential exposure. We seek to detect and investigate all security incidents and to prevent their occurrence or recurrence. We continue to invest in and improve our threat protection, detection and mitigation policies, procedures and controls, and work on increased awareness and enhanced protections against cyber security threats. However, given the highly evolving nature and sophistication of these security threats or disruptions and their increased frequency, the impact of any future incident cannot be easily predicted or mitigated, and the costs related to such threats and disruptions may not be fully insured or indemnified by other means.
We depend on key management and our ability to attract and/or retain key personnel
Our success depends upon the continued contributions of our key management, some of whom have unique talents and experience and would be difficult to replace in the short term. The loss or interruption of the services of a key executive could have a negative effect on our business during the transitional period that would be required to restructure the organization or for a successor to assume the responsibilities of the key management position. Our future success will also depend on our ability to attract and retain key managers, sales people, and other personnel. We may not be able to attract or retain these employees, which could negatively affect our business.
17.0 DEFINITION AND RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
We use non-GAAP measures to assess our operating performance and financial condition. The terms and definitions of the non-GAAP measures used in this MD&A and a reconciliation of each non-GAAP measure to the most directly comparable GAAP measure are provided below. The non-GAAP measures are presented on a consistent basis for all periods presented in this MD&A. These non-GAAP measures do not have any standardized meanings prescribed by IFRS and are therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Accordingly, they should not be considered in isolation.
Adjusted net earnings and adjusted diluted EPS
Adjusted net earnings are calculated as net earnings before restructuring and acquisition-related costs, income taxes relating to restructuring and acquisition-related actions, and income taxes relating to the revaluation of deferred income tax assets and liabilities as a result of statutory income tax rate changes in the countries in which we operate. Adjusted diluted EPS is calculated as adjusted net earnings divided by the diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding. The Company uses adjusted net earnings and adjusted diluted EPS to measure its performance from one period to the next, without the variation caused by the impacts of the items described above. The Company excludes these items because they affect the comparability of its financial results and could potentially distort the analysis of trends in its business performance. Excluding these items does not imply they are necessarily non-recurring.
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| MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

| Three months ended | Twelve months ended
(in $ millions, except per share amounts) | December 30, 2018 |  | December 31, 2017 |  | December 30, 2018 |  | December 31, 2017 |
Net earnings | 59.6 |  | 54.9 |  | 350.8 |  | 362.3 |
Adjustments for: |  |  |  |
Restructuring and acquisition-related costs | 21.7 |  | 11.0 |  | 34.2 |  | 22.9 |
Income tax expense relating to restructuring and acquisition-related actions(1) | 6.6 |  | 3.3 |  | 6.1 |  | 3.3 |
Income tax expense (recovery) related to the revaluation of deferred income tax assets and liabilities due to statutory income tax rate changes(2) | 1.0 |  | (1.6 | ) | 2.0 |  | (1.6 | )
Adjusted net earnings | 88.9 |  | 67.6 |  | 393.1 |  | 386.9 |
Basic EPS | 0.29 |  | 0.25 |  | 1.66 |  | 1.62 |
Diluted EPS | 0.29 |  | 0.25 |  | 1.66 |  | 1.61 |
Adjusted diluted EPS | 0.43 |  | 0.31 |  | 1.86 |  | 1.72 |
(1) These income tax expenses relate to the Company’s internal organizational realignment. Pursuant to the initiation and completion of this organizational realignment plan, the Company reassessed the recoverability of its deferred income tax assets and the valuation of its deferred tax liabilities in the respective jurisdictions affected, resulting in an increase to deferred income tax expense in fiscal 2018 and 2017 of $6.1 million and $3.3 million, respectively. (2) The income tax expense for the impact of income tax rate changes are primarily related to the impact of U.S. tax reform, reflecting the reduction in the U.S. statutory federal tax rate that took effect in 2018.
Certain minor rounding variances exist between the consolidated financial statements and this summary.

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

| Three months ended | Twelve months ended
(in $ millions, or otherwise indicated) | December 30, 2018 |  | December 31, 2017 |  | December 30, 2018 |  | December 31, 2017 |
Operating income | 78.2 |  | 62.0 |  | 403.2 |  | 401.0 |
Adjustment for: |  |  |  |
Restructuring and acquisition-related costs | 21.7 |  | 11.0 |  | 34.2 |  | 22.9 |
Adjusted operating income | 99.9 |  | 73.0 |  | 437.4 |  | 423.9 |
Operating margin | 10.5 | % | 9.5 | % | 13.9 | % | 14.6 | %
Adjusted operating margin | 13.5 | % | 11.2 | % | 15.0 | % | 15.4 | %

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

| Three months ended | Twelve months ended
(in $ millions) | December 30, 2018 |  | December 31, 2017 |  | December 30, 2018 |  | December 31, 2017 |
Net earnings | 59.6 |  | 54.9 |  | 350.8 |  | 362.3 |
Restructuring and acquisition-related costs | 21.7 |  | 11.0 |  | 34.2 |  | 22.9 |
Depreciation and amortization | 38.0 |  | 41.0 |  | 158.1 |  | 162.2 |
Financial expenses, net | 8.7 |  | 5.9 |  | 31.0 |  | 24.2 |
Income tax expense | 10.0 |  | 1.2 |  | 21.4 |  | 14.5 |
Adjusted EBITDA | 138.0 |  | 114.0 |  | 595.5 |  | 586.1 |
Certain minor rounding variances exist between the consolidated financial statements and this summary. |

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

(in $ millions) | 2018 |  | 2017 |
Cash flows from operating activities | 538.5 |  | 613.4 |
Cash flows used in investing activities | (110.9 | ) | (210.0 | )
Adjustment for: |  |
Business acquisitions | 1.3 |  | 115.8 |
Free cash flow | 428.9 |  | 519.2 |
Certain minor rounding variances exist between the consolidated financial statements and this summary. |

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

| December 30, 2018 |  | December 31, 2017 |
(in $ millions)
Long-term debt and total indebtedness | 669.0 |  | 630.0 |
Cash and cash equivalents | (46.7 | ) | (52.8 | )
Net indebtedness | 622.3 |  | 577.2 |
Certain minor rounding variances exist between the consolidated financial statements and this summary.

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

| December 30, 2018 |  | December 31, 2017 |
(in $ millions, or otherwise indicated)
Adjusted EBITDA for the trailing twelve months | 595.5 |  | 586.1 |
Adjustment for: |  |  |  |
Business acquisitions | — |  | 0.3 |
Pro-forma adjusted EBITDA for the trailing twelve months | 595.5 |  | 586.4 |
Net indebtedness | 622.3 |  | 577.2 |
Net debt leverage ratio | 1.0 |  | 1.0 |
Certain minor rounding variances exist between the consolidated financial statements and this summary.

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

| December 30, 2018 |  | December 31, 2017 |
(in $ millions)
Average total assets | 3,084.0 |  | 3,060.8 |
Average cash and cash equivalents | (48.9) |  | (48.6) |
Average deferred income taxes | — |  | (0.5) |
Average accumulated amortization of intangible assets, excluding software | 138.6 |  | 117.1 |
Average total current liabilities | (299.5) |  | (254.7) |
Average net assets | 2,874.2 |  | 2,874.1 |
(in $ millions, or otherwise indicated) | 2018 |  | 2017 |
Adjusted net earnings | 393.1 |  | 386.9 |
Financial expenses, net (nil income taxes in both years) | 31.0 |  | 24.2 |
Amortization of intangible assets, excluding software (net of income tax recovery of nil in 2018 and $5.0 million in 2017) | 22.9 |  | 15.8 |
Return | 447.0 |  | 426.9 |
RONA | 15.6 | % | 14.9 | %

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