XML 101 R31.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v3.19.3.a.u2
Significant accounting policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Basis of presentation
Basis of presentation
These consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles ("US GAAP"). These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its wholly-owned, Canadian and United States incorporated subsidiaries and, via certain of its subsidiaries, the Company also holds investments in other Canadian corporations, partnerships and joint ventures. All significant intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated upon consolidation.
The Company consolidates variable interest entities (“VIE”) for which it is considered to be the primary beneficiary as well as voting interest entities in which it has a controlling financial interest as defined by Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 810, Consolidation, and related standards. Ownership represented by other parties that do not control the entities are presented in the consolidated financial statements as activities and balances attributable to noncontrolling interests.
Investees and joint ventures over which the Company exercises significant influence are accounted for using the equity method and are included in “investments in affiliates and joint ventures” within the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The Company has elected to apply the provision available to entities operating within the construction industry to apply proportionate consolidation to unincorporated entities that would otherwise be accounted for using the equity method.
Use of estimates
Use of estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosures reported in these consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates. Significant estimates and judgments made by management include:
the assessment of the percentage of completion on time-and-materials, unit-price, lump-sum and cost-plus contracts with defined scope (including estimated total costs and provisions for estimated losses) and the recognition of claims and change orders on revenue contracts;
the determination of whether an acquisition meets the definition of a business combination;
the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as part of an acquisition;
the evaluation of whether the Company is a primary beneficiary of an entity or has a controlling interest in an investee and is required to consolidate;
assumptions used in impairment testing; and
estimates and assumptions used in the determination of the allowance for doubtful accounts, the recoverability of deferred tax assets and the useful lives of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets.
The accuracy of the Company’s revenue and profit recognition in a given period is dependent on the accuracy of the estimates of the cost to complete each project. Cost estimates for all significant projects use a detailed “bottom up” approach and the Company believes its experience allows it to provide reasonably dependable estimates. There are a number of factors that can contribute to changes in estimates of contract cost and profitability that are recognized in the period in which such adjustments are determined. The most significant of these include:
the completeness and accuracy of the original bid;
costs associated with added scope changes;
extended overhead due to owner, weather and other delays;
subcontractor performance issues;
changes in economic indices used for the determination of escalation or de-escalation for contractual rates on long-term contracts;
changes in productivity expectations;
site conditions that differ from those assumed in the original bid;
contract incentive and penalty provisions;
the availability and skill level of workers in the geographic location of the project; and
a change in the availability and proximity of equipment and materials.
The foregoing factors as well as the mix of contracts at different margins may cause fluctuations in gross profit between periods. With many projects of varying levels of complexity and size in process at any given time, changes in estimates can offset each other without materially impacting the Company’s profitability. Major changes in cost estimates, particularly in larger, more complex projects, can have a significant effect on profitability.
Revenue recognition
Revenue recognition
The Company's revenue source falls into one of two categories: construction services or operations support.
Construction services are related to mine development or expansion projects and are generally funded from customers' capital budgets. The Company provides construction services under lump-sum, unit-price, time-and materials and cost-plus contracts. When the commercial terms are lump-sum and unit-price, the contract scope and value is typically defined. Time-and-materials and cost-plus contracts are generally undefined in scope and total price. Operations support services revenue is mainly generated under long-term site-services agreements with the customers (master service agreement and multiple use contracts). Such agreements typically do not include a commitment to the volume or scope of services over the life of the contract. Work under the agreement is instead awarded through shorter-term work authorizations under the general terms of the agreement. The Company generally provides operations support services under either time-and-materials or unit-price contracts depending on factors such as the degree of complexity, the completeness of engineering and the required schedule.
Significant estimates are required in the revenue recognition process including assessment of the percentage of completion, identification of performance obligations, and estimation of variable consideration including the constraint.
The Company’s invoicing frequency and payment terms are in accordance with negotiated customer contracts. Customer invoicing can range between daily and monthly and payment terms generally range between net 15 and net 60 days. The Company does not typically include extended payment terms in its contracts with customers. Under these payment terms, the customer pays progress payments based on actual work or milestones completed. When payment terms do not align with revenue recognition, the variance is recorded to either contract liabilities or contract assets, as appropriate. Customer contracts do not generally include a significant financing component because the Company does not expect the period between customer payment and transfer of control to exceed one year. The Company does not adjust consideration for the effects of a significant financing component if the period of time between the transfer of control and the customer payment is less than one year.
The Company accounts for a contract when it has approval and commitments from both parties, the rights of the parties are identified, the payment terms are identified, the contract has commercial substance and the collectability of consideration is probable. Each contract is evaluated to determine if it includes more than one performance obligation. This evaluation requires significant judgement and the determination that the contract contains more than one performance obligation could change the amount of revenue and profit recorded in a given period. The majority of the Company's contracts with defined scope include one significant integrated service, where the Company is responsible for ensuring the individual goods and services are incorporated into one combined output. Such contracts are accounted for as one performance obligation. When more than one distinct good or service is contracted, the contract is separated into more than one performance obligation and the total transaction price is allocated to each performance obligation based upon stand-alone selling prices. When a stand-alone selling price is not observable, it is estimated using a suitable method.
The total transaction price can be comprised of fixed consideration and variable consideration, such as profit incentives, discounts and performance bonuses or penalties. When a contract includes variable consideration, the amount included in the total transaction price is based on the expected value or the mostly likely amount, constrained to an amount that it is probable a significant reversal will not occur. Significant judgement is involved in determining if a variable consideration amount should be constrained. In applying this constraint, the Company considers both the likelihood of a revenue reversal arising from an uncertain future event and the magnitude of the revenue reversal if the uncertain event were to occur or fail to occur. The following circumstances are considered to be possible indicators of significant revenue reversals:
The amount of consideration is highly susceptible to factors outside the Company’s influence, such as judgement of actions of third parties and weather conditions;
The length of time between the recognition of revenue and the expected resolution;
The Company’s experience with similar circumstances and similar customers, specifically when such items have predictive value;
The Company’s history of resolution and whether that resolution includes price concessions or changing payment terms; and
The range of possible consideration amounts.
The Company's performance obligations are typically satisfied by transferring control over time, for which revenue is recognized using the percentage of completion method, measured by the ratio of costs incurred to date to estimated total costs. For defined scope contracts, the cost-to-cost method faithfully depicts the Company’s performance because the transfer of the asset to the customer occurs as costs are incurred. The costs of items that do not relate to the performance obligation, particularly in the early stages of the contract, are excluded from costs incurred to date. Pre-construction activities, such as mobilization and site setup, are recognized as contract costs on the consolidated balance sheets and amortized over the life of the project. These costs are excluded from the cost-to- cost calculation.
The Company has elected to apply the ‘as-invoiced’ practical expedient to recognize revenue in the amount to which the Company has a right to invoice for all contracts in which the value of the performance completed to date directly corresponds with the right to consideration. This will be applied to all contracts, where applicable, and the majority of undefined scope work is expected to use this practical expedient.
The length of the Company’s contracts varies from less than one year for typical contracts to several years for certain larger contracts. Project costs include all direct labour, material, subcontract and equipment costs and those indirect costs related to contract performance such as indirect labour and supplies. General and administrative expenses are charged to expenses as incurred. Provisions for estimated losses on uncompleted contracts are made in the period in which such losses are determined.
Changes in project performance, project conditions, and estimated profitability, including those arising from profit incentives, penalty provisions and final contract settlements, may result in revisions to costs and revenue that are recognized in the period in which such adjustments are determined. Once a project is underway, the Company will often experience changes in conditions, client requirements, specifications, designs, materials and work schedules. Generally, a “change order” will be negotiated with the customer to modify the original contract to approve both the scope and price of the change. Occasionally, disagreements arise regarding changes, their nature, measurement, timing and other characteristics that impact costs and revenue under the contract. When a change becomes a point of dispute between the Company and a customer, the Company will assess the legal enforceability of the change to determine if a contract modification exists. The Company considers a contract modification to exist when the modification either creates new or changes the existing enforceable rights and obligations.
Most contract modifications are for goods and services that are not distinct from the existing contract due to the significant integrated service provided in the context of the contract and are accounted for as part of the existing contract. Therefore, the effect of a contract modification on the transaction price and the Company's measure of progress for the performance obligation to which it relates is recognized as an adjustment to revenue on a cumulative catch-up basis. If a contract modification is approved in scope and not price, the associated revenue is treated as variable consideration, subject to constraint. This can lead to a situation where costs are recognized in one period and revenue is recognized when customer agreement is obtained or claim resolution occurs, which can be in subsequent periods.
The Company’s long-term contracts typically allow its customers to unilaterally reduce or eliminate the scope of the work as contracted without cause. These long-term contracts represent higher risk due to uncertainty of total contract value and estimated costs to complete; therefore, potentially impacting revenue recognition in future periods.
Revenue is measured based on consideration specified in the customer contract, and excludes any amounts collected on behalf of third parties. Taxes assessed by a governmental authority that are both imposed on and concurrent with a specified revenue producing transaction, that are collected by the Company for a customer, are excluded from revenue.
g) Contract costs
The Company occasionally incurs costs to obtain contracts (reimbursable bid costs) and to fulfill contracts (fulfillment costs). If these costs meet certain criteria, they are capitalized as contract costs, included within other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. Capitalized costs are amortized based on the transfer of goods or services to which the assets relate and are included in project costs. Reimbursable bid costs meet the criteria for capitalization when these costs will be reimbursed by the owner regardless of the outcome of the bid. Generally, this occurs when the Company has been selected as the preferred bidder for a project. The Company recognizes reimbursable bid costs as an expense when incurred if the amortization period of the asset that the entity would have otherwise recognized is one year or less. Costs to fulfill a contract meet the criteria for capitalization if they relate directly to a specifically identifiable contract, they generate or enhance resources that will be used to satisfy future performance obligations and if the costs are expected to be recovered. The costs that meet this criterion are often mobilization and site set-up costs.
h) Remaining performance obligations
Remaining performance obligation represents the transaction price allocated to performance obligations that are unsatisfied (or partially unsatisfied) as of the end of the reporting period. The Company's long-term contracts typically allow customers to unilaterally reduce or eliminate the scope of the contracted work without cause. These long-term contracts represent higher risk due to uncertainty of total contract value and estimated costs to complete; therefore, potentially impacting revenue recognition in future periods. Excluded from this disclosure are amounts where the Company recognizes revenue as-invoiced (note 16(e)).
i) Contract liabilities
Contract liabilities consist of advance payments and billings in excess of costs incurred and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts.
Balance sheet classification
Balance sheet classifications
A one-year time period is typically used as the basis for classifying current assets and liabilities. However, there is a possibility that amounts receivable and payable under construction contracts (principally holdbacks) may extend beyond one year and would be included in current assets and liabilities.
Cash
Cash
Cash includes cash on hand and bank balances net of outstanding cheques.
Accounts receivable and contract assets
Accounts receivable and contract assets
Accounts receivable are recorded when the Company has an unconditional right to consideration arising from performance of contracts with customers. Accounts receivable may be comprised of amounts billed to customers and amounts that have been earned but have not yet been billed. Such unbilled but earned amounts generally arise when a billing period ends prior to the end of the reporting period. When this occurs, revenue equal to the earned and unbilled amount is accrued. Such accruals are classified as accounts receivable on the balance sheet, even though they are not yet billed, as they represent consideration for work that has been completed prior to the period end where the Company has an unconditional right to consideration.
Contract assets include unbilled amounts representing revenue recognized from work performed where the Company does not yet have an unconditional right to compensation. These balances generally relate to (i) revenue accruals on contracts where the percentage of completion method of revenue recognition requires an accrual over what has been billed and (ii) revenue recognized from variable consideration related to unpriced contract modifications.
The Company reviews its accounts receivable amounts regularly and outstanding amounts are written down to their expected realizable value when they are determined not to be fully collectible. This generally occurs when the customer has indicated an inability to pay, the Company is unable to communicate with the customer over an extended period of time, and other methods to obtain payment have not been successful. Bad debt expense is charged to project costs in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income in the period the account is determined to be doubtful. Estimates of the allowance for doubtful accounts are determined on a customer-by-customer evaluation of collectability at each reporting date taking into consideration the following factors: the length of time the receivable has been outstanding, specific knowledge of each customer’s financial condition and historical experience. The Company reviews its contract assets regularly and assesses any amounts that are not billed within the next billing cycle to confirm collectability.
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Allowance for doubtful accounts
The Company evaluates the probability of collection of accounts receivable and records an allowance for doubtful accounts, which reduces accounts receivable to the amount management reasonably believes will be collected. In determining the amount of the allowance, the following factors are considered: the length of time the receivable has been outstanding, specific knowledge of each customer’s financial condition and historical experience.
Inventories
Inventories
Inventories are carried at the lower of cost and net realizable value, and consist primarily of tracks, track frames, fuel and lubricants. Cost is determined using the weighted-average method.
Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. The Company capitalizes interest incurred on debt during the construction of assets for the Company’s own use. The capitalization period covers the duration of the activities required to get the asset ready for its intended use, provided that expenditures for the asset have been made and interest cost incurred. Interest capitalization continues as long as those activities and the incurrence of interest cost continue.
Equipment under finance lease is recorded at the present value of minimum lease payments at the inception of the lease.
Major components of heavy construction equipment in use such as engines and drive trains are recorded separately. The capitalized interest is amortized at the same rate as the respective asset. Depreciation is not recorded until an asset is available for use. Depreciation is calculated based on the cost, net of the estimated residual value, over the estimated useful life of the assets on the following bases and rates:
Assets
 
Basis
 
Rate
Heavy equipment
 
Units of production
 
3,000 - 120,000 hours
Major component parts in use
 
Units of production
 
3,000 - 50,000 hours
Other equipment
 
Straight-line
 
5 - 10 years
Licensed motor vehicles
 
Straight-line
 
5 - 10 years
Office and computer equipment
 
Straight-line
 
4 - 10 years
Furnishings, fixtures and facilities
 
Straight-line
 
10 - 30 years
Buildings
 
Straight-line
 
10 - 50 years
Leasehold improvements
 
Straight-line
 
Over shorter of estimated useful life and lease term
Land
 
No depreciation
 
No depreciation
 
The costs for periodic repairs and maintenance are expensed to the extent the expenditures serve only to restore the assets to their normal operating condition without enhancing their service potential or extending their useful lives.
Intangible assets
Intangible assets
Acquired intangible assets with finite lives are recorded at historical cost net of accumulated amortization and accumulated impairment losses, if any. The cost of intangible assets acquired in an asset acquisition are recorded at cost based upon relative fair value as at the acquisition date. Costs incurred to increase the future benefit of intangible assets are capitalized.
Intangible assets with definite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives and assessed for impairment whenever there is an indication that the intangible asset may be impaired. The amortization period and method for an intangible asset with a finite useful life are reviewed at the end of each reporting period. Changes in the expected useful life or the expected pattern of consumption of future benefits embodied in the asset are accounted for by changing the amortization period or method, as appropriate, and are treated as changes in accounting estimates. Estimated useful lives of definite lived intangible assets and corresponding amortization method are:
Assets
 
Basis
 
Rate
Internal-use software
 
Straight-line
 
4 years
Customer contracts
 
Straight-line
 
1 - 2 years
Favourable land lease
 
Straight-line
 
27 years
Assembled workforce
 
Straight-line
 
5 years
Partnership relationship
 
Straight-line
 
5 years
Brand
 
Straight-line
 
5 years
 
Impairment of long-lived assets
Impairment of long-lived assets
Long-lived assets or asset groups held and used including property, plant and equipment and identifiable intangible assets subject to amortization are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If the sum of the undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of an asset or group of assets is less than its carrying amount, it is considered to be impaired. The Company measures the impairment loss as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset or group of assets exceeds its fair value, which is charged to depreciation or amortization expense. In determining whether an impairment exists, the Company makes assumptions about the future cash flows expected from the use of its long-lived assets, such as: applicable industry performance and prospects; general business and economic conditions that prevail and are expected to prevail; expected growth; maintaining its customer base; and, achieving cost reductions. There can be no assurance that expected future cash flows will be realized, or will be sufficient to recover the carrying amount of long-lived assets. Furthermore, the process of determining fair values is subjective and requires management to exercise judgment in making assumptions about future results, including revenue and cash flow projections and discount rates.
Assets held for sale
Assets held for sale
Long-lived assets are classified as held for sale when certain criteria are met, which include:
management, having the authority to approve the action, commits to a plan to sell the assets;
the assets are available for immediate sale in their present condition;
an active program to locate buyers and other actions to sell the assets have been initiated;
the sale of the assets is probable and their transfer is expected to qualify for recognition as a completed sale within one year;
the assets are being actively marketed at reasonable prices in relation to their fair value; and
it is unlikely that significant changes will be made to the plan to sell the assets or that the plan will be withdrawn.
A long-lived asset that is newly acquired and will be sold rather than held and used is classified as held for sale if the one year requirement is met and if the other requirements are expected to be met within a short period following the asset acquisition. Assets to be disposed of by sale are reported at the lower of their carrying amount or estimated fair value less costs to sell and are disclosed separately on the consolidated balance sheets. These assets are not depreciated.
Equipment disposal decisions are made using an approach in which a target life is set for each type of equipment. The target life is based on the manufacturer’s recommendations and the Company’s past experience in the various operating environments. Once a piece of equipment reaches its target life it is evaluated to determine if disposal is warranted based on its expected operating cost and reliability in its current state. If the expected operating cost exceeds the target operating cost for the fleet or if the expected reliability is lower than the target reliability of the fleet, the unit is considered for disposal. Expected operating costs and reliability are based on the past history of the unit and experience in the various operating environments. Once the Company has determined that the equipment will be disposed, and the criteria for assets held for sale are met, the unit is recorded in assets held for sale at the lower of depreciated cost or net realizable value.
Foreign currency translation
Foreign currency translation
The functional currency of the Company and its subsidiaries is Canadian Dollars. Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are recorded at the rate of exchange on the transaction date. Monetary assets and liabilities, denominated in foreign currencies, are translated into Canadian Dollars at the rate of exchange prevailing at the balance sheet date. Foreign exchange gains and losses are included in the determination of earnings.
Fair value measurement
Fair value measurement
Fair value measurements are categorized using a valuation hierarchy for disclosure of the inputs used to measure fair value, which prioritizes the inputs into three broad levels. Fair values included in Level 1 are determined by reference to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities. Fair values included in Level 2 include valuations using inputs based on observable market data, either directly or indirectly other than the quoted prices. Level 3 valuations are based on inputs that are not based on observable market data. The classification of a fair value within the hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
Income taxes
Income taxes
The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under the asset and liability method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on the differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities from a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period of enactment. A valuation allowance is recorded against any deferred tax asset if it is more likely than not that the asset will not be realized.
The Company recognizes the effect of income tax positions only if those positions are more likely than not (greater than 50%) of being sustained. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgement occurs. The Company accrues interest and penalties for uncertain tax positions in the period in which these uncertainties are identified. Interest and penalties are included in “General and administrative expenses” in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income.
Stock-based compensation
Stock-based compensation
The Company has a Restricted Share Unit (“RSU”) Plan which is described in note 18(a). RSUs are generally granted effective July 1 of each fiscal year with respect to services to be provided in that fiscal year and the following two fiscal years. The RSUs generally vest at the end of the three-year term. The Company settles RSUs with common shares purchased on the open market through a trust arrangement. Compensation expense is calculated based on the number of vested RSUs multiplied by the fair value of each RSU as determined by the volume weighted-average trading price of the Company’s common shares for the five trading days immediately preceding the day on which the fair market value was to be determined. The Company recognizes compensation cost over the three-year term in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income, with a corresponding increase to additional paid-in capital. When dividends are paid on common shares, additional dividend equivalent RSUs are granted to all RSU holders as of the dividend payment date. The number of additional RSUs to be granted is determined by multiplying the dividend payment per common share by the number of outstanding RSUs, divided by the fair market value of the Company's common shares on the dividend payment date. Such additional RSUs are granted subject to the same service criteria as the underlying RSUs.
The Company has a Performance Restricted Share Unit ("PSU") plan which is described in note 18(b). The PSUs vest at the end of a three-year term and are subject to the performance criteria approved by the Human Resources and Compensation Committee at the date of the grant. Such performance criterion includes the passage of time and is based upon the improvement of total shareholder return ("TSR") as compared to a defined company Canadian peer group. TSR is calculated using the fair market values of voting common shares at the grant date, the fair market value of voting common shares at the vesting date and the total dividends declared and paid throughout the vesting period. The grants are measured at fair value on the grant date using the Monte Carlo model. At the maturity date, the Human Resources and Compensation Committee will assess actual performance against the performance criteria and determine the number of PSUs that have been earned. The Company intends to settle all PSUs with common shares purchased on the open market through a trust arrangement. The Company recognizes compensation cost over the three-year term of the PSU in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income, with a corresponding increase to additional paid-in capital.
The Company has a Deferred Stock Unit (“DSU”) Plan which is described in note 18(c). The DSU plan enables directors and executives to receive all or a portion of their annual fee or annual executive bonus compensation in the form of DSUs and are settled in cash. Compensation expense is calculated based on the number of DSUs multiplied by the fair market value of each DSU as determined by the volume weighted-average trading price of the Company’s common shares for the five trading days immediately preceding the day on which the fair market value is to be determined, with any changes in fair value recognized in general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income. Compensation costs related to DSUs are recognized in full upon the grant date as the units vest immediately. When dividends are paid on common shares, additional dividend equivalent DSUs are granted to all DSU holders as of the dividend payment date. The number of additional DSUs to be granted is determined by multiplying the dividend payment per common share by the number of outstanding DSUs, divided by the fair market value of the Company's common shares on the dividend payment date. Such additional DSUs are granted subject to the same service criteria as the underlying DSUs.
The Company has a Share Option Plan which is described in note 18(d). The Company accounts for all stock-based compensation payments that are settled by the issuance of equity instruments at fair value. Compensation cost is measured using the Black-Scholes model at the grant date and is expensed on a straight-line basis over the award’s vesting period, with a corresponding increase to additional paid-in capital. Upon exercise of a stock option, share capital is recorded at the sum of proceeds received and the related amount of additional paid-in capital.
As stock-based compensation expense recognized in the consolidated statements of earnings is based on awards ultimately expected to vest, it has been reduced for estimated forfeitures. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant and revised in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.
Net income per share
Net income per share
Basic net income per share is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period (see note 15(b)). Diluted net income per share is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the year, adjusted for dilutive share amounts. The diluted per share amounts are calculated using the treasury stock method and the if-converted method.
Leases
Leases
The Company determines whether a contract is or contains a lease at inception of the contract. At the lease commencement date, the Company recognizes a right-of-use ("ROU") asset and a lease liability. The ROU asset for operating and finance leases are included in operating lease right-of-use assets and property, plant and equipment, respectively, on the consolidated balance sheets. The lease liability for operating and finance leases are included in operating lease liabilities and finance lease obligations, respectively.
Operating and finance lease assets and liabilities are initially measured at the present value of lease payments at the commencement date. Subsequently, finance lease liabilities are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method and operating lease liabilities are measured at the present value of unpaid lease payments.
As most of the Company’s operating lease contracts do not provide the implicit interest rate, nor can the implicit interest rate be readily determined, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate as the discount rate for determining the present value of lease payments. The Company's incremental borrowing rate for a lease is the rate that the Company would pay to borrow an amount equal to the lease payments on a collateralized basis over a similar term. The Company uses the lease implicit interest rate when it is determinable.
The lease term for all of the Company's leases includes the non-cancellable period of the lease plus any period covered by options to extend (or not to terminate) the lease term when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise that option.
Lease payments are comprised of fixed payments owed over the lease term and the exercise price of a purchase option if the Company is reasonably certain to exercise the option. The ROU assets for both operating and finance leases are initially measured at cost, which consists of the initial amount of the lease liability adjusted for lease payments made at or before the lease commencement date, plus any initial direct costs incurred, less any lease incentives received. Subsequently, the ROU assets for finance leases are amortized on a straight-line basis from the lease commencement date to the earlier of the end of its useful life or the end of the lease term. ROU asset depreciation expense is recognized and presented separately from interest expense on the lease liability through depreciation and interest expense, net, respectively. The ROU asset for operating leases is measured at the amortized value of the ROU asset. Amortization of the ROU asset is calculated as the current-period lease cost adjusted by the lease liability accretion to the then outstanding lease balance. Lease expense of the operating lease ROU asset is recognized on a straight-line basis over the remaining lease term through general and administrative expenses.
ROU assets for operating and finance leases are reduced by any accumulated impairment losses. The Company's existing accounting policy for impairment of long-lived assets is applied to determine whether an ROU asset is impaired, and if so, the amount of the impairment loss to be recognized.
The Company monitors for events or changes in circumstances that require a reassessment of one or more of its leases. When a reassessment results in the remeasurement of a lease liability, a corresponding adjustment is made to the carrying amount of the corresponding ROU asset.
The Company generally accounts for contracts with lease and non-lease components separately. This involves allocating the consideration in the contract to the lease and non-lease components based on each component’s relative standalone price. For certain leases, the Company has elected to apply the practical expedient to account for the lease and non-lease components together as a single lease component. Non-lease components include common area maintenance and machine maintenance. For those leases, the lease payments used to measure the lease liability include all of the fixed consideration in the contract.
ROU assets and lease liabilities for all leases that have a lease term of 12 months or less ("short-term leases") are not recognized. The Company recognizes its short-term lease payments as an expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Short-term lease variable payments are recognized in the period in which the payment is assessed.
The Company has entered into contracts to sublease certain operating property leases to third parties and generally accounts for lease and non-lease components of subleases separately.
Deferred financing costs
Deferred financing costs
Underwriting, legal and other direct costs incurred in connection with the issuance of debt are presented as deferred financing costs. Deferred financing costs related to the mortgage and the issuance of Convertible Debentures are included within liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets and are amortized using the effective interest rate method over the term to maturity. Deferred financing costs related to revolving facilities under the credit facilities are included within other assets on the consolidated balance sheets and are amortized ratably over the term of the Credit Facility.
Investments in affiliates and joint ventures
Investments in affiliates and joint ventures
Upon inception or acquisition of a contractual agreement, the Company performs an assessment to determine whether the arrangement contains a variable interest in a legal entity and whether that legal entity is a VIE. Where it is concluded that the Company is the primary beneficiary of a VIE, the Company will consolidate the accounts of that VIE. Other qualitative factors that are considered include decision-making responsibilities, the VIE capital structure, risk and rewards sharing, contractual agreements with the VIE, voting rights and level of involvement of other parties. The Company assesses the primary beneficiary determination for a VIE on an ongoing basis as changes occur in the facts and circumstances related to a VIE. If an entity is determined to not be a VIE, the voting interest entity model will be applied.
The Company utilizes the equity method to account for its interests in affiliates and joint ventures that the Company does not control but over which it exerts significant influence. The equity method is typically used when it has an ownership interest of between 20% and 50% in an entity, provided the Company is able to exercise significant influence over the investee’s operations. Significant influence is the power to participate in the financial and operating policy decisions of the investee.
Under the equity method, the investment in an affiliate or a joint venture is initially recognized at cost. Transaction costs that are incremental and directly attributable to the investment in the affiliate or joint venture are included in the cost. The total initial cost of the investment is attributable to the net assets in the equity investee at fair value and additional assets acquired including intangible assets.
The carrying amount of investment is adjusted to recognize changes in the Company’s share of net assets of the affiliate or joint venture since the acquisition date.
The aggregate of the Company’s share of profit or loss of affiliates and joint ventures is shown on the face of the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income, representing profit or loss after tax and noncontrolling interests in the subsidiaries of the affiliate or joint venture. Transactions between the Company and the affiliate or joint venture are eliminated to the extent of the interest in the affiliate or joint venture.
After application of the equity method, the Company determines whether it is necessary to recognize an impairment loss on its investment in its affiliate or joint venture. At each reporting date, the Company determines whether there is objective evidence that the investment in the affiliate or joint venture is impaired. If there is such evidence, the Company calculates the amount of impairment as the difference between the recoverable amount of the associate or joint venture and its carrying value, and then recognizes the loss within "equity earnings in affiliates and joint ventures" in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income. Upon loss of significant influence over the associate or joint control over the joint venture, the Company measures and recognizes any retained investment at its fair value. Any difference between the carrying amount of the associate or joint venture upon loss of significant influence or joint control and the fair value of the retained investment and proceeds from disposal is recognized in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income.
Accounting pronouncements recently adopted
Accounting pronouncements recently adopted
Leases
The Company adopted the new standard for leases, Topic 842, effective January 1, 2019. The Company applied the “Modified Retrospective” method where the cumulative effect adjustment is recognized to the opening balance of equity at January 1, 2019. As a result, the Company was not required to adjust its comparative period financial information for effects of the standard or make the new required lease disclosures for periods before the date of adoption (i.e. January 1, 2019). The Company elected to adopt the package of practical expedients available upon transition, and therefore has not reassessed: (1) whether expired or existing contracts contain leases under the new definition of a lease, (2) lease classification for expired or existing leases, or (3) whether previously capitalized initial direct costs would qualify for capitalization under Topic 842. In addition, the Company elected to use hindsight when considering the likelihood that lessee options to extend or terminate a lease or purchase the underlying assets will be exercised. The adoption of this new standard had an impact on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets where the Company was required to recognize ROU assets and lease liabilities for operating leases. However, there was no adjustment to opening equity at January 1, 2019.
As a result of adoption Topic 842, on January 1, 2019 the Company recognized operating lease liabilities of $17,410 (of which $3,407 was current and $14,003 was non-current) and operating lease ROU assets of $16,021. ROU assets are net of $1,389 related to deferred lease inducements previously included in other long-term obligations. In addition, the Company reclassified its capital lease obligations (of which $32,250 was current and $54,318 was non-current) to the corresponding finance lease obligations captions on the consolidated balance sheets.
The following table provides the Company's future minimum lease payments as at December 31, 2018 under Topic 840, prior to the adoption of Topic 842:
 
Capital Leases

 
 Operating Leases

2019
$
33,886

 
$
6,003

2020
23,843

 
6,091

2021
15,115

 
6,091

2022
11,621

 
5,098

2023 and thereafter
6,308

 
12,382

Total minimum lease payments
$
90,773

 
$
35,665

Less: amount representing interest (at rates ranging from 2.48% to 7.51%)
(4,205
)
 


Carrying amount of minimum lease payments
$
86,568

 

Less: current portion of capital leases
(32,250
)
 

 
$
54,318

 

Recent accounting pronouncements not yet adopted
a) Fair value measurement
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820), Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. This accounting standard update was issued to improve the effectiveness of disclosure requirements on fair value measurement. This standard is effective January 1, 2020 with early adoption permitted. The Company is assessing the impact the adoption of this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements.
b) Internal-use software
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-15, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40), Customer's Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement that is a Service Contract. This accounting standard update was issued to clarify the accounting for implementation costs in cloud computing arrangements. This standard is effective January 1, 2020 with early adoption permitted. The Company is assessing the impact the adoption of this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements.
c) Related party guidance for variable interest entities
In October 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-17, Consolidation (Topic 810), Targeted Improvements to Related Party Guidance for Variable Interest Entities. This accounting standard update was issued to provide an update for determining whether a decision-making fee is a variable interest requiring reporting entities to consider indirect interests held through related parties under common control on a proportional basis rather than as the equivalent of a direct interest in its entirety. This standard is effective January 1, 2020. The Company is assessing the impact the adoption of this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements.
d) Financial instruments - credit losses
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326), Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. This accounting standard updated requires the measurement and recognition of expected credit losses for financial assets held at amortized cost. ASU 2016-13 replaces the existing incurred loss impairment model with an expected loss model which requires the use of forward-looking information to calculate credit loss estimates. This standard is effective January 1, 2020 with early adoptions permitted. The Company is assessing the impact the adoption of this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements.